236 THE MUSICAL SNUFF-BOX. 



plumage is perfectly black, with the exception of the 

 primary and secondary quill-feathers, which are of 

 a dirty white. On the whole it very closely re- 

 sembles the Buceros Abyssinicus described by 

 Bruce. While we were in the forest, I observed 

 five of these birds fly from some very high trees in 

 the kloof of the mountain, and alight on an adjacent 

 plain, whither I despatched one of the Hottentots in 

 pursuit of them, who succeeded in obtaining one of 

 the number. They are considered sacred amongst 

 the CafFers, and are called by the colonists, Bromine 

 Vogels, from their singular cry, which is deep and 

 harsh. The cafFer, or crowned crane, Balearica 

 pavonina, is found here at certain seasons, and is also 

 considered sacred by the natives, who call it " Ma- 

 ham." If a Gaffer is known to kill one, he is 

 obliged to sacrifice a calf, or a young ox, by way of 

 atonement. It is said the Romans received these 

 birds from the Balearic Islands, whence they have 

 derived their name. 



The CafFers were much delighted at hearing a 

 musical box which I carried concealed in my pocket, 

 crowding around me and expressing the greatest 

 surprise. They appeared quite at a loss to conjec- 

 ture in what manner such music could be per- 

 formed in my pocket, without any visible exertion on 

 my part ; nor did their astonishment cease when I 

 exhibited the box, many of them starting back, as if 

 expecting to see something extraordinary jump out 

 of it. 



