A YOUNG NATURALIST. 65 



soil, supplied us with some very beautiful specimens of various 

 insects. 



Suddenly we heard Lucien speaking in supplicating tones ; I 

 ran towards him, and found him trying to prevent I'Encuerado, 

 who had got possession of the salamander, from making a trial of 

 its powers of resisting fire. 



" All right, Chanito ; I will not leave it long on the coals ; your 

 papa said that these animals do not mind it a bit." 



Lucien would not consent to this cruel experiment, but carried 

 the animal back to the tree on which we had found it. 



The day was drawing to a close when we returned to the fire ; 

 from the stewpan an appetising odour was escaping, in which one 

 of the couroucous, with a handful of rice, was boiling, whilst the 

 other bird was roasting in front. It was really a capital dinner ; 

 first we had some excellent soup, of which Lucien had two plate- 

 fuls; then came what was left of our squirrel, and last of all 

 the roasted couroucou, which I'Encuerado served up on a bed 

 of water-cresses. We had an unlimited supply of water ; and 

 although my readers may smile at what I say, I really believe we 

 drank too much. A cup of coffee crowned our feast, and then 

 the remains were left to Gringalet, who licked everything clean, 

 even to the very saucepan. Lucien, having finished bis meal, 

 laid down by my side, and was not long before he was fast 

 asleep. 



A dismal howling from our four-footed companion woke us up 

 with a start. We seized our arms. The dog, with his ears laid 

 back, his tail between his legs, turned his nose to the wind with 

 an anxious glance, and set up a fresh howl, which was answered 

 by the shrill prolonged cries of the coyotas, or jackal of Mexico. 



" So these miserable brutes think they are going to frighten 

 us ? " cried I'Encuerado. 



And whilst we were making up the fire, the Indian rushed off 

 into the darkness. 



"Are they wolves, M. Sumichrast?" asked Lucien, anxiously. 



" Yes, my boy, but only prairie wolves," he answered. 



"Do you think that they will first devour I'Encuerado, and 

 then attack us ? " 



