THE ZooLocist—SEPTEMBER, 1875. 4613 
hunt for food in the manner suggested by Capt. Hadfield. Whilst 
residing at Dronk-Vlei we used to lose a considerable number of 
sheep by the attacks of the griffon vulture (Gyps Kolbii): these 
birds would not molest the sheep so long as they remained together, 
but a ewe or lamb having become separated from the main body, 
two or three vultures would swoop down and tear the wretched 
animal to pieces or leave it sadly mutilated. A Dutchman living 
some distance off used to complain of the same pest. Some time 
ago, on visiting a gentleman owning extensive sheep-runs thirty 
miles from this, we found him out with his fowling- piece endea- 
vouring to get a shot at a troop of vultures which had alighted near 
his flock of sheep. He informed us that at the lambing season they 
did a great deal of damage, and that it was necessary to use great 
care to keep the sheep from straying. These birds sometimes, 
though seldom, make their appearance along the coast. The Kafirs 
say that immediately a cow is slaughtered they may be seen 
assembling, not one having been visible previously. Mr. Layard 
agrees with this, and says, “ On killing a springbuck or any animal 
it is curious to see how they come trooping in a lengthened string 
from this place (Nel’s Poort) to their anticipated banquet; although 
not one may be visible when the shot is fired, in seven or eight 
minutes hundreds will be gliding to the spot.” 
The Griffon Vulture (Gyps Kolbit) is called here the “ Aasvogel,” 
and is certainly the commonest vulture in Natal. It is of a yellowish 
gray colour; the quill-feathers of the wings and tail are black; the 
head and neck are covered with white down fringed by a ruff of 
short white feathers. It is a large bird, measuring three feet six 
inches in length. A numerous colony has established itself in the 
high precipices over the Umtwalumi River, where in the clefts they 
lay two or three whitish eggs. Vultures do not seem to carry off 
any portion of the carcase they have been feeding on, but will return 
day after day until it is finished. 
Secretary Bird (Serpentarius reptilivorus)—We take the fol- 
lowing description from one we shot the other day in this neigh- 
bourhood: it was roosting in a tall tree along with its mate:— 
Length three feet three inches; expanse of wing six feet; legs two 
feet ; colour of the bill and legs white; face bare of feathers, deep 
orange; the crest six inches long, slate-coloured, tipped with black ; 
rump black; back and wing-coverts slate; pinions, neck and breast 
neatly white; belly and thighs black, each feather tipped with 
SECOND SERIES—VOL. X. 2Y¥ 
