Plate 93.
P. (G. Caud.) alis atris, fasciâ communi posticarumque lunulis marginalibus flavis; his caudatis, punctorum rubrorum striga intermediâ.G.Pap. (G. Caud.)wings black; with the common band and marginal lunules on the lower wings, yellow; lower wings with obtuse tails, and a row of red dots between the nerves.—Godart.Pap. Pandrosus.Godart. En. Meth.vol.ix.p.62.No.101.
P. (G. Caud.) alis atris, fasciâ communi posticarumque lunulis marginalibus flavis; his caudatis, punctorum rubrorum striga intermediâ.G.
Pap. (G. Caud.)wings black; with the common band and marginal lunules on the lower wings, yellow; lower wings with obtuse tails, and a row of red dots between the nerves.—Godart.
Pap. Pandrosus.Godart. En. Meth.vol.ix.p.62.No.101.
M. Godart has anticipated me in the first publication of this, and a great many other newly discovered Brazilian insects; it has, however, not been figured; and I take this opportunity of expressing my doubts, whether this and the next are not sexes of the same species, rather than two, permanently distinct. I have not, at this particular time, the means of referring either to my notes or my collections, by which the recollection I have on the subject might be in some way confirmed; and, until this is done, it is much better retaining the two insects as distinct species: the figures of both will show their very close resemblance, in every thing but the bands on the upper surface of the wings. I found them common in the province of Rio de Janeiro.
Pl.94
Plate 94.
P. (G. Caud.) alis atris; anticis fasciis duabus, posticis disco lunulisque marginalibus, flavis: his caudatis, punctorum rubrorum strigâ intermediâ.—Godart.P. (G. Caud.)Wings black; two bands on the anterior wings, and marginal lunules on the posterior, yellow; lower wings with obtuse tails, and a row of red dots between the nerves.P. Torquatus.Cramer,pl.177.fig. a. b.Godart. En. Meth.v. 9.p.62.
P. (G. Caud.) alis atris; anticis fasciis duabus, posticis disco lunulisque marginalibus, flavis: his caudatis, punctorum rubrorum strigâ intermediâ.—Godart.
P. (G. Caud.)Wings black; two bands on the anterior wings, and marginal lunules on the posterior, yellow; lower wings with obtuse tails, and a row of red dots between the nerves.
P. Torquatus.Cramer,pl.177.fig. a. b.Godart. En. Meth.v. 9.p.62.
It is singular that Fabricius appears to have overlooked this species, sufficiently well figured by Cramer to point out its leading characters, though very inferior to the beauty of the insect. M. Godart has, however, recorded it in his account of this superb genus in theEncyclopédie Méthodique; and the minute and clear descriptions which this able entomologist has given throughout that work, merit the highest eulogium. Our own figures will, however, render a detailed description in this place unnecessary.
M. Godart says, this insect is found both in Guiana and Brazil. In the latter country, I met with it only in the province of Rio de Janeiro, where it is common.
Pl.95
Plate 95.
Rostrum elongatum, gracillimum, arcuatum, apice acutissimo, integerrimo, ad basin depressum, lateribus compressis, marginibus inflexis, subtilissimè dentatis; mandibulâ inferiore convexâ. Lingua jaculatoria, tubularis, furcata? Nares basales, breves, nudæ, ovatæ, membranâ fissâ, juxta rostri marginem et basin aperiente, tectæ. Remigum penna prima brevissima, secunda pennis 4 proximis paribus brevior.Ob.—Maris cauda pennis elongatis 2 ornata, hypochondriorumque pennæ longiores.
Rostrum elongatum, gracillimum, arcuatum, apice acutissimo, integerrimo, ad basin depressum, lateribus compressis, marginibus inflexis, subtilissimè dentatis; mandibulâ inferiore convexâ. Lingua jaculatoria, tubularis, furcata? Nares basales, breves, nudæ, ovatæ, membranâ fissâ, juxta rostri marginem et basin aperiente, tectæ. Remigum penna prima brevissima, secunda pennis 4 proximis paribus brevior.
Ob.—Maris cauda pennis elongatis 2 ornata, hypochondriorumque pennæ longiores.
Bill lengthened, very slender, arched, the base depressed, the sides compressed, the tip very sharp and entire, the margins bent inwards and minutely dentated; under mandible beneath convex. Tongue retractile, tubular, forked? Nostrils basal, short, and broad, covered by a naked oval membrane which opens by a slit near the margin of the bill. First quill feather very short; the second shorter than the four next, which are of equal length.Ob.—Male generally with long feathers in the tail, and the side feathers under the wings rather lengthened.
Bill lengthened, very slender, arched, the base depressed, the sides compressed, the tip very sharp and entire, the margins bent inwards and minutely dentated; under mandible beneath convex. Tongue retractile, tubular, forked? Nostrils basal, short, and broad, covered by a naked oval membrane which opens by a slit near the margin of the bill. First quill feather very short; the second shorter than the four next, which are of equal length.
