146 PINTADO. 



the trees, they run a good way, and on their attempting to take wing 

 again, are often caught in numbers by the dogs, without firing a 

 shot ; and sometimes by the dogs barking at the foot of the trees, on 

 which they roost at night by hundreds, they are so frightened, as to 

 become an easy prey to those who wait for them below : are likewise 

 very common on the mountains in the Isle of Hinzuan, or Johanna.* 



They are found also in various parts of America, the West India 

 Islands, and in several are not only domesticated, but found in 

 a wild state. 



In this kingdom the young birds are much esteemed for the table, 

 but although they are fond of ranging at large, are never found but 

 in a domesticated state. The female lays many eggs in a season, 

 which by some are set under Hens, and, in general, care is required 

 in bringing up the young birds, yet in many seasons they may be 

 raised without difficulty. Although the hen of this species does not 

 readily submit to the confinement of an enclosed and sheltered 

 building, to sit on her eggs ; she will often secrete a nest, and appear 

 on a sudden with twenty young running after her : the egg is smaller 

 than that of a Hen, and rounder, from end to end two inches and a 

 quarter, the colour reddish white, obscurely freckled with a darker 

 colour.f It is a very clamorous bird, having a harsh kind of note, 

 by some compared to a door turning on rusty hinges, by others to 

 an ungreased axle tree; and is easily disturbed when on the roost, so 

 as to hinder a family from taking rest, on account of the noise. 



* Asiatic Research, ii. p. 86. — Guinea Pintadoes have their origin, most probably, from 

 Africa, but when introduced here is not certain. The Pintado does not occur in the list of 

 birds in the famous feast of Archbishop Nevill, in the reign of Edward IV. nor in the Duke 

 of Northumberland's Household Book, 1512; neither is it mentioned in that of the House- 

 hold of King Henry VIII. although Peions (Peacocks) make a conspicuous share in all of 

 them. 



f Said frequently to lay 24 eggs, and even as far as 27. The egg said to weigh some- 

 what under two ounces. 



