Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-04-03
yEyEzuELA's SHEPHERD BIRD.
IT 4. Called the NaLamiiS-""ou "s
Dog for Caring for Flock
popular Science NeWsJ

popular Science News)
The natives Of Venezuela and adjoining
countries on the north side Of the river
Amazon often avail themselves of the
services Of native crane to care for
their poultry. and also. in the place OF
collies or shepherd dogs, used by North
Americans and Europeans, to guard ana
herd their domestic animals.
This remarkable bird, which the INDIANS
call vakamk and ornitnologists psop-
hia crepitans. is found in a Wild state in
the great forests that lie between the
northern coasts Of South America and
the Amazon river, particularly In Nene-
zuela and British Guiana. The birds
never leave the forest unless shot or
CAPTURED. They travel about in flocks
Of from 100 TO 200 in search or the per
ries. fruits. and insects, upon when
they subsst. Their usual gait Is slow
and stately march. but they enliven
themselves from time 20 time by leaping
up into the air, executing eccentric ana
fantastic waitzes, and striking the most
absurd and preposterous attitudes. IL
pursued they endeavor TO save themselves
by running for their flight is so weak,
according 10 Schomburgk, that when they
attempt 10 fly over body OF water or
any considerable width, they are often
obliged TO drop upon 1t and save them
selves by swimming. When alarmed,
they utter the peculiar cry which has
obtained for them their name of trum-
peters The sound is something like that
produced by a person endeayoring TO
shout the syllables TOW. tow. tow; tow,
tow, tow" with his mouth shut, or the
dolefui noise made by children on New
Years with their trumpets. The yaka-
miks usually deposit their eggs in a hol-
at h.. Co. .
a tree.
A nest generally contains ten eggs, of
a pale green color. The young birds
follow their mother as soon as they are
Matched. but do not lose their pretty
downy covering until several weeks old.
The yakamiks are very readily tanned,
and prove valuable servants to the
Indians. who domesticate them, and as
they are courageous and viii protect
animals intrusted In their care at every
risk to themselves. even dogs are obliged
10 yield 10 their authority They may
be trusted with the care OF flock of
sheep or domestic fowls and every morn
/ ing will drive the ducks and poultry 10
I their feeding places and carefully collect
| ing any stragglers, bring them safely
home a, night. 4 yalxanik soons learns
to know ana 10 obey the voice OF its mas
ter, follows him. when permitted,
hhiifN'i III rRNFF dAE hIttdlS NFt4EAktl
/ at receiving his caresses. 1t repines at
/ his absence and welcomes his return,
/ and is extremely jealous OF any rival
/ Should any dog or cat approach, 8; nses
at II with the utmost fury, and attack
/ ing II with wings and beak drives II
| away.
! II presents itself regularly during meals,
/ from which IL chases all domestic animals
/ and even the negroes who wait on the
| table. II IL IL not well acquainted with
/ them. and only asks for a share OF the
eatab.es after IL has driven away all who
/ might aspire TO a favorable notice from
tie family II appreciates favors in the
same proportion as II is jealous Of sharing
them with others, and manifests Joy and
affection by the most exiravagant capers
/ and gesticuiations. When the animals
4 OF which II has charge are shut UP for
the night, the yakamik roosis upon some
shed or tree near at hand 10 be ready
70 take is place as keeper as soon as
| they are let out In the morning. One
\ quality that makes II valuable is It's sense
| OF location, which IL perfect; however
far II may wander with the focks or
herds II guards. II never falls TO find
l It's way home at night. driving before