Ob.—Male generally with long feathers in the tail, and the side feathers under the wings rather lengthened.
C. aureo-viridis, alis caudâque fuscis; fasciis pectoralibus 2 connexis, anticâ chalybeiâ, posticâ angustâ,rubrâ; caudæ tegminibus superioribus chalybeis.Golden green, with brown wings and tail, and narrow pectoral band, bordered above by another of steel blue; upper tail covers blue.Certhia chalybeia.Lin. Gmelin.475.Ind. Orn.1. 284.Brisson.3tab.32.f.1.?Le Soui-manga à collier.Vieill. Grimp.p.40.pl.13. 14.Collared Creeper.Latham,Syn.2. 709.Gent. Zool.8. 196.
C. aureo-viridis, alis caudâque fuscis; fasciis pectoralibus 2 connexis, anticâ chalybeiâ, posticâ angustâ,rubrâ; caudæ tegminibus superioribus chalybeis.
Golden green, with brown wings and tail, and narrow pectoral band, bordered above by another of steel blue; upper tail covers blue.
Certhia chalybeia.Lin. Gmelin.475.Ind. Orn.1. 284.Brisson.3tab.32.f.1.?
Le Soui-manga à collier.Vieill. Grimp.p.40.pl.13. 14.
Collared Creeper.Latham,Syn.2. 709.Gent. Zool.8. 196.
This splendid family may be considered as the Humming-birds of the old world, inhabiting (I think exclusively) the tropical regions of Africa and Asia. To the personal observations of M. Vaillant we owe the first, and indeed the only detailed account, of their real economy, and which this enterprising ornithologist remarked during his travels in Africa, and published in his work on the birds of that continent; a work which will be valued and consulted when most of the systems framed by closet naturalists will be forgotten.
M. Vaillant records a singular fact respecting these birds: which is, that the males only assume their rich and vivid colours during the season of courtship; at other times they are scarcely to be known from the females, whose plumage in general is very plain. Another bird, very nearly resembling this, has been figured by M. Vaillant under the name ofLe Sucrier à Plastron rouge(Ois. d'Af. pl. 300.); his reasons, however, for separating them, are, I think, sufficient, at least until more forcible ones are adduced than mere conjecture. Our figure is the size of life; on each side the breast is a tuft of yellow feathers; the back, neck, and head shining golden green, changing in various lights. The female is said to be theCerthia Capensisof Lin., which is greyish brown above, and paler beneath.
The different generic names which have been given to these birds by modern systematic writers, require some elucidation. They were originally placed by Linnæus among theCerthiæ; out of this genus Illiger formed another by the name ofNectarinia, in which he included not only these birds, but many others allied to them. From this genus of Illiger's, Cuvier separated a part under the generic appellation ofCinnyris, a genus which comprised those species of Illiger'sNectariniaonly which are found in the parallels of latitude of the old world. So far these changes can be understood; but Professor Temminck, without noticing this previous arrangement, places the birds belonging to Cuvier's genusCinnyris, under his own modification of Illiger'sNectarinia, while to theNectariniæ, as characterized by Cuvier, he gives the generic name ofCœreba. This last change has introduced great confusion; for the student must bear in mind, that Cuvier's genusNectariniacorresponds to Temminck'sCœreba; thatCinnyrisof Cuvier isNectariniaof Temminck; and finally, that all these are included under Illiger's original genusNectarinia! M. Vieillot has still further added to this unfortunate multiplicity of names, by giving that ofMellisugato Cuvier'sCinnyris. This may truly be termed a war of words. In the meantime, as Cuvier was the first who, by giving the name ofCinnyris, designated theSucriersof Vaillant, and thoseonly, his definition and generic name to these birds should unquestionably supersede all others.
Pl.96
Plate 96.
Testa transversa, plerumque tenuis. Cardo linearis, edentulus. Lamina cardinalis glabra, aliquando levata, anticè sinu sub ligamento desinens. Impressiones musculares 3. Ligamentum externum. Animal fluviatile.
Testa transversa, plerumque tenuis. Cardo linearis, edentulus. Lamina cardinalis glabra, aliquando levata, anticè sinu sub ligamento desinens. Impressiones musculares 3. Ligamentum externum. Animal fluviatile.
Shell transverse, generally thin. Hinge consisting of a simple marginal lamina without teeth, smooth or slightly raised, terminating at the anterior end in a curve or sinus below the ligament. Muscular impressions three. Ligament external. Animal fluviatile.
Shell transverse, generally thin. Hinge consisting of a simple marginal lamina without teeth, smooth or slightly raised, terminating at the anterior end in a curve or sinus below the ligament. Muscular impressions three. Ligament external. Animal fluviatile.
A. testâ ovato-oblongâ, crassâ, convexâ, anticè obliquè rotundatâ; intus fulvâ, margine rufo; margine cardinali leviter curvato, infra umbones crasso.Shell ovate-oblong, thick, convex, anterior obliquely rounded; hinge margin slightly curved and thickened beneath the umbones; inside fulvous, with a reddish margin.
