Chapter 3

Pl.27.

White shoulder'd Ant Thrush(M. Bicincta.)

Plate 27.

DRYMOPHILAtrifasciata.

White-shouldered Ant Thrush.

Specific Character.

General plumage black; with the shoulder covers, interscapulars, and two bands on the wing covers, snowy.D. trifasciata.Swains. in Zool. Journ. 2, p. 152. Gen. Zool. 13, 2, 179. Lesson. Manuel. 1, p. 196.

General plumage black; with the shoulder covers, interscapulars, and two bands on the wing covers, snowy.

D. trifasciata.Swains. in Zool. Journ. 2, p. 152. Gen. Zool. 13, 2, 179. Lesson. Manuel. 1, p. 196.

In Mus. Paris. Nostro.

We found this remarkable bird not uncommon in the thick Forests of Pitanga, near Bahia, during our travels in Brazil in the years 1815-7. Yet although the male birds were frequent, we were never fortunate enough to procure a female. It has likewise been found in the southern provinces of that empire, by Dr. Langsdorff.

Its total length is about seven inches; the whole plumage, with the exception of the snowy bands on the wings, is intensely black: the white spot on the back is only seen when the feathers are raised: the irides, in the live bird, are of a beautiful crimson.

My friend M. Lesson, conjectures truly in thinking, that the birds placed by M. Temminck in our genusDrymophila, have no connexion or analogy with those species we have described, or with the characters on which we originally founded the group: they belong, in short, to a different family.

Pl.28.

Red headed Tanager.T. Gyrola.

Plate 28.

AGLAÏAGyrola.

Red-headed Tanager.

Family Fringillidæ?—G. Tanagra.Auct.

Aglaïa.Lesson. Man. 2, 423.

Bill small, short, compressed; nostrils concealed by velvet-like feathers. Wings rather lengthened, pointed; 2, 3 and 4 quills equal and longest. Tail even.

Type.—Tanagra Tatao.—Lin.

Specific Character.

Vivid green, sometimes varied on the breast with blue: the whole head bright rufous, bordered round the neck with a narrow golden ring.Tanagra Gyrola.Lin. 1, 315. Lath. In. Orn. 1, 427.——Desmarest Tan. pl. 15. Vieil. Orn. 2, p. 778.Le Rouverdin.Buff. Son. 12, p. 341. Pl. Enl. 133, f. 2. Edw. pl. 23.Red-headed Tanager.Lath. Syn. 3, 233. Gen. Hist. 6, 16.

Vivid green, sometimes varied on the breast with blue: the whole head bright rufous, bordered round the neck with a narrow golden ring.

Tanagra Gyrola.Lin. 1, 315. Lath. In. Orn. 1, 427.

——Desmarest Tan. pl. 15. Vieil. Orn. 2, p. 778.

Le Rouverdin.Buff. Son. 12, p. 341. Pl. Enl. 133, f. 2. Edw. pl. 23.

Red-headed Tanager.Lath. Syn. 3, 233. Gen. Hist. 6, 16.

The splendid little birds arranged under this group belong exclusively to Tropical America. They are generally seen in pairs, frequenting open woody tracts; feed principally upon fruits, and seldom if ever perch upon the ground: In the variety, and richness of their colours, they are only surpassed by the Humming Birds.

The Red-headed Tanager has never, we believe, been found in Brazil; although it occurs in Cayenne, Surinam, and some of the West India Islands. Buffon was its first describer; he informs us that in French Guyana it appears in small flocks, two or three times in a year; arriving when the fruit of a particular tree is ripe, and departing when it begins to fail. Some specimens are more brilliant than others, originating probably from age or locality: those from Cayenne are known by a delicate blue tinge on the breast. A further variety has been described (Ency. Meth.), in which the upper part of the neck is also red, and the back marked by a large spot of dull rufous (brun-marron). We suspect this will prove a distinct species. The rank of this group, whether as generic or subgeneric, can only be determined by analyzing the whole family.

