The long beaks on those masks were for putting cloth soaked in vinegar, herbs, or even flowers that they thought it helped protect from the plague.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plague_doctor_costume
The mask had glass openings in the eyes and a curved beak shaped like a bird’s beak with straps that held the beak in front of the doctor’s nose.[3] The mask had two small nose holes and was a type of respirator which contained aromatic items.[4] The beak could hold dried flowers (including roses and carnations), herbs (including mint), spices, camphor, or a vinegar sponge
Thank you!
Now I am no longer tempted to make one. I WILL make one!