348 PEA FOWL. 



though not otherwise objectionable. Something of the kind is 

 popularly believed, perhaps not utterly without truth, respec- 

 ting Herons and Eels. But to these Continental residences it 

 should be understood that no vineyard be at hand. The green- 

 ness and sourness of the grapes, which caused the Fox to re- 

 frain, would be but a weak argument with them. A Peacock, 

 that was suffered to go at large in the dirty back lanes of a 

 town, struck me as being more out of its place than any I had 

 ever seen. 



A charming instance of the ornamental use of Pea Fowl was 

 to be seen a dozen years ago, (and perhaps may still,) at the 

 Palace of Caserta, near Naples. There is an English garden,* 

 admirably laid out, on a slope commanding the most enchant- 

 ing views In one part is a small piece of water, in the midst 

 of which is an island planted with trees and shrubs, and in- 

 habited, by numerous Pea Fowl.f Of course, they must be 

 pinioned, to prevent their escape. My own birds had no hesi- 

 tation in flying to and fro, in order to visit an island similarly 

 situated, and which is cultivated as a kitchen garden. People 

 may talk about Humming-birds, Sun-birds, Birds of Paradise, 



* The gravel for some of the walks was brought from Kensington. 



f Therefore this genus of Fowls is most easily kept in the small 

 woody islands which lie before Italy. For since they can neither fly 

 very high nor for a long distance, and since there is no fear of loss by 

 theives or vermin, they can safely go at large without a keeper, and 

 find themselves the greater part of their food. The Peahens, indeed, 

 as if freed from slavery, will, of their own accord feed their young 

 with greater care ; nor should their keeper do more than call the 

 flock toward the farm at a certain time of the day by a known signal, 

 and throw them a little barley as they assemble, so that the birds 

 may not be famished, and their number may be told. But the op- 

 portunity of using this kind of landed property is rare." Columella, 

 lib. viii. cap. xi. This is very like our pheasantries in alder and 

 osier carrs. The whole chapter is curious and worth reading. 



