24 INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



pleted in the stomach. After the whole contents of 

 these cavities have been gradually disposed of, the in- 

 digestible matter, such as hair, feathers, teeth, and 

 elytra, are formed into pellets, and ejected by the 

 mouth. It is a curious fact, that, when a hawk or an 

 owl has swallowed a small bird, in the stomach of 

 which have been seeds, these bodies are not dissolved 

 by the gastric fluid. The cuticular lining of gizzards 

 also remains undigested. As to the owls, I have rare- 

 ly found any thing remaining in their oesophagus ;*but 

 this may depend upon the circumstance of their seldom 

 obtaining much food at a time, as they generally prey 

 on small animals. 



