BIRD-LIFE IN NORTHERN .AFRICA. 99 



behind and enter the sterile wilderness which separates 

 us from the oasis of El Kantara, the birds become scarcer. 

 Irby's Raven, the Black Kite, and the Egyptian Vulture, 

 glide about high in air above us, or sit unconcerned at 

 our approach by the wayside. Now and then a Chat or 

 a Crested Lark is seen, and the Hoopoe calls lustily from 

 the hillsides. One of the peculiarities of Algerian travel 

 is the rapid manner in which the surrounding scenery 

 changes. Just before reaching El Kantara, for instance, 

 nothing could exceed the wild desolation of the country, 

 but, as soon as the pass has been traversed, the beauties 

 of this wonderful spot burst upon the astonished traveller 

 like some glorious transformation scene. The barren 

 country changes as if by the sweep of a magician's wand, 

 and all the wonders and beauties of semi-tropical vegeta- 

 tion unfold their charms in a bright and brilliant pageant. 

 This is the northern limit of the date palm ; and on 

 every side lemon, orange, fig and pomegranate trees grow 

 in rare luxuriance. In these delightful oases the Sahara 

 Bunting in its rich chestnut dress is one of the most 

 characteristic of birds. It is an absurdly tame little 

 creature, and enters the Arab houses in a fearless way, 

 being even more trustful than our own bright-eyed Robin. 

 Immunity from harm soon inspires confidence in birds ; 

 and the swarthy sons of the Desert molest no innocent 

 living creatures, setting a bright example to civilised 

 men, who never seem happy unless killing or persecuting 



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