BIRDS. 
295 
THE ADJUTANT (Cleonia argala,) 
Is a bird of the stork kind, a native of India, and other 
warm countries. The bill of this creature is an anomaly 
among other bills; it is composed of two long sticks, 
apparently as if of wood, with which it makes a loud 
clattering noise, in order to clean them. The head and 
neck are bare of feathers, like the ostrich ; the former 
looking as if made of wood ; the latter of a flesh-colour. 
The eye seems to be set without lids, or any cartilaginous 
appendages. Under the chin is a kind of bag or purse, that 
seems adapted to receive the water they are obliged to swal- 
low with the substance they feed on. The coverts of the wings 
and the back are black, with a bluish cast ; the under 
part of the body whitish; the legs are long, without fea- 
