266 



A N C 1 K N 'r M () N LI M E N T S . 



details are not shown in the engraving, which in all other respects is a faithful 

 copy of the original. 



From the size of its bill, and the circumstance of its having two toes before and 

 two behind, the bird intended to be represented would seem to belong to the 

 zygodactylous order — probably the toucan. The toucan {Ramphastos of Lin.) is 

 found on this continent only in the tropical countries of South America. 



Foz/o, a distinguished naturalist, speaks of taming them very easily. Other 

 travellers inform us that they are very highly prized by the Indians of Guiana and 

 Brazil, principally on account of their brilliant plumage. They pluck oti" the skin 

 from the breast, containing the most beautiful feathers, and glue it upon their cheeks 

 by way of ornament. In those districts the toucan was almost the only bird the 

 aborigines attempted to domesticate. The fact that it is represented receiving its 

 food from a human hand, would, under these circumstances, favor the conclusion 

 that the sculpture was designed to represent the toucan. 



Fig. 179. This cliaracteristic specimen is carved in hmestone, and is well 

 finished in every respect. It is uncertain what bird it is intended to represent. 

 At the tail are two holes, evidently designed for the insertion of feathers or other 

 ornaments. 



Fig. 180. A great variety of fragments have been taken from the mounds, 

 which it has been found impossible to match with others, so as to complete the 



