3-12 
Proceedings of the Royal Society 
been introduced by tbe Arabs. There are no mule animals. Cas- 
tration is not practised. 
Two kinds of migratory insects visit the country. When the 
dhurra is ripe, green flies about IJ inches long arrive in swarms; 
many are caught and eaten, and the remainder take their departure 
in the opposite direction from which they came. Swarms of locusts 
follow them. These are also eaten. 
When they leave, a species of small red bird takes possession of 
the fields. They build their nests in the trees near the fields of 
th.e dhurra, and remain until the corn is too dry for them to eat. 
Once a year the white ants swarm ; when this is expected a fire is 
lighted near the ant hill, the ants are knocked down, gathered, 
preserved in jars, and much relished as food. Tleas and mosquitoes 
are very abundant. 
There is no worship of animals, and the people do not believe in 
the interchange of souls between men and animals. There exists, 
however, some sort of superstition concerning one small bird called 
dadir.” It is caught when young, and small rings are fastened 
to its legs, after which it is set free, and no one is permitted to harm 
it in any way. They think that it is unlucky to hurt it ; and 
should a man by accident break its leg, they expect one of his cows 
to get its leg broken. The feathers of another highly-valued red 
bird are used to try by ordeal persons accused of falsehood. It is 
considered to be a bad omen if a gazelle crosses a man’s path ; and 
if it should occur, the man usually turns back and gives up his 
project, whatever it may be. The lizard is known, and no one is 
allowed to kill it. 
Various curious legends prevail with regard to animals. I will 
mention one as a specimen. ^ 
A monster lion is said to have shaken the earth by his roars. 
The shock was so great that all the people fell to the ground, and 
the lion proceeded to eat them. One man, however, entreated the 
Being, who had created both man and beast, to make the lion a 
little smaller, as he was too great and powerful for men ; his request 
was granted, and the lion forthwith was reduced in size to his pre- 
sent dimensions. 
Among numerous fables, the following may be given : — 
On a certain occasion the animals all meet together to dance and 
