INTRODUCTION. 121 



are they on the wing when they show their agility, 

 and soaring over the water, slightly dipping their 

 wings in that element, they are skilled enough to 

 stay the smaller fish in its gambols, and carry it 

 away an easy prey. 



Frequently resounds the gloomy forest from the 

 piercing cry of the fishing eagle, which, soaring in 

 circles high above the water, darts with the swift- 

 ness of an arrow upon the fish which played on the 

 surface of the river. He who would make himself 

 acquainted with the numerous enemies which the 

 fish possess among the feathered tribe, ought to be 

 present when the waters, in one of those inlets or 

 kirahaghs, are poisoned with the hai-ari plant. 

 Scarcely commence the torpid qualities of the plants 

 to operate upon the fish, which, penned in, cannot 

 escape its pernicious influence, and, snapping for 

 air, show themselves on the surface, when the 

 environs already resound from the shrill cry of 

 numerous gulls, which, not minding the presence of 

 man, dart between them upon the helpless fish, and 

 seem equally intent upon their destruction. The 

 trees are occupied by herons, maguaris,* darters, 

 and perekas, t which only await the absence of 

 man to assist in the work of destruction. The king 

 of the vultures J and his sable attendants, § in anti- 

 cipation of the approaching feast, when those fishes 

 which were neglected to be taken up by the Indians 

 or aquatic birds should have acquired the neces- 



* Ciconia Americana. f Carbo Brasiliensis, 



:|: Sareoramphus papa. § Cathartes aura et solitaris. 



