EXCITING FIGHTS. 45 



seldom that it is not to be observed as a prominent 

 feature in the landscape. The greater part of its 

 time is spent upon the ground searching for its 

 food, which consists of rats, mice, tortoises, and 

 lizards, even insects ; but its principal prey, un- 

 doubtedly, are snakes ; and hence its services are 

 deemed so valuable, that in such countries as are 

 populated by settlers a heavy fine is levied on who- 

 ever kills a representative of this interesting bird. 



It is about four feet in height, the lower portion 

 of the legs being remarkably long, thus giving to 

 the observer the idea that he is looking at one of 

 the waders rather than at a member of the Accipitres. 

 The contour of its head and bill is bold and hawk- 

 like, and well may the latter be so, for it is in truth 

 a most formidable weapon, and capable of splitting 

 the head of the largest puff-adder with a single 

 blow. However, puff-adders do not willingly sub- 

 mit to this operation, thus frequently long and most 

 exciting fights take place before the bird is able- 

 to accomplish its purpose. 



The visage of the secretary bird is falconish in the 

 extreme ; if possible, more so than that of the actual 

 bird it is compared to. This results doubtless from 



