MELEAGBID^. 239 



ously taking their fill, they make their exit in a different 

 direction, if possible, from that by which they entered ; 

 in the meanwhile the outsiders gradually and evenly 

 approach, and the ring is gradually narrowed by a steady 

 progressive movement of the whole. A batch of fresh 

 comers never attempt to force their way amongst those 

 which had previously arrived, but remain quietly on the 

 outside of the ring until their turn comes. 



I may add that I have observed the same habit 

 amongst the Sand-Grouse. 



The Guinea-fowl feeds on grass, seeds, and insects, 

 but chiefly on a small bulb which is also eagerly 

 sought for by all gallinaceous birds, as well as by man, 

 and which grows very abundantly throughout the 

 country. 



These birds are great travellers, often going over 

 fifteen or twenty miles in the course of the day, but 

 always returning, if possible, to the water at night; 

 so that by judiciously dodging their steps a thirsty 

 traveller may find the desired pool, though implicit 

 reliance should never be placed on this mode of ob- 

 taining water. 



The Guinea-fowls usually rest during the heat of the 

 day under some mimosa, resuming their journeyings 

 when the greatest heat is passed. 



A flock of these birds is in general easily discovered 

 by their sharp, discordant, and metallic cries, something 

 like a rapid succession of blows struck upon iron. They 

 have many enemies, and seek security at night by roost- 

 ing in tall mimosas. 



