FAITHFUL CHAUNA. 
leagues from Carthagena in South America. It feeds 
on vegetables : its gait is solemn and slow ; but it 
flies easily and swiftly : it cannot run unless assisted 
by the wings at the same time. When any part of 
the skin is touched by the hand, a crackling is felt, 
though it is very downy beneath the feathers ; and 
this down adheres so closely as to enable the bird at 
times to swim, notwithstanding the length of its legs 
and of its cleft feet; which latter enable it also to 
walk on the aquatic plants of the pools. It has 
two strong and pointed spurs on the bend of the 
wing, which are, however, hidden when the latter is 
closed, but when expanded they become formidable 
weapons, aided by the strong and lengthened wing ; 
and by means of them it is able to drive off birds as 
big as the Carrion Vulture, and even that bird itself. 
The natives, who keep poultry in great numbers, 
have one of these tame, which goes along with the 
flock about the neighbourhood to feed during the 
day, when this faithful shepherd defends them against 
birds of prey: it never deserts the charge committed 
to its care, although able to fly, but returns home 
with them safe in the evening. It is so tame as to 
suffer itself to be handled by a grown person, but 
will not permit children to attempt the same. Its 
voice is clear and loud, but far from agreeable. 
V. XII. r. I. 
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