BIRDS AND THEIR PARLOURS 167 



to present a water-proof surface. It is likewise 

 necessary that the feathers be well laid in place 

 that the water might be kept out. It is also true 

 that such a surface enables the bird to glide more 

 easily through the water. Any disarrangement 

 might cause a leak, and the bird would be chilled 

 almost fatally. This necessitates great care on the 

 part of these birds in the condition and treatment of 

 their feathers, since any mishap of the kind would 

 put an end, at least for the time being, to their 

 natural pursuits, which means in most cases their 

 means of livelihood. 



Ducks and cormorants employ their long necks to 

 aid them in their toilette; they find them excellent 

 brushes. After oiling their plumage, they rub 

 their smooth necks over it until each feather is 

 straightened and polished to perfection. 



It is most interesting to watch a group of cor- 

 morants make their toilette after they have returned 

 to their haunts from fishing. They sit for a long 

 time with wings half -spread, so as to dry the feath- 

 ers most quickly. In this position they present a 

 peculiar sight; one might think them angry, or 

 frightened, if the general poise of the body did not 

 belie the assumption. When their feathers are dry 

 enough to retain oil, they carefully dress each 

 feather. 



