110 
THE TOUCAN. 
quest of food, going northward or southward, 
as the fruits ripen. It is very fond of grapes. 
The Toucan builds its nest in the holes of 
trees, that are either formed by itself, or that 
from accident it meets with ; and no bird better 
secures its young from external injury. It has 
not only birds, men, and serpents, to guard 
against, but a numerous train of monkeys, still 
more prying, mischievous, and hungry, than all 
the rest. The Toucan, however, sits in its hole, 
defending the entrance with its great beak ; and 
if the monkey venture to offer a visit of curi- 
osity, the Toucan gives him such a welcome, 
that he is soon glad to make his escape. 
This bird is a native of Guiana and Brazil, 
and is said to be in great request in South 
America, both from the delicacy of its flesh, 
and on account of the beauty of its plumage, 
particularly the feathers of the breast. The 
skin of this part, the Indians pluck off, and, 
when dry, glue to their cheeks, — and this they 
consider as an irresistible addition to their 
beauty. 
