40 



THE BONES. 



where they are so small and insignificant as merely to 

 assist in balancing their bodies when they run, the keel 

 of the breast-bone is entirely wanting, or the furcula 

 or merry-thought very imperfectly developed. On the 

 other hand, in the Eagle and Hawk tribe, they are pro- 

 portionably strong, conspicuous, and well denned. 



The bones of the wings next come under observation; 

 and these, as may be expected, in birds of prey, and 

 some others, which have to carry their food frequently 

 to a considerable distance, or live much in the air, are 

 of great length; whereas, in domestic fowls, they are 

 very small in porportion to the size of their bodies; and 

 in the Penguins, which, as has been observed, live almost 

 entirely on the water, and, in diving, may be said to 

 fly beneath its surface, they are remarkable for their 

 flattened appearance, as if they had been pressed; ap- 

 proaching more to the form of a fin than a wing, much 

 resembling the flappers of a turtle. 



The last bones which remain for consideration, are 

 those composing the legs and feet, which are the more 



