Shell reverse, thin, smooth, whitish, with an Olive epidermis finely striated longitudinally; lower half of the basal whorl much contracted: spire prominent, obtuse; operculum horny; umbilicus large, open, the margin obtusely carinated.
Shell reverse, thin, smooth, whitish, with an Olive epidermis finely striated longitudinally; lower half of the basal whorl much contracted: spire prominent, obtuse; operculum horny; umbilicus large, open, the margin obtusely carinated.
The shell from which our figure was taken we received from Mr. G. Sowerby, under the name ofNilotica, some years ago. Whether it is the same, or specifically distinct from Lamarck'sGuinaica, we have no means of judging, otherwise than from the figures he cites of Chemnitz. If these are accurate, there are many points of difference; but no doubt the Editor of theBulletin des Sciences, will have great pleasure in setting us right upon this subject.
On attentively comparing the descriptions, given by Lamarck, of eleven species ofAmpullaria, with those we have characterized in different works, we can only discover two instances wherein the same species have been mentioned by both parties, under different names. OurA. conica, is probably Lamarck'svirens, and belongs to the genusPachystoma, Guild. The other instance is curious; in the Appendix to the Bligh Collection, we described a remarkable variety ofA. fasciata, under the sub-specific name ofCanaliculata. In the following month appeared the second part of Lamarck'sSystème, wherein this variety appeared as aspecies, under the very same name. It would almost appear as if the two accounts had been written at the same moment. We have since had good reason to be confirmed in our suspicion as to this shell being a mere variety offasciata, from a fine series of specimens sent us from Demerara. We take this opportunity, however, of expressing a belief that ourA. leucostoma, is the young shell ofrugosa.
Pl.39.
STOMBUS. Pl. 1.S. Peruvianus
Plate 39.
STROMBUSPeruvianus.
Order Zoophaga. Family? Strombidæ.Genus Strombus.—Lam. Sys. 7. 199.
Specific Character.
Shell ponderous, nodulous, spire very small, depressed; outer lip above produced and attenuated, margin reflected; aperture striated.Strombus Peruvianus.Sw. in Phil. Mag. 62, p. 377.
Shell ponderous, nodulous, spire very small, depressed; outer lip above produced and attenuated, margin reflected; aperture striated.
Strombus Peruvianus.Sw. in Phil. Mag. 62, p. 377.
We first recorded this singular-shaped Strombus from a specimen sent from the Coasts of Peru. Others, from the opposite side of the American Isthmus, collected near Panama, have more recently come into the possession of our friend, the Rev. J. Bulwer, F.L.S. Its general form is not unlikeS. gallus, but the spire is unusually depressed, and the aperture deeply striated: the upper surface is marked by parallel grooves, and one of the nodules is particularly large.
In our last number we defined what appear to be the leading forms among theStrombii, from such characters as are exhibited by their shells. This mode of classification, we admit, is always attended with hazard; and should not be ventured upon without due precaution. To attempt anaturalarrangement of the higher groups, on such considerations alone, would be manifestly absurd. On the other hand, we think both principles may be carried too far: and that a system founded exclusively upon the animal would, in our present state of knowledge, be little less artificial than another taken merely from the shell. We see, on every side, throughout Nature, the most beautiful and perfect adaptation of structure to use. The typicalMollusca, whether among theAcephalaorGasteropoda, appear to be testaceous; and to exhibit a corresponding perfection in the structure of their coverings: one form passes into another by as gradual modifications of the shell, as could possibly be looked for in the nature of the animal. We have attempted to exemplify this among theUnionidæand theOlivæ. We shall now examine theStrombiiwith reference to the same object.
