18 INTRODUCTION. 



ing in the earth. By observing the contour of the 

 Turkey and the Pheasant, or of the common poultry 

 of our barn-yards, it will be seen that they are formed 

 for a terrestrial existence, and that their heavy bodies 

 and less capacious wings unfit them for much aerial 

 locomotion. 



In the Grallae, or fifth division, a long bill, long 

 neck, long legs, and sometimes long toes, are the 

 prominent features. The Heron, the Crane, the Cur- 

 lew, and others of this class, often seek their food in 

 deep waters, into which they wade as far as the length 

 of their legs will permit, and, with the head resting 

 upon the shoulders, they stand silently, with their 

 eyes fixed upon the stream, until some unwary fish 

 comes within their reach, when they dart out their 

 long necks and catch it. 



The Natatores are a large order, composed of 

 Ducks, Swans, and Geese; these live almost exclu- 

 sively in the water; they are web-footed, and swim 

 very beautifully, sailing about on the surface like a 

 miniature ship. The bill is of a peculiar formation, 

 being broad and somewhat boat-shaped, and rounded 

 at the extremity^ They feed upon the vegetation 

 found growing in, and on the margin of, the water, 

 also upon worms, larvae, etc. Although these birds 

 seem more adapted for a life divided between the 

 land and the water, yet they are possessed of great 

 powers of flight, and are often seen in considerable 

 numbers soaring aloft and progressing with a very 

 rapid motion. Their line of march is singular, one 

 generally taking the lead, and the rest following in 



