106 ON THE GEOGRAPHY OF ANIMALS. 



than to the central parts ; while the domestic ass, which, 

 in fact, is only an unstriped zebra, if it really exist in 

 a wild state north of the equator, may represent, in 

 those latitudes, its more elegant brethren. 



( 1 50.) The ornithology of the more southern latitudes 

 does not exhibit those strong peculiarities which we have 

 seen among the quadrupeds, the greater number of its 

 genera being also found in Western Africa. It, never- 

 theless, offers some interesting features to our notice ; 

 since it is entirely destitute of large gallinaceous birds, 

 excepting, indeed, the ostrich, which may more properly 

 be considered af general inhabitant of interior Africa. The 

 plantain-eaters (Musophaga), the bristle-necked thrushes, 

 (Trichophorus}, the ground-shrikes (Prionops), and 

 some few other equinoctial forms, do not extend to the 

 Cape territories ; and in all probability, were we better 

 acquainted with the birds of Western Africa, many 

 others would be found restricted to those regions. On 

 the other hand, some few genera may be named as 

 limited to the more southern latitudes ; such, for in- 

 stance, as the Gypogeranus, or serpent-eater, a bird 

 whose whole conformation and habits are adapted for 

 preying upon the reptiles of the deserts. The long- 

 tailed honey-sucker (Melliphaga Cafer Sw.) is confined 

 to the most southern portion of Africa : this bird is the 

 only instance of the genus Melliphaga being found 

 beyond the Australian range; and it is a remarkable 

 fact, that it should occur precisely in that part of Africa 

 which is the nearest to New Holland. 



(151.) Vultures and eagles are numerous, as might 

 be expected in a country where quadrupeds, their natural 

 food, are in such abundance. The vultures, however, 

 prey only upon the remnants left by the lions and jack- 

 als, or by the native hunters. Several very large 

 species, of both families, are mentioned by Le Vaillant ; 

 and nearly all are peculiar to this part of the continent. 

 This is likewise the most southern point reached by the 

 slender-billed vulture (Cathartes percnopterus}, whose 

 range extends through the whole continent, and is only ter- 

 minated to the north by the mountains of Central Europe. 



