AVES — IBIS. 643 



inches long, is slightly curved, and ends in a blunt point. The plumage is 

 a reddish white, most inclining to red on the back and wings. It is found in 

 great numbers in Lower Egypt, in places just freed from the inundations of 

 the Nile, where it is of signal service in destroying insects, reptiles, &c. 

 This bird is frequently found in the sepulchres along with the mummies, and 

 was formerly held sacred by the Egyptians. 



WOOD IBIS. 1 



This bird is found in the southern parts of the United States, and also 

 extends as far as Cayenne, Brazil, and various parts of South America. Its 

 favorite haunts are watery savannahs, and inland swamps, where it feeds 

 on fish and reptiles. The French inhabitants of Louisiana esteem it good 

 eating. 



The following account is given by Mr William Bartram. " This solitary 

 bird does not associate in flocks ; but is generally seen alone, commonly 

 near the banks of great rivers, in marshes or meadows, especially such as 

 are covered by inundations, and also in vast deserted rice plantations. He 

 stands alone, on the topmost limb of tall, dead cypress trees, his neck con- 

 tracted or drawn in upon his shoulders, and his beak resting like a long 

 scythe upon his breast ; in this pensive posture and solitary situation, they 

 look extremely grave, sorrowful, and melancholy, as if in the deepest 

 thought. They are never seen on the seacoast, and yet are never found at 

 a great distance from it. They feed on serpents, young alligators, frogs, 

 and other reptiles." 



The whole body, neck, and lower parts of this bird, are white ; the bill is 

 nearly nine inches long. 



THE SCARLET IBIS. 2 



This beautiful bird is said to be eommon in most parts of America within 

 the tropics, and in almost all the West India islands. Of its manners, little 

 more has been collected, than that it frequents the borders of the sea, and 

 shores of the neighboring rivers, feeding on small fry, shell-fish, sea-worms 

 and crabs. It is said frequently to perch on trees, sometimes in large flocks; 

 K "t to lay its eggs on the ground, or a bed of leaves. The young when 



i Ibis loculator, Lin. 2 Ibis rubra, Vieill. 



