;6 
The domestic fowl is the most widely distributed member 
of the GallincR, being spread in various breeds over the whole 
world. The progenitor of this invaluable bird is supposed to 
be the wild Bankiva Cock {Galltis bankiva), which is a native 
of India. 
There are several species of Tinamous in South America, 
one of which, the Cinereus Tinamou {Tinamus cinereus) may 
be seen in the collection. These birds present some pecul- 
iarities of structure so strongly marked that they have been 
placed in an order, Crypturi, by themselves. Mr. Darwin, 
speaking of the Tinamou in “ The Zoology of the Voyage of 
the Beagle,” states that it approximates somewhat to the hab- 
its of the grouse, but that it rarely rises from the ground, and 
may be readily caught by a stick having a noose at the end. 
The Common Trumpeter {Psophia crepitans), Guiana. 
The Cayenne Rail {Araniides cayennensis), South America 
and West Indies. 
The Carolina Rail (JPorzana Carolina), North America. 
The Florida Gallinule {Gallinula galeata). Gulf States. 
The Martinique Water Hen {^Porphyrio martinica). 
Southern United States and West Indies. 
The Black-backed Porphyrio (^Porphyria melanotus), Aus- 
tralia. 
The Common Coot ()Pulica americana). North America, and 
the American Woodcock {^Philohela minor). Eastern United 
States, all belong to the order Grallatores or Wading 
Birds. They live along the borders of water-courses and 
streams, from which they pick out the small fishes, insects, and 
worms which serve them as food. 
No. 22.— THE PRAIRIE-DOG VILLAGE. 
The Prairie Dog ( Cynomes ludovicianus) is a small, burrow- 
ing rodent, much resembling the Spermophiles, which are 
common throughout the western part of the United States. 
