vultures were flying above the bodies of the lions’ prey.
I crept into a small bush which stood within three yards
of the dead zebras, so that if the lions came back to their -
interrupted meal, I might be able to get a good shot, late
in the evening though it was. Certainly under the silvery
light of the moon a deadly shot might have been made
at this close range, and when first I took up my position
the wind was blowing favourably, that is to say if the lions
came from the direction in which I had last seen them.
I t is difficult to describe how such a scene as this delights
the heart. Thoroughly wild it was, and exciting as well;
for there seems to be a charm in reclining in and watching
the forest homes of wild beasts, looking upon the struggle
that the animals have for their rough subsistence, and noting
their various grades of strength lessening, in this case, until
the smaller crows might be seen pouncing upon the morsels
dropped by the voracious vultures in their determined fight
for food.
The vultures seemed to darken the air. They hovered
about the place, and were quick to detect the slightest
movement I might make. Getting into a comfortable
position, I remained motionless, and the birds came down
in flocks.
The variety was remarkable. Some were very large, »with
a dark brown plumage; others, slightly smaller, perhaps,
had grey feathers. I lay so quietly that they perched upon
the branches just above my head, even within a couple of
feet of me. Here was a splendid opportunity for an observant
naturalist. The heads of the birds varied very much,
some being wholly white; some having white faces and
black caps falling over the back of the head; and some
with white and pink hoods, and with naked flesh, coloured
heads and necks. Great numbers of crows—white-collared