354 EXPLANATORY INDEX. 



" When we had taken up our nightly quarters on the bank 

 of the Essoquibo, many a time we perceived this delightful 

 fragrance of the Hayawa, which came down the bed of the 

 river to the place where we were, in a direction quite opposite to 

 the trade wind. My Indians knew by this that other Indians 

 were encamped for the night on the river side above us." 



In appearance the Acaiari much resembles the kaurie or 

 cowdie gum of New Zealand, which exudes from a species of 

 pine, and, like the Acaiari, is often found in large lumps im- 

 bedded in the sand. It is imported in great quantities, as an 

 excellent varnish is made of it. 



The Hayawa tree grows plentifully on the Essequibo in 

 loose sandy soil. The wood is not much used because it 

 decays on exposure to weather, but, on account of its per- 

 fume, it is recommended for naturalist's boxes and cabinets. 

 It runs to about fifty feet in height. The gum is sometimes 

 known as Ptesin of Konima. 



AcouRl {Dasyprocta acoucM). — This is one of a rodent group, 

 of which there are several species. The teeth, which are used 

 as sights for the blow-gun, are the two incisors of the lower 

 jaw. A lump of "kurumanni" wax is heated and fixed to 

 the tube. The teeth are then laid upon it nearly parallel 

 to each other, with the convex side upwards, and pressed into 

 the wax. When the weapon is brought to this country, the 

 wax becomes brittle, and the teeth are apt to be broken off. 

 In travelling, the only hope of preserving this ingenious back- 

 sight, is by wrapping it in a piece of linen, and then covering 

 it with a thick layer of tow or cotton wool. 



The size of the Acouri is about equal to that of a large 

 rabbit, and its flesh can be eaten, although it is very dry and 

 has scarcely a particle of fat. 



AcuEEO. — Sometimes called A quiro {Astrocaryon aculeatum). 

 A species of palm. The fruit is used in lieu of butter, and 

 the seeds, which are spherical, very hard, and as black as 

 ebony, are cut into table-napkin rings, &c., just like the nut 

 of the vegetable ivory. 



