A LITTLE JOKE. 37 



In succession, and each was as rapidly knocked over. 

 I will not say that there were no misses, for three or 

 four kerries were thrown at a time, but this I will 

 state, that none of the game got away. 



Scarcely had the koorans been bagged when three 

 of the double-banded sand grouse (Pterocles bicinctus) 

 rose almost at the feet of these primitively- armed 

 hunters. Five kerries in an instant were hurled at 

 them, the result being that two of the beautiful birds 

 were added to their rapidly-increasing bag. The 

 skill of these men with this simple weapon would, 

 I feel confident, soon tell seriously upon a well- 

 populated warren. The chief of this coterie, with an 

 air of generosity worthy of a prince, offered me these 

 last trophies as a present, but with grave courtesy I 

 declined to deprive him of such treasures. This self- 

 denial was the result of a knowledge of how many 

 hours' stewing were necessary before the birds became 

 sufficiently tender for ordinary teeth to be able to 

 masticate them. These black fellows at once saw 

 that I appreciated their little joke, and laughed 

 immoderately in consequence. 



As this group (sand grouse) is, I believe, only to be 

 found in the old world, it possesses more than ordinary 



