The Skull 



107 



large rounded portion taking up most of the skull proper 

 is, of course, the box of bone which protects the brain. 

 On each side, a large cavity shows where the eyes are 

 placed, and if we compare this skull with that of a cat 

 or dog or with that of a human being, we will see what 

 great importance eyes must be to a bird; the cavities 

 for them are so much larger than in other animals. Back 



Fig. 83. — Skull of Fowl, showing orbit, brain-case, ear, lower jaw, premaxillary 

 {Pmx.), maxillary {Mx.), vomer (Vo.). lacrymal (Lc), jugal (Ju.), palatine 

 (Pal.), pterygoid (.Ptg), quadrate {Qd.), and supra (Sup. occ), ex {Ex. 

 occ), and basioccipital bones. (After Parker.) 



of each eye-case we see an irregular opening, the portal 

 of the ear; and in front of the brain two apertures in the 

 beak open toward the organ of the nose. The prominent 

 beak and wide-spreading lower jaw are chiefly concerned 

 in the procuring of food. We need not bother with the 

 names of all the bones, but there are some too interest- 

 ing and with too strange a history to be passed by. 



Let us glance at the back of the skull for a moment. 

 Here we find a large round opening through which the 



