402 
TINAMOU. 
of‘ South America, and are very dull birds : their 
flight is heavy, low, and of little duration, but they 
run with great celerity : some species reside in 
the open fields, while others })refer the borders of 
woods : they live in small scattered coveys : their 
food consists of insects and fruits : their eggs are 
deposited in a hole or furrow ready foi nied on the 
ground : they are very numerous, and are usually 
produced twice in the year : both sexes resemble 
each other : their flesh is said to be white, firm, 
and succulent, forming a wholesome nourishment, 
but their rump and thighs are sometimes very 
bitter, which is attributed to their food consisting 
principally of the fruit of certain trees at particular 
periods of the year. 
Temminck has formed two divisions of this genus, 
and given a hint respecting a third ; all of which 
I have adopted, as I am decidedly of opinion that 
where there is any considerable variation in the 
structure of animals, there will be found some dif- 
ference in the habits, when the subject becomes 
thoroughly investigated. 
I have omitted the Tinamou ray^ of Temminck, 
as it appears to be a doubtful species.* 
* Tinamus uudulatus, Tcmm. Gall. Ind. p. 751. 
