215 



makes the least noise during the day, and that it 

 cries at night only when it hears some one passing. 

 For this reason, the Araucanians, wlien at war, 

 are accustomed to watch the cry of this bird, 

 whicli serves tlicm as a sentinel to inform them 

 of the approach of an enemy. They were for- 

 merly accustomed in Chili to hunt these birds 

 with the falcon, but this mode has been long out 

 of use, and they are at present shot with fowling- 

 pieces. It is good game, and in no respect iiv 

 ferior to the woodcock. 



The 'piuqucn (otis Chilensis) is a species of 

 bustard larger than that of Europe. It is 

 almost entirely white, excepting its head and the 

 upper part of its wings, which are grey, and the 

 first quills, which are black. Its tail is short, 

 and composed of eighteen white feathers. It 

 has no excrescence either beneath the throat, or 

 upon the bill, which resembles that of the com- 

 mon bustard. Its feet are divided into three 

 toes before, and a fourth, rather more elevated, 

 beliiiid. It inhabits the plains, v, here it is almost 

 always found i\\ flocks; it feeds upon grass, and 

 does not begin to breed until two years old; it 

 lays six white eggs larger tlian those of the goose, 

 is easily tamed, and many of the country people 

 have domesticated it. 



The cJieiiquc, or American ostrich (struthio 

 rca) is principally found in the environs of tii'* 

 celebrated lake of Nahuelguapi, 'v\t\\e valleys of 



p 4 



