^December 



217 



where it feels about for the worms on which the 

 bird subsists. 



The pheasant is a type of a grain-eating bird, 

 the bill being short and powerful, much like that 

 of the common fowl. 



WOODCOCK'S SKULL. 



It is well to know the difference between what 

 are called hard-billed and soft-billed birds, since we 

 may desire to bring up some fledgeling, and be in 

 doubt as to the food suitable for its needs. If it 

 has a beak like the common sparrow, then it is 



PHEASANT'S SKULL. 



hard-billed, and a grain-eating bird. We may be 

 sure it will thrive upon some such food as sopped 

 brown bread, or a paste made of oatmeal and water. 

 If, on the contrary, the beak is slender, like a robin's, 

 it is called soft-billed, which is an indication that it 

 is an insect-eater. Such young birds must have a 

 diet of finely minced raw beef mixed with a little 



