18 
INTRODUCTION. 
ing in the earth. By observing the contour of the 
Turkey and the Pheasant, or of the common poultry 
of our barn-yards, it will be seen that they are formed 
for a terrestrial existence, and that their heavy bodies 
and less capacious wings unfit them for much aerial 
locomotion. 
In the Grallae, or fifth division, a long bill, long 
neck, long legs, and sometimes long toes, are the 
prominent features. The Heron, the Crane, the Cur- 
lew, and others of this class, often seek their food in 
deep waters, into which they wade as far as the length 
of their legs will permit, and, with the head resting 
upon the shoulders, they stand silently, with their 
eyes fixed upon the stream, until some unwary fish 
comes within their reach, when they dart out their 
long necks and catch it. 
The Natatores are a large order, composed of 
Ducks, Swans, and Geese; these live almost exclu- 
sively in the water; they are web-footed, and swim 
very beautifully, sailing about on the surface like a 
miniature ship. The bill is of a peculiar formation, 
being broad and somewhat boat-shaped, and rounded 
at the extremity. They feed upon the vegetation 
found growing in, and on the margin of, the water, 
also upon worms, larvae, etc. Although these birds 
seem more adapted for a life divided between the 
land and the water, yet they are possessed of great 
powers of flight, and are often seen in considerable 
numbers soaring aloft and progressing with a very 
rapid motion. Their line of march is singular, one 
generally taking the lead, and the rest following in 
