Four days we remained at San Pablo making arrangements for the contemplated1 expedition to the Apure; but the horses being quartered at considerable distance, we removed to La Yegüera, a small farm within the estate exclusively devoted2 to the breeding of those animals. Great numbers of mules3 were also raised there, which made the equine stock amount to nearly three thousand animals of all ages. There, untrammelled by barriers of any kind, they roamed at will over those beautiful meadows in a semi-wild state; their only keeper was a half-breed, who with his family occupied the Ranch4, which on that occasion was to shelter us also. This Ranch being too small, however, for the accommodation of the whole party, most of them bivouacked in a grove5 of lofty Cesalpinias and Carob trees, from whose spreading branches they slung6 their hammocks, the dense7 foliage8 forming a sufficient shelter from the heavy dews of night and the heat of the sun by day.
Our Leader, the Doctor, and myself, were domiciled{58} at the Ranch. Having the full range of the neighboring groves9 during the day, we had then no occasion to use our single apartment, already partially10 occupied with the culinary utensils11 and other wares12 of the family. But on retiring to our hammocks at night, the scene presented was rather ludicrous. In the same room allotted13 to us slept the keeper, his wife, and their numerous progeny14, with all the dogs and chickens of the household huddled15 together in the most familiar manner. Notwithstanding, I will confess that the arrangement was not altogether disagreeable to me, as in close propinquity slept two of the prettiest damsels I had yet encountered in that region, with eyes brilliant enough to render other light superfluous16. The only important hindrance17 to my nightly repose18 was the occasional flapping of wings and the hourly crowing of our host’s favorite gamecock, tied directly under my hammock, and who served for clock and night-watchman to the establishment.
Agapito, our host, had an easy time as overseer of this domain19, his only occupation being from time to time to scour20 the savannas21 in search of young foals which might have been attacked by the gusano. This is the larv? of a species of fly deposited in the umbilical cord of the new born, and which, if not promptly22 removed, will eat into the very vitals. It is fortunately not difficult to destroy them by the use of powdered cebadilla, the seed of a liliaceous plant (Veratrum cebadilla) abounding23 in veratrine. For this purpose, the keeper is always provided with a horn filled with the poisonous drug, and a wooden spatula24.{59} With the latter he digs out the worms and fills the wound with the powder to prevent a renewal25 of their attacks.
Groves and meadows unequalled for their luxuriance and natural beauty surrounded us on all sides, while numerous springs and rivulets26, issuing from the foot of the terrace-like Mesas, rushed down the declivity27 of the plain, increasing the volume of the beautiful Guárico on whose banks stood the primitive28 abode29 of our unsophisticated host. This river is justly celebrated30 for the abundance and superiority of its fish; so, without delay, providing myself with hook and line, I proceeded thither31, being anxious to procure32 specimens33 for my sketch-book, and also a substitute for our daily fare of beef. But, strange to relate, each time I dropped hook in the water, it was carried away in some mysterious manner, without the least motion being imparted to the float. My tackle, which I had brought from England, although arranged for fly-fishing, was capable of bearing a fish of many pounds weight; but as I soon lost all my stock in hand in the vain endeavor to secure my specimens, I gave up in disgust and returned to the Ranch that the mystery might, if possible, be explained. On seeing my slender lines, mine host with a broad grin facetiously34 remarked that they were good to play at fishing with, the only drawback to the amusement being that the caribe, a fish not larger than a perch35, would carry off all my playthings. Impossible, said I; the lines are strong enough to lift you out of the water if necessary; to this he quietly replied, directing my attention to a mutilated finger of his right{60} hand, “Do you see this? well, not long ago I was washing my hands in the river after slaughtering36 a calf37, when a caribe darted38 at my finger and carried off a part before I was even aware of his approach.” Here was a serious obstacle to my favorite sport, and to the pleasure that Mr. Thomas and I had anticipated in sketching39 the various kinds of fish peculiar40 to that region. Fortunately, a short distance down the river was a fishing encampment provided with all the necessary appliances for obtaining the fish in large quantities. Of these we resolved to avail ourselves; but as several others of our party were equally interested, our leader despatched a messenger to the fishermen, inviting42 them to come up the river with their nets, and fish in our presence. To this they readily acceded43, and soon after made their appearance paddling themselves over the water in four large canoes laden44, among other things, with their chinchorros or seines, which they at once proceeded to spread across the stream, covering a deep charco or pool known to contain abundance of fish. Although the river at this season was very low, owing to the usual summer drought, pools of considerable depth were left at intervals45, and in these the fish sought refuge in vast numbers from the season’s heat and from the eager pursuit of the fishermen, of which the latter sang, while spreading their seines, in the following lines:
Guavina le dijo á Bagre
Vámonos al caramero,
Porque ya viene el verano
Y nos coge el chinchorrero.
