Tárogató, 1945-1946 (8. évfolyam, 1-7. szám)
1945-12-01 / 6. szám
14 TÁROGATÓ No historical importance! How the poor conquered citizens laughed in mockery! These bells were part of their lives. So the struggle to save the bells began. When the Germans called on Mgr. Delmotte, Bishop of Tournai, and asked him to name the bells of historical importance, he replied bravely, “To name any bells for you would be a crime whether they be historical documents or not. I am silent.” —Onward. CATTLE-RAIDING MONKEYS Few wild creatures cause more damage to crops in tropical Africa than the great monkeys we call baboons. These animals will often descend on coffee, sugar and fruit plantations and in a few minutes wreak fearful havoc amid the growing plants. The owners of the estates would not mind so much if the monkeys contented themselves with merely eating what they wanted. But most of the damage arises from sheer w'anton destruction during which plants are uprooted by the hundreds. But in the last twenty years, the baboon has begun to be better known as a cattleraider. European settlers in Kenya Colony have found sheep and cattel rearing a profitable venture. But the abandoned attacks of baboons have taken away some of the profit. Cattle and sheep are found mutilated just as if they were cut with knives. Special objects of attack have been young lambs, hundreds of which have been killed. It used to be thought that the mutilation was carried out by hostile native tribes, but a close watch soon revealed that it was the work of baboons. Parties of the monkys descend on the creatures while they are feeding on the great ranches and they rip the unfortunate animals open with their thumb nails. The native watchers of sheep and cattle are quite helpless, as they are usually inadequately armed. Then, every native is afraid of the baboon — genuinely arfraid. This monkey is a formidable animal, rather larger than a Saint Bernard and a couple of them are more than a match for a lion. When hungry, armies of baboons have been known to attack native villages, to get at any stores of grain. At such times, the whole population of the settlement will flee, and it is only the white man with his gun who has the courage to stay behind. There were efforts made to protect the baboon, as an interesting animal. But so much have the people of Kenya suffered from this monkey that the authorities now offer handsome rewards for every specimen brought in, whether dead or alive. In this way it is hoped to stamp out this very serious menace to the people of tropical Africa. —The Canadian Boy. A NOBLE CONTRIBUTION One evenng as one of the canteen workers at the Red Cross centre was escorting a visitor to the door, she was met by a roly - poly, freckle-faced boy of about ten years of age. He was none too dean or well dressed. “Have you a charity department here?” he asked. The worker thought perhaps he was asking where he himself could get some clothes or shoes, as his were considerably worn. Instead, he opened a pudgy hand and said, “I want to give this, I can spare it.” In the boy’s hand reposed four pennies. The proper person was called, and this little boy was treated as though his offering was four thousand dollars instead of just four pennies. Everyone felt that according to his means the small sum meant that much or more.—From the Arc Light. —Onward. OLD GRANDFATHER MOSES No one knows just how old is Moses, the ancient, giant tortoise of the London Zoo. But age has not taught Moses manners, or a respect for youth. When mealtime comes, he fails to hold back and let the youngsters have first chance. In fact, he takes effective means to prevent them. Here we see old Moses enjoying his dinner—and resting one of his big feet on his great-great-grandson’s back just to make sure that he won’t be disturbed. The younger tortoise’s shell saves him from injury—except to his feelings. But how he would like a bite or two of that juicy piece! However, it looks as if he will have to wait until grandpa is finished. No doubt the keeper will see that there is something left for Junior. Almost like survivors from another age are the giant tortoises which still are found in considerable numbers in various parts of
