GRALLATORliE. 159 



ScoLOPAx, Lin. 



Which we divide as follows, according to the variation in the form of the 

 bill. The 



Ibis, Cuv. 



Separated by us from the Tantalus of Gmelin, because the bill, though 

 arcuated like that of Tantalus, is much more feeble, and has no emargina- 

 tion near its point; the nostrils also, perforated near the back of its base, are 

 severally prolonged in a groove wliich extends to the end. 



Ibis religiosa, Cuv. (The Sacred Ibis) is the most celebrated species. 

 It was reared in the temples of ancient Egypt, with a degree of respect 

 bordering on adoration; and, when dead, it was embalmed. This, accord- 

 ing to some, arose from its devouring serpents, which otherwise might have 

 infested the country; others again are of opinion that it took its origin from 

 some relation between its plumage and one of the phases of the moon; 

 while a third class of authors attribute it to the fact that its appearance an- 

 nounced the overflow of the Nile. Found thi'oughout Africa. 



lb. rubra. (The Red Ibis. ) A bh'd found in all the hot parts of America 

 remarkable for its bright red colour; the tips of the wing-quills are black. 



NUMENIUS, Cuv. 



The Curlews have the beak arcuated like that of the Ibis, but it is more 

 slender, and round throughout: the tip of the upper mandible extends be- 

 yond the end of the lower one, and projects a little downwards in front of 

 it. The toes are palmated at base. 



ScoiopAX, Cuv. 



The Snipes have a straight beak, the nasal furrows extending to near its 

 point which is a little inflated externally to reach beyond the lower mandi- 

 ble, and on the middle of which there is a simple groove ; this point is soft 

 and very sensible, and when dried, after death, assumes a punctured appear- 

 ance. Their feet are not palmated. A peculiar character of these birds 

 consists in their compressed head and large eyes placed very far back, which 

 gives them a singularly stupid air, an indication which is confirmed by their 

 habits. 



Our common Woodcock (Scol. minor) belongs to this genus, as does also 

 the Red-breasted Snipe, 8ic. 



Rhthch^a, Cuv. 

 Birds of India and Africa, whose nearly equal mandibles are slightly arcu- 

 ated at the end, and in which the nasal fossx extend to the tip of the upper 

 one, which has no third groove. Their feet are not palmated. 



LiMosA, Bechst. 

 The Godtvits have a straight beak, longer than the Snipes, and sometimes 



