After a thorough examination of animals and baggage, to see that all was as it ought to be, we left the uninteresting village of Apurito for our cattle-estate of San Pablo de Apure, a few miles further south. As we passed the last house fronting the river, Mr. Thomas descried2 a jaguar3-skin, which the owner of the hut had spread to dry upon the fence. Wishing to examine it more closely, he spurred his mule4 ahead and was in the act of seizing the skin, when the animal, whose view of it had until then been obstructed5 by the other beasts, coming unexpectedly into close proximity6 with the—to him—fearful object, drew back in terror, snorting, kicking, and plunging7 so violently as to capsize the unlucky artist upon the sandy beach. The abhorrence8 with which mules9 regard the South American tiger, is one of the most curious phenomena10 of animal instinct with which I am acquainted; not only do they manifest it at sight{134} of the creature, but also by their scent11, while the animal is still a long distance off, and yet, in most cases, they have never seen a tiger, as was the case in the present instance, this mule having been reared in the potreros of San Pablo de Paya, where tigers are rarely, if ever, met with.
After a ride of a few hours through alternate glades12 of gigantic mimosas and verdant13 savannas, we reached San Pablo before night had cast her gloom over those solemn wilds. The house was neat and well located, commanding an extended view of the country and innumerable herds14 of cattle grazing in the distance. There were, besides, a large caney or barracoon for the accommodation of the men and their chattels16, and a detached hut in which the culinary functions of the establishment were to be performed.
The appellation17 of San Pablo, conferred on this farm also—although the owner possessed18 already another of the same name—made me suspect that snakes were not uncommon19 in that country, the reality of which fact I ascertained20 the first time that I strolled any considerable distance from the house. In a country where saints are supposed to exert an unbounded influence over all human affairs, it is not unusual to give to houses and localities, threatened with some special calamity21, the name of the saint who is considered the patron or defender22 from that particular evil: thus places which are frequently visited by thunderstorms, are called after Santa Barbara; those infested23 with snakes, receive the name of San Pablo, &c., &c.
Although this farm formed part of the demesne24 we came to inspect, we did not remain there longer than{135} was absolutely necessary to investigate into its general condition.
When the order was given to remove to El Frio—another farm further westward—we gladly saddled horses and started off at a brisk pace over those fresh and beautiful prairies which, with their perpetual grassy25 carpet, caused us to feel as if we were coming into a land of promise and contentment, instead of one of toil26 and hardship. Indeed, every thing denoted that we were now entering on far different scenes from those we had left across the river. It seemed a terrestrial paradise, where a beneficent Providence27 had congregated28 every animal most needed by man. Now it was the slender forms of deer in herds bounding swiftly over the greensward; now the gristly wild hogs29 and capyvaras making hastily for the nearest swamp to avoid the eager chase of our men. Occasionally might be seen a redoubtable31 wild bull, retiring sulkily and slowly at the head of his shaggy troop, as if wishing to dispute our right to enter his domain32. Vegetation, however, seemed to flourish here less than in other places we had visited, as, excepting a few scattered33 palms of a new variety, and some straggling Matas—which, from the mirage34 continually before us, appeared like fairy groves36 set in clearest water—nothing but the fine and level lawn met the eye for many miles.
Unlike the higher plains, where only a coarse herbage predominates, the savannas of Apure are characterized by a luxuriant growth of various grasses, which, like those of the Portuguesa, preserve a uniform verdure throughout the year. These grasses—{136}some of which are as soft and pliable37 as silk—are most important in the economy of cattle-breeding in the savannas watered by the Apure and its tributaries39. The prodigious40 increase of animals in these plains is mainly owing to the superiority of the pastures over those of the upper regions of the Llanos, from whence the farmer is compelled to migrate with his stock every summer.
