SWALLOWS AND THE KING OF BIRDS. 127 
pretty birds of no value except as specimens. We 
observed three fine species of swallow on the wing ; 
the prettiest was entirely black, except on the fore- 
head and under the lower mandible, where it was 
snow-white ; a smaller was black all over, and both 
had forked tails, and frequented craggy ground. 
A larger species have red belly and chest, whitish 
throat, some white under the wings, long forked 
tail and general colour black, frequenting ground 
covered with brushwood. The smallest seen was 
black with white belly, red over forehead and under 
the lower mandible, with forked tail. Black birds 
the size and shape of robins flew from tree to 
tree ; water-wagtails were familiar with our camp ; 
creepers hopped amongst the bushes ; smaller genera 
were in flights ; and a peculiar-looking bird, with 
plain brown plumage and long tail, was shot amongst 
the rushes. Though mentioned last, our Seedees 
considered this the king of birds. He is called the 
" M'linda," and he moves escorted by a staff of little 
birds, whose duty it is, should a feather fall from the 
king, to tear it to pieces, thus preventing its being 
put upon an arrow. A similar tale is told with refer- 
ence to the tippet-monkey, who is said to believe his 
handsome skin so much coveted, that when wounded 
he tears out all his beautiful long hair, to prevent 
your making use of it ! The skin of the M'linda 
is as thick as that of a mouse, the feathers might be 
called hairy, the bill is stronger than a linnet s, and 
the feet are soft and red. Our men were much pleased 
during a march to meet with a bird they called the 
"kong-ot'a we were certain to have luck attending 
us when it was seen ! 
