We were very interested to read about the rhino Lucy, 
because as you «now we have a large female rhino with a slit 
horn. We have debated with John King as to whether to immobilise 
her and take off the horn. However John took so long to get on 
with the job that the horn began to look as if the slit was going 
to be pushed round to the back of the front horn and that a new 
piece was growing from the front. Both sections are still quite 
firm and dont appear to be diseased at the base, 
I am so glad the arrangements for the freignting of those 
birds went so.well. We will use the same route again next time. 
There are some lovely Violet Backed Starlings nearly ready for 
despatch, Tony hopes to get on with birds now as the Bongo 
camp is completed as far as traps etc. are concerned, 
Yes it will be very vexing indeed if Skunk does finish 
up with some doubtful zebras. Barry's information is that the 
ones for Skunk were bought from Hartley's Tanzania Game Farm, 
that they had very little time in captivity before shipping, 
and that six had died somewhere on the journey. Sy buying from 
Tanzania Hunt would avoid all difficutlies over permits with 
The Capture Committee. Barry also made the point thet Hunt 
screwed the price down so low thet really Hartley could only 
afford to catch and put on rail as quickly as possible, and 
that Hartley had to accept the terms because he has not had 
as much business as he needs to keep his large unit working 
profitably. We have had that problem also. If you can get in 
touch with Barry when he arrives he can confirm this. I am told 
that young Ken Randall took over the shipment which included 
the zebras supposed to be going to Skunk, Barry told us he was 
to take George’s Bongos but we dont know whether he has sailed, 
Very nice idea of your's to buy a “ound for the men as 
they call it in The Inn at home. 1 will arrange this for you 
and let you know about the cost later. We will also pass on 
your greetings to all the men. Macharia still has trouble with 
his feet, in fact we brought him down to The Aga Khan hospital 
for some treatment. He was better when he went off back to camp. 
We are very suprised to hear you only received six White 
Hyes as we sent eight. Can only think there was a bird fancier 
somewhere along the route. We'll nail up the cages next time. 
The “oan ntelope operation ha: had some faise stuorts, 
but is now placed in our hands sani .we are to begin operations 
in about two weeks. We plan a month's recci first after which 
it will be de¢édied whether to continue further. We had hoved 
you would hae been here for part of that at least, perhaps you 
will. The one and only helicopter has crashed so we now will 
work without it. We had to submit a new plan to the “ouncil of 
The East African Wild Life Society which they accepted in a 
- nice and complimentary manner. We are very keen on this “ob 
and much want to make a success of it, 
