THE FIRE-BACKED JUNGLE FOWL. 



269 



the tipper tail-corner as to conceal the real tail, over which the flowing 

 leathers fall in graceful sickle-shaped curves. All the members of the 

 group lead a retired life within the recesses of woods and forests, and 

 for this reason wo are but little acquainted with any minute details 

 concerning the habits of many species 



THE FIRE-BACKED JUNGLE FOWL. 



This noble species is larger than the domestic game breed, and 

 ptands high on the 

 legs. The spurs are 

 sharp. The head is 

 adorned wiih a crest 

 of naked shafted 

 feathers, and the bill 

 is partly covered with 

 a purplish skin. The 

 general plumage is 

 black shot with 

 tileaining steel-blue. 

 The lower part of 

 the back is rich 

 flame color. 



The female is a 

 rich cinnamon 

 brown, mottled with 

 black; throat white, 

 head erected, tail 

 folded. This species 

 came originally from 

 Sumatra, and is 

 highly esteemed by 

 fanciers. 



This species was 

 tirst introiluced to 

 science by Sir George 

 Staunton, in his nar- 

 rative of an "Em- 

 oassy to China." llis host at Batavia, among other interesting speci- 

 mens of natural history, possessed one of these birds, whieh was sent 

 to England. The bending feathers of the tail are shorter and much 

 broader than those of the Bankiva, Sonnerat, or Domestic cock. 

 The Fire-backed fowl is intermediate between the largest Jungle 

 fowl, and the domestic game breed. It possesses the quick spirit of 

 all ihe best game breeds, and is much prized among the lovers of 

 cock-fighting. Numerous specimens are to be seen in various parta 

 of New England ; and at the poultry exhibitions, its elegant form and 

 spirited bearing, together with its beautiful hues, make it an attrac- 

 tive and favorite bird. The hen is considered a very good layer 

 nurse and sitter, and the eggs are a good size. 



PIRt-B\CKKD JUNGLE FOWL. 



