Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1914-04-03
miscellaneous Beading.
FAUNA OF CANAL JUNeLEs
Col. Goethals Has Been Protecting
Beasts and Birds.

Panama jungle with camera and gun,
says a Panama letter, brings to notice
Col Goethars ambition to make the
canal zone a large and safe haven for
beast and fowl as well as gateway
for commerce. While the bars will be
let down for the present party and
probably for all who, like Col. Roose-
Welt, may come as "faunal naturalists,"
Col Goethals will carry out strictly as
the zones first civil governor what he
has insisted upon during his engineer
| ing work-tbat the canal zone shall be
game preserve.
So strict have his orders been fol-
lowed during the past few years that
seldom has a gun been heard on the
| isthmus except in certain brief open
seasons, and despite the noise and
powder smoke of the canal blasting,
wild fowl and isthmian game Of all
kinds have greatly increased, knowing
we'll that they are practically safe from
molestation. 1t is probable that the
museum men will find as good, If not
better, specimens than would have
been possible before the canal diggers
began work on the isthmus.
Gatun Lake, which covers an area
now Of more than 120 square miles, is
the paradise for feather game Of all
kinds. They are coming to the lake in
great numbers and each season sees
the feathered tribes increase. Most Of
these birds are attracted by the fish
with which the lake is filled.
The shores and floating islands on the
lake abound in blue and white heron,
the latter being the bird from which Is
obtained the beautiful aigrettes now
oarred from the United States by the
new tariff act. Then there are blue and
white cranes, comorants, pelicans and
several species Of the rail family. An
odd feature is the recent arrivals Of a
number of wild duck. They are begin
ming to come in ever increasing num-
bers.
Out Of the jungle there are many
deer and the number is on the increase
in spite Of the fact that they still are
being hunted. They are not yet on the
taboo list. Tapir, or forest cattle as
the natives call them, also are numer-
Gus and are becoming quite tame. 1t
has been noted within the last few
weeks that the wildcat is also on the
increase. Then there are reported to
be many alligators in Gatun Lake and
the Charges and other smaller rivers.
With the depopulation Of the zone,
which is we'll under way, there will be
even less hunting and fishing than
there is now Wild fowl and game will
be undisturbed and probably will make
Of the isthmus permanent home and
haven.
Making both ends meet" is Col.
Goethals present problem, somewhat as
1t was when he came to dig the canal
but it now concerns itself with income
and outgo instead Of bringing the two
oceans together. There are only $47,-
100000 left Of the funds appropriated
for construction Of the canal, and while
this may appear liberal sum for the
finishing touches, Col Goethals believes
that only an era Of far-reaching econo-
my will assure keeping within his al
lowance He is determined that the
$47, ,000, 900 shall last until the canal is
finally opened for commercial use.
Notwithstanding that many economies
have already been put into practice,
including a great reduction Of both the
executive and laboring forces, expendi-
lures generally must be still further
cut down to make the appropriation
last.
Nearly every ship that leaves the
isthmus for the United States is car
rying big men and great who have laid
down their shovels. Their work on the
canal is finished, and they must seek
other employment. In some instances
they hope to return as employees Of the
permanent operating force, but that
organization is in such an embryonic
state that none can know with what
success he will meet. 1t is probable
that many will seek later to transfer
the scene Of their operations from the
tropics to the frozen north If the gov
ernment goes ahead with the Alaskan
railway project.
Sanitation of the Isthmus is also
again looming up as one Of the prob
lens Of the canal. While not so acute
as it was during the early years Of con-
struction, it is now an important mat
ter by reason Of the great extent OF
Gatun Lake formed by the closing Of
the spillway at Gatun Dam.
Gatun Lake at the S5-foot level, at
which it is proposed to maintain this
portion Of the great canal, has covered
an area Of little more than 120
square miles Of jungle. AS the waters
rose there was backed up in many out
Of the way places much water that is
more or less stagnant. Some of this is
already being oiled by the sanitary di-
vision, but much Of it is in isolated
places and difficult Of access
The oiling squads will have to be kept
at work indefinitely and this will make
sanitation one Of the important func-
tions OF the permanent government Of
the Canal Zone. To aid in the work 1t
is hoped to acquire a five-mile strip
around that portion of Gatun Lake not
within the borders of the zone.
Preparations for the electrification
of the Panama railroad across the
Isthmus of Panama practically will be
completed early this spring when the
high tension installation is finished AL
ready there have been erected many of
the track span bridges which will car
ry the power across the isthmus.
1t is planned to manufacture at the
electrical power plant at Gatun about
1000 horse power which will be dis
tributed to all the points along the
isthmus for light and power purposes.
Much of this will be transmitted to
the permanent headquarters town Of
Balboa, at the Pacific entrance to the
canal, where the large navy and other
repair shops will be located
1t is not the intention of the govern