46 A YEAR IN SOUTH AMERICA.

 

called the “barber bird”? because he cuts
the web from the stem of his tail feathers
using his beak like a pair of scissors.
Wishing to visit some friends, one day
we rode in sedan chairs as there were

The

chairs were carried by four black men

neither street cars nor carriages.

Such fun as it
When

we reached the home of our friend we

who sing as they travel.

was, to peep out as we rode,

did not rap or ring, but clapped our
hands as hard as we could. Our friends

came to the door and said, ‘enter and

welcome, the house and its contents are

yours.” We went into the parlor where

coffee was served in tiny cups as we chatted.

 

On our ride home we saw priests in their
black gowns, water carriers with large red
jars on their heads, black men carrying
great bags of sugar or coffee and other
sights equally strange. Another ride we
had, was in a musical cart. Thisis a cart
with solid wheels and axles so that they
both turn together as the cart moves.
It is intended that the cart should squeak,
and it does. You can not hear yourself
The bottom of the

cart was spread with bright colored mats

talk when it moves.
on which we sat. The cart is drawn by
oxen that hurry not at all because of the

uncanny sounds behind them. Yet we

thought it great fun.