Chapter 2

Pl.12.

Ceram Lory

Plate 12.

LORIUSgarrulus.

Ceram Lory.

Family Psittacidæ.

Generic Character.

Bill moderate, compressed, end of the upper mandible, within, entirely smooth; under mandible lengthened, conic; the tip entire. Legs stout; Tail moderate, rounded or graduated; the feathers broad, their tips obtuse.Nob.

Specific Character.

Scarlet: wings green, shoulders yellow, half of the tail bluish black.Psittacus garrulus.Lin. 144. Kuhl. Cons. Psit. p. 41. No. 56.Le Lori-Noira.Buffon. Sonn. 27. p. 126. Pl. Enl. 216.Le Perroquet Lori Nouara.Levail. 2. pl. 96.Scarlet Lory.Edw. pl. 172.Le Lory de Ceram.Briss. Orn. 4. 215.

Scarlet: wings green, shoulders yellow, half of the tail bluish black.

Psittacus garrulus.Lin. 144. Kuhl. Cons. Psit. p. 41. No. 56.

Le Lori-Noira.Buffon. Sonn. 27. p. 126. Pl. Enl. 216.

Le Perroquet Lori Nouara.Levail. 2. pl. 96.

Scarlet Lory.Edw. pl. 172.

Le Lory de Ceram.Briss. Orn. 4. 215.

The popular name of Lories has long been given to those Parrots, peculiar to the continent and islands of India, whose brilliant red plumage forms a strong contrast to the green colour which generally pervades this family. The southern limits of their distribution do not extend to Australia, but much of their general structure is transferred to the Lory-Parrakeets, forming the modern genusTrichoglossus; this latter group being diffused over the remaining islands of the great Pacific Ocean.

The Ceram Lory, from being well known, and exhibiting the prominent characters of its tribe, is a correct type of the genus. Its length is about eleven inches. The general colour is rich scarlet, with the wings and thighs green: the bend of the shoulder, (and sometimes a spot on the back,) is yellow. Tail graduated, the lower half of the feathers deep blackish green, glossed with blue. Inhabits the Molucca Islands.

Notwithstanding the attention recently bestowed in characterizing the groups of this family, the most important external peculiarity ofLoriusandTrichoglossushas been overlooked. In these birds, that part of the roof of the under mandible which projects beyond the lower, is generally thin, and always perfectly smooth: a weakness of structure which renders it impossible for these parrots to feed upon hard substances; and betrays their frugivorous and suctorial nature, by indications perceptible to every one.

Pl.13.

LEVAILLANTS CUCKOW.Coccyzus Levaillanti

Plate 13.

COCCYZUSLevaillantii.

Black and White-throated Cuckow.

Family Cuculidæ.

Generic Character.—Lesson. Man. 2. 120.

Specific Character.

Head crested, the feathers pointed; plumage above black glossed with green; band at the base of the quills, end of the tail, and under parts of the body, white; throat striped with black.Variete du Coucou Edolio,Le Vail. Ois. d'Af. 4. pl. 209.

Head crested, the feathers pointed; plumage above black glossed with green; band at the base of the quills, end of the tail, and under parts of the body, white; throat striped with black.

Variete du Coucou Edolio,Le Vail. Ois. d'Af. 4. pl. 209.

Unlike the true Cuckows, the birds of this genus rear and provide for their young in the ordinary manner. The species are numerous in the tropical latitudes of both hemispheres. Two are found in North America, which, in their external characters, approach so near to the genuine Cuckows, that they barely come within the definition of the present group.

It frequently happens that species, originally well described, become involved in obscurity by compilers. Le Vaillant, who first described this bird, supposed it a variety of hisCoucou Edolio: but in this he was mistaken; the one being aCuculus; the other aCoccyzus. We should have thought our species might be theCuculus Afer.of Drs. Leach and Latham, had not the former stated his bird to be avarietyof Le Vaillant's, and figured it as an example of the genusCuculus. Dr. Latham (Gen. Hist. 3, 290) copies this description ofC. Afer. (Zool. Mis. 1. p. 31), adds some further characters not seen in our bird, and, under the same name, describes what is evidently another species. Lastly, M. Vieillot, in his account of the genusCoccyzus(Orn. Ency. Meth. p. 1342), relying on the usual accuracy of Le Vaillant—and never, perhaps, having seen the bird—omits it altogether. To prevent this confusion extending further, and to detach the species from those dubious descriptions with which it has been mixed, we have thought it best to record it by the name of its first describer.