{61}
As the nets were dragged towards each other, the fish could be seen by thousands moving within the space embraced by the seines. Indeed, so numerous were they, that it soon became impossible to pull them in shore without previously47 relieving them of a portion of their contents. Accordingly, some of the men, armed with throw-nets, harpoons48, and bicheros—these last large hooks affixed50 to wooden handles—plunged51 into the midst of the finny multitude, and commenced an onslaught on the largest among them. Presently one of the men came out with a monstrous52 fellow of the catfish53 tribe beautifully striped like a Bengal tiger, and like him having a thick snout furnished with long barbs54. This species is called the bagre rayado or striped catfish, and is much esteemed55 by people of all classes as a substitute for beef during Lent. Large quantities are salted and sent at that time to the capital and other cities, where, under the name of pescado llanero, it forms one of the delicacies56 of the season. Some of these fish attain57 an enormous size, measuring five, six, and even seven feet in length, and are so fat that a single one is a load for two men.
Image unavailable:
In diving with the bichero, much caution was necessary on the part of the men lest they should be{62} hooked by their hasty companions in lieu of the fish. A more important source of anxiety to the divers58, was several dangerous fish among the multitude struggling in the water, such as the Ray-fish, whose tail is furnished with a sting three inches long, with which it inflicts59 a very painful wound; Electric eels60, whose touch alone will paralyze in an instant the muscles of the strongest man; the Payara, shaped somewhat like a sabre, and equally dangerous. The lower jaw62 of this last is furnished with a formidable pair of fangs63, not unlike those of the rattlesnake; with these it inflicts as smooth a gash64 as if cut with a razor; and finally, the caribe, whose ravenous65 and bloodthirsty propensities66 have caused it to be likened to the cannibal tribe of Indians, once the terror of those regions, but now scattered67 over the towns and villages along the course of the Orinoco. Each time the nets were hauled in shore, half a dozen or more of these little pests were to be seen jumping in the crowd, their jaws68 wide open tearing whatever came in their way, especially the meshes69 of the nets, which they soon rendered useless. Their sharp triangular70 teeth, arranged in the same manner as those of the shark, are so strong, that neither copper71, steel, nor twine72 can withstand them. The sight of any red substance, blood especially, seems to rouse their sanguinary appetite; and as they usually go in swarms73, it is extremely dangerous for man or beast to enter the water with even a scratch upon their bodies. Horses wounded with the spur are particularly exposed to their attacks, and so rapid is the work of destruction, that unless immediate74 assistance is rendered, the fish{63} soon penetrate75 the abdomen76 of the animal and speedily reduce it to a skeleton; hence, doubtless, their appellation77 of mondonguero—tripe-eater. There are other varieties of the caribe in the rivers of the Llanos, but none so bold and bloodthirsty as this glutton78 of the waters. So abundant is this species in some rivers of the Apure, that it is a common saying among Llaneros: “there is more caribe than water.”
Image unavailable:
Every feature of this miniature cannibal denotes the ferocity and sanguinary nature of its tastes. The piercing eye, surrounded by a bloody-looking ring, is expressive80 of its cruel and bloodthirsty disposition81. Its under jaw, lined with a thick cartilaginous membrane82 which adds greatly to its strength, protrudes83 considerably84 beyond the upper, giving, as this formation of jaw does to all animals possessing it, likewise an expression of ferocity. Large spots of a brilliant orange hue85 cover a great portion of its body, especially the belly86, fins87, and tail. Toward the back, it is of a bluish ash color, with a slight tint88 of olive green, the intermediate spaces being of a pearly white, while{64} the gill-covers are tinged89 with red. The inhabitants being often compelled to swim across streams infested90 with them, entertain more fear of these little creatures than of that world-renowned monster, the crocodile. This last, although a formidable antagonist91 in the water, can be easily avoided and even conquered in single combat by daring men, while the former, from their diminutive92 size and greater numbers, can do more mischief93 in a short time than a legion of crocodiles.
The other kinds of caribe, although larger in size, are less dangerous than the preceding, and some even perfectly94 harmless. Among these, the black caribe of the Apure and Orinoco rivers is considered dainty eating. The caribito is also a harmless pretty little fish, with back of a fine green color, and belly white with occasional streaks95 of pink.
