306 The Akdes axd the Amazon. 



But the number does not equal the expectations of the 

 traveler; he may ramble a whole day without meeting- 

 one. The rarity, however, is more apparent than real ; 

 we forget, for the moment, the vastness of their dwelling- 

 place. The birds of the country, moreover, are gregari- 

 ous, so that a locality may be deserted and silent at one 

 time and swarming with them at another. Parrots and 

 toucans are the- most characteristic groups. To the for- 

 mer belong true parrots, parroquets, and macaws. The 

 fii'st are rarely seen walking, but are rapid flyers and ex- 

 pert climbers. On the trees they are social as monkeys, 

 but in flight they always go in pairs. The parroquets go 

 in flocks. The Hyacinthine macaw (the Araruna of the 

 natives) is one of the flnest and rarest species of the par- 

 rot family. It is found only on the south side of the Am- 

 azon. The macaw was considered sacred by the Maya In- 

 dians of Yucatan, and dedicated to the sun. The Quichu- 

 ans call it guacamayo, guaca meaning sacred. Of toucans 

 there are many species ; the largest is the toco, with a beak 

 shaped like a banana; the most beautiful are the curb- 

 crested, or Beauharnais toucans, and the P. flavirostris, 

 whose breast is adorned with broad belts of red, crimson, 

 and black. " Wherefore such a beak ?" eveiy natm-alist 

 has asked ; but the toucan still wags his head, as much as 

 to say, " you can not tell." There must be some other 

 reason than adaptation. Birds of the same habits are 

 found beside it — the ibis, pigeon, sj)oonbill, and toucan are 

 seen feeding together. " How astonishing are the fi-eaks 

 and fancies of N^ature ! (wi'ote the funny Sidney Smith). 

 To what pui-pose, we say, is a bird placed in the woods of 

 Cayenne with a bill a yard long, making a noise like a 

 puppy-dog, and laying eggs in hollow trees ? The toucan, 

 to be sure, might retort, to what purpose are certain fool- 

 ish, prating members of Parliament created, pestering the 



