596 BIRDS. 



the wing, as well as when they perch. Though excellent flyers, the? 

 seldom remove far from the place of their abode, except in quest of 

 food ; and, when that is obtained, they regularly return in the even- 

 ing. There is a certain poisonous kind of fruit which they some- 

 times eat, that is said to communicate its noxious qualities to their 

 flesh, and to render it dangerous to eat them. In Guiana and Brazil, 

 where they are not obliged to take this species of food, they are eat 

 by the natives with great safety. 



All the aras, or large parrots, build their nests in the hollow of 

 rotten trees, which, in their native country, are easily to be found : 

 for there, a mueh greater number of trees fall merely from age than 

 by the hands of the carpenter. When the tree is not fully rotten, 

 and the hole not large enough for their reception, they widen it 

 with their bills. The last process in finishing their house is the 

 lining it with feathers. 



The maccaw lays twice in the year, and generally two eggs at a 

 time, about the size of a pigeon's. 



The male and female maccaw share alternately in the labours of 

 incubation, and rearing the young. They are equally assiduous in 

 procuring them food ; and, during the whole time of their nonage, 

 the nuptial tie remains unbroken, both parents guarding their off- 

 spring with unremitting care. 



Maccaws, when young, are easily tamed, and therefore, in many- 

 parts of America, they are only caught at that age ; because those 

 who catch them are sensible, that all their labour in their education 

 would, after such period, prove fruitless. Du Tertre mentions, how- 

 ever, a singular method of taking the old ones alive practised in the 

 West Indies. The inhabitants watch the moment when they alight 

 to eat the fruit that has fallen ; they then surround them, and by- 

 clapping their hands and uttering loud shrieks, so alarm them, that, 

 forgetting the use of their wings, they tumble upon their backs to 

 defend themselves by their claws and beak. In the moment of 

 surprise, the savages present to them a stick, which they seize with 

 their claws, when they immediately lay hold of them. These facts, 

 to say no more, appear suspicious ; because it is certain these birds 

 fly at the sight of a man ; and if so, they will not certainly lie down 

 to listen to his cries. 



Another author affirms, that the Indians of the Isthmus of Pa- 

 nama tame maccaws as we tame pies, by allowing them some 

 liberty by day, certain that they will return at night. But however 



