516 
BIRD-LIFE. 
It is an easy matter to snare Vultures with a noose, 
as they never seek to bite it asunder. In captivity some 
species become very quiet and good-tempered, while 
all the naked-necked sorts always remain savage and 
spiteful. I have kept Eared Vultures which would 
allow themselves to be stroked after the fourth day 
of their captivity, and soon became quite tame: they 
drank every day, but were only fed once in eight days,—a 
treatment which they undergo without experiencing the 
slightest inconvenience. 
The Arabs of the Soudan ascribe strong healing powers 
to the livers of all Vultures, and actually enjoy the 
disgusting scent of musk and carrion which clings even 
to stuffed specimens. In other respects these birds are 
not much thought of, otherwise than being looked upon 
as “nedjis,” or unclean, and being accused, possibly not 
quite without reason, of attacking and killing men while 
asleep. Their great utility is denied by no one, though 
a European will possibly be better able to estimate their 
true value, for the nose of the inhabitant of Central 
Africa is wholly incapable of being affected by the most 
dire stench in the world. Their own ordures are devoured 
every day by the Egyptian Vulture in the very centre of 
their villages, and afford these birds ample occupation. 
That the Arab is in any way thankful for this service, 
I doubt much. 
