The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1890-01-19

the upper ana the whole OF inc uhN'I
mandiblo being Of a bright crimson,
shaded of at the front or thickest part
into brilliant yellow, and then merg-
ing into crimson again on the crown ana
back part Of the head. Around the eyes
il a naked space which enhances the
beautiful c0lors Of the bill and crown
Above its ears is a pure white stripe ex-
tending backward and downward al
most TO the upper edge Of its neck.
Nearly one-half Of the lower part Of the
wings is Of deep carmine hue, CLOSED
with lilac. the margins being tipped with
the blackest violet color that spreads over
the rest Of its body. This dark violet be-
comes a very dark green on the under
parts. and is particularly rich on the tail.
The legs are black, and ITS thick, hooked
and very broad claws, Of the same shade,
show that il is fitted for living among
trees This formation is seen in all birds
recurring superior powers Of grasping,
,he middle toe Of this particular species
being Of sufficient length 70 encircle any
ordinary sized branch.
Another elegant specimen Of this family
is the variegated 0rcrested plantain eater
.o named on account OF its very peculiar
crest or "topknot." which is placed di-
rectly on the nape Of the neck and not
as in the majority of crested birds, on
Inc top OF crown Of the head. The gen
raj color Of the upper parts OF tins oird
D.. very light gray, with a narrow, black
i.b stripe down each feather. The front
md top Of the head and the whole Of the
.bin and throat as far as the breast IS
chestnut brown.
The under plumage beyond the breast
is white. each feather having a dark
stripe down the middle, while the pri-
mary and secondary quilts Of the wings
are blackish, with a pure white spot
carving in size in the middle Of each.
The feathers in the middle of the tail are
ray. with black tips, those on the end
being entirely gray. It's bill Is pure yell
low throughout. the crimson seen IN the
violet plantain eater being absent, and
lis legs are gray. its length is the same
IS the first mentioned variety, but its
middle toes and claws are somewhat
smaller.
Still another kind is called the crowned
Dlantain eater. or Senegal touraco, and
it rivals in beauty its violet hued com
panion. Like the bird just described, its
chief attraction is a magnificent crest.
The whole of the head, including the
crest. its neck, wing covers and around
the shoulders is grass green without any
floss. and this color also extends to the
under plumagc as far as the breast, be-
vond which it becomes obscured and
larkened with a blackish hue. The bill
IS blackish purple in the middle, but
along the edges and within the margin
II the sides it is a bright crimson, the
tips Of both upper and lower mandibles
being blackish.
around the eyes is a crimson patch,
the upper part of which is shaped some
what like the teeth Of a saw. lmmedi-
atelv in front of Che eyes is a white stripe
extending toabout one-third Of the length
Of the upper eyelid, while beneath each
is black stripe running backward to
ward its ears and terminating in point
at the lower edge Of the crimson patch
already described. This bird is smaller
than either of the others, its total length
from lii to tail being but sixteen inches
Taken altogether, these specimens Of
the bird creation stand unequaled m
orilliancy Of p.umage and shapely pro
portions, and it Is TO be regretted that be-
cause Of their rarity and extreme shy
ness but very few specimens can be-
obtained. Were it otherwise those living
in the neighborhood Of museums Of nat
ural history would have a chance e.
feast their eyes on this matchless array
Of colors, and thus get better idea of
the beauty Of the plaintain eaters than
can be conveyed by mere pen picture
PHILADELPHIA Times.