Animals* 



and rub over their feathers; in order to 

 smooth them, and enable them to turn off 

 the water. Aquatic Birds, as the Duck, 

 Goose, &c. have a greater quantity of this 

 oil; but those who live principally under 

 cover, and seldom expand their wings, 

 have a less proportion of it ; as the com- 

 mon Hen, whose feathers are impervious 

 to every shower of rain. 



Birds possess a perfection of sight far 

 superior to that of either man or brute, 

 which is necessary for their safety and 

 support? Were it less perfect, Birds of 

 rapid flight would strike against every ob- 

 ject in their way ; and be unable to disco- 

 ver their proper food at a distance. The 

 Kite darts on its prey, from the greatest 

 heights to which it ascends; and the Hawk 

 will discover a Lark, at a distance too 

 great for human perception. 



Aquatic Birds have webbed feet, or 

 membranes between their toes, to assist 

 them in swimming; other Birds have their 

 toes disjoined, the better to enable them 

 to catch their prey, or cling to the branch- 

 es of trees. Birds, with long legs, have 

 also long necks, to enable them to pick up 

 their food ; but some Aquatic Birds, as 



