160 ANATINJE. 



FAMILY XLIL ANATIN^E. ANATINE 

 BIRDS OR DUCKS. 



Although a Goose is considerably different in appear- 

 ance and habits from a Duck, yet the interval between 

 the two birds being filled up by species gradually ap- 

 proximating to either, it is found that the entire series 

 cannot be subdivided unless in a somewhat arbitrary 

 manner ; so that, in fact, there are no strictly defined 

 limits between the Anserinse and the Anatinse. Ducks 

 are merely small Geese, having the body more elongated, 

 the neck shortened, the bill more depressed, the feet 

 shorter, and the tarsi more compressed. Their general 

 characters are the following : Bill about the length of 

 the head, or shorter, higher than broad at the base, gra- 

 dually depressed, generally becoming a little broader to- 

 ward the end, and sometimes more or less rearcuate; 

 upper mandible with the frontal angles moderate and 

 pointed, the ridge flattened at the base, the sides convex 

 toward the end, the unguis oblong, decurved, and rather 

 small. Mouth rather narrow ; anterior palate concave, 

 with a medial prominent line, and on each side a series 

 of transverse, thin lamellse ; similar but smaller lamellae 

 on the sides of the lower mandible ; tongue fleshy, deeply 

 grooved above, with lateral series of bristles, and a thin 

 broadly rounded tip ; oesophagus of moderate width, or 

 rather narrow ; stomach a very large, transversely ellip- 

 tical gizzard, placed obliquely, with very large muscles, 

 thick rugous epithelium, and somewhat concave grinding 

 surfaces ; intestine very long, and of moderate width ; 

 cceca very long. Trachea of nearly uniform width, the 

 lower larynx with an osseous enlargement, generally 

 transverse, and bulging on the left side. Nostrils ob- 

 long, moderate or small. Eyes small. Legs short or 