Our figure will render a detailed description unnecessary: the wings, although long, are rounded; the fifth quill being the longest. The total length is fifteen inches. Inhabits Senegal, and the Western Coast of Africa.

Pl.14.

MARMAROSTOMA. Pl. 1.M. undulata.

Plate 14.

MARMAROSTOMAundulata.

Waved Pearl Snail.

Generic Character.

Shell turbinated, ponderous, the whorls generally angulated, the substance pearly: aperture circular, closed by a testaceous operculum: umbilicus none.

Type, Turbo chrysostomus. L.

Specific Character.

Shell angulated, variegated with green and brown undulated stripes, summit of each whorl coronated.

From the generaTurboandTrochusof modern Conchologists, we have detached all those species whose shells are closed by a calcarious operculum; and this group we propose to distinguish by the name ofMarmarostoma. The species, like theTrochi, properly so called, are all of a pearly structure; but their substance is much thicker; the base of the shell is slightly produced; the exterior surface is marked either with tubercles, grooves, or elevated ridges; and the aperture (from the convexity of the last whorl) forms a circle. If the student compares these characters with Trochus Zizyphinus, a common British shell, he will immediately perceive the leading differences between the two groups.

But it is the calcarious nature of the operculum (as indicating an important difference in the organization of the animal) which constitutes the primary character ofMarmarostoma: the particular structure of this appendage varies considerably in the different species: in some its outer surface is smooth and convex; and in others variously granulated. In the present shell it is marked by three or four deep semicircular grooves; that nearest the middle is the deepest, and terminates in an umbilicus. In some specimens, the spines on the principal ridge of the body whorl are nearly obsolete; but those which crown the summit appear constant.

We are indebted to the Rev. Mr. Bulwer, a scientific and arduous Conchologist, for our specimens of this new species, purchased by him in a collection sent from Panama.

Pl.15.

VOLUTA. Pl. I.V. Bullata

Plate 15.

VOLUTAbullata.

Bulla-shaped Volute.

Generic Character.—Zool. Ill. 1 Series, pl. 161.

Specific Character.

Shell oval, smooth, fulvous, marked by zigzac darker lines; spire short, papillary; outer lip ascending towards the spire; base of the pillar with two strong plaits.

Mus. D. Broderip.

Among the shells which formed part of the African Museum, exhibited and finally sold in London some few years back, was a single specimen of this new and curious Volute. Worn and battered by the friction of the waves, it still retained its colour and markings sufficiently distinct to admit of a tolerably accurate delineation. The only part we have ventured to restore is the contour of the outer lip, which we have adapted to the lines of growth. The middle figure represents the shell in its broken state; and this clearly shews the ascending of the lip towards the spire, in the same manner as in V.lapponica.

The affinities which are suggested by the peculiar structure of this shell, are curious. In its general shape, and in the number of its plaits, it is obviously allied toVoluta Nucleus, harpa;lyræformis, &c., where the two last plaits of the pillar are very thick, and those above either small or evanescent; but from such, our shell differs materially by being quite smooth, and in having a short obtuse spire. We do not believe that this part has received much injury. The suture is perfect to the very end: further evidence may be drawn from the extreme narrowness of the third spiral whorl; a formation which only belongs to papillary spired shells. This character, joined with the smoothness and size of the body whorl, shews a closer approximation to the Melon shells, than to any other division of the group. Three or four intermediate forms are alone wanting to complete the double series.

Mr. Broderip, who is in possession of this shell, has recently arranged the LamarkianVolutæinto very natural groups; two of which are considered as holding the rank of genera.

Pl.16.

Mustachoe Parrakeet.

Plate 16.

PALEORNISPondicerianus.

Pondichery, or Mustachoe Parrakeet.

Family Psittacidæ.

Generic Character.—Zool. Journ. 2, p. 46.—Less. Man. 2, p. 145.

Specific Character.

