Chap. XIV. 



GRADATION OF CHARACTERS. 



137 



coverts of all ordinary birds ; and again between the 

 magnificent ocelli of the former, and the simpler ocelli 

 or mere coloured spots of other birds ; and so with 

 all the other characters of the peacock. Let us look 

 to the alHed Gallinaceae for any still-existing grada- 

 tions. The species and sub-species of Polyplectron 



Fig. 53. Feather of Peacock, about two-thirds of natural size, carefully drawn by Mr. 

 Ford. The transparent zone is represented by the outermost white zone, confined to 

 the upper end of the disc. 



inhabit countries adjacent to the native land of the 

 peacock ; and they so far resemble this bird that they 

 are sometimes called peacock-pheasants. I am also 

 informed by Mr. Bartlett that they resemble the pea- 

 cock in their voice and in some of their habits. During 



