200 



TROPICAL WILD LIFE IN BRITISH GUIANA 



Photo by P.G.H. 

 FIG. 55. FRONT VIEW OF TEN -DAY -OLD ARACARI 



were convinced that we actually intended an assault upon 

 their home, they became greatly excited and went through 

 a series of remarkable gymnastics. They drew themselves 

 up to their full slim height, then bowed low and jerked their 

 tails flat upon their back. They continually uttered their 

 alarm notes, a creaky psssssssk ! psssssss ! This activity pro- 

 duced an indiscribable display of color, the great black and 

 yellow beaks never quiet for a moment, the black upper 

 parts set off by the saffron breast and belly, which half way 

 down were slashed across with scarlet. When the tree fell, 

 the birds disappeared, and only by careful search were we 

 able to find and secure them. 



The great head of springy branches brought the trunk 

 to rest more gently than is usually the case with a falling 

 tree. Hope went to the hole, thrust in his hand and drew 



