BIRDS WALK OX THEIR TOES. 423 



sists of the ancle bones, which in the old bird are 

 generally united into one bone; and the fourth 

 part represents the toes, which vary in number in 

 different birds. Hence it is clear that birds walk 

 upon their toes, which part forms only a small 

 portion of the foot or walking surface in man. 

 The naked parts of the legs of birds are defended 

 by a thick covering of scales, which are often 

 arranged in an extremely curious and beautiful 

 manner, and are even distinctive of the family to 

 which the bird belongs, in many instances. 



Glancing now at the various forms of the legs 

 as adapted to the varying habits of birds, we may 

 select that of one of the falcons as being fully as 

 characteristic as is the head of a bird belonging to 

 this " noble" family. These feet, represented in 

 the cut, are eminently clutching feet, adapted to 

 seize on and safely carry any object upon which 

 their owner may pounce. How powerful the 

 claws which defend the ends of the four toes, 

 how massive and steady the general aspect of 

 the foot ! The muscles which act upon these 

 talons draw them all together to a central point, 

 go that there is little chance of escape for any 

 victim into whom they have once entered its 



