332 GEALLATOEES, OE WADING BIEDS. 



ing for days near the spot where cruel fate had severed him by 

 death from the loved one. 



The Palamedea has many points of resemblance to the Galli- 

 naceous order : its comparatively short and thick tarsi, its general 

 make and gait, its habits of life and inoffensive nature, all remind 

 us of the above-named tribe. There is, therefore, no reason for 

 surprise in the fact that man has succeeded in domesticating them, 

 and even in turning them into useful assistants. 



The Horned Kamichi is thus named on account of having on 

 its head a horn-like tuft, which is straight, thin, and movable, 

 about three inches long. 



The Chaja, or Faithful Kamichi, has, instead of the horn, a 

 crest of feathers arranged in a circle on the back of its head. 

 This species is susceptible of education. It is easily tamed, and 

 becomes very friendly with man, proving itself an active, intelli- 

 gent, and devoted servant. It becomes at once the companion 

 and protector of the other denizens of the poultry-yard so 

 much so, that in Brazil and Paraguay, where it is known solely 

 as the Chaja, the inhabitants have no hesitation in confiding 

 to its charge the care of their flocks of poultry. The Chaja 

 accompanies them into the fields in the morning, and at night- 

 fall conducts them back to their roosting-places. Should any 

 bird of prey come near, the guardian spreads out its broad wings, 

 darts upon the intruder, and soon makes him feel what a love 

 of justice can do when aided by four stout spurs. 



LONGIROSTRES (Cuvier). 



The birds composing this family are characterised by a long 

 and flexible bill, which is fitted for little else except boring in 

 mud and soft ground. They are indifferently shore or marsh 

 birds. Among them are comprised the Sandpipers, Turnstones, 

 Ruffs, Knots, Grodwits, Woodcocks, Snipes, Curlews, and Ibis. 



The SANDPIPERS have a long, straight, thin bill, flexible at the 

 base, but firmer towards the point; the tarsi are slender and 

 elongated ; the wings very pointed ; the feet half webbed, the back 

 toe short, and touching the ground with the point only. They 



