Pectination

Abstract

I HAVE been somewhat disappointed to find that no one can suggest a better explanation of the pectination of birds' claws than that which I gave in NATURE of December 4, 1890 (p. 103). As this is the case, however, perhaps I may be permitted to add a remark to what I then said. It has been pointed out to me by a friend that the lateral position of the serration is not so disadvantageous for scratching purposes as I had imagined. While gladly admitting this—which removes a difficulty from the explanation—I still think that my observations must not be taken as conclusive.