246 



VERTEBRATES. 



active, and hops about the branches of the trees with much ease. 

 The appendage to the upper mandible is small when the bird is 

 young, and only attains its enormous size when the Hornbill has 

 reached its full growth. The bill of the 

 hoopoes presents a somewhat analogous 

 peculiarity, as when the bird is young the 

 bill is short and pointed, and increases with 

 the size of the bird. From this circum- 

 stance, together with some other resem- 

 blances, some naturalists imagine that there 

 is an affinity between the hornbilis and 

 hoopoes. 



The Hornbilis seem to be omnivorous, 

 fruits, eggs, birds, reptiles, etc., forming 

 their food. The African Hornbilis are ex- 

 tremely fond of nutmegs, and are, on that 

 account, said to be peculiarly delicate eating, reminding one of the 

 Barmecide's memorable lamb fed on pistachio nuts. The Rhino- 

 ceros Hornbill is a native of India, and the Indian islands. The 

 length of its bill is usually about ten inches. 



llhinoceroa Hornbill. 



THE TOOTH-BILLED FEROHERS. 



The NiGHTiNOAiiE. — ^In the beginning of May, the Night- 

 ingale prepares to make its nest, which is formed of the leaves of 

 trees, straw, and moss. The nest being very eagerly sought after, 

 IS as cunningly secreted ; so that but very few of them are found 

 by the boys when they go upon these pursuits. It is built at the 

 bottom of hedges, where the bushes are thickest and best covered; 

 While the female continues sitting, the male at a good distance, 

 but always within hearing, cheers the patient hour with his voice, 

 and, by the short interruption of his song, often gives her warning 

 of approaching danger. She lays four or five eggs ; of which but 

 a part in our cold climate come to maturity. 



The delicacy, or rather the fame, of this bird'p music, has 

 induced many to abridge its liberty to be secured jf its song. 

 Indeed, the greatest pait of what has been written concerning it in 

 every country, consists in direction* how to manage it for domestic 



