BUSTARD, Otis, a genus of birds, sometimes made the type of a family, usually ranked in the order gra&s (q.v.). The general structure seems to agree best with that of the gralla; but there are points of strong resemblance to gallinaceous birds, both in the appearance and habits of the bustards; while their power of running, and the use which they make of their wings to aid in running, are indicative of a relation to the struthionifice, or ostrich tribe. They differ, however, from these birds in possessing wings quite capable of flight, although even when pressed by danger they often seek to escape by running, and the great B. of Europe has been pursued and taken by grey hounds.—Bustards are birds of bulky form, with long neck and long naked legs; the toes, three in number, all directed forward, short, united at the base, and edged with membrane; the wings rather rounded; the bill of moderate length, straight, or nearly so. They are mostly inhabitants of open plains, to which all their habits are adapted.—The GREAT B. (otis tarda) was at one time plentiful in some parts of England, and was also an inhabitant of the s.e. of Scotland; but extending cultivation, and the persecution to which it has been subjected, have now rendered it a very rare British bird. It is com mon in the s. and e. of Europe, and abounds in the wide steppes of Tartary. It is the largest of European birds, the male sometimes weighing nearly 30 pounds. The female is much smaller than the male. The plumage is of a pale chestnut color on the upper parts, beautifully varied with black—much white and black on the wings, the tail tipped with white. The tail is short, spreading, and rounded. A tuft or plume about 7 in. long, springing from the chin, passes backwards and downwards on each side, in the summer dress of the male, partly concealing a long stripe of bare skin on each side of the neck. The anatomy of the male exhibits a remarkable peculiarity in a large bag or pouch, capable of holding several pints, the entrance to which is between the under side of the tongue and the lower mandible. The use of this bag is unknown; but it has
been bonjectured to be for conveying water to the females and young, in wide, arid plains. The great B. feeds indiscriminately ou animal and vegetable food, swallows frogs, mice, worms, etc., and is very fond of turnip-tops. Its flesh is highly esteemed for its flavor. It is polygamous. No difficulty is found in taming it, but all attempts to reduce it to a state of true domestication have hitherto failed, from its not breeding in the poultry-yard.—The LITTLE B. (0. tetrax), frequently in the s. of Europe and n. of Africa, is only an accidental visitant in Britain. It is not half the size of the great B.—The BLACK-HEADED B. (0. nigrieeps) is found in large flocks in the open plains of the Mahratta country. Its flesh is esteemed one of the greatest delicacies which India produces.—The KORI B. (0. kori) of s. Africa, a magnificent bird, standing upwards of five ft. in height, has a similar reputation as one of the best kinds of game.—Australia possesses a B. (0. Australasianus) somewhat exceeding the great B. of Europe in stature. It is called wild turkey by the colonists of New South Wales. Its plumage is finely freckled or spotted; the prevailing color is brown. It has become comparatively ram in the more settled districts, its flesh being particularly delicate and well flavored, but may be seen stalking majestically in the grassy plains, wherever human footsteps are still rare.
a t. of northern Italy, in the province of Milan, and 20 m. 11.W. from Milan. It stands in a fertile plain, which produces much wine. In one of the churches are numerous statues and fine paintings by Daniel Crespi• a native of the town. Remains of ancient buildings show that Busto-Arsizio was in ancient times of consider able importance. It is a place of active trade, and has a cottou-thread factory. Pop. of town and suburbs, 12,909.