vI FORM AND FUNCTION 153 
most secondaries, spring from the ulna or the humerus, 
The name tertiaries for the latter has now been disused. 
The total number of the remiges varies very much, the 
Humming-bird having only sixteen, and the Albatross 
up to fifty, the variation being found in the secondaries 
much more than in the primaries. Covering the bases 
of the remiges are the wing-coverts. The great flight- 
feathers are not originally the hindmost; by their 
enormous development, they push the two rearmost 
rows to the lower face of the wing, where, to show 
their origin, they still carry the after-shaft undermost. 
The large tail feathers are called rectrices or steerers. 
They always make an even number, but may be-as 
few as eight, or,it is said, as many as twenty-four. Some- 
where about twelve is the normal. Sometimes they are 
useful in distinguishing species. Thus the Common 
Cormorant has fourteen, the Shag only twelve. Shielding 
the bases of the tail feathers are the tail-coverts. In 
the same way we speak of neck-coverts and ear- 
coverts. 
Though feathers are to a great extent dead things, 
they are in connection with the living parts of the 
body and, so, are frequently moved. Pelicans may be 
seen raising their feathers to dry them after a swim. 
An old Hen with chickens raises them in anger. The 
Long-eared Owl lifts his great “ears” to inspire 
terror ; the Cockatoo raises his top-knot to add to his 
dignity; the Peacock in pride of heart spreads his plumes 
or rattles his quills. The behaviour of the Turkey- 
cock is easy to interpret. 
To make these movements, there are distributed 
generally muscles which move the skin and with it 
