[To THE EDITOR OP THE SPECTATOR.") SIE., — Though I cannot give
your correspondent the scientific name of the bird which he describes as observed by him in Northern Nigeria, I can at least assure him that the origin which he gives of its local name is not so peculiar as he appears to imagine. It is true that the blood of the bird is said to be used in the preparation of certain deadly arrow poisons ; but the expression " Kare dengi" means no more than " destructive,"—literally, " finisher," or " destroyer of families," or, as we should say, people. The word " dengi " is frequently used in this way. A chant in praise of an ex-Emir of Bauchi addresses him as " Mai-zabgai mai-kare dengi " (Owner of the poison that slays families). The meaning is not intended in either case that any one other than the man hit by the arrow is killed. So pleasing a bird must be defended against any such sinister accusation.—I am, Sir, &c.,
Previous page
