The Project Gutenberg eBook ofZoological Illustrations, Second Series, Volume 1

The Project Gutenberg eBook ofZoological Illustrations, Second Series, Volume 1This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: Zoological Illustrations, Second Series, Volume 1Author: William SwainsonRelease date: October 29, 2013 [eBook #44056]Most recently updated: October 23, 2024Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Chris Curnow, Keith Edkins and the OnlineDistributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (Thisfile was produced from images generously made availableby The Internet Archive)*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ZOOLOGICAL ILLUSTRATIONS, SECOND SERIES, VOLUME 1 ***

This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: Zoological Illustrations, Second Series, Volume 1Author: William SwainsonRelease date: October 29, 2013 [eBook #44056]Most recently updated: October 23, 2024Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Chris Curnow, Keith Edkins and the OnlineDistributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (Thisfile was produced from images generously made availableby The Internet Archive)

Title: Zoological Illustrations, Second Series, Volume 1

Author: William Swainson

Release date: October 29, 2013 [eBook #44056]Most recently updated: October 23, 2024

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Chris Curnow, Keith Edkins and the OnlineDistributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (Thisfile was produced from images generously made availableby The Internet Archive)

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ZOOLOGICAL ILLUSTRATIONS, SECOND SERIES, VOLUME 1 ***

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Project Gutenberg has the other two volumes of this work.Volume II: see http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44057.Volume III: see http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44058.

Zoological Illustrations,

ORIGINAL FIGURES AND DESCRIPTIONS

NEW, RARE, OR INTERESTING

ANIMALS,

SELECTED CHIEFLY FROM THE CLASSES OF

Ornithology, Entomology, and Conchology,

AND ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THEIR APPARENT AFFINITIES.

WM. SWAINSON, ESQ., F.R.S., F.L.S.

ASSISTANT COMMISSARY GENERAL TOH.M.FORCES.CORRESPONDING MEMBEROF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF PARIS; HONORARY MEMBEROF THE HISTORIC SOCIETY OF NEW YORK; MEMBER OFTHE WERNERIAN SOCIETY, &c. &c. &c.

VOL. I.

SECOND SERIES.

London:

PRINTED BY R. HAVELL, JUN. NEWMAN STREET.

PUBLISHED BY BALDWIN AND CRADOCK,

PATERNOSTER ROW.

1829.

MRS.CORRIE,

WOODVILLE, NEAR BIRMINGHAM.

My Dear Madam,

Allow me, in dedicating this volume of Illustrations to you, to evince my respect and friendship for one whose talents shun publicity. It may have a beneficial influence on the rising generation, to know, that a highly cultivated understanding, and varied accomplishments, are not inconsistent with a perfect discharge of all the social duties. And that a mind stored with knowledge, and imbued with Religion, is an effectual antidote to the cheerless influence of debilitated health.

That these, my ZoologicalRecreations, may in your opinion, contribute to the great end which the naturalist should ever keep in view, the developement of the harmonies of Creation, and the discovery of the natural system, is the hope of,

My Dear Madam,Your obliged and sincere Friend,WILLIAM SWAINSON.

My Dear Madam,

Your obliged and sincere Friend,

WILLIAM SWAINSON.

PREFACE.

The execution of the Zoological drawings now published, have been to us an agreeable relaxation from severer studies; and the concise descriptions by which they are accompanied, are intended to convey, in a condensed and popular form, the partial result of more extended investigations. Species are the objects of which the whole fabric of animated nature is composed, and their respective properties must be investigated, before their natural combinations can be understood. Their delineation is therefore highly important. Figures bring before us objects which cannot always be understood by words; while if faithfully executed, they possess the same value as every period of time; for nature is unchangeable.

