ANSERINjG. COLYMBIDiE. 
191 
the most aberrant of all the Anatidai, the flamingo con- 
sequently becomes that form by which the Natatores 
are united to the Orallatores. 
(212.) The Axseuinas, or geese, constitute the 
rasorial subfamily of the whole group. Although much 
nearer related to the true duck than are the flamingos, 
they are, nevertheless, much more terrestrial in their 
habits; and in their strong and high legs, fondness 
for grain and vegetables, and comparative shortness of 
wing, we trace many of the chief characters of the 
rasorial type. The first form, after quitting the- 
flamingos, seems to be the natatorial genus Cygnus, 
which, by its great length of neck, and large sized 
body, softens down the interval between the ducks and 
the Phcenicoptinm. We next come to the true geese, 
forming the genus Anser, the typical division of the 
whole group, and which contains most, if not all, of 
the nsual subgenera. The tree geese (or ducks, as 
they have been called) next follow ; among which, the 
subgenus Clicnaloplex will probably find a place. Plec- 
trnpteriis is the rasorial genus, analogous, by its spur- 
wings, to the Rallidce, ; while the Australian genus 
Cereopsis (equally representing the pigeons), appears 
alone necessary to complete this circle. 
(213.) The remaining families, not having been fully 
andysed, will be more briefly noticed. The Colymbid.® 
are composed of the guillemots, divers, and grebes : with 
the exception of the last, they are all marine birds, with a 
lengthened, strong, straight bill ; the wings are generally 
remarkably short ; and the feet placed so far back out of 
the equilibrium of the body, that they will not allow the 
birds to walk upon the land even so well as ducks. 
They are few in number, and these are chiefly confined 
to the northern regions, although some species of grebe 
occur both in South America and New Holland ; the 
tails of all are remarkably short. The genera yet 
determined are only four. The first (^Colymhus') com- 
prehends tlie true divers, of which aU the three species 
hitherto discovered are found on the sliores of Britain, 
