214 On the Birds of the Lydenburg District. 



them in great abundance. I have shot them a few hours 

 north of Pretoria. 



117. Sarkidiornis africana. 



This bird was shot near Potchefstroom in company with 

 Dendrocygna viduata. 



118. Dendrocygna viduata. 



I shot this near Potchefstroom^ where, I am informed, it 

 is rare. 



119. PoDiCEPs minor. 



This species frequents vleys and reeds near Potchefstroom 

 and the mouth of the Mooi river ; they are very quick in their 

 movements and not easily shot. 



120. Graculus carbo. 



I shot one of these near Kronstadt, Orange Free State, the 

 only one I have ever seen in that state or the Transvaal. I 

 found it resting on an overhanging branch near a small 

 stream. When I fired it dropped into the water and dived; 

 on its rising I gave it the second barrel, which brought 

 it down. 



121. Graculus africanus. 



This little Cormorant is extremely common near Potchef- 

 stroom, where they can be seen in dozens. I have shot them 

 near Pretoria, and found them to vary a great deal in their 

 plumage. They dive with great rapidity, but when first rising 

 from the water are rather slow, so are easily killed ; but if 

 they attain an elevation they fly swiftly and are very watchful, 

 twisting their long necks from side to side. 



122. Plotus congensis. 



The Anhinga, or Snake-bird, is found in certain localities 

 throughout the Transvaal. I have shot them near Potchef- 

 stroom and Lydenburg, and I have seen them near Pretoria 

 and near the Modder river. Orange Free State. I have often 

 seen them sitting on a dead bush overhanging the water ; but 

 on shooting at them they have dived so quickly that I have 

 lost them, not being able to see which way they had gone. 

 I observed several in the Chaumna district, between the Kas- 

 kama and Bufi'alo River, British Kaffraria. 