Green; head pale bluish; frontal line and stripe on the lower jaw black; wings with a central spot of yellowish; breast pale red.Le Perruche a moustaches.Buffon. Sonn. 27, p. 185, Pl. Enl. 517.—— a poitrine rose.Levail. Pl. 31.P. Pondicerianus.Kuhl, Nova Acta, &c. No. 48*.Paleornis Pondicerianus.Vigors. Zool. Journ. 2, p. 54.

Green; head pale bluish; frontal line and stripe on the lower jaw black; wings with a central spot of yellowish; breast pale red.

Le Perruche a moustaches.Buffon. Sonn. 27, p. 185, Pl. Enl. 517.

—— a poitrine rose.Levail. Pl. 31.

P. Pondicerianus.Kuhl, Nova Acta, &c. No. 48*.

Paleornis Pondicerianus.Vigors. Zool. Journ. 2, p. 54.

The Ring-necked Parrakeets of India, and the Asiatic Islands, are now considered as forming a particular genus. The geographic distribution of the group, and the characters of the species, have been detailed with much skill and classic erudition, in the Zoological Journal.

Among the numerous ornithological facts, which the distinguished liberality of MM. Cuvier and Geoffroy St.Hilaireenabled us to ascertain, during a course of study at the Royal Museum of Paris, is one that relates to this species. Specimens in that noble collection, both from Pondichery and Java, enable us to affirm, that thePsittacus OsbeckiiandPondicerianusof authors, are one and the same species.

Notwithstanding the frequency of this bird in Java, and other parts of India, we are completely ignorant of its natural history, of those diversified habits, and modes of living,—in short, of that knowledge, which gives such an animating charm to natural history, which manifests the provision of the Almighty for all His creatures, which can be known and understood by all, and which prompts the heart to contemplation and praise. Is there no one, in all our vast Oriental territory, to record something of the feathered inhabitants of the Eastern World? Is there not, throughout India, evenoneof our countrymen, imbued with the spirit of a Wilson, a Levaillant, or an Audubon?

Pl.17.

White Banded Swallow.Hirundo fasciata.

Plate 17.

HIRUNDOfasciata.

White-banded Swallow.

Family Hirundinidæ.—Sub-Fam. Hirundina.

Feet slender, perching, the outer and middle toe connected at the base: bill entirely depressed.Nob.

Generic Character.

G. Hirundo.—Lesson. Man. 1, 419.

Specific Character.

Glossy blue black: thighs and band on the abdomen snowy.Hirundo fasciata.Lath. Ind. Orn. 2, 575.L'Hirondelle a ceinture blanche.Buffon. Pl. Enl. 724, f. 2.White-bellied Swallow.Lath. Gen. Syn. 4. 567.

Glossy blue black: thighs and band on the abdomen snowy.

Hirundo fasciata.Lath. Ind. Orn. 2, 575.

L'Hirondelle a ceinture blanche.Buffon. Pl. Enl. 724, f. 2.

White-bellied Swallow.Lath. Gen. Syn. 4. 567.

This elegant bird, although mentioned by several writers, is of great rarity. So seldom, indeed, is it seen in collections, that we never beheld a specimen prior to our visit to the Royal Museum of Paris, where our drawing was made. Buffon's description seems to have been transcribed by all succeeding writers; and the only figure hitherto published is that at Plate 724 of the Planches Enluminèes.

The habits of the Swallow tribe are known to every one. Like the Flycatchers, they feed upon insects captured on the wing; but these insects are of so small a size, that they are swallowed during the flight of the bird. This at once accounts for Swallows not being provided with those stiff bristles, for confining the struggles of their prey, which are so essential to the Flycatchers. These latter birds frequently feed upon insects much too large to be swallowed at the moment of capture; they therefore hold their prey until they again perch, and swallow it when at rest.

The figure is the size of life. Excepting the band on the body, and the spot on the thighs—both of which are snowy white—the whole plumage is of a deep black, richly glossed with dark blue. The first quill is longest, and the tail is deeply forked.

According to Buffon, this bird is sometimes seen perched on floating trees in the rivers of Guiana and Cayenne.

Pl.18.

Anodon,Pl. 1A. areolatus.

Plate 18.

ANODONareolatus.

Areolated Horse Mussel.

Generic Character.

SeeUnio, Pl. 1.(Anodon. Iridina. Dipsus.Auct.)

Specific Character.

