156 THE QiiLLINULB. 



Mediterranean. In Sicily, they are bred in plenty, tiid 

 Jtept for their beauty; but whether indigenous there, we 

 are not certain. It is frequently met with in various parts 

 of the south of Kussia, and western parts of Siberia, among 

 reedy places ; and in the neighbourhood of the Caspian Sea 

 not uncommon ; but in the cultivated rice grounds of Ghilan 

 in Persia, in great plenty, and in high plumage. The female 

 makes her nest among the reeds, in the middle of JMarch ; 

 lays three or four eggs, and sits from three to four weeks. 

 That it is common in China, the paper-hangings thence will 

 everywhere testify. It is also met with in the East Indies, 

 the islands of Java, Madagascar, and many others. Our 

 late navigators saw them at Tongataboo in vast numbers, as 

 well as the islands of Tanna, and other parts. It is also 

 common in the southern parts of America. 



" In respect to its manners, it is a very docile bird, being 

 easily tamed, and feeding with the poultry, scratching the 

 ground with the foot, as the cock and hen. It will feed on 

 many things, such as fruits, roots of plants, and grain ; but 

 will eat fish with avidity, dipping them into the water 

 before it swallows them j will frequently stand on one leg, 

 Knd lift the food to its mouth with the other, like a parrot 

 The flesh is said to be exquisite in taste." 



'* The modems," says Buffon, " have given the name of 

 Sultana Hen to a bird famous among the ancients, undei 

 the name of Porphyrion. We have frequently had occasion 

 to remark the justne»s of the denominations bestowed by 