In spite, however, of all these vicious creatures, and the great depth of the water, the fishermen accomplished96 their work in a manner that would have done credit to the fearless pearl-divers of the ocean, more especially the swimmers, who are constantly in danger from some of the fish while gliding97 through the water in their pursuit. Those in the canoes were, of course, less liable to be attacked, although it often happened that a payara, being peculiarly adapted for darting98 out of the water, would clear the nets with a spring and fall in the midst of the paddlers, causing a momentary99 confusion among them. My attention was particularly attracted to the skill of the men in throwing their hand nets, sometimes lying on their stomach on the surface of the water, their hands encumbered100 with the nets; others would stand perfectly{65} erect101, half their bodies out of water, and without any footing to serve them as point d’appui. In the same manner, those whose business it was to drive the fish towards the seines, managed their huge batons102, and all apparently103 without the least inconvenience. Suddenly their labors104 were interrupted by a serious obstacle in the shape of a caiman or alligator105 struggling hard between the nets to regain106 his freedom. Here was a sufficient test of the courage and ability of the fishers. If the monster remained, he would not only endanger the nets, but also the progress of the men through the water, they being liable at any moment to come in contact with his powerful jaws. It was therefore decided107 to get rid of the intruder at all hazards. To accomplish this, a lazo was procured108, and to the astonishment109 of all the blancos present, a man went down with it to the bottom in search of the monster, with the avowed110 object of lazoing him under the water. After a few moments of, to us, most anxious suspense111, but which the hardy112 fishermen regarded as child’s play, their companion rose to the surface panting for breath, not yet having ascertained113 the precise position of his intended victim. After inhaling114 sufficient air, the diver again disappeared, coming up in due time with the glad tidings that the enemy was captured, in proof whereof he handed us the other end of the lazo that we might drag him out. This was no easy task, as these reptiles116, by their peculiar conformation, have immense power while under water, and it required the united efforts of all on shore to land him. This accomplished, we were perplexed117 in what manner to despatch41 him, as no steel{66} instrument can penetrate the thick cuirass of the caiman, except it be in the armpits; but so violent were his struggles, that it was impossible to strike him there. At last the Doctor, more sagacious than the rest of us in anatomical operations, plunged a harpoon49 into the nape of the neck. The effect was that of paralyzing at once the movements of the prisoner, after which he was easily stabbed.
The manner in which our gallant118 diver accomplished his daring feat79 was thus explained by his companions; the caiman, like the domestic hog119, is said to delight in being scratched about the ribs120,[23] and of this the diver perhaps availed himself in order to place the noose121 around his neck, being very careful to approach him from behind, as it is a well-known fact that these reptiles, owing to the nature of their collar vertebr?, cannot easily turn round. The alligator is not so dangerous as its congener the crocodile of the Orinoco and its tributaries122; few real crocodiles ever ascend123 the Guarico as far as San Pablo. However, a case had occurred here not long before, when a man disappeared under rather mysterious circumstances, and there was good reason to surmise124 that his loss was due to one of these gentry125. It appears that the seines, being entangled126 around a snag at the bottom of the river, a man was, as usual, sent to remove the obstruction127; considerable time elapsing without his reappearance, his comrades, seriously alarmed, instituted a diligent128 search, but no vestige129 of the unfortunate man was ever discovered. It never occurred{67} to his friends that he might have fallen a prey130 to a crocodile, and the calamity131 was universally ascribed to the supernatural influence of some evil genii of the deep. From that time, the spot has borne the ominous132 name of the Encantado or haunted pool.
All obstructions133 to the progress of the nets were at length removed, and a sufficient quantity of fish having been taken therefrom, we all assisted in pulling them in, and a few moments afterwards had the satisfaction of beholding135 the sand banks on which we were, strewn with the proceeds of the two seines.
It would be impossible to convey an adequate idea of the singular forms and brilliant hues136 of most of these fish, all new to me. The Cherna, in particular, attracted my attention from their abundance and peculiar formation. Some attain a large size, weighing as much as a hundred pounds, and their flesh is so delicate as to deserve the appellation of river veal137. The mouth is comparatively small, and set with a row of teeth bearing a strong resemblance to those of the human species.
The fishing having been solely138 for our amusement, and more game obtained than we required for our consumption, some was distributed among the people of the neighborhood who had collected to witness the sport, and the remainder given to the fishermen, who received besides a handsome compensation for their trouble in coming so far from their encampment.
