8(ioSMPA'GW Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign http://www.archive.org/details/ornithologicalguOOwood THE ^vnitfttfXtxQical (Kuitre* THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE: IN WHICH ARE DISCUSSED SEVERAL INTERESTING POINTS IN ORNITHOLOGY. BY CHARLES THOROLD WOOD, ESQ. Come, fairy bird, and my sheltering trees, Shall shield thy wing from the ruffling breeze : Come, merrily flit through the fragrant bed, And visit each flower by the summer dew fed. LONDON: WHITTAKER AND CO. AVE MARIA LAKE J AND WM. BEMROSE, DERBY. Printed by William Bemrose, Deibj. 3t*S PREFACE THE following pages have been written in the hope of clearing up several disputed points in Ornithology, and setting others on a surer foundation. The reviews, it is to be hoped, will be found useful, and the chapter on the song of birds, as far as I am aware, sets the subject in a new point of view. But still, other authors may have treated it in a similar way for aught I know ; only I am not aware of it. If I have erred in any particular, I shall be most happy to be righted. " Si quid novisti rectius istis, Candidus imperti ; si non, his utere mecum." That some such catalogue as that affixed to this * little volume has long been wanted, is evident on ; entering any museum whether public or private : the \ objects being generally without any label at all, or I otherwise having an inscription illegible or errone- n ous. And thus the visitor, unless he comes merely '■'.for beautiful colors and elegant forms, loses half the pleasure which an attentive examination of one of ' these collections is calculated to afford. For re- * N VI PREFACE. marks on this subject relating to the British Museum I refer the reader to a very sensible article in Part 169 of the Mirror, (vol. xxvi. p. 69,) where the sub- ject is taken up in the proper spirit. Much of the value of Dr. Horsfield's collection is also lost through a similar neglect. The museum in Bruton Street is worse still. On looking for information concerning the birds, our eyes are perpetually greeted with a label to the following effect, " Presented by N. A. Vigors, Esq." The student must certainly be very much edified by this piece of intelligence re- peated many dozen times ; and his scientific know- ledge cannot fail to be greatly augmented thereby ! Why not write this piece of information over the cabinet (if they please, in the largest characters they can invent,) and then label each bird with its verna- cular and latin name, giving at the same time one or two of its most striking habits ? The value of the gift would thus be tenfold greater than at present. Mr. Weaver, the spirited proprietor of the Birm- ingham Museum, numbers each of the specimens, so that, on referring to the printed catalogue, the name of any bird may be found. This is certainly an improvement ; but I think it would be preferable to label the birds at once. For many do not possess themselves of the catalogue, and those who do, fre- quently omit searching out the name of a bird, which, had it been before them, might have been indelibly impressed on their memory. The catalogue now presented to the world will PREFACE. Vll enable the proprietors of Museums to remedy these defects, and another also — incorrect nomenclature. This subject has been fully discussed in the follow- ing pages, and those who take an interest in the sub- ject will be gratified by an article thereon in No. 12, of the Analyst. I have thought that the utility of our public mu- seums would be greatly increased if books treating of the different departments were placed within the reach of all. On Ornithology I should recommend Selby's British Ornithology, and Mudie's Feathered Tribes — the two best works which have yet appeared on the subject. In fine, I sincerely hope and trust that this little volume will meet with indulgence, and be treated with that fairness with which I have endeavoured to judge the works herein reviewed. I may now men- tion that this is merely the forerunner of a more ex- tensive undertaking in preparation, and I shall be most happy to receive any communication on Orni- thology, or Natural History in general, directed, for C. T. W., care of Neville Wood, Foston Hall, Derby. Such communications will be gratefully received and duly acknowledged. C. T. Wood. September 24, 1835. INTRODUCTION Ornithology is the science which has for its object the investigation of the habits, affinities, and nature of birds. This pursuit, at first sight so trivial, will, if properly followed, be productive of many and im- portant advantages. To enumerate and explain these in all their ramifications would require volumes, and even then, were the task performed by the most enlarged and comprehensive mind our earth has ever produced, it would still be imperfect, inasmuch as the Being who created the objects of our investiga- tion, is infinite — and the investigators, are finite. On the present occasion, however, we can devote only a few sentences to the subject, in which we shall touch on two or three of the most obvious in- ducements to the study. What a vivid charm those airy, ethereal winged sprites, the feathered songsters, infuse into a country life ! When Spring has