OF BUCEROS. 183 



partially forth, closes its neck-plumes, and drops its tail, the outline of 

 the body is long, narrow, and not unpleasing. But to see this bird to 

 advantage, mark him when dressing his plumage with the fine shoulders 

 of the wings projected, the strong, nervous legs exposed to view, and the 

 jflexible neck extended and arched backwards. His figure has then some 

 of the graces, and even terrors of the nobler birds of prey. Its disposi- 

 tion is placid and tranquil ; but it is not therefore deficient in spirit, and 

 when a captive and caged, though it hates, it fears not the approach of 

 dogs, and to man's approach is quite indifferent. It is easily tamed, both 

 from its confidence and quiet habits. Its habits are sedentary : it dis- 

 likes strong light and heat — and tenants the deep woods, covering the 

 hills which overhang the great Saul forest. Its more peculiar haunts are 

 the largest trees, especially such as are decaying, the trunks of which 

 it perforates from the side, making its abode within upon the solid wood, 

 and having its mansion further secreted by an ingeniously contrived 

 door: so that it is difficultly found, and more difficultly taken. That 

 which is now before me was extracted from the tree by cutting down to 

 its nest with axes. I am told it pairs, and is not gregarious. It cannot 

 walk, but advances on foot forwards and sideways, by hops, like a crow, or 

 magpie. Its flight is horizontal and heavy, with neck retracted and tail 

 dropped. The voice of the mature bird is usually a short, hoarse croak ; 

 but when angry, or alarmed, it utters a cry not unlike a dog's bark. If 

 left alone, it seldom speaks, but when once excited to utterance, is most 

 pertinaciously noisy. 



To ascertain the habits, in respect to food, of a very rare and shy 

 bird, is extremely difficult. After much enquiry, I gather that this spe- 

 cies of Buceros feeds chiefly upon fruits — but, when urged by hunger, 

 does not refrain from various kinds of reptiles ; judging by the struc- 

 ture 



