This is the more surprising when we consider that on the banks of the Ganges--even in Calcutta itself-- the adjutant is one of the most common birds--constantly stalking about the houses, and entering the enclosures with as much familiarity, as if it was one of the regular _domestics_ of the establishment! Its services as a "scavenger" procure for it an immunity from persecution; and it is not only tolerated by the people, but encouraged, in its advances towards fellowship with them; notwithstanding that at times it becomes rather troublesome in its attentions to the young ducklings, chicklings, and other denizens of the farmyard.
Sometimes they are not even contented with such fare as may be found outside; but have been known to enter the bungalow; snatch a smoking joint from the table; and swallow it, before either master or servant could rescue the dainty morsel from between their long and tenacious mandibles! When seen in flocks, wading through the water,--with wings outstretched, as is their custom,--they may be taken for a fleet of small boats.

At other times, when stalking about over the sandy shores; and picking up the _debris_ strewed along the banks of the sacred river; they resemble a crowd of native women engaged in the like occupation.
Ofttimes may they be seen feeding voraciously upon the filthiest carrion of animals; and not unfrequently upon a human body in a state of putrefaction--the corpse of some deluded victim to the superstition of Juggernaut--which has been thrown into the so-styled _sacred_ river, to be washed back on the beach, an object of contention between _pariah_ dogs, vultures, and these gigantic cranes of the Ganges!.