1696.] BIRDS AND BATS. 211 



all sorts are likewise to be found here in great abun- 

 dance. Here moreover are Pigeons^ and Blackbirds,^ but 

 few of tliem. Bats,^ which are much valued in this Coun- 

 try, are here in great Numbers, as are likewise Lizards.* 



are as large as sparrows. It is impossible to tame them. These also 

 are enemies to the harvest, but they are very good to eat." {Ibid., 

 p. 69.) 



1 " There is a pigeon called the Dutch-pigeon, of a most magnificent 

 plumage ; and another sort, which, although of a very pleasant taste, 

 are so dangerous, that those who eat them are thrown into convul- 

 sions." {St. Pierre, p. 69.) 



2 " Blackbirds." "A bird that has multiplied very fast in the island is 

 the Martin {Acridotheres tristi.'i), a species of the Indian sansonnet, or 

 Fiskiii (? starling), with a yellow beak and claws. It differs but little 

 from ours except in plumage, which is less spotted. In chirping, how- 

 ever, as well as in an aptitude to talk, and to mimic other birds, it 

 perfectly resembles the European species. It will perch upon and 

 peck at beasts without fear, but the prey which it pursues with an un- 

 wearied perseverance is the grasshopper {Oryllus Capensis), numbers of 

 which species are destroyed by it. The martins always fly about in pairs, 

 and assemble constantly at sunset in flocks of some thousands. After 

 a general chattering, the whole republic falls asleep, and at daybreak 

 again disperses in pairs to the different quarters of the island. This 

 bird is not fit to eat ; yet they are sometimes shot, though shooting 

 them is prohibited." {B. de St. Pierre, p. 182.) "In the woods are 

 found black-birds, which, when called to by a sportsman, will come 

 to the muzzle of his gun. This is a kind of game mvich in request'' 

 {Coq de hois'?). {St. Pierre, p. 69.) "The Isle of France was formerly 

 exposed to the ravages of locusts. None of these noxious insects, 

 however, have been seen since 1770. It is pretended that the Martim--, 

 a kind of bird brought here from India, and which have multiplied in a 

 very extraordinary manner, have destroyed them. It is certain that 

 these birds feed upon them with avidity, when they are just produced, 

 and before they have wings." (Observations by M. de Cossigny, 

 Governor of the Isle de France in 1791. See Grant, p. 518.) 



3 " Bats." " Two sorts of bats are found here ; one like ours, the 

 other as big as a small cat, very fat ; and is eaten by the inhabitants 

 as a rarity." {St. Pierre, p. 69.) 



* " Lizards." " The apartments are at certain seasons filled with 

 moths or small butterflies, that come and singe themselves in the 

 candle. They are so numerous that the candles are frequently obliged 

 to be put into cylinders of glass. They draw into the houses a very 

 handsome small lizard, about a finger's length. Its eyes are lively ; it 



p 2 