It is to be regretted that of late much discussion should have arisen among our own naturalists, as to the relative merits of the different modes by which they study nature. The searchers after the natural system throwing obloquy on those who investigate species,[1]while the latter contend that mankind is more interested in knowing the properties of species, than those of groups.[2]To us it appears that such discussions are unnecessary, and but ill calculated to promote that good feeling which should prevail in a division of labour. The power of embracing comprehensive views, and of detecting diversified relations, must be confined to a few, because such objects require the greatest exertion of a superior mind, yet they must ever be mainly dependant on the labours of another class of naturalists: those who analyze the properties of species, andseparatewith critical judgment, and nice discrimination, resemblances from affinities. But for these valuable coadjutors our acquaintance with nature would be altogether speculative: they supply, in short, by analysis, that basis upon which all true knowledge of nature must repose. Natural combinations can never be fully detected, without an acquaintance with their component parts.

The investigator of general laws, and the discriminator of species, are thus advancing the knowledge of their favourite science by different modes of study. The paths they have chosen, although essentially distinct, lead but to one common point; and as both must be trodden, it seems unnecessary to discuss which road is the most honourable.

In the classification of the subjects here comprised, we have followed no particular system: the chief object aimed at, being to point out apparent relations and affinities. To those Ornithological groups which Linneus named Genera, and which subsequent systematists have considered Families or sub-families, we have applied the designations long used by Leach, Stevens, Fleming, Vigors, &c., but in all cases where such divisions are unaccompanied by a definition, (in the following pages,) we wish it to be understood, that the name is merely appliedprovisionally; indicating theprobablestation of the individual; and that in very few instances do our own opinions on the nature of such groups, coincide with those of the different writers who have gone before us.

The splendid discovery of the circular system of Nature, has given a totally new aspect to this science; but has nevertheless been attended with an evil, no where more apparent than in Ornithology; where synthesis has completely set aside analysis, and where the rugged and laborious path of patient investigation, has been deserted for the flowery walks of Speculation andHypothesis. The combinations thus produced, may well excite the smile of our continental neighbours, nor need we feel surprise that they look, with something like contempt, on such arrangements "called natural" of affinities and relations.

On the other hand the Ornithological writings of Sonnini, Le Vaillant, Wilson, and Azara, are never failing sources of information to the searcher after truth. The observations of such men, who recorded Nature as she really is, and who cared very little for the fashionable systems of the day, may be for a time neglected: but they must finally assume that importance which is ever attached to unbiassed and disinterested testimony. To this honourable list our own country can furnish other names. The habits and economy of our native birds have been accurately and patiently investigated by those lyncean naturalists, White, Montague, and Selby, while their internal structure is now engaging the attention of Mr. Yarrell, a Gentleman eminently qualified by long study, and matured reflection, for such a task.

In Conchology we have been more desirous to illustrate groups, than species; the latter will be done, on a very extensive scale, in the forthcoming work of Mess. Sowerby.

From the patient labours, and cautious deductions, of Dr. Horsfield, we expect a more perfect elucidation of the Lepidopterous Insects than has yet, perhaps, been attempted. As this will be the result of careful analysis, we shall place a high degree of confidence in the views it may develope.

In conclusion, it may be as well to add, that our views on several of the higher groups, here but slightly noticed, will be more fully explained in another work, now preparing for Publication.

W. S.

Tittenhanger Green, St. Albans,24th July, 1829.

Tittenhanger Green, St. Albans,

24th July, 1829.

Pl.1.

Sapphire crowned Parrotfem.

Plate 1.

PSITTACULUSvernalis.

Vernal Parrakeet.

Family Psittacidæ.—Vigors.Genus Psittaculus.—(Lesson. Man. 2. p. 148.)

Specific Character.

Green, with the head more splendid; bill red; rump and upper tail covers scarlet; spot on the throat orange.Psittacus vernalis.Sparman Mus. Carl. Pl. 29.Psittacula vernalis.Gen. Zool. 14. p. 144.

Green, with the head more splendid; bill red; rump and upper tail covers scarlet; spot on the throat orange.

Psittacus vernalis.Sparman Mus. Carl. Pl. 29.

Psittacula vernalis.Gen. Zool. 14. p. 144.

The Vernal Parrakeet has hitherto remained unfigured, except in the scarce and little known work of Sparman: nor was its native country ascertained, until recent travellers discovered it in the islands of Java and Teinor.

