GAME BIRDS DICKOP. 
393 
plumage which most varies, are grey, blue, 
dark slate colour, and white. Around the eyes 
there are circles of white feathers, and com- 
pletely encircling the head, a band of black 
feathers. At the back of the head and in- 
clining backwards, it erects these black feathers 
when alarmed, which gives it the appearance 
of having a short weeping crest. On the breast 
and under the wings, is a soft down; while 
the peculiarity of the bird is the colour of this, 
which is of a most delicate pink shot with pur- 
ple, which causes, in different lights, a most 
beautiful variety of tints in the plumage. It 
frequents the banks of rivers, flies heavily on 
the wing, and seldom rises high into the air. 
Its flesh, like that of the " Paauw" is amongst 
the greatest delicacies of the table, and whilst 
alive it certainly is a most graceful ornament 
to the natural history of Africa. 
5.— The "Dickop" is also a highly-prized 
game bird. This is the " JEdicncenius Capen- 
sis" or Stone Plover. It is a handsome bird, 
about eighteen inches in length, and two feet 
span of wing. In colour it is a mottled grouse 
brown ; on the breast and throat it is white ; 
its beak and legs black, and in shape similar 
to a plover; the eyes yellow, and the head 
and neck large for the size of the bird. 
Amongst the " Basores" there are numerous 