I noticed in Apure three varieties of grass, which in richness of flavor and nutritious41 qualities can hardly be surpassed by any other fodder42 plants of the temperate43 zones. In the early part of the rainy season, the granadilla—a grass reaching to about four feet in height, with tender succulent blades and panicles of seed not unlike some varieties of broomcorn—starts with the earliest showers of spring. It grows with great rapidity, and is greedily sought by all ruminants; but being an annual, soon disappears, leaving no vestige44 of its existence. In the alluvial45 bottomlands subject to the periodical inundation46, two other grasses, no less esteemed47 for their nutriment, have an uninterrupted growth and luxuriance which the hottest season cannot blast; these are the carretera, named from the beautiful prairie-goose that feeds on it, and the lambedora, so termed on account of its softness, animals feeding on it appearing to lick rather than masticate48 it. Cattle and horses thrive on it very perceptibly, and even calves49 only a fortnight old, may be left to shift for themselves amidst those nutritious pastures.
Esteros is the name by which these perennial50 meadows are there designated. They have moreover the
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{137}
advantage of retaining water enough throughout the year to make them the resort of all kinds of quadrupeds and of every fowl51 whom “Nature has taught to dip the wing in water,” the former to allay52 their thirst and feast on the fine grass, and the latter for the purpose of raising their young in the vicinity of ponds well stocked with fish of all varieties.
No description can convey a just idea of the appearance presented by these lagoons53, crowded with almost every variety of animal. The birds in particular—most of which belong to the extensive family of cranes—seem to have migrated there from all quarters of the globe. These fluttering communities of aquatic55 birds are known in the country under the appropriate name of garzeros, from the many garzas—herons—predominating in them. The immense number of these may be conceived from the fact that their colonies sometimes embrace several miles in extent. I noticed there also various kinds of cranes—garzones—one of them, called the soldier, from its erect57 bearing and martial58 air—is over five feet in height, with a bill fully59 a foot long. The garzas were of various sizes and colors, some snow-white, some a delicate blue, others gray or pink, and many of a brilliant scarlet60. Although cranes and herons are species very nearly allied61, yet they verify the old saying, “birds of a feather flock together,” for each keeps quite distinct from the other. They generally select the spreading top of a low tree—caujaro—growing in vast quantities near the water, in which to build their nests; these are of dry sticks very ingeniously interwoven among the branches. Well-beaten tracks are{138} made under the bushes by the tramp of many suspicious characters of the feline62 tribe, who make these feathered colonies their favorite resort, where they improve every opportunity of appropriating any young birds that may chance to fall from the nests.
As we rode past several ponds, covered with a kind of water-lily, whose flowers are of a dark purple color, myriads63 of ducks, of the small species called güiriries, rose in the air, actually for the moment obscuring the sun. They uttered a shrill64 note, clearly repeating the sound from which they are named, so that the hunter easily discovers their whereabout. There were, besides, great numbers of a larger species of duck—the pato real, or royal duck—so named, I presume, from a graceful65 tuft of black feathers with which it is crowned. Here and there a brace56 of carreteros soared over head, uttering their peculiar66 rolling notes; the hoarse67 quacking68 of the male bird, followed by the shrill cries of the female, make perfect the before-mentioned resemblance to the rumbling69 of cartwheels.
During the moulting season, the people in the neighborhood of these lagoons resort to them from time to time, and drive without difficulty towards the farm-house as many of these ducks as they may desire. I was assured by several reliable individuals that not far from San Pablo there is a lagoon54 on the borders of which a regiment71 of cavalry72 once encamped, and lived during a fortnight exclusively on these birds, without any apparent diminution73 of their numbers.
