168 PASSERES. BUCEROTID.E, 



The great size of the beak naturally induces 

 the idea of great weight ; and we wonder at the 

 strength requisite for the bird to support and 

 wield an organ so apparently heavy. The appear- 

 ance, however, is deceptive ; for by a beautiful 

 provision of Creative wisdom, the horny case being 

 thin, and the bony core being hollowed into num- 

 berless cells of various sizes and forms, with very 

 thin walls between them, the requisite firmness of 

 this organ is maintained, and associated with a 

 surprising lightness. 



HEAD OF BUCEROS NIPALENSIS. 



The remaining characters of the Family may be 

 thus briefly summed up. The nostrils are situated 

 at the base of the beak, and are more or less 

 rounded ; the tongue is fleshy, and resembling that 

 of the Accipitres, short and deep in the throat ; 

 the wings are rather short ; the tail long, broad, 

 and more or less rounded at the extremity, con- 

 sisting of only ten feathers ; the feet short, 

 strong, and formed for walking and perching; 



