as we suspect, referable to it. In Honduras, Leyland tells us it is common throughout the 

 district of Omoa, and known to the English Mahogany-cutters as the "Ground Partridge," — 

 a name probably also applied to the . otlier , species of tlie gi'oup met with in the same district. 

 It is stated to lay its eggs in " a slight depression scratched in the angles fonned l)y tlie 

 projectiiig buttress-like roots of the Mahogany-trees." 



In the adjoining fitate of Guatemala, Ralvin found this bird abundant throughout the 

 low-lying forest- district of Northern Vera Paz, especially along the tract which leads from 

 Cahabon to Peten. Every day during his journey along this ronte, in the month of March 18G2, 

 specimens of it were shot, and fonned a material addition to the scanty supply of animal fotjd 

 obtainable in these forests. The flesh is excellent, the pectoi-al muscle, which in the fresh bird has 

 a greenish tinge, being large and tender. Other observers have stated that this bird is shy and 

 difficult of access, but Salvin usually found them running along the track a little in advance of 

 the party, and seldom taking flight before they were within shot. Wlien once on the wing, 

 however, their flight is strong, although the distance traversed is not usually very great. 



Salvin obtained many specimens of the eggs of this Tinamou, in different parts of Eastern 

 Guatemala. They are much more rounded in foiun than other eggs of this family, measuring 

 only 2*3 in. in length and 2*0 in. in diameter, but exhibit the same shining glossy texture, quite 

 different from what is met with in any other group of birds. Their colour ispm bright uniform 

 greenish blue, like that of Tinamus major of Brazil. In Guatemala these eggs are much admired, 

 and may be often seen suspended as offerings to adorn the shrine of some way-side image. 



Apeil, 186S. 



[88] 



