2T8 ' Dr Morton on Byhrid AHimdls and Plants. 



In fact, the Dutch mehageries liave already obtained the 

 prolific hybrids of three species * of this genus ; and it has 

 been Observed that these mixed birds have their plumage 

 more varied, and far more agreeable to the eye, than the uni- 

 fOrhi livery of the adult individuals of the pure race.t 



Here, then, we have a family of wild birds, recently re- 

 claimed from their native forests, so as to leave no possible 

 question of their origin and specific diversity ; and by inter- 

 niixing these species in a state of domestication, We have 

 passing under our eyes, as it were, the identical series of 

 phenomena, those very same changes, which are so remark- 

 able and so familiar in the common fowl. 



Since I commenced writing this essay, I have met with 

 two hybrid gallinaceous birds, between the common fowl and 

 the Guinea fowl [Numida meleagris). They were bred in the 

 state of Delaware, and possess, in a remarkable and unequi- 

 vocal manner, the exterior characters and the habits of both 

 parents. One of them looks more like the common fowl ; 

 the other, on the contrary, has a much stronger resemblance 

 to the Guinea fowl. The sounds which they utter are inter- 

 mediate, often analogous to those of the Guinea fowl, but oc- 

 casionally having the cluck of the other parent. These birds 

 are yet living, and their sex has not been positively deter- 

 mined, but the male characters appear to predominate. 



Since they came under my notice, I have heard of three 

 other examples of similar hybrids occurring in different 

 parts of the United States; but no progeny has resulted 

 from them.j 



Bechstein states that the cock of the wood {Tetrao urogal- 

 lus) will breed with the black grouse (T. tetrix) and even 

 with the domestic fowl and turkey. White of Selborne§ gives 

 a plate and description of a wild hybrid, between the phea- 

 sant and domestic fowl ; and a bird of the same kind was pre- 



* Crax alector, C. rubro, and C. glohicera. 

 t Griffith's Cuvier, viii., p. 113. 



X See Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, for 

 September 1846. 



§ Naturalist's Calendar, for 1795. 



