THE O YS TER- CA TCHERS. 



345 



darker brown than the back, which is traversed by numerous light 

 pencillings, interspersed by diminutive jet-coloured spots. Its eyes 

 are remarkable for their look of intelligence and vivacity. They are 

 most easily tamed, and appear to possess a great antipathy to sirife, 



Fig. 137. — Cariama. 



for it will at once separate any of the poultry who, from jealousy or 

 other causes, quarrel with each other. Its nest is generally upon a 

 low bush, very rudely constructed, in which they deposit two eggs, 

 which are pure white. 



The Oyster-catchers (Hcematopus) are characterised by a long, 

 pointed, and powerful bill, which they use like a pair of pincers for 



