2 SCAVENGERS OP THE VELD 



the carcass more by sight than from any sense of smell. 

 The Eavens were always the more fearless and the first to 

 arrive. Within an hour there would be between fifty and 

 a hundred Vultures circling in mid-air, or sitting on the 

 boulders around the carcass, waiting until there was no 

 apparent danger. Meanwhile, the more fearless Eavens 

 were making an excellent meal. As soon as the Vultures 

 feel confidence in their safety the carcass is attacked en bloc 

 and a tearing and rending of flesh, flapping of wings and 

 screaming ensues. 



During the rinderpest the Vultures were in the habit 

 of gorging themselves to such an extent that they could 

 just manage to drag themselves to the water — if any was 

 near — have a drink and vomit up everything, then return 

 and gorge again. They were often so completely gorged 

 with the putrid flesh that they could barely move and could 

 easily be knocked over with a stick. We often attempted 

 to ride them down when in this lethargic condition, but 

 few horses will go close to a Vulture, shying violentty at the 

 grotesque figure, to which they are quite unaccustomed. 



In attacking a carcass, as a rule, the eyes and tongue are 

 picked out first. 



The Aasvogel some years ago took to an entirely new 

 departure. Grave reports repeatedly came in from farmers 

 to the South African Ornithologists' Union and the various 

 Departments of Agriculture, stating that the Vulture had 

 developed a taste for fresh meat. The farmers complained of 

 their sheep being destroyed, even full-grown ewes being killed 

 and devoured. One reason for this change of habit was pro- 

 bably the increase in numbers, consequent upon the plentiful 

 supply of food during the rinderpest, and the subsequent 

 falling off in this food supply owing to the eradication of the 

 epidemic. Mr. Claude Taylor gave prominence to this 

 serious new phase in the economy of the Vulture, in the 



