THE GALLINULE. 
157 
the Greeks, which generally allude to the distinctive cha- 
racters, and are therefore superior to the terms hastily 
adopted in our languages, from superficial or inaccurate 
views. The present is an instance ; as this bird seemed to 
bear some resemblance to the gallinaceous tribe, it got the 
name of Hen ; but as, at the same time, it differed widely, 
and excelled by its beauty and port, it received the epithet 
of Sultana. But the term Porphyrion, indicating the red 
or purple tint of its bill and feet, was more just and cha- 
racteristic; and should we not rebuild the fine ruins of 
learned antiquity, and restore to nature those brilliant 
images, and those faithful portraits from the delicate pen- 
cil of the Greeks, ever awake to her beauties and her 
animation ? 
“Both the Greeks and Romans, notwithstanding their 
voracious luxury, abstained from eating the Porphyrion. 
They brought it from Lybia, from Comagene, and from the 
Balearic Islands, to be fed and to be placed in their palaces 
and temples, where it was left at liberty as a guest, whose 
noble aspect, whose gentle disposition, and whose elegant 
plumage, merited such honours. 
“ Scarcely any bird has more beautiful colours ; the blue 
of its plumage is soft and glossy, embellished with brilliant 
reflections ; its long feet, and the plate from the top of its 
head to the root of its bill, are of a fine red ; and a tuft of 
white feathers under the tail heightens the lustre of its 
charming garb. Except that it is rather smaller, the female 
