52 Introduction. 



degree as almost to answer the same purpose. This membrane, 

 so extended, forms what are technically called ' rounded lobes ;' 

 hence their family name ; and with such curious feet these birds 

 seem as active on land as they are in the water running, walk- 

 ing, even climbing trees, wading, swimming, and diving with the 



greatest ease. 



Thus the feet of birds, though with a certain general similarity 

 of structure, differ one from another in a variety of ways. As 

 their habits and manner of life vary exceedingly, and as they are 

 constituted to occupy no less than three elements earth, air, 

 and water we see every individual furnished with such' means 

 of locomotion as best suit its own particular sphere. Had the 

 lordly eagle, pouncing on its quarry, but the foot of a partridge 

 wherewith to inflict his wound, starvation must be his lot ; or 

 had the pheasant to run from danger with the feet of the diver, 

 slight, indeed, would be its chance of escape. The heron, if sup- 

 ported on the legs of a hawk, would certainly be drowned in 

 fishing for food. The rook would rest but insecurely on the 

 bough of the elm, if it clasped its support only with the feet of 

 the plover. But now, supplied with such instruments as their 

 respective pursuits require, all are enabled with ease to obey 

 their own peculiar instincts, and fill the place allotted to them in 

 nature. 



I have now brought to a conclusion my preliminary remarks on 

 the general structure, and a few of the more prominent attributes 

 of the feathered race ; and perhaps I ought to apologise to my 

 readers for the length to which these remarks have run. I trust 

 that on the whole they have not been uninteresting, and to some, 

 perhaps, they may pave the way to a clearer understanding of 

 the life history of the several species which occur in our county, 

 which we are now about to consider ; while I feel sure that all of 

 us who examine these particulars with care and consideration 

 must be led thereby to admire the perfection of the works of the 

 Creator, and the wondrous means by which His ends are reached. 

 I cannot better close this part of my subject than in the words of 



