408 



EXPLANATORY INDEX. 



of sketches from them, some of which are here given to the 

 reader. 



Judging from stuffed specimens, the Flamingo seems to be 

 rather an awkward bird, but in reality, it is peculiarly easy and 

 graceful in its movements. The long neck can be twined and 

 turned in all directions, very much like the coils of a serpent, 



or the lithe proboscis of the elephant. Some of the curious 

 attitudes which it assumes are shown in the illustrations. 



As may be seen by them, the legs, awkward as they may 

 seem, are as much under command as the neck, and I have 

 seen the Flamingo scratch its head with its claws as easily as if 

 it were a parrot or a canary. Any one who had not studied 

 the living bird, would have thought that when it required 



PREPARING FOR SLEEP. 



repose, it would squat on the ground, so as to rest its stilt-like 

 legs. But, in common with many other birds, it sleeps while 



