240 
BIRD-LIFE. 
a strong curve inwards ; the webs being of some breadth; 
the two appendages in this species merit the appellation 
of wings; the tarsi resemble knife-blades placed with 
their edges foremost; the toes diminishing in thickness 
from the end to the keel are each separately furnished 
with a lobated web; the tail is altogether wanting, being 
only represented by a tuft of ragged feathers ; the snake¬ 
like neck carries a small head, which is armed with a 
long pointed bill. No other bird can surpass a creature 
so equipped in powers of swimming. The pointed beak, 
straight outstretched neck and skittle-shaped body are 
thoroughly calculated to dart through the water; the feet 
are the most perfect which can well be imagined for the 
purpose for which they are intended. All impediment to 
forward progress appears, with such a structure, to be 
entirely removed. The Grebe lives on the water, like the 
Swift in the air. The Penguin is, only as far as appear¬ 
ances go, better adapted for swimming than the Grebe. 
The form of its body does not differ in the general 
character of its structure from that of the latter, but does 
so considerably in the following details. The feathers 
may be compared from their structure and position (not 
unlike tiles on a roof) to fishes’ scales; the wings, almost 
bereft of feathers, have become veritable fins ; the feet are 
feathered to the toes, which are all turned forward—only 
three of these however are concealed by the web through¬ 
out their whole length; the tail is composed of very 
short, powerful, narrow, elastic feathers : the beak alone 
differs but little from that of the Grebe. Provided with a 
thick layer of fat under its leather-like skin this bird is a 
very seal among birds: indeed it truly resembles that 
animal in form and habits. It swims with the same 
rolling rapidity, walks, fishes and lives in the same 
