THE STRUCTURE OF THE BIRD 21 



4. The Sparrow Hawk strangles and crushes with its 

 warty toes the birds on which it preys. 



5. The foot of the Owl, as well as its bill, proves that 

 it is a bird of prey. 



6. The foot of the Swift is so constructed that it 

 can cling to walls; it cannot walk or stand. 



7. The toes of the Moor- or Water-hen are provided 

 with skin-flaps, not altogether perfect for swimming, 

 but excellent for wading and diving. 



8. The Crested Grebe excels in diving, pushing side- 

 ways with its feet. 



9. The foot of the Bustard has three toes, and hard 

 soles, which enable it to run extremely well. 



10. The four toes of the Cormorant are joined together 

 by a web ; it is a good diver, can swim under water, 

 and can also roost on trees. 



n. The Wild Duck has only three toes webbed 

 together ; its foot is, therefore, specially suited for pro- 

 pelling the bird on the surface of the water. 



12. The toes of the Avocet are only partially joined 

 together by webs ; its legs are suitable only for wading, 

 but can be used for swimming in case of need. 



Tlie variety and suitability to their purpose of wings, 

 bills, and legs, show us that the feathered inhabitants 

 of a neighbourhood form a community. A society of 

 men would not be perfect if there were only men of one 

 calling. A variety of workers is needed in human 

 society, with a variety of tools, with which to perform 

 a variety of necessary work, just as various birds with a 

 varied construction of body perform their work in the 

 open field of Nature. 



