366 GOATSUCKER. 



black ; outer ones with a row of marginal spots, similar to those on 

 the quill feathers; legs and feet naked, claws of a moderate size, but 

 none of them pectinated. 



Inhabits the Island of Trinidad, and adjacent parts ; has a plump 

 body, and excessively fat, particularly the abdominal region and 

 rump. I owe the above account to the kindness of J. V. Thompson, 

 Esq. who informed me, that he first became acquainted with this bird 

 at the regimental mess in Trinidad, in 1803, where they were served 

 up without the heads or feet, under the name of Dumpy Ducks, or 

 Diablotins, and said to be considered as one of the greatest delicacies 

 afforded by the Island ; but as they did not seem to be much relished 

 by unassimilated palates, and wishing first to know what description 

 of bird it was, at that time did not taste of them ; but considered 

 them of the greater interest, as no person could be found capable of 

 furnishing the requisite information : and it was not till 1809 that he 

 again met with them, although annually brought to market, which 

 the little that could be collected of their history will in some measure 

 explain. 



They inhabit coves of the Islands forming the Bocases, an 

 entrance into the Gulf of Paria, accessible only at the very lowest 

 ebb tides, and in moderate weather; and as they are never observed 

 on the wing in the day time, most probably, like the rest of the 

 Genus, seek their food in the absence of the sun ; here they breed, 

 during the early part of spring, and it is at the time of new and full 

 moon, in April and May, that the people, who are acquainted with 

 these coves, resort thither; when finding the young ones not sufficiently 

 fledged to be able to fly, they speedily fill their boats; not, however, 

 despising the old ones, many of which are knocked down with sticks, 

 and constitute a portion of their cargo : but as such as happen to be 

 killed, in this horrible affray, amid the screeches of the whole, and the 

 attacks of the old ones, will not, in many instances, keep a sufficient 

 time to reach the market ; these are most generally packed on the 

 spot, in barrels, with bay salt, after being plucked, gutted, and 



