4 42 GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



and Heliogabalus, caused dishes of the heads or brains of Peacocks 

 to be served: from this cause their price became excessive in 

 Rome. Little by little they spread throughout the empire, and 

 thus the Peacock has become naturalised in Europe. During 

 several centuries its exquisite and delicate flesh was in very great 

 favour; but the importation of the Pheasant, and later that 

 of the Turkey, brought successful rivals for table honours. The 

 Peacock is now bred principally to please the eye ; and even 

 when it does make its appearance at some ceremonious repast, it 

 is intended more to gratify the eye than the palate, for the carcass 

 is invariably decorated with the resplendent tail, spread out in 

 fan-shape. The Domestic Peacock, which is now the pride of 

 our gardens and parks, is indigenous to India and the isles of the 

 Eastern Archipelago. There they still live in large troops in the 

 depths of the forests. They are so abundant in localities, that it is 

 said the traveller, Colonel Williamson, being delayed one day in 

 the district of Jungleterry, counted not less than from twelve to 

 fifteen hundred. The Peacock runs with such rapidity that it often 

 escapes from pursuing dogs ; it takes to the wing with diffi- 

 culty, and flies slowly, though it can prolong its flight to a con- 

 siderable distance. It feeds upon grain of all kinds, which it 

 swallows without crushing. In the evening, to roost for the 

 night, it perches upon the limbs of the highest trees. In a state 

 of domesticity it retains this fancy for elevated places, and takes 

 pleasure in mounting on the roofs of houses, upon which it struts 

 and excites itself, scattering tiles, or tearing up the thatch, as the 

 case may be; for the devastating instinct appears to be very 

 strongly developed in it when opportunity offers. This bird also 

 commits great ravages in cultivated fields. The Peacock at times 

 utters deafening cries, which contrast unpleasantly with its daz- 

 zling plumage one wishes for a more harmonious voice with 

 such a magnificent body; but what animal possesses all perfec- 

 tions ? It is polygamous. At the commencement of the spring 

 the male displays to the females all the splendour of his plumage ; 

 he struts, spreads his tail, delights at the sight of his own figure, 

 and receives with pleasure the admiration which his charms draw 

 forth. His vanity knows no bounds ; the adulation of his females 

 is not sufficient for him, he must have eulogiums from man also, 



