GALLINACB^E. 149 



rope from America in the sixteenth century. The size of this noble bird, 

 and the goodness of its flesh, have rendered it extremely common. The 

 Wild Turkey of America is of a greenish brown, with a copper gloss. 

 A second species, however, M. ocellata, Cuv. has lately been described, al- 

 most equal, to the Peacock in the brilliancy of its colours, and particularly 

 in the sapphire coloured spots surrounded with circles of gold and ruby, 

 which decorate the tail. It was capture'd in'the bay of Honduras. 



NUMIDA, Lin. 



The Guinea-fowls, or Pintados, have a naked head, fleshy wattles at the 

 bottom of the cheeks, a short tail, and the cranium generally surmounted 

 with a callous crest. 



N. mekagris, L. (The Common Guinea-Hen), originally from Africa, 

 has a slate-coloured plumage, every where sprinkled with small, white, 

 round spots. In a wild state they live in krge .flocks, and prefer the vici- 

 nity of marshes. There are two species. The great genus 



. : 'V%' PHASIANUS, Lin. 



Or that of the Pheasants, is characterized by th.e cheeks being partly desti- 

 tute of feathers, and covered with a red skin, and by the tectiform tail, in 

 which the feathers are variously disposed. 



This great genus is now divided into various subgenera, such as Gallus 

 (our common Cock and Hen) of which several wild species are known, 

 Pheasants properly so called (Common Pheasant of Europe, Gold and Silver 

 Pheasants of China, &c.), Tragopan, &c. 



TETRAO, Lin. 



This also is a great genus, characterized by a naked and most generally red 

 band, which occupies the place of the eye-brow. It is divided into subge- 

 nera as follows. 



TETBAO, Lath. 



The feet of Grows are covered with feathers, and are without spurs. 

 Those to which this name is more particularly applied have a round or 

 forked tail and naked toes. 



In some the feathers on each side of the neck of the males are turned up 

 like a mantlet, or two scrolls: their habits have an affinity with those of the 

 Turkey. Such are 



Tetr. umbellus and togatus, Gm. ; called Partridge in New England, and 

 Pheasant in Pennsylvania. Found in the mountain forests. 



Tetr. cupido, Gm. (The Pinnated Grous.) Variegated with brown and 

 fawn colour; tail brown? tarsi feathered down to the toes; the feathers on 

 the bottom of the male's neck turn up into two pointed scrolls, beneath, % 

 which is a naked skin, which he inflates like a bladder; his voice sounds 

 like a trumpet. Found on extensive plains, and is such delicious food that 

 laws have been passed to preserve them. The name of 





