THE HORNED SCREAMER. 



in addition to this upon its head, two very sharp ones upon 

 each wing, and, by means of these spines, they fight dreadfully 

 during the breeding season — the conqueror remaining with a 

 selected female, to whom he remains constant. So attached 

 indeed are they to each other, that if one dies, the survivor 

 usually pines away and dies too. 



But, with all this warlike appearance, its character is rather 

 mild : one species is often tamed, and from its being a resolute 



m 



The Horned Screamer. 



enemy to certain birds of prey, which make sad havoc in the 

 poultry yards, the inhabitants of the countries where it is 

 found rear it as a protector for their fowls, as it not only feeds 

 with them, but accompanies them into the fields, and brings 

 them back in the evening. It has in consequence been named 

 the faithful Jacana (Parra chavaria). 



The fourth genus consists of the Rails, including our Corn- 

 crake and Water-rail, which may be called English Jacanas, 

 as, in manners and habits, there is a considerable resemblance; 



u 



