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ANATINiE. 
FAMILY XLII. ANATINiE. ANATINE 
BIRDS OR DUCKS. 
Although a Goose is considerably different in appear- 
ance and habits from a Duck, yet the interval between 
the two birds being filled up by species gradually ap- 
proximating to either, it is found that the entire series 
cannot be subdivided unless in a somewhat arbitrary 
manner ; so that, in fact, there are no strictly defined 
limits between the Anserinee and the Anatinse. Ducks 
are merely small Geese, having the body more elongated, 
the neck shortened, the bill more depressed the feet 
shorter, and the tarsi more compressed. Their general 
characters are the following -.—Bill about the length of 
the head, or shorter, higher than broad at the base, gra- 
dually depressed, generally becoming a little broader to- 
ward the end, and sometimes more or less rearcuate; 
upper mandible with the frontal angles moderate and 
pointed, the ridge flattened at the base, the sides convex 
toward the end, the unguis oblong, decurved, and rather 
small. Mouth rather narrow ; anterior palate concave, 
with a medial prominent line, and on each side a series 
of transverse, thin lamellse ; similar but smaller lamellae 
on the sides of the lower mandible ; tongue fleshy, deeply 
grooved above, with lateral series of bristles, and a thin 
broadly rounded tip ; oesophagus of moderate width, or 
rather narrow ; stomach a very large, transversely ellip- 
tical gizzard, placed obliquely, with very large muscles, 
thick rugous epithelium, and somewhat concave grinding 
surfaces ; intestine very long, and of moderate width ; 
coeca very long. Trachea of nearly uniform width, the 
lower larynx with an osseous enlargement, generally 
transverse, and bulging on the left side. Nostrils ob- 
long, moderate or small. Eyes small. Legs short or 