gilded the meadows with the golden kingcups, and enamelled the prairies with the bright-eyed daisy, or when May, the Month of bees, and month of flowers, Month of blossom-laden bowers, X INTRODUCTION. forces you to leave your winter in-door pursuits, and quaff the sparkling and invigorating cup presented by Nature's own hand— when she fans you with her blandest gales, cheers you with her brightest beams, and enchants you with her loveliest scenes — what life, what breadth, what finish do the feathered race give to the whole ! How charming to see the Swallow sweep past you with a speed that mocks the wind and outstrips the hurricane — now sailing in the blue expanse, now dashing past you, and leaving you in doubt whether 'twas a bird or a spirit that thus disturbed your meditations, and anon gli- ding over the glittering pool whose bright surface is darkened only where that aged hawthorn grows in peaceful luxuriance by the brink. On advancing towards yon beechen copse, the voice of nature's flute, the " Cuckoo gray," salutes you with his ever- same Cu-coo, Cu-coo — -which, mellowed by the distance, falls on the ear with music-like sweetness. Not a field, not a streamlet, not a bush but its inter- est is a thousand-fold increased by the Lark, the Wagtail, or the Warbler. Then amid then ver- dant halls, erected by " Nature, the wisest architect," how exquisitely beautiful 'tis to listen to the wood- land minstrels pouring forth then rapturous songs, and swelling the gale with their " liquid utterance." All nature is so beautiful and the whole earth is so admirably tuned — every scene and every object is so beautifully adapted to the others with which it is related — each so greatly enhances the charms of INTRODUCTION. XI the rest, that the mind overflows with gladness, delight, and gratitude, and we involuntarily exclaim O ! thou merry month complete, May, thy very name is sweet ! The beauty of every season in turn is enhanced, in like manner, by the airy songsters. When To mute and to material things New life revolving Summer brings, 'tis pleasant to visit " the winding vales and woody dells," where no sound less soothing than the cooing of the Ring Pigeon or the rich warble of the Yel- low Bill falls on the ear of the weary wanderer, reposing in " leafy luxury" beneath " the old pa- trician trees so great and good," or under The hawthorn's pleasant boughs, Where a thousand blithe birds house. Then again, if we wander abroad when The Summer flowers are fading, And Autumn winds arouse ; when it may truly be said, The sim like a glorious banner unfurled, Seems to wave o'er a new, more magnificent world, Xll INTRODUCTION. when the trees are decked in their gorgeous tapestry, and the landscape assumes a golden hue, how greatly are the strolls of the naturalist enlivened by The Redbreast's soft, autumnal song ; or when we — hear the Thrush a farewell lay Pour out as sinks to rest the day. While from the stubble, sudden spring The Partridges on sounding wing ; And, Larks high soaring in the air, Proclaim their pleasure still is there. And even when stern Winter reigns supreme accompanied with all his ensigns of power, " which he most regally doth wear," — when he has clad the earth in a crystal robe, and crowned the trees with a garniture of rime, The Redbreast swells, In the slow fading wood, his little throat, and charms us by his winning manners and confi- ding disposition. The Wren, the Kinglet, and the Dunnoc also enliven the uniformity of this bleak season, and, when the sunlight brightens the land- scape into sparkling radiance, they carol forth their SAveetest notes with all the beauty of their summer ditties ! INTRODUCTION. Xlll Nor is it only in every season that The Warblers here will charm your sense With Nature's wildest eloquence ; Should you wander forth " to meditate at eventide," you will be thrilled to your very inmost soul by the rich gust of melody poured forth by the silver-throat- ed Nightingale, serenading the fan empress of night now gliding in serene majesty amid masses of snowy clouds, while she lights up this nether world with her cold liquid beams. The Cucoo too, and the Reedling, lend their aid to heighten the charms of the moon-lit scene, and the Ouzel, the Thrush, and the Redbreast, send forth their wood-notes wild during the greater part of the night. Scarce has the sun purpled o'er the eastern hori- zon and thus given notice of his approach, than the Sky Lark warbles high His trembling, tlrrilling exstacy; And, lessening from the dazzled sight Melts into ah* and liquid light. The Wren too, Sweet warbler of the ending year, Of Summer bright and Winter drear, may be heard ere the first " shrill clarion" of the XIV INTRODUCTION. gallant cock has announced the departure of night. At early dawn thy native lay Precedes the orient beam of day, And oft at evening's parting ray, I hear thy vesper song. When the sun has risen and recalled to light and life the slumbering world, the air in all directions is filled with the melody of warblers innumerable — Every copse Deep tangled, tree irregular, and bush Bending with dewy moisture, o'er the heads Of the coy quiristers that lodge within, Are prodigal of harmony. And among these the song