ORDER GALLIN.E. l69 



many varieties of it have been observed which have been 

 described by authors, either as distinct species, or as races, 

 but whose existence may be attributed to the influence of the 

 various climates into which these pintados have been trans- 

 ported. Perhaps it would even be more natural to believe 

 that these varieties are the result of mere accident, of a vicious 

 constitution, or a degradation produced by the domestic state. 



There are, however, species in which the principal cha- 

 racters are so different, whose size, as well as other attributes, 

 have so little analogy with Meleagris, that they must be 

 admitted as distinct. Finding them thus in the wild state is 

 a corroboration of the truth of this opinion. 



One of these we have just noticed ; the other is the Mitred 

 Pintado. 



This species was first pointed out by Pallas, Its manners 

 and habits are similar to those of Meleagris. Its cry differs 

 little from that of that bird, and is equally continuous and 

 discordant. In size it is alike, measuring about twenty inches. 

 In the adult state, its casque rises about an inch and seven 

 lines above the cranium. In young individuals, it is less curved 

 backward, and less angular. Two small membranes, at most 

 two lines in breadth, have their origin towards the angle of 

 the upper mandible of the bill, and another of as little 

 breadth directs itself along the naked part of the throat. 

 The feet are more robust and mviscular than in Meleagris. 

 The disparities in the plumage are equally great, but unne- 

 cessary to be insisted upon here. 



The Mitred Pintado has been found in the wild state in 

 the Island of Madagascar. It is to be presumed that it is 

 equally extended over the continent of Africa. An indi- 

 vidual in the possession of M. Temminck came from the 

 southern part of that quarter of the globe. 



If these two last mentioned species have not been reduced 



