Beaks of Birds. 31 



in form, in size, in consistency, and in capabilities they may be ; 

 however diverse in appearance, however perfect or imperfect, 

 proportionate or disproportionate, graceful or ugly, they may 

 seem; if we examine with attention the uses for which they 

 were respectively formed, and to which they are daily applied, 

 we shall see that they all unite in partaking of this one common 

 attribute, that they are all (each in its separate capacity) the 

 very best instruments that could be devised for accomplishing 

 their several ends, and that nothing can be conceived more 

 appropriate for attaining their peculiar objects. Differ, indeed, 

 they do in appearance from one another ; various, indeed, are 

 their powers, but varied, too, is the work for which they were 

 formed. Should we provide ourselves with the same instrument 

 if we went forth to procure game, or to reap corn ? Should we 

 arm ourselves in the same manner if we wanted to catch fish and 

 to gather fruits ? The absurdity of such a thing is apparent. 

 And just so it is with the beaks of birds ; they are the tools or 

 instruments provided for them by the All-wise and bountiful 

 Creator, the very best tools for their respective wants, and which 

 have often guided the mechanic to the precise form of the imple- 

 ment best suited to his purpose. 



We shall do well first to examine the beak as peculiar to the 

 several orders and tribes. 



Now the Birds of Prey live entirely on animal food ; when 

 they have pounced on their victim on the ground, or struck 

 down some hapless bird on the wing (with the foot though, be it 

 remembered, and not at all with the beak, as is so often erro- 

 neously supposed), the beak is wanted for tearing apart and 

 seizing piecemeal the prey. To this end what can be more 

 adapted than the strong, short, hooked beak, which is one of the 

 characteristics of this whole order ? It is of nearly equal breadth 

 and height at the base, moderately compressed, or flattened side- 

 ways, towards the end ; and is furnished with a remarkable tooth- 

 like projection in the upper mandible, the tip being curved 

 downwards, three-cornered and very sharp. With this powerful 

 instrument the vulture can unrip the carcase of the fallen and 



