28 EGYPTIAN BIRDS 
lapping the feather next behind it, as shown in 
figures Nos. 4 and 5. But Fig. 3 shows how the 
ancients thought birds should have their feathers 
placed, back and front, both identical. In all 
humility, I have once or twice pointed this out to 
devout Egyptologists, but they pass it over. “A 
—_——" 
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Fie. 5. 
Drawing of the primary quills of a Hawk, from Nature. Seen from 
the under surface to show the overlap of the feathers. 
mere convention,” they say; “they always render 
wings so; worship, worship !” 
Mr. J. H. Gurney says that Egyptian Kestrels 
are certainly bolder than the British, and that he 
has “seen one swoop at a Booted Eagle,” and 
another “feather a Hooded Crow which ventured 
too near its nest.” He also draws attention to its 
size, and I think that it is certainly frequently of 
smaller dimensions than those at home; indeed, on 