This prodigious exuberance74 of animal life has justly entitled the Apure to the reputation of being{139} a land of plenty; but, alas75, it is also a land of death! as, from the bottom of these extensive marshes76 miasmas77 of a pestilential nature are continually arising, which, at certain seasons of the year, render this fine country almost uninhabitable for man. They are also the abode78 of those enormous water-snakes or anacondas, known in the country under the name of culebras de agua, in contradistinction to the boa constrictor or traga-venado, so termed on account of the ease with which it gorges79 itself with a whole deer at once. Both of these snakes are also remarkable80 for the strength which enables them to crush their victims in the coils of their huge muscular bodies; but the anaconda is by far the more voracious81 and bold of the two, attacking not only inferior animals, such as deer, capyvaras, and young calves, but even that pride of the herd15, the padrote, cannot always escape the deadly embrace. Woe82 to the unsuspecting colt or heifer, who, panting with thirst and heat, should incautiously plunge83 into one of these modern Stygian lakes, for the coil of the monster will in an instant be around it, followed by a fearful cracking of its bones. This accomplished84, the snake proceeds to cover the whole mangled85 body with a slimy secretion86 from his mouth which assists him in the process of deglutition. Should it be a stag—the head of which presents the formidable obstacle of its huge antlers—the snake commences by swallowing first the hind87 quarters, trusting to time and the natural process of decay for the head to drop off. In this plight88 the anaconda is often found, looking like an immense log, stretched out in the soft mud of lagoons, whence they are then easily{140} dragged by means of a lazo, tied to the tail of a horse. On examining the mouth of one of these snakes, it will be found that the jaws89 are furnished with a row of sharp and crooked91 teeth, bent92 inward like tenter hooks; with these he seizes his prey93, and holds it securely until the victim, unable to struggle longer, drops exhausted94. What appears most extraordinary in these unequal contests, is the tenacity95 with which the snake adheres to the soft mud of the lagoon, there being neither rock nor stump96 to which he can secure himself. Nor will the efforts of a large bull, no matter how powerful, be sufficient to drag the snake one inch out of his element, unless he is first cut asunder97. In darting98 upon a quadruped, the anaconda invariably aims at its snout, the animal seldom escaping when once the terrible fangs99 have been buried in its flesh. It is not an unusual thing, however, for a bull to cut a snake asunder in his violent struggles; then the shaggy victor may be seen proudly marching at the head of his troop with this unsightly trophy100 hanging from his nose. The toughness of the anaconda’s skin makes it eagerly sought after by the inhabitants for straps101 and various other objects susceptible102 of injury from friction103, as they outwear those made from any other material. The fat is also much esteemed for burning, and as a lubricator for the bones and tendons of persons afflicted104 with rheumatism105, or rigidity106 of limb. This oil is perfectly107 clear and transparent108, without any disagreeable odor, and is readily absorbed into the system by simply rubbing it on the skin.
Shortly after leaving San Pablo, we had a spirited{141} chase after a herd of wild pigs. There were upwards109 of twenty browsing110 on the borders of a pond, and in an instant the whole plain—in such repose111 a few moments before—resounded with the cries and clatter112 of our horsemen in eager pursuit of this delicious game of the Llanos. Many of the men being provided with lances, they had no difficulty in despatching most of those whose fate threw them in the way of the remorseless cavaliers. But an old berraco or boar, which seemed to be the sultan of the grisly community, harassed113 by the combined attacks of several horsemen, suddenly whirled round and made a gallant114 stand, determined115, as it appeared, not to give up without a fierce resistance. At first it was supposed that three or four men would be sufficient to bring him down, and that number were accordingly sent after him; but finding the engagement protracted116, several others, including myself, went to their assistance. On reaching the spot a fearful spectacle was presented to us. The infuriated animal, his eyes shooting fire, and fiercely grinding his tusks117, stood at bay a short distance from his aggressors, his mouth covered with a bloody118 froth, while one of the men lay bleeding profusely119 from a wound on the thigh120 inflicted121 by the sharp tusks of the boar. We learned that Cipriano, the wounded hunter’s name, perceiving that the lances of his companions only succeeded in irritating the boar, very foolishly leaped from his saddle, and drawing his sword, deliberately122 attacked him without even taking the precaution of covering his movements with the sheepskin from his saddle, as is practised in contests with wild bulls. The man{142} boasted with reason of being the most skilful123 matador124 in all the Apure; but in this case he did not reckon on the tough hide of his opponent; for, at the first rush of the boar upon him, and in spite of the steadiness with which he aimed the stroke, the well-tempered steel bent like a reed the moment it encountered the shoulder of the boar, leaving Cipriano completely at the mercy of the enraged125 brute126. The consequence, as I have already stated, was a severe gash127, almost laying bare the femoral bone of the unfortunate matador. The tusks of the wild boar, especially those of the lower jaw90, are so long and sharp, that the animal makes use of them as a bull does of his horns. The upper ones rest directly upon the lower, and his constant grinding of them, especially when he is enraged, soon wears the points into a broad and sharp edge. United, these tusks form a perfect circle five or six inches in diameter. The services of our surgeon, Dr. Gallegos, were immediately called into requisition, who dressed the wound, while the companions of the suffering hunter endeavored to avenge128 him. They rained a shower of lances upon the body of the enraged beast, but, apparently129, with no better effect; for, with one powerful stroke of his tusks, he broke in two the shaft130 of some and carried away the head of others. Doubtless we should have succeeded in finishing him after a time; but the helpless condition of our companion requiring especial care, we placed him on his saddle, for want of better conveyance131, and, leaving the boar conqueror132, proceeded on our journey.