During the distribution of the fish, a singular incident took place which illustrates139 at once the tenacity140 of life with which reptiles are endowed, and the electrical powers of that most singular creature, the{68} gymnotus or electric eel61. A boy had discovered one of these among the heap of fish on the beach, and was dragging it along by means of a bichero to avoid the shocks, when the body of the eel came accidentally in contact with the carcass of the caiman. This last, which, after the rough treatment it had received from our medical adviser141, was supposed to be quite dead, much to the surprise of all, opened his huge jaws and closed them with a loud crash. The Doctor, especially, who, from his professional knowledge in surgical142 operations, had pronounced it beyond recovery, was the loudest in his expressions of astonishment at this unexpected turn. It was, however, merely a convulsive movement, induced by contact with the eel, and similar to that produced on the limbs of a frog by a galvanic current; for, afterward134, the reptile115 remained without further signs of returning life. Science will, ere long, take advantage of the electric eel.
Image unavailable:
{69}
I would here most willingly entertain my readers with an account of the nature and habits of these “animal electrical machines,” had not the great Humboldt already elucidated143 the subject in the most comprehensive and brilliant manner. To his admirable works I will therefore refer the reader for a full and graphic144 description of this, one of the most curious of fish. It was in one of the numerous tributary145 creeks146 of this river, that the distinguished147 traveller procured the gymnoti for his experiments; perhaps from amongst the progenitors148 of the above mentioned. The manner in which they were obtained differed somewhat, however, from the one adopted by us on this occasion. Knowing how difficult it was to catch these eels on account of their extreme agility149 and powerful electrical discharges, the guides collected in the savannas a drove of wild horses, which they forced into a pool of water abounding in gymnoti. “The extraordinary noise caused by the horses’ hoofs150 makes the fish issue from the mud and excites them to attack. The yellowish and livid eels, resembling large aquatic151 serpents, swim on the surface of the water and crowd under the bellies152 of the horses and mules. A contest between animals of so different an organization presents a very striking spectacle. The Indians, provided with harpoons and long slender reeds, surround the pool closely, and some climb up the trees, the branches of which extend horizontally over the surface of the water. By their wild cries, and the length of their reeds, they prevent the horses from running away and reaching the bank of the pool. The eels, stunned153 by the noise, defend themselves{70} by the repeated discharge of their electric batteries. For a long interval46 they seem likely to prove victorious154. Several horses sink beneath the violence of the invisible strokes which they receive from all sides in organs the most essential to life; and stunned by the force and frequency of the shocks, they disappear under water.”
“I wish,” adds the traveller, “that a clever artist could have depicted155 the most animated156 period of the attack; the group of Indians surrounding the pond, the horses with their manes erect and eyeballs wild with pain and fright, striving to escape from the electric storm which they had roused, and driven back by the shouts and long whips of the excited Indians; the livid yellow eels, like great water snakes, swimming near the surface and pursuing their enemy; all these objects presented a most picturesque157 and exciting ‘ensemble.’ In less than five minutes two horses were killed; the eel, being more than five feet in length, glides158 beneath the body of the horse and discharges the whole length of its electric organ. It attacks, at the same time, the heart, the digestive viscera, and the c?liac fold of the abdominal159 nerves. I thought the scene would have a tragic160 termination, and expected to see most of the quadrupeds killed; but the Indians assured me that the fishing would soon be finished, and that only the first attack of the gymnoti was really formidable. In fact, after the conflict had lasted a quarter of an hour, the mules and horses appeared less alarmed; they no longer erected161 their manes, and their eyes expressed less pain and terror. One no longer saw them struck{71} down in the water, and the eels, instead of swimming to the attack, retreated from their assailants and approached the shore. The Indians now began to use their missiles; and by means of the long cord attached to the harpoon, jerked the fish out of the water without receiving any shock so long as the cord was dry.”
The electric eel, although much dreaded162 by man, is greatly esteemed by gourmands163. It is necessary, however, to deprive the fish of those parts constituting the electrical apparatus164, which are rather spongy and unpalatable. So perfect a machine is this curious organ, that Faraday succeeded—by insulation165 of the animal electricity and a most ingenious apparatus devised by him—in obtaining a spark with which he ignited a spoonful of gunpowder166. But there are several varieties of the fish which do not possess this peculiarity167.
