THE CROSSBILL AND FLAMINGO. 



297 



Crossbill 



Curvnostra). 



But a more accurate observation has shown that this appa- 

 rently awkward shape is in fact most ad- 

 mirably adapted to the habits of the bird. 

 For the crossbills live mostly on the seeds 

 of the cones of the fir, in procuring which 

 they exhibit wonderful instinct, as, holding 

 the cone in their claws, they bring the points 

 of their beak immediately over each other, 

 and insinuate them between the scales, when, 

 forcing them laterally, the scales open, and 

 then again bringing the points in contact, 

 they pick out the seed with the utmost ease. 



Thus, where even an eminent naturalist ventured to find 

 fault, we meet with a most beautiful and interesting example 

 of Divine foresight and wisdom, which may well teach us to be 

 humble and cautious in attempting to question His ways, or 

 to pass judgment on His works. 



The flamingo, one of the most remarkable of all the aquatic 

 birds for its beauty, and the great length of its neck and legs, 

 is also possessed of a most 

 singularly-formed beak, 

 nearly seven inches long, 

 higher than broad, and 

 suddenly curved down- 

 wards from the middle. 

 This extraordinary shape 

 corresponds with an 

 equally extraordinary 

 mode of feeding, for 

 when fishing for its prey in 

 the teeming shallows, the 

 flamingo twists its long neck in such a manner that the upper 

 part of its bill is applied to the ground, while the trampling 

 feet at the same time disturb the water, so as to raise up the 

 worms, molluscs, or crustaceans which form the bird's repast. 



~".ie structure of the tongue assists in an admirable manner 

 tin.' action of the bill and feet, for the spines with which its 

 upper surface is armed are arranged in an irregular and alter- 

 nate series, and act with the notches on the edge of the upper 

 mandible, in which they press when the bird feeds with the 



Bill of the Flamingo. 



