26 THE PEACOCK. 



his divine protection, as a Hen gathers her chickens 

 under her wings, and to save them from everlasting 

 ruin. 



THE PEACOCK. 



There are only four species of the Peacock known. 

 Of these, two are found in Asia, one in Africa, and 

 one in China. The kind known and domesticated in 

 Europe and America, came originally from Asia. 

 They are all birds of large size and great beauty. 

 Their food is corn, herbs and insects. 



THE CRESTED PEACOCK. 



[This is our common Peacock.] 



How large a bird is the Crested Peacock ? 



The Crested Peacock is about five feet long, the 

 tail being three feet and a half, and the body one foot 

 and a half. 



What is the shape of this bird? 



The shape of this bird is in some respects very 

 beautiful. The head is small, and crowned with a 

 crest, consisting of a few straight feathers ; the neck 

 is long and small, tapering most gracefully from the 

 breast upwards ; the body is of considerable size ; the 

 wings short, and the tail very large and long. 



What is the colour of the Peacock ? 



Its colours are very splendid, and so arranged, as 

 to produce the most striking effect. The back and 

 wings are of a light ash colour, mingled with black : 

 the head, neck, and breast are greenish blue, with a 

 gloss, which, in the sun, appears exceedingly brilliant ; 



