Coor. GRALLATORES. FULICA. 193 
distinct lobes, which correspond with the phalanges, or joints 
of the toes. This formation gives them more power in the 
water, and we accordingly find them more conversant with 
that element than the preceding genera. In other respects 
there is great similarity of manners, and their narrow form 
and general appearance denote their near alliance to the 
typical Rallida. By former systematists, the Coots, toge- 
ther with the Phalaropes and Grebes, were made a distinct 
order, styled Pinnatipedes ; an arrangement purely artificial, 
as the members of which it was composed were not united 
together by affinity, but only bore, in the form of their feet, 
a distant analogy to each other ; for even here a considerable 
difference existed in structure, as will be evident to any one 
who compares the foot of the Coot with that of the Grebe. 
The members of this genus inhabit lakes and ponds, as 
well as the more retired and calmer parts of inland seas. 
They live chiefly on the water, where they swim and dive 
with equal facility, and are but rarely seen on the land. 
They feed on worms, insects, aquatic vegetables, and seeds. 
The species are few, and their plumage is dark, and com- 
monly without variety of colour. They breed amongst the 
close and tall herbage of the waters they inhabit, and lay 
several eggs. Their flesh is palatable. 
COMMON COOT. 
Fuuica ated, Linn. 
PLATE XXXTI. 
Fulica atra, Linn. Syst. 1. 257.—Lath. Ind. Ornith. 2.777. sp. 1. variety.— 
Gmel. Syst. 1. 702.—Briss. Ornith. 6. 23. t. 2. f. 2.—Raii Syn. 116. A.— 
Steph. Shaw’s Zool. 12. 234. pl. 29.—Flem. Br. Anim. 1. 100. sp, 132. 
Fulica aterrima, Linn. Syst. 1. 258. 8.—Gmel. Syst. 1. 703.—Lath. Ind. 
Ornith. 2. 778. sp. 2. 
Fulica major, Briss. Ornith. 5. 28. 2. t. 2. f.2.—Raii Syn. 117. 2—Will. 
p. 239. t. 51. 
Le Foulque ou Morelle, Buff: Ois. 8. 211. t. 18.—Jd. Pl. Enl. 197.—Cuv. 
Reg. Anim. 1. 503. 
Le Grand Foulque ou la Macroule, Buff. Ois. 8. 220. 
VOL. II. N 
