CLASS AVESI ORDER LIMICOLJS. 



145 



The South American Ostrich * is only about half as large 

 as the African, but is more completely covered with feathers. 

 It has three toes instead of two, and a larger hooked-spur on 

 the end of the wings. 



Mg. 21,3. 

 Mg. 



Rhea darwimi, Patagonian Ostrich 



Apterygidse. The Apteryx of New Zealand has stumps 

 of wings and no tail. Its feathers look like fur. For incu- 

 bation it digs deep holes in the ground, into which it flees 

 when pursued characteristics linking it to the lowest order 

 of mammals. 



ORDER LIMICOL./E.t 



General Characteristics. The Plover-snipes have a 

 long slender beak, .without hard-cutting edges, and wholly 

 or in great part membranous. Their narrow nostrils are 

 placed low down, and entirely surrounded with soft skin. 



Charadriidse. The Plovers frequent commons and un- 

 sheltered shores, running around in search of insects, slugs, 



* It is also polygamous, the females laying their eggs scattered at random, which 

 the male collects into a nest, and then broods, hatches, and even tends the 

 young. 



t The old order GrallatOres (waders) is now classed as three distinct orders, viz : 

 LimicOlae, HerodiOnes, and Alectorldes, 



