376 THE ZOOLOGIST, 



they had started, and which took refuge in a clump of dry 

 reeds : — 



" Though they could see it, it was impossible to throw the lasso 

 over its head, and after vainly trying to dislodge it, they at length set 

 fire to the reeds. Still it refused to stir, but lay with head erect, 

 fiercely glaring at them through the flames. Finally it disappeared 

 from sight in the black smoke ; and when the fire had burnt itself out, 

 it was found dead and charred in the same spot." 



On the pampas the guachos frequently take the Black-necked 

 Swan by frightening it. 



" When the birds are feeding, or resting on the grass, two or three 

 men or boys on horseback go quietly to leeward of the flock, and when 

 opposite to it suddenly wheel and charge it at full speed, uttering loud 

 shouts, by which the birds are thrown into such terror that they are 

 incapable of flying, and are quickly despatched." 



The "death-feigning instinct," as Mr. Hudson terms it, 

 which is commonly exhibited by beetles and spiders, is possessed 

 also by some vertebrates. A familiar example is to be found in 

 the Landrail, concerning which many instances of its feigning 

 death have been recorded. Mr. Hudson observes that this curious 

 instinct is possessed in a very marked degree by the Spotted 

 Tinamu, Nothura maculata, the so-called "partridge" of the 

 pampas. 



" When captured, after a few violent struggles to escape, it drops 

 its head, gasps two or three times, and to all appearances dies. If 

 when you have seen thi^, you release your hold, the eyes open 

 instantly, and with startling suddenness and noise of wings it is up 

 and away, and beyond your reach for ever." 



These few extracts will convey but a faint idea of the variety 

 of interesting subjects which are dealt with by the naturalist of 

 La Plata. There is not a dull page in his book, and it is 

 illustrated, moreover, by a number of very pretty "process- 

 blocks," from drawings made by Mr. J. Smit, whose name will 

 be familiar to all who have admired his beautiful plates of 

 animals in the publications of the Zoological Society. 