"Les Aileés," observes Lamarck, "constituent une famille très-naturelle, qui avoisine celle des Canaliferès par ses rapports, mais qui en est éminemment distincte." This able classifier (whose perception of affinities is truly admirable), then proceeds to divide these shells into three groups, founded upon such excellent distinctions, that we need not here dilate on their importance. Two of these genera are characterized by a deep and well defined sinus or notch, towards the base of the outer lip; quite distinct from the basal canal, and intended either for the passage of the animal's proboscis, or itsrespiratorysiphon. InStrombusthe outer lip is dilated, but entire; inPteroceras, it is equally enlarged, but divided into long processes. Such are the typical distinctions, and their immediate union appears effected by theStrombus laciniatusof Chemnitz. The third genus of Lamarck's isRostellaria, in which he places all those species wherein the sinus above mentioned is united to the basal canal. Now if theStrombus pespelecaniof authors had this canal more closed, and the sinus distinct, it would be aPteroceras. Da Costa long ago placed this shell as the type of a genus, and the observations of Mr. Dillwyn, in his short but highly valuable paper on fossil shells (Phil. Trans. for 1823, p. 1, p. 393), have shewed the importance which we should attach to its structure: it is, in fact, aPteroceras, but with the above mentioned sinus removed to the base of the digitated lip, and confounded, as it were, with the basal canal. Excepting to aPteroceras, it cannot be compared with any known shell, unless it be to theStrombus fissusof Linn. The hiatus between them certainly appears great, yet the affinity is not interrupted by any thing known: this latter shell resembles the trueRostellariæ, but with the digitated processes ofPterocerasreduced to teeth; which teeth, inR. curvirostris, become confined to the basal part of the unexpanded lip. We are here met by certain fossil shells, preserving the form ofRostellaria, but with the outer lip entire, and sometimes considerably expanded: in these the spiral canal sometimes extends to the summit of the shell: finally the distinct sinus again appears in such species asS. cancellatus,canalus, &c., all which have been classed by conchologists withStrombus. This series is sufficient to shew thetendencyof a circular disposition of relations, but very many of the intermediate forms are wanting, nor is it at all clear in what way the immediate passage is effected betweenHippochrenesand the genuineStrombii.
Pl.40.
OLIVA. Pl. 1.1. volutella 2. striata
Plate 40.
OLIVAvolutella.
Class Mollusca. Order Zoophaga.Lam.
Genus Oliva.Lam. Sys. 7, p. 416.
Specific Character.
Shell ovate-conic, mitriform; chestnut, the body whorl bluish; spire lengthened, acute; pillar with 6-7, slender, regular plaits.Oliva volutella.O. testâ ovato-conicâ, subcæruleâ, ad spiram basimque luteo fuscatâ; spirâ valdè productâ, acutâ.Lam. Sys. 7, 1, p. 432.
Shell ovate-conic, mitriform; chestnut, the body whorl bluish; spire lengthened, acute; pillar with 6-7, slender, regular plaits.
Oliva volutella.O. testâ ovato-conicâ, subcæruleâ, ad spiram basimque luteo fuscatâ; spirâ valdè productâ, acutâ.Lam. Sys. 7, 1, p. 432.
We are indebted to the Rev. Mr. Bulwar for our specimens of this elegant and highly interesting species, received by him from the American Isthmus. It varies much in the intensity of its colour, as may be seen from the above description, given by Lamarck, of examples procured by Baron Humbolt on the shores of Mexico.
