J65 
THE ARGUS PHEASANT, OR GIGANTIC ARGUS. 
Argus giganteus Temminck. 
PLATE VIII. 
Argus or Luen, Philosophical Transactions , 55, p. 88 L’Ar- 
gas ou Luen, Buffon. — Argus Pheasant, Phasianus Argus, 
Latham's General History , viii. p. 206. — L’ Argus, Argus 
giganteus, Temminck, Pigeons et Gallinaces, ii. 411— 
Synopsis, iii, 679. 
This superb bird presents a very singular form 
among the Gallinaceous order, one which has puzzled 
most ornithologists into what genus it was to be 
placed, until Temminck thought of forming one to 
contain itself. It is chiefly remarkable for the super- 
abundant development of its plumage, particularly 
that of the wings ; while its colours, though possess- 
ing little of the brilliant splendour of those which 
we have past, by a union of chaste tints and harmo- 
nious blending, produce an effect at once unique, 
striking, and pleasing. 
The descriptions and figures were long imperfect, 
by reason of the skins being transmitted to Eu- 
rope in a mutilated state, the head and feet being 
often wanting, and the wings only being sent. It 
was described in the Philosophical Transactions, and 
