332 GCALLATOEES, OE TVAIiIXG BIRDS. 



ing for days near the spot where cruel fate had severed him l>y 

 death from the loved one. 



The Palamedea has many points of resemblance to the Galli- 

 naceous order : its comparatively short and thick tarsi, its general 

 make and gait, its habits of life and inoifensive nature, all remind 

 us of the above-named tribe. There is, therefore, no reason foi' 

 surprise in the fact that man has succeeded in domesticating them, 

 and even in turning them into useful assistants. 



The Horned Kamichi is thus named on account of having on 

 its head a horn-like tuft, which is straight, thin, and movable, 

 about three inches long. 



The Chaja, or Faithful Kamichi, has, instead of the horn, a 

 crest of feathers arranged in a circle on the back of its head. 

 This species is susceptible of education. It is easily tamed, and 

 becomes very friendly with man, proving itself an active, intelli- 

 gent, and devoted servant. It becomes at once the companion 

 and protector of the other denizens of the poultry-yard — so 

 much so, that in Brazil and Paraguay, where it is knowTi solely 

 as the Chaja, the inhabitants have no hesitation in confiding 

 to its charge the care of their flocks of poultry. The Chaja 

 accompanies them into the fields in the morning, and at night- 

 fall conducts them back to their roosting-places. Should any 

 bird of prey come near, the guardian spreads out its broad wings, 

 darts upon the intruder, and soon makes him feel what a love 

 of justice can do when aided by ibur stout spurs. 



Loxc;iRosTR£s ( Cvxier). 



The birds composing this family are character'sed by a \(m" 

 and flexible bill, which is fitted for little else except borino- in 

 mud and soft ground. They are indifl'erentlv shore or marsh 

 birds. Among them are comprised the Sandpipers, Turnstones, 

 Eufls, Knots, Godwits, "Woodcocks, Snipes, Curlews, and Ibis. 



The SAMJi'irERs have a long, straight, thin bill, flexible at the 

 base, but firmer towards the point ; the tarsi are slender and 

 elongated ; the wings very pointed ; the feet half w-ebbed, the back 

 toe short, and touching the ground with the point only. Thev 



