PLOVERS AND THEIR PECULIARITIES 105 



locusts. It is well known in Cape Colony and 

 the interior as the small locust-bird — " Klein 

 Springhaan-vogel " of the Dutch farmers. When 

 these birds appear, they are looked upon as a pretty 

 sure sign of approaching locust flights; and when 

 the locusts pass over the country, darkening the 

 air as they fly, devouring every eatable piece of 

 vegetation as they descend, and bringing temporary 

 ruin over immense tracts of ground, the locust- 

 birds attend them literally in tens of thousands, 

 killing and devouring their prey in incredible 

 numbers. Their attack is always made upon a 

 settled plan ; and a vast ring of insects having been 

 enclosed and devoured, the insatiable birds press on 

 again for the main swarm, never ceasing in their 

 attentions till night falls upon the scene. The 

 digestive powers of these useful pratincoles are 

 marvellously rapid, and their bills are peculiarly 

 adapted for their work. As the locust is captured, 

 the wings are neatly severed, and fall to the ground ; 

 and it has been stated by a competent observer, 

 that in the case of a vigorous attack by these birds 

 upon a large swarm, the " passer-by sees a continual 

 shower of locusts' wings falling to the ground." 

 These most excellent birds are seldom or never 

 destroyed, and so well do they seem to understand 

 their immunity, that they view the near aj)proach 

 of man with alm^ost absolute indifference. Great 



