CLASS II. AVES: ORDER 3. SCANSORES. 



223 



rang. A native perceives a large flight of cockatoos in a forest which encircles a lagoon ; the 

 expanse of water affords an open clear space above it, unencumbered with trees, but which raise 

 their gigantic forms all around, more vigorous in their growth from the damp soil in which they 

 flourish. In tlieir leafy summits sit a countless number of cockatoos, screaming and flying from 

 tree to tree, as they make their arrangements for a night's sound sleep. The native throws aside 

 his cloak, so that he may not have even this slight covering to impede his motions, draws his 

 kiley from his belt, and, with a noiseless, elastic step, approaches the lagoon, creeping from tree 

 to tree, and from bush to bush, and disturbing the birds as little as possible. Their sentinels, 

 however, take the alarm, the cockatoos farthest from the water fly to the trees near its edii'c, and 

 thus they keep concentrating their force as the native advances ; they are aware that danger is 

 at hand, but are ignorant of its nature. At length the pursuer almost reaches the edge of the 

 water, and the scared cockatoos, with wild cries, spring into the air ; at the same instant the native 

 raises his riglit hand high over his shoulder, and, bounding forward with his utmost speed, to give 

 impetus to his blow, the kiley quits his hand as if it would strike the water ; but when it has 

 almost touched the unruffled surface of the lake, it spins upward with inconceivable velocity, and 

 with the strangest contortions. In vain the terrified cockatoos strive to avoid it; it sweeps wildly 

 and uncertainly through the air — and so eccentric are its motions, that it requires but a slight 

 stretch of the imagination to fancy it endowed with life — and with fell swoops in rapid pursuit of 

 the devoted birds, some of whom are almost certain to be brought screaming to the earth. But 

 the wily savage has not yet done with them. He avails himself of the extraordinary attachment 

 which these birds have for one another, and fastening a wounded one to a tree, so that its cries 

 may induce its companions to return, he watches his opportunity, by throwing his kiley or spear, 

 to add another bird or two to the booty he has already obtained." 



THE ARIEL TOUCAN 



HUMBOLDT S ARA5ARI. 



THE EHAMPIIASTID^ OR TOUCANS. 



These birds are distinguished by their enormous bills, sometimes as large as the body; hence 

 the French name of Tout-bee or All-hill. Tliis feature, however, is very light, its substance being 



