JUNGLE-FOWLS. 



291 



and many barbarous Eastern nations at the present time, delighted in the 

 cruel spectacle of a cock-fight. Durmg the day they generally "frequent the 

 outskirts of forests and thick jungles, but on the least alarm conceal them- 

 selves in the thickest coverts. Their food consists of seeds, fruits, and the 

 larva: of insects ; the females construct a rude nest, composed of grass, on the 

 ground. 



The members of another group {Gallophasis) are found in the immense 

 primeval forests of India and the neighbouring islands. They are usually 



Fig. 148.— Korsfield's Jlxgle-Fowl {,EiiJ>!ocomns Horsjieldii). 



seen in the close brushv70ods that cover the precipitous and rugged gorges of 

 the mountains, but some species prefer level ground. "When alarmed, they 

 endeavour to hide among the covers, where they run with great rapidity. 

 Their note is a subdued melancholy chuck. 



The Tragopans {Ceriornis) are peculiar to the deep and gloomy pine 

 forests of Central Asia. They live solitarily, are very difficult to be approached, 

 and are only discovered by their shrill whistle. The male birds are remark- 

 able on account of the horn-like appendages over each eye, which, when 

 expanded, are of a most brilliant scarlet colour, varied with vivid purple, 

 sky-blue, and green. 



The type of this sub-family is — 



Horsfield's Jungle-Fowl {Euplocomus Horsficldii). 



