84 THE STORY OF THE BIRDS 



in others, although hard at the tip, it is provided 

 with a small number of nerves (Scolopacinae), 

 which in the typical Snipes become much more 

 abundant. We have already alluded to the form 

 of the bill in this group (conf. p. 42), so that 

 little more need be said here. Mention, how- 

 ever, might be made of the horny covering or 

 case at the base of the upper jaw of the Sheath- 

 bill, and the frontal plates and curious wattles 

 that adorn the head of certain Lapwings or 

 Jacanas. The birds in the present order are 

 terrestrial, with long legs and necks more or 

 less, and with, in most cases, ample wings. The 

 toes are subject to considerable variation, from 

 the short ones of the Bustards to the exceed- 

 ingly long and slender ones of the Jacanas (the 

 latter birds being enabled by them to run over 

 floating vegetation) ; in some cases (as in the 

 Avocets) the anterior toes are united with a 

 complete web, in others they are semi or par- 

 tially webbed at the base, or furnished with 

 lobes, as in the Phalaropes. In some forms a 

 few of the primaries are attenuated. The tail- 

 feathers also vary considerably in number and 

 shape. The birds in this order are more or 

 less gregarious, especially during winter. They 

 run and walk well, many swim, and not a few 



