Various Breeds of Guinea Fowl. 
509 
blackish brown, ornamented with numerous round and irregular spots of white surrounded by circles 
of black, the intermediate spaces being filled by very minute spots of dull white ; the primaries are 
brown, with light shafts and spots of brownish white on the outer web ; the secondaries brownish 
black on the tips, with three imperfect lines of white disposed lengthwise on the outer web, and 
three rows of irregular spots of white on the inner web ; the breast and sides of the abdomen are 
of a beautiful metallic blue, the centre of the abdomen black, the flanks dull pink, with numerous 
spots of white surrounded by circles of black ; the bill is brownish, and the feet brown.* 
Mr. Gould writes of this magnificent variety of Guinea fowl : — “ Independently of the chaste 
and delicate markings which adorn the whole of this tribe, the neck of the present species of 
Guinea fowl is ornamented by a ruff of lanceolate flowing plumes ; which new feature, as well as 
the head being entirely devoid of fleshy appendages, render it conspicuously different from all its 
congeners. It is certainly one of the most noble birds that has been discovered for some years ; 
and we indulge in the hope that the period may not be far distant when we shall become better 
acquainted with the species, and that living individuals may even become denizens of our mena- 
geries and farm-yards, where they would doubtless thrive equally well as their congener so 
familiar to us all.” 
It is the long neck adorned with lanceolate feathers, the absence of casque or crest, and the 
long tail and legs, which give this bird so strange a resemblance to the vulture. It has been 
introduced into one or two menageries ; but there is little probability as yet of its being introduced 
as farm stock. We may here repeat our remark in the last chapter, that even the most intelligent 
keeper of a zoological institution is not the most likely person to multiply and naturalise a new 
race of poultry ; his knowledge is not special enough, and in this particular walk is far surpassed 
by that of any intelligent and enthusiastic poultry amateur. Instead of merely giving prizes for 
rearing, as was once done in relation to curassows, a zoological society would act in a manner far 
more likely to attain its object, were eggs or stock of the desired new variety to be given to such 
amateurs of skill and standing as were willing to accept them, and had at command the ample 
space they so imperatively require ; when the most special care would be given, and all that skill, 
intelligence, and enthusiasm could suggest would be cheerfully lavished upon the new breed, in 
a way which no public institution can ever secure. 
The domestic Guinea fowl in ordinary circumstances can hardly be considered profitable poultry, 
but its character has nevertheless been considerably belied. We have heard it said that it could 
not be kept on account of the screeching noise it makes ; but we cannot understand how any one 
objecting on that ground can abide the noise of an ordinary cock, much less of an ordinary farm- 
yard ; since, disagreeable as the cry is (resembling the noise of a creaking axle more than anything 
else we can think of), it is very seldom heard near the house. Sounder objections are found in the 
straying proclivities of the fowl ; its disposition to lay away, by which many eggs are lost ; and 
its pugnacious habit of beating other varieties of poultry. But for this latter trick it would long 
since have been naturalised as a game bird, having been turned into covert with perfect success ; 
but it was soon found that the Guinea fowls drove away other descriptions of game to such an 
extent that the birds had to be destroyed on that account, the pheasants being most valued. 
As a domestic bird, however, these bad qualities are susceptible of much amelioration, pro- 
vided the treatment be kind and good. It is almost hopeless to commence a stock with adult 
birds ; directly they are left at liberty they are “ off,” and probably never return. But by setting 
eggs under common hens, and rearing them at home, they grow up much tamer, and will flock 
* "Cassell’s Book of Birds,” Vol. III., p. 256. 
