GALLINACEOUS BIRDS. 



277 



is black only upon the head, neck, and breast ; the feathers upon her belly are rust-red, and those of 

 her wings and legs marked with reddish yellow. 



This fine bird is common in Brazil, from Guiana to Paraguay, and is called "Powese" by the 

 natives on account of its cry, which is said to resemble that word. Its flesh is much valued and 

 forms an important article of food to the planters. In their native woods these birds exhibit little fear 

 of man, but become more cautious when in the vicinity of human habitations ; they are readily tamed. 



THE CRESTED CURASSOW (Crax aUctor). ONE-QUARTER NATURAL SIZE. 



however, and are constantly kept by the natives as domestic pets. Sonnini mentions having seen 

 them, when in Guiana, running freely about in the streets and entering the houses to obtain food ; 

 at night they slept on the house-tops or similar situations, and Bates gives an interesting account 

 of a fine specimen that he saw running about a house quite like one of the family. It attended at all 

 the meals, and passed from one person to another round the table to be fed, attracting the attention 

 of the guests in a coaxing manner by rubbing its head against their cheeks and shoulders. At night 

 it slept on a chest close to the hammock of a little girl to whom it was particularly attached, and 

 followed her about the grounds in all her walks like a dog. 



