Democratic Sentinel, Volume 18, Number 27, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 July 1894 — Boon to South Africa. [ARTICLE]

Boon to South Africa.

“The secretary bird of South Africa,” says Eli T. Wilson, of Washington, “feeds upon rats, mice, lizards, etc., but is especially fond of snakes. So valuable are its services that the white settlers levy a heavy fine on any one who kills one of these birds. Its name, secretary, was suggested by the fact that the large feathers projecting from the apex of the head suggested a clerk with several quill pens stuck behind his ears. It is about four feet in height, and its mawlike bill is a formidable weapon, capable of splitting the head of a large snake at a single blow. As snakes do not willingly submit to the operation, long and exciting fights often take place before the bird cleaves his opponent's head. I once came upon an encounter of one of these birds with a snake about seven feet long. For several minutes the activity of the belligerents displayed itself in feints and blows. Finally, one lucky blow seemed to stupefy the snake. Instantly the bird seized the serpent near the neck and bore it, wriggling and struggling, aloft about 100 yards and then dropped it. With closed wings the bird descended so rapidly as to reach the ground almost as soon as the snake. Quick as thought the bird struck the serpent a blow upon Jie&sJ which killed it.” —[St. LouiJ Globe-DerhodTat.