Page:Life in Java Volume 1.djvu/222

204 speed of an arrow. Its neck, which is much longer than the body, is something like that of the crane, or the rice bird, but not so graceful; the feathers on it are of a greenish hue. The length of the neck, together with its small head, and an eye like a little black bead, made it somewhat resemble a winged serpent. It is sometimes called the Melewis, and in the Philippines the Corvo Marino, or Sea Crow. Their principal food is fish, but they live also upon fruit and insects. The Mum-ti-ara is of a similar species, but smaller.

Wild pigeons also flew from tree to tree, seemingly undisturbed by our presence, and turtle and ring-doves kept up an incessant chorus, while kingfishers of varied plumage shot through the air with their piercing, discordant shrieks. The presence of these feathered denizens gave variety to a scene of mingled beauty and wildness.

After spending two or three hours on the water, we returned to the bungalow; and whilst they