THE WAY OF A BIRD IN THE AIR. 173 
long perfect wings, these muscles are scant, in keeping 
with the light body and long slow stroke; but in ducks, 
where the wing is shorter yet shaped for long jour- 
neys, these muscles are ample and the stroke is very 
rapid ; and in both these and plovers the tissues are 
tough and almost tireless in their action. This quality 
of fig tissue often shows in the color of the flesh. 
Short-range flyers are often “ white-meated ”—a poor 
characteristic for long continuous use, but specially 
adapted to the gridiron and platter. The best flight 
muscles are usually black. Ducks have both quantity 
and quality, and with an elegantly shaped but short 
wing they make rapid and long flights by working 
their passage very industriously. 

SS 
SANS S 

Wing of solitary sandpiper, a typical wing for continuous flight, with 
the elongated tertiaries of a ground haunter. 
Again, there is a kind of wing that is adapted to 
the highest and latest style of flight, the capacity of 
sailing when once well up either with or against the 
wind, or of even getting up higher, without any flap- 
ping whatever. There doubtless comes in here also 
something else besides the shape of the wing; for 
while the albatross and others are most expert at sail- 
ing and gyrating with an almost perfect wing, which 
is light and hollow-boned, carrying a pr Stele 
