447 



Toucan. 



Curl-crested Jlraqari. 



size and shape of a Jackdaw, widi a large 

 head to support its monstrous bill, which, from 

 the angles of the mouth to the point, is 6| 

 inches ; and its breadth in the thickest part is 

 a little more than 2. The Aracaris {Plero- 

 glossus) belong to the same family w.th the 

 Toucans ; one of the most beautiful of the 

 genus is the Cyurl-crested Jlracari (P. vloco- 

 mus) ; this splendid bird is found in th > for- 

 ests of Brazil, but is extremely rare. The 

 head is covered with a glossy, jet-black crest 

 of curled feathers, the back is of a deep red 

 and olive green, the breast and sides are 

 yellow, with bars or stairs of red. The sin- 

 gular and beautiful genus of Coxirovcous 

 (^Trngen) is peculiar to the tropical forests 

 of America. The Curassoros (Crax) are 

 nearly allied to the Pheasant tribe, in which, 

 indeed, they are generally classed. The}' are 

 natives of South America, living in woods, 

 and feeding on berries, fruit, grain, &c. They 

 are nearly of the size of the Turkey, and, 

 being very familiar, are easily domesticated 

 Their introduction into our barn-yards would 

 certainly be very desirable, not merely on ac- 

 count of their size and beauty, but for the excellence of their flesh, which is said to excei 

 that of the Guinea-hen or Pheasant in delicacy of flavor. There are several s]iecies, among 

 which are the beautiful Crested Ciirassow (C. alector)^ which is common in Guiana and Bra- 

 zil, and easily taken or killed ; the Red-lmohbed Curassmo {C ynrellii), and the Razor-hilled 

 Curassow (C. mitu). The Guans (Penelope) are hardly to be distinguished I'lom the true 

 Cnrassows, but are not found in flocks. They are easily dompsticated, and their riesh is highly 



Red-krwhbed Curassow. 



