G6 PEACOCK PHEASANTS. 



return to their elevated situation to repose during- 

 the night and most part of the day. Their plu- 

 mage is of a splendid bronze, and their shape 

 most graceful ; but the long loose plumage pend- 

 ing from the breast, which they seem to delight 

 in ruffling; out, in some des:ree conceals their 

 beauteous form, as seen in others of the tribe 

 who have a smoother and more delicate plu- 

 mage. These birds inhabit Sumatra, Nicobar, 

 and other islands forming the eastern archi- 

 pelago.* 



Two elegant peacock pheasants from Cochin 

 China ; the jungle cock and hen from Java ; the 

 bright scarlet cardinal ; the crested partridge 

 from the Malay peninsula ; the pretty and deli- 

 cate Java sparrows ; several of the Chinese 

 water-fowl ; and numerous doves, adorn and 

 enliven this interesting place. ^ 



* In Griffiths' Animal Kingdom, vol. viii. p. 275. Aves. 

 this bird is mentioned as being " distinguished by its brilliant 

 plumage ; but it wants the elegant shape which distinguishes 

 the true Columbae. It remains by preference generally on 

 the ground. It runs with great celerity, and constructs its 

 nest like a partridge. It never perches, except to pass the night. 

 Its cooing is hoarse and dull." 



-|- Sweet potatoes are recommended as a good sea-stock 

 for the purpose of feeding pigeons, birds of paradise, parrots, 

 &c., as a variety of food on board a ship, as those birds often 

 require fruit as a change of diet, which it is found impossible 



