200 



TKOIMCAI. WILD I.IFK FN l^RirrSH GUIANA 



riinio hi) r. (,. //. 



FIG. 55. FRONT VIEW OF TEN -DAY -OLD ARACARI 



were convinced that we actually intended an assault u])on 

 their home, they became greatly excited and went through 

 a series of remarkable gymnastics. They drew themselyes 

 up to their full slim height, then bowed low and jerked their 

 tails flat upon their back. They continually uttered their 

 alarm notes, a creaky psssssssk! psssssss! This activity pro- 

 duced an indiscribable display of color, the great black and 

 yellow beaks never quiet for a moment, the black up])er 

 parts set off by the saffron breast and })elly, which half way 

 down were slashed across with scarlet. When the tree fell, 

 tlie birds disappeared, and only by careful search were we 

 able to find and secure them. 



The great head of S])ringy l)ranches brought the truuk 

 to rest more gently than is usually the case with a falling 

 tree. Hope went to the hole, thrust in his hand and drew 



