EUROPEAN CROSSBILL. 711 



the curious crossing and elongation of the tips of the mandibles 

 characteristic of this genus are not observeable, the bill being 

 similar to that of a Finch or Sparrow, though stronger and 

 more compressed. In this respect the Crossbills are not singu- 

 lar. Thus, the Oyster-catcher, when young, has the tips of both 

 mandibles pointed, and that of the upper considerably elon- 

 gated ; whereas, by the action of driving limpets from the rocks, 

 the end of the bill is ultimately thinned on either side, so as 

 to become wedge-shaped. It appears that in some degree the 

 bills of Woodpeckers owe their cuneate form to the same cause. 

 The thin edges of the mandibles of many sea-birds, as the Gan- 

 nets and Phaetons, become transversely or obliquely fissured by 

 use ; and the serratures on the claws of Gannets, Cormorants, 

 and Herons, have no existence while the young birds remain 

 in their nests. 



The undue prolongation of the mandibles, in consequence of 

 a deflection from their natural direction, is frequently observed 

 in the Rook, which, on account of its habits, is peculiarly liable 

 to this accident. It is also not unfrequently seen in cage-birds. 

 The elongation of the upper mandible invariably takes place in 

 all birds which, by captivity, are prevented from using their 

 bills in the natural manner or degree, and is usually very con- 

 spicuous in tame Eagles and Parrots. This abnormal growth 

 is not confined to the mandibles, but is common to all horny 

 parts, as the claws and hoofs of birds and quadrupeds, as well 

 as the horns of the Ruminantia, and extends even to the teeth, 

 as is naturally seen in the Hog genus, and accidentally in the 

 Glires. 



EMBERIZA SCHCENICLUS. THE REED BUNTING. 

 Vol. I, p. 453. 



In winter and spring this bird feeds much on the buds of 

 willows and other trees or shrubs, growing in marshy places. 

 I have derived much pleasure from watching a flock so engaged ; 

 for they cling to the twigs in various positions, and exhibit 

 nearly as much activity as the Siskin does when similarly en- 



