THE AUSTRALIAN BLACK COCKATOO. ^307 



expanse of water affords an open clear space above it, un- 

 encumbered with tiees, but which raise their gigantic forms 

 all around, more vigorous in their growth from the damp soil 

 in which they flourish ; and in their leafy summits sit a bound- 

 less number of cockatoos, screaming, and flying from tree to 

 tree, as they make their arrangements for a night's sound sleep. 

 The native throws aside his cloak, so that he may not even 

 have this slight covering to impede his motions, draws his 

 kiley from his belt, and with a noiseless, elastic step, approaches 

 the lagoon, creeping from tree to tree, from bush to bush, and 

 disturbing the birds as little as possible. Their sentinels, 

 however, take the alarm ; the cockatoos farthest from the water 

 fly to the trees near its edge, and thus they keep concentrating 

 their forces as the native advances ; they are aware that danger 

 is at hand, but are ignorant of its nature. At length the 

 pursuer almost reaches the edge of the water, and the scared 

 cockatoos with wild cries spring into the air ; at the same 

 instant the native raises his right hand high over his shoulder, 

 and bounding forwards with his utmost speed for a few paces 

 to give impetus to his blow, the kiley quits liis hand as if it 

 would strike the water, but wlien it has almost touched the un- 

 ruffled surface of the lake, it spins upwards with inconceivable 

 velocity, and with the strangest contortions. In vain the 

 terrified cockatoos strive to avoid it ; it sweeps wildly and un- 

 certainly through the air (and so eccentric are its motions, that 

 it requires but a slight stretch of the imagination to fancy it 

 endowed with life), and with fell swoops is in rapid pursuit of 

 the devoted birds, some of whom are almost certain to be 

 brought screaming to the earth. But the wily savage has not 

 yet done with them ; he avails himself of the extraordinary 

 attachment which these birds have for one another, and 

 fastening a wounded one to a tree, so that its cries may induce 

 its companions to return, he watches his opportunity, by throw- 

 ing his kiley or spear, to add another bird or two to the booty 

 he has already obtained.' 



The magnificent Macaws, or Aras, of South America are 

 distinguished by having their cheeks destitute of feathers, and 

 their tail feathers long. Their size and splendid plumage 

 render them fit ornaments of princely gardens, but their loud 

 and piercing screams would prove a great annoyance to the 



