162 THE NATURALIST IN NICARAGUA. [Ch. IX. 



away through, the brushwood, generally across the hrook, 

 and in a few minutes I would hear its deep-toned whistle 

 again as if in mockery of my pursuit. I had to climb 

 and reclimb the steep banks of the gully : but at last, 

 creeping cautiously, and just getting my head above the 

 bank, I got a shot. There were two of them sitting close 

 together. I brought both down, and they proved to be 

 in fine plumage. The toledo (Chirosdphia lineaia) is 

 about the size of a linnet, of a general velvety black 

 colour. The crown of the head is covered with a flat 

 scarlet crest, and the back with what looks like a shawl 

 of sky-blue. From the tail spring two long ribbon-like 

 feathers. Its curious note is often heard on the 

 savannahs, in the thick timber that skirts the small 

 brooks ; but it is not often seen, as it is a shy bird, and 

 frequents the deepest shades. 



There were several of the yellow-breasted trogon 

 (T. melanocephalus) sitting amongst the branches, and 

 now and then darting off after insects. This species 

 often breaks into the nests of the termites, and feeds on 

 the soft-bodied workers. Another trogon about here, 

 with red breast (T. elegans), has a peculiarly harsh, 

 croaking voice, very different from the other species, and 

 more resembling the cry of a mot-mot. 



As I rode back over the savannahs to Juigalpa, the 

 nearly vertical rays of the sun were reflected from the 

 dry, hot, sandy soil. Not a sound was now heard from 

 the numerous birds ; but the shrill cicada still piped its 

 never-ending treble. Not a breath of wind was stirring ; 

 and the air over the parched soil quivered with heat. 



I was glad to get back to my " hotel," and have break- 

 fast, with chocolate served up in jicaras. After an 



