The Duck The Hawk. 47 



spring. Robins give us often much trouble by stealing 

 fruit, but their song and blithe manner recompense for all 

 their failings. 



The Duck. 



Describe the body of the duck. Compare it with the 

 chicken in shape. Notice the way in which the legs are 

 attached, i.e., so far back as to make walking awkward. 

 Such walking is called waddling. Does this position of the 

 legs aid or detract from the duck's ability to swim ? Why ? 

 What advantage is there in the broad flat bill ? Study the 

 plumage closely. See how much more down the duck has 

 than the hen. Examine the feet. How many toes ? How 

 many project forward ? How do the feet differ from those 

 of the hen and canary ? Is this web thick or thin ? Does 

 it unite all toes ? With what is it covered ? How do the 

 web-scales differ from those on the leg ? Why does nature 

 give birds scales on their feet and legs instead of feathers ? 

 Compare ducks' eggs with those of hens', canaries', and 

 robins'. Hunt for the oil-gland just above the tail. How 

 does a bird dress its feathers ? Why ? What noise do 

 ducks make ? Bring out the fact that the duck is suited to 

 its environment just as is the chick. The duck could not 

 swim if its feet were like those of the hen, and the hen 

 could not pick if her bill were shovel-like, as the duck's is. 

 Nature thus suits all things to their surroundings. 



The Hawk. 



This bird should be described in a manner similar to 

 the preceding. Care should be taken to point out those 

 characteristics which make hawks, owls, etc., different from 

 the birds previously studied. 



Some of these characteristics are found in the hooked 

 bill and talons (claws), fitted for tearing food and charac- 

 teristic of flesh-eating birds. The large bright eye, the 

 haughty pose, the vigorous manner of motion, all show a 

 near relationship to the eagle, owl, and vulture. Describe 