Having killed more animals than we could conveniently carry, we selected two fat sows for our{143} breakfast, and left the remainder to the flock of turkey-buzzards which, like a troop of hungry scavengers, followed our line of march across the prairies.
I may observe here that the wild boar of the Llanos is the common hog30 run wild in consequence of the little or no care bestowed133 upon their breeding in the cattle-farms, and as they find in these swamps all the elements they require for their development, viz., roots of various kinds, sweet herbs, eels70, snakes, and mire134 ad libitum, their propagation is greatly increased. Thus the number of pigs in these savannas is almost incredible—in the lands of El Frio alone being estimated at forty thousand—and a just idea may be formed of their ravages135 from the fact that, for miles around, those fine prairies have been completely ploughed up by them, rendering136 the ground exceedingly dangerous for horses, and almost useless for cattle-breeding, by destroying the fine pastures which are invariably replaced by a crop of worthless weeds.
Wild hogs, nevertheless, sometimes render good service by destroying the snakes—for which they seem to have a particular penchant—especially that little scourge137 of the savannas of Apure, the dreaded138 matacaballo.
The tails of these hogs being especially long, and, as usual, twisted, they swing them round continually when running—a peculiarity139 which did not escape a benighted140 son of Africa, who was being trained at a cattle-farm to the business of the Llanos, and which occasioned quite a ludicrous scene at one of these hunts. He had become already expert in the use of the lazo, and was one day taken to the savanna{144} by the overseer for the purpose of procuring141 an ox for slaughter142, when they fell in with a fine hog, which at once changed their plans, and they immediately gave him chase. None of the men had lazos, except the negro, and he was therefore commanded to follow and secure the game; but although he rode a very swift horse, and was often within range of the lazo, he was observed each time to slacken his pace without any apparent cause. “Now then, ... son of ... thy mother,” the Llanero vociferated, “let go the lazo, or we will roast thee alive in his stead,” shouting at him also many other no less characteristic expressions. But Sambo, waving the lazo over his head in order to keep the noose143 open, would again stop short of his mark, until the pig, who probably knew by this time that he was wanted, straining every nerve to reach a swamp hard by, succeeded at last in gaining a clump144 of wild plantains that bordered the estero. Here the major-domo, losing his small remnant of patience, quickly rode up to him, and discharging sundry145 lashes146 with his chaparro upon the sooty skin of his apprentice147, asked him, in a thundering voice: “How now, my master, why did ye let the fellow go without a single effort on thy part to secure him? Have not I taught thee well enough how to handle a lazo, thou sooty imp38?” “Oh! yessa, massa,” quoth the darkey; “but, look yer, massa, when me wisher to lazo pig, him wisher to lazo me neither;” imitating, at the same time, with his arm the swinging of the pig’s tail.
