i 107 ) 



THE JACANA 



HA S been by fome referred to the kind of Water-hens, but though 

 refembling in manners, yet in figure, and other particulars, is very 

 aitt!n6l, having fpurs to each wing, and a membranous kind of cotnh on 

 his head. The toes and nails excelTively long ; that behind as long as 

 the middle one before; all the nails round, fharp, and piercing; whence 

 fome have called him Surgeon, Inhabits the marfhes of Brazil and Guy- 

 ana, feeding on water- infects, &c. There are three or four fpecies of this 

 bird, which differ in colours, not in fize. 



In one fpecies, the head, neck, and front are black, with a tint of violet ; 

 the great wing- feathers green -, the reft of his upper part chcftnut, verging 

 on purple J each wing is armed with a fharp fpur ifluing from the fhoulder : 

 from the bafe of the bill rifes a memorane, which falls over the forehead, 

 divides into three parts, and falls on each fide of the bill; the bill is (trait, 

 a little fwelled at the end, of a bright yellow, as are his fpurs ; the tail 

 lliort; his legs half way bare of feathers. In fize lefs than a pigeon; buc 

 his long legs and neck make him feem larger. Go ordinarily in pairs, 

 and, when accidentally feparated, clamour after each other; are very wild, 

 and only to be approached by art. Vifit St. Domingo, not only after the 

 great rains in May and November, but fome are feen after any heavy 

 rain, whence it is concluded, that their refidcnce is not diftant. Their 

 flight is low, but rapid ; their cry is audible from afar, and has fome af- 

 finity to an owl's; fo that poultry in the yards are frightened by it : yet 

 is not known to be of prey. Some are greenifh black ; fome have the 

 green refiedions of the Pigeon. 



THE PORPHYRION, or SULTANA HEN, 



WA S well known to the antients, but, till lately, lofl to the modern 

 The firft of the kind fubmitted to examination came from "^ T.t 

 gafcar, but it has fince been found to breed in Sicily, in the lake L 

 This bird is gentle, innocent, timid, fond, feeking folitude an;i 

 places, hiding itfclf when eating, when approached has a fharp 

 ending internally. Prrf<^rs fifh, but eats fruits and roots; can Ir 

 / grain; often foaks his food, repeatedly; if the piece be fomewhar 

 he grafps it in one foot, and, holding it halfway to h.i mouth, ea. 

 Part IV. No. 27. T u 



