(4)-ORDER RASORES. 
5Ora 
Or Gallinacee comprise, what are more commonly called, Game- 
birds, which form an interesting Natural Order. They appear chiefly 
to be known for the opportunities they offer, on the wing, for testing 
the accuracy of a sportsman’s eye, and the pleasures, the pastime of 
shooting holds out to nimrods, also for the excellency of their savory 
meats. However admirable these qualifications are, I feel, that little 
can be added to this phase, of the life history of game-birds, so that 
if we turn our attention in other directions, we will find a feast, 
pleasure and entertainment more in accordance with the scope of 
this work. The bill of these birds is short and vaulted, bent at the 
tip usually wattled near the base; wings strong, short and rounded ; 
legs and feet strong and partly feathered. Males have usually, a 
tarsal spur ; hind toe short, excepting Turnix which have no hind 
toe ; claws a little curved strong and blunt. These birds, usually, 
scrape the ground, whilst hunting for food ; thus called “ scratchers” 
or “scratching birds,” which habit among game-birds is more typical 
than was found among other Orders. They are birds usually of 
large size and heavy build. Males are bigger in size, in most species 
crested and with richly coloured plumage.  Rasores indulge in 
dust baths, chiefly to rid themselves of all superfluity in the shape 
of insects, scales or undeveloped shafts (feathers) which have been 
irritating their skins, more so about the moulting season. We can- 
not do better than follow the groups, found in the accompanying 
list. 
A—Hind toe on the same plane. 
(j)—CRACID:. 
(ii) —MEGAPODID i. 
B—Hind toe raised, or wanting. 
(iii) —PTEROCLID A ne Sand-grouse. 
(iv)—PHASIANIDAt me Pheasants, ete. 
(v)—TETRAONIDA .... Grouse and Partridges. 
(vi)-—-TINAMIDAG em Bustard, quails, ete. 
