We have arrived at the first declivities of the mountains, and I think we had better regain the region of forests." That was sensible advice, and was followed out.

After walking for one hour we had attained a forest of sago-trees.

Some inoffensive serpents glided away from us.

The birds of paradise fled at our approach, and truly I despaired of getting near one when Conseil, who was walking in front, suddenly bent down, uttered a triumphal cry, and came back to me bringing a magnificent specimen.
"Ah! bravo, Conseil!" "Master is very good." "No, my boy; you have made an excellent stroke.

Take one of these living birds, and carry it in your hand." "If master will examine it, he will see that I have not deserved great merit." "Why, Conseil ?" "Because this bird is as drunk as a quail." "Drunk!" "Yes, sir; drunk with the nutmegs that it devoured under the nutmeg-tree, under which I found it.