elodious notes.

The number of gallinaceous birds is extremely limited. America can,
however, boast of its native wild turkey--one of the most magnificent
game-birds in existence. There is also the pinnated or Cupid Grouse.
The Barren Grounds of Kentucky, and a few other districts, are inhabited
by the ruffle grouse, which is also often called the pheasant. It
ranges to a considerable distance northward, and Dr Richardson found it
even on the borders of the Polar regions. There is likewise a
small-sized partridge, which is improperly called the quail.

With the exception of the golden plover, few of the wading birds
resemble those of Europe. The snipe, the woodcock, the curlew, most of
the sandpipers, together with the coot and the water-hen, are distinct
from those of Europe, and are not only peculiar to America, but few of
them have been found to the south of the line. One of the most
magnificent birds is the American flamingo, which is of a more beautiful
and intense scarlet than that of Europe, and fully as tall; another
bird, the wood-ibis, has the same form as the glossy ibis of southern
Europe. In Carolina and Florida is found the magnificent scarlet ibis,
but it seldom makes its way to the northern parts of the Union. There
are several large and beautiful species of herons. Although most of the
duck tribe range throughout the continent, there are some--such as the
summer or tree duck of South Carolina--which range from the States to
the warmer shores of the southern provinces, while the celebrated
canvas-back duck, so highly prized at table, is found chiefly in the
temperate parts of the continent. The rest of the duck tribe inhabit
the northern regions, only quitting them for the United States during
the severity of winter.

PART ONE, CHAPTER FIVE.

DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS ANIMALS--RUMINANTS.

THE MOOSE, OR ELK.

We shall not introduce the animals we are about to inspect according to
a systematic classification, but bring them forward as they appear to
the eye of the traveller or sportsman, giving the largest and the most
important the first place. Our object is rather to view the
characteristic animals of each region we visit than to attempt a
scientific examination of the whole animated kingdom of the world--a
task which must be left to those who have far more time at their
disposal than we possess.

We will begin, therefore, with the animals belonging to the ruminantia--
the eighth in