ISO 



THE HUNTEi 



even running of the beasts did not in the least 

 seem to alarm them, or prevent them continuing 

 at their labour, viz., divesting the cattle of the in- 

 numerable ticks with which they appear ever to 

 be covered in this part of the world. With the 

 buffalo they are also upon the same friendly terms, 

 for not only do they do their best to free him of 

 vermin, but further watch over him while he sleeps, 

 and give him ample warning if anything dangerous 

 approach his resting-place. Many a sportsman, 

 through the officiousness of this meddlesome bird, 

 has had his stalk destroyed ; so doubtless angry 

 language that has been hurled at it has been frequent 

 and explicit. However, in spite of this disagree- 

 able proclivity it must do a great amount of good, 

 so is well deserving of pardon. These finches build 

 in communities, the giraffe-acacia being usually the 

 tree it selects, which is reported to die soon after 

 being so utilised. The nests consist of an immense 

 amount of twigs, ten times as many as would be 

 supposed necessary for their purpose, and the whole 

 is so firmly woven together as to render it a difficult 

 matter to pull it apart. The entrance into their 

 nursery is most skilfully fashioned, and would repel 



