THE COOT 263 



way to the higher branches of the trees. An experienced hunter, 

 when he hears this cry, is always on his guard, for he i<nows 

 that a tiger is not very far away. 



The jackal, too, is an enemy to the peacock, and is much 

 dreaded by the bird. The presence of a dog also, which it no 

 doubt mistakes for a jackal, always alarms it. At the sight of 

 one it manifests the greatest uneasiness, mounting as far out of 

 reach as possible, and continually uttering its loud cry of warn- 

 ing. 



The pea-hen, which is not nearly so handsome a bird as her 

 gaily-bedecked mate, makes her nest upon the ground, and usually 

 lays from twelve to fifteen eggs. These are hatched about the 

 end of November, and the chicks feed upon the standing corn until 

 about the end of March. While quite young their flesh is con- 

 sidered a great delicacy, and old birds can be made into excellent 

 soup. In ancient times the peacock formed one of the principal 

 dishes at a Roman banquet, and was commonly eaten on great 

 occasions in England. 



FULICARI^ 



This order includes the Rails and the Water-hens. The Com- 

 mon Coot, the well-known Water-hen, may be taken as a typical 

 species. 



THE COOT 



On many a large inland piece of water we may see a number of 

 dark brown birds, not quite so large as ducks, which swim well, and 

 occasionally disappear by diving under the water. 



These are Coots. In some respects they are much like moor- 

 hens; but we can always tell a coot from a moor-hen by looking at 

 the horny plate just above the base of the beak. In the moor-hen 

 this plate is of a ruddy orange colour. But in the coot it is pure, 

 shining white. 



