INTRODUCTION. 
27 
in the fourth five. Ail the species described in this Yolume 
have four toes. Generally one toe only, the first, is directed 
Fig. 9. 
backwards, Fig. 6 ; but sometimes also the fourth or outer 
toe, as is the case in Owls, Woodpeckers, Fig, 9, the Cuckoo, 
Fig. 10. 
Fig. 11. 
and the Wryneck, The toes are generally co- 
vered above with large scales, named scutella^ 
but in some species there are scutella only at 
the end, the other parts being covered with 
scales. The claws vary in length and form, 
but the terms used in describing them are easily 
understood. Thus they are nearly straight in 
the Lark, Fig. 6 ; arched in the Nuthatch, 
Fig. 10. 
The Plumage varies in texture, being dense, 
compact, firm, glossy, loose, or downy. Each 
feather. Fig. 11, is composed of the tube, a ; 
the shaft, 6; the outer web, c, and the inner 
