294 
POPULAR HISTOEY OF BIRDS. 
others it is straight and pointed ; their legs are shorty and 
the feet very small. When the birds are under water^ these 
organs are not used in progression^ but are stretched out 
behind them ; the wings alone aid them in their progress 
under the water. The members of this family lay but one egg, 
which is of large size ; they are all oceanic birds, and some 
of the species are found further north and further south 
than any other birds. Many birds of this family are quite 
unable to fly, their short wings being only used as fins. 
The feathers of many of them are much sought after, and 
their eggs are objects of considerable value, being of an ex- 
cellent flavour. 
To the group Alcince belong the curious-billed Pufiin, 
aptly called Coulter-kneb from its sharp share-like beak 
[Fratercttla arctica), and the Razor-bill and other auks with 
longer beaks, shaped like the blade of a knife. In the group 
PhaleridincB the bill is less elevated ; this group derives its 
name from its typical genus PJialeris, which contains the 
crested auk, a species from the north-west coast of America. 
There are some species of birds belonging to this group, and 
classed in a peculiar genus named Pygoscelis^ which are 
found in the Antarctic seas. In their habits these birds do 
not seem to differ much from the puffins and auks. We 
