NATURAL HISTORY. 
^^2 
only perceptible. But how great is the 
aftonifliment of the fpedtator, when, on 
coming out of the water, it prcfents itfelf, 
in height of legs and neck, like an oftrich! 
Its height is not only fuperior to that of any 
other bird, but its beauty is fcarcely to be 
equalled. The body is fnowrwhite ; the 
wings are of fo bright a fcarlet, as to dazzle 
the light ; and the long feathers are of the 
deepell black : the beak is blue, except the 
tip, which is black, and fo lingular in lliape, 
as to appear broken : the legs and thighs, 
which are not much thicker than a man’s 
finger, are about two feet eight inches in 
length ; and the neck nearly three feet more ; 
the toes, are webbed, like thofe of the duck, 
which enables it to Iwim for the prefervation 
of its life, which would be otherwiie fome- 
times in danger, by the Hidden rife of v/incl 
and water, while Handing to a great depth 
in fcarch of prey, by carrying it out to fea, 
where it might perilh for want of fublilt- 
ence. 
A dilli of flamingo’s tongues, Dampier fays, 
is a fealt for an emperor. 
Flamingos always go in flocks, and are 
found in vaft numbers in Canada. Their 
nefts ai'e formed of mud, refcmbling very 
much our chimney pots.. When the female 
lays her egg.s, llie fits aflride the ncll, with 
her legs hanging in the water. 
“■ Thofe who admire,” fays a Icarn&d 
writer, “ the wonderful means, by whith 
