THE ABYSSINIAN HOENBILL. 
177 
speaking, tlie Abyssinian hornbill, was determined to be heard; the 
monkeys also made a great chattering ; and the insects were merrily 
humming. • I cannot describe the delight of this morning’s ride. 
From the long confinement to the boats, the month spent in that 
T n E ABYSSINIAN H O R N B I E L. 
dismal swamp, made us more thoroughly enjoy — if it were possible 
— the balmy air, and all the influences of Nature’s happiest mood. 
At times we splashed through water, and then ran full tilt against 
the thorns. At half-past eight a.m. we emerged from the forest 
on to a fine open plain, which had during the last few years been 
cleared for cultivation. We here saw ripening crops of dourra 
grain. The owners of these crops possess also the cattle we had 
seen in the kraal. Several high stages were erected surrounding 
the grain; on these the young negroes perch themselves during 
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