394 



AFRICAN GAME TRAILS 



led by a honey bird to honey in a rock, near Lake Han- 

 nington. Once while I was tracking game a honey bird 

 made his appearance, chattering loudly and flying beside 

 us; I let two of the porters follow it, and it led them to 

 honey. On the morning of the day we reached the 'Nzoi, 

 a honey bird appeared beside the safari, behaving in the 

 same manner. Some of the men begged to be allowed to 

 follow it; while they were talking to me the honey bird 

 flew to a big tree fifty yards off, and called loudly as it 



flitted to and fro 

 in the branches; 

 and sure enough 

 there was honey 

 in the tree. I let 

 some of the men 

 stay to get the 

 honey; but they 

 found little ex- 

 cept comb filled 

 with grubs. 

 Some of this was 

 put aside for the 

 bird, which ate 

 the grubs. The 

 natives believe that misfortune will follow any failure on 

 their part to leave the honey bird its share of the booty. 

 They also insist that sometimes the honey bird will lead a 

 man to a serpent or wild beast; and sure enough Dr. 

 Mearns was once thus led up to a rhinoceros. While camped 

 on the 'Nzoi the honey birds were almost a nuisance; they 

 were very common, and were continually accompanying 

 us as we hunted, flying from tree to tree, and never ceasing 

 their harsh chatter. Several times we followed birds, which 

 in each case led us to bee-trees, and then perched quietly 

 by until the gun-bearers and porters (Gouvimali shone 

 on such occasions) got out the honey which we found 

 excellent eating, by the way. 



Tarlton and singsing shot by Mr Roosevelt 

 From a photograph by Kermil Roosevelt 