Pl.29.

MelaniaPl. 1.1, setosa. 2, amarula.

Plate 29.

MELANIAamarula.

Order Phytophaga. (Gasteropoda, Cuv. Pars.)

Molluscæ destitute of a syphon, but furnished with jaws, and generally enclosed in a univale shell, with an entire aperture.

Generic Character.

See Lam. Sys. 6, 2, p. 163.—Dubois Trans. 193.

Specific Character.

Shell ovate-conical, blackish, upper part of the whorls armed with solid porrect spines; aperture bluish white.M. amarula.Lam. Sys. 6, 2, p. 166. Chemn. pl. 134, f. 1218-9. Ency. pl. 468, f. 6.

Shell ovate-conical, blackish, upper part of the whorls armed with solid porrect spines; aperture bluish white.

M. amarula.Lam. Sys. 6, 2, p. 166. Chemn. pl. 134, f. 1218-9. Ency. pl. 468, f. 6.

This is a genus of fresh water shells, particularly abundant in Africa, Asia, and America; we have also heard it has lately been detected in Europe.

We should not have figured this common and well known shell, but for the purpose of comparing it with the next. When in a young state, the spines are very acute: more advanced they become less so; and in old individuals they are often very obtuse.

MELANIAsetosa.

Shell ovate-conical, brownish olive; whorls armed with porrect tubular spines, enclosing setaceous bristles.Melania setosa.Sw. in Brand's Journal, No. 33, p. 13.

Shell ovate-conical, brownish olive; whorls armed with porrect tubular spines, enclosing setaceous bristles.

Melania setosa.Sw. in Brand's Journal, No. 33, p. 13.

This is a most singular species. From the tubular spines emerge two or three hornlike, elastic bristles, which appear embedded in the substance of the shell. A very ample account of the first specimen we ever met with, will be found in Brand's Journal for April, 1824. It was discovered in the Isle of France, by Mr. Warwick, where it appears to be very rare. Other specimens have since been brought to this country.

We were unwillingly drawn into a controversy respecting this shell some years ago. Our sentiments, in every thing that regards the shell itself, are unchanged. Not so with respect to the individual. The civilities and attentions we have since received from Mr. Gray, leave us to regret, very sincerely, that such a discussion should have ever taken place.

Pl.30.

Mitra.Pl. 3.1, adusta. 2, ambigua. 3, punctata.

Plate 30.

MITRAfulva.

Specific Character.

Shell ovate-acute, smooth, fulvous, unspotted, marked with transverse sulcated striæ, containing punctured dots: body whorl contracted; suture crenated: base obtuse: outer lip thickly and strongly crenated; the crenations, and the plaits on the pillar, white.

The different nomenclature of Lamark and Dillwyn, induced us to suspect that our present species might still be retained under the name ofadusta; but as a greater degree of confusion may perhaps arise in so doing, than that which we wished to avoid, we have now given it a distinct name, and defined its true characters. It is sometimes partially dotted with pure white. TheM. adustaof Lamark is, in short, the same as theruffinaof Linnæus: or at least that species which Dr. Solander and Mr. Dillwyn conceive to be such. Our shell is from the Isle of France, and is not common: the crenated teeth on the lip are very strong; the base obtuse, and effuse: the spire and aperture of equal length.

MITRAambigua.

Shell ovate-fuciform, rufous, with a white band near the suture, transversely striated and punctured, suture and outer lip crenated, base contracted; spire shorter than the aperture.

Less distinctly striated and punctured than the last; but differs considerably in being almost a fuciform shell: the base of the aperture is consequently contracted. We possess but one specimen, and know not its locality.

MITRApunctata.

Shell ovate, brown, striated and punctured: spire very small, somewhat conic: outer lip crenated: pillar six-plaited.

A beautifully perfect shell of this new and very rare species, we procured from our friend Mrs. Mawe; we have never seen another: the inside of the lip is margined with deep brown.

Pl.31.

Golden back'd Tanager, male.T. Flava.

