THE BEAK. 



37 



proportioned, by the addition of a large naked bony 

 protuberance on the forehead. As yet, no satisfac- 

 tory explanation has been given for these enormous 

 protuberances. In the Toucan, indeed, it has been 

 suspected, that the bill is capable of feeling pleasure 

 or pain, and not altogether insensible, like the horny 

 bills of other birds, and the nails and claws of 

 animals ; for the above-mentioned bird was fre- 

 quently observed to scratch his beak with his foot, 

 which he would not have done, had it not produced 

 an agreeable sensation. 



The Pelican. 



The Pelican's beak is also very large, and the 

 under jaw or mandible furnished with a vast pouch, 

 in which it can convey a considerable supply of 

 food for its young. The Avoset, a bird of the 