Shell transversely oval, not winged, umbones small, ventricose, not touching; with a short undulated projection of the hinge margin in one valve, and a corresponding concavity in the other; both placed beneath the umbones.

The principal character ofAnodon, rests on the absence of teeth; theA. anatinus, common to our rivers and ponds, being taken as the type of the group. But, as Nature steps progressively, in her departure from one form, and in her advance to another, so among the Anodons we find several shells, which do not strictly exhibit the typical character; and these we shall briefly notice.

In the sketch already given of this group, we have placed the genusAnodonbetweenIridinaandAlasmodon. TheIridina niloticaSow, "has scarcely any appearance of crenations along the hinge line," but for this, it consequently would present a simple lamellar ridge, extending nearly the length of the shell; such, in short, as is seen inDipsus plicatus(Leach), whose tooth may be so described. By this shell we are led toA. rubensLam. where a lamellar plate, though much shorter, is placed beneath the umbones.Iridina Cailliandiperfectly resemblesA. rubens, except in being without any vestige of this plate. We have now entered among the typical species, where every form occurs between a round and an ensiform shape. Leaving these, Nature proceeds to fashion an indistinct developement ofAlasmodonin the species before us, where that part of the hinge plate, immediately beneath the umbones, is somewhat raised, and undulated. InA. rugosusthese compressed undulations assume more the form of tubercles; and finally, in theAlasmodon marginatusof Say, the teeth are sufficiently developed to place that shell in a distinct group.

Our esteemed and accomplished friend, Mrs. Corrie of Birmingham, favoured us with two examples of what appears to be a variety of that which we have figured. The substance of both is opake; the inside white, tinged with buff, and with scarcely any pearly lustre. Inhabits North America, but we know not any precise locality.

Pl.19.

MITRA. Pl. 2.1. strigata. 2. bicolor. 3. carinata.

Plate 19.

MITRAstrigata.

Specific Character.

Shell very smooth, chestnut with paler longitudinal stripes, which are white at their commencement; aperture white, shorter than the spire; pillar 4-plaited.Mitra strigata.Sw. in Brand's Journ., No. 33, p. 37, Ap. 1824.

Shell very smooth, chestnut with paler longitudinal stripes, which are white at their commencement; aperture white, shorter than the spire; pillar 4-plaited.

Mitra strigata.Sw. in Brand's Journ., No. 33, p. 37, Ap. 1824.

The Conchologist will find a full description of the three Mitras here figured in the Journal above mentioned. They are all of singular rarity, more particularlystrigataandcarinata, as of these we have never seen second specimens.M. strigatabelongs to that group which contains M.melaniana,scutulata,&c. Its country is unknown.

MITRAbicolor.

Shell smooth, polished, fusiform, white, with a brown central band; upper part of the body whorl and spire with cancellated punctured striæ: base with simple striæ.

This pretty shell seldom exceeds three-quarters of an inch in length; our figure is consequently enlarged: the pillar has four plaits. This, in conjunction with M.casta,olivaria,dactylus(Lam.), andolivæformis(Sw.), constitute a particular group, allied toConœhelix, having the plaits extending far beyond the aperture.

Inhabits the South Seas. In the Manchester Museum, and in our own.

MITRAcarinata.

Shell slender, fusiform, brown; whorls with a single carinated ridge, and striated transversely near the suture; pillar 4-plaited.

The habit of this Mitra will place it with the fusiform species; from all of which, however, it differs in not having exterior plaits, nodules, or impressed sculpture. The aperture is smooth within, and white. We have only seen one specimen, received by Mrs. Mawe, from Sierra Leone, and this was covered with a brown epidermis.

Pl.20.

TELLINA. P.I.T. latirostra.

Plate 20.

TELLINAlatirostra.

Wide-beaked Tellen.

Order Acephala.—Tribe Dimiaria (Nob.).

Generic Character.—Lam. Sys. 5, 519.

Specific Character.

Shell oblong; anterior side narrowed and angulated; both valves glossy, smooth, equally convex, and marked by very delicate radiating striæ.T. testâ oblongâ, purpurascente, subradiatâ, anteriùs sinuato-angulatâ, rostri margine infimo ascendente.Lam. Syst. 5, p. 523.

Shell oblong; anterior side narrowed and angulated; both valves glossy, smooth, equally convex, and marked by very delicate radiating striæ.

