Rurr. GRALLATORES. MACHETES. 123 
head, several birds which have since become the types of 
new genera in the family of the Scolopacide ; as well as 
others, now more properly transferred to the Rallide and 
Charadriade. The distinguishing characteristics of this cu- 
rious bird did not, however, escape the keen and observant 
eye of Cuvier; and, accordingly, in his valuable work the 
** Regne Animal,” he has removed it from its former station, 
and made it the type of a new genus, which he has appro- 
priately named Machetes, as expressive of the pugnacious 
disposition that so remarkably distinguishes the only species 
hitherto discovered. In its affinities it appears to connect the 
Tringas (particularly that group to which the Knot belongs) 
with the Sandpipers (Totani); the length of the tarsi, and 
structure of the feet, as well as its superior size, indicating 
a near approach to the latter group; while the dimensions 
and form of the bill assimilate it to the former. ‘The habits 
and mode of life of the Ruff strongly resemble, in many re- 
spects, the other scolopaceous groups. It differs, however, 
from all the rest in that essential point of its economy, the 
propagation of the species; for, instead of being monoga- 
mous, as they are, and associated with the female in the va- 
rious duties attendant upon the rearing of the young, &c., 
the males are polygamous, and their society is courted for a 
short time only by different females; a peculiarity which 
also distinguishes some of the rasorial Order, along with 
certain members of the Anatide, in the Order Natatores. 
It is during this period only that the male birds are adorned 
with the singular feathers that spring from the hinder part 
of the head and the neck (from whence arises the English 
designation), as well as the papillae upon the forehead and 
round the base of the bill. 
VOL. Il. i 
