124 TRINIDAD. 



GrrallatoricB. Many species of the Grail at oriae order are 

 either permanent inhabitants of the island, or visit it at regular 

 intervals. The former consist of herons, known here by the 

 name of Crabiers, or Crab-eaters, and Egrets ; several of them 

 are regarded as very good eating, particularly the mountain crab- 

 eater (Ardea liniata). The egrets assemble in large flocks in 

 the marshes of the island, and, at certain periods of the year, 

 numbers of them can be seen on the basses, or mud banks of the 

 Caroni and Couva rivers. The mountain crab-eater and the 

 soldado (Tantalus loculator) are scarce. The golden and ring 

 plovers visit the island during September, together with hosts of 

 chevaliers, sandpipers, curlews, and even snipes (Scolopax G-alli- 

 nago), as also the surgeon (Tacana). The Flamingo, or red Ibis, 

 (Scolopax rubra), and Spoon-bill (Flatalea Aiaia) are habitual 

 residents, or occasional visitors. They are all of excellent flavour, 

 but some of them, particularly the chevaliers and sandpipers, are 

 little sought after, on account of their diminutive size. Though 

 very common, particularly the wood-hen (Rallus lonyirostris) 

 our Rails are seldom served on table ; the same remark is applica- 

 ble to our water-hens (Grallinula chlorapus andPorphirio Tavana). 



Palmipedes. Ten different species of ducks are met with in 

 the island, all of them deserving the reputation of being delicate 

 eating : the largest of all is the common duck of the country, or 

 the Musk Duck (Anas moschata), commonly but improperly 

 called the Muscovy Duck : it is a native of Trinidad, as are also 

 the Vingeon (Anas Dominica), Ouikiki (Anas autumnalis, A. 

 viduata), and the Teal (Anas discors) ; in November and De- 

 cember, other species make their appearance viz., the Poachard, 

 the Shoveler (Anas clypeata) ; and the Tensenne (Anas 

 Americana). 



Shooting, in our climate, is an occupation less exciting and 

 much more fatiguing than in Europe, though, however, marsh- 

 fowling bears some resemblance in both latitudes. Here is, cer- 

 tainly, no extensive field, or meadow through which one can stroll 

 quietly, in company of an intelligent pointer, which has also its 

 share in the sport : no clear wood which one can thread at ease, 

 no park intersected with alleys, in which one can ride or drive. 

 Forests intricated with lianes, " crocs-chien," " devilVguts," or 

 " sword-grass ;" marshes and lagoons, overgrown with mangroves, 

 reeds, or rushes, arid teeming with mosquitoes ; mud-banks, deep 



