THE STILT-WALKERS. 95 



air with a variety of ludicrous movements, and if disturbed, they at once seek safety by running. 

 Their flight is so weak, according to Schomburghk, that when crossing a river they are often compelled 

 to drop upon the water and save themselves by swimming. This statement explains the reason why 

 the habitat of the two species is so strictly confined to the two sides of the Amazon. If much pressed, 

 after running some distance, they flutter into the branches or lie close to the ground, and are then 

 readily shot. When alarmed, their remarkable cry is heard to most advantage. The Agamis usually 

 deposit their eggs in a slight hollow on the ground, generally at the foot of a tree. The eggs have a 

 light green shell, and are ten in number. The young leave the nest as soon as they are hatched, but 

 do not lose their downy covering till they are several weeks old. These interesting birds become 

 remarkably docile when domesticated, as the following account, drawn from the " Galerie des Oiseaux," 

 will show : — " The Agami soon learns to obey the voice of its master, follows him wherever he goes, 

 and appears delighted at receiving his caresses ; it welcomes his return with alacrity, and seems to 

 repine at his absence. In the same proportion that it appreciates the favours bestowed upon it, it 

 is jealous of any rival. Should even a dog approach, it immediately assails it with its beak and drives 

 it to a distance, with every symptom of displeasure. It presents itself regularly at the dinner-table, 

 from which it chases all domestic animals, and sometimes even the negroes who wait at table, should 

 they happen to be strangers, and only asks for a share of the dinner after it has expelled from the 

 room all who might aspire to favourable notice from the family. It is remarkably courageous ; dogs of 

 moderate size are obliged to cede to its authority. It walks out alone, without any danger of losing 

 itself, and it is even asserted that an Agami may be trusted with the care of a flock of sheep, and that 

 every morning it will drive ducks and fowls to their feeding-place and bring them home at night, after 

 carefully collecting any stragglers. As for the bird itself, it is never shut up, but sleeps just where it 

 pleases, upon the roof of a barn, or in the farmyard." Its trumpeting is described as resembling the 

 sound produced by a person endeavouring to pronounce " Tou, tou, tou ; tou, tou, tou," with his 

 mouth shut, or the doleful noise made by the Dutch bakers, who blow a glass trumpet to inform their 

 customers when their bread is taken out of the oven. 



The SCREAMERS {Palamedem) constitute a group of strange birds, possessing large heavy 

 bodies, long necks, small heads, long powerful wings, strong tail, and moderately high, thick foot, with 

 remarkably long toes. The bill is shorter than the head, compressed at the culmen, hooked at its tip, 

 and covered with a cere at its base. The legs are partially bare, and the exterior and middle toes 

 connected by a skin ; the hind toe is so long as to touch the ground ; the claws are of moderate 

 size, slightly hooked, and pointed. In the wing the third quill is longer than the rest, and the 

 rounded tail is composed of twelve feathers ; the plumage of the body is thick ; the neck is covered 

 with small feathers. The members of this group have two powerful spurs on the joint of the wing, 

 and one species has a horny protuberance on the head. The sexes are unlike in colour. 



The Screamers frequent the marshy grounds of South America, where they live in pairs or small 

 parties. In disposition they are extremely timid and shy, but soon betray their presence by their 

 noisy vociferations. Seeds and portions of plants constitute their principal fare, but they do not 

 reject insects, small reptiles, or even fishes. Upon the ground they move with much dignity, and in 

 their manner of flight nearly resemble some of the larger birds of prey ; when at rest, they generally 

 perch on the branches of lofty trees. Although usually peaceful, they exhibit much courage if 

 attacked, and defend themselves boldly with the formidable spurs upon their wings. The nest is 

 large, situated on the ground in their favourite marshes, and contains two unspotted eggs. The horn 

 and spurs of this bird are much esteemed by the Indians as healing remedies, and in many parts of 

 the interior are articles of trade. 



