THE FEATHERS. 65 



an impracticable operation, were it not for the wiry stiffness of 

 the tail-feathers, which press against the tree and act like an 

 additional limb. The tail, however, has another use, applicable 

 more or less to all birds ; it is to them what a rudder is to a 

 boat, and in many cases acts like a third wing. If we look at 

 a Hawk hovering in the air, when he remains in one spot we 

 shall see that the tail is spread out like a fan, and is in a con- 

 stant state of quivering motion, balancing the bird, while the 

 wings are keeping it afloat. 



It is clear that if water could soak into the soft feathery 

 covering of a bird, every shower of rain would be the death of 

 thousands, inasmuch as it would increase their weight con- 

 siderably, and at the same time, by destroying the fine elastic 

 nature of the feathers, entirely disable them from flying, and 

 they must remain in a helpless state upon the ground, either to 

 perish from hunger, or become the prey to men or animals, who 

 would catch them without trouble. But against such a possibility 

 they are guarded by an abundant oily covering, which is con- 

 stantly renewed ; so that the rain, instead of sinking in, runs off, 

 without remaining an instant ; and we all know that if we take 

 up a Duck, or any swimming-bird, we shall find, though it might 

 have been diving just before, that it is perfectly dry and free 

 from all damp. But this principle of life, if it may be so called, in 

 a feather ceases with the life of a bird ; for if we were to throw a 

 dead Duck into the water, we should find that its coat had lost all 

 power of resisting water, and become a spongy mass of moisture. 



The growth of feathers in young birds in hot and favourable 

 weather is very remarkable. It has been ascertained by at- 

 tending to nestlings, that in eight days after their appearing 

 from the egg in a helpless, naked state, they have acquired 

 the first part of their feathers. 



That feathers are essential to a bird in its wild and natural 

 state there can be no doubt ; but they are not, it would seem, 

 in all cases absolutely necessary, for a featherless, naked 

 Canary-bird was once actually reared, and continued living in 

 good health for upwards of three years. In this case, the 

 featherless state of the bird was accidental ; but the fact of a 







