SERROSALMUS PIRAYA. 605 



destruction to venture into them. The stingray is circular 

 and flat, with a tail above a foot in length, very thick at the 

 base, and tapering towards the end. Near the middle, on 

 the upper part, it is armed with a long and sharp-pointed 

 sting, finely serrated on two sides, which the fish can raise or 

 depress at will. When disturbed, by a quick movement of 

 the tail out darts its sting towards the object, which it sel- 

 dom fails to reach. The wound thus inflicted is so severe that 

 the whole nervous system is convulsed, the person becoming 

 rigid and benumbed in a few moments. Long after the most 

 violent eflects of the wound have subsided, the part affected 

 retains a sluggish ulceration, which has often baffled the skill 

 of the best surgeons. 



They frequent the shallow banks of muddy pools, where 

 they may be constantly seen watching for their prey, and, as 

 if conscious of their powers, scarcely deign to move off* when 

 approached. They have their enemies in vultures and other 

 birds of prey ; and as they are considered fit for food, war 

 with spear and talon is constantly waged upon them. 



SERROSALMUS PIRAYA. 



In the Orinoco another dangerous creature exists, called by 

 the natives piraya, with a head shaped somewhat like a sabre. 

 The lower jaw is furnished with a formidable pair of fangs, 

 not unlike those of the rattlesnake. With these it inflicts a 

 gash as smooth as if cut with a razor. 



THE CARIBE. 



Every feature of the savage caribe denotes the ferocity and 

 sanguinary nature of its tastes. The piercing eye, surrounded 

 by a bloody-looking ring, is expressive of its cruel and blood- 



