Surveys of nature; historical, moral and entertaining

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1787 Excerpt: ...most remarkable of birds by its form, which suggests the idea of a reptile mounted on the body of a bird: its neck excessively long and thin; its small cylindric head, sharpened into a long pointed bill, resembles the figure and also the motions of a serpent, as well in the manner of the bird's suddenly thrusting forward his neck when quitting a tree, as in his manner of striking at fish, when in the water j the head and neck are covered with down, close set, and soft as velvet; the eyes are brilliant black, the iris golden, a naked skin surrounds them; the point of the bill is furnished with small jagged points turning backward; the body is about seven inches long; the neck alone is double that length; the tail is large, formed of twelve spreading feathers, unlike most water-birds; yet the anhinga swims and dives, holding its head above water; but this it withdraws on the least appearance of danger; is very wild; never taken on the shore; is always on the water, or perched on the tops of the highest trees along the fides of rivers, or drowned savannas, where he nestles; is among the number of birds perfect palmipeds, or having toes completely united by a membrane; the nail of the middle toe dentelated internally like a saw. Its skin is very thick j its flesh not eatable, but very at; its plumage mingled with grey; its wings are long, the colours of some reddish. Found principally in America, but some in Africa. THE PELICAN. TH E Pelican is among the largest of water-birds; much larger in the body than a swan, and somewhat of the same sliape. Its four toes are all completely webbed together, are red or yellow; and its neck in some measure resembles that of a swan: its singularity is its bill, and the great pouch underneath. This enormous bill is fifteen inc...