282 



The Bird 



water of a ship's prow. The perpetual crook in the necks 

 of these birds is significant of their method of fishing — a 

 patient watch until the prey comes within striking distance- 

 In the snake-bird this crook, or Z-shape, has, by the 



Fig. 226. — Swan. Correlation of long neck and short legs due to feeding habits. 



(Sanborn, photograplier.) 



adaptation of three of the neck-bones, become a veritable 

 trigger, by the springing of which the bird literally spears 

 the fish. 



If the mention in this chapter of a few examples of 

 crests and other decorations has seemed in the least to 



