GLOSSARY 



Kafir Dogs. — mongrel variety of domestic dog, usually seen at Kafir 

 kraals. They include cross-breeds of all kinds. Some are large and 

 strong, and make good hunting dogs. 



Spres. — bird of the starling family. Several species are termed spreos by 

 colonists. The two commonest kinds are the Red-winged starling 

 {Amydrus morio) and the Pied starHng {Spreo bicolor). 



MuisvoGEL. — This is a Dutch word which means "mouse bird," because 

 of its mouse colour and mouse-like manner of running along branches. 

 These birds are colies. There are seven species. The commonest 

 are the Speckled coly {Colius striatus), Natal speckled coly {Colius striatus 

 minor), Cape coly (Colius capensis). Red-faced coly {Colius erythromelon). 



BuLBUL. — The bulbuls are fruit-eating birds of the Pycnonotus genus. There 

 are four species. There are also eleven other species of bulbuls which 

 belong to the Phyllostrophus genus. 



Calabash. — ^The fruit of a species of melon. When mature, it is allowed 

 to dry. The rind or skin becomes as hard as wood, and is impervious 

 to water. A hole is cut in it, and the seeds and other dried matter 

 removed. The shell or rind is then converted into a vessel for holding 

 liquids. Others, of an elongated shape, are cut longitudinally and 

 converted into ladles. These calabash vessels are largely used by the 

 Zulus. 



Back-veld. — ^The more or less level lands or plains of South Africa far away 

 from the centres of civilisation. 



Veld. — ^The plains of South Africa. 



Bush-veld. — ^The plains of South Africa more or less covered with trees and 

 shrubs. 



Bushmen. — ^A small race of yellowish-brown men, known to the Dutch as 

 Bosjesmannen. They are supposed to be the descendants of the original 

 inhabitants of South Africa. How many thousands of years their race 

 has inhabited South Africa no man knows. Average size of men, 4 feet 

 6 inches ; women, 4 feet. 



