OTID^E. 155 



size. The family comprises the Curassows, Guans, and the 

 Hoazin, but none of its members are included among British 

 birds; though why they have not been introduced for do- 

 mestication we are not aware, since, at least on one occa- 

 sion, they have been thoroughly acclimated in Holland, and 

 proved as prolific in their domesticated state as our common 

 poultry. 



OTIDJE. BUSTAEDS. 



The Bustards are peculiar to the Old World, and frequent 

 wide plains, extensive downs, and open lands. Their food 

 consists of tender herbage, grain, and insects. They run 

 with great rapidity, and, unless closely pursued, seldom take 

 wing; they are shy and watchful, and difficult to approach. 

 In their habits they are polygamous, and the females incu- 

 bate alone. The male birds surpass the female in size and 

 beauty of colouring. Our British list comprehends three 

 species, of which we proceed to write. 



THE GREAT BUSTARD. Otis tarda. This noble bird was 

 to be found formerly in the wild and open districts of our 

 land, but the gun and the progress of cultivation have ren- 

 dered it a rare object, if indeed it is not extinct. Upon 

 Salisbury Plain, once frequented by this species, the plough 



