ed to stick out behind the
ear.

"They must be secretary birds," he whispered; "known as the
_Serpentarius cristatus_. They are determined enemies of serpents, and
will attack the most venomous without fear. The secretary bird is so
called on account of that crest at the back of his head, which looks
something like a pen stuck behind the ear. One might suppose, on
account of his long legs, that he should be classed among the cranes and
storks, but his curved beak and internal organisation show that he
belongs to the falcon tribe. His feet are incapable of grasping, and
thus he runs along as we see over the sandy ground with a speed which
enables him to overtake the most active reptiles."

Presently we saw the birds dart off, and in another instant a large
snake rose up before them. One stood still, while the other gave battle
to the reptile. The serpent made every attempt to get back to its home,
but the bird each time sprang before it with an active leap, and cut off
its retreat. Whenever the serpent turned, the bird again placed itself
in its front. At length the reptile, as if determined to try what
courage would do, raised up its head, which swelled with rage, and
displayed its menacing throat and inflamed eyes, hissing fiercely. No
human being would have wished at that moment to have encountered it.
For an instant the bird stopped, but it was not for want of courage; and
spreading out its wings, it covered itself with one of them, while with
the other, which was armed with horny protuberances like little clubs,
it struck the serpent a blow which knocked it over. Again and again the
serpent rose to receive the same treatment, till at length it lay quiet
on the grass. The bird instantly flew upon it, and with one stroke of
its powerful bill laid open its skull, and then immediately pressing it
to the ground with its feet, held it fast. We were unable to see
whether it swallowed the head or not, for its companion catching sight
of us, they ran off with their prey to devour it at their leisure.

Curiously enough, we were to make the acquaintance of yet another bird
before we got home; for, proceeding onwards, we caught sight of a zebra
coming towards us. It advanced but slowly, now stopping, now moving on
a little way. When it caught sight of us it turned round and attempted
to go back. We then saw that a shaft was sticking in its side, from
which the life-blood was flowing. It went on a little way, a