THE WHITE STORK. 



CiCOMA ALBA. RaV. 



In the methodical arrangements of Ray and Brisson 

 the Storks formed a distinct genus from the Herons 

 and the Cranes, with which, and with various other less 

 closely allied groups, they were united in the Linnean 

 system of classification. Later naturalists have, how- 

 ever, seen the necessity of reverting to the older method, 

 and of again separating these groups, which form in 

 the arrangement proposed by Mr. Vigors two families, 

 distinguished by well marked characters, and each 

 comprehending several genera of considerable numerical 

 extent. The first of these families is the Gruidae, which 

 comprise the Cranes, the Trumpeter, and other nearly 

 related genera, distinguished by the comparative short- 

 ness and obtuseness of their bill, and the slight degree 

 of palmation exhibited by their feet, which are smaller 

 in proportion and consequently better adapted to the 



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