THE COOT. 129 



are very singular. Thus, the Horned Screamer (Pala- 

 tnadca cornula), of which we annex a plate, so called 

 from its peculiar shrill and piercing cry, and the long 

 horn upon its head, is abundantly supplied with 

 spurs; haying, in addition to this upon its head, two 

 very sharp ones upon each wing, and, by means of 

 these spines, they fight dreadfully during the breed- 

 ing season, the conqueror remaining with a se- 

 lected female, to whom he remains constant. So 

 attached indeed are they to each other, that if one 

 dies, the survivor usually pines away and dies too. 



But, with all this warlike appearance, its cha- 

 racter is rather mild: one species is often tamed, 

 and from its being a resolute enemy to certain birds 

 of prey, which make sad havoc in the poultry-yards, 

 the inhabitants of the countries where it is found, 

 rear it as a protector for their fowls, as it not only 

 feeds with them, but accompanies them into the 

 fields, and brings them back in the evening. It 

 has in consequence been named the faithful Jacana 

 (JParra chavaria). 



The fourth genus consists of the Rails, including 

 our Corncrake and Water-rail, which may be called 

 English Jacanas, as, in manners and habits, there 

 is a considerable resemblance; they differ from the 

 Coots chiefly in having no plate or horny-shield cover- 

 ing the forehead, and from the Jacanas, in not having 

 their wings armed with spines. They are rarely" 

 seen, as they feed, morning and evening, amongst 

 reeds and marsh-growing plants, and conceal them- 

 selves during the day in long grass, or ditches, from 

 whence it is difficult to rouse them, as they run very 

 swiftly, and will not rise if they can avoid it. 



VOL. II. K 



