THE SNAKE BIRD. 173 



swamps, among the forest branclies, or on the 

 margin of streams and lakes it is found. It 

 frequents Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama and the 

 Floridas. 



On the bough of the tallest cypress, the female 

 may be seen closely brooding over her eggs. 

 Meanwhile her partner, with outspread wings, 

 his fan-like tail extended, soars afar, glancing 

 alternately at his companion, then keenly around 

 for their enemies. Higher and higher in wide 

 bold circles he floats upward until, a mere speck, 

 he mingles with the azure expanse. Suddenly 

 with closed wings he dashes downward, and 

 alighting on the edge of the nest, gazes fondly 

 on his beloved. 



As the young develop in strength, they may 

 be seen to test it by standing upright in the 

 nest, and flapping their wings for several minutes 

 at a time. Soon after they are forced by their 

 parents to leave the home of their infancy, in 

 order that another brood may be reared in their 

 stead. The anhinga seldom frequents the im- 

 mediate vicinity of the sea, preferring rivers and 

 lakes in the lower and level parts of the country. 

 The Floridas, from their number of stagnant 

 streams and pools, possessing abundance of fish, 

 reptiles, and insects, especially attract it. Never 

 is it met with on clear or rapid waters, and a 

 singular fact in connection with its habits is, that 

 15* 



