110 THE TOUCAN. 



quest of food, going northward or southward, 

 as the fruits ripen. It is very fond of grapes. 



The Toucan builds its nest in the holes of 

 trees, that are either formed by itself, or that 

 from accident it meets with ; and no bird better 

 secures its young from external injury. It has 

 not only birds, men, and serpents, to guard 

 against, but a numerous train of monkeys, still 

 more prying, mischievous, and hungry, than all 

 the rest. The Toucan, however, sits in its hole, 

 defending the entrance with its great beak ; and 

 if the monkey venture to offer a visit of curi- 

 osity, the Toucan gives him such a welcome, 

 that he is soon glad to make his escape. 



This bird is a native of Guiana and Brazil, 

 and is said to be in great request in South 

 America, both from the delicacy of its flesh, 

 and on account of the beauty of its plumage, 

 particularly the feathers of the breast. The 

 skin of this part, the Indians pluck off, and, 

 when dry, glue to their cheeks, and this they 

 consider as an irresistible addition to their 

 beauty. 



