Cormorant. NATAT. PHALACROCORAX. 445 
than the second, which is the longest.in the wing. Tail 
rounded, of mean length, stiff and elastic. 
Legs abdominal, short, strong. Feet of four toes, all con- 
nected by a membrane. Outer toe the longest, the others 
gradually shortening to the hinder one. Tarsi reticulated. 
The upper part of the toes scutellated. 
In no genus of the earlier writers has the necessity of di- 
vision been more apparent than in Pelecanus, which, in ad- 
dition to its typical representatives, contained the Gannets 
and Cormorants, both of them groups distinguished by pro- 
minent characters, in habits as well as in form. This sepa- 
ration has been effected by Cuvier, Trmmincx, Meyer, 
and other eminent ornithologists, under various generic titles; 
but as priority of application is entitled to the preference, I 
have retained that of Phalacrocoraax, originally given to the 
present genus by Brisson, and adopted by Dr FLemine 
and some others. In form the Cormorants approach nearer 
to the natatorial groups already described, than the rest of 
this family, and (like the Adcud@ and Colymbida) their legs 
are placed far backwards, having the tibie only partially 
free. Their wings are also much shorter than in the suc- 
ceeding genera, indicating a difference in habits and mode of 
living. They are excellent divers, pursuing their course be- 
neath the surface with great celerity, and thus securing their 
prey, which consists entirely of fish. In swimming, the body 
is deeply immersed, scarcely more than the head and upper 
part of the neck being visible. Upon land they sit in an 
erect posture, and from the partial freedom of the tibial joint, 
are able to walk with less difficulty than the diving birds of 
the preceding two families; and in which action they are al- 
so materially assisted by the support they obtain from the 
stiff, though elastic, feathers of the tail. They possess an 
unexpected power of grasping with the toes, and, in common 
with other members of the family, frequently not only perch, 
but build their nests upen trees, in which respect an affinity 