T. testâ oblongâ, purpurascente, subradiatâ, anteriùs sinuato-angulatâ, rostri margine infimo ascendente.Lam. Syst. 5, p. 523.

There are few groups in Conchology, more particularly among the bivalve shells, possessing so great a union of delicacy and beauty as the Tellinæ; and perhaps there is none in which the species, from their general similarity of shape, and variability of colouring, are so little understood. For these reasons, we intend to illustrate this elegant genus very fully.

TheTellinæappear to hold a station with the most typical groups of the Bivalve Mollusca; or those in which the animal can freely remove, from place to place, by the foot. In all such the shells are solid, regular, and not attached to other substances.

We select theTellina latirostraof Lamarck for our first subject. As a species it has not been figured; while the original description, which we have transcribed, is so slight, that some uncertainty exists as to the precise species intended by the writer. That to which we here apply the name, is certainly very like, as Lamarck observes, toT. rostrata; although his description, in other respects, is applicable to other species now before us. OurTellina latirostrais not common, although we once received a considerable number from Amboyna. Its surface is very smooth, but the delicate striæ, which can scarcely be seen by the naked eye, become perfectly clear under a common lens. The Manchester Nat. Hist. Society is in possession of a lovely series, exhibiting the following variations of colour: 1, pure white; 2, rose-coloured round the umbones, paler beyond; 3, entirely rose colour; 4, blush white, with a rosy shade on each side the umbones; 5, pale orange; 6, buff yellow, resemblingT. depressa. In all these the points of the umbones are invariably white.

Pl.21.

Blue-winged Parrakeet.

Plate 21.

NANODESvenustus.

Blue-fronted Parrakeet.

Family Psittacidæ.

Generic Character.

Bill entire; the lower mandible short, deep, thick, and rounded; nostrils very large, fleshy, naked; wings pointed; tarsi, toes, and claws very slender—the former manifestly longer than the hind toe; tail cuneated; the feathers narrow and lanceolate.Nob.

Type.—Psittacus pulchellus.—Zool. Ill. 2, Pl. 73.

Specific Character.

Sides of the head yellowish; front with a blue band; wing-covers and tail blue, the latter tipt with yellow; throat and breast deep green; belly yellow.Psittacus venustus.Linn. Trans. (Temm.) xiii. p. 121.—— chrysostomas.Kuhl. Nov. Act. p. 51, Pl. 1.Nanodes venustus.Linn. Trans. (Vig. and Hors.) xv. 274.

Sides of the head yellowish; front with a blue band; wing-covers and tail blue, the latter tipt with yellow; throat and breast deep green; belly yellow.

Psittacus venustus.Linn. Trans. (Temm.) xiii. p. 121.

—— chrysostomas.Kuhl. Nov. Act. p. 51, Pl. 1.

Nanodes venustus.Linn. Trans. (Vig. and Hors.) xv. 274.

The Ground Parrakeets of Australia, of which this is one of the most beautiful, form a small but richly coloured group of birds, remarkable for the peculiar structure of their feet, which leads them to frequent the ground more than any of their family. In the form of their bill, wings, and tail, they exhibit a close resemblance, in miniature, to the Maccaws of the New World, and may justly be supposed to represent those birds in the Southern hemisphere.

We received two specimens of the Blue-fronted Parrakeet, some years ago, from Van Dieman's Land; yet even there it is considered scarce; nor did we observe it in any of the collections in Paris.

Assenting, in a great measure, to those general principles of arrangement which several eminent Ornithologists have proposed regarding this family, we nevertheless consider that the succession of affinities, and even the nature of the leading groups, are not yet correctly understood. In the present case, we would rather have seenNanodesplaced as a sub-genus toPezoporus; from which it merely differs in the comparative shortness of the feet. The connexion between the two forms, moreover, is so close as not, in our judgment, to admit the intervention ofPlatycercus, or any other group yet discovered.

Pl.22.

Yellow shouldered Oriole.I. Cayanensis.

Plate 22.

ICTERUSCayanensis.

Cayenne Hangnest.

Fam. Sturnidæ.—Sub-Fam. Icterina (Nobis).

Bill lengthened, conic, acute, entire, the commissure not sinuated. Tarsi short, adapted for perching; claws strong, fully curved.

Generic Character.

