NOTES OF A READER.
KNOWLEDGE FOR THE PEOPLE: OR, THE PLAIN WHY AND BECAUSE.
Part IV.—Zoology—Birds.
This portion illustrates the Economy of Birds, with a few of the most attractive varieties, under European and British, and Foreign Birds. We quote from the "General Economy;" premising that the present Part contains about 250 such illustrations, or Why and Because.
Why are birds usually classed according to the forms of their bills and feet? Because those parts are connected with their mode of life, food, etc., and influence their total habit very materially. Blumenbach.
Why have birds little power of suction?
Because of the narrowness and rigidity of their tongue; as may be seen when they drink, having to hold up their heads, and depend upon the weight of the water for transmitting it into the craw.—Rennie.