ZOOLOGY. 91 



bristles ; tongue cleft ; toes divided to their origia ; 

 claws sharp, those on the hind toes very long, and 

 nearly strait ; feet formed for running. 



This genus, though not so numerous as some others, is dis- 

 persed oyer most parts of the known world, many of tlie 

 kinds possess a fine note ; their colours are of rather a sombre 

 cast, partaking principally of various shades of brown and 

 olive ; they feed on seeds, insects, and worms, some are only 

 to be found on the sea shores, others in retired woods, but 

 the greater part frequent open cu tivated countiies; I'lej 

 generally build on the ground ; their motions on foot is by^ 

 running and walking ; not any of the species hop. See 

 British Ornithology^ vols. 1, and 2. 



13. Motacilla. Wagtail. BzY/ slender, very soft, slightly 

 notched near the tip ; tongue fringed at the point ; 

 toes three forward and one backward, the middle toe 

 connected to the outer one as far as the first joint; 

 hind-toe and claxo very long : feet as in the last genus : 

 tail long. 



This is a lively active tribe, of familiar habits, and great 

 elegance of form ; the species are not numerous ; and are 

 principally confined to Europe, Asia, and Africa : they 

 mostly resort to the sides of pcnds and running streams ; 

 and feed on insects and worms ; they run on the ground in 

 the manner of the Lark genus, and derive tbeir name from the 

 continued motion of the tails. Three species are natives of 

 Britain, see British Ornilhologjj^ vol. J, 2, 3. 



