Introduction. 



THE LEG AND FOOT. 



A bird's leg may be brieriy described as liaving only the knee downward exposed ; 

 the true thigh is concealed, but may be felt under the skin on the side of the body, 



The true knee is close to the body just under the skin 

 apparently the knee, but which hemh bacJi- 

 toard, is really the heel. (See illustration.) 

 The bird does not walk on the foot (from 

 the heel downward), but merely walks on 

 his toes. 



The lirst exposed joint which is 



Reticulate Tarsus 



Bmted Tarsus Scutellate Tarsus 



The Tarsus, which is measured from tiie bend of the leg (end f)f tibia) to the roots 

 of the toes (C to D in illustration), is an important factor in the ideutilicatiou of 

 many species. The feet are very v:ui:iliU^ in sliape and arrangement of the toes. 

 These variations are of the greatest importances representing generic and, often, 

 famil}' differences. 



'I'vpcri of Fo't, — WiitiM- I'.inU. 



