WILD LIFE SOCIETY Chairman: E. A. Hermanson. Secretary: P. J. Reece. Committee: A. Y. Lawrence, P. C. Coleman, A. E. Hooper. This Society, affiliated to the Natal W. L. S., was initiated at the beginning of the year, the idea being to encourage boys in their interest in wild life generally. It was soon found that we had many experts in our ranks, the secretary's knowledge of snakes being outstanding. During the first term we had two interesting excursions. The first was with Mr. W. Pople to the Wentworth rock pools. He came the night before to lecture to us on what we were likely to see. We spent an interesting morning, in spite of the rain, swimming around in the rock pools and collecting specimens. After this we returned to the Medical School Laboratories at Went worth, and had lunch before returning to school. Our second visit was to the Natal Museum,where Dr. Lawrence, the Director, his son, who is a member of the Society, and Dr. Stuckenberg showed us round and explained the exhibits. We went to the Botanical Gardens for lunch. This was followed by a visit to the Bird Sanctuary. The"Pets' Room" in Milner House contains a considerable number of creatures, ranging from (for a time) pythons,to hamsters and budgies. It is a popular rendezvous for owners and visitors. E. A. HERMANSON During the second term, two very interesting lectures were delivered by E. Hermanson and R. Grafton to the members of the society. Hermanson's lecture concerned Water Birds and Bird Watching in general in South Africa. He started by listing the apparatus necessary to make a start on this very Interesting hobby. A record book, in which to jot down migratory habits and dates and names of birds found In various localities, as well as a technical book on the subject Is necessary. There are about 875 species of birds in South Africa, he stated. Every aspect of the subject was discussed fully, from mode of progression to feeding and nesting. We learned of the peculiar plumage of the Dab-chick, the nests of the Weavers and Bishop Birds, and the queer habits of the Lily Trotter. He explained to us how the Kingfisher builds Its nest in the river bank, lining it with feathers, and why the sand-pipers lay their eggs, very well camouflaged. In a little hollow in the sand on the beach. 226
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