ZOOLOGY. 635 



of the bill, so that here the cibarial instruments obviously 

 rank upon the lowest stage, and remind us of the pro- 

 boscis in Flies, Butterflies, and Bugs. 



Fam. 2. Polypary Birds, Woodpeckers. 



Bill straight and chisel-shaped, two of the toes directed 

 forwards and two backwards. 



The Woodpeckers stand obviously a step higher, 

 because their bill is specially active in seeking out larvae, 

 and their body is held securely by the toes and stiff tail. 



Fam. 3. Acalephan Birds, Cuckoos. 



Bill rounded, slightly arched and obtuse; feet scan- 

 sorial. 



These Birds are less animated or lively than the pre- 

 ceding ones, keep themselves more concealed, and live 

 mostly upon caterpillars in warmer countries. Some of 

 them lay their eggs in the nests of other Birds. 



Order 2. Conchozooid Birds Conirostres. 



3555. Bill short, thick, and straight, without a notch, 

 three toes directed forwards. 



These Birds usually perch upon branches, without, 

 however, being able to walk upon them, since they 

 usually hop, and must therefore make an auxiliary use 

 of their wings. They are all of them granivorous, and 

 in a condition both to crush the seeds with their strong 

 bill, as well as pound them with their fleshy stomach 

 or gizzard. 



Their instruments of manducation and digestion are 

 therefore perfect, added to which they are so allied to 

 the subsequent order of Rapaces, that they could not be 

 arranged lower ; probably they ought even to rank higher. 



Fam. 4. Mussel-Birds, Sparrows. 



Bill short and coniform, without bristles ; eat simply 

 grains. 



Fam. 5. Snail-Birds, Crows. 



Bill long and coniform ; eat grains, beetles and flesh, 

 and pass gradually over into the Rapaces. 



Fam. 6. Kracken-Vogel, Parrots. 



Bill very thick and curved. The food consists of 