A. testâ ovato-oblongâ, crassâ, convexâ, anticè obliquè rotundatâ; intus fulvâ, margine rufo; margine cardinali leviter curvato, infra umbones crasso.
Shell ovate-oblong, thick, convex, anterior obliquely rounded; hinge margin slightly curved and thickened beneath the umbones; inside fulvous, with a reddish margin.
The shells now arranged under the kindred genera ofUnioandAnodonare exclusively fluviatile, or inhabitants of fresh water, and are dispersed both in the old and the new world. In the Linnæan system, the first, being furnished with teeth, are placed among theMyæ; and the latter, from having none, are arranged with theMytili. Two common shells, in our own rivers and ponds (Mya pictorum, andMytilus anatinus Lin.), will readily present to the student the characters by which they are severally distinguished. The shells of the present genus bear such a general resemblance to each other, and are so simple in their construction, that a corresponding minuteness of discrimination is requisite to characterize the species; I have, therefore, selected for this purpose the modification of the upper margin to which the ligament is attached, and which in other shells forms the bases of the teeth. This I have termed the hinge margin. The form of the notch or sinus which terminates this part will also be found of much importance in discriminating the species; for no shells vary more in their form, thickness, or convexity than these do, according to their locality, age, or other circumstances.
Shell transverse, oval; rather thick and ventricose; both extremities obtuse; the anterior side (from the umbones to the exterior margin) obliquely rounded; umbones prominent; hinge margin rather thick, slightly curved, and swelled immediately under the umbones; sinus short, abrupt, curved; epidermis coarse, black, and much wrinkled; inside stained with yellow, and having a narrow reddish rim or margin.
For this species, now, I believe, first made known, I am indebted to G. C. Bainbridge, Esq. of Liverpool, who received several specimens from the United States. It appears to have been unknown to Mr. Say, who has published an account of the land and river shells of North America.
The student might be led to suppose, that the two genera ofUnioandAnodonare strongly characterized; for the first includes many of the most ponderous bivalves yet discovered, and the second some remarkably thin and brittle. Among theUnionesare shells furnished with hinges of the greatest force, while most of theAnodonsare perfectly destitute of any; nevertheless, the gradations by which these characters approach each other are very remarkable, and some shells which partake of both have been arranged in separate genera. Of these, the best defined areHyriaLam. andDipsasof Leach; the one allied nearest toUnio, but having the cardinal teeth assuming the appearance of lateral or lamellar teeth; the other more resembling the Anodons, but furnished with a strongly defined and elevated lamellar tooth, extending the whole length of the hinge. Between these two genera should be placed another of Lamarck's, called by himIridinia, which has likewise only a simple lamellar plate, but broken into a great number of crenated teeth. The observing Mr. Say has likewise proposed another under the name ofAlasmodonta, which, however, I shall take another opportunity of noticing.
I have ventured to exchange the ungrammatical name ofAnodonta, given by Bruguiere to this genus, forAnodon, at the suggestion of the learned Dr. Goodall, Provost of Eton College.
Pl.97
Plate 97.
Testa ovata. Spira brevissima aut nulla. Labium exterius crassissimum, margine interiore crenato. Columella plicata. Basis subintegra. Animal capitatum, capitis fronte profundè emarginato; oculis ad tentaculorum 2 subulatorum basin externam adsitis; tubâ jugulari simplici; pede magno, foliaceo, ponè attenuato; penulâ dilatatâ, testæ latera obtegente.
Testa ovata. Spira brevissima aut nulla. Labium exterius crassissimum, margine interiore crenato. Columella plicata. Basis subintegra. Animal capitatum, capitis fronte profundè emarginato; oculis ad tentaculorum 2 subulatorum basin externam adsitis; tubâ jugulari simplici; pede magno, foliaceo, ponè attenuato; penulâ dilatatâ, testæ latera obtegente.
Shell oval. Spire very short or concealed. Exterior lip very thick, with the internal margin crenated. Pillar plaited. Base nearly entire. Animal capitate; head notched in front, with lengthened, pointed tentacula, at the external base of which are the eyes; neck with a simple tube; foot large, foliaceous, pointed behind; mantle dilated, and folded over the sides of the shell.
Shell oval. Spire very short or concealed. Exterior lip very thick, with the internal margin crenated. Pillar plaited. Base nearly entire. Animal capitate; head notched in front, with lengthened, pointed tentacula, at the external base of which are the eyes; neck with a simple tube; foot large, foliaceous, pointed behind; mantle dilated, and folded over the sides of the shell.
Lamarck first separated the shells comprised in this genus from the Volutes of Linnæus; their principal distinction rests in the formation of the outer lip, which has a very thick margin, more or less toothed on the inner rim; the base likewise is nearly entire, and the inner lip quite wanting.
