,■), 'JM («i.i-„ if- ,i 



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THE CARUNCULATED GROUND PIGEON.* 



Wc have selected tliis bird from the decided analogy, or ratlier affinity, it shows to the 

 true gallinaceous tribes — a likeness which is rendered still more striking by the accessory 

 appendages which ornament the face and throat, and bear so direct an analogy to the 

 wattles of the common domestic fowl. 



This bird is a native of South Africa, and was first discovered by Le Vaillaut in the 

 Naniaqua country. It builds its nest on the ground in some sliglit depression, making it 

 of twig.s and the stems of dried grasses, upon which the female deposits from sLx. to eight 

 reddish-white eggs, which are incubated alternately by both sexes. 



In size it about equals tlie common turtle, but is thicker and rounder in the body. 

 The base of tlie bill and forehead is covered with a naked red skin, and the chin is orna- 

 mented will i a la ige ■wattle, which turns upwards on each side toward the ears. The 

 head, the cheeks, tlio nock, and the breast, are of a purplish-gray ; the mantle, 

 the scapulars, and the wing-coverts arc pale-gray; the feathers are finely margined 

 with while. 



These jjigeons inliabit the forests of India, the Moluccas, Celebes, Australia, and the 

 Pacific Isles. Tlieir food consists of frui(s and berries' That of (he precious nutmeg, or 

 rather its soft covering, known to us by the name of mace, affords at certain seasons a 

 favourable repast to some species, and \ipon this luxurious diet they become so loaded with 

 fat as frequently, when shot, to burst asunder wlicn tlicy fall to the ground. And here we 

 may observe the remarkable provision nature has made for the propagation, as well as 



* Gtophilus C'uiuiiculuiua, 



