230 



CROSSBILL, 



found to be most admirably adapted to their 

 particular habits, The two mandibles do not lie 

 straight, but cross each other in a similar manner 

 to a pair of scissars : they are by this means 

 enabled to obtain their food with the greatest fa- 

 cility. They live mostly on the seeds of the cones 

 of the fir ; in procuring which, they exhibit a won- 

 derful specimen of instinct, as they fix themselves 

 across the cone, then bring the points of their 

 beak immediately over each other, and insinuate 

 them between the scales, when, forcing them la- 

 terally, the scales open ; and then again bringing 

 the points in contact, pick out the seed as easily 

 as any other bird would take up hemp seed. The 

 degree of lateral force which they are capable of 

 exerting is very surprising, and they are very fond 

 of exercising it for mere amusement, which, in a 

 tame state, renders them rather mischievous, as 

 we are informed by Dr. Townson, who kept se- 

 veral of these birds in his study, that they used 

 to amuse themselves by coming to his table and 

 taking off pencils, boxes, and the like, tearing them 

 to pieces instantly, by pecking a small hole, and 

 inserting their beaks in the same way they would 

 when procuring food. These birds are able to 

 pick up the smallest seeds, notwithstanding the 

 shape of the beak. 



