S44 



THE SACRED IBIS. 



ones are alxb to fly ; gmt they ezra previously ran with amazing- swfft- 

 ness. They are sometimes caught at this age; and, very different from 

 the old ones^ they sctTer themselves- to be- carried away, and are- easily 

 tamed. In &?& or six days* they become familiar,, and will tven eat out 

 of the band; and they drink % Surprising quantity >f sea-water. But,, 

 though easily rendered cfomestie, it is> difficult tt> rear them ; as they 

 are- apt ta decline,, from the want of their natural fbocL 



Flamingoes are cfteri met with in the warmer parts fT the Old Con- 

 tinent; and, except in the breeding-time,, they are generally found in 

 great flocks*. Whea seen- at a distance, they appear like a regiment 

 cf soldiers; being often ranged alongside of one another on the 



Fl.AMtNGOES-ON TOEZ* 3E3TS, 



borders of rivers, searching for food, which consists . principally of 

 Binall fish and water-insects : these they take by plunging the bill and 

 part of the head into the water ; and from time to time trampling the 

 bottom with their feet, to disturb the mud in order to raise up theif 

 )>rey. In feeding, they are said to twist tbeir neck in such a manner, 

 that the upper part of the bill is applied to the ground. 



These beautiful birds were much esteemed by the Boraans, who 

 often used them in their grand sacrifices and sumptuous entertain- 

 ments. Their flesh is thought tolerably good food ; and the tongue was 

 considered by the ancients as among the most delicate of all eatables 

 , Martial, and many other writers speak of it in high terms of 



