172 BOMBAY DUCKS 



in a gentle shower. First one wing, then the other, is 

 opened, the tail expanded, and the feathers ruffled in 

 order that the soft water may penetrate to the skin. 

 And when the rain is over, what a drying, what a 

 shaking of wings and preening of feathers, take place ! 

 The bird world turns itself temporarily into a great 

 Toilette Club. Then, the universal wash-and-brush-up 

 over, the birds go forth on gladsome wing, looking as 

 fresh and sweet as an English orchard after a shower in 

 the merrie month of May. 