Plate 31.

AGLAÏAflava.

Yellow Tanager.

Specific Character.

Above glossy fulvous yellow; sides of the head, and middle of the throat, breast, and body, deep black; wings and tail green.Tanagra flava.Lath. In. Orn. 1, 431.Tanagra Braziliensis flava.Briss. Orn. 3, 39, 22.Le guira-perea.Buff. Son. 12, p. 362.Yellow Tanager.Lath. Syn. 3, 244. Gen. Hist. 4, 22.Tanagra chloroptera.Vieil. Orn. 2.

Above glossy fulvous yellow; sides of the head, and middle of the throat, breast, and body, deep black; wings and tail green.

Tanagra flava.Lath. In. Orn. 1, 431.

Tanagra Braziliensis flava.Briss. Orn. 3, 39, 22.

Le guira-perea.Buff. Son. 12, p. 362.

Yellow Tanager.Lath. Syn. 3, 244. Gen. Hist. 4, 22.

Tanagra chloroptera.Vieil. Orn. 2.

The buff-coloured yellow which spreads over the upper plumage of this bird, in some lights becomes much richer, and delicately gilded. The wings appear to be sea-green, but this colour only margins the borders of the feathers, the inner parts of which are blackish: the tail is coloured in the same way, the feathers divaricating from the middle, which is slightly forked. The black in front terminates at the vent; which, with the sides of the body, are waxen yellow.

In the Ornithology of M. Vieillot, we find no mention of this well known bird by its long established name: but theT. chloropteraof this writer, described as a new species, is evidently no other than theflavaof anterior authors.

Our figure is of the natural size. The female is dark bluish green above, and buff beneath, much paler on the throat and breast: the chin and sides of the head blackish; and the crown buff-coloured yellow.

We found this species not uncommon in several parts of Brazil, particularly round Pernambucco; frequenting the gardens, and feeding on the smaller-sized fruits.

Pl.32.

PAPILIONiamus

Plate 32.

PAPILIONiamus.

Order Lepidoptera. G. Papilio. (Auct.)

Generic Character.

Wings pale, with longitudinal bands: posterior lengthened,caudated; the tails long and acute.

Specific Character.

Wings yellowish white with black bands; posterior wings acutely tailed, with a black line and whitish lunule at the anal angle, and marked beneath with a macular red band margined with black.Pap. Niamus.Alis flavo-albidis, fasciis nigris; posticis caudatis, apice nigro lunulis albidis: his subtùs strigâ maculari rubrâ.Latrielle et Godart. Ency. Meth. 9, p. 51.

Wings yellowish white with black bands; posterior wings acutely tailed, with a black line and whitish lunule at the anal angle, and marked beneath with a macular red band margined with black.

Pap. Niamus.Alis flavo-albidis, fasciis nigris; posticis caudatis, apice nigro lunulis albidis: his subtùs strigâ maculari rubrâ.Latrielle et Godart. Ency. Meth. 9, p. 51.

To describe in detail those colours and markings of an insect, which the eye can embrace at a single glance on a well executed representation, is surely unnecessary. We shall therefore merely observe that this species has hitherto remained unfigured: that it is a native of Southern Brazil, and of such rarity, that in two years, we never met with more than one specimen.

In some observations upon what appear to us the leading groups of theDiurnal Lepidoptera, published some time ago, we considered those groups wherein the anterior feet are perfectly developed, and the chrysalis braced by a transverse thread, as the most perfect and typical. Subsequent observations confirm us in this general view; but it still remains to be investigated, to which group the generic name ofPapilioshould be retained. The wide dispersion of that form represented in the two European speciesPodaliriusandMachaon, and which form occurs in all the temperate and tropical regions of the globe, leads us to suspect it as the most typical group: to this,Papilio Niamus, from its very close affinity toPodalirius, unquestionably belongs.

Pl.33.

RHETUSCramerii

Plate 33.

RHETUSCramerii.

Generic Character.

