FUNCTIONS. 
211 
enabled to explain many things relating to the lives of 
animals, which would be to us, otherwise, but riddles. 
As, with the human race, the calling or vocation is the 
result of mutual dependence of individuals upon one 
another, so, in a similar manner, we find the functions 
and vocations of animals arising from their dependence 
on the plant-world and on other exterior influences; 
for as each creature only pursues that calling which 
is in full accordance with its bodily gifts and con¬ 
formation, it is, therefore, also necessary that its 
residence should be situated where these gifts can be of 
service to it. In the following pages I would, first of all, 
treat of the ways and means by which the nourishment 
of different birds is obtained, especially those of our 
native country. 
The easiest method by which an animal can obtain 
nourishment is, undoubtedly, that afforded by food exposed 
to the eye, and requiring no other exertion than that of 
picking it up. The granivorous feeders among the land 
birds, which do not obtain their food by means of 
scratching,—for instance, the Finches, Buntings, Larks, 
and Pigeons,—belong to this class. Their labour consists 
of collecting scattered grain, and occasionally insects. 
Those granivorous birds which are obliged to extract the 
seed from its husk have, necessarily, more to do. To 
these belong the Sparrow, Reed Bunting, Greenfinch, 
Hawfinch, Siskin, Goldfinch, Linnet, Bullfinch, and 
Crossbill; with them the work, in spite of the excellent 
tools with which they are provided, requires great 
strength and a certain amount of skill. Scraping 
birds ( Rasores ), such as the whole Gallinaceous family, 
are obliged to exert themselves in a similar degree to 
get their sustenance. 
2 F 
