THE PEACOCK. 191

resting for the day, and for sleeping at night, are on the
topmost branches, where they make a very brilliant appear-
ance*.” They were brought into Greece about the time of
Alexander, and to Rome during the decline of the republic,
being then esteemed a great luxury for the table; it is not
ascertained at what precise period they were introduced into
this country.

Peacocks are mentioned in 1 Kings x. and 2 Chronicles
ix., as amongst those productions brought by Solomon’s
fleet, “gold and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks ;” and
they were certainly well calculated, by their gorgeous beauty,
to adorn the court of that magnificent king. The author
"of the book-of Job also alludes to their beauty in the 39th
chapter, “Gavest thou the goodly wings unto the peacocks P”
Some commentators have thought that the parrot was in-
tended by the word “ ¢hukijim,” others, pheasants or sun-
birds; but the majority are in favour of the peacock, and
this interpretation is sanctioned by the ancient versions and
Hebrew interpreters. Probably many other curious and
interesting animals were brought to Solomon, who certainly
evinced the superior wisdom with which he was endowed,
by devoting it to the study of the works of that Being who

* British Cyclopedia.