478 SOME ACCOUNT OF A VISIT TO KNOWSLEY. 



(Rampkastos erythrorhynchus). The other rare birds of this group which may 

 be named were the Nymphicus Novce-Hollandce, Pal&ornis Barabaudice, Platy- 

 cercus Stanleyii, Platycercus Bauerii, some species of Timranus, &c. Amongst 

 the Rasorial birds were several varieties of Grouse, as the Sand- Grouse, or genus 

 Pterocles ; also the Red Grouse and Black [ Grouse. There were several [young 

 specimens of these birds, which had been bred in the Menagerie, a circumstance 

 which, if not unknown before, is at least extremely rare. 



In one large cage, occupying several square yards, were confined a great variety 

 of Pigeons and Gallinaceous birds. Some of the latter were of the rarest kind ; 

 amongst the former the Passenger Pigeon \_Columba migratoria,* Auct., Ectopistes 

 migratoria, Swains. — Ed.]] was pointed out to us ; and as there were a great 

 many of them it seems probable this bird may become extensively reared in this 

 country. 



Of the Strutkionidce there were several noble specimens. Some of them were 

 very young. Of the Wading birds the most striking was the Stanley Crane (An- 

 tkropoides Stanley anus). Its tall figure, graceful carriage, and tame habits, 

 attracted considerable attention. It is between four and five feet in height ; its 

 plumage is of a bright grey colour ; its most remarkable feature is its large head, 

 which, according to the phrenologists, would indicate a most dangerous develop- 

 ment of the animal propensities, as the greater part of its bulk is situated behind 

 the articulation of the skull with the vertebrae. 



Amongst the Swimming birds were some very fine Pelicans, several Black 

 Swans, and a great variety of this tribe, of a smaller kind. After having visited 

 the Aviary, we were kindly invited to partake of some refreshment in the house, 

 and were afterwards shewn through the extensive range of apartments, which to 

 the lover of the Fine Arts afforded abundant delight, in the splendid collection of 

 pictures they contain. The Earl possesses a large library, and upon the table I 

 observed copies of the most costly and splendid works on Natural History. 

 There is also a magnificent collection of stuffed birds ; but it must be obvious 

 that we could take nothing more than a hasty glance at the various objects of 

 interest that presented themselves in this extensive establishment. We did not 

 see the noble owner of these collections, but I understand his lordship went 

 round with the party in the morning, and endured the pains and penalties of the 

 pouring rain for two or three hours, thus demonstrating the interest he takes in 

 the objects he has been at so much pains to collect around him. On the follow- 

 ing Saturday I joined a small party in an excursion to the Leasowes, which, if 

 agreeable, I will forward for the next number of The Naturalist. 



October, 1837- 



