NATURAL HISTORY. I 5 1 
low, like a fpoon ; but whether clofed or 
open, it has a very lingular appearance. 
This bird is as white as fnow, and, from 
its cleanlinefs, looks wonderfully pretty. It 
is common in Europe, and frequents the wa- 
ters. 
The bill is moft peculiarly formed for the 
neceflities of this bird; as feeding principally 
on frogs, which, by their cunning and acti- 
vity, avoid the birds with pointed bills, the 
fpoonbill, by being notched and toothed all 
round, is better adapted, not only to take 
thefe animals, but allb to prevent their efcape 
after they are caught. 
The fpoonbill of America, is of a delight- 
ful rofe-colour, or beautiful crimibn. 
The FLAMINGO. 
HIS bird is another inllance of the care 
of the Creator, in providing for every crea 
ture according to their refpeftive necellities. 
Thus we fee the flamingo, which lives about 
the lliallow fhores of the fea, and the mouths 
of rivers, provided with a moft uncommon 
length of neck and legs; the latter of which 
are fo long, that when walking in the water, 
it appears as if fwimming ; and the head, 
which is almoft conftantly under water, in 
fearch of food, makes the bird feein no 
larger than a goofe, the body being then 
