THE ARGUS I'HEASANT.* 



Of all the G(i//iiiw, there are none whose wings are so little adapted for flight as those 

 of the Argus. The secondary quills of the male are, in fact, three times longer than 

 the primary, wliieh spread out broadl}' at their extremities, and altogether form a large, 

 sweeping, fan-like plume. Each of these feathers is beautifully ornamented with a row 

 of eyes, down the \\'eb on the outer side of the shaft, and the rest of this vane is filled 

 witli lineal and oval spots of deep brown on a yellowish gray ground. Their stems are 

 extremely weak, and thej^ have no coverts. If wo add to tliis the weight of the bird, and 

 its broad tail, in the centre of which are implanted two great and broad feathers, which 

 exceed the others by many feet, it will appear that the argus is not only unique, but the 

 only bird in whieh so remarkable a disproportion takes place. 



The argus runs more tlian it flies, and its logs being very long, render it well adajjted 

 for this motion. It is also assisted therein by the use of its wings. It docs indeed 

 sometimes rise from the ground, but its flight i.s short and heavy. 



This bird inhabits Sumatra, and is etpiall}' found in the south of India. It is al&o said 

 to have been observed in Chinese Tartary. It appears to be a bird of recluse habits, 

 frequenting wooded mountains, and places remote from liuraan habitations. In size it is 

 little inferior to a turkey. Its voice is described as ratlier plainti\e. 



* Argus Gigiuiti'UH. 



