or observed in the liepnhlic uf Honduras, ^c. 13 



Tigre Island was not a good place for bird-collecting, as the 

 hush was too dense, and the walking very bad. Several other 

 islands were not far off, where, no doubt, much might have been 

 done ; but, except the visit* to the island frequented by the 

 Frigate-birds {Fregata), my excursions were confined to near 

 home, as boats were not easily obtained ; and, moreover, I had 

 as much to occupy me there, during the time I remained, as I 

 could well get through. One cannot do so much in a hot 

 climate as in a cool one. Energy diminishes with heat and loss 

 of strength, and one feels inclined to take things easy, finding 

 that lying in a hammock during the heat of the day is a 

 pleasanter occupation than skinning birds. However, I was 

 generally out soon after break of day, and again in the evening. 

 Another great drawback are the ticks and Agarrapatas, about 

 which I shall presently say more. A large island opposite to Tigre, 

 called ' Saccate Grande,' is reputed to be full of Jaguars {Felis 

 onca). They do much damage among the cattle. The usual 

 mode of hunting them is to use dogs, which drive the jaguars 

 to tree, when they are easily shot. It was proposed that we 

 should devote a day or two to hunting them, but, owing to 

 circumstances over which I had no control, the scheme was 

 necessarily abandoned. 



We left Tigre on the 9th of January, and went by boat to La 

 Brea, some fifteen miles. There we took mules, and having 

 crossed an open plain to Nacaonie, halted for the night. Next 

 day we rode to Langui. On the way I saw Deer cross the path, 

 and Rabbits (Lepus), to all appearance much resembling English 

 Rabbits {Lepus cuniculiis). The country about Langui is roll- 

 ing, and not much encumbered with trees. 



The next day we went through Aremecina to Caridad, and the 

 day following to San Juan. The day after that, we reachqd 

 Lamani, at the southern extremity of the plain of Comayagua. 

 After leaving Aremecina, where we began to get into the 

 mountains, until we reached the plain of Comayagua, I saw 

 but few birds. Upon one occasion, when high up, a fine deer 

 crossed the road about a hundred yards before me; and on 

 another occasion, while halting for breakfast, I went out with 

 * For an account of this, see vol. i. (1859) p. 150. 



