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RURAL HOURS. 
and inundation of the Nile. So much for the fables which con- 
ferred such high honors upon the Ibis. 
In reality, these birds, so far from being confined to Egypt, 
are found in various parts of the world. In the Southern States 
of the Union, particularly in Florida and Louisiana, they are quite 
numerous ; and they are found occasionally as far north as the 
shores of Long Island. They are said to fly in large flocks, and 
feed upon cray-fish and small fry. Ornithologists place them 
between the Curlew and the Stork. It is said that sometimes, 
during a gale or a thunder-storm, large flocks of them are seen 
in movement, turning and wheeling in the air, when their brilliant 
white plumage produces a very fine eflfect amid the dark clouds. 
The White Ibis is twenty-three inches in length, and thirty-seven 
across the wings. 
The Black Ibis was considered as confined to particular spots in 
Egypt. In reality, however, this bird is much the greater wan- 
derer of the two ; it is found in Europe, Asia, Africa, Aus- 
traha, and America. It is said to be more rare on the coast of 
this State than the White Ibis. Their annual migration over Eu- 
rope is described by the Prince of Canino as extending usually 
from the S. W. to the N. E. ; they pass from Barbary to Corsica, 
and through Italy, toward the Caspian Sea, where they breed. 
In the north and west of Europe they are rare, though for several 
seasons a flock has bred in the Baltic. In Egypt it remains from 
October to March, and, no longer sacred, they are sold there in 
the markets. The Glossy, or Black Ibis, is twenty-three inches 
in length. 
These Ibises are said to be all dull, stupid birds, quite harmless, 
and not timid. They live in flocks, but pair for life. They have 
