ANIMAL KINGDOM. 89 



this animal very much resembles that of the European deer. It 

 is either shot from an ambuscade, or hunted down by hounds. 



Lamantin, or Manati (Trickecus Manatus), is scarce, and 

 found only in the rivers of the east and south coasts ; it grows 

 to a very large size, and may be regarded as excellent eating. 



Cetacea. — Whale or Rorqual [Balcenoptera Boops). — The 

 Razor-back is not scarce in the gulf from February to May, and 

 is eagerly pursued for the sake of its blubber. 



Birds. — The feathered tribes are very numerous in Trinidad, 

 and many birds of different sizes and varied plumage, from the 

 minute crested Humming-bird to the Kamichi and the King of 

 the Vultures, inhabit the forests and swamps of the island; a 

 few only will be mentioned. 



Rapaces. — Vultures (Vultur). — The King of the Corbeaux 

 (Vultur Papa) is a noble and most beautiful specimen; it is met 

 with in the high woods, and does not approach towns or villages. 



The Turkey Buzzard ( Cathartes aura) , called by the natives 

 the " Governor " of the corbeaux, is black, with a red head and 

 a strong beak. It inhabits the high woods, and is particularly 

 fond of snakes; it may be said to be always on the wing, though 

 seldom flying very high, but rather skimming along with a 

 gliding movement over the tops of the forest trees. 



Carrion-crow, or Corbeau [Cathartes f ceteris). — Colour and 

 head black, bill less strong than that of the former ; gregarious, 

 and very common, but principally in the neighbourhood of 

 towns and plantations, where they congregate in large numbers 

 to feed on the carcases of unburied animals, the offal from 

 slaughter-houses, and other putrid matters. They have been found 

 so useful in cleansing the towns from filth and putridity as to be 

 considered in the light of gratuitous scavengers, and hence are 

 tacitly exempted from being killed ; in fact, under the govern- 

 ment of Sir Thomas Picton and Sir Ralph Woodford, such an act 

 was punishable by fine. They, however, sometimes prove a great 

 nuisance from the offensive smell which exhales from the localities 

 in which they have established their abodes. They dispose of a 

 dead rat, fowl, or other small animal, in the space of a few 

 minutes ; of a dog or cat in a few hours, and, in the country, 

 where animals dying on estates are left exposed, they will consume 

 the carcase of an ox or a horse in less than a week. It is really 

 wonderful how these birds become aware of the presence of 



