INTRODUCTION. 7 



bill is a chisel, an awl, or a pair of pincers, or forceps, according 

 to circumstances, all of which are worthy of observation, not 

 only as distinguishing characters of the birds, but as important 

 facts in the general economy of nature. Indeed, the various 

 organs with which birds are provided for arriving at the 

 places where their food is, for seizing it when they are there, 

 and for fitting it for being converted to the purpose of nou- 

 rishment after it is seized, are so varied and so curious, that 

 it is impossible to enumerate them in any other way than by 

 reference to the individual species. 



PAKTS OF A BIRD. 



The Roller. 