Among the promiscuous168 assemblage of fish scattered on the sand beach, ready to transfix the hand that might inadvertently touch them, were many sting-rays. This species, like its prototype the famous Manta-fish of the Caribbean Sea, is quite circular and flat, with a tail over a foot in length, very thick at the base and tapering169 towards the end. Near the middle on the upper part, it is armed with a long and sharp-pointed bone or sting, finely serrated on two sides, which the fish can raise or lay flat at will. When disturbed, the ray, by a quick movement of the tail, directs its sting towards the object, which it seldom fails to reach. The wound thus inflicted170 is so severe, that the whole nervous system is convulsed, the person becoming rigid171 and benumbed in a few{72} moments. Even long after the violent effects of the wound have subsided172, the part affected173 retains a sluggish174 ulceration, which has in many instances baffled the skill of the best surgeons. Some creeks and lagoons175 of stagnant176 water are so infested with them, that it is almost certain destruction to venture into them. They usually frequent the shallow banks of muddy pools, where they may be seen at all times watching for prey; and, as if conscious of their powers, scarcely deign177 to move off when approached by man. They, also, are considered good eating, on which account they frequently fall a prey to hungry boys and vultures, who wage constant war upon them with spear and talon178.
Mr. Thomas and I had plenty of occupation in sketching the various specimens before us; but the speedy approach of night compelled us to relinquish179 our agreeable pastime; thus many curious fish which we would have liked to preserve, had to be consigned180 to the frying-pan instead of to our portfolios181.
In the mean time our able cook, Mónico, and half a dozen of Llanero assistants—all of whom are more or less accomplished in the art of cooking in their own peculiar style—were busily engaged throughout the afternoon preparing the spoils of the day for our supper. A fat calf was also killed in honor of the occasion, and roasted before a blazing fire under the trees. The Llaneros are quite skilled in roasting an ox or calf, which they divide in sections according to the flavor of each particular morceau. These they string upon long wooden spits, and keep them turning before the{73} fire until sufficiently182 cooked. The ribs of the animal, taken out entire, usually form the most favorite morsel183; but I would recommend to future travellers in that country the entreverado, made up of the animal’s entrails, such as the liver, heart, lungs, and kidneys, cut into pieces of convenient size and spitted; then enveloped184 in the fat mesenteric membrane of the animal, and cooked in its own juices.
In addition to this abundant supply of carne asada, we had fish in every style, smoked, broiled185, en sancocho, (bouilli,) &c., with plenty of bread prepared by the wife and daughters of our equerry. Just as every one had eaten, as he supposed, his fill, one of our assistants made his appearance bending under the weight of a boiling caldron containing a rich bouilli of cherna heads, and urged us to partake of his humble186 fare. Although this was rather reversing the order of courses, we were finally prevailed upon to taste the soup he had prepared with so much care for us; and no sooner was the rich broth187 tasted by our epicurean party, than it was forthwith devoured188 with unimpaired appetites; but my enjoyment189 of the broth was somewhat spoiled by coming in contact with a row of omniverous-looking teeth, which so reminded me of a human skull190, that I was constrained191 to throw my portion away, although I must confess that I never tasted soup superior to it.
点击
收听单词发音
收听单词发音 |
1
contemplated
|
|
| adj. 预期的 动词contemplate的过去分词形式 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
2
devoted
|
|
| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
3
mules
|
|
| 骡( mule的名词复数 )； 拖鞋； 顽固的人； 越境运毒者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
4
ranch
|
|
| n.大牧场，大农场 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
5
grove
|
|
| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
6
slung
|
|
| 抛( sling的过去式和过去分词 )； 吊挂； 遣送； 押往 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
7
dense
|
|
| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
8
foliage
|
|
| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
9
groves
|
|
| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
10
partially
|
|
| adv.部分地，从某些方面讲 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
11
utensils
|
|
| 器具，用具，器皿( utensil的名词复数 )； 器物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
12
wares
|
|
| n. 货物, 商品 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
13
allotted
|
|
| 分配，拨给，摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
14
progeny
|
|
| n.后代，子孙；结果 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
15
huddled
|
|
| 挤在一起（huddle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
16
superfluous
|
|
| adj.过多的，过剩的，多余的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
17
hindrance
|
|
| n.妨碍，障碍 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
18
repose
