BIRDS. 
181 
pigeon, with a bill three inches long. The crown 
of the head and back of the neck are barred with 
black, and a black streak runs from the bill to the 
eyes. 
235. It daps its wings with some noise when it 
rises, and its flight is quite rapid, but rather low and 
short ; and its descent is so sudden that it seems to 
fall like a stone. 
236. It feeds on earth-worms, which it draws 
from the mud by means of its long bill. Its flesh is 
considered a great delicacy. 
THE WATER HEN. 
237. The Water Hen is of that class of birds 
which naturalists consider as uniting the orders of 
the waders and swimmers ; for, although they have 
long legs and necks, like the former, yet, by being 
furnished with a slight membrane between the toes, 
they are enabled to swim, like the latter. 
238. Birds of the crane kind are furnished with 
long wings, and can easily change place ; but the 
Describe the Woodcock. What does it feed upon ? How is its 
flesh considered ? 
To what class of birds does the Water Hen belong ? 
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