ORDER SCANSORES. 585 



characters to which he has referred, approximate to the 

 gallinaceous birds on the one hand, and the scansores on the 

 other, and hold therefore an intermediate station between the 

 two. Genera of this description are ever annoying to the 

 systematist, particularly the supporters of a natural method ; 

 for whether they be referred to one order or the other, is 

 perhaps arbitrary and indifferent. 



The Touraco Plantain Eater inhabits various parts of 

 India and South Africa. They are very difficult to be shot, 

 perching only at the extremities of the highest branches of 

 trees, out of gun-shot, and rarely suffering any one to 

 approach. They may, however, be easily caught alive by 

 means of snares baited with fruits, on which they feed. 

 They are good eating. 



The Touracou Pauline is so named by M. Temminck 

 from Mile. Pauline de Ranchaup. The crest is red, but 

 some of the feathers are tipt with white. It is composed, 

 as in the rest of the genus, of several thin and delicate 

 feathers, which, rising on each side of the head, meet at the 

 top, and form a crest, not unlike an ancient helmet, pass- 

 ing down to the nape. The feathers which cover the nos- 

 trils, the neck, back, wings, the upper side of the tail, 

 the quills, throat, and breast, are of a shining copper-colour ; 

 the belly and abdomen, green ; the remiges are red ; the 

 eyes are situated in a large white patch. It is about as big 

 as a pigeon. 



These birds are gentle and familiar. They leap on the 

 ground, and from branch to branch of trees, with quickness 

 and agility. Their voice is sonorous and deep ; and they 

 inhabit South Africa. 



Our figure of the Blue Curassow, var., corresponds with 

 Dr. Latham's description of a species under that name, which 

 he refers to Crax. It seems, however, very probable that 



VOL. VII. Q Q. 



