52 THE ZOOLOGIST. 



somewhat elongated oval, tapering to a point ; the shell is rather 

 rough and thick ; the colour was originally white, but is stained 

 and dirty. The egg measures 2*95 X 1*80 in. 



Almost everywhere the natives of South Africa attach magical 

 properties to this bird, chiefly connected with the production of 

 rain. The Kafirs of the eastern portion of the Colony, during 

 times of severe drought, will kill one by order of the " rain 

 doctor." A stone is then attached to its neck, and it is flung 

 into a "vlei," or sometimes into a river. The idea is that the 

 bird, having an offensive smell, will make the water sick, and 

 that, in order to remedy this state of things, rain will fall in great 

 quantities, which will flush out the "vlei" or river. The Ovam- 

 pos of North Damaraland also have a superstition. When Mr. 

 Andersson asked one of their chiefs to obtain the eggs of this 

 bird for him, he replied that it could not be done, as they were 

 soft to the touch, and would fall to pieces on the least handling. 

 ■ ■ In captivity this bird makes a charming and delightful com- 

 panion ; it is very sociable, and loves to come and squat close to 

 one to be petted. It is most useful in the garden, as it spends a 

 great deal of its time searching for caterpillars, snails, worms, 

 and grubs of all kinds ; should, however, any young chickens or 

 ducks be about, it is well to keep the bird under restraint, as 

 these are delicacies which even the best regulated " Brom " 

 cannot resist. 



When resting, the whole length of the tarsus is applied to the 

 ground, and the head is almost withdrawn between the capacious 

 wings, so that only the beak protrudes. It is always hungry, 

 and will eat almost anything from bread and butter to the entrails 

 of fish and poultry. Anything thrown to it is caught in the air 

 with great dexterity between the tips of the bill, and is then 

 tossed up and swallowed ; but, when a specially dainty morsel is 

 offered, it will bring it in its beak, with wings uplifted and wattle 

 puffed out, and show it to its master with much " bromming." 



I am indebted to the kindness of Miss A. Treggold for the 

 accompanying photograph, which is by far the most successful of 

 a great many attempts made by my friends to portray this very 

 interesting pet. 



