456 BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 
pass a considerable portion of their time on the 
water, to which element they are well adapted by 
the formation of the feet, all of them, except the one 
small family before alluded to, the Grebes, being 
entirely web-footed—that is, the space between the 
toes is filled up with a skinny membrane, so that the 
foot when open and pressed backwards presents a 
large flat surface to resist the water, and when 
brought forward the toes close together and a very 
narrow surface is presented,—the broad surface 
pressing against the water as the foot is moved back- 
wards, the body of the bird is impelled forwards, 
and in consequence of the foot closing as it is moved 
forwards little force is lost by that motion, and the 
progress of the bird not retarded. ‘The first family 
of this Order which claims our attention is the 
Anatide or Ducks: it is a large family, including 
the Geese, Swans, Ducks (properly so called), Diving 
Ducks and Mergansers: all of these are more or less 
closely allied, both in general formation and in 
habits. Amongst the Geese I am afraid I can at 
present claim but very few species as belonging to 
Somersetshire. Of the occurrence of the first 
species usually noticed by writers on British birds, 
Graylag Goose, I have not been able to find any 
reliable record : it seems, however, a pity to pass it 
over quite without notice, as it probably has 
occurred from time to time, although the occurrence 
has not been recorded, and also because it is said to 
