THE OSPREY. 



35 



companying plate is the result of a snap-shot. It in Africa must heartily pray an abundant appetite 



gives a fair idea of the aspect of the country. and no lack of snakes, was only seen once ; the first 



Bustards were repeatedly met with, one species es- time, however, a specimen was secured in Somali- 



pecially, (Lop/iotis gindiana,) the male of which is land. 



black below, fairly pervades the country about loo Many other species of birds interesting in various 

 miles from the coast. It flew very like a duck and ways were seen and procured, but my article has al- 

 deceived me when I first saw it, my surprise being ready passed beyond reasonable dimensions, and 

 occasioned not so much at seeing a duck as I sup- there is no space for them. Without trying to make 

 posed, but that a web-footed bird should deliberately a collection, I brought back 125 species which indi- 

 seek a land in which there were no rivers, and where cates how plentiful the birds must have been In 

 the only water obtainable had to be sought in holes conclusion, I can only repeat what I stated at the 

 several feet below the surface. But on capturing a commencement of this paper, that the particular 

 specimen, I marvelled no longer, for of course it had portion of Africa through which I traveled was richer 

 nothing to do with the duck tribe. The Great Bustard in bird-life than was any other land on the globe vis- 

 was met with occasionally solemnly stalking over the ited by me. Every bush and tree possessed its busy 

 plains, and a rifle was the only weapon that could get tenants vying with each other in brilliancy of dress, 

 within speaking distance of it. but unlike many more civilized inhabitants of other 



The Secretary-bird, that nondescript whose food lands, never exceeding the limits of good taste in 



is principally serpents, and for which every sojourner their costumes. 



MISSIONARY WORK FOR ORNITHOLOGISTS. 



T 



WILLIAM T. HORNADAY. 



HIS is for the eyes of those who are privileged an object lesson on mice and rats. The lady princi- 

 to roam afield, and enjoy nature in her own pal of that particular school has appealed to me for 



delightful haunts. 





Down in the 

 lower end of 

 the city of New 

 York, where 

 the crowded 

 tenements and 

 factories fairly swarm 

 with humanity, where 

 the roar and dust of 

 traffic never ceases, 

 there dwell thousands 

 of children who in all 

 their narrow lives 

 have never seen a wild 

 bird, nor a tree nor a 

 blade of grass save in 

 City Hall Park or Bat- 

 tery Park. Thou- 

 sands of them have 

 never been even to 

 Central Park, "for 

 that costs ten cents ; 

 and ten cents will buy 

 two loaves of bread !" 



suggestions which will make it possible for her to 

 obtain some bird specimens for use in the 

 class rooms. 



school funds there is not a dollar 

 available which can be devoted to 

 the purchase of natural history spec- 

 imens. Fortunately, however, the 

 ijects most needed are such as 

 collectors find unsalable, and 

 often throw away. The 

 il needs ohi bird 

 ins, such as are 

 fit for the ash 

 barrel, which 

 the children 

 can handle, 

 and examine 

 at all points, 

 and use until 

 they are worn 

 out Any skin 

 that has feet, 

 wings, head and 

 tail will help to 

 fill this want. 



THE AMERICAN OSPREY, BY FUERTES. —OSPREY SERIES NO. 

 Copyright, 1897, by the Macmillan Co. 



12. 



In one public school with which I am acquainted, Have not some of our ornithologists some old skms 

 there are 730 pupils, ranging in age from 5 to 15 which they are willing to give to this school, m a mis- 

 years, who are literally stretching forth eager hands sionary spirit, provided the cost of transportation is 

 for knowledge of the beautiful nature that lives in met at this end of the line? If any reader of The Os- 

 the outer world, but is never seen by them. The prey has any such specimens, I beg him to communi- 

 eagerness with which they study siugle feathers of cate with me without delay. Let no one fear that the 

 our common birds, and leaves, and seeds, and ofifers will be too numerous, or that too many of the 

 bunches of grass, is really pathetic. Last week a avian orders will be represented by them. All gifts 

 dead mouse, which was brought to school ' ' to scare will be acknowledged in The Osprey. Address corres- 

 the girls" was siezed upon and at once turned into pondence toW. T. Hornaday, 169 Wall St., New \ork. 



