20 A botanist’s ramble in central AMERICA 
able one. However, sometime after dark we arrived at Biley’s 
Banch,” a building situated on a banana plantation, and erected 
for the convenience and shelter of the labourers engaged thereon. 
We found this tenanted by numerous Indians and their dogs, but 
as it was large and fairly watertight, we soon set to* work, slung 
hammocks, changed clothes, &c., &c., and after a few fine brew of 
steaming hot chocolate in addition to a substantial meal, we 
sought the arms of Morpheus. We were disturbed at intervals 
by the barking of the dogs, and the demoniacal howling of the 
‘‘baboons” or monkeys* in the adjacent woods. These gentlemen 
were very plentiful, but it was certainly my wish that before I 
had made their acquaintance, they had been sufficiently evolution- 
IZED to devote the night to sleep, instead of maintaining their 
interminable orgies. The rain continued to pour in torrents all 
through the night, but at daylight next morning the sky v/as 
clear, and we again pursued our journey. 
The river was now in high flood, which made it laborious 
work for the men at the oars, but steady progress was made, how- 
ever, and the hours glided rapidly by, taken up as they were by 
observations on the many new and exciting objects which moment- 
ly came into view. Several species of parrots were flying in large 
flocks in different directions, a noticeable feature in their flight 
being, that they were always in pairs flying side by side at a dis- 
tance of one or two feet apart from each other. Macaws were 
not common, though several were seen, but the yellow billed 
“ Toucan” (Bhamphastus, Sp.) and a large black bird with yel- 
low tail feathers, were very numerous. In passing a large level 
piece of ground on which the “Baawa,” was very plentiful, we 
found that on the seeds of this tree there was a large number of 
birds feeding. These by their loud cries, were soon made out to 
be what was there known as the “ Turkey Qualm.” From notes 
and sketches taken afterwards, I believe this to be a species of 
Penelope, probably Penelope grist ata. It much resembles 
the curassow, Clox globicera, and like that bird has a fine crest 
which it raises or depresses at pleasure. At a distance they were 
similar in appearance to a turkey and almost as large. Being 
described to us as excellent for food a stoppage was made for the 
purpose of attempting to secure a specimen or two. The river 
side, however, was very difficult, being covered for some yards by 
a floating growth of grass, Panicum mvurus, Lam., and on the 
banks with a strong growth of the wild cane, Arundo gcciden- 
talis, Sieb., the necessary chopping to get through which, 
resulted in the sudden departure of our feathered friends. Another 
n A Possibly be identified with Myeetes Beelzebiw^ or the preacher monkey — 
of Brazil and. Guiana. 
