THE ANHINGA. 



425 



page 82,) or Tropic-Birds, and Anhingas, or Darters, 

 both comparatively little known, and inhabitants of 

 remote regions, the former, from its name, being found 

 almost invariably within the tropics, and generally at 

 great distances from land; the Anhinga being confined 

 to the savannahs, marshes, and rivers of the hottest parts 

 of the African and American continents. 



The long thin neck and beak, the slim body, and 

 large webbed feet of the Anhinga, bespeak at once its 

 real character as an excellent diver, which it certainly 

 is, for on the slightest appearance of danger, it will 

 disappear in an instant, rising again at the distance of 

 many hundred yards, and then only showing its narrow 

 head just above the surface of the water. It is said 

 that when several are surprised perching, according to 

 their practice, on a branch stretching over a river, they 

 will all drop down together as if dead, and then dive 

 away beyond pursuit. 



Aninnga, or Darter. 