By these peculiarities, theDate Shellsare easily known from theVoluteson the one hand, and theCowrieson the other; and the invaluable researches of M. Adanson, who has described and figured the animals of each of these genera, has established this distinction on the most solid principles; it will, however, be interesting to trace, by the shells only, how beautifully this arrangement is developed.
TheMarginellæmay be divided into two sections; the first bearing in form and habit a strong resemblance to theCyprææ, and the second gradually losing these indications, and acquiring those of the spiralVolutæ. Among the first are several species, which, like the Cowries, appear destitute of any spire (as inM. cingulata); this part, however, begins to show itself in other successive species very progressively, until it becomes elevated and defined inM. glabella. This shell may be considered the passage to the second division, in which the species lose the simple oval form of the first, and acquire a contracted base and pointed spire, perfectly resemblingVoluta undulata Lam.and its allies. The extreme developement of these characters is shown inM. faba.
This genus must, then, be considered as connecting those ofCypræaandVoluta(Lam.); excepting one, the whole of the species are very small; and as the three here selected to illustrate these remarks are frequently seen, and have been often described under other names, little more is necessary than to detail their specific characters.
M. testâ ovatâ, albidâ, lineis aurantiacis fasciatâ; spirâ obsoletâ, umbilicatâ; columellâ 6 plicatâ.Shell oval, whitish, banded with orange lines; spire obsolete, umbilicated; pillar 6 plaited.Voluta cingulata.Dill.525. 56.Lister.803.f.9.Martini, 2.t.42.f.419and20.Gualt.t.25.c.? 28.b.Adanson,t.4.f.4.
M. testâ ovatâ, albidâ, lineis aurantiacis fasciatâ; spirâ obsoletâ, umbilicatâ; columellâ 6 plicatâ.
Shell oval, whitish, banded with orange lines; spire obsolete, umbilicated; pillar 6 plaited.
Voluta cingulata.Dill.525. 56.Lister.803.f.9.Martini, 2.t.42.f.419and20.Gualt.t.25.c.? 28.b.Adanson,t.4.f.4.
I am happy to record Mr. Dillwyn as the first systematic writer who separated this fromMar. persicula, which has reddish spots, and is quite a distinct species. The present is a pretty, though common shell, and observed by Adanson in great plenty on the African coast.
M. testâ ovatâ, griseâ, immaculatâ; spirâ parvâ, conicâ; aperturâ fuscâ; columellâ 4 plicatâ.Shell oval, grey, immaculate; spire small, conic; aperture brown; pillar 4 plaited.Voluta plumbea.Sol. MSS. L'Egouen. Adanson,tab.4.f.3.V. prunum.Gm.p.3446. 33.Martini, 2.t.42.f.422and3.En. Meth.376. 8.Lister, 817. 28. (young.)Dill.530. 69.
M. testâ ovatâ, griseâ, immaculatâ; spirâ parvâ, conicâ; aperturâ fuscâ; columellâ 4 plicatâ.
Shell oval, grey, immaculate; spire small, conic; aperture brown; pillar 4 plaited.
Voluta plumbea.Sol. MSS. L'Egouen. Adanson,tab.4.f.3.
V. prunum.Gm.p.3446. 33.Martini, 2.t.42.f.422and3.En. Meth.376. 8.Lister, 817. 28. (young.)Dill.530. 69.
The plaits are very strong, and, together with the outer lip, white; equally common, and from the same country, as the last.
M. testâ ovatâ, plicatâ, fulvâ, punctis fuscis ornatâ; spirâ conicâ; basi emarginatâ; columellâ 4 plicata.Shell oval, plaited, fulvous, with brown dots; spire conic; base notched; pillar 4 plaited.V. faba.Gm.3445.Lister, 812. 22.Martini, 2.t.42.f.431? 432,and3.En. Meth.377. 1.Gualt.28.Q. Dill.528. 63.
M. testâ ovatâ, plicatâ, fulvâ, punctis fuscis ornatâ; spirâ conicâ; basi emarginatâ; columellâ 4 plicata.
Shell oval, plaited, fulvous, with brown dots; spire conic; base notched; pillar 4 plaited.
V. faba.Gm.3445.Lister, 812. 22.Martini, 2.t.42.f.431? 432,and3.En. Meth.377. 1.Gualt.28.Q. Dill.528. 63.
The whorls of this pretty shell are plaited into little nodules; it is usually very small. The supposed variety figured by Martini, and mentioned by Mr. Dillwyn, I am inclined to believe, may be a distinct species.
Pl.98
Plate 98.
Testa ovata, spiralis, tenuis, umbilicata. Apertura semi-orbicularis, ad labii anterioris apicem subangulata. Operculum corneum.Animal fluviatile, branchiatum, viviparum, rostro brevissimo; oculis ad basin externam tentaculorum acutorum 2 appositis; pedis margine antico duplici; lateribus anticè alis parvis instructis; alâ dexterâ involutâ in canalem per quem aqua in tracheam introducitur.
