8l01TISH BETfTLM KNT


which they totally diappar. There is
something remarkably ctuious and de.crv
ing of notice in Mhe uw ntof these bird.
As oo u the dawn appears, they in a
body quit their place of rest, which is
usually chbow amidst the rushe of mome
watery savann; and invariably rise to a
certain height in a compact Spira ferm,
and which at a distance often occusiom
them to b t taken for an immense column
of sme. This aolaod, they are then
or s eparaudy to diper. in sarch of
food, the occupation of their day. To
those who may have had the opportunity
of obnsing the phenomenon of a water*
spout, the similarity of evolution in the
ascent of these birds will be thought nm-
prisingly striking. The descent, whih
regularly takes place at suni-t, is con
ducted much in the same way, but with
inconceivable rapidity. And the noise
which accompaMiMa this cn ouly je com.n
pared to the failing of an immeue tor-