NATURAL HISTORY OF SOUTH AFRICA 



" A primrose by a river's brim, 

 A yellow primrose was to him, 

 And it was nothing more." 



A wild bird's feather in a woman's hat is an 

 ornament to her and those who behold it, and nothing 

 more. To the ornithologist it is something more. 



•He, in vision, sees a 

 lovely pair of in- 

 nocent birds chirping, 

 singing, and frolick- 

 ing in an excess of 

 happiness while they 

 busily build their 

 home. He sees the 

 mother bird brood- 

 ing lovingly over her 

 cherished eggs, while 

 her mate sits on a twig 

 near by and makes 

 her vigil a joy indeed 

 with his sweet song 

 and loving presence. 

 Ever and anon he 

 takes his turn on the 

 eggs, so that she may go forth for exercise and search 

 the forest for insects to satisfy her hunger. Then the 

 young birdies come, and the joy of that loving couple 

 knows no bounds. From dawn to dewy eve they scour 

 the forest and fields for insects to satisfy the voracious 

 appetites of their children. While engaged in this 

 loving service to his children the father falls, riddled 



9 6 



If you want birds in your neighbourhood, 

 encourage them to breed by providing 

 Nesting Boxes. 



