2§2 BRITISH BIRDS. 
they made part of the cargoes of the rich and va- 
luable fleet which every three years imported the 
treafures of the Eaft to Solomon’s court. They 
are fometimes found in a wild Hate in many 
parts of Afia and Africa : The largelt and fineft 
are faid to be met with in the neighbourhood of 
the Ganges, and on the fertile plains of India, 
where they grow to a great fize ; under the influ- 
ence of that luxuriant climate this beautiful bird 
exhibits its dazzling colours, which feem to vie 
with the gems and precious Hones produced in 
thofe delightful regions. In colder climates they 
require great care in rearing, and do not obtain 
their full plumage till the third year. In former 
times they were confidered as a delicacy, and made 
a part of the luxurious entertainment of the Ro- 
man voluptuaries. 
White Peacocks are not uncommon in England, 
the eyes of the train not excepted, which are bare- 
ly vifible, and may be traced by a different undu- 
lation of fhade upon the pure white of the tail. It 
is a very Angular circumftance, that the females of 
this fpecies have been fometimes known to affume 
the appearance of the male, by a total change of 
colour. This is faid to take place after Ihe has 
done laying. A bird of this kind is preferved in 
the Lever ian Mufeum. 
