UNJVERSITV 



GSALLATORES. 



bare ground, a little hollowed out for the purpose, either among 

 clover, or, more frequently, in cornfields. The flesh is highly 

 esteemed for food ; it is dark in color, and short in fibre, but 

 sweet and well-flavored. 



The LITTLE BUSTARD, O. tetrax, is another smaller species, 

 found in Europe and Africa. 



The BLACK-HEADED BUSTARD, O. nigriceps, is a native of Asia, 

 verging towards five feet in length, and having a crested head. 

 It is found in large flocks in the open country of the Mahrattas, 

 as well as in the highlands of the Himalaya. Its flesh is con- 

 sidered a very great delicacy. 



The AFRICAN BUSTARD, O. Denhami, is a magnificent species, 

 which was discovered by Mr.Denham in Africa, near the larger 

 towns. It frequented moist places where the herbage was pure 

 and fresh, and almost always appeared singly. This bird was 

 ever found in company with the Gazelles; "whenever a Bus- 

 tard was observed, it was certain that the Gazelles were not far 

 distant." The eye is said to be large and brilliant; the Arabs 

 "are accustomed to compare the eyes of their most beautiful 

 women to those of the OUBARA," the general name for the Bus- 

 tards in Africa. 



The Koni BUSTARD, O. Kori, is a species discovered by Mr. 

 Burchell in South Africa, the most gigantic of the family, 

 standing upwards of five feet high. Mr. B. says, "its body was 

 so thickly protected by feathers, that our largest sized shot made 

 no impression, and, taught by experience, the hunters never fire 

 at it except with a bullet." 



The AGAMI, or GOLD-BREASTED TRUMPETER, Psophia, (Gr. 

 psopheo, to make a noise,) crepitans, is an interesting bird, de- 

 riving its name from the peculiar noise which it makes without 

 opening its bill. It is about the size of a Pheasant or large 

 Fowl, being twenty-two inches in length ; has long legs, and a 

 long neck,, but a very short tail, consisting of twelve black feath- 

 ers, over which the rump-plumes hang droopingly. It inhabits 

 the forests of South America, where it is found in numerous 

 flocks; it is a swift runner, and when pursued, trusts more to 

 its legs than its wings. When domesticated, it shows great fond- 

 ness and fidelity; and is so regardful of its owner's interests, 

 that it attacks the dogs and other animals that venture near him. 

 Sometimes it is used to protect domestic poultry from the onsets 

 of birds of prey. 



