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Class. They are distinguished as an Order by possessing 

 the largest volume of brain in proportion to their size, and 

 a corresponding degree of intelligence ; the vocal organs 

 present the highest degree of perfection to be found in the 

 class, and several of the species are capable of imitating the 

 sounds of the human voice : by the perfection of the foot 

 it is adapted to the greatest variety of purposes, and the 

 hind-toe is always present, and always articulated on the 

 same level or plane with the fore-toes. 



The birds included in this Order are again divided ; and 

 those now about to be described belong to the division or 

 tribe called DENTIROSTRES, on account of the distinct 

 tooth or notch near the extremity of one or both of the 

 mandibles. 



The Great Grey Shrike, the largest of the British spe- 

 cies of the genius Lanius, is only an occasional visitor to 

 this country, and is generally obtained between autumn 

 and spring. On two occasions it has been seen in Essex 

 during summer, by observers who know this bird well ; 

 and also in Burnt-ash Lane, near Lee in Kent, by Mr. 

 Gray ; yet it has not, that I am aware, been ever known 

 to breed here, though the large size of the nest and the 

 variable colour and markings of the eggs of the Red- 

 backed Shrike have in some instances led to the belief 

 that they belonged to the Great Shrike. A pair of Grey 

 Shrikes were frequently seen together in a fir plantation 

 in Northumberland in the spring of 1831 ; but on search 

 being made later in the season, neither the birds nor any 

 nest could be found, and by far the greater number of 

 British killed specimens have been obtained during the 

 winter season. 



The Grey Shrike feeds upon mice, shrews, small birds, 

 frogs, lizards, and large insects. After having killed its 

 prey, it fixes the body in a forked branch, or upon a sharp 



