Book 2
75.2
This place, where the backbones lay scattered, is where a narrow mountain pass opens into a great plain, which adjoins the plain of Egypt [30,27] (nation), Africa Egypt .
75.3
Winged serpents are said to fly from Arabian Peninsula [45,25] (region (general)), Asia Arabia at the beginning of spring, making for Egypt [30,27] (nation), Africa Egypt ; but the ibis birds encounter the invaders in this pass and kill them.
75.4
The Arabians say that the ibis is greatly honored by the Egyptians for this service, and the Egyptians give the same reason for honoring these birds.
76.1
Now this is the appearance of the ibis. It is all quite black, with the legs of a crane, and a beak sharply hooked, and is as big as a landrail. Such is the appearance of the ibis which fights with the serpents. Those that most associate with men (for there are two kinds of ibisGeronticus Calvus and Ibis Aethiopica. )
76.2
have the whole head and neck bare of feathers; their plumage is white, except the head and neck and wingtips and tail (these being quite black); the legs and beak of the bird are like those of the other ibis. The serpents are like water-snakes.
76.3
Their wings are not feathered but very like the wings of a bat.I have now said enough concerning creatures that are sacred.
77.1
Among the Egyptians themselves, those who live in the cultivated country are the most assiduous of all men at preserving the memory of the past, and none whom I have questioned are so skilled in history.
77.2
They practice the following way of life. For three consecutive days in every month they purge themselves, pursuing health by means of emetics and drenches; for they think that it is from the food they eat that all sicknesses come to men.
77.3
Even without this, the Egyptians are the healthiest of all men, next to the Libyans; the explanation of which, in my opinion, is that the climate in all seasons is the same: for change is the great cause of men's falling sick, more especially changes of seasons.
