126 
BIRD-LIFE. 
After this new warning all the Marabous considered it 
necessary to keep at a distance of at least 300 paces 
from a white man. If I followed them, they did not take 
to flight, but, nevertheless, did not allow me to approach 
any nearer. When I walked quickly, they accelerated 
their pace; when slowly, they did the same; and if I 
remained stationary, they did not disturb themselves in 
the least. This chase afforded as much amusement to 
the bystanders as it did disappointment to the sportsman. 
In a state of exasperation we fired at distances of from 
300 to 400 paces; but this scarcely disturbed them, as 
they soon perceived the inefficacy of the shot. They 
equal the Vulture in greediness, perhaps, indeed, surpass 
them; but they always take the precaution of placing 
sentinels in elevated positions, when their banquet, a 
carcase, lays in a valley or behind hills, which could 
render it possible for the epicurean company to be 
disturbed. Vultures never do this. 
Wishing to give another example, I will refer to our 
Bustards, which never alight in a place near which a foe 
can be concealed or a rifle-shot reach them. They are so 
conversant with the districts they frequent that they 
know how to avoid all dangerous places. Wild Geese fly 
to the lakes, in which they wish to alight, out of rifle- 
range, and then suddenly dash down to the centre of the 
glassy surface. Cranes, when alarmed on dark nights, 
circle around their roosting-place at a slight elevation; 
but on moonlight nights always keep out of shot. Like 
all other birds they do not like to change their roosting- 
place ; they never, however, return immediately, but 
send several spies out to determine first whether they can 
come back with safety. Books do the same. One may 
gather by the note of those Cranes which act as sentries 
