138 
ON SAFARI 
ibises, greenshanks, and plovers—specially noticeable 
being tbe spur-winged species (Hoplopterus speciosus) 
in its handsome contrasted colours that recall onr grey 
plover (S. heluetica ) in its summer dress. At the point 
of a rush-clad spit stood a Goliath heron, stiffly erect and 
with the silvery neck-plumes finely offset by the dark 
maroon breast. On another occasion at this spot we 
recognised a pair of the great African jabiru or saddle- 
bill. Far out on the lake sat pelicans, flamingoes and 
grebes. 
The hippos, however, though they floated, and 
splashed hard by, raising vast heads to yawn and 
HIPPOS IN LAKE ELMENTEITA. 
exposing great curving ivories, carefully kept beyond 
range. So intensely interesting was the sight that we 
lingered on till past dusk ere taking our camp ward way. 
The moon being some days past the full, the dark¬ 
ness beneath the forest-trees that fringed the lake was 
intense—indeed I could barely keep in touch with my 
Swahili gunbearer, Mabruki, though only a yard ahead. 
While feeling our way thus through forest, the 
stillness of night was suddenly shocked by a loud shrill 
snort on our immediate front and apparently not 
fifteen yards ahead. Then, contrary to all orders, 
Mabruki insanely fired my big ‘450 into that enveloping 
pall of darkness. No human eye—not even a savage 
eye—could conceivably have seen anything to aim at. 
Mabruki had lost his head. 