of the blithe Black-capt Fauvet, (Ficedula atricapilla,) with his full, sweet, deep, loud, and wild pipe, rises pre-eminent. Oh ! fair befall thee, gay Fauvet, With thrilling song and crown of jet ; Thy pleasant notes with joy I hail, Floating on the vernal gale. The Philomel also frequently sings the greater part of the day, And soft as the south-wind the branches among, His plaintive lament goes floating along. INTRODUCTION. XV Towards evening again the songs of the "woodland choir soften down into fuller, richer, deeper melody. — 'Tis then that the soothing, mom-nful note of the Ring Pigeon is heard to the greatest advantage : — Wand'ring at eve the woods among, I love to hear the Ring Dove's song, That peaceful soimd is ever dear, I love that soft coo, coo, to hear. The Common Merl or Ouzel, also chaunts his 'ves- per melody with surprising richness, the Merl's note, Mellifluous, rich, deep-toned, fills all the vale, And charms the ravish'd ear. And if every season, and every time is enlivened by the feathered race, so is every scene. Climb the mountain- side, and the Eagle (Aquila) or the Ossi- frage (Ossifraga) on extended pinion shall greet your admiring gaze. See ! he ascends, wheeling sun-wards, he gains on the great luminary, till he is lost in the cserulean vault of the " brave o'erhanging firmament." Bird of the broad and sweeping wing, Thy home is high in heaven, Where wide the storms their banners fling, And the tempest clouds are driven. XVI INTRODUCTION. Thy throne is on the mountain-top, Thy fields the boundless air ; And hoary peaks that proudly prop . The skies thy dwellings are. Next pay we a visit to the placid pool, and there The stately sailing Swan Gives out his snowy plumage to the gale And, arching proud his neck, with oary feet Bears onward fierce and guards his osier isle Protective of his young. And not far off we shall behold the Coot " rocked on the bosom of the sleepless wave." And again, when strolling by the grassy side of some retired stream Did, you never the royal Kingfisher see, Resting himself on the willow tree ! Let us turn our steps to the wide moor stretched out north, south, east, and west, as far as the eye can reach, and having seemingly no boundary save the encircling horizon, There to his cackling dames, On blooming heaths and secret lawns dispers'd, The Red Grouse calls. INTRODUCTION. XV11 The brawling rapids next our steps invite, and there the lively Dipper (Cinclus) appears : — Close to the riv'let bank, the Dipper shy Tries first his notes. Next seek we the marsh and there " soon as the evening shades prevail," the dire booming of the Bittern will salute our ears : at dusk the Bittern loud Bellows, and blows her evening horn. Should we be enticed into the garden, the active elegant Yellow Warbler (Silvia melodiaj will charm us by his unceasing activity and lively habits. Now thou art seen in the woodbine bower, Gracefully gliding from flower to flower ; Now climbing the stem of the asphodel, Or the tall campanula's snowy bell. There are yet other scenes. Even if A thousand miles from land are we, Tossing about on the roaring sea, we shall still be accompanied by the feathered race. The Stormy Petrel (Tlialassidroma pelagicaj shoots past us like an arrow, as if the guardian spirit of the ocean : the poet describes it well : — XV111 INTRODUCTION. Up and down ! up and down ! From the base of the wave to the billow's crown, And amidst the flashing and feathery foam The Stormy Petrel finds a home, — A home, if such a place may be, For her who lives on the wide wide sea, On the craggy ice, in the frozen air, And only seeketh her rocky lair To warm her young, and to teach them spring At once o'er the waves on then- stormy wing ! Thus wherever the Ornithologist goes, he has still his favourite objects before him — whether in the close alleys of a city, among the ivy-clad remains of a mouldering fortalice, in the garden, on the moor, by the streamlet, on the mountain top, or on the far sea wave, he may always revel with ever fresh de- light in the contemplation of those creatures with which the great Creator has so kindly peopled the air, the earth, the waters. Let us then pursue those studies so obviously marked out for us by Him who commanded us to behold the lilies of the field, and who "careth for the Sparrows." It is a study which will truly be found " health in sickness, and a sine anchor to the mind when the current of life rims adverse or tur- bulent," and thus let us peacefully pursue our eleva- ting contemplations, which link us to the Creator through his creatines, in the humble confidence that " a srood Naturalist cannot be a bad man." ORNITHOLOGICAL NOMENCLATURE. Much confusion has arisen in Natural History through the general ignorance of the true principles of Nomenclature. I have on this account thought it advisable to devote a few pages to the discussion of this neglected but important subject. In the first place — every genus must have a separate generic name. This rule is observed in Latin, but not in English — it is however as necessary in the latter as in the former. This is admitted by scientific persons in theory, but not acted on in practice. In order to prove this I will take a few