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All the Cloven-footed Water-fowl have long necks and long legs., 
naked above the knees, for the convenience of wading in wa- 
ters in fearch of their prey. Thofe that prey on fifh have ftrong 
bills. Thofe that fearch for minute infefts, or worms that lurk 
in mud, have (lender weak bills, and olfaftory nerves of mod; 
exquifite fenfe; for their food is out of fight. 
As the name implies, their toes are divided, fome to their ori- 
gin ; others have, between the middle toe and outmoft toe, a 
fmall membrane as far as the firft joint. Others have both the 
exterior toes connected to the middlemoft in the fame manner; 
and, in a few, thofe webs reach as far as the fecond joint ; and 
fuch are called Semipalmati. 
Of the Web-footed fowl, the Flamingo , the Avofetta, and Courier , 
partake of the nature of both the Cloven and Web-footed or- 
ders ; having webbed feet, long legs, naked above the knees, 
and long necks. The other Web-footed Water-fowl being 
very much on the element, have Ihort legs, placed far behind, 
and long necks ; and, when on land (by reafon of the fituation 
of their legs) an aukward waddling gate. 
The make of the Cloven-footed Water-fowl is light, both as to 
fkin and bones ; that of the Web-footed, ftrong. 
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