AVES—IBI1$ 643 
inches long, is slightly curved, and ends in a blunt point. The plumage is 
a reddish white, most inclining to red on the back and wings. It is found mm 
great numbers in Lower Egypt, in places just freed from the inundations of 
the Nile, where it is of signal service in destroying insects, reptiles, &c. 
This bird is frequently found in the sepulchres along with the mummies, and 
was formerly held sacred by the Egyptians. 
WoopD IBIS8.! 
Tuts bird is found in the southern parts of the United States, and also 
extends as far as Cayenne, Brazil, and various parts of South America. Its 
favorite haunts are watery savannahs, and inland swamps, where it feeds 
on fish and reptiles. The French inhabitants of Louisiana esteem it good 
eating. 
The following account is given by Mr William Bartram. ‘“ This solitary 
bird does not associate in flocks; but is generally seen alone, commonly 
near the banks of great rivers, in marshes or meadows, especially such as 
are covered by inundations, and also in vast deserted rice plantations. He 
stands alone, on the topmost limb of tall, dead cypress trees, his neck con- 
tracted or drawn in upon his shoulders, and his beak resting like a long 
scythe upon his breast; in this pensive posture and solitary situation, they 
look extremely grave, sorrowful, and melancholy, as if in the deepest 
thought. They are never seen on the seacoast, and yet are never found at 
a great distance from it. They feed on serpents, young alligators, frogs, 
and other reptiles.” 
The whole body, neck, and lower parts of this bird, are white; the bill is 
nearly nine inches long. 
THE SCARLET IBIS 
Tus beautiful bird is said to be eommon in most parts of America within 
the tropics, and in almost all the West India islands. Of its manners, little 
more has been collected, than that it frequents the borders of the sea, and 
shores of the neighboring rivers, feeding on small fry, shell-fish, sea-worms 
and crabs. It is said frequently to perch on trees, sometimes in large flocks 
put to lay its eggs on the ground, or a bed of leaves. The young whe 
1 Jbis loculator, Lin. 2 Ibis rubra, VIEILL, 
