i 9 8 BIRDS. 
gets in the overflown fields. Its voice refembles that 
of the Raven. 
24. Merons Apiafler h The Bee-catcher. 
This bird is called Varuar by the Arabs, and 
is found in the plains of Galilee. 
25. Ardea Ibis k . The Ibis of the Egyptians. 
It is of the fize of a Raven Hen. This bird is found 
in lower Egypt, and is feen in great numbers during 
the overflowing of the Nile, in thofe places, which 
the water does not reach, and afterwards in th e 
places the water has deferted. It. feeds on infc# 3 
and fmall frogs, which abound in Egypt, during the 
inundation of the Nile and for fome time after, be- 
ing, by this means, of great lcrvice to the country'* 
They often affemble, Specially mornings and even- 
ings, in the gardens, in fuch numbers, as to covet 
whole Palm-trees. When this bird reds, it fits up- 
right, fo as to cover its feet with its tail, and rail £S 
the bread and neck. 
N. P). I am inclined to believe this bird to be t aC 
Ibis of the ancient Egyptians, rather than any other* 
becaufe it is: 1. Very common in Egypt, and afe 0 ^ 
peculiar to that country. 2. It eats and deitroys 
pents. 3. The urns found in the Sepulchres con' al 
a bird of this fee. 
» Lin. Syft. Nat. P. 1 17- N. 1. k P. 144 * N. l8 - 
: 6 . 
Trit# 
