mass of vertebrz which lie between the bones of the hip-girdle. 
But the tail feathers are not indispensable. This much is 
shown in the case of birds like the kingfisher, the water-hen, and 
the land-rail, which contrive to fly well, and at a great pace, 
though they have but the merest apology for a tail. More than 
this, the grebes have no tail at all. But it is to be noted that they 
are by no means adept at turning movements; owing to the lack of 
this appendage the body, when in mid-air, has a curiously trun- 
cated appearance, as may be seen in the illustration. Further, it 
is significant that in the contemptible “sport” of pigeon-shooting 
from traps, the birds are deprived of their tails to prevent them 
from making turning movements. 
The carriage of the head and neck, and of the legs, during 
flight presents some interesting, and some instructing contrasts. 
Ducks, geese, and swans, flamingoes, storks, and cormorants 
always fly with the head and neck stretched out to their fullest 
extent. Herons and pelicans, though also long-necked birds, 
draw the head back till it rests almost on the shoulders. Most 
birds, indeed, fly with the head drawn back towards the body. 
The appearance of some of these birds on the wing can be seen at 
a glance on turning to the page illustrating this aspect of flight. 
Not so very long ago a great controversy was waged as to 
what birds did with their legs during flight. Many of the older 
artists invariably depicted them drawn up under the breast. But 
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