i,,2 THE lEATHEBFI) TKIHES. 



with them. The eggs, from five to seven in number, are smaller than those of the 

 common goose, but of a similar shape and colour." 



Ducks and other water-birds are, if possible, more assiduous in trimming their feathers 

 than land-birds. The closeness of their plumage serves to present an impenetrable 

 texture to the water in which they swim, as well as a smooth surface, which diminishes 

 the effects of friction in their progress. One reason, therefore, of their practice appears 

 to be, that anj- slight derangement of their plumelets is readily felt, from the air getting, 

 in consequence, quick across to the skin ; and thus they right their feathers, as we, on a 

 sudden blast, button our coats. . 



Among the Anatidw there are familiar examples of various and vocal language, followed 

 by corresponding actions in marshalling their flights. The sounds and articulations of 

 the domestic goose and duck, in particular, are very numerous and marked, nor is it 

 difficult to learn the definite meaning of many of them. In the endeavour of birds to 

 persuade their offspring to fly and to dive, so unusual, varied, and marked are their 

 articulations and tones, that we might imagine we heard a definite language. The sounds 

 of a domestic fowl when a hawk is approaching, when it intends to sit, when it calls its 

 young to feed, and manj' others equally familiar, are not less various and definite. The 

 quarrels of sparrows are almost as articulate as those of a human contest, and the noises 

 of these birds are still more varied. The destruction of a rook's nest is j^receded by a 

 congregation of the society, and a great noise ; and it is well known that the work is 

 executed by a deputation of two or three individuals out of this convention. 



