206 
POPULAR HISTORY OF BIRDS. 
live in the woods^ and find their nourishment there^ feed- 
ing chiefly on buds and fruit ; they are of a sociable dis- 
position^ congregating in large flocks^ and are far from 
being shy; but in Europe they have not been known to 
breed. The species of Curassows {Crax) have a strong 
beak; the base being surrounded with a cere-like skin^ 
which is sometimes brightly coloured; the head is fur- 
nished with, a crest of long, narrow, curiously-curled fea- 
thers, which the bird can erect at pleasure. The species 
of Pauxi [Ouraoo) have the bill shorter and thicker; and 
the membrane at the base, as well as the greater part of 
the head, is covered with short, thickly-placed, velvet-like 
feathers. A curious but common species of this genus 
(the Ourax Patcxi) has an immense hard oval tubercle, 
nearly as large as the head, projecting from the base of the 
beak ; this tubercle, being of a hght blue colour, contrasts 
well with the deep black plumage. 
The curassows were at one time so far domesticated in 
Holland as to have been found equally prolific with other 
poultry ; but in this country, notwithstanding great efforts 
have been made, these birds have not as yet been found to 
breed. This is to be lamented, as they would not only form 
a beautiful addition to our poultry-yards, but, from the deli- 
