FEATHERS. 339 



FIG. 156. 



Magnified portions of Feathers, showing the structure of the lamime. 

 A, Bird of Paradise ; B, Goose. 



The plumage of Birds is rendered water-proof by the 

 oil with which they dress their feathers, and which is fur- 

 nished by a gland situated on the tail. 



Feathers are modifications of the epidermis, and they 

 are the most complicated of all the various forms under 

 which the epidermis appears. 



Birds moult their feathers twice a year. In some, the 

 winter plumage differs in its colors from that of the sum- 

 mer. In most cases the colors of the male are more bril- 

 liant than those of the female ; and when this is the case, 

 the young of both sexes resemble the adult female. When 

 the adult male and female are of the same color, their 

 young have colors peculiar to themselves. 



It has been stated on a previous page that Birds are 

 covered with feathers. But it may be added here that 

 the legs of most birds are more or less naked or destitute 



