SINGULAR BIRD. 405 



such regular and beautiful arrangement as that 

 described is necessary, at least in the degree in 

 which it is needed by flying birds. Yet in the 

 case of the ostrich and emu the feathers are 

 arranged so as to facilitate the progress of the 

 bird, and to enable it with its short wings to take 

 a certain hold on the air blowing from behind it, 

 which has been compared to the act of sailing. 

 The feathers in these birds are not close and com- 

 pact as in most others, but are loose and flexible ; 

 those of the singular apteryx of New Zealand, 

 having down almost like hair, giving a very pecu- 

 liar appearance to the bird. In this instance the 

 feathers form a sort of pendent thatch well calcu- 

 lated for throwing off the heavy rains which fall 

 in its native country; whilst, in consequence of the 

 non-conducting properties of feathers, they form 

 also a comfortable summer clothing, and afford good 

 protection against the heat of the sun in a climate 

 where the degree of solar power is far greater 

 than in our own. Such a bird may be said, like the 

 snail, to be never without a good roof over its 

 back ; but such a bird, also like the snail, is con- 

 demned to sojourn on the ground, and can never 

 taste the joys of exhilarating flight. 



