AFRICA.. c»49 
I Ivilled, It certainly was nOt hunger that excited 
it to attack the ferpent in the flough, but its 
natural hatred and antipathy for reptiles. 
This antipathy Is an ineflimable advantage. 
In a climate which aftonilhingly favours the 
multiplication of an infinite number of noxiou§ 
and venomous animals. Under this point of 
view, the fecretary is really a benefit from the 
hand of nature ; and indeed its utility, and the 
fervices It performs, are fo well known at the 
Cape and its environs, that the Hpttentots and 
planters never kill it, but refped: its life, as the 
Putch do that of the ftork, and the Egyptians 
that of the ibis. 
The fecretary Is eafiiy tamed, and when 
domefticated will eat any kind of food, drefTed 
or raw. If well fed, it not only lives on 
amicable terms with the poultry, but. If it fees 
any quarrel, will run to part the combatants, 
and reftore order. It is true, if pinched with 
hunger. It will take care of itfelf, and fall with- 
out fcruple on the ducklings and chickens. But 
this abufe of confidence, if I may fo fpeak, is 
but the effed: of Imperious want^ and the pure 
and fimple exercife of that necefFny, which 
rigo- 