Testa ovata, spiralis, tenuis, umbilicata. Apertura semi-orbicularis, ad labii anterioris apicem subangulata. Operculum corneum.
Animal fluviatile, branchiatum, viviparum, rostro brevissimo; oculis ad basin externam tentaculorum acutorum 2 appositis; pedis margine antico duplici; lateribus anticè alis parvis instructis; alâ dexterâ involutâ in canalem per quem aqua in tracheam introducitur.
Shell ovate, spiral, thin, umbilicated. Aperture nearly orbicular, slightly angulated at the top of the inner lip. Operculum horny.Animal fluviatile, branchiated, viviparous; rostrum very short; eyes placed at the external base of two pointed tentacula; anterior border of the foot double; on each side the fore part of the body a small wing; that on the right side is folded into a channel, by which the water is introduced into the respiratory canal.
Shell ovate, spiral, thin, umbilicated. Aperture nearly orbicular, slightly angulated at the top of the inner lip. Operculum horny.
Animal fluviatile, branchiated, viviparous; rostrum very short; eyes placed at the external base of two pointed tentacula; anterior border of the foot double; on each side the fore part of the body a small wing; that on the right side is folded into a channel, by which the water is introduced into the respiratory canal.
The common Shell above quoted, inhabiting many of our rivers, will serve as an excellent example of this genus, which is not numerous, and confined to fresh waters; the animals, inhabiting the European species, appear to have been thoroughly investigated by the continental naturalists; and from their account of its singular construction, the above description has been framed. Science should make no distinction of persons or countries; but it is rather mortifying to observe, that these important discoveries in the organization of animals, are pursued with zeal and ability by foreign naturalists, while most of our own content themselves with expatiating on its impossibility, and even go so far as to hint its uselessness, because we can never become acquainted with the animals ofallthe species of shells in our cabinets: so far this latter part of the argument is most true; but, to ascertain, for instance, the animal of the Cowry, it is surely not requisite we should see those ofallthe species (near 80 in number), before we venture to describe it? any more than it is necessary completely to dissecteveryspecies of Locust before we pronounce it to be one. Science would, indeed, receive incalculable and lasting benefit, if those of our conchologists who reside near the coast would pay greater attention to the inhabiting animals, and less to the shells, of their neighbourhood; for the first would supply that information they acknowledge is so desirable, and the latter would prevent our indigenous Catalogue from being crowded with many dubious, and even foreign shells.
English conchologists appear not to be aware of the vast number of testaceous animals which are now known. Among those truly eminent men who have prosecuted this study, M. Adanson stands foremost, in having minutely described all those he found on the African coast; in the magnificent work of Poli nearly all the Mediterranean bivalves are exquisitely figured; and those of the land and fresh water will receive complete illustration from M. Ferrusac. Cuvier, Lamarck, Say, and even our own countrymen, Dr. Leach and Montague, have all contributed, more or less, to form a mass of information which it is full time should be employed as the basis of natural classification.
P. testâ olivaceo-fuscâ, fasciis castaneis ornatâ; spirâ productâ, attenuatâ, aperturâ multo longiore; apice acuto.Shell olive brown, with chesnut bands; spire lengthened, attenuated, much longer than the aperture; tip acute.
P. testâ olivaceo-fuscâ, fasciis castaneis ornatâ; spirâ productâ, attenuatâ, aperturâ multo longiore; apice acuto.
Shell olive brown, with chesnut bands; spire lengthened, attenuated, much longer than the aperture; tip acute.
Inhabits the rivers of India. It is rather thicker than most of the others, and the umbilicus nearly obsolete.
P. testâ subventricosâ, totâ olivaceâ; apice acuto; spiræ et aperturæ longitudine æquali; umbilico clauso.Shell subventricose; uniform olive; apex of the spire acute; aperture and spire of equal length; umbilicus closed.
P. testâ subventricosâ, totâ olivaceâ; apice acuto; spiræ et aperturæ longitudine æquali; umbilico clauso.
Shell subventricose; uniform olive; apex of the spire acute; aperture and spire of equal length; umbilicus closed.
Distinguished from theHelix viviparaof authors, by having a less convex, and more pointed spire, hardly any umbilicus, and no bands. Inhabits China.
P. testâ parvâ, olivaceâ; spirâ aperturâ longiore, apice obtuso, rufo; anfractu basali medio leviter carinato; umbilico obsoleto.Shell small, olive; spire longer than the aperture; the tip obtuse, rufous; basal whorl slightly carinated in the middle; umbilicus obsolete.
P. testâ parvâ, olivaceâ; spirâ aperturâ longiore, apice obtuso, rufo; anfractu basali medio leviter carinato; umbilico obsoleto.
Shell small, olive; spire longer than the aperture; the tip obtuse, rufous; basal whorl slightly carinated in the middle; umbilicus obsolete.
