PADDY-BIRDS AND EGRETS 241 
they find themselves being roughly hustled down what 
they take to be a dark cavern, but which is, in reality, 
the gullet of a myna or an egret. These birds look 
upon cattle as organisms created solely to act as beaters 
for them. It is, therefore, quite evident that there is 
no need for an egret to be inconspicuously coloured in 
order to obtain its meals. It may dress as it pleases. 
It affects white except when it goes a-courting, when 
it arrays itself in gorgeous plumes and is then as proud 
as ’Arriet when she issues forth resplendent in her 
Sunday finery. 
The difference in the food consumed accounts for the 
difference between the two species in habits and 
appearance. 
When I want to shoot a black buck I don incon- 
spicuous clothing and go forth alone into the jungle 
and stealthily stalk my game. But if I am after quail 
or snipe I take no pains to render myself incon- 
spicuous. I like friends to accompany me and employ 
beaters to put up the birds. In the former case I hunt 
@ la paddy-bird, in the latter I do a little sizzar after 
the manner of the cattle egret. 
