CAPOCIEE.— jDrT/mdica macuUsa. 



The large genus Drymoica, which numbers nearly seventy species, is quite as remark- 

 able as the preceding genus. Some species inhabit Africa, otliers Southern Europe, some 

 are found in India, and many in Australia. They are always found in open plains where 

 the grass is long and thick, or among the rich rank herbage that grows in marshy 

 localities. They mostly feed on the ground insects, and are well fitted by their very 

 great speed of foot for the chase and capture of their swift insect prey. Being but 

 indifferent in iiight, they seldom take to wing, and always try to escape from their foes 

 by means of running among the thick herbage in which they live. While running, they 

 generally lift their tails and hold them over the back. Their song is loud, but by no 

 means agreeable. 



The nest of the Pinc-pinc is of considerable dimensions, being often more than a foot 

 in circumference and of a most singular shape and structure. The materials of whicli it 

 is composed are vegetable fibres, beaten, twisted, and woven into a fine felt-like substance, 

 and strongly fastened to the branches among which it is situated. It is of a rough, 

 gourd-like shape, and is always entered by means of a neck, or spout, so that the bird is 

 able from the interior to present its sharply pointed bill to any assailant, and to prevent 

 its entrance. Near the mouth of the nest there are generally one or two projections, 

 2. T 



