128 THE BIRDS OF BRITISH GUIAJVA. 



birds of the genera Lampornis, Agyrtria, Lophoniis, Chlo- 

 rostilbon, and Campy lopterus ; the 'Ensh-'$,hx\k& {ThaTnnophilus 

 doliatus) ; the Vultures {Cathartes atratus, C. aura, C, uru- 

 bitinga) ; and the common big-billed Buzzard {Asturina 

 magnirostris). Along the great rivers and small streams, 

 various species are met with of Ibises, Herons, King- 

 fishers, Parrots, Macaws, Bill-birds, Barbets, Jacamars, 

 Swallows and Swifts, Trogons, Divers, Pigeons, Wood- 

 peckers, Hawks, Tree-creepers, Hang-nests, etc. Along 

 the coasts, the Herons, Ibises, Gulls, Bitterns, and 

 Swallows are encountered everywhere. In the forest the 

 most characteristic cry is that of the Greenheart-bird or 

 Pi-pi-yo {Lathria cinerea), though many others are almost 

 equally common. 



Perhaps, in conclusion, you might allow me to say a few 

 words on the protection of birds by our government. Some 

 few years ago, an indiscriminate slaughter was begun of 

 certain species of our birds of fine plumage on the coast, in 

 order to obtain certain parts alone for trade purposes. Our 

 government promptly met this by enacting a law for the 

 prevention of the killing or wounding of any of our birds, 

 with the exception of the game and other food birds; and 

 these were allowed only to be killed during an open season 

 declared by law. Any one offending against this ordi- 

 nance is by law subject to a fine of $24 for each bird or 

 part of a bird found in his possession, or for each bird 

 killed or wounded, with the exception that it be proved that 

 it was killed for the purpose of food, and more than ten 

 miles from any plantation at which food might be obtained. 

 The law may be put in operation by any citizen, and the 

 justice of the peace has no option but to enforce the full 

 fine. Permits, under license from the Governor, may, how- 

 ever, be obtained for the procuring of birds for scientific 

 purposes, proof being adduced to show that the applicant 

 for such a license is a taxidermist qualified to prepare such 

 specimens. 