|
|
| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
19
domain
|
|
| n.(活动等)领域，范围；领地，势力范围 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
20
scour
|
|
| v.搜索；擦，洗，腹泻，冲刷 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
21
savannas
|
|
| n.（美国东南部的）无树平原( savanna的名词复数 )；（亚）热带的稀树大草原 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
22
promptly
|
|
| adv.及时地，敏捷地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
23
abounding
|
|
| adj.丰富的，大量的v.大量存在，充满，富于( abound的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
24
spatula
|
|
| n.抹刀 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
25
renewal
|
|
| adj.(契约)延期，续订，更新，复活，重来 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
26
rivulets
|
|
| n.小河，小溪( rivulet的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
27
declivity
|
|
| n.下坡，倾斜面 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
28
primitive
|
|
| adj.原始的；简单的；n.原(始)人，原始事物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
29
abode
|
|
| n.住处，住所 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
30
celebrated
|
|
| adj.有名的，声誉卓著的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
31
thither
|
|
| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
32
procure
|
|
| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
33
specimens
|
|
| n.样品( specimen的名词复数 )；范例；（化验的）抽样；某种类型的人 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
34
facetiously
|
|
| adv.爱开玩笑地；滑稽地，爱开玩笑地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
35
perch
|
|
| n.栖木，高位，杆；v.栖息，就位，位于 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
36
slaughtering
|
|
| v.屠杀，杀戮，屠宰( slaughter的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
37
calf
|
|
| n.小牛，犊，幼仔，小牛皮 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
38
darted
|
|
| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
39
sketching
|
|
| n.草图 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
40
peculiar
|
|
| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
41
despatch
|
|
| n./v.(dispatch)派遣；发送；n.急件；新闻报道 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
42
inviting
|
|
| adj.诱人的，引人注目的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
43
acceded
|
|
| v.（正式）加入( accede的过去式和过去分词 )；答应；（通过财产的添附而）增加；开始任职 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
44
laden
|
|
| adj.装满了的；充满了的；负了重担的；苦恼的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
45
intervals
|
|
| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
46
interval
|
|
| n.间隔，间距；幕间休息，中场休息 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
47
previously
|
|
| adv.以前，先前（地） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
48
harpoons
|
|
| n.鱼镖，鱼叉( harpoon的名词复数 )v.鱼镖，鱼叉( harpoon的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
49
harpoon
|
|
| n.鱼叉；vt.用鱼叉叉，用鱼叉捕获 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
50
affixed
|
|
| adj.[医]附着的，附着的v.附加( affix的过去式和过去分词 )；粘贴；加以；盖（印章） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
51
plunged
|
|
| v.颠簸( plunge的过去式和过去分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
52
monstrous
|
|
| adj.巨大的；恐怖的；可耻的，丢脸的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
53
catfish
|
|
| n.鲶鱼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
54
barbs
|
|
| n.（箭头、鱼钩等的）倒钩( barb的名词复数 )；带刺的话；毕露的锋芒；钩状毛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
55
esteemed
|
|
| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
56
delicacies
|
|
| n.棘手( delicacy的名词复数 )；精致；精美的食物；周到 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
57
attain
|
|
| vt.达到，获得，完成 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
58
divers
|
|
| adj.不同的；种种的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
59
inflicts
|
|
| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
60
eels
|
|
| abbr. 电子发射器定位系统（=electronic emitter location system） | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
61
eel
|
|
| n.鳗鲡 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
62
jaw
|
|
| n.颚，颌，说教，流言蜚语；v.喋喋不休，教训 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
63
fangs
|
|
| n.（尤指狗和狼的）长而尖的牙( fang的名词复数 )；（蛇的）毒牙；罐座 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
64
gash
|
|
| v.深切，划开；n.(深长的)切(伤)口；裂缝 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
65
ravenous
|
|
| adj.极饿的，贪婪的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
66
propensities
|
|
| n.倾向，习性( propensity的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
67
scattered
|
|
| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
68
jaws
|
|
| n.口部；嘴 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
69
meshes
|
|
| 网孔( mesh的名词复数 )； 网状物； 陷阱； 困境 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
70
triangular
|
|
| adj.三角（形）的，三者间的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
71
copper
|
|
| n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
72
twine
|
|
| v.搓，织，编饰；（使）缠绕 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
73
swarms
|
|
| 蜂群，一大群( swarm的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
74
immediate
|
|
| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
75
penetrate
|
|
| v.透(渗)入；刺入，刺穿；洞察，了解 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
76
abdomen
|
|
| n.腹，下腹(胸部到腿部的部分) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
77
appellation