LarvaandPupaunknown.Wingstriangular; the posterior lengthened and rather acutely tailed.Antennæwith the club linear-fuciform.Palpicylindrical, elongate, porrect, incurved, remote, naked; the second joint remarkably long.Anterior feetin the male short and very hairy; in the female longer, naked, and furnished with minute claws.Wings, when at rest, horizontal.

LarvaandPupaunknown.

Wingstriangular; the posterior lengthened and rather acutely tailed.Antennæwith the club linear-fuciform.Palpicylindrical, elongate, porrect, incurved, remote, naked; the second joint remarkably long.Anterior feetin the male short and very hairy; in the female longer, naked, and furnished with minute claws.Wings, when at rest, horizontal.

Types.—Pap. Rhetus. Periander.—(Cramer.)

Specific Character.

Wings black, with two white subhyaline bands, both sides alike; posterior wings elongated, vivid blue, acutely tailed, with a transverse sub-lunular band at the anal angle.Papilio Rhetus.Cramer. pl. 63, f. c.

Wings black, with two white subhyaline bands, both sides alike; posterior wings elongated, vivid blue, acutely tailed, with a transverse sub-lunular band at the anal angle.

Papilio Rhetus.Cramer. pl. 63, f. c.

This is one of the rarest and most splendid lepidopterous insects of Brazil. We were once fortunate in capturing six specimens, fluttering over a shrub in the early morning sun, during our encampment in the Forest of Urupeè, in the Province of Bahia: but we never again met with this charming creature.

The perfect insect has been figured in the costly, but truly valuable, work of Cramer; yet as neither the larva or pupa are known, we cannot determine on its natural group. Its relations, as suggested by the perfect insect, appear to be these. We consider the analogy between the groups respectively containingP. Podalirius, andMarius(Cr.), to be immediate and direct: the form of the last type, and much of its general structure, is seen in our insect; but the details will not admit of a further similitude. Among theEricinæwe again detect this form inP. CorineusandDorylus(Cr.), and continuing the comparison, we see theantennæ,palpi, and feet (in one sex) ofRhetus, accurately represented in those ofP. imperialis(Cr.), among theThecladæ. We therefore suspect, that the real affinities of our insect lie between the two last groups: It seems moreover to have a strong analogy withLeilus. The upper figure is of the male, the under of the female.

Pl.34.

ROSTELLARIA. P. 1R. curvirostris.

Plate 34.

ROSTELLARIAcurvirostris.

Short-beaked Spindle.

Class Mollusca. Order Zoophaga.—(Gasteropoda, Cuv. Pars.)

Carnivorous Mollusca without jaws; the mouth formed into a retractile trunk: conveying nutriment by suction. Respiration aquatic: the water being conducted to the branchiæ by a projecting siphon.

Family,? Strombidæ. (Les Ailées. Lam.)

Synopsis of the Genera.

Div. 1.Outer lip with a sinus; distinct from the basal canal.STROMBUS.L.Outer lip dilated, entire, basal canal short.Stromb. gigas, auris-Diana, tridentatus, urceus, &c.Pteroceras.Lam.Outer lip digitated; canal lengthened, arcuated.Div. 2.Sinus simple; formed by the prolongation of the canal.Aporrhais.Dacosta.Outer lip dilated and digitated.Strombus pes-pelecani. Auct.Rostellaria.Lam.Outer lip dentated, but not dilated. Basal canal long.Hippochrenes.Montf.Outer lip generally dilated, and always entire. Basal canal moderate or short. Spiral canal nearly equal to the spire.Rost: macroptera, columbata, fissurella, Lam.

Div. 1.Outer lip with a sinus; distinct from the basal canal.

STROMBUS.L.Outer lip dilated, entire, basal canal short.

Stromb. gigas, auris-Diana, tridentatus, urceus, &c.

Pteroceras.Lam.Outer lip digitated; canal lengthened, arcuated.

Div. 2.Sinus simple; formed by the prolongation of the canal.

Aporrhais.Dacosta.Outer lip dilated and digitated.

