THE ARGUS PHEASANT, OR GfC&NTIC ARGUS. 



Argut giganteus. TEMMINCK. 

 PLATE VIII. 



Argus or Luen, Philosophical Transactions, 55, p. 88. L'Ar- 

 gas ou Luen, Euffon Argus Pheasant, Phasianus Argus, 

 Latham's General History, viii. p. 206. L'Argus, Argus 

 giganteus, Temminck, Pigeons et Gallinaces, ii. 41)^ 

 Synopsis, iii, 679. 



THIS superb bird presents a very singular form 

 among the Gallinaceous order, one which has puzzled 

 most ornithologists into what genus it was to be 

 placed, until Temminck thought of forming one to 

 contain itself. It is chiefly remarkable for the super- 

 abundant development of its plumage, particularly 

 that of the wings ; while its colours, though possess- 

 ing little of the brilliant splendour of those which 

 we have past, by a union of chaste tints and harmo- 

 nious blending, produce an effect at once unique, 

 striking, and pleasing. 



The descriptions and figures were long imperfect, 

 ^y reason of the skins being transmitted to Eu- 

 ope in a mutilated state, the head and feet being 

 )ften wanting, and the wings only being sent. It 

 ffas described in the Philosophical Transactions, and 



