If you'd added some parens you'd have gotten it working your way.
wc -l <( find -type f -print0 | xargs -0 cat )
Or for the zsh fans . . .
wc -l <( print -n **/*(.) | xargs -0 cat )
--
Fletch | "If you find my answers frightening, __`'/|
fletch at phydeaux.org | Vincent, you should cease askin' \ o.O'
| scary questions." -- Jules =(___)=
| U