The Framework of the Bird 



75 



the skeleton was not originally one bone. Passing on for 

 a moment to the bones of the tail, we find a number of 

 separate pieces, ending in a curious-shaped bone, called 

 the ploughshare. This is at the tip of the tail, or " pope's 



FIG. 52. Giraffe, reaching with tongue for leaves perhaps eighteen feet above the 

 ground, with but 7 neck bones. 



nose," of the chicken and really consists of many verte- 

 brae fused together. It is necessary for this to be large 

 and strong: for it supports all the feathers of the tall. 

 But to be of efficient aid in steering, the tail, like the 

 rudder of a ship, must have freedom of motion, and 



