1881.] Demerara. 945 
pose the point-end of the arrow is made blunt, and a narrow 
longitudinal slit cut into one side. The end is tightly wound 
with cord made of wood fiber. A number of points about the 
size of matches are cut from the siliceous rind of reeds and are 
Prepared with ourare. Inserting one of these points into the 
slit, it is held there firmly enough to enter the body of an ani- 
mal, while the arrow drops off and can be recovered. 
Ourare is a very important factor in the hunting equipment of 
Guiana Indians. It is prepared by them from a variety of poi-. 
sonous woods, barks and fruits, is placed in small calabashes and 
carefully Wrapped in leaves. When required for use, cassava 
juice is employed to soften it. The deadly effect of this poison 
is too well known to require further mention. Inasmuch as it is 
used not only for purposes of the chase, but also in warfare, the 
Indians have recourse to what thev claim as an effective antidote. 
In appearance this is a black powder, resembling charcoal. Any 
Person desiring to make himself ourare proof, inoculates himself 
at several places of his body. By taking this precaution he is 
Supposed to be insured against the deadly action of the poison 
for a number of years. In case no previous inoculation has 
taken place, an immediate introduction of this substance into the 
blood is said to neutralize the effect of ourare.! 
Apart from the more warlike propensities of the chase, the 
Guiana Indians are no strangers to the soothing influences ; they 
have invented flutes to beguile the hours when not resting. Two 
kinds are especially noticeable, the one made of reeds, the other 
of suitable bones. Of the latter the leopard furnishes the most _ 
frequent specimens. Whether it is merely a matter of preference 
or whether the possession of such a flute recalls reminiscences of 
Successful encounters, cannot be told. Limited as to scope and 
volume, yet the sounds produced by these instruments, orna- 
mented as they are with bright feathers and tassels, show that =~ 
“* * * music for the time doth change his nature.” 
In their domestic relations the Demerara Indians resemble their 
North American brethren. Contact with the whites has had the 
Same influence upon them. Living in a zone where clothing can 
be dispensed with, where the sustenance of life is rendered easy by 
"I have been assured by a gentleman that this was a fact, he having seen the ex- 
Pcriment of ourare poisoning and the administering of the antidote, successfully per- 
formed upon dogs, 