instances from Selby's British Ornithology, one of the best works in exis- tence on the birds of Britain. The Coccothraustes vulgaris, Willughby, is here called "Haw Finch" the " Plectrophd?ies nivalis, Meyer — " Snow Bun- ting," the Silvia melodia, Blyth — " Yellow Wren" the Melizophilus provincialis, Leach — Dartford Warbler, and many others equally erroneous, and equally likely to mislead. If we hear an unscientific person calling the Accentor modularis, " Hedge Sparrow," we cannot much blame him, because it would be unfair to expect him to know the affinities of our sombre little guest the Hedge Dunnoc, or its 20 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. situation in Ornithological system : — if we take what is called the Natural System, his rank may be ex- hibited as follows : — Hedge Dunnoc. 1 Kingdom. Animalia. 2 Division. Vertebrata. 3 Class. Aves. 4 Order. Insessores. 5 Tribe. Dentirostres. 6 Family. Sylviadoe. 7 Section. Pariance. 8 Genus. Accentor. 9 Species. Modularis. In order that the situation of the two birds may be the more apparent, the rank of the House Sparrow shall be traced in a similar way : — House SrARROW. 1 Kingdom. Animalia. 2 Division. Vertebrata. 3 Class. Aves. 4 Order. Insessores. 5 Tribe. Conirostres. 6 Family. Fringillidce. 7 Section. Fringillana. 8 Genus. Passer. 9 Species. Domestica. THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 21 It is thus evident that not only the Genus of the Hedge Dunnoc is different from that of the House Sparrow, but also the Section, the Family, and even the Tribe. In fact, as Bewick remarks, " it has no other relation to the Sparrow (Passer) than in the dinginess of its colors : — in every other respect it differs entirely." I do not mean to say that Natu- ralists adopt this name, — I am merely giving a striking instance of a very prevailing custom — a custom however not confined to Britain, as appears by the following passage from the splendid work of that distinguished Ornithologist, Charles Lucian Bonaparte : — " According to Buffon and Vieillot, this bird (the Palm Warbler, Silvia palmarum\ Lath,) is a permanent resident in the West Indies, where, as they state, the name is sometimes applied to it of Fausse Linotte. We, however, can perceive scarcely any resemblance, except in its dull state of plumage, to a similar state of the Redpoll Linnet. The name Bimbele, by which it is known among the negroes of those countries, is derived from the recollection of an African bird, to which, probably, the resemblance is not more evident. Unfortunate- ly, this propensity of limited minds to refer new objects, however distinct, to those with which they are acquainted, seems to have prevailed throughout the world, and is found exemplified no where more absurdly than in the Anglo- American names of plants and animals." As long as scientific natural- ists continue to adopt this mode of nomenclature, 22 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. so long will field naturalists and ordinary observers retain it: — the scientific should guide the ignorant, and not, as is too often the case, be led by them. The former by adopting the errors of the latter, reflect them back to their originators with double force. Man is an imitative animal, but then he must not let the imitative part of his nature stifle his rea- soning powers. For further remarks on this part of Nomenclature I shall refer to Xos. X, XI, and XII of the Analyst, (vol. II. p. 238, 305, and 419.) At page 419 will be found an able refutation of the arguments brought forward in p. 317 against the adoption of correct names. One of Mr. Strickland's arguments is so puerile that I am at a loss to imagine how any one could have brought it forward,, but it serves to show how miserably weak the anti-improvement arguments are. He says, " we are much more likely to be un- derstood," if we give the common name whether it be erroneous or otherwise, " though, continues he, I willingly admit that it is unscientific to give the same generic name to an Accentor and a Passe?'.'' Going on this ground we might argue 4br speaking bad grammar, and false pronunciation, defending them by saying that among a large class of persons we should thus be much better understood! "If a principle is good," says one of our first Naturalists, " its advantages will be more and more apparent, the more it is followed out in detail. Tit is is an, axiom.'' This being the case, Mr. Strickland's principle is THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 23 unsound — it would not stand the test ; for if followed out in detail, it would lead back instead of forward, — and there is no middle course. There is one class of Naturalists the members of which adopt any appellations which may be in use in the district where they reside, and who trouble themselves but little about scientific niceties — these are the Field Naturalists. They do not take erro- neous names on system, as Mr. Strickland would, but simply from indifference or thoughtlessness. They are so engaged in their subject, say they, that they cannot apply themselves to obtain the correct names ; but these should come as naturally as gram- mar— and so they would were the principles of