ANIMAL KINGDOM. 95 



the surgeon (Jacana). The Flamingo, or red Ibis (Ibis rubra), 

 and Spoon-bill (Platalea Aiaia) are habitual residents, or oc- 

 casional visitors. They are all of excellent flavour, but some of 

 them, particularly the chevaliers and sandpipers, are little sought 

 after, on account of their diminutive size. Though very common, 

 particularly the wood-hen (Rail us longirostris), our Rails are 

 seldom served on table ; the same remark is applicable to our 

 water-hens (Gallinula chloropus and Porphirio Tavoua). 



Palmipedes. — Ten different species of ducks are met with in 

 the island, all of them deserving the reputation of being delicate 

 eating : the largest of all is the common duck of the country, or 

 the Musk Duck (Anas moschata), commonly, but improperly 

 called the Muscovy Duck : it is a native of Trinidad, as are also 

 the Vingeon (Anas Dominica), Ouikiki (Anas autumnalis, A. 

 viduata), and the Teal (Anas discors) ; in November and De- 

 cember, other species make their appearance — viz., the Poachard, 

 the Shoveler (Anas clypeata) ; and the Jensen (Anas Americana). 

 Shooting, in our climate, is an occupation less exciting and 

 much more fatiguing than in Europe, though, however, marsh- 

 fowling bears some resemblance in both latitudes. Here is, cer- 

 tainly, no extensive field or meadow through which one can 

 stroll quietly, in company of an intelligent pointer, which has 

 also its share in the sport ; no clear wood which one can thread 

 at ease ; no park intersected with alleys, in which one can ride 

 or drive. Forests intricated with lianes, " crocs-chien/'' " devil's 

 guts/' or <e sword-grass ; " marshes and lagoons, overgrown with 

 mangroves, reeds, or rushes, and teeming with mosquitos ; mud- 

 banks, deep ponds, and malaria. Such are the attendant diffi- 

 culties which the sportsman has to encounter and overcome ; in 

 addition to which, he must himself go in search of his game, 

 and collect it when killed. Ramier-shooting, however, may be 

 said to be free from all these drawbacks ; the sportsman generally 

 awaits them under some tree — the Gommier, or the Surette, for 

 instance — whither they flock to feed, in the afternoon or early 

 in the morning ; there he stands in keen look-out, for this sport 

 requires a keen eye and a steady aim. The birds alight, shots 

 are poured in, and after each, the frightened Ramiers take to 

 flight, but soon to return, again and again, as long as they have 

 not satisfied their craving appetite. They are also looked for, 

 during the heat of the day, in the shade, that is to say, in some 



