CARPOPHAGA. 
113 
is rapidly absorbed, and its situation scarcely to bo 
observed upon the surface of the bill. The feet are 
powerful, and formed for grasping, the soles being 
flat and greatly extended. As in the other members 
of this group, the hind toe is fully developed and long, 
and the exterior longer than the inner toe. 
They inhabit the forests of India, the Moluccas, 
Celebes, Australia, and the Pacific Isles. Their food 
consists of fruits and berries. That of the precious 
nutmeg, or rather its soft covering, known to us by 
the name of Mace, at certain seasons affords a fa- 
vourite repast to some species, and upon this luxu- 
rious diet they become so loaded with fat, as fre- 
quently when shot to burst asunder when they fall 
to the gi'ound. And here we may remark on the 
remarkable provision Nature has made for the pro- 
pagation as well as the dissemination of this valuable 
spice, for the nutmeg itself, which is generally swal- 
lowed with the whole of its pulpy covering, passes un- 
injured through the digestive organs of tlie bird, and is 
thus dispersed throughout the group of the Moluccas 
and other islands of the cast. Indeed, from repeat- 
ed experiments, it appears that an artificial prepara- 
tion, analogous to that which it undergoes in its pas- 
sage through the bird, is necessary to ensure the 
growth and fertility of the nut ; and it was not till 
after many and unsuccessful attempts had been made 
that a lixivium of lime, in which the nuts were steep- 
ed for a certain time, was found to have the wished- 
for effect, and to induce the germinating tendency. 
VOL. IX. 
H 
