Genus RHYNCHÆA, _Cuv._ The few species comprised in this genus are widely dispersed over the face of the globe; one inhabits the southernmost parts of America, another South Africa, a third India, and a fourth Australia. They affect different situations from those resorted to by the true Snipes, usually selecting drier ground and knolls under low bushes contiguous to marshy lands, where they can readily procure food and water. 497. Rhynchæa Australis, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 41. “This beautiful bird,” says Captain Sturt, “was very scarce in the interior, and indeed is not common anywhere. Some three or four couples visit my residence at Grange yearly, and remain in the high reeds at the bottom of the creek, among which they doubtless breed, but I never found one of their nests. They lie basking in the shade of a tree on the sand-hills during the day, and separate when alarmed.” Genus NUMENIUS, _Linn._ Three species of this form are found in Australia, to which part of the globe they are confined, and wherein they represent the species inhabiting the northern hemisphere, with which their habits, actions and economy are strictly in accordance. 498. Numenius Australis, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 42. 499. Numenius uropygialis, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 43. 500. Numenius minutus, _Gould_ Vol. VI. Pl. 44. Family ARDEIDÆ, _Leach_. Subfamily TANTALINÆ, _G. R. Gray_. Genus GERONTICUS, _Wagl._ The three species of _Ibises_ inhabiting Australia have been separated by ornithologists into as many genera, and the difference which exists in their habits and economy tends to prove the propriety of their subdivision; for while the _Geronticus_ congregates in flocks of thousands and mainly subsists upon caterpillars, grasshoppers and locusts, a kind of food which it readily obtains on the heated plains, the _Threskiornis_ assembles in small companies of from four to six in number and resorts to the rushy banks of the lagoons and other humid situations, and feeds upon newts, frogs, lizards, snakes and fish, and the _Falcinellus_ resorts to similar situations, but I have had no opportunity of observing its habits. 501. Geronticus spinicollis Vol. VI. Pl. 45. I have never seen examples of this species from any other country than Australia, which would therefore appear to be its restricted habitat. Genus THRESKIORNIS, _G. R. Gray_. 502. Threskiornis strictipennis Vol. VI. Pl. 46. Found in most parts of Eastern Australia during wet seasons. 503. Falcinellus igneus Vol. VI. Pl. 47. This species is numerous in the northern and eastern districts of Australia, whence its range extends throughout the whole of the islands to India and Europe. Subfamily GRUINÆ, _G. R. Gray_.