ADVENTURES WITH A JAGUAR. 187 



plants, they saw on a tree two beautiful jet-black 

 monkeys of an unknown species, and also a nest 

 of iguanas, which was pointed out by the Indians. 

 The flesh of this lizard is very white, and, next to 

 that of the armadillo, is the best food to be found in 

 the huts of the natives. Towards evening it rained, 

 and swallows were seen skimming along the water. 

 They also saw a flock of parrots pursued by hawks. 

 The night was passed on the beach. 



On the 3d they proceeded down the river in their 

 solitary course. The sailors caught the fish known 

 in the country by the name of caribe ; which, although 

 only four or five inches in length, attacks persons 

 who go into the water, and with its sharp triangular 

 teeth often tears considerable portions of flesh from 

 their legs. When pieces of meat are cast into the 

 river, clouds of these little fishes appear in a few 

 minutes. There are three varieties in the Orinoco ; 

 one of which seems to be the Salmo rhombeus of 

 Linnaeus. At noon they stopped in a desert spot 

 called Algodonal, when Humboldt left his companions 

 and went along the beach to observe a group of 

 crocodiles sleeping in the sun. Some little herons 

 of a white colour were walking along their backs, 

 and even on their heads. As he was proceeding, 

 his eyes directed towards the river, he discovered 

 recent footmarks of a beast of prey, and turning 

 towards the forest, found himself within eighty steps 

 of an enormously large jaguar. Although extremely 

 frightened, he yet retained sufficient command of 

 himself to follow the advice which the Indians had 

 so often given, and continued to walk without mov- 

 ing his arms, making a large circuit towards the edge 

 of the water. As the distance increased he accele- 

 rated his pace, and at length, judging it safe to look 

 about, did so, and saw the tiger in the same spot. 

 Arriving at the boat out of breath, he related his ad- 

 venture to the natives, who seemed to think it nothing 

 extraordinary. In the evening they passed the mouth 



