HOMRAI OF THE HIMALAYA. 



181 



laminated, and bearing a close resemblance to proper horn, while that of 

 the latter is much thinner, of a fibrous consistence, and nail-like in struc- 

 ture. The edges of the bills, of both mandibles, for about two-thirds of 

 their length from the point, are horny, but the surface is so irregular and 

 jagged, that their appearance leaves no doubt that much of the natural 

 structure has been broken off, by the use which the bird makes of its bill. 

 In consequence of this, when the jaws are closed, there is a considerable 

 vacancy between the cutting edges throughout the whole central portion of 

 the bill. In some specimens in Mr. Hodgson's Collection the fractures 

 have taken place at such regular intervals, as to give to these parts the 

 appearance of natural indentations. 



To entertain this supposition, however, would be erroneous, as there 

 is evident reason to believe that in a bill, which is perfect, the horn by 

 which it is covered does not extend to its edges, but terminates just before 

 it arrives at these, in a substance not very much unlike solid bone. The 

 chief difference from the latter, is, that it is exceedingly brittle in its nature, 

 though it is by no means deficient in compactness. 



That this substance borders the edges of both mandibles in their 

 natural state, is confirmed by numerous portions which are here and 

 there left, in all the specimens I have examined. There is, also, a distinct 

 line along the bills denoting the termination of the horn, into this hard 

 structure, which in some individuals is of a red colour, and in others, a black. 



There is no trace of reproduction, after a portion has once been destroy- 

 ed, and so much of it is lost in early life, that in the mature bird, the only 

 portion which remains perfect, is that which is situated nearest the rraiiiuni. 

 In six out of seven of these birds which I have examined, all those remain- 

 ing portions of sound bill, have certain scrraticms on tiicir edi;cs, which 

 proceed from this hard substance : in none, hoN\evcr, were they arranged 



2 Y 



