CLASS II. AVES: ORDER 5. RASORES. 



257 



ance, consisting of a harsh, disagreeable cry, not unlike the word paon, which is the French name 

 for the bird. 



Although naturalized as a domestic bird in Europe and America, the peacock is a native of 

 India, where it is still found abundantly in a wild state ; and the wild specimens are said to be 

 more brilliant than those bred in captivity. The date of its introduction into England is not 

 known, but tlie first peacocks appear to have been brought into Europe by Alexander the Great, 

 although these birds were among the articles imported into Judea by the fleets of Solomon. They 

 reached Rome toward the end of the Republic, and their costliness soon caused them to be re- 

 crarded as one of the greatest luxuries of the table, although the moderns find them dry and leath- 

 ery. This, perhaps, as much as the desire of ostentation, may have induced the extravagance of 

 Vitellius and Heliogabalus, who introduced dishes composed only of the brains and tongues of 

 peacocks at their feasts. In Europe, during the middle ages, the peacock was still a favorite ar- 

 ticle in the bill of fare of grand entertainments, at which it was served with the greatest pomp 

 and magnificence ; and during the period of chivalry, it was usual for knights to make vows of 

 enterprise on these occasions, "before the peacock and the ladies." In the present day, however, 

 the bird is kept entirely on account of the beauty of its appearance. 



In a state of nature peacocks frequent jungles and wooded localities, feeding upon grain, fruits, 

 and insects. They are polygamous, and the females make their nests upon the ground among 

 bushes ; the nest is composed of grass, and the number of eggs laid is said to be five or six. They 

 roost in high trees, and even in captivity their inclination to get into an elevated position often 

 manifests itself; and they may frequently be seen perched upon high walls, or upon the ridges 

 of buildings. 



The Japan Peacock, P. Ja2)onensis, improperly called the Javanese Peacock, P. Javanicus, 

 resembles the preceding, but has a much taller crest : found only in Japan. 



Genus POLYPLECTRON : Polyplectron.—To this belongs the Thibetian Peacock, P. Thi- 

 betanus, a very beautiful species, the head ornamented with a crest, and a long tail, not erectile, 

 but capable of very wide expansion : found in Northern Thibet. 



THE MODND-BIUD OK BRDSH-TURKET. 



THE MEGAPODID^ OR MOUND-BIRDS. 

 These consist of several species, some in India and some in Australia, and having very peculiar 

 habits in relation to their nests and incubation. 



Genus MEGAPODIUS : Megapodius. — To this belong several species, inhabiting the sha ly 

 Vol. II.— 33 



