148 



SUBKINGDOM VERTEBRATA. 



Ardeidae. The Great Blue Heron has a sharply-pointed, 

 stout, conical-shaped bill, in striking contrast with that of 

 the Spoonbill, though they associate together, and oft^n nest 

 upon the same tree. 



Fig. 2k9. 



ArdZa herocftas, Great Blue Heron. 



Tantalus loculator, Wood Ibis. 



Tantalidse. The Ibis inhabits all parts of the world, and 

 some specjes migrate so irregularly as to be nowhere at home. 

 Its long, arcuate bill is adapted to rooting in the mud in 

 search of worms and small insects.* The Wood Ibis has a 

 strong bill, with which it strikes the fish, frogs, young alli- 

 gators, and snakes that come to the surface on being dis- 

 turbed by the bird's dancing about in the water. f 



* The Sacred Ibis (/. religidsa) was venerated by the ancient Egyptians, probably 

 because it rid them of serpents, the skins and scales of which have been found in the 

 Ibis mummies. Some think, however, that the reason of this worship was merely 

 because the coming of the bird was simultaneous with the annual overflow of the 

 Nile, and hence symbolical of fertility. Whoever killed an Ibis was mobbed while 

 the dead bird was embalmed. The Ibis multiplied in consequence to such an extent 

 as to impede travel in the streets. The affection of the bird for Egypt was so great 

 that, according to Acteon, when taken away it died of home-sickness. But now, 

 betng killed and eaten by the modern inhabitants, who have abandoned the faith of 

 their fathers, it has almost deserted the country. (Figuier.) 



t When a sufficient number of its victims lies floating around, it gorges itself, 

 often leaving many untouched, and then, stationed on the margin of the stream with 

 its breast turned towards the sun, patiently awaits the process of digestion. 



