316 



INTRODUCTION TO ZOOLOGY. 



to contribute to the welfare of the birds, by directing them to 

 their prey. The far-sighted eye sees it from the clouds, and 

 the characteristic flight of the Vulture, as it descends to the 

 feast, reveals to its brethren the fact that a repast is spread 

 for them; and from all quarters they hasten to participate. 

 And, again, when near at hand, under the screen of cliffs, or 

 the thick-tangled vegetation of tropical forests, the sense of 

 smell reveals the hidden carca&s, and tempts around it those 

 who act an important part as agents for its removal. Different 

 species may be supposed to possess these powers in varying 

 degrees of perfection, so that each may most efficiently per- 

 form its allotted duty. 



The Vultures are not the only 

 birds by which the removal of 

 decaying animal matter is carried 

 on; it is shared by those be- 

 longing to other orders. Thus, 

 in India, there is another whose 

 services are no less valuable, and 

 whose appearance is altogether 

 different. It is a gigantic Crane, 

 called the Adjutant (Fig. 250). 

 This bird, and a species found in 

 Senegal, furnish the valuable 

 marabou feathers. It is called 

 the Pouched Adjutant, from a bag 

 or pouch on the middle of the 

 necls:, and which pouch has been 

 likened by Cuvier to "a large 

 sausage." Its utility as a sca- 

 venger is so great, that the bird 

 is not only permitted to remain 

 unmolested, but is held in great 

 estimation, and, from superstitious 

 feelings, even regarded with reverence. It is a voracious 

 feeder, and gulps down its food whole. It has been known 

 to swallow a leg of mutton five or six pounds weight; and 

 Sir Everard Home states, that in the stomach of one a Land 

 Tortoise ten inches long, and a large black Cat, were found 

 entire. 



Removal of Decaying Animal Matter. We would wish 

 here to call attention to the provision so abundantly made for 



Fig. 250. POUCHED ADJUTANT. 



