4G 
FLIGHT PECULIAR TO THE BIRD. 
an arrow; again, he rocks and gambols playfully; or he glides, he runs, 
he speeds through the air with the I'apidity of thought. Sometimes he 
moves to and fro with a gentle, slow, undulating motion ; the waves of 
air seem agitated beneath him. We hear no sound, at first; but now we 
catch the rapid beat of the restless wings. Another moment, and not 
even the slightest movement is perceptible; then he rises to heights of 
which we can hardly conceive, or drops down even to the surface of the 
waves, the spray of which moistens his plumage. But, says Brehm, 
however varied it may be, flight is still flight. The organs used in it 
we call " wings ; " and with wings the imagination of our poets has 
furnished the blessed spirits who stand before the great white Throne 
of God, prepared to do His bidding. 
Birds also walk, swim, dive, and climb ; but of these actions it seems 
unnecessary to speak in detail. Tlie characteristic movement of the 
bird is — Flight. 
