THE NATURALIST 
VOL, IV., NO. XXXIII.—JUNE, 1839. 
ABSTRACT OF DR. ROBERT H. SCHOMBURGK’S REPORT OF AN 
EXPEDITION INTO THE INTERIOR OF BRITISH GUIANA. 
By Henry BuisY; 
(Concluded from page 255.) 
Many of the savannahs’we crossed were covered with the fabrics of a species of 
i Termites; their nests were pyramidal and fantastic, and from five to ten feet in 
height; they are formed of the ochreous Clay of the savannahs. The insects 
themselves do not appear to differ, except in being rather smaller than those 
which build large nests on the trees, and which are known in the West-Indian 
Islands by the name of the Wood Ant; here they are called by the Indians 
“ Toukousiba.” Another kind incrusted the trunks of trees from the base to the 
branches, giving them an appearance as if they were fringed. 
Being obliged to remain for several days at the village of Pirarara, an excursion, 
to the mountain valley of the river Maou, or Mahou, in the Parina mountains, 
was decided on.—Furnished, therefore, with provisions, we started towards the 
mountains, passing the celebrated Lake Amacu, where numerous flocks of Ducks 
rose out of the marshes and flew round us in circles; they were mostly of that 
kind called Vicissi .* The species peculiar to these regions are uncommonly pretty 
in appearance, their feathers being variously coloured, their bill short, eyes black. 
The Musk Duck (Anas mGsehata) likewise frequents the lake in large flocks. A 
bare rugged mountain was our guide to the Maou. When we approached, it was 
found to be covered with fragments of Quartz, while large boulders of Trappean 
origin gave it a rugged appearance. We have noticed th e Bursera gummifera, 
the Turpentine-tree of the Islands; also Croton balsamiferum , astroites , betulinum ; 
* The Vicissy'Duck is smaller than the European Duck ; bill, legs, and feet of an orange colour; 
feathers on the top of the head brown, with variegated bars; breast a dark mahogany colour. 
The Yicissy breeds in the savannahs, and makes a sort of whistling noise, not in the least like 
that made by Ducks in England. They are so timid when fired at, that, though unhurt, they will 
fall to the ground to all appearance dead : but if not mortally wounded they are never discovered, 
as they hide themselves in the Grass with surprising dexterity. They are very delicate eating, 
being free from that fishy taste so unpleasant in the Muscovy Duck.-— Martin’s Brit . Colonies , 
Vol. II., p. 101. 
VOL. IV. —NO. XXXIII. 3 N 
