GLOSSY IBIS. Class II. 



Shaw, which forms the 705th plate of the Natu- 

 ralisfs Miscellany, and has since favoured the 

 editor with the following description : " The 

 color of the whole bird is from a deep dusky to 

 black ; the wings and the coverts reflect, in dif- 

 ferent situations with regard to a strong light 

 and the eye of the beholder, a most pleasing 

 and rich variety of shades of violet, green, 

 ruby, and gold ; the plumage of the head and 

 neck are delicately tipt with white. There is 

 likewise a sort of dull white on the upper part 

 of the neck. The lower mandible of the bill is 

 of a pale flesh color towards the base ; the lo- 

 rum is very narrow, and of the same color with 

 the surrounding plumage. The length of the 

 bird is about two feetj that of the bill five 

 inches ; the legs are very long, and have a cast 

 of strong green." 



The colors of the specimen, figured by Mr. 

 Sowerby, in the British Miscellany, are much 



Miss M. tells me it was in a considerably decayed state when 

 she received it. This being the case, and the plumage much 

 deranged, that small distinctive character the lorum, might too 

 easily escape observation. Some time after this, a flock of these 

 birds visited Anglesey, and four or five of them being killed, 

 some of them fell into my hands, when I at once discovered the 

 oversight, and consequent omission in the picture. I now feel 

 much satisfaction in this manner to acknowledge the error and 

 to request the candid forbearance of the public." 



Hugh Davies. 



