148 THE SPLENDID SUN-BIRD. 



the sound it makes. Their ears are so sharp they 

 can detect the slightest difference in the sound of 

 the blow. "When the tuber is just beneath, the 

 noise of the blow is not the same. And then, in 

 that exact spot, the native begins to dig, and soon 

 finds the treasure he is seeking. Each tuber 

 affords a grateful supply of nourishment and of 

 moisture. 



Another refreshing plant of the desert, is the 

 water-melon. Now and then, an unusual quantity 

 of rain will fall and gladden the parched soil. 

 Then the water-melons push forth in abundance, 

 and literally stud the ground. The traveller and 

 his party, and his cattle, may live upon them 

 many days, and care little about any other kind 

 of beverage. 



I might mention many more of these water- 

 yielding plants. On the western coast, on the 

 banks of a river that is very often dried up and 

 empty, the hillocks of sand are enriched by a 

 bountiful gourd that grows upon them. It is 

 about the size of a turnip, and has an orange- 

 coloured pulp, the taste of which is very agreeable. 



