THE POULTRY KIND. 155 



CHAPTER VII. 



THE PINTADA, OR GUINEA-HEN. 



THIS is a very remarkable bird, and in some 

 measure unites the characteristics of the pheasant 

 and the turkey. It has the fine delicate shape of 

 the one, and the bare head of the other. To be 

 more particular, it is about the size of a common 

 hen ; but as it is supported on longer legs, it looks 

 much larger. It has a round back, with a tail 

 turned downwards like a partridge. The head is 

 covered with a kind of casque ; and the whole 

 plumage is black or dark grey, speckled with 

 white spots. It has wattles under the bill, which 

 do not proceed from the lower chap as in cocks, 

 but from the upper, which gives it a very peculiar 

 air, while its restless gait and odd chuckling sound 

 distinguish it sufficiently from all other birds 

 whatever. 



It is well known all over Europe, and even 

 better than with us, as the nations that border on 

 the Mediterranean probably had it before us 

 from those parts of Africa which lay nearest. 

 Accordingly we find it in different countries call- 

 ed by different names, from the place whence they 

 had it. They are by some called the Barbary 

 hen ; by others, the Tamis bird ; and by others, 

 the bird of Numidia. We have given it the name 

 of that part of Africa from whence probably it 

 was first brought. 



