MEGAPODES. 



in number. The flesh of the curassows is white, tender, and of 

 exquisite flavour, superior, it is alleged, even to that of the phea- 

 sant or the Guinea-fowl ; it is, therefore, by no means surprising 

 that they are eagerly sought after by the sportsman. The security 

 that they enjoy in their native fastnesses gives them an air of con- 

 fidence which has been regarded by some travellers as indicative 

 of stupidity, and, indeed, their fearlessness is such that the chase 

 after them is generally both easy and productive, seeing that 

 several of them may frequently be killed, one after the other, 

 without causing them to fly farther than from tree to tree. This 

 confiding disposition, and their social habits, would seem to point 

 them out as specially fitted for domestication ; and, indeed, several 

 attempts have been made to introduce them into Europe, but as 

 yet with very indifferent success. 



The Common Curassow {Crax Alcctor) is nearly as large as a turkey, 

 measuring about three feet in its total height. Its plumage is of a shining black, 

 exhibiting purple and green tints according to the direction in which the light 

 falls upon the feathers. The bill is stout and black, but the basal part of both 

 mandibles is occupied by a large yellow cere, and the eyes are surrounded by 

 a naked skin of the same colour. These birds, which are also called "' Hoccos" 

 are found in great flocks in the forests of tropical America. They exhibit very 

 little fear of man, but when in the vicinity of human habitations they become 

 more cautious, and more than two or three together are seldom seen. They 

 are easily domesticated, and then become very familiar, recognizing those who 

 feed them, and even pulling at their clothes when they think themselves ne- 

 glected. This bird has bred freely in Holland : it lays its eggs on the ground, 

 and the young run as soon as they are hatched. 



FAMILY II. 

 THE MEGAPODES. MEGAPODID.^.* 



General Characteristics. — Bill more or less robust, with the apical portion vaulted, 

 and the tip rather obtuse ; the wings noderate and much rounded ; the tarsi long, 

 robust, and usually covered with large scales; the toes lengthened, strong, and 

 covered above with strong scales, the hind toe long and entirely resting on the ground ; 

 the claws long, robust, and slightly curved. 



The birds of this family are all inhabitants of the islands of 

 the Eastern Archipelago and Australia. In their general con- 

 formation they have considerable relationship with the Cracidse, 



* IJ-eyas, megtLS, great ; ttoOs, ito56s, pous, podos, afoot: great-foot. 



