548 BIRDS OF SOUTH AFRICA. 
of dry grass, lined with fur and cow’s hair. The eggs, three in 
number, are usually brownish cream-colour, very distinctly freckled 
with brown, and very slightly glossed ; *85 in. by ‘55 in.” 
It likewise occurs in the Transvaal, where it also breeds. 
According to Mr. Ayres, the nest ‘is coarsely built of rough grass 
rather thickly lined with short hair; it is cup-shaped and generally 
placed in some crevice of a wall, or in a bank, or amongst the 
crannies of a rock, and frequently within a foot or two of some 
water. It may also often be found under the eaves of a building, 
or in a hole in the thatch. The eggs are generally four in 
number.” ; 
It even extends its range to the northward of the Transvaal, as 
the late Mr. Frank Oates shot a specimen at Inyati, and it was 
observed in December in the Mashoona country by Mr. Jameson’s 
expedition. The following note is given by Mr. Andersson :— 
«This is rather a local bird in Damara and Great Namaqua Land, 
but is found somewhat numerously in moist and humid localities, 
and is also at times pretty freely met with on the sea-shore. It 
occurs sometimes in pairs, and sometimes in small flocks. It 
captures its prey both on the wing and by running along the 
ground, frequently following in the wake of cattle and picking up 
such small insects as may chance to be thus disturbed.” Senor 
Anchieta has procured three specimens at Caconda in Benguela, 
where he states that the bird bears the native name of Oquice- 
cerebanene. 
The Common Wagtail is everywhere petted and protected on 
account of its trusting, confiding manners, and the gentle way in 
which it makes itself one of the family. 
Of course, in the towns, where boys, those natural enemies of 
birds, abound, the Wagtail is more shy than in the country; but 
even there they know the dwellings of those who protect them, and 
take up their abode accordingly. In the country, each farm-house 
and “ pondok ” (mud-dwelling of Hottentot labourer) has its well- 
known pairs of this engaging bird; and woe to the unlucky urchin 
who dares to meddle with them or their nests!! To say that “the 
angels won’t love them,” would be a blessing compared to the fate 
that would be prophesied for the wicked child. 
We have often seen the master of the house sitting in his chair in 
the cool of the evening, and, perhaps, while one bird perched on the 
