-♦ Hvcnini;" on the Marshes 



compact (locks — I was now almost convinct^cl that they 

 have signs impcrccptil)!!- to human eyes and ears, by which 

 they communicate with each other and are enabled to 

 carry out like autf^matd all the elaliorate evolutions which 

 their leader in these flights shows them he thinks necessary. 

 Countless pigeons of various kinds now appear upon 

 the water, flitting to and tro nervously and cautiously. 

 After drinking thc^y also betake themselves to the swamp 

 for their night's rest. Then come great Hocks of guinea- 



A LARt;E FLOCK OF GUINEA-FOWL I'F,KCHED OX A TREE NEAR .NtE 



fowl. Settling on a tree close by, they are silhouetted 

 sharply against the \-iolet-hued horizon. 



Yet another picture follows. A tlock of tall crested 

 cranes [Balcai'ica rco^uloruui gibbericeps), standing out like 

 ghosts against the indescribably beautiful tints of the 

 equatorial sunset, draws near with slowly flapping wings 

 to seek secure sleeping-places on the small islands in the 

 swamp. Evening after evening these beautiful birds come 

 here at exactly the same minute. A creaking noise like 



117 



