178 



and were the wings and feet nearer together, as in land 

 birds, they would, when in action, rather hinder than assist 

 one another." (Rev. Mr. White of Selborne.) 



A great proportion of the genera under this order are 

 furnished with an intermediate stomach ; the anseres with 

 a powerful gizzard. 



GENUS L. 



RECURVIROSTRA. 



Bill curved upwards, flexible at the apex, three 

 toes webbed. 



1. AVOCETTA. SCOOPING AVOSET. 

 R. albo nigroque varia. Lath. 



The bill is black, about 3<l inches long ; the irides 

 are hazel; above black and white, beneath white; 

 the legs are very long, and of a fine pale blue colour ; 

 the thighs are naked. 



The female lays 2 eggs, cinereous grey, spotted 

 with deep brown and rusty. 



It frequents rivers and lakes in winter, in the 

 southern parts of England, and assembles in flocks 

 in the breeding season, about the fens. 



