THE LOCUST-BIRD. 185 



exceeding two or three hundred, and forming a 

 regular encampment, similar to the scene already de- 

 scribed as having been witnessed at Coles-Berg. 



Leaving Cradock, we passed Zwager's Hoek and 

 about mid-day entered a delightful valley, over the 

 undulating surface of which clumps of luxuriant 

 evergreens lay scattered in straggling patches. Birds 

 of the gayest plumage were flying from bush to bush, 

 and the shrill whistle of the golden cuckoo mingled 

 with the plaintive cooing of the turtle-dove, from 

 amidst the willows that overhung a winding stream, 

 gave an agreeable interruption to the stillness that 

 reigned in this sequestered solitude. It was impos- 

 sible to gaze on a landscape of such tranquil beauty, 

 enlivened by so many pleasing objects, under the in- 

 fluence of a bright and glowing sky, without feelings 

 of admiration and delight. 



While lingering in this romantic spot to refresh 

 the oxen, an immense flock of locust-birds (Passer 

 gallinaceus) alighted on the surrounding bushes, 

 being the first we had seen during our journey : we 

 felt pleased, therefore, at the opportunity thus afforded 

 us of observing the habits of this curious bird, of 

 w r hich we had heard so many remarkable stories ; and 

 especially of its extraordinary rapidity in destroying 

 those insects whence it derives its name. The locust- 

 bird is of the thrush species : the head, breast, 

 and back are of a pale, cinereous colour, the wings 

 and tail black, the latter being short, and a little 

 forked : from the angle of the mouth, a naked spot of 