There are reasons for believing the genusVoluta, as defined by Lamarck, to be typical of a natural group, comprising the generaMitra,Oliva,AncillariaandMarginella. The obvious affinity betweenVolutaandMitraneed not be dwelt upon. The connexion ofMitrawithOliva, we noticed in describingMitra olivæformis, at pl. 48 of our first series. This affinity appears further strengthened by a shell in the late Tankerville Collection, especially recorded by Mr. G. Sowerby, as "remarkable for its resemblance to an Olive." We regret not having seen this shell, but such an authority is fully sufficient. The group of Mitres, by which this transision appears effected, is that mentioned under the head ofM. bicolor(Mitra, Pl. 1.) of this series. This little group has three relations: one to the smooth Mitres (asM. pertusa), another toConohelix, and a third to theOlives: the species are all remarkable for the polished smoothness of their surface, for the total absence of the inner lip, and for the lower plaits of the pillar extending much beyond the aperture: these plaits, moreover, are generally five or six, and all very slender. The conchologist will perceive that nearly the only character wanting, to render this description applicable to an Olive, is the channelled groove round the suture. This character is added to the shell before us, which thus presents the first type of form in the present genus. Proceeding to the more perfect Olives, we observe the spire becoming gradually shorter; the vitrious deposition on the inner lip increased in thickness; the upper plaits on the pillar numerous, and those at the base thicker and more external (M. fulmineus, Lam.elegans, En. Meth. 362, 3.), the ventricose shape of some (O. undata,inflata, Lam.), the spire often concealed by a vitrious covering, and even the colours of others (M. tessellata,guttata) remind us of the typical Volutes. It is very remarkable, that in most of the cylindrical Olives, the apex is more or less, papillary: the last complete terminal volution of the spire being thick, inflated, and distorted: (see particularlyO. reticularis, En. Meth. 36, f. 1;fusiformis, Ib. 367, 1;guttata, Ib. 368, f. 2.) Others are seen of a more slender form, asO. subulata, L.acuminata, E. M. 368, 3, where the pillar is similarly plaited. But in several small species allied toO. conoidalis, another modification of form has evidently commenced: the spire is regularly acute; the upper plaits disappear; and those which remain, are only at the thickened base of the pillar: the aperture, no longer narrow, becomes wide at the base, where the pillar takes an oblique direction inward: we are thus led to the form ofO. hiatula, E. M. pl. 368, f. 5, where the characters ofAncillariabecome apparent in the effuseness of the mouth, the double belt at the base, and the imperfect groove on the outer side of the pillar. Whether we look to this shell, or to the descriptions given by Lamarck of the fossil speciesplicaria,canalifera, andlaumontiana, or finally, to theAncillaria glandiformis, Sow. no doubt can remain of the genusOlivabeing here blended with theAncillariæ. There is, however, another form among theOlivæ, which deserves mention, as it cannot well be associated with either of the preceding: this we have described below. Another genus that may be thought connected withOliva, isTerebellum: a group very ably illustrated by Mr. G. Sowerby, in his "Genera of Shells." To that work we must refer the reader for those reasons which shew its more immediate relation toOvula. It is, in short, one of those forms too hazardous to class without a complete knowledge of the animal.
OLIVAstriata.
Shell small, cylindrical, sub-effuse, distinctly marked by regular longitudinal striæ; upper part of the body whorl with one, lower part with four, belts; spire short, channelled, sub-papillary, naked; base of the pillar striated and externally detached by a groove.Ancillaria canalifera??Lam. Syst. 7, 415.
Shell small, cylindrical, sub-effuse, distinctly marked by regular longitudinal striæ; upper part of the body whorl with one, lower part with four, belts; spire short, channelled, sub-papillary, naked; base of the pillar striated and externally detached by a groove.
Ancillaria canalifera??Lam. Syst. 7, 415.
We do not find this fossil clearly described. Our specimens appear to be from the London clay. Its form seems analogous toConohelixamong the Mitres. The line adjoining the figures denotes the natural length of the shells.
Pl.41.
PSARIScristatus.Crested or white backed Saris.
Plate 41.
PSARIScristatus.
Crested, or White-backed Saris.
Family Todidæ.—Nobis.
Billlengthened, depressed, boat-shaped.Tarsimoderate, weak, the three anterior toes more or less united.Wingsandtailshort.
Billlengthened, depressed, boat-shaped.Tarsimoderate, weak, the three anterior toes more or less united.Wingsandtailshort.
Sub-family Psariana.—Nobis.
Headvery large, depressed.Mouthvery wide.Billthick, depressed, convex above.Feetweak, tarsi rather short, toes united at their base, the outer manifestly longer than the inner; claws broad, compressed; anterior scales transverse; lateral scales small, numerous. The male generally with a spurious quill between the first and second.
Headvery large, depressed.Mouthvery wide.Billthick, depressed, convex above.Feetweak, tarsi rather short, toes united at their base, the outer manifestly longer than the inner; claws broad, compressed; anterior scales transverse; lateral scales small, numerous. The male generally with a spurious quill between the first and second.
Genera.
Psaris.Cuv.Rictus smooth, wings lengthened, the first quill much longer than the fourth, tail short, even.
