THE PALMIPEDES 



89 



aquatic evolutions of the bird, so awkward on land 

 with its tender feet, so graceful when once on the 

 water, its proper element! Sometimes they race 

 with one another, whitening their breasts with a 

 band of foam; sometimes, in order to explore the 

 depths with their beaks, they plunge half-way in and 

 point their tails heavenward ; sometimes, also, yield- 

 ing to the current, they let themselves drift idly 

 down-stream or hold their position by paddling a 

 few strokes when necessary. Water is their chosen 

 domain ; there they take their recreation, seek their 

 food, and enjoy their sleep. 



"The membrane connecting the duck's toes is 

 called a web, and the feet converted into oars by 

 means of this membrane 

 are spoken of as webbed. 

 Similar feet are found in 

 all good swimming birds 

 such as the swan, teal, 

 goose, and many others. 

 Hence this group of 

 birds, especially skilled 

 in swimming, is desig- 

 nated by the term of 

 palmipede, meaning web- 

 footed." 



"Then the duck is 

 a palmipede ! ' ' asked 



Emile. Albatross 



"It is a palmipede, as also the goose, swan, and 

 teal. All four are equally endowed with a large 



