128 NATURAL HISTORY. 



of flight enable it to pass in an incredibly short space of time over a great expanse of country, and 

 just before sunset it may be observed swiftly winging its way over the plains or down the gullies to its 

 drinking-place. During the long drought of 1839-40, when I was encamped at the northern extremity 

 of the Brezi range, I had daily opportunities of observing the arrival of this bird to drink, the only 

 water for miles, as I was assured by the natives, being that in the immediate vicinity of my tent, and 

 that merely the scanty supply left in a few small natural basins in the rocks, which had been filled by 

 the rains of many months before. This peculiar situation afforded me an excellent opportunity for 

 observing not only the Bronze-wing, but many other birds inhabiting the neighbourhood. Few, if any, 

 of the true insectivorous or fissirostral birds come to the water-holes ; but, on the other hand, those 

 species that live upon grains and seeds, particularly the Parrakeets and Honey-eaters (Trichoglossi and 

 Meliphaga), were continually rushing down to the edges of the pools, utterly regardless of my presence, 

 their thirst quite overcoming their sense of danger. Seldom, if ever, however, did the Bronze-wing make 

 its appearance during the heat of the day, but at sundown it arrived with arrow-like swiftness, either 

 singly or in pairs. It did not descend at once to the edge of the pool, but dashed down to the ground 

 at about ten yards' distance, remained quiet for a short time, then walked leisurely to the water, and, 

 after drinking, winged its way to its roosting-place. With a knowledge, therefore, of the habits of this 

 bird, the weary traveller may always know when he is in the vicinity of water ; and, however arid the 

 appearance of the country may be, if he observes the Bronze-wing wending its way to a given point, 

 he may be certain to procure a supply of water. When rain has fallen in abundance, and the rivers 

 and lagoons are filled, the case is materially altered ; then the Bronze-wing and many other birds are 

 not so easily procured." 



THE THIRD FAMILY OF THE PIGEONS THE CROWNED PIGEONS. 



In this family are placed the large Crowned Pigeons (Goura), which inhabit the island of 

 New Guinea and the adjacent islands in the Bay of Geelvink. They are ground-loving birds, 

 remarkable for their large size and the beautiful crest which ornaments the head, and which has 

 gained for them the appropriate name of " Crowned " Pigeons. In their native state they go about 

 the woods in small parties in search of fruit, much after the manner of Pheasants. 



CHAPTER VII. 

 THE GAME-BIRDS. 



GALLING, GAME-BIRDS Characteristics THE CURASSOWS The Sub-families Distinctive Features-Prof. 

 Sumichrast on the Hoccd and Penelopes -THE HOATZINS-THE PHEASANTS THE PEACOCKS Their Gorgeous 

 Plumage The so-called Tail Is the Peacock vain? -Dr. Jerdon's Account of the Habits of the Peafowl The Peacock 

 Pheasants The Argus Pheasants THE TRUE PHEASANTS Description of the Habits of the Monaul, or Impeyan 

 Pheasant Coloration of Bird Habits of the English Species of True Pheasant Reeves's Pheasant THE GUINEA 

 FOWLS Distinctive Features THE TURKEYS Characters Species Dr. Brewer's Account of the Habits of the 

 Wild Turkey Migration of Turkeys THE GROUSE AND PARTRIDGES THE GROUSE The Capercailzie The 

 Black Cock The Hazel Grouse The Ptarmigan Its Summer, Autumn, and Winter Plumage The Willow Grouse 

 THE PARTRIDGES Distribution The Francolins The American Partridges The Californian Quail The Common 

 Partridge The Snow Partridges THE QUAIL THE SAND-GROUSE THE HEMIPODES THE MEGAPODES 

 Their Large Feet Distribution Members of the Family Brush-Turkey Mr. Wallace's Account of the Maleo 

 Cuming's Megapode Mr. Motley's History of the Species Gould's Description of the Habits of the Mound-raising 

 Megapode of Australia Moseley's Note on the Incubation of the Megapodidse. 



FIFTH ORDER OF THE CLASS AVES GALLING GAME-BIRDS. 



No less than eight distinct families are comprised in this fifth order of birds. The head is small 

 in proportion to the size of the body ; the bill is short with a soft skin covering the nostrils ; the line 

 of the bill is ai'ched, and the nostrils, generally of large size, are placed low down in the mandible. 

 The feet are always very distinctly scaled. Members of the order of Game-birds vary considerably 

 in size, large forms like the Turkey, and little creatures scarcely larger than a Sparrow, such as 

 Button-quails and Hemipodes, being equally included in the order. They are generally omnivorous, 

 scratching the ground in order to obtain the small worms, insects, and grain, on which they 



