THE SNAKE BIRD. 173 
swamps, among the forest branches, or en the 
margin of streams and lakes it is found. It 
frequents Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama and the 
Floridas. 
On the bough of the tallest cypress, the female 
may be seen closely brooding over her eggs, 
Meanwhile her partner, with outspread wings, 
his fan-like tail extended, soars afar, glancing 
alternately at his companion, then keenly around 
for their enemies. Higher and higher in wide 
bold circles he. floats upward until, a mere speck, - 
he mingles with the azure expanse. Suddenly 
with closed wings he dashes downward, and 
alighting on the edge of the nest, gazes fondly 
on his beloved. 
As the young develop in strength, they may 
be seen to test it by standing upright in the 
nest, and flapping their wings for several minutes 
atatime. Soon after they are forced by their 
parents to leave the home of their infancy, in 
order that another brood may be reared in their 
stead. The anhinga seldom frequents the im- 
mediate vicinity of the sea, preferring rivers and 
‘ lakes in the lower and level parts of the country. 
The Floridas, from their number of stagnant 
streams and pools, possessing abundance of fish, 
reptiles, and insects, especially attract it. Never 
is it met with on clear or rapid waters, and a 
singular fact in connection with its habits is, that 
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