62


but this is a most misleading term, inasmuch as it implies that

the feather does not originate from the same part of the

wing-framework as the remainder of the primaries, whereas

it certainly does.


If the cov^erts are carefully removed from the under surface

of a Sk^dark's wing, the tiny first primary will be seen projecting

from the tip of the index finger of the hand (^majius), and in

exactly the same plane as the nine large primaries which follow

it ; all the primaries in fact originate from the inner border of

the hand, the thumb {pollex) alone being reserved to support the

bastard-wing, — a group of stiff feathers which strengthen the

front of the wing from the bend forwards.


As in the wing selected for illustration, ten is a frequent

number for the primary quills ; but, when great sweep of wing is

required, an extra primary and several additional secondaries

are often found ; and, in not a few families, only nine primaries

are said to exist. -^


In the wdng before us the secondaries (11-21) are eleven in

number. These quills are attached to the front of the fore-arm

(tihia) ; the inner ones, which are graded and therefore readily

recognizable in my illustration, are in some groups elongated ;

so that, by careless observers, they are apt to be confused with

the outer scapularies. The latter represent a mass of soft feathers

(analogous to the wing-lappets (pierygodes) of butterflies) which

proceed from the hinder division of the arm {humerus), and

strengthen the base of the wing.


In the closed wing the innermost secondary is on the

surface, and thence to the first primar}^ each overlaps the feather

in front of it ; this is also the case with the greater coverts, the

innermost secondary covert (s. c.) being on the surface, though

parti}' overlapped by the outermost scapularies : the innermost

primary covert (p. c.) is necessarily overlapped by the outermost

secondary and its covert, otherwise the free movement of the

wing would be obstructed.


Situated between the two groups of greater coverts, but

terminating half-way between the tips of the median and greater

coverts, a white-tipped feather will be noticed (in many birds

there are two of these feathers varying somewhat in the method

of their emission) ; this is probabl}' emitted from the skin which

covers the ulnar carpal bone of the hand, and is known as a

carpal covert. These feathers are rarely mentioned in descrip-


* The fifth piimaiy starts from tlie plialanx of the third and last digit.



