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their rapid increase, become peculiarly available for domesti- 

 cation. Thus the Turkey has been introduced into this 

 country from America, our domestic poultry, with the Phea- 

 sant and Pea-fowl, from Asia, and the Guinea-fowl from 

 Africa, and none of these appear to have suffered much by 

 their change of country or of climate, 



In general the birds of this Order deposit and hatch their 

 eggs in a rude nest upon the ground, but some which reside 

 in forests, build in trees. The young are generally nume- 

 rous, and able to run about and provide for themselves the 

 moment they quit the shell. 



Central Asia, North America, and the northern part of 

 South America, may be considered the strongholds of the 

 typical Easores ; but our British species are not numerous. 



We have included under this Order the following fami- 

 lies: the Pigeons, Partridges, or Grouse, Pheasants, Curas- 

 sow-birds, and Bustards, 



COLUMBID^E. PIGEON S. 



This family includes the well-known tribe of Pigeons and 

 Doves, and contains a large number of elegant and beautiful 

 forms ; but in some very important respects it differs from 

 the other families of the present Order, and has been con- 



