In the same legion, the Indians form a sort of trumpet out of bamboo,
covering one end with a thick membrane. On blowing through the other, a
sound is produced resembling the bleating of a young fawn. Hiding
himself behind a tree, the hunter decoys the doe towards his place of
concealment, when he easily shoots her with his poisoned arrow.
The following is another device for approaching the deer in the open
plains. These animals seem to have a peculiar fondness for the tall
crane of the Llanos--a large white bird, with long, slender legs, and at
least five feet in height. It has a pouch of a bright scarlet, and a
bill nearly a foot long, and wide at the base, which enables it to
swallow a large fish at a mouthful. The hunter forms a mask to resemble
the head of the crane, and, clothing his own dark body in white, holding
his weapon low down, goes off in the direction of the deer, taking care
to approach it to leeward. He then imitates the movements of the crane.
When the deer stops to look at him, he bends down his head as if
feeding. As soon as the deer again begins to browse, the hunter
carefully approaches it till he gets within range, and can shoot his
deadly dart with certain aim.