Rare Plumage

Dear Sir,

I received your favor from the 12 of January 1787 with much eagerness. I hope that you find this letter and specimens with as much eagerness as I have of your letters. There are many wonderous creatures in New Spain and these avians come from the lush rainforests. The land is warm and full of water with creeping vines and trees so dense forest floor seems dim at times. But in those tree-covered climes can be found the most vibrant of creatures and blooms in all the colors of the rainbow. When the lands seem savage, indeed, these colors serve as a reminder of the grace that can be found in nature.

As your interests range far, I will endeavor to share a story surrounding one of the specimens on its way to you – a rare bird of scarlet plumage to match the brightest tulip bloom. It seems to match one catalogued by our dear friend CL though his specimen came from another part of the new world, but is a marvel to behold, nonetheless and I hope it brings you wonder. This bird is as long as a small man’s arm with much of its size in the tail which has feathers of azure, crimson, and bright yellow. In flight it is a marvel against a blue sky. Just as singular as the feathers is the cry of the bird which can set a person to believe there are evil spirits about especially when the cry carries from a distance. For all that, it is a noble and faithful bird, often seen flying with its mate

You have heard, I am sure, about the discovery of famed ruins in Guatemala investigated by Antonio del Rio at the order of Charles III. Indeed, del Rio’s people investigated and carted back many a man-made piece of this city and it is from one of the workers I have this tale and assemblage in route to you. Villagers led this gentleman and his crew through the tropical forest to an ancient city that reminds one of the ruins of Rome or Greece. It is a marvel unlike others on these lonely shores where the cut stone of man lies side by side with wild jungle. There is a fine tomb on the site of the same height as the tallest trees, surely a resting place for grand rulers. The stones of the lost city are weathered leaving their age a mystery and the creatures of the jungle are loath to yield the stones to the investigation of man. Bright birds are often found making their homes in branches that stretch over the ancient stone and at night even the hunting cats of the jungle can be heard as warning to stay close to the fire.

Many of these buildings and stones are covered in fantastical images. Some show men of men fin tall crowns and cloaks of feathers as if Daedalus had made his way to the new world after fleeing Crete. Oh, and if these accoutrements reflected the plumage of rare birds the city would have been filled with such color, a barbarous spectacle for a past age. Think for a moment, when you view this collection, the riots we would see over full clothes of bright plumes rather than the proper touch of a feather to a hat. If I can find a local draftsman to make good copies of the carvings of the lost city, I will send them to you in my next letter with drawings of more of the natural wonders to be found here.

Adieu and remember me your humble servant,

PB