LIMICOLjE THE SHORE-BIRDS. 19 



F. Bill subulate (except in Crymophilus). Toes either partly webbed, or fringed by a 

 lateral, usually lobed, margin. Plumage peculiarly soft and compact for this order, 

 resembling greatly in this respect that of the Longipennes. Tarsi compressed, the 

 anterior edge sharp. 

 Fhalaropodidae. Size small; tarsi and bill rather short, or but moderately lengthened; 



toes edged with a lateral, usually scalloped, margin. 



Recurvirostridae. Size large ; tarsi and bill very long ; toes partly webbed, and without 

 scalloped margin. 



