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casions instant death. Happily, there exists an infallible 

 antidote to the venom of these reptiles in a plant called 

 el Guaco, the leaves or roots of which pounded and ap- 

 plied to the wound, or used internally by chewing them, 

 and swallowing the juice, very rarely fail to effect a cure. 

 This plant is also worn round the legs or ankles by per- 

 sons in the woods, to prevent the bite of a snake. It is al- 

 ways to be found near places frequented by venomous 

 animals. Its effect on them is believed to be narcotic and 

 soothing — a sort of intoxication, which disarms them of 

 their malignity. I was told by a merchant at Izabal, that 

 having allowed the guaco to grow up in his garden, the 

 place in a short time was infested by snakes ; but that on 

 rooting up the plant, and clearing his garden of it, these 

 unwelcome visitors disappeared. It is believed that the 

 guaco might prove an excellent remedy against the 

 cholera, as also in cases of hydrophobia; but it does not 

 appear that the experiment has yet been made. The 

 Mica is another snake, the reputed peculiarity of which is 

 that it does not bite, but lashes with its tail, which it uses 

 like a whip. In doing this, the mica fixes its head in the 

 ground, and exerts itself so effectually, as to flog an enemy 

 to death. I do not vouch for the truth of this marvellous 

 story. The Boa is also found in some parts of Central 

 America. The Armadillo and the Iguana are common, 

 and are said to be excellent eating. Scorpions and centi- 

 pedes are also numerous, and the more troublesome, as 

 they infest the dwellings of the inhabitants. 



The birds of Central America are deservedly celebrated 

 for their great variety, and the extraordinary beauty of 

 their plumage. Among the most conspicuous, is the 

 Q,uesal, or Trogon resplendens, which is to be found only 

 in the wild and remote regions of Central America and 

 the south of Mexico. Those frequenting the forests of 

 Q,uesaltenango, from which they derive their name, are 

 much the finest. This bird is of the shape and size of a 



