
NATURAL HISTORY. cs; 
the point, is exactly the reverfe, {welling into 2 broad 
rounded end, like the bow] of a fpoon, from which it 
derives its name. itis, however, not hgllow, likea 
fpoon; but whether clofed or open, it has a very: fin- 
» gularappearance. _ ; 
* This bird is as white as fnow, and, from its clean- 
linefs, looks wonderfully pretty. It is common in 
Europe, and frequents the waters.  .  _ 
The bill is moft peculiarly formed for the neceffi- 
ties of this bird ; ‘as seeding pracinatly on frogs, 
which; by their cunning and a¢tivity, aveid the birds 
with porneas bills, the fpoonbill, by being notched 
and toothed ali round, is better adapted, not only to 
take thefe animals, but alfo to prevent their elcape 
after theyarecaught. == om, 
The fpoonbill of America, is of a delightful rofe. 
colour, or beautiful crimfon. 
\ 
-— poe ME NENGHP4,— 
FLAMINGO. | 
, TY : 
Ts IS bird is another inftance of the care of the. 
Creator, in providing for every creature according 
to their refpective neceflities. Thas we fee the fla- 
mgingo, which livés about the fhallow fhores of the. 
ea 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 {wimming ; and the head, which is al- 
moit conftantly under water, in fearch of food, makes 
the bird feem no larger than a goole,. the body being 
~ then only perceptible. But how great is the aftonith- 
ment of the fpectator, when, on coming out of the 
water, it prefents 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 e- . 
‘qualled. The body isfnow white; the wings are of 
