VIOLET PLANTAIN-EATER. 221 



the annexed cut will give a correct idea of the posi- 

 tion of the exterior fore-toe, when turned out as 

 much as its nature will admit. 



This form of foot is not peculiar to the present 

 genus, but seems to he characteristic of all the true 

 Mwophagidce excepting Colias, where all the four 

 toes are more or less directed forwards. 



The hill of this interesting hird is equally remark- 

 able, not merely as to its singular form for it 

 enlarges and spreads like a casque upon the head 

 but likewise as to its substance, which is both light 

 and semi-transparent. This fact has never been 

 noticed, probably because it would not be very 

 apparent in an ill-preserved specimen. Two mag- 

 nificent skins, however, now before us, have been 

 taken great pains with : the rich colouring of the 

 bill has been preserved, probably by the blood being 

 extracted, so that when held in a strong light, there 

 are evident indications of that cellular texture of 

 nerves, hitherto thought to be peculiar to the 

 toucans. We know that this circumstance, if cor- 

 rect, may militate against our opinion that this is a 



