as ive suspect, referable to it. In Hontlaras, Leyland tells us it is common throughout the
district o f Omoa, and known to the English Mahogany-cutters as the “ Ground Partridge,”—
a name probably also applied to the other species o f the gronp met with in the same district.
It is stated to lay its eggs in “ a slight depression scratched in tho angles formed by tho
projecting buttress-liice roots o f the JIabogany-trees.”
In the adjoining state o f Guatemala, Salvin found this bird abundant throughout the
low-lying forest-district o f Northern Vera Paz, especially along the tract which leads irom
Cahaboiito Pcteu. Every day during his journey along this route, in the month o f March 18G2,
specimens o f it Avere shot, aud fonned a material addition to the scanty supply o f animal food
obtainable in these forests. The flesh is excellent, the pectoral muscle, which in the fresh bird lias
a greenish tinge, being large and tender. Otlier observers have stated that this bird is sliy and
difficult o f access, but Salvin usually foimd them running along the track a little in advance of
the party, and seldom taking flight before they Avere Avithin shot. When once on tlie Aving,
hoAvevcr, their flight is strong, although the distance traversed is not usually very great.
Salvin obtained many specimens o f the eggs o f this Tinamou, in different parts o f Eastern
Guatemala. They are much more roimded iu form than other eggs o f this family, measuring
only 2-3 in. in length and 2-0 in. in diameter, but exhibit the same shining glossy texture, quite
different from Avhat is met Avitli iu any other group of birds. Their colour is o f a briglit umiorra
greenish blue, like that o f the egg o f Tihamns major. In Guatemala these eggs are much admired,
and may be often seen suspended as offerings to adorn the shrine o f some way-side image.
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