NATURAL HISTORY. 



Sub-family b, Phasianince. 

 ARGUS. (Gr. proper name.) 



Giganteus (Lat. gigantic), the Argus Pheasant. 



The ARGUS PHEASANT is found in Sumatra and the south- 

 eastern parts of Asia. The magnificently marked secondary 

 quill feathers render it a most conspicuous bird. The primary 

 feathers are comparatively short. No living specimen has 

 yet been brought to Europe, as it is said to pine in captivity. 

 In its native haunts it is very shy, avoiding the proximity of 

 human abodes, and living in the solitary depths of woods.*' 



* The bird derives its name from the shepherd Argus, who had a hundred eyes, 

 and was set by Juno to watch lo. 



