ocusts which, passing through the flames, had scorched
their wings, and fallen helplessly to the ground. Even Senhor Silva,
and David, and the boys, were engaged in the work. In a short time they
had collected enormous heaps of the insects, when the blacks began to
roast and eat them as if they were the most delicate morsels. If they
would support existence, there was no fear of our starving. I was
tempted to taste some, but cannot say that I found them very palatable.
As soon as the fires had burned low, the blacks set to work to dry the
locusts in the hot ashes. Then obtaining some large flat stones from
the river, they ground a number between them into powder, which they
stowed away in all the receptacles capable of holding it.

Next morning, by daybreak, the neighbourhood of the camp was beset by
numberless birds, among which I distinguished storks and kites, and soon
perceived that they were employed in gobbling up the locusts. The most
numerous, however, were small birds about the size of swallows. Mr
Fraser told me this was a species of thrush which constantly follows the
locusts, and is said even to build its nest and rear its young in their
midst. He called it by its Dutch name--_Springhaan oogel_. David said
he knew it as the locust bird. We shot a number; and though we were not
tempted to feed on locusts, we had no objection to breakfast off the
result of our sport. The fires had partly saved the camp itself;
fortunately so, for the locusts will not only eat grass, but every
animal produce which comes in their way. Leathern thongs, even boots,
shoes, and bags, have been destroyed by them. I saw a number also
feeding on their own companions, which we had trampled on as we passed
through them. No sooner had the warm rays of the sun been cast across
the plain, than, with a loud whirring sound, the locusts rose in the
air. Notwithstanding the number which had been destroyed, the mass
appeared in no way diminished in size. Onwards they flew to their
unknown destination; but what a scene of desolation met our eyes across
the country on which they had rested! For miles, as Donald had feared,
not a blade of grass was to be seen. As far as the eye could reach,
where the evening before the ground had been green and smiling, it now
looked brown and parched up, as if a fierce fire had passed over it.

"If we cannot move from here, we must just make up our minds to remain
for ever," observed Donald, "for