ZOOLOGY. 69 



S. Pariis. Titmouse. Bill compressed, strait, short, and 

 sharp-pointed ; nostrils covered with bristles ; tongue 

 laciniated; toes all separate, the hind toe the longest; 

 claws sharp. 



In food and habits, this genus agrees with the last; they 

 frequent the same situations, as also orchards and gardens • 

 their actions are lively and entertaining : several of the 

 species are easily tamed ; they are readily caught in traps, 

 baited with raw flesh and fat. Seven species are British, 

 see British Ornithology, vols. 1, 2. 



ORDER 11. 



VicM. PIES. 



This Is a very extensive Order, comprising thirty-two 

 genera, comprehending families, of manners and habits 

 Avidely dissimilar ; some nearly approach the Vultures, In 

 their kinds of food, devouring the most putrid substances ; 

 others are a kind of birds of prey, some are insectivorous, 

 others piscivorous, or vemlvorous, many kinds feed entirely 

 on fruits and seeds, some on grain, and other vegetable sub- 

 stances. Of this Order, but few individuals contribute 

 directly to the assistance of mankind ; the Rook, Corvus 

 frugiligus ; however is certainly an exception, as from its 

 propensity to seek out and devour the grub or larvce of the 

 common Chafer, Scarabeus MelolonthOy it rids the farmer of 



one his greatest enemies. 



r 3 



