Feet and Legs 385 



So, in the case of herons, webs would be superfluous, 

 length of limb being their only requirement. 



The Wood Ibises (or more properly Storks), which 

 are more active searchers after food than the herons, 

 make use of their toes to stir up the bottom mud of shal- 



FIG. 301. Toes of Gallinule outstretched. 



low water, keeping the bill ready to snap up any small 

 creatures thus disturbed. When one sees a flock of gal- 

 linules or jacanas feeding quietly in their haunts they 

 appear to be walking on the water, and we find an in- 

 teresting connection between the structure of their feet 

 and toes and certain tropical plants. Such are the 



