NATURAL HISTORY. 279 



" There's not a better steerrr in the realm, 

 I hope, my lord, you'll call him to the helm." SWIFT. 



ttand by the slippery edges of the water, and to steady themselves 

 on sloping* banks of wet grass, neither of which could they effect 

 securely were their feet formed with a narrower base. 



892. Why do short-tailed birds generally throw their leas 

 behind them when flying ? 



Because, being destitute of 

 the steerage power usually 

 afforded by the tail, they find 

 a substitute in their long legs, 

 which they throw back to 

 occupy its place : thus they get 

 rid of the inconvenience of 

 long legs while flying, and are 

 compensated for the absence of the tail. 



893. Wliy have jish-eating birds in general no crop ? 



Because all they swallow, however large it may be, enters at 

 once into the stomach, and undergoes immediate digestion. 



894. Why has the snipe a long tapering bill ? 



Because it derives its food by penetrating its bill into the moist 

 earth. This is exactly the instrument which the animal wanted. 

 It did not require strength in its bill, which was inconsistent with 

 the slender form of the animal's neck, as well as unnecessary for 

 the kind of aliment upon which it subsists ; but it wanted length 

 to reach its object. 



895. Why are the eyes of snipes placed more backward in 

 the head, than in most other birds? 



Because these organs are not much wanted in the immediate 

 capture of their prey, and are thus placed so as to best guard 

 against enemies. And besides, the eyes being thus situated, 

 enables the bill to bore its whole length in the mud, when 

 searching for worms. 



