LECTURE VI. 235 



native of South-America, and is represented in 

 Edwards's plate in its natural size. But the most 

 remarkable bird of the genus is called the faithful 

 Parra or faithful Jacana; it is the Parra Chavaria 

 of Linn^us^ and is of the size of a common do- 

 mestic fowl. It is chiefly of a blackish brown 

 colour, deeper beneath, and stands high on its 

 legs ; the toes and claws being of such a length 

 as sometimes to entangle one another in walking. 

 This bird is easily tamed and rendered domestic, 

 in which state it is made the guardian of all the 

 other kind of poultry, which are committed to its 

 care in the same manner as a flock of sheep are 

 to that of their attending dog. During the day- 

 time it defends them from all birds of prey, being 

 able, by means of the spurs on its shoulders, to 

 drive off even Vultures themselves. It is said 

 never to desert the charge committed to its care, 

 going out with them to proper situations by day, 

 and very regularly bringing them all safe home at 

 night. 



Of a similar disposition and manners is an- 

 other South American bird belonging to the order 

 Grallas, but of a different genus, called Psophia 

 pr Trumpeter from the peculiarity of its notes. 



