BIRDS. 351 



the Israelites," yet the species still survives, and its gregarious 

 and migratory character remains unchanged. 



One of the Grouse tribe — the Capercaillie, or Cock of the 

 Woods [Tetrao urogallus), formerly existed both in Britain and 

 Ireland, but has, unhappily, been extirpated. This splendid 

 bird attained the size of a Turkey, and by some writers is even 

 spoken of as the AVild Turkey. Attempts for its re-establish- 

 ment are now being made, and with prospects of success. It 

 is found in Sweden and Norway, and other parts of the north 

 of Europe. 



StruthioniJce. — The Bustards are birds of I'are occurrence. 

 The Great Bustard (^Otis tarda) has long been extinct in both 

 Scotland and Ireland : in England it is spoken of rather as one 

 which had recently " a local habitation," than as one actually- 

 indigenous at the present time. The Little Bustard (^Otis 

 tetrax) is an occasional visitant. 



OuDEB IV.— GRALLATORES.— WADING BIRDS. 



" Xo more thy glassy brook reflects the day, 

 But, chok'd with sedges, works its weedy way ; 

 Along thy glades, a solitary guest, 

 The hollow-sounding Bittern guards its nest ; 

 Amidst thy desert walks the Lapwing flies. 

 And tires their echoes with unvaried cries." 



Goldsmith's " Deseeted Village." 



There are some birds whose legs are so long that the body 

 seems as if mounted on a pair of stilts, and this peculiarity is 

 that which is expressed by the scientific name for the present 

 order — Grallatores — a Latin word, literally meaning those 

 who walk on stilts. The lower part of the leg is naked, and 

 from this circumstance, as well as from its length, is especially- 

 adapted for wading. Hence, birds of the present order are 

 called " Waders." 



But although this term is very correct as applied to some, 

 it is altogether incorrect with regard to others : thus, the 

 Ostrich {Fig. 2-i9), which lives remote from the sea, and from 

 the banks of rivers, is included : and birds which, like the 

 Plover, are not remai-kable for great length of leg, are also 



