JON, ©) ID WG Wit On.

Ixxx
450. Turnix pyrrhothorax.
Hemipodius pyrrhothorax, Gould : : ; ; : Vol. v. BL ap

451. Turnix velox.

Hemipodius velox, Gould : : : : : 3 : Vol. V. Pl. 87.
Family TETRAONIDA, Leach.

Genus Corurnix, Mehr.

One true Quail is all that has yet been described as mhabiting Australia; as might be expected, it is a denizen

of the plains, as well as of all the open districts of any extent where grass-lands occur ; it also resorts to the arable

districts in great abundance. A difference exists in specimens from the western and eastern coasts, the former
having a deep fawn or light rufous tint pervading the under surface; and it is possible that this difference of

colouring may be characteristic of a second and distinct species.

452. Coturnix pectoralis, Gould. : : f : : Vol. V. Pl. 88.

Genus Synoicus, Gould.

Generic characters.

As in Perdix, but with no spur on the tarsi, and the tail almost obsolete.

The great paucity of the Gallinacee in Australia is very remarkable, the members of the present genus being
almost the only representatives of that group of birds inhabiting the country. The similarity of the habits and
economy of these birds to those of the true Partridges, particularly to our own well-known species the Perdiz
cinerea, allies them more nearly to those birds than to the Quails

Grassy meads, the sides of rushy creeks, and districts clothed with dense herbage, are the favourite resorts of
these birds, which move about in small coveys, and when flushed fly but a short distance before they again alight.
As an article of food they are all that can be wished.

Every part of the country, from Port Essington on the north to Van Diemen’s Land on the south, is inhabited
by one or other species of the genus, which are, I doubt not, more numerous than I have represented, for I feel con-

fident that the bird found at Port Essington is quite distinct from those of the south coast.

453. Synoicus Australis . ‘ : : : : : : ‘ : : Volk Ve Rikiso:
454. Synoicus Diemenensis, Gould . ; : : : Wolk Wo Ib OO.
455. Synoicus sordidus, Gould . : : : ; : : Vol Ve veiaole

456. Synoicus ? Chinensis : ; : ; Wolk, Wi, IL 8.

Order GRALLATORES, 777.

Family STRUTHIONIDA, Meg.

Genus Dromatus, Mell.

I formerly entertained an opinion that there were two species of Emu inhabiting Australia, but I have not had
sufficient proofs that such is the case. The small specimens in the possession of the Linnean Society of London
and in the Jardin des Plantes at Paris, may only be stunted birds which had been kept in captivity, but as some

doubt still remains in my mind the subject should be kept in view.

457. Dromaius Novee-Hollandie : : ; : ; Vol. VI. Pl. 1.