A LABRADOR SPRING 



diving birds, for there are many and of numerous 

 kinds to be found there. It is evident that these 

 birds may be divided into two main classes, 

 those that habitually use the wings alone under 

 water, and those that use the feet alone. 

 Those that use the wings make ready before 

 they disappear below the surface by spreading 

 or flopping them out, while the feet-users keep 

 the wings tightly clapped to the sides, and they 

 often execute graceful curves in diving, some- 

 times leaping clear of the water. 



The puffin is a good example of the former 

 class, and its wings are plainly to be seen in 

 vigorous use as it goes under water, and it often 

 comes out of the waves flying, only to return 

 to the denser element again with the same 

 method of propulsion. All the other members 

 of the auk family dive in the same way. I 

 have twice had excellent opportunities to watch 

 dovkies or little auks swimming close at hand 

 under water, and plainly saw them use their 

 wings. The great auk, long since extinct, with 

 wings reduced to flipper-like proportions, doubt- 

 less advanced rapidly through the water by 

 the action of these extremities only, for the feet 

 in the living members of this group are not 

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