382 DIGESTIVE APPARATUS OP BIRDS. 



and to grind down its contents. This organ is most muscular 

 in granivorous Birds ; the thickness of its fleshy sides is con- 

 siderable ; and its inner surface is covered with a sort of almost 



(Esophagus. 



Large Intestine 



Ureter - 



Oviduct 



Cloaca 

 Anus 



Fio. 201. DIGESTIVE APPARATUS OF FOWL. 



cartilaginous epithelium. Its strength is immense ; in the Ostrich 

 for instance, the hardest bodies have been ground down by ii 

 contractions ; and it evidently takes the place of an apparatu 

 for mastication. 



345. The Intestine, which forms the continuation of this 



