the Birds of Zululand. 217 



the hvati-bushes where we were located last year^ but the sea 

 is not visible. Trekking through bare grassy country, we 

 mounted higher and yet higher hills till we crossed the 

 boundary of the Transvaal, and soon came to the great 

 mountain-forest called Umgorae. We had at last arrived at 

 a land of verdure, where, during our stay, we were frequently 

 enveloped in mist, though at this season there is little rain. 

 We obtained a great variety of butterflies, but few birds, for 

 the latter do not seem partial to these damp high woods. 

 This forest is twelve miles long by four or five broad, and 

 contains much valuable timber. 



Here we found plenty of Pigeons in the trees. Of these, 

 Columba arquatrix is a fine bird, 13 inches in length, with 

 bright yellow bill and legs, and from its dark plumage is 

 popularly known as the " Black Pigeon. ^^ It seems to con- 

 fine itself to the woods. We see more of them in the winter, 

 when the berries are ripe ; we have noticed tree-seeds in 

 individuals killed. The Green Pigeon [Treron delalandii) 

 confines itself mostly to the high trees and is seldom seen on 

 the ground. It is easily shot when engaged in feeding on 

 wild figs or the fruit of the water-boom, to which it is very 

 partial ; it is usually fat and the flesh is delicate, though it 

 seems almost a pity to kill such a pretty bird for the pot. 

 We have seen it tame, and it looks well in a cage. This 

 bird has a curious musical cry, and does not " coo " like an 

 ordinary Pigeon. 



The Rock-Pigeon [Columba phcEonota) builds in the 

 kranzes. At the breeding-season it alights on the ledges 

 of the rocks and keeps up a sonorous cooing, bowing to its 

 mate after the manner of the occupants of the dovecot. It 

 flies about in large flocks, and in the early summer it pulls 

 up the young corn as soon as it appears above the ground, 

 doing considerable damage to the farmer, unless kept in check 

 by the shot-gun. We have knocked over a number with 

 one discharge and found them plump and good eating. 



The White-breasted Dove {Tympanistria bicolor) is abun- 

 dant here, as in all the woodlands. It is a neat little 

 bird, 8 inches in length. It has a soft voice, which is heard 



SfK. VII. VOL. IV. Q 



