ANAS ARCUATA. 
THE Anas areuata is found in Java, both near the coast and in the interior ; 
but its residence is regulated by the changes of the seasons. During the period of 
the rains, it partially retires from the rivers and lakes, and visits the inundated grounds 
and marshes. The delicacy of its flesh makes it a favourite object of pursuit 
with sportsmen ; but it is not easily surprised. Several varieties are distinguished 
by the natives. The common MeliwU is represented on our Plate ; in a some- 
what more diversified dress, it is called Meliwis ketttbang; and a smaller variety has 
the name of Meliwis batu. For the name of Anas javanica, originally applied to it, 
I have substituted the name by which, according to the information communicated 
to me by M. Temminck, it is distinguished by M. Cuvier, in the Museum of Paris, 
in the specimens presented by M. Leschenault. As far as I have ascertained, it has 
not yet been figured. The name of areuata corresponds with its external marks. 
The figure annexed to this article represents the Anas areuata two-thirds 
of the natural size. The entire length, from the bill to the tail, is eighteen or 
nineteen inches. It is a bird of very beautiful form and attitude. The bill is of 
moderate length, and marked in the middle with an even prorninent ridge, to which 
the broad sides rise with a moderate convexity : at the base the confines are perpen- 
dicular, and of great height. The neck and the sides of the head have a pale chestnut 
colour, inclining to a yellowish-gray ; this colour gradually increases in strength and 
intensity on the breast, and on the abdomen it assumes a reddish-brown tint, some- 
what vinaceous. The summit of the head and neck is brown. All the quill-feathers, 
the outer coverts, the tail-feathers, and the back have a pure brown colour, of a very 
dark blackish hue. On the breast, neck, and upper parts of the back, semilunar 
marks, of the same brown colour, are transversely disposed ; and the plumes of the 
back are bordered at the extremity, in the form of an arch or semicircle, by a narrow 
chestnut band The anterior and upper portion of the wings is covered with plumes 
of a very vivid chestnut tint. The vent-feathers, and several of the plumes of the 
flanks, which also shew themselves above at the base of the tail, are of a dirty yellow- 
ish white; on the thighs, plumes of the same colour are irregularly bordered with 
brown. The bill and the feet are black. 
