A HOT TRIP TO THE LUANGWA RIVER. 89 



shot-gun in this country, I seldom shot birds, except, perhaps a few guineafowl for 

 the pot ; but to the student of ornithology there is much of interest. The most 

 noticeable birds are the following : Ospreys, maribou storks and other storks I 

 do not know the names of, herons, kingfishers (of three varieties, I think), 

 crested cranes, flamingos, pelicans, ducks and geese of various kinds, sandpipers, 

 terns, green pigeons, doves, guineafowls, partridges, etc. 



The wild cry of the osprey will often be heard, and it is often to be seen perched 

 on some leafless tree overhanging or close to the water. Only one or two men 

 have yet made a proper study of the birds of this country, and I think it very 

 probable that a number could still be found which are new to science. 



Many vultures will often be noticed in the Luangwa valley whenever a kill is left 

 long exposed. If near the river, the marabou storks will follow the vultures and 

 feed on the carcase until there is little left. The powers of sight possessed by the 

 vultures are well known, but some people think it is their sense of smell that draws 

 them to a dead animal. This is not so, for if the carcase is hidden they are unable 

 to find it, as I have proved on several occasions. Snakes will often be seen, 

 generally gliding away, as they seem to have very good hearing, although sometimes 

 one will see a puff-adder or mamba disinclined to move. On cold mornings all 

 snakes get torpid and sleepy, particularly puff-adders, and I have twice trodden on 

 one of these snakes while they were lying on a native path. On another occasion I 

 nearly sat on one, for the markings of the puff-adder are just like leaves or decayed 

 vegetation. 



As I have not studied the snakes, and know very little about them, I cannot give 

 the names of the various kinds which are to be found here, but it is very probable 

 that there are a few little or not at all known to naturalists who study the reptile 

 family. 



HIPPO FOOT. 



N 



