OF BIRDS* 
181 
vent are black, with a greenish hue: but the distinguish- 
ing character of this singular bird is its train, which rises 
just above the tail, and, when erected, forms a fan of 
the most resplendent hues: the two middle feathers are 
sometimes four feet and a half long, and others gradually 
diminishing on each side: the shafts white, and furnished 
from their origin nearly to the end with parted fila- 
ments of varying colours ending in a flat vane, which is 
decorated with what is called the eye. When pleased or 
delighted, and in sight of his females, the peacock erects 
his tail, and displays all the majesty of his beauty: all his 
movements are full of dignity; his head and neck bend 
nobly back; his pace is slow and solemn, and he fre- 
quently turns slowly and gracefully round, as if to catch 
the sun beams in every direction, and produce new co- 
lours of inconceivable richness and beauty, accompanied 
'^t the same time with a hollow murmuring voice expres- 
sive of desire. The cry of the peacock, at other times, 
is often repeated and very disagreeable. 
The peahen is somewhat less than the cock, and though 
furnished both with a train and crest, is destitute of those 
dazzling beauties which distinguish the male. She lays 
five or six eggs, of a whitish colour: for this purpose she 
j chuses some secret spot, where she can conceal them from 
the male, who is apt to break them: she sits from twenty- 
five to thirty days, according to the temperature of the 
climate, and the warmth of the season. These birds 
were originally brought from the distant provinces of 
India, and thence have been diffused over every part of 
the world. 
The female of this species, like the pheasant/ have 
been known to assume the appearance of the male, by a 
total change of colour: this is said to take place after 
they have done laying. 
White peacocks are not uncommon in England; the 
eyes of the train are barely visible, and may be traced 
by a different undulation of shade upon the pure white 
of the tail. 
Turkey. ( Melmgris Galtpavo . Lat. PL 27.) The 
turkey, when young, is generally considered as one of 
R 
