42 



THE BONES. 



pliability of the tail is necessary, they are most 

 numerous; whereas in the Cassowary, which has no 

 tail, the last joint only is found. This last varies 



The ^Toucan. 



also in form in different birds,; for instance, in the 

 Peacock, whose beautiful, fan-like spread of tail- 

 feathers is so well known, this last bone is oral, and 

 placed horizontally. 



Another striking feature in the skeleton of a bird, 

 is the breast-bone, or sternum, as it is called, which 

 may be compared to the bottom part of a boat, 

 resting on a deep projecting keel. From the upper 



