147 
Genus PA VO — Linnjeus. 
This form or genus is typical of the family with 
which we are now employed, and should most pro- 
perly have been placed first. It is at once charac- 
terized by the very great development of the upper 
tail-coverts, or train, as they are called, which it is en- 
abled to raise and spread in a circle by means of the 
true tail, composed of strong and powerful feathers. 
There are only two species known ; both inhabit 
the Continent and Islands of India, and they present 
a plumage certainly the most splendid among the 
whole feathered world. Their frequency in our barn- 
yards has accustomed us to this splendour ; but 
when the question comes rpally to be asked, “Which 
is the most splendid bird ?” we shall be able to find 
no competitor ; there are many birds which have tints 
more exquisite for their delicacy, or more dazzlingly 
brilliant, but none present such a mass of gorgeous 
adornment as the Peacock. 
The splendour of such a bird could not be seen 
without attracting attention, and we accordingly find 
it mentioned at a very early period. The earliest 
notice of it will perhaps be found in the Bible ; it at- 
tracted the notice of the mariners of Solomon, who, 
in their southern expedition, among many other pro- 
ductions of nature, carried these birds to their royal 
master. We afterwards lose sight of it until discovered 