Strombus pes-pelecani. Auct.

Rostellaria.Lam.Outer lip dentated, but not dilated. Basal canal long.

Hippochrenes.Montf.Outer lip generally dilated, and always entire. Basal canal moderate or short. Spiral canal nearly equal to the spire.

Rost: macroptera, columbata, fissurella, Lam.

Specific Character.

Basal canal short: spiral canal thickened, and perpendicularly ascending on the spire.Strombus fusus.Linn. Gm. 3506. Lister, 854, 12. Seba, 3, 56, 1.Rostellaria curvirostris.Lam. Sys. 7, 1, 192. Ency. Meth. pl. 411, f. 1.

Basal canal short: spiral canal thickened, and perpendicularly ascending on the spire.

Strombus fusus.Linn. Gm. 3506. Lister, 854, 12. Seba, 3, 56, 1.

Rostellaria curvirostris.Lam. Sys. 7, 1, 192. Ency. Meth. pl. 411, f. 1.

This elegantly formed shell is a native of the Red and Indian Seas. It is the most common of the few species retained in the genusRostellaria; all these are recent; whileHippochreneshas occured only in a fossil state.

The preceding table of affinities, connecting the leading forms among theStrombii, will be adverted to hereafter. At present we shall offer a few observations on the nature of that more comprehensive division of the classMollusca, to which this particular group appears to belong.

The learned Author of the Horæ Entomologicæ, in that part of his valuable essay relating to theMolluscæ, considers our knowledge of these animals too imperfect to enable him to state the nature of the typical groups: the situations of which, in his diagram of the animal kingdom, are therefore merely indicated by stars. M. Macleay further remarks, that theGasteropodaof M. Cuvier, with certain restrictions, evidently form a circular group. Yet, from the above omission, it appears he still entertained some doubts on the propriety of this arrangement. Labouring under similar disadvantages to those which impeded the researches of so profound an observer, we feel some hesitation in expressing a different sentiment on the subject, particularly in reference to his own disposition of affinities.

It is evident that these typical groups, whatever may be their nature, must present some very strong points of analogy to those in the circle ofVertebrata: and that such analogies should extend to the corresponding groups of theAnnulosa. This we should expect, not only as the necessary result of a truly natural arrangement, but as a primary test, by which the correctness of any series of affinities must be tried. Now admitting that Quadrupeds and Birds shew the same typical perfection among theVertebrata, as the Mandibulate and Suctorial Insects unquestionably do in theAnnulosa, we have two beautiful analogies between these otherwise dissimilar groups, taken from one of the most important functions of nature. Quadrupeds and mandibulate insects are provided with jaws for tearing and masticating their prey, while in birds and suctorial insects, the mouth is lengthened into a proboscis, by which nourishment is imbibed by suction. These analogies are equally conspicuous among theMolluscæ. ThePhytiphagesof Lamarck (of which the garden snail is a good example), are furnished with jaws and masticate their food: theZoophagesof the same accurate observer, have their mouth elongated into a retractile trunk or proboscis, by which they pierce through other shells, and suck the juices of the inhabitant. To insist on the importance of these distinctions, employed as they have been to characterize primary divisions, is surely unnecessary. That they will be subject to considerable modification, in the subordinate groups, may naturally be expected: but we refrain at present from offering an opinion on the nature of such groups, dependant, as they must be, on greater anatomical knowledge than we yet possess. Nevertheless, until more direct analogies are discovered, than those here stated, we feel some confidence in employing them astypicaldistinctions of the two great divisions ofGastropod Mollusca.

Pl.35.

PSARISJardiniiJardine's Saris.

Plate 35.

PSARISJardinii.

Jardine's Saris.

Family Todidæ.—Nob. Sub-family Psariana.—Nob.

Generic Character.

Billthick, strong, more or less depressed, culmen not elevated, both mandibles notched, the upper convex:nostrilsround, nearly naked:rictussmooth;mouthvery wide.Wingslong, pointed, the second and third quill longest.Tailshort, even.

