CLASS II. AYES: ORDER 3. SCANSORES. 
223 
rang. A native perceives a large flight of cockatoos in a forest whicli encircles a lagoon ; the 
expanse of water affords an open clear space above it, unencumbered with trees, but which raise 
their gigantic forms all around, more vigorous in their growth from the damp soil in which they 
flourish. In their leafy summits sit a countless number of cockatoos, screaming and flying from 
tree to tree, as they make their arrangements for a night's sound sleep. The native throws aside 
his cloak, so that he may not have even this slight covering to impede his motions, draws his 
kiley from his belt, and, with a noiseless, elastic step, approaches the lagoon, creeping from tree 
to tree, and from bush to bush, and disturbing the birds as little as possible. Their sentinels, 
however, take the alarm, the cockatoos farthest from the water fly to the trees near its edge, and 
thus they keep concentrating their force as the native advances; they are aware that danger is 
at hand, but are ignorant of its, nature. x\t length the pursuer almost reaches the edge of the 
water, and the scared cockatoos, with wild cries, spring into the air ; at the same instant the native 
raises his right hand high over his shoulder, and, bounding forward with his utmost speed, to give 
impetus to his bloAv, the kiley quits his hand as if it would strike the water ; but when it has 
almost touched the unruflled surfece of the lake, it spins upward with inconceivable velocity, and 
with the strangest contortions. In vain the terrified cockatoos strive to avoid it; it sweeps wildly 
and uncertainly through the air — and so eccentric are its motions, that it requires but a slight 
stretch of the imagination to fancy it endowed with life — and with fell swoops in rapid pursuit of 
the devoted birds, some of whom are almost certain to be brought screaming to the earth. But 
the wily savage has not yet done with them. He avails himself of the extraordinary attachment 
which these birds have for one another, and fastening a wounded one to a tree, so that its cries 
may induce its companions to return, he watches his opportunity, by throwing his kiley or spear, 
to add another bird or two to the booty he has already obtained." 
THE AEIEL TOUCAIT. HtJMEOLDT's ARA9ABI. 
THE EHAMPHASTIDJE OE TOUCAJ^S. 
These birds are distinguished by their enormous bills, sometimes as large as the body ; hence 
the French name of Tout-bec or All-hill. This feature, however, is very light, its substance being 
