yo 
HISTORY OF MAURITIUS. 
multiplied. They subsist on the fruits of the harvest, and the government has set a 
price on their destruction. 
There is a very pretty Tom-tit, whose wings are dotted with white spots; and the 
Cardinal, whose head, neck, and belly, at a certain season of the year, are of a 
bright red; the rest of its plumage is a fine pearl colour. This bird comes from 
Bengal. 
There are three kinds of Partridge much smaller than ours, and their cry resembles 
that of a hoarse cock. They roost, during the night, on the trees, as in other hot 
countries. 
The fine Pheasant of China, and Pintades , have been let loose in the woods. 
Geese and wild ducks have also been- introduced to the pools of water; there are 
also tame ones, and among others the Manilla duck, which is very beautiful. There 
are our European fowls ; a kind of African fowl, whose skin, flesh, and bones are 
black; and another sort from China, the male of which is remarkable for its courage. 
Many of the inhabitants derive considerable advantage from their poultry, on 
account of the scarcity of meat. Pigeons succeed very well here, and they are the 
best fowl of the island. Two kinds of turtle doves, as well as hares, have been 
brought hither. . 
In the woods, there are goats, wild hogs, and deer, the latter of which have mul¬ 
tiplied in such a manner, that a squadron of ships has been victualled with them. 
Their flesh is excellent, particularly in the months of April, May, June, July, and 
August. The flocks which have been domesticated have never multiplied. 
Among the domestic quadrupeds, there are sheep who loose their wool, goats 
which thrive; and cattle which come from Madagascar, and have a large wen on 
their necks. The cows give very little milk, and their calves degenerate. 
There is sometimes a total want of butchers’ meat; but the inhabitants have a 
resource in pork, which is better than that of Europe; it does not, however, make 
good salt meat, which proceeds from a defect in the salt. The female pig is very 
subject, in thisdsland, to produce monsters. 
Horses are very dear; a common one will cost an hundred pistoles. They fall 
away at the port, on account of the heat. They are never shod, though the island 
is full of rocks. Mules are very scarce here; and the asses are small and rare. 
The ass might become the most useful animal of the country, as it would ease the 
labour of the Negroes. 
