_ THE COLUMBID 4. 421 
troops in the midst of forests, and feed upon~seeds, berries, and 
buds. Naturally very gentle, they readily yield to captivity, when 
they become familiar, and evince pleasure in the caresses of their 
masters. Sonnini relates that he has seen them wander at liberty 
through the streets of Cayenne, return to their homes without 
hesitation, and leap upon the tables to take their food. Their flesh 
is exquisite, and in all respects worthy of the favour of epicures. 
These different qualities should cause an honourable place to be 
assigned them in our poultry-yards ; it is, therefore, to be regretted 
that the attempts to acclimate these birds made by the Empress 
Josephine at the commencement of this century have not been 
renewed. 
The Pauxis (Ourax pauxi) differ but little physically from the 
Curassows. They have the same habits and characteristics, and 
easily become domesticated. 
Guans (Penelope cristata) and Parraquas are two genera of birds 
strongly resembling each other ; they have an analogy to Pheasants, 
but only on account of their general forms; they possess the con- 
fiding and peaceable nature of Curassows, but do not so willingly 
submit to domestication. Their flesh is delicious. They also deserve 
to be acclimated. | 
The Hoatzins, or Crested Touraco (Opésthocomus cristatus) 1n- 
habit the savannahs of Guyana. ‘Their fiesh, which exhales a strong 
odour—due- no doubt to the vegetables on which they feed ex- 
clusively—is far from being agreeable. It has long been a disputed 
point whether it should be classed under the present heading or 
among the Passerines. ‘The Hoatzin is almost as large as a Turkey; 
the head is decorated with a long flowing crest, and its bearing is 
imposing and handsome. 
COLUMBID&. 
The Columbide family establish a transition between real Galli- 
naceans and Passerines; in short, they partake of the nature of 
both. Whilst they approach the former in their anatomical and 
purely material characteristics, such as the structure of their beaks, 
sternum, and crops, they resemble the latter in their elegant forms, 
peaceable manners, and attractive habits. 
Like the Passerines they are monogamists. The male and 
female build their nests together, and share the task of incubation 
and the bringing up of their progeny ; which, when released from 
the shell, are blind, covered with down, and unable to move about 
