FORM OF THE TOES OF BIRDS. 



631 



^•lacialis, of which the end of the middle toe is represented by fig. 2, 

 there is a single much recurved narrow horny plate, behind which is a 

 narrow series of oblong scales. In the genus Puffinus, there is also a 

 single short rounded terminal scale or plate. 



The Colymbi or Divers have the end of the toe very narrow and flat, 

 with a single small rounded terminal plate, and numerous small scales 

 behind it. These birds have the claws depressed, a form which shews 

 its extreme development in the Grebes. Of the extremity of the middle 

 toe of one of these, Podiceps cristatus, fig. 3. is a representation. Here 

 the claw is almost quite flat, and the end of the toe beneath it is not ele- 

 vated or rounded as in almost aU the other genera, but perfectly de- 

 pressed, and having its outline concave, but still, as usual, with a series 

 of large scales. 



If we now look to the GrallcB, we shall find similar modifications. 

 Fig. 4 represents the lower surface, and the lateral aspect of the extre- 

 mity of the middle toe of Ardea ri^escens, which agrees, in a general 

 point of view, with that of the other species of the genus, as well as with 

 that of the Cranes. The pad here is rounded, and terminated by a semi- 

 circle of larger scales. In the genera Numenius and Limosa, the arrange- 

 ment is similar, the terminal scales being much smaller in the latter than 

 in the former, and two of the lateral scales enlarged. In the genera 

 Tringa, Scolopax and Gallimda, the arrangement is similar. All these 

 genera exhibit more or less of the rounded form, terminated by a series of 

 larger scales. 



Fig. 4. 



Fig. 5. 



Fig. 6. 



•In Ibis alba the extremity is narrowed and terminated by a small 

 rather pointed horny plate, divided into two unequal portions, as repre- 

 sented by fig. 5. The Tantali have this part also nai-rowed at the end, 

 flattened, and terminated by a semicircular slightly projecting plate or 

 hooflet. The same appearance is presented in Ham'atoptis palliatus, in 



