339 
generation, insured the safety of the next, which it was found 
expedient to import. From that time the Mayanas have 
increased and multiplied without molestation, and at such a 
rate that it would create some trouble at this day to carry a 
similar sentence against them into execution, though they 
certainly are, with all deference to the Faculty, great de- 
vourers of grain and also of fruit, as well as of locusts. The 
notes of the Mayana are loud, clear, and extremely varied; 
and there are few birds that possess in higher perfection the 
faculty of mimicking those of other animals. "Through the 
day they generally associate in pairs; but, towards sunset, 
assemble in myriads in some favourite grove, where they 
employ themselves until dark in chaunting their evening 
song. They are easily domesticated, and are great favourites 
with the Creoles, from their mimic talents. 
“There is one remark which may be made with respect 
to all the small birds of these islands, so far as I was enabled 
to study their habits. Their method of constructing their 
Rests is extremely simple and inartificial. None of those 
Precautions are observable that indicate foresight and sagacity 
in guarding against the encroachments of predaceous animals. 
A few filaments of grass, interwoven in a careless manner in 
the fork of a low bush, serve to sustain the eggs during the 
easy process of incubation. It may at the same time be 
Mentioned, that the islands are entirely free of all animals 
prey on birds and their eggs. : 
“ Of the Amphibia, I observed only one species of Frog, 
three of Gecko, and one of Scink. The Frog (Rana esculenta) 
was probably imported from motives of national partiality, 
though it is now, I believe, seldom or never used as food. 
“The Gecko heliotropica, C. is the most beautiful, perhaps, 
of the whole lizard tribe. Its length is from six to eight 
Mehes, The body is depressed, of a vivid green-colour, 
With crimson dots: the belly is yellow; a streak of azüre 
Passing over each eye, runs along the neck and shoulders, 
and there is a triangular spot of the same colour, — 
with crimson, over the nose. The skin is shagreened with 
flat hexagonal tubercles; the tongue emarginate; eyes ex- 
Z 2 
