94 



ON THE MENTAL QUALITIES AND 



These suspicions are verified by an inspection of nature ; 

 for, on comparing the skull of the sparrow (Fringilla 

 domestica), with that of the canary (F. canaria), it will 

 he perceived that the musical organ is much better de- 

 veloped in the former than in the latter. I have before me 

 specimens of both ; the canary, an old male, was remark- 

 able for its singing talents, while the other, also a male, was 

 as unmusical as sparrows usually are. We must then, if 

 we place any faith in phrenology, immediately elevate the 

 sparrow to the rank of a songster, for although it cannot 

 feing, the large size of Tune giving only power, not ac- 

 tivity, yet no doubt by proper training and a strictly 

 moral and intellectual education, with a view to develope 

 its natural capabilities, it would eventually eclipse all its 

 compeers. 



According to phrenology, the merits of the far-famed 

 mocking-bird of North America (Timhis poiyglottus), have 

 been grossly exaggerated ; our own blackbird (T. Merula), 

 ought far to surpass it in melody ; for on comparing skulls 

 of these two birds now before me, I find the cerebral de- 

 velopment of the latter to indicate greater musical talent 

 than is possessed by the more celebrated songster of the 

 western woods and prairies. 



The organ is large in the sandpipers and god wits (Tota- 

 ims* Tringa, and Limosa), whose harsh cries must hence- 

 forth be deemed musical, although usually composed of a 

 single note. Several species of owls, of the genera Sirix 

 and Surnia for instance, have the organ in question well 

 developed, and consequently ought to sing, and nor hoot, 

 as they have hitherto done. The partridge (Perdix c nereaj, 

 and the sparrow-hawk ( Aecipiter Nisu&'J, are similarly pro- 



