The Framework of the Bird 



7S 



the skeleton was not originally one bone. Passing on for 

 a moment to the bones of the tail, we find a number of 

 separate pieces, ending in a curious-shaped bone, called 

 the ploughshare. This is at the tip of the tail, or "pope's 



Fig. 52.— Giraffe, reaching with tongue for leaves perhaps eighteen feet above the 

 ground, with but 7 neck bones. 



nose, " of the chicken and really consists of many verte- 

 brae fused together. It is necessary for this to be large 

 and strong: for it supports all the feathers of the tall. 

 But to be of efficient aid in steering, the tail, like the 

 rudder of a ship, must have freedom of motion, and 



