the Storks and Herons, l)nt structurally they are very different. Vuv 

 instance, the nostrils in all Cranes (except the aberrant Kagu) are 

 pervious, communicating freely with one another and not separated l)y 

 a bony partition, and the palate is sehizognathous — that is to say, the 

 maxillo-palatinc bones are imt nuiteil with one another or with the 

 vomer (p. 209). The young are hatched covered with down, and are 

 able to take care of themselves soon after leaving the egg. 



Family I. Ahvmip-e. T;Impki\s. 



The Limpkins (598), including two American species, variously i.OaseSl.j 

 known as the Clucking Hen, Caran, Courlan, Tjrimentiug Bird, or 

 Crazy Widow, on account of tlicir oft-rei)cated [liei'cing cry, arc^ large 

 long-billed birds forming a link between the Cranes and Kails. Ostco- 

 logically they are most ncai'ly related to the fiu'mer, but in their 

 external appearance, flight, and mode of life they reseml)lc the l;ittcr. 

 The South-American Limpkin {Arainus scolopaceii.s) (598) I'angcs over 

 a large part of that cmitinent, fi-equeuting the beds of sti'cams ;ind 

 marshes. The nest, m Inch is placed among the rushes, contains ten or 

 twchc Rail-like csss. 



Family II. liiiixocnrrii) i:. Kagus. 



The only representative of this family is the Kagu {Rliiiwchctiis [Case:)!.] 

 jubaiiis) (600), a native of New Caledonia. The shape of the bill aiul 

 crest give the bird a Ileron-like appearance, which is emphasised bv 

 the grej'-coloui'rd plumage. In a wild state its habits are said to be 

 nocturnal ; but in captivity it is active enough during the daytime, and 

 exhibits considerable Crane-bke dancing-powers. 



Family III. I']r in i-vtau e. Su.v-Rittekns. (Phite XI.) 



These remarkable Rail-like birds arc confined to Central and South (';!>.• .11.] 

 America. They resemble the Kagus in many points of structure and 

 in possessing powder-down patches. Only two species are known, and 

 both possess remarkably handsome and variegated }iluinage. The 

 .species exhibited {Kirnjpyija major) (599) is a native of Central 

 America and Colombia. It is mounted, with outspread wings, in a 

 position the bird is fond of assuming. The nest is placed in a tree, and 

 the nestlings, though covered with down, have to be fed by tlie parents 

 for some time before they can leave the nest. 



