Ixxx 
INTRODUCTION. 
450. Turnix pyiThothorax. 
Hemipodius pyrrhothorax, Gould . . . . . . . . . Vol. V. PI. 86. 
451. Turnix velox. 
Hemipodius velox, Gould . . . . . . . . . , , . . Vol. V. PI. 87. 
Family TETRAONID^, Leach. 
Genus Coturnix, Moehr. 
One true Quail is all that has yet been described as inhabiting Austraha ; as might be expected, it is a denizen 
of the plains, as well as of all the open districts of any extent where grass-lands occur ; it also resorts to the arable 
districts in great abundance. A difference exists in specimens from the western and eastern coasts, the former 
having a deep fawn or light rufous tint pervading the under surface; and it is possible that this difference of 
colouring may be characteristic of a second and distinct species. 
452. Coturnix pectoralis, Gould , . . . . . . . . . . . Vol. V. PL 88. 
/' 
Genus Synoicus, Gould. 
Generic characters. 
As in Perdix, but with no spur on the tarsi, and the tail almost obsolete. 
The great paucity of the GallinacecB in Australia is very remarkable, the members of the present genus being 
almost the only representatives of that group of birds inhabiting the country. The similarity of the habits and 
economy of these birds to those of the true Partridges, particularly to our own well-known species the Perdix 
■cinerea, allies them more nearly to those birds than to the Quails 
Grassy meads, the sides of rushy creeks, and districts clothed with dense herbage, are the favourite resorts of 
these birds, which move about in small coveys, and when flushed fly but a short distance before they again alight. 
As an article of food they are all that can be wished. 
Every part of the country, from Port Essington on the north to Van Diemen's Land on the south, is inhabited 
by one or other species of the genus, which are, I doubt not, more numerous than I have represented, for I feel con- 
fident that the bird found at Port Essington is quite distinct from those of the south coast. 
453. Synoicus Austrahs Vol. V. PI. 89. 
454. Synoicus Diemenensis, Gould ............ Vol. V. PI. 90. 
455. Synoicus sordidus, Gould . . . . . . . .. . . . . . Vol. V. PI. 91. 
456. Synoicus? Chinensis ............. Vol. V. PL 92. 
Order GRALLATORES, ///. 
Family STRUTHIONID/E, Fi^: 
Genus Dromaius, Vieill. 
I formerly entertained an opinion that there were two species of Emu inhabiting Australia, but I have not had • 
sufficient proofs that such is the case. The small specimens in the possession of the Linnean Society of London 
and in the Jardin des Plantes at Paris, may only be stunted birds which had been kept in captivity, but as some 
doubt still remains in my mind the subject should be kept in view. 
457. Dromaius Novae -HoUandise . ... . , . . . . . . Vol. VI. PL 1. 
