EXPLANATORY INDEX. 469 



unknown. Some zoologists believed it to be employed as a 

 weapon, but such an opinion is simply absurd, as no bird 

 strikes with any part of its head except the beak, and even 

 if the Screamer did so, the horn would be quite inadequate as 

 a weapon of offence. 



HORNED SCREAMER. 



When it wishes to attack any foe, it uses the sharp spurs, 

 which are attached to the wings, are very strong, and about 

 an inch in length. 



The natives call it by the name of Kamichi. 



Silk-Grass. — This peculiarly useful fibre is obtained from 

 the leaf of one of the Aloe tribe {Agave vimpara). 



The fibres run nearly parallel to each other throughout the 

 whole length of the leaf, and are extracted by steeping the 

 leaves in water until they are quite soft, and then drawing them 

 through a loop of cord, so as to clear off the decayed pulp 

 and preserve the fibres, These are then dried in the sun and 

 tied in bundles. 



The Silk-grass is of incalculable value to the natives, who 

 always have a supply on hand. The strength of the fibre is 

 really wonderful, and though so fine that it seems as if it 

 would snap at a touch, it seems more like steel wire than a 

 vegetable fabric A coil of it is always attached to the 

 quiver. Why it is not largely used in this country I cannot 



