This species, which is met with from Southern Africa to sixteen degrees north latitude, subsists almost entirely upon wild honey, and has obtained its name from the fact that it frequently materially assists the natives in their search for the combs by flying before them and constantly uttering its sharp, peculiar cry. In the African deserts it is heard morning and evening, and is eagerly listened for by the natives, who at once reply to it, and hasten to the spot indicated. No sooner does the bird perceive that its summons is responded to than it perches upon the tree that contains the desired hive, and, should its human assistant not hurry fast enough to satisfy its impatience, flies backwards and forwards until the exact spot has been plainly pointed out. During the time occupied by the native in rifling the hive, the Honey Guide remains perched in the vicinity, waiting for the share of the spoil, which the grateful Hottentot never fails to grant it. This remarkable habit is of great service to the poor natives, who regard these birds with especial favour, and are much incensed if they are wantonly killed. According to Hartlaub, the female deposits her one glossy white egg upon the bare ground, and when she has succeeded in finding a strange nest into which it can be introduced, bears it thither, having previously ejected one of the owner's eggs in order to make room for her own offspring. Verreaux informs us that the mother resumes the care of her young in about a month's time, compelling it to leave its foster-parents. * * * * * The CUCKOOS (_Cuculus_) are characterised by a slightly-curved, thin beak, which is broad at its base, and almost equals the head in length; the long wings, in which the third quill is longer than the rest, are narrow and pointed; the long tail, composed of ten feathers, is either wedge-shaped or rounded at its extremity. The short or moderate-sized feet have the toes placed in pairs; the thick plumage is very similarly coloured in the two sexes, but the young differ considerably in appearance from the adult birds.