BIRD ATHLETES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XXXX, Issue 13091, 3 June 1913, Page 3

BIRD ATHLETES.

LARGE HEARTS FOR RAPID FLY-

ING, SMALL FOR SOARING

PARIS, March 20.'

Interesting researches among birds and animals on the effects of excessive exercise of tlie heart have been described by Dr Magnan, director of the 9ch06l of higher studies in Paris, at the International Congress on Physical Education.

He finds that birds which have a small amount of wing surface, and are consequently compelled f.o move their wings very rapidly, possess enormous hearts. Those who are able to use tlieir large wings to float like an aeroplane have hearts of modest- size, showing a direct connection between the volume of this organ and the intensity of the muscular effort employed.Among mammals Dr JVlagnan points out that, The flesh-eaters, which are capable of putting forth intense muscular power for a short time but cannot sustain prolonged exertion, have hearts of considerable volume. The herb-eating animals, capable of rj.ro-. longed exertions only, have much smaller hearts. .