THE ROLLERS. 483 
The Nutcracker (Vucifraga caryocatactes, Fig. 199)-is furnished 
with a long, strong, and straight bill, with which it can penetrate 
the bark of trees when in search of insects, and open the cones 
of firs and pines, on the kernels of which it feeds.; failing these, it 
eats the hazel-nut and wild fruit, from which circumstance it derives 
its name. They inhabit the mountain forests of Europe and Asia, 
building their nests in the trunks of trees, to which they are capable 
of clinging, but not of climbing. | 
The Rollers (Coractas garrula, Fig. 200) have in their general 
Fig. 199.—The Nutcracker. 
appearance and habits considerable resemblance to the Jays ; but they 
differ, from the beak being more robust and the nostrils uncovered ; 
they are also more timid, withdrawing into the thickest parts of the 
woods, which are their favourite haunts. When taken young from 
the nest it is tamable. Dr. Meyer, of Offenbach, and others, have 
succeeded in rearing them; but although they become so tame as to 
know those who attend to their wants, they never grow familiar. 
_ Their favourite food consists of insects and their larve, worms, and 
the smaller reptiles ; but failing these they feed on berries, seeds, and 
certain roots. 
The bill of the Roller is black towards the point, becoming brown 
at the base, with a few bristles; the irides are formed of yellow and 
