332 



REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



What, it will be asked, is there so characteristic about it ? Nothing 

 else but its bill, which certainly is the most singular implement one 

 can well imagine. Fancy two long and wide spoons, with their 



Fig. 130. The Jabiru. 



hollow sides placed one against the other, the end of the upper spoon 

 being furnished with two sharp teeth, and we have some idea of this 

 extraordinary storehouse, as it may be called, for the proprietor can 

 easily stuff into it provisions for a whole day. If we add to this that 

 the Boatbill! possesses a beautiful black crest which hangs down be- 



