446 GALLINACEOUS BIEDS. 



the caresses of their masters. Sonnini relates that he has seen 

 them wander at liberty through the streets of Cayenne, return 

 to their homes without hesitation, and leap upon the tables to 

 take their food. Their flesh is exquisite, and in all respects 

 worthy of the favour of epicures. These diiferent qualities should 

 cause an honourable place to be assigned to Hoccos in our poultry- 

 yards ; it is, therefore, to be regretted that the attempt to acclimate 

 these birds made by the Empress Josephine, at the commence- 

 ment of this century, have not been renewed. 



Galeateu Curassows, or Pauxis {Oiirax pauxi, Cuv.), differ 

 but little physically from the Hoccos. They have the same habits 

 and characteristics, and easily habituate themselves to ser\T.tude. 



GuANS or Penelopes {Penelope cristata, Gmelin), and Parraquas 

 (Latham), are two genera of birds stronglj' resembling each other ; 

 they have an analogy to Pheasants, but only on account of their 

 general forms ; in short, they possess the confiding and peaceable 

 nature of Hoccos and Pauxis, and easily submit to the domina- 

 tion of man. Their flesh is delicious ; thej^ also deserve to be 

 acclimated. 



The HoAziNS {OpistJiocomus cristatus, Quoy and Gaimard) 

 inhabit the savannahs of Guj'ana. Their flesh, which exhales a 

 strong odour — due, no doubt, to the vegetables on which they feed 

 exclusively — is far from being agreeable. 



CoLrMBID.E. 



The Columbidce familj' establish a transition between real 

 Galliuaceaus and Passerines ; in short, they partake of the nature 

 of both. Whilst they approach the former in their anatomical 

 and purely material characteristics, such as the structure of their 

 beaks, sternum, and crops, they resemble the latter in their elegant 

 forms, peaceable manners, and in all their habits. 



Like the Passerines, they are monogamists. The male and female 

 build their nests together, and share the cares of the incubation and 

 education of their young ; these, when born, are blind, and onlv 

 covercd with a slight down, and are quite unable to run like vouna; 

 Gallinaccans. There are generally two Pigeons hatched at the 



