PEACOCK. 20] 



In a word, the dodo seems to be pressed down by its own 

 weight; and appears among birds what the sloth is among- 

 quadrupeds, an unresisting creature, equally incapable 

 of defence or flight. 



This bird is a native of the Isle of France. Its flesh is 

 said to be good and wholesome ; and it appears harmless 

 in all its habits. 



THE PEACOCK. 



No expressions could do justice to the beauty of this 

 bird, were it necessary to enter into a detail of its superb 

 tints ; but fortunately it is too well known to require a 

 long description. When it appears with its tail expanded, 

 none of the feathered creation can vie with it in elegance 

 and magnificence ; but the harsh scream of its voice 

 diminishes the pleasure received from its brilliance ; while 

 its insatiable gluttony and its spirit of depredation, tend 

 still more to alienate our attachment from the only merit 

 which it can claim, its incomparable beauty. 



Peacocks were first introduced into Europe from the 

 Asiatic Indies, and in several parts of those extensive 

 regions they are still found wild in prodigious flocks. So 

 fine a bird, the flesh of which, too, was always esteemed 

 a delicacy at the tables of the luxurious, was not long 

 suffered to continue in its original retreats. Even in the 

 days of Solomon it is mentioned among the articles im- 

 ported by his fleets. The Greeks also showed a strong 

 predilection for this bird ; and it appears that the first 

 exhibition of one was sufficient to induce many persons 

 to travel from Lacedemon to Athens for a sight of it. 



Like other birds of the poultry kind, the peacock feeds 

 on corn ; but its favourite food is barley. However, it 

 does not reject insects and tender plants ; and so capri- 

 cious are its appetites, that it is not easily restrained from 

 the most unaccountable depredations on the dwelling, the 

 farm, or the garden. 



The pea-hen is far less beautiful than the cock : she 

 lays five or six eggs ; and studies to hide her nest from 

 K 5 