Bill black; both mandibles slightly bent; nostrils furnished with a membrane; tail lengthened, graduated; wings slightly rounded.Nob.

Specific Character.

Black, not glossy; lesser wing-covers above yellow, beneath black margined by yellow; legs bluish.Oriolus Cayanensis.Lin. 1. p. 163.Xanthornus Cayanensis.Brisson. Orn. 2. p. 123. pl. 9. f. 2.Carouge de St. Thomas.Pl. Enl. 535. f. 2.Yellow-winged Pye.Edwards, pl. 322?

Black, not glossy; lesser wing-covers above yellow, beneath black margined by yellow; legs bluish.

Oriolus Cayanensis.Lin. 1. p. 163.

Xanthornus Cayanensis.Brisson. Orn. 2. p. 123. pl. 9. f. 2.

Carouge de St. Thomas.Pl. Enl. 535. f. 2.

Yellow-winged Pye.Edwards, pl. 322?

In Mus. Nost.

The Starlings of the old continent, are represented in America by a tribe of birds formerly denominated Orioles, but which we shall distinguish by the name of Hangnests. They are gregarious and noisy; living both upon insects, fruits, and grain. Their nests are purse-shaped, woven with great dexterity, and generally suspended from the extreme branches of lofty trees.

Much has been done to illustrate the affinities of these birds, and to define the species; but both are imperfectly known. Regarding their natural arrangement, our own views are quite at variance with the ingenious theory of Mr. Vigors; and as to the species, the bird before us is a curious example of error.

The trueO.cayanensis, in the best modern systems, has been lost sight of; and, under the new name ofchrysopterus(Vieil. Wagler.), has been confounded withthreeothers, one of which is aXanthornus, one anIcterus, and one anAgelaius! The only authentic synonyms, which can therefore be consulted for our bird, are those we have quoted.

Cassicus,Cassiculus,Xanthornus, andIcterusare the only published genera which will come within our definition of theIcterinæ.

Total length, 9 in.; bill, 1; wings, 4; tail, 41⁄10; tarsi,8⁄10.

Pl.23.

Long leg'd Ant Thrush(M. grallatoria.)

Plate 23.

DRYMOPHILAlongipes.

Long-legged Ant Thrush.

Family Meruladæ.

Sub-family Myotherina.

Legs long, adapted for walking; wings and tail short, the latter weak, rounded or even, but never forked or divaricated; claws but slightly curved.Nob.

Genus Drymophila.—Lesson. Man. 1. p. 196.

D. longipes.Above rufous; sides of the head cinereous; throat and breast black; body beneath white; tarsi long, pale.Sw. in Zool. Journ. 2. p. 152. Gen. Zool. 13. 2. 179. Lesson. Man. 1. p. 196.

D. longipes.Above rufous; sides of the head cinereous; throat and breast black; body beneath white; tarsi long, pale.

Sw. in Zool. Journ. 2. p. 152. Gen. Zool. 13. 2. 179. Lesson. Man. 1. p. 196.

In Mus. Nost.

The Ant Thrushes, as originally defined by us, constitute a natural group of Birds peculiar to, and very abundant in, the tropical regions of the New World. They are found only in the deep shades of forests, seeking their nourishment on the ground, from ants and other terrestrial insects. Beyond such retreats they never venture, and thus their natural love for seclusion has prevented us from knowing more of their economy.

The species are numerous: our own cabinet contains fifteen: but nearly double that number are among the rich and surpassing treasures of the Royal Museum at Paris. Of that here figured, we have never seen a second specimen.

In the form of the bill, and the elongated lax plumage of the back,Drymophilabears a close resemblance to the smaller species of Bush Shrikes (Thamnophilus), but the construction of the feet—adapted in one for perching, and in the other for walking—will sufficiently distinguish these groups.

The specific name ofgrallaria, engraved on the plate, was inadvertently changed for that oflongipesin the published account. The figure represents the natural size.

Pl.24.

Lingula anatina.

Plate 24.

Pl.25.

Lingula hians.

Plate 25.

LINGULAanatina.

Class Mollusca.—Order Brachiopoda (Macleay).

Generic Character.—Lam. Sys. 61, 257.

Specific Character.

