io8 Natural Theology. 



whole plan, and the perfection with which that plan 

 is carried out. 



Flight Js secured by the most skilful mechanism 

 of feathers, and the accumulation of muscle around 

 the shoulder of the bird. What can be more per- 

 fect in its mechanism than each feather of the wing, 

 its hollow elastic shaft securing lightness and 

 strength ? Then we have the skilful joining of all 

 the lines of the web, and that combination of barbs 

 and hooks that has ever challenged the admiration 

 of men. The position of all the feathers is such, 

 that by expanding the wing, they cover the greatest 

 extent possible with no openings between them. 

 The muscles are not only of great strength, but 

 they are so arranged that the wing strikes the air 

 at the required angle to enable the bird to rise and 

 completely control its motions. And then observe 

 the compactness with which the instrument is fold- 

 ed away when not in use. The great expenditure 

 of muscular force is provided for by the great lung 

 capacity, the whole viscera even being bathed with 

 air. 



The bird by instinct trims its feathers, when the 

 web has been broken ; and because the feathers are 

 too long, and not of a structure like hair, to receive 

 from the body the oil which they need to preserve 

 their gloss, nature has provided a never-failing bottle 

 of oil on the back of the bird which instinct has 

 taught it how to use. 



In the bird of prey we find the sharp, hooked bill 

 for tearing its victim, and sharp talons for seizing 



