of her head
is gold, the rest of her body greyish white, her beak pale pink, her
tail of green and gold, intermingled with touches of greyish-white and
red. She feeds on the blossoms of a flower growing amongst a peculiar
grass, and on all kinds of fruit. She does not drink, but is satisfied
with juices from the rich fruits which we have all the year round.
Kamouska, I should say, is the name of the female bird, who alone is
petted, the male being vicious and without feathers. Frequent reference
is made to her by our poets.

5. Orestee.--The name of a man who invented an ingenious
instrument for discovering diamonds in the bowels of the earth, and for
penetrating to the spot where they lay.

This instrument possesses an electricity sympathetic to diamonds only.
The presence of them is indicated by an exceedingly sensitive arm of the
instrument which being retained on the spot indicated, puts forth
tendrils that gradually perforate the earth, and do not stop until a
precious stone is reached.

6. Meleeta.--A pet animal of most peculiar formation. Its body
resembles that of a beast, and is covered with hair of a light hue,
interspersed with dark chestnut spots. Its belly is white, as likewise
are the feathers of its bird-like wings and tail, though these are
varied with touches of crimson, blue, and gold. Its eyes are large, and
of a jet black, its neck is long and graceful like that of a swan, its
back is short and sleek, and its legs and feet, which are armed with
claws, are small, graceful, and mobile. But its most remarkable
peculiarity is the resemblance of its face to that of man. The males,
which have horns like polished white ivory, are not petted.

The female yields a delicious milk, sweet and refreshing to the smell as
to the taste, and with peculiar qualities when taken fresh from the
animal. Meleetas are brought into the room during the early morning or
"fruit-meal" repast, and each answers to her name, and stands still to
be milked.

I had one much attached to me, who would come of her own accord, flutter
her wings, and crouch at the top of my chair. The attendant was obliged
to milk the animal close to my chair, and the affectionate little thing
would watch the man until he handed me the milk, as though she feared he
might give it to one of the guests. Infants are suckled by these tame
animals.

At the beginning of my reign the animals were very rare, and indeed
nearly extinct, their only food being