72 Mr. H. T. Ussher on the 
154. Francolinus bicalcaratus (L.): Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, 
p. 73. 
Common all over the Gold Coast. On the plains of Accra 
especially they abound, and are found in coveys of from four 
or five to a dozen. They frequent cassava-plantations, and 
do much damage to the young plants, as also to ground-nuts 
and maize. 
Towards sunset the loud cry of the male bird is heard, and 
he can be observed, generally stationed in a commanding po¬ 
sition on the top of an ant-hill or low tree, calling together his 
family. 
They are fine birds, and afford good sport, as well as ex¬ 
cellent food for the table. Unless killed dead, they generally 
manage to drag themselves through the grass, and are almost 
impossible to find; and as they are very strong on the wing, 
not more than fifty per cent, of those killed can generally be 
brought to bag. 
155. Eupodotis melanogastra (Rupp.): Sharpe, Ibis, 1872, 
p. 73. 
This Bustard is distributed widely over the eastern districts 
and plains of Accra. It is, like most of its race, an exceed¬ 
ingly shy bird, and when once aware of the sportsman is im¬ 
possible to approach. I have marked them down in low short 
grass, where it has appeared impossible for them to pitch 
without being seen, but have never yet succeeded in getting 
the bird to rise, as it will either crouch or run with its head 
down with incredible speed, and perhaps regain its original 
place of rest. They are frequently surprised, however, in 
long grass by approaching them up wind, and when on the 
wing present a very easy shot. 
They are a most excellent bird for the table, and conse¬ 
quently much prized; and the “ Bush-Turkey,” as it is called 
by the settlers, is always a welcome present. The meat pos¬ 
sesses a peculiarity in common, I believe, with some other 
game birds, viz. that it is brown on the breast, while the flesh 
of the thighs is white, like that of a chicken. 
