20 NATURAL HISTORY. 



degree of certainty. Acosta, the Jesuit, as 

 serts that the common cock and hen existed 

 in Peru before the arrival of the Spaniards. 

 Sonnini) who travelled through the forests 

 of Guiana, saw a small bird about the size 

 of a pigeon, with a fleshy crest on its head, 

 and its cry resembled exactly the notes oi 

 the domestic cock. Stedman also mentions 

 that the natives in the interior of Dutch 

 Guiana raise a small species of fowl which 

 appears natural to the country. 



The following are the principal varieties 

 or races found in the works of authors, and 

 in the poultry-yards of the curious. 



1. Domesticus. The ordinary breed, such 

 as are seen on every dunghill, of all sizes 

 and colours, and presenting no remarkable 

 peculiarities. 



2. Pugnax. The Game-cock; known by 

 his small head and neck, and his quarrel- 

 some and impetuous disposition. 



3. Cristatus. Top-knot, with a tuft of 

 feathers on the head instead of a fleshy 

 comb. 



4. Pusillus. The Bantam. Dwarfish in 

 size, the legs feathered. 