the one understood as well as those of the other. Field Naturalists would greatly increase the value of their labours were they to pay more attention to these points, but instead of attending to them they are too apt to despise them. The pursuits and ways of thinking of this class has been so well drawn by Swainson, in his Series of Zoology in Lardner's Cabinet Cyclopaedia, that I shall subjoin the sketch: — "Naturalists, in the general acceptation of the word, may all be classed under two distinct divisi- ons— the practical and the scientific. Their more immediate pursuits, no less than their necessary qualifications, are very dissimilar, but he only who unites them all is the true naturalist. The practical naturalist wanders abroad, and observes individuals The fields and the woods are his museum and library. 24 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. He contemplates living objects, but cares little for dead ones; he busies himself with -watching the times and the seasons when certain animals make then appearance ; he strives to know their food, instincts, habits ; he is dissatisfied until he is ac- quainted with the note of every bird familiar to his neighbourhood ; he studies the construction of their nests, then periodical arrivals and departures, their loves, then* lives, and their deaths. He watches their several changes of form, of color, or of plu- mage ; he traces how these circumstances are modified and influenced by the seasons- and he makes special notes of these things in his common-place book. If he discovers that his crops or his fruit are injured by insects, he rests not until he traces the aggressor through all its series of depredations- and, being armed with a knowledge of its secret modes of doing injury, he is the best man for applying a successful remedy. As for its scientific name, that gives him no thought ; he cares not whether the name be old or new ; it is sufficient for hiin that it gives to the insect an appellation. He will walk through a mag- nificent museum with no more curiosity* than is felt by an ordinary person; and as for systems, and technical terms, ' he cannot away with them.' He wonders how people can count the joints of an antenna of an insect, measure the quill feathers of a bird, reckon the grinders of a quadruped, or number the rays of a fish's fin. His chief, if not his only interest is in the life of an animal. While others THE OENITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 25 are poring over ponderous tomes of cramp techni- calities, he is out in the woods, capturing an insect, or looking after a bird. He has, in fine, either a general disregard or a thorough contempt — according to the construction of his mind* — for systems and their authors, and leaves to them to give what names they please to his discoveries. " Such are the general characteristics of a practical, or, as he is now usually termed, a field naturalist, of the present day, as gathered from the sentiments conveyed by this class of observers in our natural- history periodicals. There is not only much to commend in such pursuits, as regards their effect upon the individual, but the facts which they bring to light form a very material part of the history of nature. This is apparent from the writings of White, Levaillant, Azara, and Wilson ; all of whom, with little deviation, studied nature upon this plan. They were essentially field naturalists. They took to themselves that department of research which called them into the open air : and they are, of all others, the best qualified to write the natural histoiy of species. Every thing, however, past this line of inquiry, is beyond their province. Those who have been really eminent as original observers, * This is not a correct expression ; it should have been — according to the organization of his brain. For aught we know to the contrary, the minds of all may be' similar ; but its manifestations, while linked to the body, depend on the quality, quantity, and organization of the brain. — Wood. *6 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. candidly confess this, and presume not to entertain the preposterous idea that theirs is the only depart- ment of natural history which deserves cultivation. They are satisfied with having gathered a stock of entertaining and instructive materials, to be subse- quently worked up into general results and large generalizations by another set of naturalists, who take a different department in the extension of know- ledge. It unfortunately happens, however, that men of all ranks are too apt to undervalue, or treat with affected contempt, those acquirements of which they are ignorant.