Very beautiful was the appearance of the many herds, each headed by its padrote, on all sides dispersing{145} at our approach. The bulls are generally of a grave and quiet disposition148 when collected in herds, and rather avoid the approach of man unless provoked to self-defence, when they become very ferocious149. Each troop is under the control of the most powerful bull in the drove, a position which is only attained150 by dint151 of strength and courage; as not only has he to defend his troop from the attacks of the common enemy, but to maintain his supremacy152 against rival enamorados. Thus the padrote, or big father, as he is appropriately styled, can show many scars upon his tough hide, received in these fierce combats. If a lion or jaguar approach during the night, the padrote immediately takes all his measures for the defence of his post. His first care is to compel the herd into a compact mass, and then advances to engage the enemy in single combat, from which he rarely fails to come off victorious153. In the mean time the herd, within the limited space into which they have been congregated, with heads lowered towards the enemy, prepare to repulse154 the intruder and defend their young by a formidable array of horns.
Man is the only antagonist155 whose superiority the padrote will acknowledge; but even this is not without an obstinate156 resistance whenever he has an opportunity. Nor will he retire in a hurry from his pursuers, but facing about from time to time, often succeeds in thwarting157 their intentions and securing an honorable retreat.
When the sun is high in the meridian158, troops of these noble animals may be seen slowly advancing towards the nearest mata, seeking to avoid the excessive{146} heat of the day and to enjoy their siesta159 in cool retirement160. Here they amuse themselves sometimes in watching over their harems, sometimes in making their toilet, which is rubbing the point of their horns against the hard trunk of a palm tree, or any other convenient object, until they become sharp as awls. Woe! then, to the imprudent traveller who, overpowered by the heat, seeks refuge in one of those groves, thus intruding161 upon the sanctuary162 of his bullship’s seraglio. Should he succeed in escaping safe and sound, his horse is certain of being severely163 chastised164 for his master’s indiscretion.
An adventurous165 Briton, who once penetrated166 into one of those haunts sacred to Taurus, came very near losing his life in consequence. He fortunately escaped with only a few scratches and contusions; but his clothes were torn from his body by the horns and hoofs167 of the bull. It chanced in this wise: The intensity168 of the sun’s rays had compelled the traveller and his companion—a shrewd old Llanero, who acted as guide—to seek shelter under a solitary169 grove35. On a closer acquaintance they judged it to be the retreat of a wild bull, from the deep scars observable on the bark of the trees, evidently caused by some animal’s horns. They were not mistaken, for they soon discovered at a short distance, quietly grazing, the probable owner of the rural retreat. Knowing from experience that this would be a very unsafe spot for their siesta, the Llanero advised that they should move off at once, rather than be ejected thence, as would surely be the case if they remained much longer. But John Bull, with characteristic pride, and trusting entirely{147} to his fine brace of pistols, laughed at the idea of giving up his comfortable quarters, without at least a struggle for their possession. Ordering the man to sling170 his hammock, he carefully examined his pistols, after which he retired171 to his a?rial couch. The Llanero shook his head and very wisely omitted unsaddling the horses, contenting himself with merely unfastening the straps. Presently the bull began to advance in the direction of the mata, which the phlegmatic172 Englishman no sooner perceived, than quitting his hammock, he seized his pistols and went to the encounter. The Llanero crossed himself, and taking the horses aside, proceeded to secure the saddles and to tie the lazo to the tail of his own steed. In the mean time the bull continued leisurely173 advancing, apparently without much noticing his uninvited guests; occasionally, however, uttering deep bellowings expressive174 of his displeasure. Bang! bang! went the two pistols; but before the smoke had cleared, the Llanero beheld175 his companion stretched upon the ground and fiercely trampled176 under the feet of the infuriated animal. Swift as thought, the Llanero sprang into the saddle, and spreading his lazo, whirled it two or three times above his head; then let it fall around the horns of the bull at the very instant he was about to transfix the prostrate177 traveller. Thus providentially prevented from doing further injury, he was easily hamstrung and finally despatched by the captors. That the Englishman escaped being instantly killed, can only be accounted for by the fact that a bull often misses his aim from the very fury of his attack.
