SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 187 



sale, many of them from a considerable dis- 

 tance, form one of the most animated sights 

 that can be imagined. It was my constant 

 morning*^ excursion: and by purchasing 

 their curious birds, or other natural pro- 

 ductions, at rather a higher price than usual, 

 I became known to them, and had several of 

 them in my pay, who brought to my house 

 whatever they could find that would please 

 the Britannico, a name by which I was 

 known in the market. One old woman was 

 very successful in taking the humming birds, 

 and brought me alive many of the most beau- 

 tiful species in my present collection. But I had 

 much difficulty in procuring specimens of or- 

 nithology in the market fit for my purpose ; 

 for, though hundreds of fine birds were 

 almost daily brought, yet most of them were 

 partially plucked, and many were without 

 feet. 



Among the great variety of aquatic birds 



