CHAP, i.] THE CRACID.E AT KNOWSLEY. 237 



from the island on which they were hatched, and were 

 both drowned. Sir Robert Heron, of Stubton, near 

 Stamford, Lincolnshire, has reared some, but not 

 many." 



This was written four or five years ago, but the pro- 

 pagation of Curassows and Guans remains in statu quo. 

 In vain have the Society offered prizes to the breeder of 

 the greatest number of Cracidae : the feathered strangers 

 will bear the voyage across the Atlantic very well, but, 

 when arrived, they cannot be persuaded to found a 

 colony and occupy, by themselves and their descendants, 

 the very comfortable quarters we are so ready to provide 

 for them. They resolutely continue to misquote Byron's 

 lines 



" The prison'd Eagle will not pair, nor I 

 Obey your acclimating phantasy." 



Let not the reader suppose that they have not had every 

 temptation, arid opportunity, and means of increasing 

 offered to them, if they would but so far condescend to 

 gratify us. During the summer of 1849, we enjoyed 

 the great privilege of first visiting the unrivalled me- 

 nagerie at Knowsley. We found the Curassows and 

 Guans lodged in a series of lofty and charming aviaries, 

 open to the air and sunshine, and inclosed only by wire 

 netting, except at the back, which consists of a range 

 of houses to which the birds can retire at pleasure, and 

 which in cold and damp weather are kept at an agree- 

 able temperature. Their inclosures are planted with 

 shrubs and flowers ; green turf, varied with clean gravel, 

 covers the ground; a small, clear stream of water is 

 ever flowing through each separate little garden ; not 

 cleanliness merely, but the most pleasing neatness is 

 preserved; there is no crowding, no opportunity for 



