THE BLARNEY CASTLE

Legends live on from generation to generation and one such legend surrounds the Blarney stone in Ireland.  Situated in the ruins of the 15th century Blarney Castle that stands about 5 miles north of Cork it is believed that one will be endowed with the powers of eloquence and persuasion by kissing this stone.  This legend dates back to the days of Queen Elizabeth1 when negotiations between herself and the Lord of Blarney proved unsuccessful.

Kissing this world famous stone is no easy task as one has to hang one’s head backwards while grasping an iron railing from the parapet wall of the battlements in order to do so.

THE WORLD’S LARGEST SEEDS

The World’s largest seeds that are two to three times the size of coconuts are indigenous to the Seychelles Islands, an archipelago in the Indian Ocean.  They weigh 40lbs and more and are the seeds of tall nut palms.  In the past they were eagerly sought by the Kings and potentates from the Orient who believed they were a possible antidote to poison.

THE HONEY GUIDE

Persons and animals in search of honey in Africa are ably assisted by a bird called the Honey Guide.  A close relative of the woodpecker it feeds on honey, wax and the larvae of wild bees. Possessing the instinct to locate beehives in trees and crevices it attracts attention by sound and movement as it is afraid of being attacked and is not strong enough to open a beehive.  It is willing to share its find as it knows some will always be left behind.

The Honey Badger or Ratel is a favourite partner when this bird is on its honey hunting mission.