110 On the Ornithology af Wiits. 
of the foot, which is so admirably adapted for perching or grasping, 
and in which the hind toe is always present. When we come to 
examine the subdivisions of this order, we shall find that the 
‘Insessores’ comprise birds varying greatly from one another in 
habits and general appearance; yet, all belonging to this division 
partake of the grand distinguishing features, which I have shewn 
to be characteristic of it. 
The third order contains the ‘ Rasores’ or ‘ ground birds,’ com- 
prehending all such as being land birds, and yet not being birds of 
prey, and not having feet perfectly adapted to perching, obtain the 
principal part of their food upon the ground; their wings in 
general are short, and they are not capable of such extended flight 
as belongs to members of the two preceding orders; but in lieu of 
this they are provided with very strong limbs and powerful 
muscles, and with short toes, enabling them to run with great 
swiftness. This division does not contain any great number of 
species, and yet as many of them are sought for by the epicure, 
and others still more by the sportsman ; there is, perhaps, no class 
of birds, the habits and general nature of which are so generally 
known as this. When I mention that the ‘rasores’ include not 
only all the gallinaceous birds, as our barn-door fowls, but also 
partridges, pheasants, and grous, the truth of this statement will 
be at once seen. As all the members of this order are extremely 
good for food, a beneficent Providence has caused them to be very 
productive, and the number of eggs to a nest is usually very 
considerable. 
The fourth order begins the other great division, viz., the ‘Water 
birds,’ and comprises those numerous aquatic birds, which, not 
having webbed feet, and so not being perfectly framed for swimming 
and diving, nevertheless, are formed for living partly in the water, 
and generally procure their food from wet and marshy places, if 
not from rivers, lakes, and the sea shore. These are the ‘Grallatores’ 
or ‘waders, and are distinguished from the land birds by their 
habits, as well as by the length of leg and neck so fitted for their 
aquatic ways, also by the formation of their feet, so admirably 
