LEIFOA (Ii-pb'a), a genus of Rasores birds, family Megapodiclx, the only known species of which is L. Ocellata, the "native pheasant" of the colonists of Western Australia; which in its habits is very like the domestic fowl. It deposits its eggs in a mound of sand about three feet high, the inside being lined with lay ers of dried leaves, grasses, etc. The bird never sits on the eggs, but leaves them to be hatched by the heat of the sun's rays.
LEIFSIC (11.pfsik), a commercial city of Germany, kmgdom of Saxony, on the White Elster (a tributary of the Saale). The appearance of the city at a distance is not imposing; it stands in a wide plain, which, though fertile, is unvaried by a single eminence to relieve its sameness. Fel.v cities exhibit so much of the carved masonry which characterized the old German style of building, joined with so much stateliness. Leipsic is pre eminently a literary center; besides pos sessing a noble university and various fine libraries and scientific institutions, it is the grand emporium of the German book trade. The great sale of new works takes place at the Easter fair. Among its chief manufactures are 3ilk goods, stockings, leather, hats, playing-cards, paper hangings, tallow chandlery, .gold and silver wares, liquors, etc. Leipsic and vicinity was, in October, 1813, the scene of one of the most tremendous battles of modern times. Napoleon I. having concentrated at this point an army of about 135,000 men, was attacked on the 16th by the allies under Prince Schwartzenberg, Bliicher, and other generals, accompanied by the Em perors of Russia and Austria and the King of Prussia. The allied force
amounted to at least 250,000 men. The struggle, which was fierce, obstinate, and bloody, terminated at nightfall without advantage to either party. The next day passed over with the same results. On the 18th, shortly after the renewal of the fighting, a Saxon brigade deserted the French, and went over to the allies, which gave the latter an advantage that all the genius of Napoleon could not counteract. Though the French main tained their ground during the day, a retreat became indispensable; and owing to the accidental blowing up of the bridge, a part of the French army was cut off; thus, Napoleon lost 25,000 men, who fell into the hands of the allies as prisoners, exclusive of the far greater number who fell in the previous battles. Prince Poniatowski ("the last of the Poles"), after displaying prodigies of valor, lost his life in the retreat on the 19th, having been drowned in attemping to cross the Elster. This great battle completely emancipated Germany from the French yoke. In 1913 a great monu ment 300 feet high was unveiled to cele brate the victory. Pop. about 630,000.