148 



THE HOOPOE. 



In the Plume Birds the nostrils are partly covered with a number of velvet-like plumes, 

 but in the Hoopoes they ai'o protected by a membranous scale. The bill is long, curved, 

 jiointed at the tip, and keeled at the base. The crown of the head is surmounted by a tuft of 

 feathers which can be raised or depressed at will. The wings are rather long, tlie first quill 

 being short, and the fourth the longest, and the tail is composed of ten feathers of nearly 

 equal length. 



The common Hoopoe enjoys a very wide range of country, being found in Northern 

 Africa, where its principal home is generally stationed, in several parts of Asia, and nearly 

 the whole of Europe. On account of its very striking and remarkable form, it has attracted 

 much notice, and has been the subject of innumerable legends and strange tales, nearly all of 

 which relate to its feathery crest. One of the Oriental legends is worthy of notice inasmuch 

 as it contains a moral exclusive of the interest of the story. 



It is related that Solomon was once journeying across the desert and was fainting with 

 heat, when a large fiock of Hoopoes came to his assistance, and by flying between the sun and 

 the monarch formed an impenetrable cloud with their wings and bodies. Gi'ateful for their 

 ready help, Solomon asked the birds what reward they would choose in return for their 



./ ' 



HOOPOE. -OpM;!a e/iops. 



services. After some consultation among themselves, the Hoopoes answered that they would 

 like each bird to be decorated with a golden crown ; and, in spite of Solomon's advice, they 

 persisted in their request, and received their crowms accoi-dingly. For a few days they were 

 justly proud of their golden decoration, and strutted among the less favored bii'ds with great 



