8 C. S. Webb—Some Notes on a Collecting Trip in Kenya


the latter species the upper mandible fits over the lower, whereas in the

Lesser Flamingo, it fits into the lower.


They are extremely difficult to trap as they are very wary and will

not go near any nets or snares placed in the water. Even a stick is

enough to arouse their suspicions. The strong winds which sweep down,

first from one mountain and then another, changing very rapidly, also

interfere with any netting operations and causes very strong currents.

No doubt, in the rainy season when the water rises to the surrounding

vegetation and when the birds are nesting, they would be easily caught.

It is strange that they never visit Lake Naivasha which is only a few

miles distant, but is fresh water. It is also noticeable that Flamingos

in captivity do not look as well in places where they have fresh water

as in places where it is somewhat polluted. Perhaps the finest specimens

in England are to be seen in the London Zoo where the water in their

pond is far from being fresh. I was surprised to find Hippo in these

soda lakes and Cape Widgeon (Anas capensis) were very numerous :

a pretty species which I believe has not yet reached Europe. Black¬

smith Plovers are met with sparingly and remain always near the

water’s edge, and there are numbers of the European Sandpipers.

It is quite interesting driving a car at night in this area as the eyes

of the various animals reflect strongly, the most noticeable being

Impala and the curious Jumping Hare (Pedetes surdaster) which pro¬

gresses in the same manner as a Kangaroo.


Collecting in Kenya, and especially in the Aberdare Mountains, is

a somewhat strenuous business, as at this altitude it does not take much

exercise to make one puff and blow’ and it is difficult to go anywhere

without descending and climbing the deep gorges. Everything has to

be caught by oneself, which means walking miles and miles and climbing

trees and steep gradients, for the natives are of no assistance whatever.

Most settlers will tell you that this region would be one of the finest

on earth to live in, if only the natives had a little intelligence, for they

certainly try one’s patience to the utmost. I am speaking of the Kikuyu

tribe, surely one of the lowest physically, and mentally, in Africa. They

have not survived through any fighting qualities, but by receding into

the forests whenever attacked by the neighbouring Masai. These

latter are a fine race physically and live on the open plains, their chief



