h we discovered running into the lake. We saw plenty of birds on
our way; among them the white ibis, the white heron, the snake-bird, and
vulture. We found a bluff, with deep water below it, into which we had
scarcely thrown our lines when we each hooked a large black bass; after
which we caught several bream, cat-fish, and perch, until we had as much
as we could carry.

I had gone down to the water to clean our fish; and I was so employed
when, stooping down, I saw the snout of an alligator raised above the
surface. Without moving, I imitated the grunt of a pig. The monster
saurian, expecting to have a porker for supper, swam on, with jaws open,
its wicked eye turned towards me. I had taken up my rifle, and when it
was about eight paces off, suddenly rising, I fired directly down its
throat. What was my horror to see it rushing forward at an accelerated
speed. As may be supposed, I sprang up the bluff, not stopping to
collect my fish; when the monster ran its nose right against the bank,
and, in a vain attempt to land, rolled back again, fiercely lashing the
water with its tail. Having made its way to the opposite side, after
several convulsive struggles, it turned over and died. Had my foot
slipped on the grassy bank, my adventures would probably have been
ended. I was quickly joined by Tim; and while finishing the cleaning of
our fish, we kept a sharp look-out.

Near the spot where we were encamped was a hummock, on which grew
mulberry-trees, boxwood, and gigantic cypresses, six feet in diameter,
their trunks and branches being completely enclosed in the india-rubber
vine, which in this part of the country grows in great profusion.

On our return to camp, Tim and I were passing near a thicket when we
were saluted with strange cries, resembling the mewings of a number of
deserted kittens. As we approached to ascertain what creatures were
uttering these strange sounds, they grew louder and louder. We caught
sight, however, only of several birds, about the size of a thrush,
flitting in and out among the branches, and stopping every now and then
to look at us. As we passed on they followed, until we got close to the
camp. We then called Lejoillie to come and see them.

He at once pronounced them to be cat-birds. Their plumage was brown,
with black caps on their heads, their rumps being of a red orange tint.
They seemed to have no fear of us; for, gathering on the boughs of the
trees near the camp, evi