HERON. 39 



consisting of twelve feathers, and very little longer than the end of 

 the quills, when the bird is at rest; the feathers of the sides, beneath 

 the wings, and those of the vent and under tail coverts, are long and 

 downy, some of them nearly twelve inches ; these, as well as the 

 breast and belly, are dusky white; legs long and black, naked far 

 above the knees, and very scaly ; toes webbed at the base, and the 

 claws blunt. 



This monster, as Ives not improperly calls it, inhabits Bengal, 

 as also Calcutta ; at the last called Hurgill, or Argill ; it stalks 

 majestically, and appears at first like a naked Indian. The common 

 opinion is, that the souls of the Bramins possess these birds, and they 

 are thought invulnerable; for when Mr. Ives missed his shot at several, 

 the standers by observed with great satisfaction, that he might shoot 

 to eternity, and never succeed. It is found in Sumatra, and the Eastern 

 Islands, but no where so common as at Bengal. 



It generally arrives before the rainy season comes on, and is called 

 Argala, or Adjutant;* also Bangou Sula, Burong Kambing, and 

 Burong Gaja ; likewise, from its immense gape, it has obtained the 

 name of Large Throat, and from its swallowing bones, the Bone- 

 eater, or Bone-taker : it is a most voracious bird, for on opening one, 

 a terapin, or land tortoise, ten inches long, was found in the craw, 

 and a large male black cat, entire, in the stomach .f It is allowed 

 by all to be a most necessary animal, as it collects vermin from every 

 quarter, such as snakes, lizards, frogs, and other noxious reptiles ; 

 and its size requiring a large supply, it proves a most useful inha- 

 bitant, which the natives every where acknowledge, by holding it in 

 great estimation. I find that the downy long feathers of the vent, &c. 

 have for some time past been made use of, in the manner of those of 

 the Ostrich, in., the head dresses of the ladies, to which purpose they 



* It is thought, when looked on in front, or at a distance, to resemble a man having on 

 a white waistcoat and breeches. 



f A description of the solvent glands of this voracious animal, by, Sir Everard Home, 

 Bart, in the Philosophical Transactions,, 1813. p. 77.. 



