PLANTAII^ EATERS. 
187 
■the neck, and wliich is capable of being erected at 
pleasure, adds considerably to their attractive appear- 
ance. Le Vaillant, with natural enthusiasm, extols 
these birds, the Senegal Touracco {Corytliaix Senega- 
deiisis), in a state of nature, as replete witli charms 
ill all their movements and attitudes — uniting tlie 
•greatest agility with perfect elegance. The colours of 
this species are described by Mr. Swainson as “ glossy 
purple; liead, neck, breast, and crest, green; orbits 
naked, red ; a snowy white stripe before and partly 
above the eye, with a black one beneath.” The bill 
is crimson, and the legs black. Tlie mature bird is 
-about seventeen inches in length. 
The Violet Plantain-eater {Musophaga violacea) is 
exceeded perhaps by no other bird' in the richness, 
depth, and beauty of its colouring. Other birds, 
.says Mr. Swainson, are pretty, handsome, splendid, 
gorgeous, beautiful ; but the colouring of this is regal. 
The shining black purple of the general plumage 
contrasts in exquisite harmony witli the deep lilac- 
crimson of its wings, the peculiar tint of which is 
'Certainly unequalled in any other known bird. The 
bealv, although remaricably large, does not seem at 
all disproportionate : for it is neitlier fantastically 
formed, like the Ilornbills ; nor monstrously large, as 
tliose of the Toucans ; while the ricli yellow, passing 
into crimson, with which it is decorated, gives a relief 
to the dark colour of the plumage, and must add con- 
siderably to the beauty of tlie living bird. 
The colouring of this species is thus described: 
The outer half of the upper and tlie whole of the 
under mandible are of a bright crimson, blending into 
