RASORES. 133 



bear a temperature equal to 100 degrees, for a considerable 

 time, with seeming satisfaction. 



THE AMERICAN CUCKOO. Coccyzus Americanus. This 

 species, called also the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, is in the United 

 States denominated the Cow-bird, from its peculiar notes, in 

 which the syllable cow is frequently repeated. It feeds on 

 insects and berries, having especial partiality for the mul- 

 berry, and eating many grapes in autumn. It is not abun- 

 dant anywhere. Unlike our Cuckoo, it forms its own nest, 

 of a few dry sticks and grass, much like that of the common 

 Dove, often within reach of man, who seldom disturbs it. 

 The eggs are four or five in number, of a rather elongated 

 oval form, and bright green colour. 



ORDER IV. RASORES. GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



The Rasorial or Gallinaceous birds are of exceeding im- 

 portance to man, since they furnish him with food of a deli- 

 cate and nutritious character, and, from the facility with 

 which many of them become acclimated when transferred 

 from their native haunts to other regions, as well as from 



