nt--if so it can be called--of a native king. His territory is
known as the Mosquito Country, from the name of the chief native tribe
over which he rules.

The climate is very similar to that of the West Indies. On the lower
lands a variety of tropical productions can be brought to perfection,
while in the high regions cereals of various sorts are abundantly
produced.

FAUNA.

The fauna partakes partly of the character of that of the equatorial
regions of South America, and of the semi-tropical districts of Mexico.
There are several varieties of ant-eaters, similar to those found in the
valley of the Amazon, while the grey squirrel of more northern latitudes
skips playfully amid the forests of the interior. In the woods and wide
savannahs are two or more varieties of deer--one resembling the European
deer in colour, but of less size, and adorned with large antlers. The
other is of a lighter and browner tint, possessing short, smooth-pointed
horns. The peccary is common in the valleys and low ground along the
coast; while the waree, or wild hog, runs in large droves in many
districts. The tapir, similar to that of the southern continent, also
frequents the seashore and banks of the rivers; and another species,
peculiar to the region, is said to have been discovered lately. There
are numerous varieties of monkeys, among which are the brown, the
horned, and the little, playful capuchin. The raccoon, as elsewhere, is
common, and is noted for its thieving propensities. It lives chiefly on
animal food. There is an interesting little opossum of about ten feet
in length, of a grey colour, with a somewhat large head, and a long and
very flexible tail--the feet being provided with sharp claws. When the
young leave the mother's pouch, she can place them on her back, to which
they cling, while she scrambles amid the forest boughs. Besides the
great ant-eater, there is the smaller striped ant-eater, and the little
ant-eater. There is a curious creature, called the quash, resembling
the ichneumon, which possesses a peculiarly fetid smell, and is known
for its powerful, lacerating teeth. There are several species, also, of
the armadillo, distinguished as the three-banded, eight-banded, and
nine-banded. The paca is also very plentiful, and becomes easily
domesticated. It reaches two feet in length, and its thick, clumsy
form, of a dusky brown colour, may be seen scampering through the woods.
The agouti, or Indian con