H Swamp JBeaut^ 



grayish white broad stripe passes across 

 its shoulders, in strong contrast with the 

 iridescent greenish black of its general 

 plumage. But its form is more striking 

 than its colors. About three feet in length, 

 with wings of beautiful proportions, an 

 attenuated neck, which when outstretched 

 looks like a delicately modeled lance taper- 

 ing to an exquisite point, the whole bird 

 appears much slenderer than it really is. 

 In the sun its feathers shine with a pecu- 

 liar glint, not unlike that of dark-greenish 

 water when flecked with alternate leaf- 

 shade and bright light. All of its 

 movements may be best described as 

 unexpected. No matter how well ac- 

 quainted with the bird's ways you be- 

 come, there is always a surprise for you. 



When I reached a point quite near the 

 stream's bank I saw nothing of the snake- 

 bird, so I sat down to wait, as I often find 

 profit in doing when in a wild place, for 

 something to turn up. On the side of 

 the creek opposite to me a thick magnolia 

 growth stood like a hedge, and in the oozy 

 soil under it rank plants were crowded so 

 195 