This is one of the smallest of parrots, scarcely exceeding five inches in length; the feathers of the head have a silky texture, and their colour, in some lights, is particularly vivid: the tail and the wings are green above, but of a rich deep blue beneath; a character said to be equally conspicuous in P.galgulusL. The spot on the throat, in our specimen, is orange.

In respect to the situation of this bird among its congeners, we retain it, provisionally, in the genusPsittaculaof Brisson & Kuhl, adopting the termination used by M. Spix, to avoid the alteration of specific names. We have not yet had leisure to study the new divisions made in this family, with that attention they deserve; but it strikes us, as a defect in the genusPsittaculus, that it unites birds of the Old and the New World in one group. Except in their size, no two parrots can be more dissimilar in construction than the Indian P.vernalis, and the American P.passerinus. In the first, the under mandible is smallest, narrow, and rather pointed; the first quill longest; and the tail feathers rounded. In P.passerinus, the under mandible is largest, high, very thick, and quite obtuse; the second quill longest, and the tail feathers acutely pointed. These may be usefully employed as sectional characters, until the contents of the two groups are better understood.

Pl.2.

Brazilian Crested Eagle,Polyborus Braziliensis.

Plate 2.

POLYBORUSBraziliensis

The Caracara; or Brazilian-crested Eagle.

Family Falconidæ.Generic Character.—See Vieil. Orn. 3. p. 1180.

Specific Character.

Body above and beneath, crest of the head, and end of the tail, blackish brown: the rest of the plumage cream colour, varied with spots and bands.Falco Braziliensis.Lin. Gm. 64.Buzard du Brézil.Buffon.La Caracara.Azara Voy. 3. p. 32.Vieil. Orn. 3. p. 1180.Polyborus Vulgaris.Vieil. Gall. Pl. 7.

Body above and beneath, crest of the head, and end of the tail, blackish brown: the rest of the plumage cream colour, varied with spots and bands.

Falco Braziliensis.Lin. Gm. 64.

Buzard du Brézil.Buffon.

La Caracara.Azara Voy. 3. p. 32.Vieil. Orn. 3. p. 1180.

Polyborus Vulgaris.Vieil. Gall. Pl. 7.

In Mus. Paris. D. Taylor.

The whole extent of Tropical America, from Mexico to the banks of the Rio Plata, is inhabited by this majestic bird. It has been slightly noticed by the earlier writers, but nothing was known of its history, until the publication of the invaluable Memoirs of Azara.

Its length is about twenty-one inches. In its habits there is a mixture of cowardice and daring. It will attack all other rapacious birds, excepting eagles, for the purpose of robbing them of their prey, and will often seize the game of the hunter, before he has time to secure it. Yet the Caracara is frequently driven from its haunts by the courage of small birds; and will only attack young chickens when not defended by their mother.

The birds which form the modern genera ofDaptrius,Ibycter,Polyborus, andMilvago, present so many characters in common, that we cannot consider them of sufficient rank to be called genera. They appear to us, taken collectively, to form one group, in which every species exhibits a peculiar modification of structure, assimilating either to the Vultures or the Falcons. Allied both in structure and manners to both these families, each bird may be considered as a strongly marked link of connexion. They present, in short, that interchange of characters, generally confined to individual species, which Nature invariably exhibits at the union of her more comprehensive groups.

Pl.3.

Painted FlycatcherSetophaga picta.

Plate 3.

SETOPHAGApicta.

Painted Flycatcher.

Family MuscicapidæGeneric Character.—See Lesson Man. 2 p. 430.

Specific Character.

Black; breast and middle of the body crimson; greater wing covers, and three external tail feathers, snowy.

In Mus. D. Taylor.

A specimen of this richly-coloured bird was sent to John Taylor, Esq., F. G. S., &c., from Real del Monte, in Mexico. It is not only new to Ornithologists, but forms a beautiful addition to a geographic group, originally founded upon one species.

