THE PIED-BILLED DOBCHICK. 329 



The cceca are only 3 twelfths long, and 1 twelfth broad. The cloaca is 

 globular, and of moderate size. 



The trachea is 5 inches 10 twelfths long, much flattened; If twelfths in 

 breadth, toward the lower part 2 twelfths, and lastly contracted to 1^- 

 twelfths; the rings 150. The bronchi differ in this species from the rest in 

 being composed of distinctly separated cartilaginous half rings, 15 in number. 

 The muscles as in the other species. 



In another individual, a female, the stomach is of a regularly elliptical 

 form, 1 inch 9 twelfths long, 1^ inches in breadth; the muscular coat of 

 moderate thickness, composed of strong fasciculi; the epithelium thinner and 

 more corrugated. The stomach contains a great quantity of feathers, scales 

 of fishes, numerous elytra of aquatic coleoptera, and a fish 3 inches long, and 

 11 twelfths in depth. 



It is very remarkable, and equally singular, that all the Grebes should 

 have the stomach distended with feathers. These bodies being indigestible, 

 and not the remains of objects devoured, for none of these birds prey upon 

 birds, must be swallowed for the purpose of aiding digestion; but in what 

 manner they accomplish this object is not easily determinable. They may 

 keep the stomach distended by their elasticity, but why should that organ 

 require to be more so than that of the Divers, which live on the same sort of 

 food? 



Vol. VII. 46 