Psaris.Cuv.Rictus smooth, wings lengthened, the first quill much longer than the fourth, tail short, even.
Type,Psaris Cayanus.—Cuv.
Pachyrhynchus.Spix.Rictus bearded, bill shorter, wings more rounded, tail lengthened, graduated.
Pachyrhynchus.Spix.Rictus bearded, bill shorter, wings more rounded, tail lengthened, graduated.
Type,Psaris niger.—Nob.
Specific Character.
Blackish brown, beneath pale fulvous, base of the wings with a concealed snowy spot, spurious quill broad, crown black, slightly crested.Psaris cristatus.Sw. in Zool. Journ. 2, p. 354.
Blackish brown, beneath pale fulvous, base of the wings with a concealed snowy spot, spurious quill broad, crown black, slightly crested.
Psaris cristatus.Sw. in Zool. Journ. 2, p. 354.
Mus. Paris. Nost.
Of this very rare species we know but of two specimens, both of which appear to have come from the mining provinces of Brazil. The economy of these interesting birds has not yet been detected, even by naturalists who have lived in their native regions. The indefatigable Azara professes his ignorance on this point, but states some valuable information on a species (nearly allied to theCayenne Saris) named by himLe Distingué a tête Noir, which, in Paraguay, is a bird of passage: its flight is elevated, rapid, and prolonged. "Ils ne sont ni farouches, ni remuans, et ils se tiennent long temps à la même place. Ils ne sortent point des grands bois, et ils se perchent toujours au plus haut des arbres les plus èlevés, où ils ne cherchent pas à se cacher." Azara Voy. 3, p. 407.
The size and strength of the bill induced us, some years ago, to adopt the popular classification of this genus with the family of Shrikes; but a more particular analysis of that and the neighbouring families, lead us to suspect that its natural situation is far different: our reasons for this belief will be stated at large in another work. For the present it may be remarked, that the smoothness of the rictus, as indicating a frugivorous habit, forbids us to place it with the Flycatchers; while the feet, perfectly different from those of the true Shrikes (Laniana, Sw.), can only be compared with those of thePiauhau(Buff.). The affinity which this group bears toGubernetes, is merely superficial: but its analogies toCeblepyris, among theLaniadæ, and toPachycephala, among theAmpelidæ, are probably direct.
The merit of having first directed the attention of Ornithologists to the singular spurious quill, which generally distinguishes the males of this group, we transfer from ourselves to Azara. His invaluable work we did not then possess, and knew not that the circumstance had already been mentioned by him.
We are only acquainted with the genusPachyrhynchusof Spix, by seeing this name affixed to ourPsaris Cuvieriiin the Paris Museum. The distinction is judicious; particularly as the two groups point to different relations. OfPsaris, as now restricted, we know of six species, and ofPachyrhynchus, ten.
Our present bird is osculent between these forms: we place it withPsarison account of its wings and tail; but it accords withPachyrynchusin the rictus being slightly bristled. The spurious quill is half the length of the first, which latter is as long as the fourth. The tail is in a slight degree rounded. It is, perhaps, needless to remark, that all these birds are confined to Equinoctial America.
Pl.42.
CHÆTURAmacropteraLongwinged Swift
Plate 42.
CHÆTURAmacroptera.
Long-winged Swift.
Family Hirundinidæ.
Generic Character.
Billentire, the sides much compressed, the culmen arched. The lower mandible recurved at the tip.Wingsvery long.Tailscansorial, the extremity of the shafts naked, and acute.Tarsinaked, the three anterior toes and claws nearly equal; hind toe not versatile.Nob.
Billentire, the sides much compressed, the culmen arched. The lower mandible recurved at the tip.Wingsvery long.Tailscansorial, the extremity of the shafts naked, and acute.Tarsinaked, the three anterior toes and claws nearly equal; hind toe not versatile.Nob.
Type.Chætura pelasgia.Stevens.
Specific Character.
Brown: wings and tail glossed with greenish blue; back grey-white: chin and under tail covers snowy; tail even.Ob. Tail 3½ in. longer than the wings, the two first quills longest and equal.