The figure is the size of life. The bristles at the bill are compact, rigid, and all directed forwards: under tail covers and thighs whitish: the white band on the wings occupies the greater covers, and the tips of the lesser: the quill covers are also margined with white: the extreme base of the three outer tail feathers are more or less black.

The characters upon which we formed this group, confine it strictly to birds of the New World. For although the habits of the typical species evince a marked affinity to the Fantailed Flycatchers of Australia, the construction of their wings is totally different. The disposition of the black and crimson colours on our bird, will remind the Ornithologist of the Red-bellied Flycatcher of Latham, of which, in fact, it is nearly an exact prototype. But this resemblance, however strong, appears to us to be one of analogy, rather than of affinity. We consequently consider theMuscicapa Multicolor,Lathami, andGoodenovia, of MM. Horsfield and Vigors, as more truly belonging to the family ofSylviadæ.

Pl.4.

Ancillaria rubiginosa

Plate 4.

ANCILLARIArubiginosa.

Generic Character.

Shell oblong, smooth, entirely polished: suture not channelled. Base of the pillar oblique, thickened, and striated. S.

Specific Character.

Shell imperforate, oblong, chestnut; spire elongated; body whorl above banded; base with two belts and a concave groove.Sw. in Phil. Mag. 62. p. 403.A. rubiginosa.Sw. in Brand's Journ., No. 36, p. 283.

Shell imperforate, oblong, chestnut; spire elongated; body whorl above banded; base with two belts and a concave groove.Sw. in Phil. Mag. 62. p. 403.

A. rubiginosa.Sw. in Brand's Journ., No. 36, p. 283.

The Ancillariæ are marine shells, few in number, and peculiar to warm latitudes. They are naturally polished, and very much shaped, like the Olives; but the suture, which in those shells is marked by a deep grove, is in these covered by a thick enamel. The animal, we believe, remains unknown. In a monograph of this genus, published in the Journal above quoted, we described fourteen recent, and four fossil species, being all which, at that period, we had seen. Of these, the present is one of the largest, and certainly the most beautiful. Our figure was made from a matchless specimen, received by Mrs. Mawe from China, and now in the collection of Mr. Broderip.

We hear, with pleasure, that Mr. George Sowerby has selected this interesting group for an early illustration in his promisedSpecies Conchyliorum. The professional opportunities which this zealous Conchologist enjoys will, no doubt, enable him to make considerable and valuable additions to this and every other department of his subject; and he has our cordial good wishes for success in this most laborious undertaking.

Pl.5.

Mitra melaniana

Plate 5.

MITRAmelaniana.

Generic Character.—See Zool. Illustr. 1 Series, Pl. 23.

Specific Character.

Shell smooth, blackish brown, with very minute punctured transverse striæ; spire attenuated, longer than the aperture; pillar 4-plaited.Mitra melaniana.Lam. Syst. 7. p. 314.M. nigra?Chem. Conch. 10 Pl. 151. f. 1430, 1431.M. carbonaria.Sw. in Bligh. Cat. App. p. 10.

Shell smooth, blackish brown, with very minute punctured transverse striæ; spire attenuated, longer than the aperture; pillar 4-plaited.

Mitra melaniana.Lam. Syst. 7. p. 314.

M. nigra?Chem. Conch. 10 Pl. 151. f. 1430, 1431.

M. carbonaria.Sw. in Bligh. Cat. App. p. 10.

We are acquainted with two shells, perfectly distinct as species, yet sufficiently alike to render Lamarck's description of his M.melanianaapplicable to both. In this uncertainty, we at first intended to distinguishthisby the name ofcarbonaria, and to consider the other as Lamarck'smelaniana, but further consideration induces us to alter this arrangement; the second species we propose to illustrate in an early number. Our figure was taken from a full-sized specimen, received from Australia, and now in the Manchester Museum.

MITRAtessellata.

Shell ovate, smooth, with remote transverse punctured striæ; whitish, cancellated by transverse and longitudinal fulvous lines; inner lip brown at the base; outer lip smooth.Mitra tessellata.Swains. in Brand's Journal, No. 33. p. 34. (Ap. 1824.)

