DOMESTIC POULTRY. 



THEIR STBTTCTITEIE. 



Undeb, 'the term Domestic Potiltry are inolnded three distinct 

 orders of the class Aves. The first is the rasore, or gallina- 

 ceous birds, the type of which is the common fowl. This order 

 is distinguished by having a rounded, heavy body, covered with 

 loose feathers, which sometimes, on the neck and rump, assume 

 the character of plumes or hackles ; by having the wings short, 

 round, and concave underneath. The latter members are by 

 no means so useful for the purpose of locomotion as the legs ; 

 for short distances, rasorial birds fly tolerably swift, but, as a 

 rule, are more at home on ti"rra firma. Indeed, the legs of the 

 fowl are well adapted for constant use, being remarkably strong 

 and firm. The thighs are very powerful, and the tendons of 

 the muscles are of an osseous nature. The tavsi, or shankflj 

 are prolonged and stout, and covered with hard scales. In 

 some species, these are armed with a spur — occasionally a 

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