24 The Bird 



socket. This growth continuing, the down is lifted clear 

 of the skin, being supported on the new structure, and 



FIG. 12. Early stages in the development of a down feather, showing close 

 resemblance to scale of fish or reptile. 



FIG. 12a. Later stages of Fig. 12, showing the first splitting up of the 



feather pulp. 



soon brushed off and lost. Thus, little by little, in 

 shreds and tatters, the baby plumage is shed and replaced 



