THE BEAK. 27 



their food, as Woodcocks, Ducks, &c., the hardness is gradually 

 diminished. 



A philosopher need not go further than this instrument, in 

 search of a proof how well the providence of God fits the 

 means to the end. 



The hooked tip and sharp overhanging edge of the upper 

 mandible, in the birds of prey, act like a dissector's knife, 

 readily separating the flesh from the bones : a bill, hooked at 

 the end with sharp edges, may indeed be considered as a 

 characteristic of all birds of prey, that is, of all birds living 

 on smaller birds, or quadrupeds, or fishes. Instead of a hook 

 there is a sort of tooth at the extremity of the beak of certain 

 birds of this class, which adds greatly to its strength ; and it 

 has been observed that those possessing it are more noble and 

 courageous than others. Thus 

 the Shrike, or Butcher Bird, 

 although its usual food consists 

 of beetles and insects, will not 

 only bravely defend itself, but 

 occasionally attack birds far 

 superior in size ; and is a per- , 

 feet terror to the smaller species, 

 who flutter round their assail- 



Vulture. 



ant, uttering the most piercing 



cries, as if they wished to give notice of the intruder's approach. 

 The bill of the Parrot is also hooked, but is at the same time 

 unfitted for the uses to which it is applied by the birds just 

 mentioned, curving and overlapping the lower bill so much, 

 that if the lower bill only had motion, the bird could scarcely 

 open its mouth sufficiently wide to receive food ; yet neither 

 the hook nor the overlapping could be omitted, since it is by 

 the beak that Parrots so readily climb ; for which purpose it is 

 therefore fitted, as well as for breaking nuts and other hard 

 substances on which they feed. 



The way by which the Parrot's beak is able to answer both 

 purposes is this : the upper mandible, which in other birds 

 forms one uniform piece or continuation of the skull, is united 



