eads.
Looking up, we at length caught sight of several large birds, perched on
the higher branches above us, with enormous bills. We approached
cautiously, hiding ourselves underneath some wide palm-leaves, between
which we could observe the noisy assemblage. The birds seemed to be
shouting out "To-o-cano, to-o-cano," and it is on this account that the
Indians give them the name from which we derive that of toucans. One
was perched above the rest, and he kept bending his neck downwards, and
looking about in the most knowing way, as if to ascertain what sort of
creatures we could be. The rest seemed to be employing themselves in
picking some fruit, every now and then throwing up their huge beaks as
if to let it slip down their throats. As we were anxious to procure
some fresh food for dinner, I had been getting my gun ready as quietly
as possible, and having selected the bird nearest to me, I raised it to
my shoulder and fired. Down came the bird, fluttering among the
branches, and we ran forward to secure our prize. On examining it, we
found that its feet were like those of a parrot. It was of a black
colour, with a gloss of green; about fifteen inches in length, with a
long tail and short wings; the feathers at the bottom of the back being
of a sulphur hue. The cheeks, throat, and fore part of the breast, were
of the same tint, while across the lower part of the breast was a broad
crimson bar; the under part being also crimson. The remainder of the
flock having flown away, I was unable to obtain another shot. These
birds we afterwards saw in great numbers. Their large beaks give them
an awkward appearance when flying, yet when climbing about the trees
they are evidently of great assistance, as also in picking fruit, or
catching the insects they find among the bark.

We went some distance before I could get another shot. I then killed a
green parrot, and soon after another. Arthur could scarcely believe
that we should find them fit for eating. I was on the point of taking
aim at a monkey which came peering out at us among the boughs, when he
drew back my arm.

"You surely will not kill that creature!" he exclaimed. "I could never
bring myself to eat it, if you do; and I am sure your sister would not."

I told him that monkeys form the principal food of many of the tribes in
the country.

"Oh, but then they are no better than cannibals," he answered.

"Wait a little till we are pressed for want of fo