Specific Character.

Cinereous white; head, tail, and outer half of the wings, black: first and fifth quill equal: spurious quill none; orbits plumed.

In Mus. Nost.

In a small collection of birds, from the interior of the vast Empire of Brazil, we met with this new and highly interesting species. Its resemblance to the well knownPsaris Cayanusis so close, that even Ornithologists would not at first suspect the difference; and this may possibly account for its having been overlooked. The size and colour of the two birds, in fact, are perfectly alike: but in this, the bill is much more depressed; the orbits, instead of being naked, are covered with feathers: and the spurious intermediate quill is entirely wanting. Our bird thus presents not only the characters of a species, but a modification of form, leading to the genusPachyrhynchusof Spix.

Our friend Sir William Jardine, Bart., who has long felt, with us, a peculiar interest in this group, will accept our dedication of this species to him, as a proof of the estimation in which we hold his studies.

The publication ofPsaris Cuvieriiin the early series of our work, was the first addition made to this group after its publication in theRegnè Animal. The generic name ofPsarissoon after became familiar to British Ornithologists, by being universally adopted. Recently, however, the Editor of the Zoological Journal has expressed his opinion that this name, on the score of priority, should give place to another. The question would be of little moment did it merely concern this group; but involving, as it does, the entire nomenclature of two systems, it becomes a matter of some importance to ascertain their respective claims. The period of typographic publication, as connected with the only process by which knowledge can be universally communicated, is the only criterion, in our opinion, by which such claims should be decided. Dates, iftruly affixed, speak for themselves. But to attain this advantage, no surreptitious or disreputable practices can be allowed. A plausible claim may indeed be made by any author, who hastily puts together an essay or pamphlet, for the sole purpose of anticipating the patient labours of another: but such artifices, when discovered, are sure to be discountenanced by honourable minds. To illustrate our meaning better, we will state a case.

Let us suppose, then, a learned Naturalist, in charge of a public museum, is engaged in a general classification of the animal kingdom: that to the type of each group, as progressively defined, he affixes a label, with the proposed name, and returns it again to the public rooms. Let us further suppose that an Ornithologist, wishing to make a new system, but without any materials for so doing, goes to this museum, selects, as they are successively named, these identical types for his examination, well knowing by whom, and for what purpose they are so named. He then goes home, and publishes, with all expedition, an ill-digested pamphlet,wherein every group appears under a name, totally different from that by which he became acquainted with it.

It is not for us to make the application. But that such practices have been resorted to, is well known among the highest scientific authorities in Paris. It is not so much in justice to a distinguished individual, as our respect for the broad principles of truth and honour, that we have said thus much. These are grave charges, but they are not lightly brought forward. Resting, as they do, on testimony the most unquestionable, we should deem it almost insulting to our countrymen could we suppose they will henceforward, by adopting these names, countenance a claim built on such a fraudulent basis.

Our views of the natural situation of this group, must be reserved for the next number.

Pl.36.

PETROICAmulticolor.Scarlet breasted Robin

Plate 36.

PETROICAmulticolor.

Scarlet-breasted Robin.

Family Sylviadæ.

Generic Character.

Billslender, the sides compressed, the tip gradually bent, and beset with bristles at the base.Wingslong; the first quill spurious; the second intermediate in length between the sixth and seventh.Tarsielevated, the inner toe manifestly shorter than the external toe.Tailbroad, even.

Specific Character.

Head, throat, and upper plumage black; front snowy; wings with one longitudinal and two oblique white bands; breast and part of the body scarlet; belly dull white.Red-breasted Warbler.Lewin. Birds of New Moll. pl. 17.Muscicapa multicolor.Gen. Horsf. & Vig. Linn. Tr. v. 16, p. 243.Red-bellied Flycatcher.Lath. Gen. Hist. 6, p. 209, pl. 100?

Head, throat, and upper plumage black; front snowy; wings with one longitudinal and two oblique white bands; breast and part of the body scarlet; belly dull white.

