^36 Mr. Vigors on some new subjects in Zoologi/. 



Museum. There are partial differences also in some other mate- 

 rial particulars, on which I do not wish at present to dwell ; as 

 from my not having had the opportunity of comparing the two 

 species at once together, I of course cannot venture to detail such 

 characters with accuracy. I shall only mention the greater length 

 and developement of the hallux in Anth. Stanleyanus ; in which 

 character that bird seems to be intermediate between Anth. Virgo^ 

 and the more typical Gruidce. Jnth. pavoninus accords with our 

 bird in this particular, and by the additional character of the naked 

 cheeks and caruncle under the chin seems to exhibit a still nearer 

 approach to the true Grus. Anth, Virgo^ on the other hand, by 

 the slight developement of the hallux appears to possess the 

 nearest affinity of all the birds in the group to the three-toed 

 family of Charadriadce, which adjoins it in the present Order. 



In manners and gestures the Anth. Stanleyanus appears to con- 

 form most intimately with the Demoiselle ; displaying the same 

 delicacy and elegance of attitude, and the same majesty, toge- 

 ther with the same graceful playfulness in all its movements. I 

 once had the good fortune to see it when released from the place 

 of its confinement and set at liberty into an adjoining yard ; and 

 it was scarcely possible to witness a scene of more grace and ani- 

 mation. The bird, when after a few movements it felt itself free, 

 bounded into the air, and traversed the yard with singular velo- 

 city, and a peculiaiity of motion which could neither be termed 

 running nor flying : with its wings expanded and its long quill fea- 

 thers streaming just above the ground, it sailed and swept along 

 Ihe open space, without regard to the numerous spectators who 

 watched its movements, luxuriating in all the buoyancy and ox- 

 cursiveness of new-felt liberty. I understand that it is particu- 

 larly eager in its pursuit after insects which it takes when they 

 are upon the wing ; and that they seem to be its natural and most 

 acceptable food. We may readily conceive what myriads of 

 winged creatures it would encircle within its wings as it swept 

 along its native marshes, in the manner observed above, and 

 ^hich it would thus bring within the compass of its prey. 



