DAYBREAK IN THE FOREST. 273 



teeth as soon as they discover our presence. Now 

 and again, the dun sides of deer flash for an in- 

 stant before us, as they bound across the open vistas 

 of the forest, and disappear in the densest cover. 



Birds of gaudy plumage dart amid the branches, 

 gay butterflies hover about, insects of metallic 

 hue glitter on the leaves, and all Nature seems 

 glad in this highly-favoured spot. 



Toucans and gigantic horn-bills, with their 

 awkward flight, pass from tree to tree in search 

 of the reptiles and small animals on which they 

 feed j and long lines of flamingoes, with their mag- 

 nificent rose-coloured plumage, pelicans, herons, 

 storks, and ibis, may be seen in long lines wend- 

 ing their way towards their feeding grounds. 



In certain seasons, long before sunrise, elk are 

 heard bellowing, and their loud cries of defiance 

 resounding from every side of the forest, might, 

 by unaccustomed ears, be mistaken for the roaring 

 of much more dangerous animals, so hoarse and 

 hollow do they sound. 



All nocturnal animals return to their haunts in 



T 



