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Show 188 LT.-COL. C. DELMfi-RADC'LIFFE OX THE NATURAL [June 6 , Wart-Hogs (Phacochcerus cethiopicus) were occasionally to be met with all along the valley of the Kagera, though nowhere very numerous. Aardvark were present, though of course never seen unless dug for. Their holes, however, were found in all directions in the low-lying country, and they are probably fairly common. Of beasts of prey Lions are fairly common in Bukanga, in the neighbourhood of the Nyakafunzo swamp. They also appear in western Ruampara and in Rushenyi and Mpororo. In general terms, it may be said that they are to be found wherever large herds of zebras and antelopes exist. In Bukanga, however, it appears that they have taken to man-eating fairly extensively. The natives in this part of the world have a wholesome dread of them, and during the short time the Boundary Commission was at work in Bukanga repeated instances occurred of lions attacking human beings. Leopards are also found throughout the whole area under discussion except the extreme western portion. Although they live principally on the small antelopes, monkeys, guinea-fowl, &c., they also take toll of the natives' goats, &c., and thus become sometimes a great nuisance. At Mulema camp, for instance, a leopard took goats from one hut or the other almost every night for a month, and when Captain Laughlin, Dr. Bagshawe, and Mr. Doggett endevoured to kill him at the natives' request, he wounded, more or less seriously, no less than thirteen men before being finally despatched. Cheetahs apparently do not exist in this part of the country west of the lake. Serval Cats were occasionally met with, and a smaller grey, rather long-tailed Wild Cat. Hytenas appeared occasionally, but may be said to be rare. They were of the usual spotted variety. Otters are common in the lake. Two forms were met with, one very large, the other smaller. These two are stated also to be common in Lake Kivu. Among smaller mammals, interesting species were a Pcecilogale doggetti, an extremely handsome, large, striped Stoat; Tatera fallax; Procavia bettoni : these three being new species. Another extremely interesting animal was Herpestes galera robustus, a fish-eating Mongoose. In all about 180 specimens of mammals were collected, and a large number have been described in the ‘ Proceedings ' of the Zoological Society of London, the most interesting being the new Buffalo (Bubalus caffer radclijjfei), Pcecilogale cloggetti, Tatera fallax and Procavia bettoni. There is no doubt that a scientific investigation would disclose a much larger number of small mammals than were secured for the collections of the Boundary Commission. All the region west of the lake abounds with species of great scientific interest, the interest increasing the further west one goes, and it is a matter fdV the greatest regret that a collection could not be made in the neighbourhood of the M fumbiro Mountains. |