262 THE SCIENCE OF LIFE. 



moderate bill with a compressed tip. Feet semi-pal- 

 mate, wings long and strong. 



Order 3. Cursores, or Runners. The wings are rudi- 

 mentary and unfit for flight. The legs are hollow, 

 strong, and long. The order includes the Ostriches, 

 Cassowaries, and Apteryx, marked by their large size, 

 keelless breastbone, and robust legs. The African Os- 

 trich has two toes, the Cassowary three, and the Ap- 

 teryx four. The barbs of the feathers are disconnected, 

 forming plumes. 



Order 4. Rasorcs, or Gallinac.ece, Scratchers, or Fowls. 

 (Fig. 158.) These have a short arched bill, and short 



FIG. 158. Turkey, (Meleagris Gallopavo.) 



and concave wings. There are three anterior toes and 

 one posterior. The anterior are blunt and adapted to 

 scratching. The gizzard is very strong. The legs are 

 usually feathered to the heel, and sometimes to the 

 toes. The males have usually gay plumage and some 