Brown: wings and tail glossed with greenish blue; back grey-white: chin and under tail covers snowy; tail even.
Ob. Tail 3½ in. longer than the wings, the two first quills longest and equal.
For an inspection of this new and imposing species, we have to thank Mr. Ward, an Animal preserver of considerable talent. We do not find it mentioned in any Ornithological work we possess, and our library is not small: but with so many publications continually issuing from the continental press, we shall feel no surprise at discovering it has already been published.
This and theHirundo albicollis, (first named by M. Vieillot) are two of the largest species yet discovered, of a very singular group of Swifts; wherein the tail feathers are spined, and even more rigid than those of the Woodpeckers: by this structure the birds can remain for a considerable time in the most perpendicular situations. The expanded tail thus acts as a powerful support, which is further increased by the size and strength of the claws, much larger than those of ordinary Swallows. There are several species, most of which are natives of America.
The direct analogy which this group bears to the typical scansorial Birds, joined to the general superiority of flight which the Swift possesses over the Swallow, leads us to suspect this may prove to be the typical group of theFissirostres; an order in which Nature, in her wish to develope the greatest powers of flight, appears to neglect all those laws which she afterwards so rigidly adheres to: We intend in another work, to enter on this interesting subject more fully.
Our figure is in strict conformity with the scale on the plate, which is that of an inch.
Pl.43.
PETROICAbicolor.Black & white Robin.
Plate 43.
PETROICAbicolor.
Black and White Robin.
Family Sylviadæ. Sub-family Saxicolinæ.(See Northern Zoology, Vol. 2.)
Generic Character.See No. 8, pl.36.
Specific Character.
Black and white. Head, throat, back, and tips of the tail glossy raven black: breast, scapular covers, stripe on the wings, and plumage beneath, white: tail slightly forked.
Black and white. Head, throat, back, and tips of the tail glossy raven black: breast, scapular covers, stripe on the wings, and plumage beneath, white: tail slightly forked.
In giving publicity to this new and interesting bird, we feel particular pleasure in expressing our thanks to Allen Cunningham, Esq., His Majesty's Botanist, in New South Wales, by whom it was there discovered. Although devoted to a science already so much benefited by his researches, this enthusiastic Traveller found some leasure for Ornithology, and has lately favoured us with a large collection of skins, prepared during one of his inland journeys; with a request that they may be made public: among other highly curious forms, the present bird is conspicuous. It was found in the open forest country, North of Liverpool Plains.
When once we are so fortunate as to discover the natural station of any being, we may be convinced that every circumstance regarding its structure, habits, or even colour, are employed by Nature to typify its relations to other beings; and that until most of these can be explained, there is good reason to suspect the accuracy of our views on its true affinities. Possessing all the essential characteristics ofPetroica, our bird exhibits in the bill, feet, and tail, an immediate affinity toSialia arctica: while it is clothed in the pure white, and glossy black plumage, which nature afterwards employs to designate the typical group ofGryllivora, (North. Zool.) at the opposite point of the circle ofSaxicolinæ. This remarkable analogy is extended to the bill, the point of which is longer and more incurved, than in any of the immediate affinities of our bird: its close relation to the old worldSaxicolæ, is too obvious to need explanation.
Pl.44.
MARGINELLA Pl. 11. oblonga. 2. guttata.
Plate 44.
MARGINELLAoblonga.
Family Volutidæ. Genus Marginella. Lam. Sys. 7. p. 354.
Sub-Genus Volutella.Nob.
Shell oval-ventricose: Spire concealed: outer lip generally smooth; base of the pillar with four to five oblique plaits: aperture smooth within.
Shell oval-ventricose: Spire concealed: outer lip generally smooth; base of the pillar with four to five oblique plaits: aperture smooth within.
Type,Marginella bullata. Lam.
Specific Character.
Shell oblong, rather gibbous round the middle, fawn coloured, with two obsolete bands: spire concealed: outer lip and summit marked by orange spots: pillar 4 plaited.
Shell oblong, rather gibbous round the middle, fawn coloured, with two obsolete bands: spire concealed: outer lip and summit marked by orange spots: pillar 4 plaited.