Red-breasted Warbler.Lewin. Birds of New Moll. pl. 17.

Muscicapa multicolor.Gen. Horsf. & Vig. Linn. Tr. v. 16, p. 243.

Red-bellied Flycatcher.Lath. Gen. Hist. 6, p. 209, pl. 100?

Mus. Nost. &c.

The analagous resemblances between the species and groups of one region, and those by which they are represented in another, are among the most curious and remarkable facts in Natural History: whether we look to them as proofs of a Divine plan, vast in its extent, and wonderful in its details, or as exemplifying that system of symbolical relationship by which every part of the animated world is mutually connected. Both appear intended for one great purpose, the partial initiation of man into earthly mysteries, that he may have greater faith in those which regard his eternal welfare.

The Robin, spread over the whole of Europe, is represented in temperate America by the Blue Bird of Wilson (Sialia Wilsonii, Sw.). Neither of these are found in New Holland, but the bird before us may be considered their representative. Lewin, who wrote upon the spot, observes that although in some respects solitary, it frequents the abodes of manin winter, like the Robin; which it further resembles in its note. Our European bird is intimately connected with the Stonechats (Saxicolæ).—The remark of another eye witness, proves the Australian species to have the same relation. Mr. Caley mentions that he saw "this bird in November" (our European summer), "when far distant in the mountains, in the roughest part of the country I had then or since visited."Linn. Tr. 15. p. 245. Mr. Caley, moreover, as if perfectly aware of its natural affinities, names it the Australian Redstart. So closely, in short, does this bird resemble our European Stonechat, that but for the recent acquisition of more typical species, we should have had doubts whether to characterize it as a distinct type.

Linnæan writers, as might be supposed, have always regarded this as a Flycatcher, but as Mess. Horsfield and Vigors have recently dwelt, at some length, on the propriety of such an arrangement, it may be as well to state the leading differences between the two families. InMuscicapa atricapilla, (with which these gentlemen have compared our bird,) the bill (fig. 1, 2), like that of every genuine Flycatcher, is depressed from the base to the tip, while that ofPetroica(fig. 5, 6), of theStonechat(fig. 3, 4), and of allSaxicolæ, although depressed at the base, is invariablycompressedon the sides. By these characters the former preserve their affinity to the Todies, and the latter to the Thrushes. In the garnature of the rictus there is also an essential difference. The bristles of theMuscicapæ(f. 1, 2), are always rigid and directed forwards: while those of theSaxicolæ, although sometimes remarkably long, are generally weak, and diverge in different directions. Thus much may be stated on the chief peculiarities of the groups in question: they may for the present be termed analogies, but there are considerations which induce us to suspect they are more intimately connected by affinity than is generally supposed. To facilitate comparison, our figure is of the natural size, and particular care has been taken in the correct delineation of all the proportions and details.

Pl.37.

PLOCEUSTextorRufous necked Weaver

Plate 37.

PLOCEUStextor.

Rufous-necked Weaver.

Family Fringillidæ?

Generic Character.

Billlengthened-conic, slightly curved, entire, the base advancing high on the forehead, and dividing the frontal feathers, the culmen curved, the commissure sinuated.Nostrilsoval, naked: without a membrane.Wingsmoderate, rounded, the first quill spurious, the five next nearly of equal length.Feetshort, strong, the middle toe longer than the tarsus, the hind toe nearly equal with the tarsus.Tailvery short, rounded.

Divisions or Sub-Genera.

Malimbus.Vieil.Bill more straight, slender, and lengthened.Ploceus.Cuv.As above.Euplectes.Nob.Bill of Ploceus. Toes and claws very slender. The greater quills scarcely longer than the lesser; spurious quill very minute.Type, Loxia Orix. L.

Malimbus.Vieil.Bill more straight, slender, and lengthened.

Ploceus.Cuv.As above.

