Especially of its tail.

The admirable feathers which it erects with so much pride, grow out of its back, and are not, as generally supposed, its tail; this is formed by a few plain, stiff, brown feathers, which serve as a basis, by which the train is supported.

I was not aware of this circumstance. Where are they found in a wild state?

In some parts both of India and Africa. There are four species of them. It is well their plumage is so fine, for their voice would not recommend them to

our esteem.

It is a dreadful scream. If we could unite the nightingale's song with the peacock's plumage, what a bird would be produced!

Truly, IF we could! But let us proceed.

The PHEASANT TRIBE* have the sides of their heads naked and smooth. They are readily found and killed; and, if they were not protected by our game

*Phasianus Colchicus.

laws, the whole race would be soon extinct. Our domestic poultry belong to this tribe. The common Guinea Fowl, of which we have many in our farm yard, are of the PINTADO TRIBE.

They are abundant in the western parts of Africa, and in the isles of Bourbon, France, and Madagascar.

The GROUSE TRIBE includes Grouse, Partridges, and Quails. The Grouse have strong convex bills, and many of them a scarlet skin above each eye.

It is big

ger than a partridge, but commonly not so large as a pheasant. As they usually inhabit cold mountainous

districts, they are covered even to the very toes with feathers. The Black Grouse* are found in Wales, and in the New Forest; and the Red Grouse + are found in the Highlands of Scotland, and in Wales. The

* Jetrao tetrix.

† Jetrao scoticus.

As

The

Ptarmigan, or White Game,* are chiefly found in the countries within or near the arctic circle. the winter approaches, all the feathers, except those of the wings and of the tail, double their plumage; what a wonderful provision is this against the intense cold of the climate which they occupy! Great quantities are taken for food, at Hudson's Bay. Partridges and Quails also belong to this tribe. BUSTARD TRIBE‡ have only three front toes ; their legs are long, and unclothed above the knees. There are twelve species. The male bird has a pouch in which it carries a considerable quantity of water. They are the largest wild birds to be found in our country, with the exception of the eagles; but are much fewer than they used to be. They are sometimes met with in small flocks, in the least populous parts of Dorsetshire and Yorkshire; and run off with very great rapidity on the least alarm.

* Jetrao lagopus.

‡ Otis tarda.

+ See Juv. Nat.

But we

have not named the most remarkable tribe in this

order.

What is it?

That of the OSTRICH. This is the largest known bird; they have been found from six to nine feet in height. The wings are not formed for flying, the legs are naked above the knees; one species has two, and the other three toes, which are placed forwards. The Black, or Great Ostrich,* has its residence in the burning deserts of Africa and Asia. They associate together in flocks. It has been regarded as the link of union between the quadrupeds and the winged tribes. Its neck somewhat resembles that of a camel, and is covered with hair, and it grazes like that animal. Most naturalists have fallen into several errors in reference to these birds; even Linneus has affirmed, that the ostrich sometimes lays nearly fifty eggs. The fact is, that several females accompany one male, and they all deposit their eggs in one com

*Struthiocamelus.