A species not hitherto described; its shape is unusually oblong, and the spire is quite concealed: We are unacquainted with its locality. The perpendicular line expresses the natural size.
InVolutaandMitra, the two typical groups of this family, the variations of form are so striking, and the species so numerous, that we readily assent to the plan, proposed by others, of further dividing them into genera: but in the aberrant group, containingOliva,Ancillaria, andMarginella, the forms are less diversified, and the species fewer; the minor divisions may therefore, for the present, be termed sub-genera. The approximation ofMarginellatoVolutahas frequently been stated. In M.bullatawe have a miniature melon Volute, while M.fabais a no less obvious representation of V.magnifica. Hence these forms appear typical. Yet M.persiculaandlineatacannot well be placed with either, as their characters seem to indicate a direct analogy toConohelixamong the Mitres. As toVolvaria, we concur with other writers, in thinking that the French Conchologists have erroniously blended that genus withMarginella.
MARGINELLAguttata.
Oval, spire concealed, covered with transverse oval spots margined with white, somewhat ocellate, and disposed longitudinally; pillar 4 plaited.
Oval, spire concealed, covered with transverse oval spots margined with white, somewhat ocellate, and disposed longitudinally; pillar 4 plaited.
We could give no correct idea of this very pretty shell, without enlarging the figures; the natural size is indicated by the horizontal line. Our specimen is the only one we have yet seen, nor do we know its habitat.
Pl.45.
MARIUSCinna
Plate 45.
MARIUSCinna.
Family Nymphalidæ. (Stirps. 3? Horsf.)
Generic Character.
Larva and pupaunknown.Perfect insect.WingsPapilioniform, caudal appendages long, acute.Palpiporrect, approximating, and meeting at their tips so as to form an acute cone: the whole covered with compact scales. Anterior feet small, slender, imperfect, the tarsal joints? concealed by long hairs: club of the antennæ terminal, sub-fuciform and cylindric. Body short, thick, robust.
Larva and pupaunknown.
Perfect insect.WingsPapilioniform, caudal appendages long, acute.Palpiporrect, approximating, and meeting at their tips so as to form an acute cone: the whole covered with compact scales. Anterior feet small, slender, imperfect, the tarsal joints? concealed by long hairs: club of the antennæ terminal, sub-fuciform and cylindric. Body short, thick, robust.
Type,Papilio Marius. Auct.
Specific Character.
Wings above brown, with two unequal white bands; beneath white, with narrow fulvous bands; basal angle of the posterior wings with an orange spot, ocellated with black.Papilio Cinna.Cramer Vol. I. pl. 100. f. 8.
Wings above brown, with two unequal white bands; beneath white, with narrow fulvous bands; basal angle of the posterior wings with an orange spot, ocellated with black.
Papilio Cinna.Cramer Vol. I. pl. 100. f. 8.
Cramer describes this elegant Butterfly as a native of Surinam, and our own specimens were received from the same country. All the species of this group that have yet fallen under our inspection, are natives of South America. Their flight is high, powerful and rapid: the predominating colour on the upper surface of their wings is brown, and on the under white.
It is the misfortune of not understanding the typical structure, and the principles which regulate its variation, in higher groups, that in defining the characters of a lesser, we can form no just idea of its relative value: whether, in short, we should consider it a genus or a sub genus, or whether it is typical, aberrant, or osculent. This, however, is but a temporary evil; and will only continue until an insight is gained into higher combinations, by first placing together kindred species under one common name. If this be done heedfully, such a groupmustbe natural, whatever opinions may be entertained in thefirstinstance, as to its proper denomination.
GENERAL INDEX
OF THE PLATES TO
VOL. 1.
IN THE ORDER OF PUBLICATION.
N.B. The number here affixed to the Plates, for convenience of reference, had better be marked in pencil upon the Plates themselves.
N.B. The number here affixed to the Plates, for convenience of reference, had better be marked in pencil upon the Plates themselves.
GENERAL ALPHABETIC INDEX
OF
LATIN AND ENGLISH NAMES, &c.,
TO
VOL. 1.
Notes.