Introduction. xv 



FAMILY ANATID.E. The Swimmers. Web- 

 Footed Birds. The Sub-Family Cygnincz, the 

 Swans, have a very long neck and bill ; the 

 nostrils are situated in the middle of the bill ; 

 plumage, white ; bill and legs, black ; feet, 

 webbed. 



The Sub-Family Anserintz, the Geese, have a 

 large red or orange-colored bill ; feet webbed. 



The Sub-Family Andtincz, the River Ducks, 

 are characterized by a long and broad bill, and 

 somewhat pointed tail. 



The Sub-Family Fuligulince, differ from the 

 preceding in having much larger feet, and a 

 membranous plate attached to the hind toe ; the 

 legs also, are set further back. 



The Sub-Family Merging have a very slender 

 and narrow bill, terminated by a curved nail ; 

 edges, serrated ; tail has eighteen feathers ; 

 head, crested. 



FAMILY LARID.E. The Gulls. Bill, short and 

 straight ; body, full ; wings, long ; neck, short ; 

 feet, webbed ; tail, generally even ; hind toes, 

 small and elevated. 



