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THE AMERICAN POULTERER'S COMPANION. 



THE CHESTED CUEA6SOW. 



We will now give a history and description, 

 with illustrations, of several species and varie- 

 ties, some of which have been partially re- 

 claimed, and are susceptible of domestication. 



THE CURASSOW. 



The Curassow, known here as the Mexican 

 Pheasant, are all natives of Mexico, South 

 America, etc., and many approach the common 

 turkey in size. The Crested Curassow, which 

 our figure illustrates, is a native of the forests 

 of Mexico, Guiana, and Brazil ; in Guiana par- 

 ticularly it is so abundant that Sonnoni regards 

 it as an unfailing source of supply to the trav- 

 eler who has to trust to his gun. These birds con- 

 gregate together in large troops, and are so un- 

 suspicious that they will remain quietly perched 

 on the branches of trees while the gun makes 

 havoc among their numbers. In districts, how- 

 ever, which are well frequented, they are more 

 shy and mistrustful, ever keeping on the alert 

 to avoid pursuit of the sportsman. They build 

 large nests in the trees, constructing them with 



sticks and long herbage, and lining them with 

 grasses and leaves. The eggs are from five to 

 eight in number, and resemble those of a fowl, 

 but have a thicker shell, and are of a larger size. 

 Their flesh, in delicacy and Whiteness, surpasses 

 that of the fowl or pheasant. 



This species has been bred in Holland, and 

 is common in a domestic state in the Dutch set- 

 tlements of Berbice, Essequibo, Demerara, and 

 elsewhere, and requires but little care. In avi- 

 aries, we are informed, it suffers, as do the rest 

 of the group, from wet or dampness, which oc- 

 casions mortification and consequent loss of the 

 toes. Plenty of room, a dry soil, and trees on 

 which to perch, and a sheltered situation, art- 

 essentials in all endeavors to naturalize this 

 valuable bird. The Crested Curassow is as 

 large as a moderate-sized turkey. The tail is 

 ample, and composed of stiff feathers. With 

 the exception of the abdominal region, which is 

 white, the whole plumage is rich black with a 

 gloss of green. The cere and skin round tin- 

 eyes are light yellow. The crest consists of 



