::::::::»x TWO BIRD- LOVERS IN MEXICO B-"""" 



Nature has given this duck an awkward, heavy-looking 

 bill, which, however, serves a most useful purpose ; but 

 she has more than made it up in the beauty of colouring 

 of the plumage — a livery of white, black, green, chest- 

 nut, and delicate blue. A quartet of Cinnamon Teal 

 sprang into the air from where they had been feeding 

 at our feet. This was a species of duck new to us, 

 easily recognized by the bright cinnamon colour on 

 head, neck, and breast. Here were three birds in sight 

 marked with that pale, beautiful blue — one of the 

 most delicate of Nature's hues. 



The dense mass of water hyacinths, for many yards 

 around, was eaten close to the level of the water, 

 testifying to the abundance of wild birds at this spot. 

 The coots now reached the opposite bank, twenty feet 

 away, and settled down for a nap or walked slowly 

 about. Their peculiar curtailed appearance gave them 

 a lifeless, wooden effect which was increased by their 

 awkward gait, lifting high their great green-lobed toes. 

 If one Avere to remodel a coot it would seem more rea- 

 sonable to reduce the size and weight of its feet and 

 add somewhat to the diminutive white bill. But Nature 

 has fashioned the bird thus in order that it may safely 

 tread upon the quaking marsh and pick out the small 

 snails and worms from among the thread-like roots of 

 the hyacinths. 



As we continued our walk along the stream, the lake 

 came suddenly into view, and a beautiful sight was 



<^ 74 I* 



