BIG GAME AND ITS BIRD-PROTECTOES 271 



purpose perfectly. Lastly, it should be added that these 

 vicious hooks are cast so soon as the young honey-guide 

 attains maturity. 



On the whole, it will be apparent from this short 

 life-story of the honey-guide that that insignificant- 

 looking little creature possesses, in fact, one of the most 

 forceful and vigorous personalities in the feathered 

 world. All this, however, is rather a digression. 



"go-'wat birds" {Turacus corythaix). 

 Great loose flutiy thiDgs with huge mop-heads and no beaks<! 



Next in order, having regard to the mischief wrought, 

 come the touracos or plantain-eaters {Mvsophagidfe), 

 commonly called " louries " in the Transvaal — and 

 some species of which are also abundant on the Laikipia 

 and high plateaux of East Africa. These are large birds 

 of very extraordinary appearance, with huge head- tufts 

 that almost conceal the short pigeon-like beak, loose 

 fluffy plumage, and long flirting tails. They abound on 

 the bush- veld of the Transvaal, two species in particular 

 — the grey loury {Turacus concolor), whose note is a 



