IN THE PACIFIC. 117 



as lie was stalking some ducks ; a few of the 

 pellets took effect in the most prominent part 

 of his person, which happened to be awash at 

 the moment ; there was a lively scene, and some 

 compliments exchanged, among which a choice 

 selection of Spanish oaths could be plainly 

 heard. My friend, who was an Irishman, 

 wisely moved on, before the fellow had time 

 to dress himself, and we heard no more of it. 



In the neighbouring woods there are deer, 

 hares, rabbits, armadillo, Californian quail, and 

 chachalacas (the Mexican pheasant), but the 

 woods are so infested with garrapatos, a 

 species of tick, which burrows into the skin, 

 that it is best to keep clear of them. Parrots 

 and macaws abound in countless thousands, 

 though not immediately near the town ; it is a 

 pity to kill them, although they are not bad 

 eating, unless one wants the feathers for salmon 

 flies. 



One day whilst shooting quail not far from 

 the town, accompanied by my coxswain, we 

 were surprised by the report of artillery and 



