62 Zoologica: N. Y. Zoological Society. [I; 2 



Part XIII— Odor. 



In regard to the odor given off by the flesh of Hoatzins and 

 its cause, there seem to be many conflicting statements. I quote 

 some opinions : 



"I never found the smell of these birds so bad as I had been 

 led to believe; it reminds one of a rather strong cow-shed. It 

 has been found on cutting out the crop, as soon as the bird is 

 dead, very little unpleasant odor remains." Loat (27). 



"As is well known, the aroid shrub upon which the Canje 

 Pheasant feeds gives its flesh a strong and disagreeable odor." 

 Sclater (41). 



"The popular name (Catingueira) is derived from a certain 

 penetrating odor. This disagreeable odor is transmitted and 

 adheres with such efficacy that it is an excellent protection, not 

 only against the attacks of carnivorous animals, but also against 

 persecution by man." Goeldi (20). 



"Even by man they are seldom meddled with, except for 

 scientific purposes, since a peculiar and unpleasant odor attaches 

 to the flesh, especially after death, and which seems to be due 

 to the penetration of the fluid and gaseous contents of the diges- 

 tive tract. On this account they are not generally eaten, but a 

 few cases have been reported to me in which they have been 

 utilized for food." Quelch (38) . 



"The flesh has an unpleasant odor of musk combined with 

 wet hides — a smell called by the Brazilians catinga; it is there- 

 fore uneatable." Bates (3). 



On our Venezuelan trip we heard a great deal, and were 

 warned again and again concerning the frightful odor which 

 was supposed to characterize these birds. Some said they would 

 have to be skinned under water! We found this wholly false. 

 When skinning or dissecting one of these Hoatzins, one notices 

 the faintest of musky odors, not at all unpleasant, and indeed 

 perceptible only when the attention is directed to it. Our speci- 

 mens were certainly most inoffensive in this respect, and the 

 flesh of one which we cooked and ate, while it was tough, was as 

 clean and appetizing as that of a Curassow. 



In British Guiana the above experience was repeated, al- 

 though the "Stinking Pheasant" was held in horror by the blacks. 

 But, as before, we could detect nothing but a slightly musky odor. 

 The odor is exceedingly persistent and is given off by skins which 

 are several years old. Its cause is problematical and the direct 

 connection with the crop is very doubtful. There is little doubt 

 but that Hoatzins differ greatly, either seasonably or individual- 



