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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 

 nests 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 

 that 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 {liana 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 lenfrth is from six to eight 

 inches. The body is depressed, of a vivid green-colour, 

 with crimson dots: the belly is yellow; a streak of azure 

 passing over each eye, runs along the neck and shoulders, 

 and there is a triangular spot of the same colour, edged 

 with crimson, over the nose. The skin is shagreened with 

 flat hexagonal tubercles ; the tongue emarginate ; eyes ex- 



Z 2 



