“A remarkable feature in the _poliocephala_ is the eye, which in the living bird is full of courage and animation—it is equal, in fact, in brilliancy to that of the finest game cock. “I frequently noticed this bird domesticated by the Mexicans at Matamoras, Monterey, &c., and going at large about their gardens. I was assured that in this condition it not unfrequently crossed with the common fowl; but I did not see the progeny. “In the wild state, the eggs are from six to eight, never exceeding the last number. They are white, without spots; and rather smaller than a pullet’s egg. The nest is usually made on the ground, at the root of a large tree, or at the side of an old log, where a hole several inches deep is scratched in the ground; this is lined with leaves, and the eggs are always carefully covered with the same when the female leaves them for the purpose of feeding. If disturbed while on her nest, she flies at the intruder with all the spirit and determination of the common domestic hen, whose retreat has been invaded.” This species has been noticed by several of the naturalists who have recently made such important contributions to the ornithology of the southwestern frontier of the United States. Specimens brought by Mr. John H. Clark, were obtained near Ringgold Barracks, Texas. The fine collection made in Texas and Mexico, by Lieut. D. N. Couch, of the United States Army, contained specimens obtained in the State of New Leon, in the latter country. DESCRIPTION AND TECHNICAL OBSERVATIONS. Genus Ortalida. Merrem, Icones et Desc. Av. p. 40. (1786.) General form rather slender and lengthened; bill short, curved, rather wide at base; aperture of the nostril large; wings short, rounded; fourth, fifth, and sixth quills longest; tail long; tarsi moderate, rather robust; colors usually plain. A genus of American birds, containing about fifteen species. Ortalida poliocephala. (Wagler.) Penelope poliocephala. Wagler, Isis, 1830, p. 1112. Form. Bill short, curved; wing short, rounded; first quill short, sixth slightly longest; secondaries long and broad; tail long, graduated; external feathers nearly three inches shorter than those in the middle; tarsi moderate, rather robust, and having in front about ten wide transverse scales; a bare space on each side of the throat from the corners of the lower mandible; feathers of the middle of the throat stiff and bristle-like; plumage of the head above somewhat elongated and erectile, and with the shafts of the feathers slightly rigid and hair-like, especially in front. Dimensions. Male.—Total length of skin, about 21 inches; wing, 8; tail, 10; tarsus, 2½ inches.