120 



THE GREATER BIRD OF PARADISE. 



BIRD OF PARADISE. 



Their arrival at Arrou is watched by the natives, who either shoot 

 them with blunt arrows or catch them by means of bird-lime or in 

 nooses. When caught, they make a vigorous resistance and defend 

 themselves stoutly with their beaks. After being killed, the entrails 

 and breast-bone are taken out and they are dried with smoke and sul- 

 phur for exportation to Banda, where they are sold for half a rix-dollar 

 each. Thus prepared they are sent to all parts of India and Persia, to 

 adorn the turbans of persons of rank and even the trappings of the 

 horses. Not long ago, they formed an additional ornament to tho 

 head-dresses of the British fair. 



The scapulary feathers of the Superb Bird of Paradise form a long 

 spreading plume, which can be elevated at pleasure, and there are 

 two pointed lappets on the chest, which are of the most brilliant steel- 

 green. The color of the other plumage is velvet black, with green and 

 violet. 



