GREAT BUSTARD 
examined, we found an abundance of the delicate mem- 
branes spread over the fore-part of the neck and throat. 
By inserting the end of a blow-pipe any number of cells 
could be inflated, and by the application of a little force 
the walls of these cells would give way, and thus form one 
cavity or several large cavities or bags. During this ex- 
amination a discussion took place, with reference to the 
means by which these membranes were distended by the 
bird during life, whether by muscular dilatation or by in- 
flation, and I must admit that this part of the subject has 
since appeared to me to require more consideration than 
I at first thought it deserved. I observed the wonderful 
enlargement that takes place in the wattles, etc., of many 
birds, as, for instance, the wattles of the Talegalla, or Bush- 
turkey, which distend and contract with great rapidity ; a 
similar condition is observable in the common turkey and 
many other birds. A very wonderful example of this kind I 
have perceived in the male ostrich when under the influence 
of intense excitement during the early part of the breeding 
season. The bird will squat upon the ground, extend his 
wings, and spread them to the full extent, showing the 
white plumes, his neck enlarged to an enormous size and 
becoming quite red ; in this state it is rolled with his head 
from side to side on his body, the wings alternately rising 
and falling rapidly with the violent motion of the head and 
neck, the bird appearing perfectly unconscious of your 
approach during this extraordinary emotion. As I have 
previously remarked, it is somewhat doubtful to me by 
what means these changes are produced. I think it may 
be well worthy of further investigation. But to continue 
my subject, on February 21, 1861, another fine male 
Great Bustard was examined by me, about the same age as 
the last, and Avith precisely the same result as before. The 
conclusion at which I arrive appears to me the only means 
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