480 Mr. E. W. H. Holdsworth on the 



observers to contribute towards making good my many- 

 shortcomings. 



I have been able to arrive at very definite conclusions as 

 regards two very comprehensive groups of birds — web-footed 

 and wading birds. I feel justified in saying, from personal 

 observation, that the members of both these groups carry 

 their feet stretched out behind. I have met with no exception 

 to the rule. 



Among web-footed birds I have observed numerous species 

 of Larus and Sterna, Sula, Phaeton, Pelecanus, Phalacrocorax, 

 Plotus, Fregata, Alca, Uria, Fratercula, Podicipes, and Co- 

 lymbus. I have never been south of the Line, and have there- 

 fore little to say about the great family of Petrels, large and 

 small, which are so abundant in southern latitudes. But I 

 have little doubt of their following the rule in the other sea- 

 birds I have mentioned. In our common Stormy Petrel, 

 the tendency of the feet is backwards when these are not 

 actually paddling over the surface, though I cannot say I have 

 distinctly seen them stretched out behind, as is the case with 

 the Gulls and Terns. I need say nothing about the Anatidse. 

 Everyone knows that Ducks, Geeese, and Swans keep their 

 feet turned backwards during flight ; and anyone who has 

 seen the anomalous Flamingo on the wing will have no 

 doubt about its following the same rule. 



Turning now to the numerous long-legged birds which I 

 have included under the comprehensive title of Waders, I 

 have observed the backward direction of the feet in the 

 following genera : — 



Among the Charadriidse — (Edicnemus, Cursorius, Chara- 

 drius and JEgialitis (many species), Vanellus, Heematopus, 

 and Strepsilas. 



Of the Scolopacidse I have observed Himantopus, Gullinago, 

 Tringa and Totanus (many species), Limosa, Numenius. 



Ardeidse — Several species of Heron and Egret. 



Ciconiidae — Ciconia, Mycteria, Leptoptilos. 



I have no personal knowledge of the manner in which the 

 Gruidse and Otididse carry their feet, but I have little doubt 

 about their conforming to the rule of the Waders. I have 



