Gentleman’s Magazine.

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NOTES OF A READER.

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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.

Why are birds said to be “poised” in the air?

Because the centre of gravity of their bodies is always below the insertion of their wings, to prevent them falling on their backs, but near that point on which the body is, during flight, as it were, suspended.  The positions assumed by the head and feet are frequently calculated to accomplish these ends, and give to the wings every assistance in continuing the progressive motion.  The tail also is of great use, in regulating the rise and fall of birds, and even their lateral movements.—­Fleming.

Why do birds fly?

Because they have the largest bones of all animals, in proportion to their weight; and their bones are more hollow than those of animals that do not fly.  Air-vessels also enable them to blow out the hollow parts of their bodies, when they wish to make their descent slower, rise more swiftly, or float in the air.  The muscles that move the wings of birds downwards, in many instances, are a sixth part of the weight of the whole body; whereas, those of a man are not in proportion one-hundredth part so large.

Why are birds covered with feathers?

Because, by this addition to the non-conducting appendices of the skin, birds are enabled to preserve the heat, generated in their bodies, from being readily transmitted to the surrounding air, and carried off by its motions and diminished temperature.—­Fleming.

Why are the strongest feathers of birds in the pinions and tail?

Because the pinion-feathers may form, when the wing is expanded, as it were, broad fans, by which the bird is enabled to raise itself in the air and fly; whilst its tail feathers direct its course.—­Blumenbach.

Why do birds moult?