CHIONIDID.E. 393 



the seaweed and otlier refuse cast on the icebergs. 

 The Sheath-bills are so called on account of the 

 remarkable sheath of horny substance which is 

 situated on the base of the bill^ and under which lie 

 the nostrils. The use of this appendage is unknown. 

 The whole of the bill is short and stout, and it is 

 considerably arched towards the tip. 



The typical, and also one of the best-known 

 species of this group, is — 



The White Sheath-hill {Chionis alba), a native of 

 Australia, New Zealand, and the neighbouring islands. 



This bird is ahnost exclusively found upon the coasts, 

 derivuig its subsistence from the mollusks, small crusta- 

 ceans, bestranded fish cast upon the beach, and other 

 similar substances. Perhaps, under some circumstances, 

 it may subsist on carrion, and tliereby give an evil flavour 

 to its flesh, as there are very contradictory reports as to 

 its value for the table ; some specimens ha\Tjig been of so 

 vile an odour, that even the sailors, with their proverbial 

 appetite for fresh meat, could not touch the ill-savoured 

 dish ; while in other cases the bird is reported to be of 

 excellent quality, and equal to Duck in tenderness and 

 flavour. The legs of the Sheath-bill are rather long in 

 proportion to its body, and as it always frequents the 

 sea-side, running in and out of the water in search of its 

 food, and possesses many of the habits of the AVaders, it 

 has been classed by some naturalists with those birds. 

 The White Sheath-bill is a pretty bird, its whole plumage 

 being pure white, and its legs reddish-black. The general 

 name Chio7iis is derived from a Greek word* signifying 

 "snow," and is given m allusion to its snow-white 

 plumage. 



* Xioji', chion, snoiv. 



