212 
HORNBILL. 
are still much in the dark, but if, as may be pre- 
sumed, the horny substance is furnished with highly 
sensible nerves, for the purpose of smelling or feel- 
ing, w r e can more easily account for their instinctive 
discovery of snakes, on the eggs of which, as well as 
insects and fish, they feed. On passing over a spot 
where the snake has concealed itself, though many 
feet under ground, the Hornbill immediately begins 
digging, till it has uncovered it. They are found in 
Africa, but even there seem to be scarce, and are 
highly prized ; their flesh being used as a remedy in 
many disorders, being placed hot to the part affected. 
TABLE IX. (See page 14.) 
Order 2. Passerine. Tribe 3 . Plenirostres (full and 
strong beaked .) 
This tribe comprises a number of full and strong- 
beaked birds, some of which, as the Pies and Crows, 
are familiar to us; others again, such as the Grackles 
and Paradise-birds are foreigners. The Grackles, 
indeed, are widely spread, some species inhabiting 
the hottest, and others the coldest climates, from the 
