158 After Big Game in Central Africa 



of the Zambesi. Under the tail near the rump are 

 the feathers with which fashionable ladies trim their 

 hats. Three marabouts are necessary to make a 

 becoming hat, one of those enormous structures 

 which permit us to enjoy a play at the theatre with- 

 out being troubled by a sight of the stage. Ostrich 

 feathers have taken the place of those of the mara- 

 bout, and that bird does not at all complain. 



When the marabout lacks carrion it fishes in pools 

 and at the edge of rivers, a resource which the 

 vulture does not possess. 



Each of the three birds which I have just enumer- 

 ated flies in the air at different altitudes : the marabout 

 is the highest flier, soaring far from human sight ; 

 the white -breasted vulture comes next; and lower 

 down, but still hardly perceptible, is the turkey- 

 buzzard. When they discover prey, the buzzards, 

 more courageous than the others, arrive first, describ- 

 ing large circles in the air for a long time ; above 

 them appear the white-breasted vultures, more dis- 

 trustful and long in coming to a decision ; and finally, 

 the marabouts, sure of their superiority. But as soon 

 as they alight the order is reversed the vultures are 

 forced to leave, pursued by the enormous-beaked, 

 long-striding marabouts which quietly eat the first, 

 while the birds of prey respectfully keep at a 

 distance. Then the waders let them have their turn. 

 Marabouts are not always found with vultures, be- 

 cause the latter are much commoner ; but that is 

 what happens when the three species are assembled. 



Another curious bird which upon this occasion I 



