SOUTH AMERICA. 03 



These generally sit high up in the tall and FIRST 



JOfKNET. 



tufted trees, but still are not out of the Indian's 



The Indian 



reach; for his blow-pipe, at its greatest elevation, in pursuit 



ofhisgame. 



will send an arrow three hundred feet. Silent as 

 midnight he steals under them, and so cautiously 

 does he tread the ground, that the fallen leaves 

 rustle not beneath his feet. His ears are open to 

 the least sound, while his eye, keen as that of the 

 lynx, is employed in finding out the game in the 

 thickest shade. Often he imitates their cry, and 

 decoys them from tree to tree, till they are within 

 range of his tube. Then taking a poisoned arrow 

 from his quiver, he puts it in the blow-pipe, and 

 collects his breath for the fatal puff. 



About two feet from the end through which he 

 blows, there are fastened two teeth of the acouri, 

 and these serve him for a sight. Silent and swift 

 the arrow flies, and seldom fails to pierce the 

 object at which it is sent. Sometimes the wounded 

 bird remains in the same tree where it was shot, 

 and in three minutes falls down at the Indian's 

 feet. Should he take wing, his flight is of short 

 duration, and the Indian, following the direction 

 he has gone, is sure to find him dead. 



It is natural to imagine that, when a slight Effects of 



the poison 



wound only is inflicted, the game will make its on the 



* m wounded 



escape. Far otherwise ; the wourali poison al- bird, 

 most instantaneously mixes with blood or water, 

 so that if you wet your finger, and dash it along 

 the poisoned arrow in the quickest manner pos- 



