414 Messrs. R. B. & J. D. S. Woodward's Journeys 



veldtj where we obtained from the Resident Magistrate a 

 permit to shoot in his district. 



Leaving these high lands^ we gradually descended into the 

 low thorn veldt^ and arrived in the evening at a very dry 

 spot, where we outspanned amidst the aloes and euphorbias, 

 and had to send a long way for water. Next day we in- 

 spanned at 6 o'clock, and went down to the valley of the 

 White Umfolosi, and rested for lunch under one of the large 

 trees that grow on its banks. This being a hot day, we 

 enjoyed a bath in this fine river. In the evening we crossed 

 over by the broad sandy drift by taking off part of the load 

 and sending the cart back for it. In this district we found 

 a number of birds that we had not seen elsewhere. This 

 spot is in the midst of a wide stretch of thorn country, 

 through which the White Umfolosi and its numerous 

 tributaries flow. The stream below us is called the " Siza," 

 and a little further off is the Tegwen, the junction of which 

 was a favourite resort of Guinea-fowl. The trees are 

 mostly mimosa or acacia, some of which have fine spreading 

 branches, and look not unlike the cedar of Lebanon. These 

 trees grow either singly or form thick clumps, amongst 

 which are many beautiful park-like glades much frequented 

 by Rollers, Hornbills, and Grey Louries. 



The Roller {Coracias caudata) is a splendid bird. It 

 ornaments with its brilliant plumage the open pastures 

 dotted with trees, amongst which it flies with its peculiar 

 rolling gait. It is not very common, and is so shy that 

 we have had some difiiculty in procuring specimens. ' It 

 has a harsh grating cry, which it utters when disturbed. 

 Its food is insects, which it hunts in the air or on the 

 ground, and is said to toss up and catch before swallowing. 



We shot here a specimen of the Milky Eagle-Owl {Bubo 

 lacteus), which is the largest of our Owls : it measures 

 2 feet in length, and has a stretch of wing of 4 feet 6 inches. 

 It has black eyes. We found the remains of a Dove in its 

 crop. What a contrast this giant Owl is to the Carine 

 perlata which we obtained in the same place ! This little 

 Owl, which measures only 7 inches, does not hoot or screech. 



