# The Ibis; The ’Ibiscus explained — How to Tell the Birds from the Flowers and Other Woodcuts

> Chapter companion for How to Tell the Birds from the Flowers and Other Woodcuts by Robert Williams Wood.

## What happens

This chapter contrasts the sacred Ibis, a bird embalmed and mummified in ancient rituals, with the 'Ibiscus (Mallow), a bog plant that resists desiccation and lacks religious veneration.

## Themes in this chapter

### Nature and Classification

The chapter classifies the Ibis as a 'Bird-of-Pray' and contrasts it with the Mallow plant, highlighting differences in treatment and veneration.

### Cultural and Literary Reference

References ancient Egyptian mummification rituals and the term 'pedagogues' for teachers, linking to historical and literary contexts.

## Character check-ins

### the Birds

The Ibis is classified as a 'Bird-of-Pray' and undergoes mummification.

## Key lines

> The sacred Ibis, one might say, Was classified a “Bird-of-Pray”

The holy Ibis was considered a bird that prayed or was prayed to.

_Puns on 'bird of prey' and 'bird of pray' to emphasize its sacred status._

> His body, after death, was dried, Embalmed in pitch, and mummyfied

After dying, the Ibis was dried out, preserved with pitch, and turned into a mummy.

_Describes the ancient Egyptian mummification process for the Ibis._

> The Mallow, growing in the bogs, (’Ibiscus termed by pedagogues) Is much opposed to dessication, And bears no marks of veneration.

The Mallow, which grows in swamps and is called 'Ibiscus by teachers, strongly resists drying out and shows no signs of being worshipped.

_Contrasts the plant's resistance to drying with the Ibis's mummification, and notes its lack of religious significance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_to_tell_the_birds_from_the_flowers_and_other_se/chapters/the-ibis-the-ibiscus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_to_tell_the_birds_from_the_flowers_and_other_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/how_to_tell_the_birds_from_the_flowers_and_other_se/chapters