236 POPULAR SCRIPTURE ZOOLOGY.

sixteen in height; the plumage deep blue, mingled with
red. It feeds on grain, plants, and roots, and is partial to
fruit and fish: the nest is placed in the thick herbage of
flooded fields, and is composed of sticks and plants; the
female lays three or four eggs. The Greeks and Romans
tamed this interesting and beautiful bird, introducing it
into their palaces and temples. There are various species,
which are called Sultana hens by some writers: they belong
to the order Gallinida.

Should the supposition be correct, that this bird is in-
tended by the “swan” of Leviticus xi., still this latter bird
is not excluded, as the Septuagint understands it to be the
“ gier eagle” mentioned immediately after; the signification
pointing out some bird noted for its attachment to its
young, for which quality the swan is particularly famed,
as, notwithstanding its generally peaceful disposition, it will
attack even man in their defence.