GREAT BUSTARD 



examined, we found an abundance of the delicate mem- 

 branes spread over the fore-part of the neck and throat. 

 By inserting the end of a blow-pipe any number of cells 

 could be inflated, and by the application of a little force 

 the walls of these cells would give way, and thus form one 

 cavity or several large cavities or bags. During this ex- 

 amination a discussion took place, with reference to the 

 means by which these membranes were distended by the 

 bird during life, whether by muscular dilatation or by in- 

 flation, and I must admit that this part of the subject has 

 since appeared to me to require more consideration than 

 I at first thought it deserved. I observed the wonderful 

 enlargement that takes place in the wattles, etc., of many 

 birds, as, for instance, the wattles of the Talegalla, or Bush- 

 turkey, which distend and contract with great rapidity ; a 

 similar condition is observable in the common turkey and 

 many other birds. A very wonderful example of this kind I 

 have perceived in the male ostrich when under the influence 

 of intense excitement during the early part of the breeding 

 season. The bird will squat upon the ground, extend his 

 wings, and spread them to the full extent, showing the 

 white plumes, his neck enlarged to an enormous size and 

 becoming quite red ; in this state it is rolled with his head 

 from side to side on his body, the wings alternately rising 

 and falling rapidly with the violent motion of the head and 

 neck, the bird appearing perfectly unconscious of your 

 approach during this extraordinary emotion. As I have 

 previously remarked, it is somewhat doubtful to me by 

 what means these changes are produced. I think it may 

 be well worthy of further investigation. But to continue 

 my subject, on February 21, 1861, another fine male 

 Great Bustard was examined by me, about the same age as 

 the last, and with precisely the same result as before. The 

 conclusion at which I arrive appears to me the only means 



