36 IN THE WILDS OF SOUTH AMERICA 



grass shacks had been built along the trail; some of them 

 were very long and housed the peons working on the road 

 to Micai. Although these structures were of comparatively 

 recent origin, many small rodents had been attracted to 

 them by the corn that formed the principal article of food 

 of the peons. A large brown rat (Oryzomys pectoralis) was 

 very abundant; apparently this rodent had formerly 

 existed in small numbers only, for it was rare out in the 

 open; but the artificial conditions created by the settle- 

 ment of the region had proved so congenial that it increased 

 rapidly. The same is true of several other species of rats 

 that almost overran the houses. 



In riding or walking along the trail, I frequently encoun- 

 tered a species of snake resembling in coloration a coral 

 snake; however, it was not unusual to find an individual 

 five feet or even more in length, and two or three inches 

 through in the thickest part. They appeared exceeding 

 sluggish and even refused to move although almost trodden 

 upon. We never molested them, as they appeared to be 

 harmless, and were really of striking beauty. Unfortu- 

 nately, we had no way of preserving any. A species re- 

 cently discovered in Nicaragua by Mr. Clarence R. Halter, 

 which is similar to the one we saw almost daily, belongs to 

 the genus Coronella. 



The birds belonged to a typical temperate-zone fauna. 

 Among them was a new species of beautiful honey-creeper 

 (Diglossa gloriosissima) ; it is black with blue shoulders and 

 a deep-rufous abdomen. They clambered about over the 

 clusters of gorgeous flowers, feasting on the nectar they 

 contained. Another common bird was a tanager (Iridosor- 

 nis) the size of our redbird, but of a bright-violet color that 

 merges into greenish blue on the wings. The head is black 

 excepting the crown, which is deep orange. It is a viva- 

 cious creature, travels in small flocks that frequent the 

 taller shrubbery, but possesses limited singing powers only. 



During our stay we had occasion to witness a christening 

 ceremony performed by a priest who was travelling through 



