172 AVES. 



is black, the under part of the throat and neck more or less varied with white, 

 and the bill red. Its wings, when expanded, are said to measure from ten 

 to twelve feet. 



SUIA, Briss. 



The Soobies(l) have a straight, slightly compressed, pointed bill, the 

 point slightly arcuated; its edges are serrated, the teeth inclining backwards; 

 the nostrils are prolonged by a line which extends to near the point. They 

 are called Boobies on account of the excessive stupidity with which they 

 permit themselves to be attacked by men and birds, the Frigate Birds par- 

 ticularly, which, as already stated, force them to yield up the fish they have 

 captured. The most common is 



Pelecanua bassanus, L. (The Common Booby.) White; the primary 

 quills of the wings and the feet black; the beak greenish; nearly as large 

 as the Goose. It is called the Bassan Booby from a small island in the gulf 

 of Edinburgh, where it is very abundant although it lays but a single egg. 



PLOTUS, Lin. (2) 



The Darters have the body and feet very similar to those of a Cormorant; a 

 long neck and small head, with a straight, slender, pointed beak, whose 

 edges are denticulated; the eyes and nudity of the face, as in the Pelicans; 

 their habits also are similar, perching on trees. 



Several species or varieties are known from the hot climates of both con- 

 tinents. They are not larger than the Duck, but they have a longer neck. 



PHAETON, Lin. 



The Tropic Birds are known by two very long and narrow feathers that flow 

 from their tail, which at a distance resemble so many straws. There is no 

 naked part about the head. Their bill is straight, pointed, denticulated, and 

 tolerably strong; their feet short and their wings long: their powers of flight 

 are consequently great, and as they rarely quit the torrid zone, their pre- 

 sence announces to the mariner his vicinity to the tropics. On land, where 

 they seldom resort except to breed, they perch on trees. 



FAMILY IV. 



LAMELLIROSTRES. 



In this family we find a thick bill, invested with a soft skin rather 

 than with true horn; its edges are furnished with lamina? or little 

 teeth; the tongue is broad and fleshy, the edges notched. The wings 



(1) Sula is the name of the common species at the Feroe Islands. 



(2) Plolus, or plautus, signifies, in Latin, flat-foot. 



