420 



REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



There are three or four varieties known, which inhabit India, China, 

 and the Isles of Sumatra and Borneo. Their habits have not yet 

 been studied. 



Impeyan Pheasants (Lopophorus Impeyanus, Fig. 159), are little 

 better known than the Peacock Pheasants. They prefer cold 

 climates, which sufficiently accounts for their predilection to the 

 elevated ridges of the Himalayas. No one has as yet succeeded in 

 acclimatising them in Europe. This is one of the most brilliant 

 Gallinaceans ; its plumage, bedizened with the most lively colours, 



has gained for it in India a very significant name that of the 

 Golden Bird. 



Under the name of Alectors (from the Greek ax^rup), Cuvier 

 has united a certain number of American birds bearing some 

 resemblance to the Domestic Fowl, the principal of which are the 

 Curassows, of which the crested variety (Crax alector, Fig. 160) is 

 best known. They are analogous in form and size to a Turkey, of 

 which they are the representatives in Central America, Guiana, and 

 Brazil. They have a large tuft upon the head, formed of distorted 

 and erectile feathers, and are without spurs. They live in numerous 



