106 ZOOLOGV. 



5. Scopus. Umbre. Bill long, thick, slightly compressed 



and hooked ; nostrils linear, oblique ; feet as in the 

 last genus. 



6. Ai'dea. Heron. Bill strait, compressed, sharp pointed 3 



nostrils linear, situated in a furrow that extends from 

 the base nearly to the tip of the bill ; tongue pointed ; 

 toes four, the three front ones connected by a mem- 

 brane as far as the first joint This very extensive 

 genus is separated into five families. Crowned Cranes, 

 bill not exceeding the head in lengthy head with a per- 

 manent crest. Cranes, head bare oj feathers. Storks, 

 the eyes surrounded by a bare granulated skin. 

 Herons, the centre claw serrated : these are again 

 divided into two classes ; the first contains such species 

 as have strait cultrated bill, even and closing at the 

 edges ; the second, those that have their bills gaping in 

 the centre. Bitterns, these only differ from Herons 

 in having the long feathers on the breast adpressed, 

 (whereas in the Herons they are quite loose, and incline 

 forward;) and the feathers on the croa;n and sides o{ 

 the head erectable at pleasure. 



This genus is dispersed over most parts of the known 

 world; the species differ greatly in size, but agree in their 

 general habits and ccconomy ; they feed on fish, reptile?, 

 snakes, small quadrupeds, insects, worms, and the seeds and 

 roots of aquatic plants. Some of the species build on the 

 ground, others in lofty trees, and one or two attach them- 

 selves to the dwellings of man. They are mostly a shy, and 

 very wily class, frequenting wild uncultivated marshy places, ^ 