|
|
| n.名称，称呼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
78
glutton
|
|
| n.贪食者，好食者 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
79
feat
|
|
| n.功绩；武艺，技艺；adj.灵巧的，漂亮的，合适的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
80
expressive
|
|
| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
81
disposition
|
|
| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
82
membrane
|
|
| n.薄膜，膜皮，羊皮纸 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
83
protrudes
|
|
| v.（使某物）伸出，（使某物）突出( protrude的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
84
considerably
|
|
| adv.极大地；相当大地；在很大程度上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
85
hue
|
|
| n.色度；色调；样子 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
86
belly
|
|
| n.肚子，腹部；(像肚子一样)鼓起的部分，膛 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
87
fins
|
|
| [医]散热片；鱼鳍；飞边；鸭掌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
88
tint
|
|
| n.淡色，浅色；染发剂；vt.着以淡淡的颜色 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
89
tinged
|
|
| v.（使）发丁丁声( ting的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
90
infested
|
|
| adj.为患的，大批滋生的（常与with搭配）v.害虫、野兽大批出没于( infest的过去式和过去分词 )；遍布于 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
91
antagonist
|
|
| n.敌人，对抗者，对手 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
92
diminutive
|
|
| adj.小巧可爱的，小的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
93
mischief
|
|
| n.损害，伤害，危害；恶作剧，捣蛋，胡闹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
94
perfectly
|
|
| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
95
streaks
|
|
| n.（与周围有所不同的）条纹( streak的名词复数 )；（通常指不好的）特征（倾向）；（不断经历成功或失败的）一段时期v.快速移动( streak的第三人称单数 )；使布满条纹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
96
accomplished
|
|
| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
97
gliding
|
|
| v. 滑翔 adj. 滑动的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
98
darting
|
|
| v.投掷，投射( dart的现在分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
99
momentary
|
|
| adj.片刻的，瞬息的；短暂的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
100
encumbered
|
|
| v.妨碍，阻碍，拖累( encumber的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
101
erect
|
|
| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
102
batons
|
|
| n.（警察武器）警棍( baton的名词复数 )；（乐队指挥用的）指挥棒；接力棒 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
103
apparently
|
|
| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
104
labors
|
|
| v.努力争取(for)( labor的第三人称单数 )；苦干；详细分析；（指引擎）缓慢而困难地运转 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
105
alligator
|
|
| n.短吻鳄(一种鳄鱼) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
106
regain
|
|
| vt.重新获得，收复，恢复 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
107
decided
|
|
| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
108
procured
|
|
| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的过去式和过去分词 )；拉皮条 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
109
astonishment
|
|
| n.惊奇，惊异 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
110
avowed
|
|
| adj.公开声明的，承认的v.公开声明，承认( avow的过去式和过去分词) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
111
suspense
|
|
| n.（对可能发生的事）紧张感，担心，挂虑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
112
hardy
|
|
| adj.勇敢的，果断的，吃苦的；耐寒的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
113
ascertained
|
|
| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
114
inhaling
|
|
| v.吸入( inhale的现在分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
115
reptile
|
|
| n.爬行动物；两栖动物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
116
reptiles
|
|
| n.爬行动物，爬虫( reptile的名词复数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
117
perplexed
|
|
| adj.不知所措的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
118
gallant
|
|
| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
119
hog
|
|
| n.猪；馋嘴贪吃的人；vt.把…占为己有，独占 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
120
ribs
|
|
| n.肋骨( rib的名词复数 )；（船或屋顶等的）肋拱；肋骨状的东西；（织物的）凸条花纹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
121
noose
|
|
| n.绳套，绞索（刑）；v.用套索捉；使落入圈套；处以绞刑 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
122
tributaries
|
|
| n. 支流 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
123
ascend
|
|
| vi.渐渐上升，升高；vt.攀登，登上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
124
surmise
|
|
| v./n.猜想，推测 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
125
gentry
|
|
| n.绅士阶级，上层阶级 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
126
entangled
|
|
| adj.卷入的；陷入的；被缠住的；缠在一起的v.使某人（某物/自己）缠绕，纠缠于（某物中），使某人（自己）陷入（困难或复杂的环境中）( entangle的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
127
obstruction
|
|
| n.阻塞，堵塞；障碍物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
128
diligent
|
|
| adj.勤勉的，勤奋的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
129
vestige
|
|
| n.痕迹，遗迹，残余 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
130
prey
|
|
| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
131
calamity
|
|
| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
132
ominous
|
|
| adj.不祥的，不吉的，预兆的，预示的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
133
obstructions
|
|
| n.障碍物( obstruction的名词复数 )；阻碍物；阻碍；阻挠 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
134
afterward
|
|
