Bij the Rev. A. C. Smith. 



45 



Combined with this peculiar length of leg, we shall see a propor- 

 tionate length of neck or beak or both together, by means of which 

 they can secure the food which they find in the shallow water or 

 mud banks in which they delight: and in the more typical members 

 of the Order, we shall find the toes of great length and partially 

 connected with a membrane, by which they are the better enabled 

 to traverse the soft oozy ground where their prey is most abundant, 

 and to seek their food on the slimy mud into which their bodies 

 would otherwise sink. They are generally provided with powerful 

 wings, and their flight is rapid as well as strong. Their food 

 consists almost, if not quite entirely of animal substances, of which 

 the lower classes of reptiles, fishes, molluscs, worms, and other 

 invertebrate creatures form the principal portion. They are 

 generally of shy and timid nature, ever on the alert for danger, 

 and avoid the too near approach of man. 



CHARADRIADiE (The Plovers) . 



Closely allied to the Bustards, last described, and with the same 

 peculiar formation of foot, from which the hind toe is absent, the 

 large family of Plovers stands at the head of the Waders : their 

 legs are of moderate length, and their beaks of comparative short- 

 ness, as become those which connect the Land and Water birds ; 

 thus too they can on the one hand run with considerable swiftness, 

 and on the other hand they can fly with great rapidity, and prolong 

 their flight almost indefinitely. Being generally late, if not 

 nocturnal feeders, they are furnished with large full eyes, which, 

 with a corresponding expansion of socket, give the head a bulky 

 appearance, which is quite characteristic of the family. When in 

 repose, (and I have often seen them standing asleep) the neck is 

 shortened, and the head drawn down between the shoulders, re- 

 minding one of a hunchback. The large majority of them lay 

 four eggs on the ground ; and when an intruder appears in the 

 neighbourhood, the male whirls about, and feigns lameness, and 

 practises sundry manoeuvres to draw away attention, until the 

 female has stolen away from the nest unperceived. They compose 

 a very large family, and some of the species may be found in every 



