THE TRAVELS OF BIRDS 



Think of the Swallow's engine. It is quite 

 as long as the bird itself; the feathers are stiff 

 and strong, and when in motion they cut the air 

 with graceful, sweeping strokes which send the 

 bird forward easily but at great speed. A bird 

 fitted with such an engine, we feel sure, could 

 make a very long journey quickly and without 



THE SWALLOW'S ENGINE. 



The long wing and small foot of a Swallow, a bird that travels 

 and feeds in the air. 



tiring itself. So we find that the Barn Swallow, 

 which glides and darts about our fields in sum- 

 mer, goes to Brazil to spend the winter. 



Now let us see the engine of the Quail or 

 Bobwhite. How short and round it is! And 

 when the bird flies how rapidly it moves its 

 wings at least four times as fast as does the 

 Swallow! The bird is so heavy, its wings so 

 small that, although it can go swiftly, it is evi- 

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