Shell ovate, smooth, with remote transverse punctured striæ; whitish, cancellated by transverse and longitudinal fulvous lines; inner lip brown at the base; outer lip smooth.

Mitra tessellata.Swains. in Brand's Journal, No. 33. p. 34. (Ap. 1824.)

We have already given a full account of this very rare shell; a repetition of which is rendered unnecessary by the publication of the figures. The specimen from which these were taken, was then in the possession of Mrs. Mawe, whose kindness and liberality, in forwarding our scientific pursuits, has been, for very many years, constant and invariable. We know not its country, nor have we ever seen a second example.

Mr. Grey has recently given an additional interest to this group, by publishing an account of the structure of the animal.

Pl.6.

African JacanaParra Africana.

Plate 6.

PARRAAfricana.

African Jacana.

Family Rallidæ.Generic Character.—See Lesson Man. 2. p. 285.

Specific Character.

Above deep cinnamon; crown of the head naked; throat white; breast fulvous; neck and quills black; spur on the wing obsolete.Parra Africana.Lath. Ind. Orn. 2. 764.African Jacana.Lath. Gen. Syn. 5. p. 246. Gen. Hist. 9. p. 393.

Above deep cinnamon; crown of the head naked; throat white; breast fulvous; neck and quills black; spur on the wing obsolete.

Parra Africana.Lath. Ind. Orn. 2. 764.

African Jacana.Lath. Gen. Syn. 5. p. 246. Gen. Hist. 9. p. 393.

In Mus. Par. Nostro.

The Jacanas are wading birds, somewhat analagous, both in structure and habits, to the European water-hen; but in their native haunts, from not being disturbed, they are less shy. The number of these birds on the lakes of Brazil, the elegance of their movements, and their fearlessness of man, excite an interest in the traveller who journeys through regions, ornamented alone by Nature.

Most of the Jacanas inhabit South America—a few occur in India; and this, as its name implies, is found in Africa. The typical species have the wings armed with a strong and very acute bony spur; but in P.Africana, this is so small, as not to be perceived when the wing is closed.—Bruce mentions this bird by the name of Meylie, as inhabiting Abyssinia; and Mr. Salt found it at Mozambique. Our specimen was received from Western Africa, by Mr. Ward, Animal Preserver, Broad Street, Golden Square.

The peculiar structure of the feet of these birds is highly singular, but their particular use has not, we believe, been explained. The Jacanas are very light birds; and their long toes, spreading over a wide surface, enable them to walk on the floating leaves of aquatic plants, with as much facility as if they were on land. In such situations their appearance is really delusive; for their pressure being sufficient to sink the supporting leaf just below the surface, the birds actually appear to walk upon the water.

Total length, ab. 10½; bill, 12⁄10; wings, 52⁄10; tarsi, 22⁄10; hind toe and claw, 51⁄10.

Pl.7.

African Black Cuckow.Cuculus nigricans.

Plate 7.

CUCULUSnigricans.

African Black Cuckow.

Family Cuculidæ.Generic Character.—See Lesson. Man. 2. 119.

Specific Character.

Black glossed with blue; quills internally white, with blackish bands; tips of the lateral tail feathers whitish; bill and legs black.

The genusCuculus, even as now restricted, contains a number of species, dispersed over the continents and islands of the Old World. In America they are not known: but the genusCoccyzus, which there represents the group, is one of those few which are common to both hemispheres.

The specific distinctions of birds having a uniform black plumage, is at all times difficult; and more so, when we attempt to identify them with the descriptions of authors. Of the black Cuckows of Africa, our bird comes nearest to theCoucou criardof Levaillant, (Ois. d'Af. pl. 204-5,) but differs in having the bill and feet black instead of yellow: it cannot be theCuculus Indicus nigerof Brisson, asthathas the quills, internally, "tout à fait noir:" neither is it the black Indian Cuckow of Edwards, pl. 58, (Cuculus nigerLin.,) whose bill and feet are red. We were inclined to think that the second species of Buffon'sCoukeelsmight be our bird, notwithstanding the difference of their locality; but Commerson's original description decides the question; his words are "Cuculus cristatus mindanensis cœruleo nigricans totus," (Buff. ed. Son. 54. p. 54.) Our bird has no crest. We have here consulted only original writers; for subsequent transcribers have so blended these birds under one name, that it is scarcely possible to disentangle their synonyms. M. Vieillot has increased the confusion, by transposing the specific names of Linnæus: the trueC. niger, L. being hisOrientalis(En. Meth. Orn. 1331).

