268 TRAVELS IN THE EAST INDIAN ARCHIPELAGO. 



the natives assert tliat the seed was brought there 

 from Java by one of the sovereigns of Tanete. It is 

 therefore uncertain whether the teak is a native of 

 this island. In the early morning, and again soon 

 after sunset, flocks of large green parrots, Tanyg- 

 nathus maGrorynchus, Wagl., come to these trees 

 to feed on the fi'uit which is now ripe. They are so 

 ., wary that it is extremely difficult to get near them, 

 especially as the large dry leaves of this tree cover 

 the ground and continually crack and rustle beneath 

 one's feet. To see these magnificent birds flying 

 back and forth in the highest glee, while they re- 

 main unconscious of danger, is a grand sight, and it 

 seems little less than absolute wickedness to shoot 

 one, even when it is to be made the subject, not of 

 idle gazing, but of careful study, and it requires still 

 greater resolution to put an end to one's admii*ation 

 and pull the fatal trigger. When one of these birds 

 has been Avounded, its mate, and sometimes the whole 

 flock, hearing its cries, at once comes back, as if hop- 

 ing to relieve its misery. 



In many places in this vicinity the tall canari- 

 tree is seen raising its high crest, and there flocks of 

 cream-colored doves, Carpopliaga liiciuosa., gathei 

 to feed on its fruit. Their loud, continuous cooing 

 leads the hunter a long way through the jungle. 

 Among the limbs of the lower trees are seen the 

 long-tailed doves, Carpopliaga perspidata. On the 

 banks of the dry l^rook, near our house, are bunches 

 of bamboos, through which flit fly-catchers, Mus- 

 cicapidiB, and the beautiful Monarcha lorieata^ a 

 slender bu'd about as large as a martin, of a blue 



