XIV 
PIGS, CATTLE, OSTRICHES 
1 4 1 
his present capital, and one, moreover, which will show 
every sign of further growth. 
The area to be selected should be chosen for the 
natural feed thereon; for the number of wild birds 
who frequent, or have in the past frequented it, 
thereby furnishing evidence of its suitability ; for the 
lack of lions, leopards, cheetahs, or other vermin, and 
for the possibility of irrigation. The last item is on a 
small scale almost essential, since a certain quantity of 
lucerne throughout the year is necessary to keep the 
birds in a thoroughly healthy condition. The flock 
may be started by buying breeding birds, young 
chicks or eggs, or by the capture of young chicks and 
the discovery of wild nests. On the score of expense, 
the latter method is to be recommended. Up to the 
age of a fortnight or rather more, wild chicks can be 
ridden down and a most entertaining pastime it is ; 
but the better way is to watch for the nest with 
glasses from a likely hill-top. When the cock and 
hen change, which they do generally about ten in the 
forenoon and four in the afternoon, is the most likely 
time to locate the nest. In approaching, care should 
be taken not to go too close, since a hyaena is fully 
capable of following up the human trail to obtain 
his favourite meal, with the result that the next 
morning inspection will reveal a scene of devasta¬ 
tion. It is sometimes said than an old hoop or a 
piece of iron will keep off the vermin in the same 
way that a partridge’s nest may be preserved from 
the attacks of the fox. 
Among the best portions of the Protectorate from 
which eggs or young birds may be obtained are the 
Southern Game Reserve and adjoining areas and the 
Loieta, Lemmik, Sotik, and Yatta plains. Eggs are, 
