THE GAME = BIRDS AND RAILS 
23 
of plumes does not represent the tail, as is popularly- 
supposed, but is made up of the feathers of the 
lower part of the, back and the upper tail-coverts. 
These gradually increase in length from before-back- 
wards, culminating in the long and exquisite feathers 
which form the circumference of the huge, outspread 
shield. This shield is properly ■ called the “ train ” ; 
the true tail lies behind it and acts as a support. 
When the bird is about to display, the “train” 
feathers are slowly and gently raised till the well- 
known fan-shaped glory of green and gold and blue 
is exposed to the fullest possible extent. 
“ Watch the bird trying to do his best to 
persuade his chosen what a handsome fellow he is. 
He first places himself more or less in front of her, 
but at some little distance off; and then, watching 
his opportunity, walks rapidly backwards, going faster 
and faster and faster, till, arrived within a foot, he 
suddenly, like ,a flash, turns round and displays to 
the full his truly gorgeous vestments. This turning 
movement is accompanied by a violent shaking of 
the train, the quills of which rattle like the pattering 
of rain upon leaves. Often this movement is followed 
by a loud scream. ' , 
“ When the train is fully erect, it will be noticed that it lies so far forward that the 
bird’s head and neck appear as if rising from its base. In a side view the whole body, from 
the front of the wings backwards, appears to lie behind the train.” 
This bird is a native of India, where it is held in great reverence by the Hindus, and 
Fh9i9 by the Duchess of Bedford 
NEST OF BRUSH-TURKEY 
This is made by several birds, of decaying vegetable matter^ 
in ’which the eggs are laid and left to hatch 
FhoU bjf C. \^Wishaw, N.M. 
TURKEY COCK AND HEN 
The curious ** tassel" depending from the breast is found in no other bird 