Our bird was sent to us for examination by Mr. Ward. It is a genuine Cuckow: the nostrils being round, the third quill longest, and the second shorter than the fourth. It came from Western Africa.

Total length, 12½; bill, 11⁄10; wings, 6¾; tail, 6½.

Pl.8.

Blue necked Lory

Plate 8.

LORIUSIsidorii.

Blue-necked Lory.

Family Psittacidæ.Generic Character.—Lesson. Man. 2. 148.

Specific Character.

Crimson; crown, nape, neck, throat, and middle of the belly violet blue; quill covers tipt with black; tail moderate, graduated, reddish brown.

A splendid specimen of this lovely bird (the only one we believe in this kingdom), came into our possession some years ago through Mr. Warwick, a travelling naturalist of great merit. It was purchased by him, alive, in the Isle of France, where it had been brought in a trading vessel from New Guinea: but it unfortunately died on its passage to England.

We feel happy, that in recording this new and beautiful bird, an early opportunity is given us of commemorating our deep sense of the kindness we received from a young naturalist of France, whose writings have already acquired celebrity, and who promises to inherit the great and commanding talents of his illustrious father. In prosecuting our studies at theGarden of Plants, we met with such unexampled liberality from its most distinguished Professors, that we feel embarrassed where first to return our thanks. But the facilities and attentions we received from M. Isidore Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, partly involved a sacrifice of personal convenience; uncalled for, either by the nature of his appointment, or by the common rules of courtesy. So much for the reception which British naturalists receive in France. We should do well, when striving to imitate the Zoological Institutions of that nation, if we imbibed somewhat more of their liberality. We hope the time is not far distant, when the system of regulations and restrictions, which now fence the Museum of a popular Society, from all who cannot pay for admittance, as members, may be exchanged for a policy more creditable to the age, and more honourable to the nation.

We shall offer a few remarks, illustrating this particular genus, in our next number.

Total length, 9 in.; wings 5; tail (beyond) 1½, from the base, 3½.

Pl.9.

AMPULLARIA Pl. 1.A. carinata.

Plate 9.

AMPULLARIAcarinata.

Carinated Apple-snail.

Family Ampullaridæ.—Guild.

Generic Character.

Pachystoma.Shell ventricose; margin of the lip thick, generally grooved; operculum testaceous. Zool. Journ. 12. p. 536.

Specific Character.

Shell olive, ventricose, without bands; whorls carinated near the suture.

In the first Series of our Illustrations, we endeavoured to lessen the confusion which, at that time, prevailed among the species of Ampullaria, figuring and naming such as appeared to us truly distinct. During the course of our labours, the sixth part of the "Animauxsans Vetebres" of the celebrated Lamarck was published in Paris; in which is described several species, figured in our volumes under other names. A want of mutual communication between authors writing at the same time, and on the same subject, has naturally caused confusion in nomenclature; which, at an early period, we intend to elucidate.

Our friend the Rev. L. Guilding, whose accuracy of observation can only be equalled by his indefatigable zeal, has established the distinction between the horny and shelly operculatedAmpullariæ, on anatomical principles. The present species (which was engraved before his valuable memoir was published) must consequently be placed in his genusPachystoma; while thecarinataof Lamarck, from having a horny operculum, remains with the true Ampullariæ.

We know not the precise locality of our species; but conjecture it may be from some of the rivers of India.—Specimens, in different stages of growth, are in the Manchester Museum, and in our own.

Pl.10.

UNIO Pl. 1.U. truncatus

Plate 10.

UNIOtruncatus.

