142 THE ZOOLOGIST 



and catch the wind with an effect possibly somewhat like that of 

 the string of a kite. This position is useful for checking speed, 

 but I have most frequently observed it when the bird is struggling 

 to make headway against a strong wind. On such occasions the 

 legs may be constantly in motion, especially in a young Gull new 

 to flight, and not very strong on the wing. 



In birds in which the tarsi are very short it is hardly possible 

 that the legs should be extensively used in flight ; hence they 

 are, as a rule, snugly packed away with the feet forward, and lie 

 hidden amongst the feathers of the stomach or lower breast. 

 This is, as I have little doubt, the position amongst the Passeres 

 generally, although it is possible that there may be exceptions. 

 The legs, although warm and packed out of the bird's way, are 

 readily available to be let down as occasion may require. 



The shape and structure of the leg influence its position in 

 many birds. Thus those which have short legs and large feet, 

 such as Fuligula, in which the legs are placed very far back on 

 the body, or those which have very stiff legs like the Grebes, 

 are naturally compelled to carry them in the horizontal back- 

 ward-pointing position, with the feet lying alongside the short 

 tail. 



The Crows and Birds of Prey possess considerable powers 

 of using their feet as hands or grasping organs, when on the 

 wing ; yet their method of bearing them when in flight is essen- 

 tially different.* The ordinary position of the leg in flight is in 

 the case of the former birds the forward, in the latter the back- 

 ward pointing. But there is considerable power of varying the 

 position, and my friend Mr. J. L. Bonhote informs me that the 

 Merlin carries its legs forward when in pursuit of its prey. 



I think that probably the most interesting part of my ob- 

 servations is the fact that in some species the position of the leg 

 may be varied according to the requirements of the moment. 

 Thus the Kittiwake is a strongly flying bird, which habitually 

 makes considerable use of its legs in strong and energetic flights. 



* I have seen a Book using both beak and feet to assist in the manipula- 

 tion of something which it carried while on the wing ; but, whereas such an 

 operation has no effect upon the buoyancy of a Kite, the Book invariably 

 dropped during the operation, and was forced to discontinue it at intervals in 

 order to maintain its altitude above the ground. 



