296 



REPTILES AND BIRDS. 



During the summer they occasionally visit the shores of the Medi- 

 terranean, but they are seldom seen on those of the Atlantic. By 

 sportsmen they are little valued. 



Macrodactyles. 



The Birds forming the family of Macrodactyles (long- toed) are 

 remarkable for the extreme length of their toes, which are entirely 

 separate, or but slightly webbed ; they are thus enabled to walk on 



Fiji a 



-Water- Hen. 



the weeds growing on the surface of the water. In most instances 

 the shortness of their wings limits their powers of flight. 



This order includes the Gallinules, Rails, Coots, Pratincoles, 

 and Screamers. 



The chief characteristics of the Water Hen (Galli?nda chlorofius, 

 Fig. 111) are a short and strong bill, thick at the base and shaip at 

 the end, with a prolongation of it extending up the forehead ; four 

 well-spread toes, furnished with sharp claws — the three front toes 

 united by a small and cloven membrane. They are plentiful in 

 some parts of France and England, their favourite haunts being 

 marshy places and the banks of lakes or rivers, where they feed on 

 worms, insects, molluscs, and the smaller fish. They are lively, 



