330 NATURALIST'S CABINET. 



Description Rank and fishy. 



just swallowed. The man-of-war bird darted so 

 rapidly, as to catch this fish in the air before 

 it could fall into the water." 



THE CURLEW. 



THERE are eleven species of this bird, ac- 

 cording to Latham, differing very much in size, 

 the longest measuring about twenty-five inches, 

 and sometimes weighing thirty-six ounces. These 

 birds fly in considerable flo.cks, and are well 

 known upon the sea-coasts in most parts, where, 

 and in the marshes, they frequent in the winter, 

 feeding on worms, frags, and all kinds of marine 

 insects. In April, or the beginning of May, they 

 retire into the mountainous and unfrequented 

 parts of the sea shore, where they breed, and do 

 not return again till the approach of winter. 

 There have been some advocates in favour of the 

 flesh of this birdj, but in general it is strong, rank, 

 and fishy. \i has a long black bill, much curved 

 or arched, about eight fingers only, and begin- 

 ning to bend a little downwards about three fin^ 

 gers from the head. The middle parts of the 

 feathers on the head, neck, and back, are black ; 

 the borders or outsides ash-coloured, with an in- 

 t^ermixture of red; and those between the wings 

 and back are of a most beautiful glossy blue, and 

 shine like silk. The vent and belly are white. 

 The feet are divided, but joined by a little mem-. 