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1
savannas
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| 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 | |
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2
descried
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| adj.被注意到的，被发现的，被看到的 | |
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3
jaguar
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| n.美洲虎 | |
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mule
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| n.骡子，杂种，执拗的人 | |
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obstructed
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| 阻塞( obstruct的过去式和过去分词 )； 堵塞； 阻碍； 阻止 | |
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proximity
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| n.接近，邻近 | |
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7
plunging
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| adj.跳进的，突进的v.颠簸( plunge的现在分词 )；暴跌；骤降；突降 | |
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abhorrence
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| n.憎恶；可憎恶的事 | |
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9
mules
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| 骡( mule的名词复数 )； 拖鞋； 顽固的人； 越境运毒者 | |
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phenomena
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| n.现象 | |
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scent
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| n.气味，香味，香水，线索，嗅觉；v.嗅，发觉 | |
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glades
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| n.林中空地( glade的名词复数 ) | |
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verdant
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| adj.翠绿的，青翠的，生疏的，不老练的 | |
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herds
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| 兽群( herd的名词复数 )； 牧群； 人群； 群众 | |
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herd
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| n.兽群，牧群；vt.使集中，把…赶在一起 | |
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chattels
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| n.动产，奴隶( chattel的名词复数 ) | |
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appellation
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| n.名称，称呼 | |
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possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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ascertained
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| v.弄清，确定，查明( ascertain的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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calamity
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| n.灾害，祸患，不幸事件 | |
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defender
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| n.保卫者，拥护者，辩护人 | |
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infested
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| 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 | |
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demesne
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| n.领域，私有土地 | |
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grassy
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| adj.盖满草的；长满草的 | |
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toil
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| vi.辛劳工作，艰难地行动；n.苦工，难事 | |
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providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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congregated
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| （使）集合，聚集( congregate的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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hogs
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| n.（尤指喂肥供食用的）猪( hog的名词复数 )；（供食用的）阉公猪；彻底地做某事；自私的或贪婪的人 | |
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hog
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| n.猪；馋嘴贪吃的人；vt.把…占为己有，独占 | |
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redoubtable
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| adj.可敬的；可怕的 | |
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domain
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| n.(活动等)领域，范围；领地，势力范围 | |
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scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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mirage
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| n.海市蜃楼，幻景 | |
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grove
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| n.林子，小树林，园林 | |
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groves
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| 树丛，小树林( grove的名词复数 ) | |
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pliable
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| adj.易受影响的；易弯的；柔顺的，易驾驭的 | |
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imp
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| n.顽童 | |
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tributaries
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| n. 支流 | |
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prodigious
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| adj.惊人的，奇妙的；异常的；巨大的；庞大的 | |
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nutritious
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| adj.有营养的，营养价值高的 | |
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42
fodder
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| n.草料；炮灰 | |
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43
temperate
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| adj.温和的，温带的，自我克制的，不过分的 | |
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44
vestige
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| n.痕迹，遗迹，残余 | |
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45
alluvial
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| adj.冲积的；淤积的 | |
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46
inundation
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| n.the act or fact of overflowing | |
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47
esteemed
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| 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 | |
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48
masticate
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| v.咀嚼 | |
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49
calves
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| n.(calf的复数)笨拙的男子，腓；腿肚子( calf的名词复数 )；牛犊；腓；小腿肚v.生小牛( calve的第三人称单数 )；（冰川）崩解；生（小牛等），产（犊）；使（冰川）崩解 | |
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50
perennial
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| adj.终年的；长久的 | |
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51
fowl
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| n.家禽，鸡，禽肉 | |
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52
allay
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| v.消除，减轻(恐惧、怀疑等) | |
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53
lagoons
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| 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 | |
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54
lagoon
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| n.泻湖，咸水湖 | |
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55
aquatic
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| adj.水生的，水栖的 | |
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56
brace
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| n. 支柱,曲柄,大括号; v. 绷紧,顶住,(为困难或坏事)做准备 | |
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57
erect
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| n./v.树立，建立，使竖立；adj.直立的，垂直的 | |
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58
martial
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| adj.战争的，军事的，尚武的，威武的 | |
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59
fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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60
scarlet
