256 MINUTE MARVELS OF NATURE 



Another curious example of a feather is given 

 in Fig. 178. The original was taken from the 

 owl, whose plumage is soft and downy ; and why ? 



Fig. 175. Feather of condor, also showing 

 interlacing of the fibrils 



The owl hunts its prey by night, and as field mice 

 and small birds are quick in their movements if 

 alarmed, the owl is provided with loose and soft 

 plumage, so that in flight it is almost noiseless. 



Having glanced at some insects' hairs and 

 birds' feathers, we may, in conclusion, consider 



