Dr. Traını’s Observations on the Bill of the Toucan. 289 
mandible. From this observation, and the great vascularity of 
the part, I concluded that the bill is not an useless incumbrance, 
as Buffon rashly conjectured; but that it is an admirable con- 
trivance of nature to increase the delicacy of the organ of smell, 
in a species whose residence and habits require great nicety in 
that sense. As the animal is incapable of either tearing or 
bruising its food, it necessarily must feed on small substances. 
Its aliment is said chiefly to consist of small fruits or seeds; and 
for readily attaining these in the wilds of almost impenetrable 
forests, an acute organ of smell is no doubt requisite. Instead, 
then, of regarding the bill of the Toucan as an useless load, I am 
disposed to consider it as an instance of that wisdom and con- 
trivance which attentive observation every where discovers in the 
works of nature. 
I am, Sir, 
With the highest esteem and respect, &c. 
Liverpool, : : Tuos. STEwART TRAILL. 
January 21, 1814, 
J XXVIII. Re- 