A distinct species, which is never found larger than the figure. I once saw near 100, which had been picked up on the banks of the Ganges; the spire is rather lengthened, always obtuse, and the umbilicus even less than the last.
Pl.99
Plate 99.
Tamatia.Cuvier.—Capito.Viell. Tem.Rostrum validum, compressum, sub-rectum; mandibulâ superiore ad apicem obtusè aduncâ, emarginatâ, superioris margine inferioris marginem obtegente. Nares basales sulcatæ, aperturâ terminali, rotundâ parvâ, plumis rigidis incumbentibus tectâ. Frons, rictus, et mentum vibrissis rigidis, elongatis, armati. Pedes scansorii, versatiles; digiti exterioris elongati articulo primo cum digito exteriore connexo. Rectrices 12, lineares, subrotundatæ.
Tamatia.Cuvier.—Capito.Viell. Tem.
Rostrum validum, compressum, sub-rectum; mandibulâ superiore ad apicem obtusè aduncâ, emarginatâ, superioris margine inferioris marginem obtegente. Nares basales sulcatæ, aperturâ terminali, rotundâ parvâ, plumis rigidis incumbentibus tectâ. Frons, rictus, et mentum vibrissis rigidis, elongatis, armati. Pedes scansorii, versatiles; digiti exterioris elongati articulo primo cum digito exteriore connexo. Rectrices 12, lineares, subrotundatæ.
Bill strong, compressed, nearly straight; the tip of the upper mandible curved, notched, and obtuse; the margin folding on that of the lower mandible. Nostrils basal, sulcated; the aperture terminal, round, small, hid by bristly incumbent feathers. Chin, front, and gape, with strong lengthened bristles. Feet scansorial, versatile; the outer toe long, and connected by the first joints to the inner toe. Tail feathers 12, linear and slightly rounded.
Bill strong, compressed, nearly straight; the tip of the upper mandible curved, notched, and obtuse; the margin folding on that of the lower mandible. Nostrils basal, sulcated; the aperture terminal, round, small, hid by bristly incumbent feathers. Chin, front, and gape, with strong lengthened bristles. Feet scansorial, versatile; the outer toe long, and connected by the first joints to the inner toe. Tail feathers 12, linear and slightly rounded.
T. niger; fronte, gulâ, jugulo, caudæque apice albis; abdomine albo vel fulvo; fasciâ pectorali nigrâ.Black; front, throat, forepart of the neck, and tips of the tail feathers, white; body white or fulvous; pectoral bar black.Bucco macrorhynchos.Gmelin406.In. Orn.1. 203.Gen. Zool.vol. ix. p. 33.Greater pied Barbut.Lath. Syn.2. p. 498.
T. niger; fronte, gulâ, jugulo, caudæque apice albis; abdomine albo vel fulvo; fasciâ pectorali nigrâ.
Black; front, throat, forepart of the neck, and tips of the tail feathers, white; body white or fulvous; pectoral bar black.
Bucco macrorhynchos.Gmelin406.In. Orn.1. 203.Gen. Zool.vol. ix. p. 33.
Greater pied Barbut.Lath. Syn.2. p. 498.
There is something very grotesque in the appearance of all the Puff birds; and their habits, in a state of nature, are no less singular. They frequent open cultivated spots near habitations, always perching on the withered branches of a low tree; where they will sit nearly motionless for hours, unless, indeed, they descry some luckless insect passing near them, at which they immediately dart, returning again to the identical twig they had just left, and which they will sometimes frequent for months. At such times the disproportionate size of the head is rendered more conspicuous by the bird raising its feathers so as to appear not unlike a puff ball; hence the general name they have received from the English residents in Brazil; of which vast country all the species, I believe, are natives. When frightened, their form is suddenly changed by the feathers lying quite flat; they are very confiding, and will often take their station within a few yards of the window; the two sexes are generally near each other, and often on the same tree.
Total length rather more than eight inches; bill, one inch and three quarters from the gape, and half an inch less from the nostrils; it is very strong, thick, black, and slightly compressed; the tip of the upper bifid; the bristles at its base covering the nostrils are long and incurved, and those situated at the base, under the eye, very stiff; the upper part of the head black, the feathers much lengthened; the sides, front, ears, and forepart of the throat white, uniting at the back of the head into a narrow collar. The whole of the remaining plumage above is black, glossed with greenish; across the breast a black bar, which separates the white of the throat from the buff colour which tinges the abdomen and vent; the flanks are marked with dusky transverse stripes; the tail is slightly rounded and three inches and a half long, some of the feathers with a very fine line of white at their tips; all the quill feathers have the base half of their inner shafts white, as well as the greater covers inside, the lesser being black; legs and claws blackish.
I am disposed to consider this bird only as a variety of theGreater pied Barbutof Dr. Latham, differing in having the plumage on the under part of the body pale ferruginous, or buff colour, instead of white, as in the specimens he described from Cayenne; mine are from Southern Brazil, where the species is not uncommon.
