xxxvin 
INTRODUCTION. 
them as instruments of defence or rapine, strong, sharp, and firm. — 
Admirable, indeed, are the contrivances of nature, and always well adapted 
to the habits of the animal. Thus, the webbed foot of the Diver, the life 
of which is nearly spent on the watery element, furnishes an instance of 
the most incomparable contrivance and ingenious mechanism. The web 
contracts, when the bird uses no efforts to expand it, and the toes fold in a 
line beneath each other, presenting to the wave a narrow blade. The 
flexor tendons, from the foot to the leg, are of enormous size and strength, 
and powerfully compress the foot into this sharp front. As soon as the bird 
has pressed its wide-spread oar against the receding w^ave, and stretched it 
to its length, the muscles, which, by their elasticity, give way to its 
exertion, immediately draw the web and toes into their compressed state. 
The toes of land birds are so constructed, that when they are pressed 
together, at the centre or heel, they instantly clasp the object on which 
they rest. This beautiful construction gives security, without exertion ; 
and in proportion to the rapidity of the motion of the seat, the more 
forcibly do the toes contract ; as the contraction arises as well from the 
pressure of the branch, as from the weight of the body of the bird. By 
this conformation, the wise Creator has provided for the safety of the fea- 
thered tribe, even in the season of repose. The fury of the storm may 
threaten destruction to every thing in its course, the oak tremble at its 
base, and its top prostrate itself before the wild force of the tempest ; yet 
the gentle, timorous dove sits cradled in security among its branches, 
heedless of danger; or sleeps soundly and safely amid the frightening terrors 
and awful convulsions of nature. 
