CHAP, ii.] THEIK EATING AND DRINKING. 271 



Guan appears to me to be made up of that of three dif- 

 ferent birds. It much resembles the Pheasant in grace- 

 ful attitude and demeanour when excited and in action ; 

 it reminds one of the quiet mopishness of the Turkey 

 when entirely at rest (and occasionally at other times 

 also) ; and it now and then, when much alarmed, puts 

 on the quick-eyed distrustful wariness of the Guinea- 

 fowl. It is then that the Guan utters its loudest and 

 harshest note, perched on high, or scampering along at 

 an incredible rate in a sort of sling-trot, having some- 

 times both wings extended to assist its onward progress, 

 a la Ostrich. At other times, when eating or sunning 

 themselves, they have, especially the cock, a soft chuck- 

 ling note, not unlike the Barbary Dove or Collared Tur- 

 tle ; and also another still lower note, uttered by the cock 

 in an interrogatory manner, and answered by the hen, 

 nearly an octave lower still. They are by no means 

 great eaters, but they like to have the bread, apple, 

 meat, and other scraps, given them in large pieces. My 

 birds will not yet eat corn, though the cock attempts it 

 sometimes, so we have compromised the matter by giving 

 boiled rice. Greens are enjoyed intensely ; but T wish 

 to wean them from the dealers' trash, and get them to 

 wholesome corn before the breeding time, and also not 

 to expect every meal from the hand, which the hen did 

 at first, and would scarcely eat from the ground ! In 

 drinking, the Guan unites the sipping of the common 

 Fowl with the jolly haustus of the Pigeon, taking a good 

 draught, and then holding up the head. 



" I took pains at first to form an attachment between 

 them and a couple of fowls kept in the same place, 

 after which they had their entire liberty, the wings being 

 uncut. The chief thing is to have an eye on them till 

 accustomed to Dogs and other creatures. My cock bird, 