Euplectes.Nob.Bill of Ploceus. Toes and claws very slender. The greater quills scarcely longer than the lesser; spurious quill very minute.Type, Loxia Orix. L.

Specific Character.

Orange yellow, varied above with black: head, chin, and front of the throat black: nape with a chestnut band.Oriolus textor.Auct.Ploceus textor.Cuvier. Reg. Anim.Le cap-more.Buff. Son. 19, p. 165. Pl. Enl. 375(very bad).

Orange yellow, varied above with black: head, chin, and front of the throat black: nape with a chestnut band.

Oriolus textor.Auct.

Ploceus textor.Cuvier. Reg. Anim.

Le cap-more.Buff. Son. 19, p. 165. Pl. Enl. 375(very bad).

The Weaving Birds, confined to the hotter regions of the old world, are chiefly found in Africa, where they represent the Hangnests (Icterinæ) of America: an analogy long since remarked by Buffon. Both these tribes astonish us by the consummate skill with which they fabricate their nests: but the intelligence displayed by the African Weavers is still more wonderful. The curious reader will see a most interesting account of these birds in Paterson's African Travels, or in Wood's Zoography.

Of the present species, although very common in Senegal, nothing appears known beyond the simple fact of its weaving, in confinement, between the wires of its cage. Its total length is about six inches, the minor proportions may be correctly ascertained by the scale on the plate.

If the genusPloceusof Baron Cuvier be restricted to the old world, it becomes one of the most natural groups in Ornithology. Yet, like all others of an extensive nature, it exhibits several modifications of structure, which the present state of science renders it necessary to define. Whether such definitions are to be termed generic, subgeneric, or sectional, must, in the first instance, depend on mere opinion. It is enough if these lesser groups are defined. To ascertain their relative value is the next step: this is the second, and by far the most difficult process, in the study of real affinities; for not only that particular group which claims our attention, but every other related to it in a higher division, must be patiently analyzed. Hence it frequently results that groups assume a very differentapparentstation to what they did in the first instance. Are we therefore to refrain from characterizing or naming them, because their relative value cannot, in the first instance, be ascertained? We think not. Thatgenerahave been unnecessarily multiplied, no one can doubt, who has looked beyond such circumscribed limits. And if forms of transision, (generally comprising one or two species alone,) are to be so ranked, we must immediately treble or quadruple the present number of ornithological genera. The truth is, that many groups, which in our first process of combination, we are obliged to distinguish, or perhaps name, will, in the second, be united to others. So that it appears highly probable that the number of genera, in ornithology, ultimately retained, will be fewer perhaps than at present. We are, in short, but in the infancy of this knowledge, and our genera, for the most part, must be looked upon as temporary landmarks, to denote the ground gone over, and to be fixed or removed as our views become more extended, by a wider analysis of qualities and relations.

Total length 6½ inches, bill7⁄10, wings 36⁄10, tarsi9⁄10, middle claw 1, tail 2½, beyond the wings 1¼.

Pl.38.

AMPULLARIA Pl. II1. Subcarinata 2. Nilotica

Plate 38.

AMPULLARIAsubcarinata.

Specific Character.

Shell reverse, thickish; whorls depressed near the suture, and marked by a parallel line; spire short, obtuse; umbilicus large, open, slightly carinated, and marked with an internal groove.Ampullaria subcarinata.Sow. Genera of Shells, f. 4.

Shell reverse, thickish; whorls depressed near the suture, and marked by a parallel line; spire short, obtuse; umbilicus large, open, slightly carinated, and marked with an internal groove.

Ampullaria subcarinata.Sow. Genera of Shells, f. 4.

The politeness of Mr. G. Sowerby has given us the opportunity of examining this rare and little known species, first described andaccuratelyfigured by himself. It was discovered, we believe, by Mr. Cranch, the ill-fated naturalist who accompanied the unfortunate expedition to the Congo, in that river. No specimens, we are informed, have subsequently reached this country. The surface is rough, occasioned by irregular corrugated wrinkles: the epidermis olive.

AMPULLARIANilotica.

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