GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 439 



delight ill seeking tlieir food upon the ground and in 

 scratching in the dust. Most of our poultry belongs 

 to this Order ; their flesh supplies a light and whole- 

 some meat, and their feathers are applied to various 

 purposes, both ornamental and useful. 

 This Order is divided into two sections — 

 The Gallinaceae, properly so called, having the front 

 toes united at their base by a short membrane, and 

 their tail composed of fourteen or a still greater 

 number of quills ; and 



The Pig-eons, having their toes entirely separate, 

 and the tail formed of twelve quills. 



Family of Gallinaceae, properly so called. 



The Gallinaceae properly so called have a short 

 convex beak, with the upper mandible arched or 

 vaulted, and curved from its base to its point. Their 

 three front toes are united by a short membrane ; the 

 posterior toe is affixed high up. The principal genera 

 of the (xallinacea3 are the Turkeys, the Peacocks, the 

 Guinea-fowb the Pheasants, and the Grouse. 



