The crane or jabiru of Surinam, I can best compare to a stork, of which it has much the appearance, but is larger. The body of this bird is milk white, but the prime feathers of the wings and tail are black: the limbs and toes are excessively long; but I observed one peculiarity which distinguishes it from all other birds, viz. that it frequently sits upon the heel: the neck and bill are of an uncommon length, the latter being strong, and a little hooked at the point. The head of the crane or jabiru is perfectly black, on account of which, among the Dutch, it obtained the appellation of a negro-cop. It frequents the coast, like the others above mentioned, and lives entirely on fish: this bird is easily tamed. I have seen a couple of them in the poultry-yard belonging to Colonel Fourgeoud.—(See both these species of sea-fowls in the plate annexed, where the last is represented sitting in the posture I have described.) [[344]]
To delineate the different species of wild ducks that are in Surinam with any degree of accuracy, is a talk which I acknowledge to be far beyond my reach. Suffice it therefore to say, that in general they are not very large, but adorned with the most splendid tints and most beautiful plumage that can be imagined, particularly those they call the cawereerkee, the sookooroorkee, and the annakee, which last are the smallest. No water-fowl of any kind, without exception, can be more delicate eating than all those I have just mentioned; while some of them are tameable, and frequently seen amongst the poultry on the plantations.
Having the following day the opportunity of a boat, I prosecuted my voyage down the Cottica River till I came to Paramaribo, where in fine spirits and perfect health (however strange) I arrived that very same evening, and where I was most heartily welcomed by my many friends with the warmest congratulations on my still existing, after having escaped so many dangers, and been so long deprived of every comfort—torn by thorns, stung by insects—starved, tormented, emaciated, and wounded—often without clothes, health, rest, money, refreshments, medicines, or friends;—and after having lost so many of my brave companions, who lay buried in the dust.——Thus ended my seventh and last campaign in the forest of Guiana. [[345]]
[1] See the above route, and all the others to Gado-Saby, in Plate LVI. where they are by different lines distinctly marked. [↑]
[2] The above captain and his crew were since set at liberty, having been ransomed by the Dutch. [↑]
[3] Should it be remarked that during this expedition some unchristian-like expressions have escaped, let it be at the same time recollected, that while surgeons and even cooks, though both of little use, had been provided, nothing like a parson was ever seen amongst us, from the day we sailed from the Texel. [↑]
CHAP. XXIX.
Some Account of a remarkable Negro.—The Troops prepare for Europe.—Description of a Coffee Plantation.—Plan of Reform for the Increase of Population, and universal Happiness.—One more Instance of horrid Barbarity; and Example of Humanity.—The Regiment embarks.