Truncated River Mussel.

Acephala Dimyaria.Sub-family Les Nayades.—Lam.

Synopsis of the Genera.

Unio.Shells with lateral and cardinal teeth, the latter short and deeply divided.Hyria.Lateral and cardinal teeth distinct; but the latter lengthened, and united to the former by irregular dentations.Iridina.Teeth consisting of a single crenated line, parallel with the ligament.Anodon.All the teeth either obsolete, or entirely wanting.Alasmodon.Lateral teeth none; cardinal teeth simple, or slightly divided.

Unio.Shells with lateral and cardinal teeth, the latter short and deeply divided.

Hyria.Lateral and cardinal teeth distinct; but the latter lengthened, and united to the former by irregular dentations.

Iridina.Teeth consisting of a single crenated line, parallel with the ligament.

Anodon.All the teeth either obsolete, or entirely wanting.

Alasmodon.Lateral teeth none; cardinal teeth simple, or slightly divided.

Specific Character.

Shell thick, oblong, sub-cylindrical, within pearly, umbones close to the anterior margin, which is truncate; posterior extremity narrowed.

In our former Series, we have frequently mentioned the Fluviatile Bivalve Shells, of which the genusUnioappears to be the type. In a group which present so few certain characters, either for discriminating the species or characterizing the genera, we have, with other writers, held different opinions at different times. And the reader has only to peruse an interesting paper on these shells, in the Zoological Journal (Vol. I. p. 53), to be convinced of the intricacy of the subject.

Nevertheless it is observed, by those who study natural affinities, that when the links between two distinct forms of animals are so complete, that their dissimilarities are lost in intermediate and undefinable gradations, it is then that the natural arrangement is most likely to be discovered. For it has been demonstrated in such groups, that the most perfect order and harmony will come out, of what appeared an inextricable entanglement of relations. Such, however, will never result from the belief in a simple scale of Nature, or by attempting to circumscribe groups by absolute characters. We therefore now offer the foregoing sketch of the natural divisions of theNayades, as the result of all we have seen or read upon this difficult subject.

We are unacquainted with any described species to which the shell here figured can be referred. Its substance is very thick, and its form nearly cylindrical. We have seen but one specimen, and that was with Mrs. Mawe.

Pl.11.

White Breasted Wren.Thryothorus Mexicanus.

Plate 11.

THRIOTHORUSMexicanus.

Mexican, or White-throated Wren.

Family Certhiadæ.Generic Character.—Vieil. Orn. 2. 627.

Specific Character.

Brown, varied with dusky lines and white dots; throat and breast snowy; tail ferruginous, with black bars.

Mus. D. Taylor.

In the collection of Birds before alluded to, formed by the late Mr. John Morgan at Real del Monte, was a single skin of this new and elegant species. The snowy whiteness of its throat, renders it not liable to be mistaken in a group of birds, presenting in general a great similarity of plumage. The upper parts are greyish brown, varied with obscure, dusky, broken lines of blackish; each feather being tipt with a small round white spot: wing covers and tertials the same: upper and under tail covers ferruginous; each feather with a white spot before the white one which is at the tip, lower breast and all the under plumage rufous brown, crossed by black lines; the white dots nearly obsolete, tail ferruginous, with about six black bars: legs brown, hind claw as long as the tarsus. Fourth and fifth quill longest.

This genus has been judiciously separated by M. Vieillot fromTroglodytes(to which belongs our Brown European Wren), on account of its lengthened and generally notched bill: the greater prolongation of the hind toe is a further distinction; indicating an affinity with the more perfect scansorial Creepers.

To this group belongs theMyothera obsoletaof Prince Charles Bonaparte. No example of that genus, or ofThamnophilus(in their most extended sense), has yet been found north of Cuba: their straight, cylindrical, and abruptly-hooked bills, offer a striking contrast to the lengthened, compressed, curved, and consequently feeble structure of this part inThriothorusandTroglodytes.

Total length, 5½; bill, 11⁄10; wings, and tail, 26⁄10tarsi,7⁄10.

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