8(5 
TRINIDAD. 
swallowed ill a mass ; they also lay their tongues on tlio 
track of the parasol ants and devour immense numhers 
of them. The great ant-eater moves very slowly, and 
Avhenever aware of any danger, (piickly throws itself on 
its hack, and in that posture awaits the attack of its 
assailants, Avhich it seizes with its powerful arms and 
fearful claws ; these it plunges into the hody of its 
enemy, gradually thrusting more and more deeply until 
death ensues. Its hold is so tenacious that dogs cannot 
disengage themselves from the murderous grip, and must 
]>e1i’ish unless promptly relieveil ; hence its Spanish 
name of mataperro, or the dotr-killer ; it is also called 
the slotli, or again, the “ poor-me-one,” from its mourn- 
ful night-cry, Avliich the fancy of the peasant has 
assimilated to the sound of these words. 
Pachy-clermata. — Wild hog, cuenco or pecari {Dyco- 
tiles). There are tv'o distinct species of cuencos — one 
rather larger than the other ; they range in small hands 
of five or eight, or in larger of fifty and above ; they 
haunt the high woods, and the smaller species is parti- 
cularly common towards the eastern coast. When 
started by the dogs, the pecari takes to flight, but is soon 
brought to bay against a tree, or in some hollow, or other 
shelter, Avhere'it makes a formidable, and often a success- 
ful defence with its tusks, frequently wounding, maim- 
ing, or killing such as venture within its reach. When 
in force and. very numerous, they even giA^o chase to the 
dogs, and the hunters themselves may be compelled to 
seek refuge in the branches of some tree. This animal, 
notwithstanding, is easily domesticated, and becomes 
much attached to its master. Wlien young, and in good 
season and condition, the cuenco is most delicate oatincr. 
. • O 
Kuminantia. — Deer {fJervus simplia co7'nis). The 
deer is very common in all parts of the island, but par- 
ticularly in the neighbourhood of plantations. Aidiere it 
browses on peas, young maize, the stems and leaves of the 
manioc, sAveet potato and yam, it also destroys the 5’’oung 
cacao-plants. The deer bears in appearance, size, and 
