402 



The Living Animals of the World 



and not only extended forward but apparently 

 upward as well, risinti; at least an inch above 

 liis head, which consequently was scarcely 

 noticeable, giving the bird an exceedingly 

 peculiar a})pearance. He looked decidedly 

 top-heavy and ready to topple over on the 

 slightest provocation." He then 2>roceeds to 

 describe the further preparations designed for 

 conquest. The tail is spread fan-wise, and 

 animated with a peculiar quivering motion, 

 whilst the wings are trailed upon the ground. 

 When the correct position has been assumed, 

 he advances with stately, hesitating steps 

 towards his mate, uttering, as he moves, " low, 

 grunting, guttural sounds " resembling those of 

 a purring cat, but louder. This, apparently, 

 is the prescribed method of courting ; of many 

 suitors, he is selected who performs best. 



The Rdffed GiiorsE, like tlie prairie-hen, 

 has the neck, in the male, ornamented with a 

 frill of long feathers. Like many other birds, 

 the female, when danger, in the shape of 

 prowling beasts, threatens her eggs or young, 

 simulates lameness. So soon as the enemy 

 approaches near enough to be dangerous, up 

 she gets with a great noise of wings, and then 

 flutters along the ground as though wounded. 

 The would-be captor is thus led for from the 

 jealously guarded treasures, and when a safe 

 distance has been covered an end is speedily 

 put to this will-o'-the-wisp chase by the bird 

 suddenly taking wing. 



Partridges, Quails, axd Pheasants. 



The birds which come under this head 

 are so many in number they may be reckoned 

 by the hundred, and include several forms 

 of exquisite lieauty. Tlie legs of many are 

 armed with formidable s})urs, with wliicli the 

 males, who are exceedingly pugnacious, fight 

 furiously with tlieir rivals for the possession 

 of some coveted female. 



Of the more conspicuo\is forms we may 

 mention the Ked-legged and Common 

 Partridges. In England the former is known 

 more generally as the French Partkidge — 

 why, it is hard to say. It is a native of 

 South-eastern Europe, whence it was intro- 

 duced towards the end of tlie eigliteenth 

 century. It is a handsome bird, but not in 

 higli favour with sportsmen, since it prefers 

 to escape by running rather than by flight. 



I'hoto Ini Svholastlc Photo. Co.] 



TEMiII^XK■S TRAGOrAN, 



[ParfiOii's Grten. 



Trag;op;iDS are reniavkalile f<ir a Heshy liovn above each eye, not noticeable 

 save Avhen the bird is excited. 



Pkotu hi/ If. v. Daado, F.Z.S.] [licficn-Cs Park. 



CHINESE TRAGOPAX. 



The bcai'Iet phiniage of some of the Tragopans is most gorgeovis. 



