, make toward the water. The telescope distinguishes the vast
herds of hogs busy in upturning the soil in search of roots, and the
ungainly buffaloes, some in herds and others single bulls, all
gathering at the hour of sunset toward the water. Peacocks spread
their gaudy plumage to the cool evening air as they strut over the
green plain; the giant crane stands statue-like among the shallows; the
pelican floats like a ball of snow upon the dark water; and ducks and
waterfowl of all kinds splash, and dive, and scream in a confused
noise, the volume of which explains their countless numbers.

Foremost among the waterfowl for beauty is the water-pheasant. He is
generally seen standing upon the broad leaf of a lotus, pecking at the
ripe seeds and continually uttering his plaintive cry, like the very
distant note of a hound. This bird is most beautifully formed, and his
peculiarity of color is well adapted to his shape. He is something
like a cock pheasant in build and mode of carriage, but he does not
exceed the size of a pigeon. His color is white, with a fine brown
tinsel glittering head and long tail; the wings of the cock bird are
likewise ornamented with similar brown tinsel feathers. These birds
are delicious eating, but I seldom fire at them, as they are generally
among the lotus plants in such deep water that I dare not venture to
get them on account of crocodiles. The lotus seeds, which they devour
greedily, are a very good substitute for filberts, and are slightly
narcotic.

The endless variety of the crane is very interesting upon these lonely
shores. From the giant crane, who stands nearly six feet high, down to
the smallest species of paddy bird, there is a numerous gradation.
Among these the gaunt adjutant stands conspicuous as he stalks with
measured steps through the high rushes, now plunging his immense bill
into the tangled sedges, then triumphantly throwing back his head with
a large snake writhing helplessly in his horny beak; open fly the
shear-like hinges of his bill--one or two sharp jerks and down goes one
half of an incredibly large snake; another jerk and a convulsive
struggle of the snake; one more jerk--snap, snap goes the bill and the
snake has disappeared, while the adjutant again stalks quietly on, as
though nothing had happened. Down goes his bill, presently, with a
sudden start, and again his head is thrown back; but this time it is
the work of a moment, as it is only an iguana, which