Dr. J. Kirlc on the Birds of the Zambesi Region. 309 



this river flows southwards, following nearly the 35th degree of 

 east longitude, the confluence being near the isolated hill Mo- 

 ramballa, which rises 4000 feet above the plain, and is the first 

 elevated land met with in this region. The Nyassa, of which the 

 north end is yet unknown, extends south for 200 miles, with a 

 width varying from 20 to 60 miles, its shore presenting a variety 

 of sandy bays, sheltered coves, reedy swamps, or bold rocky 

 headlands and precipitous mountains. During the rains its 

 level rises three feet, and its water is drained off by the Shire, 

 which for 60 miles of its course after leaving the lake is smooth 

 and sluggish, having rich lands on either side. Those on the east 

 are watered by streams coming from the mountains which divide 

 off the Shirwa Lake, and attain at their highest an elevation of 

 8000 feet. Before reaching the sea-level, the Shire makes a 

 descent of 1500 feet, by a series of rapids 50 miles in extent, 

 above and below which the river is free of rocks. Between the 

 different rapids are many smooth reaches, and the scenery in 

 this part is very fine. On the eastern side, spurs from the neigh- 

 bouring mountains render the path impracticable except to a 

 party on foot. The western bank is more even ; along it we 

 carried the ship^s boat for the navigation of the lake ; nor do any 

 obstacles here exist, which might not easily be overcome, to the 

 formation of a waggon-path. This region is covered with open 

 forest, devoid of large trees, except the Baobab, without the 

 overgrown stem of which an African landscape would be incom- 

 plete. 



Where the rapids end, the valley again widens, and the hills 

 recede. Hence to the confluence of the Shire and Zambesi, in 

 rectilinear distance, is about 100 miles, the average width be- 

 tween the opposite hill-slopes being 20 miles. This is one of 

 the richest ornithological regions. The grass plains abound with 

 Whydah-birds and Weavers, and the marshes in Waterfowl and 

 Waders ; but the greatest variety is found in the open forest 

 and scrubby bush which covers many parts, where food, both 

 insect and vegetable, is abundant and varied. A greater num- 

 ber of Eagles and Hawks are here found than elsewhere. The 

 Great Tawny Owl {Scotopelia peli), the Bubo lacteus, Athene 

 capensis, and Falco dickinsoni were here obtained. Purple and 



