456 BIRDS OF SOMERSETSHIRE. 



pass a considerable portion of their time on the 

 water, to which element they are well adapted by 

 the formation of the feet, all of them, except the one 

 small family before alluded to, the Grebes, being 

 entirely web-footed that is, the space between the 

 toes is filled up with a skinny membrane, so that the 

 foot when open and pressed backwards presents a 

 large flat surface to resist the water, and when 

 brought forward the toes close together and a very 

 narrow surface is presented, the broad surface 

 pressing against the water as the foot is moved back- 

 wards, the body of the bird is impelled forwards, 

 and in consequence of the foot closing as it is moved 

 forwards little force is lost \)y that motion, and the 

 progress of the bird not retarded. The first family 

 of this Order which claims our attention is the 

 Anatidse or Ducks : it is a large family, including 

 the Geese, Swans, Ducks (properly so called), Diving 

 Ducks and Mergansers : all of these are more or less 

 closely allied, both in general formation and in 

 habits. Amongst the Geese I am afraid I can at 

 present claim but very few species as belonging to 

 Somersetshire. Of the occurrence of the first 

 species usually noticed by writers on British birds, 

 Graylag Goose, I have not been able to find any 

 reliable record : it seems, however, a pity to pass it 

 over quite without notice, .as it probably has 

 occurred from time to time, although the occurrence 

 has not been recorded, and also because it is said to 



