AQUATIC fcifcbs. 97 



Divisions Cor formation 



CHAP. 



Amid the cool translucent rill 



That trickles down the glade, 

 They bathe their plumes, they drink their fill. 



And revel in the shade. 



ORB A YES, 



AQUATIC BIRDS, 



HAVING treated on the several land birds of 

 this and other countries, we now proceed to con- 

 sider another description of the feathered race. 



There are three divisions of water birds. Some 

 are appointed by nature to reside on the land ; 

 others are destined to sail on the water, and to an 

 intermediate tribe, (a sort of amphibious ani- 

 mals), the confines of the two elements have been 

 allotted. 



The general conformation of aquatic birds, ex- 

 hibits fully the fitness of their destination to that 

 element in or near which their lives are entirely 

 spent. The body of the swimmers is arched be- 

 neath, and bulged like the hulk of a ship; and 



VOL. IV. NO. 2. N 



