210 BIRDS 



is, I think, somewhat more vociferous than the 

 more tranquil sound of his Enghsh relative, but 

 otherwise goes far to recall it. He is easily tamed, 

 and a most diverting creature to possess in the 

 back premises. Many years ago, when I was serving 

 at Quehmane, I possessed one of these birds, which 

 formed a sincere attachment for a fox terrier, 

 somewhat infirm of temper, which belonged to the 

 house. When the servants placed the dog's meal 

 in the accustomed place, the crow was assuredly 

 watching with an appreciative twinkle in his 

 bright, black, beady eye. What ensued was an 

 almost daily occurrence. The terrier, running some- 

 what to flesh, would cross the terrace leisurely to 

 enjoy his repast, casting around him a glance of 

 misgiving as he sought the whereabouts of his 

 daily tormentor. Suddenly there would be a rush 

 of wings, a hoarse, triumphant croak, and an ex- 

 asperated yelp, as the winged thief, after waiting 

 until his four-footed friend was quite close at hand, 

 would swoop down and secure in an instant the 

 most succulent morsel. 



In addition to the foregoing common variety, 

 there is a large raven which is rarely met with on 

 the lower plain. This fine bird is of deep, glossy 

 blue-black, and much larger than his British 

 congener. These, and another form which I have 

 not yet encountered, and concerning which there 

 appears to be still some doubt, are, it would seem, 

 the only passerines represented. 



All over the southern half of the continent the 

 beautiful Crested Crane (Balearica) is found, 

 sometimes in large flocks. In Cheringoma 1 have 



