316 A HAND-BOOK OF THE MANAGEMENT OF ANIMALS 



(328) THE BENGAL FLOEIOAN. 



(SYPHEOTES BENGALENSIS— P. L. 8. Mutter.) 



A specimen obtained some years ago lived for a few days only; 

 another has recently been obtained, and is so far doing well. 



Treatment in health. 



Housing. — The only way to make the damp, moist climate of 

 Lower Bengal tolerable to a bustard is to give it a high and dry place 

 to live in, with a run of suitable dimension attached to the cage ; 

 the latter should be turfed and planted here and there with shrubs 

 to afford it concealment when alarmed ; it is an extremely timid 

 bird, and impatient of intrusion, exhibiting much fright and rest- 

 lessness at the slightest cause of excitement. Until such time as 

 it gets over this state of mind, it should either be placed in an unfre- 

 quented part of a garden, or such precautions taken as to prevent its 

 remaining in a constant state of excitement and unrest ; canvas screens 

 may be kept down, or a light hand-railing placed round the cage 

 to prevent visitors approaching too near. A place similar to that 

 assigned to the swans, pelicans, &c, is no doubt the best for the Bengal 

 florican, which frequents swamps and jheels; failing this it, may be 

 accommodated with the bustard. 



Food. — In its wild state the bustard feeds on fruits, berries, shoots 

 of grass, picking up grasshoppers and beetles ; in captivity the same 

 kind of food may be easily supplied. Specimens, now living in the 

 collection were habituated to feed on bread and milk, and on being 

 offered fruits and grains took no notice of either. They are, however, 

 being gradually weaned from a bread and milk diet ; if the run is 

 large, patches of paddy, wheat, Indian-corn, mustard, and lemon 

 grass may be planted in proper seasons : while the unripe ears of corn 

 and tender shoots of grass will supply them with a good deal of natural 

 food, the plants will afford them cover and amusement. The florican 

 feeds on seeds, grass, and insects. 



Transport. — Should be treated like the pheasants. 



Observations on the habits of Houbara. 



The species has only been lately obtained, and has not yet become 

 thoroughly accustomed to its new surroundings. It behaves much like 

 a partridge in walking up and down the sides of the cage, and dashing 

 against the wire when alarmed. 



(329) THE PUKPLE COOT. 



(POKPHYKIO POLIO CEPH ALUS— (Lath.) ) 



Hindi — Keim Kaim. Bengali — Kdem Kem. 



Hab. — Found throughout India and Ceylon, and is common in 

 Bengal wherever there are extensive marshes and jheels. 



