16 
manner. I have tried it several times with a frog, but it has always 
been refused. When we first had it the horn upon the head was 
about four inches long; but as it used to stand so close to the stove, it 
became burnt down to about an inch, and is now grown again con- 
siderably. 
“The spurs upon the elbows of the wings are nearly two inches 
long, and of amazing strength and hardness; they are truly formi- 
dable weapons. We have several varieties of dogs, which are kept in 
single kennels, in different parts of the garden, but they always re- 
treat upon the approach of the Screamer; and whilst the bird con- 
tinues close, nothing will induce them to come out, at least those 
that have once felt the spur. I have several times seen it standing 
close to a door of a kennel, with its head erect and looking very 
proud, making a sound which one could only look upon as a chal- 
lenge to the dog to come forth. As the mode of attack is so sly and 
unexpected, none are at first prepared for it. Throwing its neck and 
head backwards and forwards, and uttering at the same time a low 
note, it advances sideways up to the dog, and when close enough 
turns half-way round, and quietly raising its wing, delivers such a 
blow that no dog that we have will face it a second time. It is not 
meant that a dog could not be made to resent such an attack, but 
only that of their own accord they seem unwilling to do so. 
‘It is, however, exceedingly familiar, and would become attached 
to any one that would notice it kindly, and with me will often make 
a kind of purring noise when being patted and caressed. Still I have 
seen it run after children when they have been teasing it. 
«* On one or two occasions it has recovered the use of its wing 
sooner than expected, but it never flew beyond the garden—alighting 
upon the top of its aviary, flying off again, wheeling round in a circle 
and returning. In their wild state I should consider these birds good 
flyers ; their long wings and light bodies, with a most complete appa- 
ratus of external air-cells, would conduce to that result. I hardly 
know why it should be called a screamer; no noise that I have ever 
heard it make could be called a scream. It has certainly a tolerably 
sharp cry, and also a lower note or cry, somewhat resembling the 
trumpet-note of a peacock, but not so loud; both appear to be notes 
of pleasure and satisfaction, and may generally be called forth in the 
following manner. If for instance the bird is on the lawn, and any 
of those knawn to it should pass close by, it will utter one or two 
of the lower notes, and if encouraged by the person endeavouring to 
imitate the same note, it will utter two or three more, and finish 
with one of the shrill notes; it will then often lie down to be patted 
and caressed. Its walk is rather ludicrous, partaking both of state- 
liness and awkwardness. The head is carried high and well, but as 
its toes are so long it is compelled to raise each foot very high, in 
order to get it clear of the other, and this produces the appearance 
described. In standing, the toes of one foot are crossed a good deal 
over those of the other. 
“It has evidently more confidence in man, and seems also to have 
more intelligence than most birds,”’ 
ci en 
