280 A COURSE ON ZOOLOGY. 



considered sacred by the Egyptians. A species of 

 stork found in India carries on its neck an immense 

 pouch, much larger than that of the pelican. The 

 boat-bill differs from the herons by its curious boat- 

 shaped bill. 



Paludicolse. The cranes, rails, and coots are not as 

 aquatic as the preceding birds ; a considerable propor- 

 tion of their food consists of vegetable substances. The 

 Virginia rail and the water-rail are esteemed as food. 



FIG. 224. 



WATER-KAIL (Ralliis aquations). 



The moor-hen and the corn-crake are closely allied to the 

 water-rail. These birds, though comparatively small, 

 are rapid runners. 



Limicolae. The various species of plovers, woodcocks, 

 snipes, sand-pipers, and the stilts, curlews, and willets 

 belong to this order. These birds frequent low, moist 

 grounds, and feed on worms, insects, larvae, and mollusks. 

 They have long bills with which to seek their food in 

 the mud and marshes, and the sand-pipers, curlews, and 

 several species of snipe feed on the small insects left on 

 the sea-shore at the ebb of the tide. 



Gallinae. This order includes the more important 



