CHARACTERS OF THE ORDERS. 11 



siderable extent ; tarsus large, compressed, anteriorly scutel- 

 late ; toes very long, slender, free, the hind toe very small ; 

 claws generally long, little arched, or straight, compressed, 

 acute. Plumage blended, but firm ; wings short, or mode- 

 rate ; tail very small. 



Although the Struthionina?, or Ostriches, have been in- 

 cluded in the above definition of the Curscres, it is not 

 certain that they do not belong to the Rasores. Many 

 authors consider them as forming an order of themselves, 

 containing only five, — or, if the NeAV Zealand Kivi be in- 

 cluded, — six species. The other orders are perfectly natural, 

 insomuch that the student cannot fail to recognise any one of 

 their members, provided he pay due attention to its external 

 form and digestive organs. 



