35S 



BIRDS. 



TRIBE IV. LAMELLIROSTRES. 



In the tribe Lamellirostres * the beak is thick and covered 

 with a soft skin instead of true horn ; its edges are furnished with 

 ridges resembling little teeth, the tongue is broad and fleshy and 

 toothed at the margin. The wings are of moderate length. These 

 birds are inhabitants of fresh water rather than of the sea. 



The Ducks (Anatidce). This extensive genus comprises all birds having 

 their beak large, broad, and furnished at the edges with the prominent ridges 

 above mentioned, which allow the water to escape when the bird has seized 

 its food. The Swans (Cygnns), the Geese (Anser), and the true Ducks 

 (Anas), are all included uiulor the same general appellation. 



Fu;. 3;6. THE WILD DUCK. 



Few circumstances in the history of these aquatic races are more wonderful 

 than their periodical migrations. The Wild Geese, guided by an unseen power, 

 seek in spring the wild regions of the North, in companies disposed in regular 

 phalanx. During the whole journey the most perfect order prevails. The 

 conducting of the troop is confided to a chief, placed at the head of two files, 

 more or less diverging, but always meeting at a point. The chief, placed at 

 the apex of this moving angle, opposes the first resistance to the air: he clears 

 the way, and the whole band follows him, observing the strictest discipline. 

 As the duties of the leader are very arduous, and as he cannot support them 

 during the whole voyage, he may be perceived, when overcome with fatigue, 



* Lamella, a flat plate; rostrum, a beak. 



