172 THE PEACOCK. 



CHAPTER XV. 



The Peacock. Merely Ornamental. Guinea Fowl. Pigeons, 

 Dovecot. Squabs and Squeakers. The Pheasant. The 

 Curassow. Conclusion. 



THE Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is a native 

 of India, and found still, in a wild state, in 

 Java and Ceylon. The age of the peacock 

 extends to twenty years, and at three years 

 the tail of the young male is fully developed. 

 The cock is mated with three or four hens, 

 and, where the climate agrees with them, 

 they are very prolific. They are chiefly 

 kept for their extraordinary beauty, and are 

 said to be useful in destroying all kinds of 

 reptiles. Unfortunately, however, they are 

 not easily kept within bounds, and are very 

 destructive to gardens. They are also very 

 vicious, and, unless closely watched, will 

 destroy young ducks and chickens. They 

 are eaten on great state occasions in Europe, 

 and at sumptuous entertainments, but the 

 flesh is coarse and ill flavoured. 