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| n.深红色，绯红色，红衣；adj.绯红色的 | |
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61
allied
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| adj.协约国的；同盟国的 | |
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62
feline
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| adj.猫科的 | |
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63
myriads
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| n.无数，极大数量( myriad的名词复数 ) | |
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64
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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65
graceful
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| adj.优美的，优雅的；得体的 | |
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66
peculiar
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| adj.古怪的，异常的；特殊的，特有的 | |
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67
hoarse
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| adj.嘶哑的，沙哑的 | |
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68
quacking
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| v.（鸭子）发出嘎嘎声( quack的现在分词 ) | |
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69
rumbling
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| n. 隆隆声, 辘辘声 adj. 隆隆响的 动词rumble的现在分词 | |
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70
eels
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| abbr. 电子发射器定位系统（=electronic emitter location system） | |
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71
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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72
cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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73
diminution
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| n.减少；变小 | |
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74
exuberance
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| n.丰富；繁荣 | |
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75
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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76
marshes
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|
| n.沼泽，湿地( marsh的名词复数 ) | |
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77
miasmas
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|
| n.瘴气( miasma的名词复数 )；烟雾弥漫的空气；不良气氛或影响 | |
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78
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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79
gorges
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| n.山峡，峡谷( gorge的名词复数 )；咽喉v.（用食物把自己）塞饱，填饱( gorge的第三人称单数 )；作呕 | |
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80
remarkable
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|
| adj.显著的，异常的，非凡的，值得注意的 | |
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81
voracious
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| adj.狼吞虎咽的，贪婪的 | |
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82
woe
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|
| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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83
plunge
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| v.跳入，(使)投入，(使)陷入；猛冲 | |
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84
accomplished
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| adj.有才艺的；有造诣的；达到了的 | |
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85
mangled
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| vt.乱砍（mangle的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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86
secretion
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| n.分泌 | |
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87
hind
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| adj.后面的，后部的 | |
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88
plight
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| n.困境，境况，誓约，艰难；vt.宣誓，保证，约定 | |
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89
jaws
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| n.口部；嘴 | |
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90
jaw
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| n.颚，颌，说教，流言蜚语；v.喋喋不休，教训 | |
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91
crooked
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| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
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92
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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93
prey
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|
| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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94
exhausted
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| adj.极其疲惫的，精疲力尽的 | |
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95
tenacity
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| n.坚韧 | |
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96
stump
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|
| n.残株，烟蒂，讲演台；v.砍断，蹒跚而走 | |
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97
asunder
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| adj.分离的，化为碎片 | |
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98
darting
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的现在分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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99
fangs
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| n.（尤指狗和狼的）长而尖的牙( fang的名词复数 )；（蛇的）毒牙；罐座 | |
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100
trophy
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| n.优胜旗，奖品，奖杯，战胜品，纪念品 | |
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101
straps
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| n.带子( strap的名词复数 )；挎带；肩带；背带v.用皮带捆扎( strap的第三人称单数 )；用皮带抽打；包扎；给…打绷带 | |
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102
susceptible
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|
| adj.过敏的，敏感的；易动感情的，易受感动的 | |
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103
friction
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| n.摩擦，摩擦力 | |
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104
afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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105
rheumatism
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| n.风湿病 | |
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106
rigidity
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|
| adj.钢性，坚硬 | |
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107
perfectly
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| adv.完美地，无可非议地，彻底地 | |
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108
transparent
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|
| adj.明显的，无疑的；透明的 | |
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109
upwards
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|
| adv.向上，在更高处...以上 | |
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110
browsing
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| v.吃草( browse的现在分词 )；随意翻阅；（在商店里）随便看看；（在计算机上）浏览信息 | |
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111
repose
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| v.(使)休息；n.安息 | |
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112
clatter
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| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
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113
harassed
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| adj. 疲倦的，厌烦的 动词harass的过去式和过去分词 | |
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114
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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115
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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116
protracted
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| adj.拖延的；延长的v.拖延“protract”的过去式和过去分词 | |
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117
tusks
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| n.（象等动物的）长牙( tusk的名词复数 )；獠牙；尖形物；尖头 | |
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118
bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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119
