FKUTT-PIGEONS 205 



reached Narinuma, and started inland on an exploring 

 expedition. Father accompanied them ; but little did 

 we think, when he bade us good-by, that that was the 

 last time we should ever see him. He looked well, 

 and seemed in first-rate spirits ; and was as enthusiastic 

 over the expedition as any one. He wanted to see 

 more of the natives, and learn all concerning the coun- 

 try he could, as he intended to make use, in his lec- 

 tures, of what he learned. Had he ever returned, what 

 a store of interesting information he could have given 

 to the world ! 



Shelley and I went to work with a will, for we were 

 bound to make the most of our time while in the country. 



The bird skins began to accumulate, and we had a 

 fair representation of what was found at the place, in 

 & short time. 



The forests were alive with birds of many kinds, and 

 some of them the richest and most beautiful specimens 

 the world contains. 



Just below the village were many trees loaded with 

 purple fruits, resembling plums, and there we used to 

 go, to get the pigeons and parrots attracted to the place. 

 Some of the fruit-pigeons were as large as ducks, and 

 -came down out of the trees and struck the ground with 

 a thump. They were of many kinds and colors : some, 

 green, with pink spots on their wings; some, slate- 

 blue ; others, brown and coppery-green ; and one kind 

 had a green back and purple breast. Many were good 



