340 THE ADVENTURES OF 



The winding path brought us out into an extensive hol- 

 low covered with verdure. In a hundred paces more, we 

 reached some pyramid-shaped rocks, which were bound to- 

 gether by the gigantic roots of a tree with scanty foliage. 

 The water glided noiselessly through the stones, and disap- 

 peared under a low arch shaded by gladiolas, covered with 

 blossoms. 



Lucien, who was leaning over the opening, wanted to 

 know what became of the water. 



" Perhaps it is absorbed by sand underneath ; perhaps it 

 will reappear in the valleys, where the surface sinks to its 

 level," I answered. 



" Do streams often go under the ground like this ?" 



" Yes ; particularly in Mexico, where these subterranean 

 passages are numerous. Near Chiquihuita, about five 

 leagues from the road which leads to Vera Cruz and Cor- 

 dova, a large river vanishes into a cave, which is more than 

 three miles in length." 



" Oh, how I should like to see such a large grotto !" 



" Your wish shall be gratified, provided we do not lose 

 our way in the Terre- Chancle" 



Sumichrast had only a few minutes left us, when we 

 heard a report, and he reappeared carrying a magnificent 

 bird, whose red plumage had a purple metallic lustre. 



" We have never met with this fine fellow before," said 

 Lucien. 



" It is the most brilliant of all the American passerines," 

 I replied " the Ampelis pompadora; but its splendid at- 

 tire lasts only for a very short time. In a few days its 

 bright-colored feathers fall off, and are replaced by a som- 

 bre, dull-looking coat. This moulting, which is common to 

 many birds, has more than once led ornithologists into er- 

 ror, .who have described, as a new species, a bird which a 

 new dress has prevented them from recognizing." 