| adv.后来；以后 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
135
beholding
|
|
| v.看，注视( behold的现在分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
136
hues
|
|
| 色彩( hue的名词复数 )； 色调； 信仰； 观点 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
137
veal
|
|
| n.小牛肉 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
138
solely
|
|
| adv.仅仅，唯一地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
139
illustrates
|
|
| 给…加插图( illustrate的第三人称单数 )； 说明； 表明； （用示例、图画等）说明 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
140
tenacity
|
|
| n.坚韧 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
141
adviser
|
|
| n.劝告者，顾问 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
142
surgical
|
|
| adj.外科的，外科医生的，手术上的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
143
elucidated
|
|
| v.阐明，解释( elucidate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
144
graphic
|
|
| adj.生动的，形象的，绘画的，文字的，图表的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
145
tributary
|
|
| n.支流；纳贡国；adj.附庸的；辅助的；支流的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
146
creeks
|
|
| n.小湾( creek的名词复数 )；小港；小河；小溪 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
147
distinguished
|
|
| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
148
progenitors
|
|
| n.祖先( progenitor的名词复数 )；先驱；前辈；原本 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
149
agility
|
|
| n.敏捷，活泼 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
150
hoofs
|
|
| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
151
aquatic
|
|
| adj.水生的，水栖的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
152
bellies
|
|
| n.肚子( belly的名词复数 )；腹部；（物体的）圆形或凸起部份；腹部…形的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
153
stunned
|
|
| adj. 震惊的，惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
154
victorious
|
|
| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
155
depicted
|
|
| 描绘，描画( depict的过去式和过去分词 )； 描述 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
156
animated
|
|
| adj.生气勃勃的，活跃的，愉快的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
157
picturesque
|
|
| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
158
glides
|
|
| n.滑行( glide的名词复数 )；滑音；音渡；过渡音v.滑动( glide的第三人称单数 )；掠过；（鸟或飞机 ） 滑翔 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
159
abdominal
|
|
| adj.腹（部）的，下腹的；n.腹肌 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
160
tragic
|
|
| adj.悲剧的，悲剧性的，悲惨的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
161
ERECTED
|
|
| adj. 直立的，竖立的，笔直的 vt. 使 ... 直立，建立 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
162
dreaded
|
|
| adj.令人畏惧的；害怕的v.害怕，恐惧，担心( dread的过去式和过去分词) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
163
gourmands
|
|
| n.喜欢吃喝的人，贪吃的人( gourmand的名词复数 )；美食主义 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
164
apparatus
|
|
| n.装置，器械；器具，设备 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
165
insulation
|
|
| n.隔离；绝缘；隔热 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
166
gunpowder
|
|
| n.火药 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
167
peculiarity
|
|
| n.独特性，特色；特殊的东西；怪癖 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
168
promiscuous
|
|
| adj.杂乱的，随便的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
169
tapering
|
|
| adj.尖端细的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
170
inflicted
|
|
| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
171
rigid
|
|
| adj.严格的，死板的；刚硬的，僵硬的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
172
subsided
|
|
| v.（土地）下陷（因在地下采矿）( subside的过去式和过去分词 )；减弱；下降至较低或正常水平；一下子坐在椅子等上 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
173
affected
|
|
| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
174
sluggish
|
|
| adj.懒惰的，迟钝的，无精打采的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
175
lagoons
|
|
| n.污水池( lagoon的名词复数 )；潟湖；（大湖或江河附近的）小而浅的淡水湖；温泉形成的池塘 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
176
stagnant
|
|
| adj.不流动的，停滞的，不景气的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
177
deign
|
|
| v. 屈尊, 惠允 ( 做某事) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
178
talon
|
|
| n.爪；（如爪般的）手指；爪状物 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
179
relinquish
|
|
| v.放弃，撤回，让与，放手 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
180
consigned
|
|
| v.把…置于（令人不快的境地）( consign的过去式和过去分词 )；把…托付给；把…托人代售；丟弃 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
181
portfolios
|
|
| n.投资组合( portfolio的名词复数 )；（保险）业务量；（公司或机构提供的）系列产品；纸夹 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
182
sufficiently
|
|
| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
183
morsel
|
|
| n.一口，一点点 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
184
enveloped
|
|
| v.包围，笼罩，包住( envelop的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
185
broiled
|
|
| a.烤过的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
186
humble
|
|
| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
187
broth
|
|
| n.原(汁)汤(鱼汤、肉汤、菜汤等) | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
188
devoured
|
|
| 吞没( devour的过去式和过去分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
189
enjoyment
|
|
| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
190
skull
|
|
| n.头骨；颅骨 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
|
191
constrained
|
|
| adj.束缚的,节制的 | |
参考例句： |
|
|
|
| 欢迎访问英文小说网 |