116 OTIS. 



disposed in tlie centre of the group : the number of the party 

 is thereby equally ascertained. Very early in the morning 

 the party or family take wing and proceed to their feeding- 

 grounds. It is a very rare occurrence to be enabled to 

 surprise the Bustards, even during the night, by stealing on 

 them in their retreat or roosting-ground. 



The general appearance of the Great Bustard is very 

 remarkable and imposing : the male bird in particular, on 

 account of the beautiful looso and ornamental feathers of the 

 cheeks ; and the rich markings on the upper parts of the back 

 and tail are very unique. When the bird is running about it 

 carries itself much in the position of domesticated fowls ; but 

 from these its larger size as well as its longer legs distinguish 

 it immediately. When it squats or sits on the ground, which 

 it does for hours together during warm weather, its posture 

 is most like that of a goose, in consequence of its long neck. 

 While in the pursuit of food the Bustard goes about in a 

 very stately manner ; but if called upon to exert its legs, the 

 bird can run swiftly enough to try the speed and wind of 

 a fast dog. It is said that when a Bustard is winged by a 

 sportsman it rarely resorts to running : whether this is owing 

 to the surprise of the hurt, or from other causes in its 

 nervous system, is a matter of doubt, but of great advantage 

 to the sportsman. 



Owing to a very peculiar smell which the Bustard carries 

 about with it, and which remains even after being roasted and 

 dished up, some persons dislike the flavour of its meat ; and 

 some dogs (pointers) are not easily trained to hunt properly 

 for it. From what cause this smell originates is uncertain, 

 but it resembles that which carrion crows and ravens are known 

 to possess. 



In consequence of the sharpsightedness of the Great Bus- 

 tard, and the incredible caution with which it chooses its 

 place to alight, it becomes exceedingly difficult to lie in wait 



