6 BIRDS IN GENERAL. 



ing every part of the animal as light as possible, con- 

 sistent with sufficient strength. 



That the shape of each tribe or family of birds is 

 peculiarly fitted to the modes of life which they lead, 

 will be obvious when we become acquainted with their 

 natural history. 



Birds may be divided into two great classes, or 

 kinds, namely, LAND BIRDS and WATER BIRDS. 



LAND BIRDS. 



The Land Birds may again be separated into two 

 orders, or divisions, namely Omnivorous Birds, and 

 Carnivorous Birds. The Water Birds may also be 

 separated into two orders, to wit, the Waders and the 

 Swimmers. 



The Granivorous Birds live on grain, seeds, and in- 

 sects. Their food is taken into the stomach whole, 

 where it is softened by warmth and moisture. It then 

 passes to the gizzard, where it is ground to powder, 

 and thus fitted to nourish the animal. The power of 

 the gizzard is so great that the hardest seeds are crush- 

 ed and reduced to powder by its action. To assist in 

 the grinding, these birds swallow a few little stones, 

 and it appears that these stones are so necessary that 

 chickens or other birds, when confined and fed ever 

 so well, grow poor without them. Hence those who 

 have the care of chickens, either let them out once in 



Are the shapes of birds peculiarly fitted to their different mode* 

 of life? 



Into how many great classes, or kinds, are birds divided ? 

 How are the land birds divided ? 

 i On what do Granivorous birds live ? 

 How do these birds grind their food? 



