THE GREAT BUSTARD. 35 



the chinky, cracked mud, which in winter formed the bed 

 of shallow lakes and lagoons, now yields no drop of 

 moisture for bird or beast. The larger rivers still carry 

 their waters from sierra to sea, but a more adaptive genius 

 than that of the Spanish people is required to utilize these 

 for purposes of irrigation. All water required for the 

 cattle is drawn up from wells : the old-world lever with its 

 bucket at one end and counterpoise at the other, has to 

 provide for the needs of all. These wells are distributed 

 all over the plains. As the herdsmen put the primitive 

 contrivance into operation and swing up bucket after 

 bucketful of cool water, the cattle crowd around, impatient 

 to receive it as it rushes along the stone troughing. The 

 thirsty animals drink their fill, splashing and wasting as 

 much as they consume, so that a puddle is always formed 

 about these hebideros. The moisture only extends a few 

 yards, gradually diminishing till the trickling streamlet 

 is lost in the famishing soil. 



These moist places are a fatal trap to the bustard. 

 Before dawn one of the farm-people will conceal himself so 

 as to command at short range all points of the miniature 

 swamp. A slight hollow is dug for the purpose, having 

 clods arranged around, between which the gun can be 

 levelled with murderous accuracy. As day begins to dawn, 

 the bustard will take a flight in the direction of the well, 

 alighting at a point some few hundred yards distant. They 

 satisfy themselves that no enemy is about, and then, with 

 cautious, stately step, make for their morning draught. 

 One big bird steps on ahead of the rest: as he cautiously 

 draws near, he stops now and again to assure himself that 

 all is right, and that his companions are coming too — these 

 are not in a compact body, but following at intervals of a 

 few yards. The leader has reached the spot where he 

 drank yesterday ; now he finds he must go a little nearer 

 to the well, as the streamlet has been diverted ; another 

 bird follows close ; both lower their heads to drink ; the 

 gunner has them in line — at twenty paces there is no 

 escape : the trigger is pressed, and two magnificent bustards 

 are done to death. Should the man be provided with a 



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