Valves of equal breadth, much depressed, and longitudinally sulcated; the basal extremities approximating.Lingula anatina.Cuv. Bulletin, No. 52*. Ann. du Mus. v. 1, p. 69*. Lam. Syst. 61, 258.Lingula anatina.Sw. in Phil. Mag. 62, p. 403, Dec. 1823.Icones.Ency. Meth. Pl. 250, f. 1, a, b, c. Chemn. Pl. 172, 1675, 1677. Seba. 3 tab. 16, f. 4*.

Valves of equal breadth, much depressed, and longitudinally sulcated; the basal extremities approximating.

Lingula anatina.Cuv. Bulletin, No. 52*. Ann. du Mus. v. 1, p. 69*. Lam. Syst. 61, 258.

Lingula anatina.Sw. in Phil. Mag. 62, p. 403, Dec. 1823.

Icones.Ency. Meth. Pl. 250, f. 1, a, b, c. Chemn. Pl. 172, 1675, 1677. Seba. 3 tab. 16, f. 4*.

The nature of the animal inhabiting the shell ofLingularemained unknown, until the illustrious Cuvier detected its affinity withTerebratula,Crania, and those singular bivalve shells forming the orderBrachiopodaof Mr. Macleay. The valves have neither teeth or ligament, but are united by muscles, and supported on a fleshy peduncle, three or four inches in length, by which the animal is attached to marine bodies.

We believe that under the common name ofAnatina, two species have been included. Their respective peculiarities were published, some time ago, in the Journal above alluded to; and are now more fully illustrated by figures, and by such specific distinctions as are exhibited by the shells. Both species appear to inhabit the Indian Ocean.

LINGULAhians.

Valves narrowed towards their base, convex, and generally smooth; both extremities widely gaping.

We do not recollect to have seen this species so frequent in collections as the preceding; it is always smaller, more convex in the middle, and generally smooth. Mrs. Mawe favoured us with fine specimens of both, for delineation.

Pl.26.

Pennantian Parrakeet.

Plate 26.

PLATYCERCUSscapularis.

Tabuan, or King Parrakeet.

Family Psittacidæ.

Generic Character.—Lesson. Man. 2, 146.

Specific Character.

Green; head, neck, and body beneath scarlet; lower part of the back blue; scapular covers with a pea green stripe; tail black.Tabuan Parrot.White's Voyage, pl. in p. 168 (male).Grande Perruche à collier et croupion bleus.Le Vail. Par. pl. 55.Platycercus scapularis.Vig. and Hors. Linn. Trans. 15, 1, 284.

Green; head, neck, and body beneath scarlet; lower part of the back blue; scapular covers with a pea green stripe; tail black.

Tabuan Parrot.White's Voyage, pl. in p. 168 (male).

Grande Perruche à collier et croupion bleus.Le Vail. Par. pl. 55.

Platycercus scapularis.Vig. and Hors. Linn. Trans. 15, 1, 284.

Greatly allied to the Ground Parrakeets of Australia, but differing from them in many particulars, are the Broad-tailed Parrakeets of the same region, forming the modern groupPlatycercus. The former appear to represent the Maccaws; while the latter exhibit many strong points of analogy to the Lories; but we question if their resemblance extends further.

We have had one of these beautiful Parrakeets in our possession, alive, for many years. Its manners are gentle and timid. Like many of its congeners, it delights to wash itself in a basin of water. In the day, and during winter, it is generally silent; but on a mild evening it will go on, for two or three hours, with a somewhat whistling note; sometimes shrill, but generally soft and pleasing. Its ordinary diet is moistened bread, with a little hemp and canary seed; but during summer and autumn the small garden fruits appear to be highly welcome to our elegant little favourite.

Our figure represents a variety of the male bird, wherein the light green on the scapular feathers is wanting. The total length is about sixteen inches.

We consider the primary divisions of thePsittacidæ, are those which have long been recognized under the familiar names of Maccaws, Cockatoos, Parrots, Lories, and Parrakeets. Such a series is the result of a synthetical investigation we have given to the subject; but this mode of inquiry is so deceptive, and has led to so many erroneous conclusions, that until each of these groups are submitted to a patient analysis, which has never yet been done, no correct opinion on the subject can be formed. The name on the Plate (engraved five years ago) is a mistake. The first description and figure of this bird is in "White's Voyage to New South Wales," where it is described as not uncommon.

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