profusely
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| ad.abundantly | |
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120
thigh
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| n.大腿；股骨 | |
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121
inflicted
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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122
deliberately
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| adv.审慎地；蓄意地；故意地 | |
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123
skilful
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| (=skillful)adj.灵巧的，熟练的 | |
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124
matador
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| n.斗牛士 | |
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125
enraged
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| 使暴怒( enrage的过去式和过去分词 )； 歜； 激愤 | |
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126
brute
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| n.野兽，兽性 | |
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127
gash
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| v.深切，划开；n.(深长的)切(伤)口；裂缝 | |
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128
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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129
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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130
shaft
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| n.(工具的)柄，杆状物 | |
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131
conveyance
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| n.(不动产等的)转让，让与；转让证书；传送；运送；表达；（正）运输工具 | |
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132
conqueror
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| n.征服者，胜利者 | |
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133
bestowed
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| 赠给，授予( bestow的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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134
mire
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| n.泥沼，泥泞；v.使...陷于泥泞，使...陷入困境 | |
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135
ravages
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| 劫掠后的残迹，破坏的结果，毁坏后的残迹 | |
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136
rendering
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| n.表现，描写 | |
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137
scourge
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| n.灾难，祸害；v.蹂躏 | |
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138
dreaded
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| 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) | |
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139
peculiarity
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| n.独特性，特色；特殊的东西；怪癖 | |
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140
benighted
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| adj.蒙昧的 | |
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141
procuring
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| v.（努力）取得， （设法）获得( procure的现在分词 )；拉皮条 | |
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142
slaughter
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| n.屠杀，屠宰；vt.屠杀，宰杀 | |
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143
noose
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| n.绳套，绞索（刑）；v.用套索捉；使落入圈套；处以绞刑 | |
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144
clump
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| n.树丛，草丛；vi.用沉重的脚步行走 | |
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145
sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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146
lashes
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| n.鞭挞( lash的名词复数 )；鞭子；突然猛烈的一击；急速挥动v.鞭打( lash的第三人称单数 )；煽动；紧系；怒斥 | |
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147
apprentice
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| n.学徒，徒弟 | |
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148
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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149
ferocious
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| adj.凶猛的，残暴的，极度的，十分强烈的 | |
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150
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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151
dint
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| n.由于，靠；凹坑 | |
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152
supremacy
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| n.至上；至高权力 | |
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153
victorious
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| adj.胜利的，得胜的 | |
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154
repulse
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| n.击退，拒绝；vt.逐退，击退，拒绝 | |
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155
antagonist
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| n.敌人，对抗者，对手 | |
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156
obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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157
thwarting
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| 阻挠( thwart的现在分词 )； 使受挫折； 挫败； 横过 | |
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158
meridian
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| adj.子午线的；全盛期的 | |
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159
siesta
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| n.午睡 | |
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160
retirement
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| n.退休，退职 | |
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161
intruding
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| v.侵入，侵扰，打扰( intrude的现在分词)；把…强加于 | |
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162
sanctuary
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| n.圣所，圣堂，寺庙；禁猎区，保护区 | |
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163
severely
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| adv.严格地；严厉地；非常恶劣地 | |
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164
chastised
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| v.严惩（某人）（尤指责打）( chastise的过去式 ) | |
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165
adventurous
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| adj.爱冒险的；惊心动魄的，惊险的，刺激的 | |
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166
penetrated
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| adj. 击穿的，鞭辟入里的 动词penetrate的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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167
hoofs
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| 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 ) | |
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168
intensity
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| n.强烈，剧烈；强度；烈度 | |
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169
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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170
sling
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| vt.扔；悬挂；n.挂带；吊索，吊兜；弹弓 | |
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171
retired
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| adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的 | |
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172
phlegmatic
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| adj.冷静的，冷淡的，冷漠的，无活力的 | |
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173
leisurely
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| adj.悠闲的；从容的，慢慢的 | |
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174
expressive
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| adj.表现的，表达…的，富于表情的 | |
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175
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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176
trampled
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| 踩( trample的过去式和过去分词 )； 践踏； 无视； 侵犯 | |
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177
prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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