South African Institution

Abstract

This report summarises the proceedings of a meeting of the South African Institution held on November 6th, 1833, focusing primarily on contributions to Zoology and Geographical Discovery.

The proceedings began with a report from the Secretary acknowledging the donation of two significant zoological specimens from the Rev. Dr Philip, both sourced from the interior, east of Latakoo: a Manis Temminckii (Pangolin) and a Python Natalensis (Natal Rock Python). Dr Smith confirmed that the python species is also found near Port Natal.

The ornithologist Mr Verreaux then presented and formally characterised three bird specimens recently received from Madagascar, which he considered new to science:

• Accipiter Madagascariensis (a hawk/goshawk).

• Glareola ocularis (a pratincole, distinguished by a fine white stripe under each eye).

• Rallus Madagascariensis (a rail).

The meeting also received an important contribution to geography from the Rev. Mr Wright, of the London Missionary Society, who used a Trochiometer (a device attached to a wagon wheel to measure distance) to determine the distance between Griqua Town and Cape Town, via Beaufort, as 622 English miles.

Finally, the reading of Mr Chase’s paper, "An Account of the Progress of Geographical Discovery in the African Continent made from the Cape of Good Hope," was concluded, detailing various attempts to explore the South-east Coast and summarising the resulting geographical information.