JG5 



THE ARGUS PHEASANT, OR GIGlNTIC ARGUS. 



Argut giganteus. TEMMIXCK. 

 PLATE VIII. 



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

 gas ou Luen, Buffbn Argus Pheasant, Phasianus Argus, 

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

 giganteus, Temminck, Pigeons et Gallinaces, ii. 41 1-*" 

 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, 

 by reason of the skins being transmitted to Eu- 

 rope in a mutilated state, the head and feet being 

 often wanting, and the wings only being sent. It 

 was described in the Philosophical Transactions, and 



