294 ANSERES. ANATID.E. 



it were, sifted most effectually by this curiously 

 shaped beak ; the refuse is expelled, but the food 

 is retained. It is probable, also, that the tongue 

 is materially employed on this process ; for unlike 

 that of all [most] other birds, it is remarkably 

 large, thick, and fleshy."* 



BEAK OF DUCK. 



This Family seems to afford one very obvious 

 link of connexion between the Swimming and the 

 Wading birds, in that division of it known as 

 Geese. They retain some of the manners of the 

 Waders, they walk much more than they swim ; 

 their food consists more of grain and insects than 

 of fishes ; their legs are long, and they have a 

 considerable space unfeathered above the tarsal 

 joint. This division, including the Swans, also 

 retain a considerable length of neck. 



* Journ. Roy. Inst. (August, ]831.) 