This genus includes the American species of the Linnæan Barbuts; the birds connecting this group with the cuckows are arranged by Vieillot in a separate genus, named by himMonassa; which I think should be retained, as it is of much importance to designate strongly connecting links between families apparently very opposite.
Pl.100
Plate 100.
Xenops. (Hoffmansegg. in Illiger. Prod.p. 213).Rostrum mediocre, rectum, acutum, valdè compressum, inversè cultratum, i. e.culmine recto, gonyde recurvâ ascendente. Nares basales, laterales, ovatæ, parvæ, patulæ. Lingua—? Pedes mediocres, congrui. Digiti antici basi coadnati, laterales subæquales. Hallux digitum medium æquans.Illiger.Bill moderate, straight, acute, much compressed, and inversely curved; the top of the upper mandible being straight, and the edge of the lower ascending or recurved. Nostrils basal, lateral, oval, small, and covered by a naked membrane. Tongue—? Feet moderate, claws united at their base, the lateral ones nearly equal; the hind claw as long as the leg and the middle toe.
Xenops. (Hoffmansegg. in Illiger. Prod.p. 213).
Rostrum mediocre, rectum, acutum, valdè compressum, inversè cultratum, i. e.culmine recto, gonyde recurvâ ascendente. Nares basales, laterales, ovatæ, parvæ, patulæ. Lingua—? Pedes mediocres, congrui. Digiti antici basi coadnati, laterales subæquales. Hallux digitum medium æquans.Illiger.
Bill moderate, straight, acute, much compressed, and inversely curved; the top of the upper mandible being straight, and the edge of the lower ascending or recurved. Nostrils basal, lateral, oval, small, and covered by a naked membrane. Tongue—? Feet moderate, claws united at their base, the lateral ones nearly equal; the hind claw as long as the leg and the middle toe.
X. suprà fusco-rufa, infrà griseo-fusca; mento, superciliis maculisque jugularibus et pectoralibus albentibus; maculo infra aures niveo; remigum secundorum nigricantium basi fulvâ, apicibus marginibusque rufis.Above reddish-brown, beneath grey-brown; chin, eyebrows, and spots on the throat and breast, whitish; beneath the ears a snowy spot; lesser-quills blackish, the base fulvous, the tips and margins rufous.Xenops genibarbisIlliger Prod.p. 218. (1811.)Neops ruficaudusVieillot. Orn. Elem.p. 68. (1816.)
X. suprà fusco-rufa, infrà griseo-fusca; mento, superciliis maculisque jugularibus et pectoralibus albentibus; maculo infra aures niveo; remigum secundorum nigricantium basi fulvâ, apicibus marginibusque rufis.
Above reddish-brown, beneath grey-brown; chin, eyebrows, and spots on the throat and breast, whitish; beneath the ears a snowy spot; lesser-quills blackish, the base fulvous, the tips and margins rufous.
Xenops genibarbisIlliger Prod.p. 218. (1811.)
Neops ruficaudusVieillot. Orn. Elem.p. 68. (1816.)
A very extraordinary and not inelegant little creature, having a bill totally different from any other bird. Its general habit evinces a close connexion with theSittæ, particularly those of New Holland; some of which have their bills (which are slender) slightly inclining upwards, thus forming a connexion betweenXenopsand the straight billedSittæof the old world.
The figure is of the male, and its natural size; the head dark brown with pale spots; the back of a reddish tinge, and the rump and tail rufous; tail much rounded, and of twelve feathers; the three outer and the two pair in the middle entirely rufous, the other pair having the inner shafts black; the greater quills black; the last having an internal bar of pale fulvous. Beneath the eye a spot of white downy feathers, with a dusky border above and below; there is a little difference between this and Illiger's bird, but it may be only sexual.
Inhabits Brazil, but is rare.
Pl.101
Plate 101.
Pap. (Tro. dent.) Alis dentatis, nigris; posticis suprà maculis quinque violaceo-chermesinis; anticis subtùs fasciâ albidâ, transversâ, mediâ.Godart.Pap. (Tro. dent.) Wings dentated, black; posterior above with a five-cleft, violet-crimson spot; anterior beneath with a transverse, central, whitish band.P. Evander.Godart, En. Meth.vol.ix.p.32.no.18.
Pap. (Tro. dent.) Alis dentatis, nigris; posticis suprà maculis quinque violaceo-chermesinis; anticis subtùs fasciâ albidâ, transversâ, mediâ.Godart.
Pap. (Tro. dent.) Wings dentated, black; posterior above with a five-cleft, violet-crimson spot; anterior beneath with a transverse, central, whitish band.
P. Evander.Godart, En. Meth.vol.ix.p.32.no.18.
Both sexes of this newly described insect are here, for the first time, figured; that above is of the male, and beneath is represented the under side of the female. The crimson spots (which finely relieve the brownish velvet-like black on the upper surface of the wings) are, in some lights, most beautifully glossed with changeable violet, and appear either darker or paler according to the position in which the insect is viewed.
