P L A T E CVIII. 
The Curlew. 
Latham enumerates eleven fpecies of this bird, differing very much in fize, of which the one 
here given is the largeft, meafuring from the point of the bill to the tip of the tail, twenty-four inches, 
and twenty-eight from the extremity of each wing, when extended, and round the breaft twelve 
inches ; the bill five inches and a half long. Thefe birds fly in confiderable flocks, and are well 
known upon the Sea coaft, in moft parts, where and in the marlhes they frequent in the winter, 
feeding upon worms, frogs, and all kind of marine infefts. In April or the beginning of May they 
retire unto the mountains and unfrequented parts of the Sea fhore, where they breed, and do not re- 
turn again until the approach of winter. There have been fome advocates in favour of the flefli of 
this bird ; but in general it is ftrong, rank, and fiftiy. The feet are divided, but joined by a little 
membrane at the root. The tongue is very Ihort, confidering the length of the bill, and bears fome 
refemblance to an arrow. 
