of North Carolina. 213 



which appear like Coral, whereon grow short Branches, set 

 thick with narrow Leaves, amongst which are many round 

 Berries, without either Seeds or Grains in them. I have 

 often taken up of this Sea-wreck (which is a kind of narrow 

 leafd Sea-lentil) Avherein I found several sorts of small Shell- 

 fish, which I am persuaded these Birds catch, and live upon. 

 And it is the Opinion of many in these Parts, that these 

 Birds never drink any Fresh Water, because they are never 

 seen any where near the Freshes, or Rivers. Their Flesh is 

 of an ill Scent, therefore not good to be eaten. 



Thus have I finished the most exact Account that is yet 

 known of the BIRDS that are to be met with in North Caro- 

 lina; though doubtless there are many more different species 

 of them, that we are entire Strangers to at present, which is 

 chiefly owing to the want of Encouragement to a select num- 

 ber of travelling Gentlemen, whose Observations might tend 

 to the Improvement of Natural Knowledge. For want of this, 

 we are rendered incapable of being so well acquainted with 

 this part of the World as the French and Spaniards are with 

 theirs, who generally send abroad in Company with the Mis- 

 sionaries some of their young Gentlemen, with handsome 

 Pensions for their support, who soon become acquainted with 

 the Savages of America, and their Languages. These Gentle- 

 men are likewise obliged to keep a strict Journal of all their 

 Passages, whereby many considerable Discoveries have been 

 made in a few Years. Such laudable Encouragements as 

 these, would undoubtedly breed an honorable Emulation 

 amongst the Gentlemen of our own Xation, to outdo one an- 

 other even in all manner of Fatigues and Dangers, to be 

 servicable to their King and Country. That Attempts of this 



[N^ature 