Southern Brazil is, undoubtedly, more rich in this splendid family than the northern provinces of that vast country. I never saw this species except in Rio Janeiro, where it is common: nor do I know of any other, belonging to the division ofTrojani, which have the lower wings sharply dentated, and with an appearance of obsoleteacutetails; a character more developed in the female of this species than in the male.
Pl.102
Plate 102.
P. (Troj. orb.) Alis immaculatis fuscis, inferis orbiculatis, ecaudatis; fronte, strigâ laterali subthoracicâ anoque rubris.P. (Troj. orb.) Wings immaculate, brown; lower orbicular, not tailed; front, lateral stripe on the thorax beneath, and tip of the body red.
P. (Troj. orb.) Alis immaculatis fuscis, inferis orbiculatis, ecaudatis; fronte, strigâ laterali subthoracicâ anoque rubris.
P. (Troj. orb.) Wings immaculate, brown; lower orbicular, not tailed; front, lateral stripe on the thorax beneath, and tip of the body red.
The colours of this insect are unusually sombre, and present a striking contrast to the gaudy tints by which the majority of these gay creatures are ornamented; it is so far remarkable, but it is more interesting to the entomologist, as being an unpublished addition to this genus. It was discovered in Java by Dr. Horsfield; and the drawing was made from an unique specimen which I observed while engaged in a long and laborious arrangement of the LinnæanPapilionidæ, (as they now appear at the India House,) collected by that zealous naturalist for the India Company.
Between the nerves of the anterior wings (which are remarkably large) are parallel central stripes, of a darker brown; a character common to many Indian species, but not found, I believe, in any of those from the New World.
Pl.103
Plate 103.
Testa globosa, umbilicata. Spira depressa vel brevissima. Apertura integra, magna, ovata. Operculum testaceum vel corneum. Animal fluviatile.Shell globose, umbilicated. Spire depressed or very short. Aperture entire, large, oval. Operculum shelly or horny. Animal fluviatile.—Generic TypeHelix ampullaceaLin.
Testa globosa, umbilicata. Spira depressa vel brevissima. Apertura integra, magna, ovata. Operculum testaceum vel corneum. Animal fluviatile.
Shell globose, umbilicated. Spire depressed or very short. Aperture entire, large, oval. Operculum shelly or horny. Animal fluviatile.—Generic TypeHelix ampullaceaLin.
A. testâ ovato-globosâ, olivaceâ, fasciis obscuro-purpureis angustis ornatâ; spirâ brevi, levatâ, apice acuto; labii margine tenui; umbilico mediocri.Shell ovate-globose, olive, with narrow bands of obscure purple; spire short, elevated, the tip acute; margin of the lip thin; umbilicus moderate.Am. fasciata.En. Meth.pl.457.f.3.f.4. (reversed and young).Helix ampullacea.Linn. Lister, 130.f.30.Seba,t.38.f.1to6, 58, 59.Chemnitz, 9.t.128.f.1135.Gualt.t.1. R.
A. testâ ovato-globosâ, olivaceâ, fasciis obscuro-purpureis angustis ornatâ; spirâ brevi, levatâ, apice acuto; labii margine tenui; umbilico mediocri.
Shell ovate-globose, olive, with narrow bands of obscure purple; spire short, elevated, the tip acute; margin of the lip thin; umbilicus moderate.
Am. fasciata.En. Meth.pl.457.f.3.f.4. (reversed and young).
Helix ampullacea.Linn. Lister, 130.f.30.Seba,t.38.f.1to6, 58, 59.Chemnitz, 9.t.128.f.1135.Gualt.t.1. R.
In the selection of generic characters, sufficiently important to separate Ampullaria from Paludina, great difficulty at present exists; as the fundamental principle on which they should be founded (the formation of the animal) is entirely wanting. It is only known that these shells, like the Paludinæ, are furnished with an operculum. The absence or presence of this organ has been found of the first generic importance; though the substance of which it is composed, as well as the form it assumes, can be considered only as indicating specific distinctions. This is proved from the fact, that among the Naticæ some have horny, and some shelly, opercula: in Phasianella, this part is, in some species, almost flat, in others remarkably convex; inTurbo, Lam.its form is even more variable, and in the present genus a similar uncertainty exists. One species alone has been positively described as having this part shelly, while in two others the operculum is as certainly known to be horny; to these last may be added a third, found by myself in the lakes of Pernambuco in Brazil, but to which I have not immediate access. The shells here figured were, however, received from the same place by Mrs. Mawe, and, I think, are of the identical species. The spire is sometimes worn, and the whole shell very thin.
Several fossil shells of this genus are mentioned as existing in the extinct volcanoes of Ronca, in bituminous marl near Pont St. Esprit, &c. as quoted (on the authority of the illustrious Cuvier) by Mr. Bowdich.
Pl.104