THE PIGEON 



397 



The body is boat-shaped, so as to offer little resistance to 

 the air, and to the same end has an even 



Features. contour, due to the coat of feathers, which also 

 affords a light and warm covering. A distinct 



head, neck, and trunk are present, but the tail is a mere 



Fig. 287. — A plucked pigeon, seen in dorsal view. 



apt., Apteria ; cr. t cere; ear\ na., nostril ; o.g.p., papilla on which the oil gland 

 opens ; ptl.y pteryise ; px., thumb. 



stump which bears a fan of long feathers. Since the fore- 

 limbs have the form of wings, the legs must support the 

 whole weight in standing. We shall see that the skeleton is 

 adapted to this necessity. The feet are naked and covered 

 with scales, which are horny and epidermic like those of 

 a reptile, not like those of a fish. There are four toes, 

 which have a wide tread, the first being directed backwards 



