47S 
SOME ACCOUNT OF A VISIT TO KNOWSLEY. 
{^Ramphastos erythrorhynchus). The other rare birds of this group which may 
be named were the Nymphicus Novce-HoUmtdce^ Pakeornis BarahaudicB^ Plaly- 
cercus Stanleyn, Platycercus Bauerii^ some species of Timranus, &c. Amongst 
the Rasorial birds were several varieties of Grouse, as the Sand-Grouse, or genus 
Pterocles; also the Red Grouse and Black Grouse. There were several fyoung 
specimens of these birds, which had been bred in the Menagerie, a circumstance 
which, if not unknown before, is at least extremely rare. 
In one large cage, occupying several square yards, were confined a great variety 
of Pigeons and Gallinaceous birds. Some of the latter were of the rarest kind; 
amongst the former the Passenger Pigeon \_Columha migratoria^'^Ectopistes 
migratoria^ Swains. — Ed.] was pointed out to us; and as there were a great 
many of them it seems probable this bird may become extensively reared in this 
country. 
Of the Struthionidce there were several noble specimens. Some of them were 
very young. Of the Wading birds the most striking was the Stanley Crane {An-' 
thropoides Stanley anus). Its tall figure, graceful carriage, and tame habits, 
attracted considerable attention. It is between four and five feet in height; its 
plumage is of a bright grey colour; its most remarkable feature is its large head, 
which, according to the phrenologists, would indicate a most dangerous develop¬ 
ment of the animal propensities, as the greater part of its bulk is situated behind 
the articulation of the skull with the vertebras. 
Amongst the Swimming birds were some very fine Pelicans, several Black 
Swans, and a great variety of this tribe, of a smaller kind. After having visited 
the Aviary, we were kindly invited to partake of some refreshment in the house, 
and were afterwards shewn through the extensive range of apartments, which to 
the lover of the Fine Arts afforded abundant delight, in the splendid collection of 
pictures they contain. The Earl possesses a large library, and upon the table I 
observed copies of the most costly and splendid works on Natural History. 
There is also a magnificent collection of stuffed birds ; but it must be obvious 
that we could take nothing more than a hasty glance at the various objects of 
interest that presented themselves in this extensive establishment. We did not 
see the noble owner of these collections, but I understand his lordship went 
round with the party in the morning, and endured the pains and penalties of the 
pouring rain for two or three hours, thus demonstrating the interest he takes in 
the objects he has been at so much pains to collect around him. On the follow¬ 
ing Saturday I joined a small party in an excursion to the Lease wes, whichj if 
agreeable, I will forward for the next number of The Naturalist. 
October, 1837. 
