GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 439 



delight in seeking their food upon the ground and in 

 scratching in the dust. Most of our poultry belongs 

 to this Order ; their flesh supplies a light and whole- 

 some meat, and their feathers are applied to various 

 purposes, both ornamental and useful. 

 This Order is divided into two sections 

 The Gallinacese, properly so called, having the front 

 toes united at their base by a short membrane, and 

 their tail composed of fourteen or a still greater 

 number of quills ; and 



The Pigeons, having their toes entirely separate, 

 and the tail formed of twelve quills. 



FAMILY OF GALLINACESE, PROPERLY so CALLED. 



The Grallinaceae properly so called have a short 

 convex beak, with the upper mandible arched or 

 vaulted, and curved from its base to its point. Their 

 three front toes are united by a short membrane ; the 

 posterior toe is affixed high up. The principal genera 

 of the Gallinacere are the Turkeys, the Peacocks, the 

 Guinea-fowL the Pheasants, and the Grouse. 



