POULTRY, 



Character.stics. — These birds are characterised by the 

 beak being raised, and the upper mandible being arched, so 

 that the edges of it go beyond those of the under mandible. 

 The nostrils are covered with a convex cartilaginous mem- 

 brane ; the tail is composed of more than twelve feathers ; 

 the toes are connected as far as the first joint. IVIost of the 

 species feed on grain, which is softened in their crops. I only 

 Imow of six species that can be tamed in the house. 



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