Knowledge of natural history, revfrom Reason why: natural history, giving reasons for hundreds of interesting facts in connection with zoology; and throwing light upon the peculiar habits and instincts of the various orders of the animal kingdom . d toe, andthe general position of theweb being inwards ratherthan forwards, as may beseen in the annexed figureof the right foot df thecormorant, with the sideoutwards, which is turned towards the center of the birdo 937. If the prey is on the surface, and small, these birds can captureit by a snap of the bill, and ascend again without losing the win
Knowledge of natural history, revfrom Reason why: natural history, giving reasons for hundreds of interesting facts in connection with zoology; and throwing light upon the peculiar habits and instincts of the various orders of the animal kingdom . d toe, andthe general position of theweb being inwards ratherthan forwards, as may beseen in the annexed figureof the right foot df thecormorant, with the sideoutwards, which is turned towards the center of the birdo 937. If the prey is on the surface, and small, these birds can captureit by a snap of the bill, and ascend again without losing the wing, inthe same manner that the skimming birds take the greater part of theirfood: but if the prey is under the surface, and large, the wing mustnot only suspend its action, but be partially closed, and the bird mustthus enter the water, using its wings as agents in again ascending. 938. Why are stormy petrels enabled to run uponthe surface of the water? Because the lightness of their bodies, and the actionof the wind upon their wings, enable them with ease toassume this position during a storm. In calm weather theyperform the same manoeuver, by keeping their wings justso much in action as to prevent their feet from sinkingbelow the KNOWLEDGE OF NATURAL HISTORY. 289 —Such murmur filldTh assembly, as when hollow rocks retainThe sound of blustering winds, which all night longHad rousd the sea.—Milton.
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1900, bookdecade1910, booksubjectzoology, bookyear1916
