250 SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATIONS [Off 



second-hand ; they are said to watch for one of the vultures 

 returning from his repast of carrion, when they fly out upon 

 him and pursue him until he finds it necessary to disgorge his 

 food, upon which the conspirators immediately descend, like a 

 number of schemers and rogues, whose disgusting taste for offen- 

 siveness and capacity to enjoy all sorts of prey has stimulated 

 them to the successful plunder of some one who is less wary than 

 themselves. IL. 



The Routine of Officious Services. 



The honey-guides (Indicators) are little birds inhabiting the 

 interior of Africa. They feed on insects, and especially delight 

 in the pupae of bees. They employ very curious manoeuvres in 

 order to procure them, which denote perfect intelligence. When 

 one of these birds discovers a hive, it endeavours to attract the 

 attention of the first person it meets by frequently repeated cries. 

 When observed, it proceeds to fly till it reaches the place where 

 the hive is, sometimes a great distance, and it takes care to point 

 it out by every means in its power, for which service the 

 Hottentots esteem the indicators so highly that they scruple to 

 kill them. Whilst the honey is being taken, the bird remains 

 in the neighbourhood, observing all that passes, and when that 

 work is accomplished, it approaches to reap the fruit of its 

 trouble, the pupae of the bees. The bees flutter about trying to 

 sting it, but its skin is impervious to their efforts. Often, how- 

 ever, the despoiled bees attack its eyes, and sometimes succeed 

 in blinding it ; the unfortunate bird, incapable of guiding itself, 

 then perishes in sight of the place which witnessed its triumph. 

 Here is an epitome of the officious services of intermeddlers. 

 Whether among birds and bees, or among men and women, the 

 routine of this class of officiousness is always the same. The 

 intermeddler comes forward without any apparent selfishness, 

 and shows us how to secure a real benefit for ourselves. We 

 accept his guidance and feel greatly indebted to him for his 

 kindness. Presently, we find out that he only had his own per- 

 sonal ends in view all the time, and that, though we may have 

 been benefited, he was never in the least concerned about that 

 matter. Then, we have the unpleasantness of beholding him 



