172 BOMBAY DUCKS 
in a gentle shower. First one wing, then the other, is 
opened, the tail expanded, and the feathers ruffled in 
order that the soft water may penetrate to the skin. 
And when the rain is over, what a drying, what a 
shaking of wings and preening of feathers, take place! 
The bird world turns itself temporarily into a great 
Toilette Club. Then, the universal wash-and-brush-up 
over, the birds go forth on gladsome wing, looking as 
fresh and sweet as an English orchard after a shower in 
the merrie month of May. 
