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bigger than the male. This Florikin is found at the foot, and ap- 
proaches to the Himalayas, and frequents most of the country suit- 
able to its tastes up to the Gangetic plains. Whilst Leek or Lesser 
Florikin reserves, more or less, south India as its special rights. 
These two species seldom appear to trespass on each others domains. 
Bengal Florikin is frequently met with, when one is out for big 
game in the Terai. On such occasions these florikins become 
wild and restless when they observe, the approach of the 
lordly monarch of the jungles. This friendly little tip usually puts a 
more veteran sportsman and shikares on their guard for the sudden 
appearance? of a Tiger. It is a pretty sight to watch a full grown 
cock florikin, in spring, about early in May, soar up parpendicular 
to where it has been, with quick, strong flaps of the wings, a 
minute’s pause to take breath, as it were, then another ascent till 
satisfied it has seen all that is to be seen of the surrounding country, 
above, the long wavy grass, on a warm spring morning or less fre- 
quently, mid-day, it drops to the ground again. When in company 
with the hens, its habits are not unlike the homely turkey, as it 
struts, lifts and droops its wings, humming a peculiar chant all for 
their edification. Florikins usually cast all bird principals over- 
board and seem to care but little for social technicalities. They, 
perchance, prefer to live like our primitive forefathers did, before 
marriage laws were instituted. Should you, ever find yourself in 
the burning, scorched up Terai, you will have but little difficulty in 
making out this bird, as it passes you on its way, perhaps, to old fre- 
quented feeding grounds, by its slow, steady flapping flight ; or it 
may be, when observed, standing conspicuously on sandy chur lands 
by bigger mountain rivers. I have seen them on wide stretching 
shores of the Balasun, Teesta and Meechi, a mile or two beyond 
the foot of the hills. 
Famity CURSORIDAL 
These birds have lengthened tarsi, which give them a tall, raised 
appearance. Bill slender ; plumage more of a brown and chestnut 
- colour; thrée toes only in most of the species. Birds of smaller 
size than the last family. 
GrENus Cursorius. Bill longish, slender and curved; wings 
moderate ; tail short ; tarsus long and slender, protected by scutelle; 
short lateral toes ; claws small, 
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