* And as the business of the field naturalist requires little or no exercise of the higher powers of the mind," (Causality and Comparison) " but may be pursued by any one possessing a tact for observation" (resulting from individuality being fully developed,) " so we find that the generality of these observers are too jjrone to fancy that their pursuits alone lead to the only information on Natural history that is really worth acquiring. They will tell you to throw aside books and systems, and assure you that a ' few walks in the fields' are suf- ficient to make ' a very good naturalist.1 This royal road to science is no doubt very enticing to the young student, particularly if it is promulgated from • The naturalist, says Johnson, has no desire to know the opinions or conjectures of the philologer ; the botanist looks upon the astronomer as a being unworthy of his regard ; the lawyer scarcely hears the name of a physician without contempt ; and he that is growing great and happy by electrifying a bottle, wonders how the world can be engaged by trifling prattle about peace and war. — Wood. THE ORNITHOLot-iCAl, uuijj.c. 27 the chair of a professor;* but absurdities like this are unworthy of refutation. We must inform such sanguine beginners, that not only many walks must be taken, but many years consumed, before he will earn the reputation of being ' a very good naturalist;' and that, when this title has been acquired, he will then, if he has good sense and real talent, be con- scious himself that the praise is undeserved. We might be tempted merely to smile at such folly, and only to pity the contracted minds of those who gave it currency, were it not for the mischievous effect that such notions may have upon the young student, from their tendency to repress all mental exertions? and all aspirations after any higher knowledge than the composition of a dabchick's* (Grebe's) nest, or the color of a Sparrow's egg. Inflated ideas of our own pursuits, and unmeasured abuse of others, are the natural results of ignorance and conceit. " The business of the systematic or closet natural- ist commences where that of the practical observer ceases. If he is not a mere catalogue-maker, or a devotee to systematic names — a race of worthies which in these days is almost extinct — he treasures all the facts communicated by his brethren of the field, and applies them as occasion serves, to their ultimate use. While the one collects, the other combines. By means of his library, he ascertains which of the facts are really new, and which have * See Professor Rennie's introduction to his edition of Monta- gu's Ornithological Dictionary. — Wood. 28 THE OENITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. been previously observed and recorded : he com- bines the scientific with the natural history of an animal. He examines its structure in every minute particular, and is thus enabled to trace the particular adaptation of this structure for performing all those functions which the field naturalist has witnessed during life ; an intellectual gratification, by the way, which the latter, if he disregards such minutiae, cannot enjoy. He observes all those external pecu- liarities of shape, of color, or of markings, which distinguish the object before him as a species; he refers to his collections, compares it with others, and thus ascertains its true characters. But all this is but preliminary to other investigations ; his business is not only with species but with groups, which are congregations of species; he has to condense par- ticulars into generals ; in other words, to search after and obtain general results from a multiplicity of isolated facts. He detects natural groups, and distinguishes them by characters applicable to the individuals which respectively compose them ; he next compares these assemblages with others, and studies their several degrees of relationship. Pro- ceeding in this manner, and ascending higher and higher in his generalizations, he concentrates the facts, spread into an octavo volume of zoological anecdotes and ' field' remarks, within the compass of a few pages. And while he thus makes use of the diffuse and disconnected observations of the field naturalist, he gives to them a stamp of importance, THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 29 which even their authors never imagined they pos- sessed. Conversant with the different relations which one group of beings bears to another, he is enabled to trace the most beautiful and unexpected analogies throughout the animal kingdom, until he at length gains a full conviction of the paucity and simplicity of nature's laws, amidst the countless variety of her forms and modifications. " The two departments of study here sketched, as pursued by the practical and the scientific naturalist, are brought before the reader, not for the purpose of vaunting the superiority of one over the other, but that he should clearly understand their nature, and make up his mind, at the outset, which path of inquiry he will pursue. But, indeed, if he be not frightened by the difficulties attending an enlarged knowledge of the science, he may combine both these trains of inquiry, in moderation, without the smallest detriment either to one or the other. He may observe in the fields, and study in his closet; and this is usually done by all the rising naturalists of the present day. Those who are satisfied with being mere amateurs, may confine their researches to what they can learn in the open air; yet even these would find a far superior delight in their favorite pursuit, by viewing it in a more intellectual and philosophic spirit; just as a person who understands the mechanism of a watch derives much more plea- sure from knowing the relations of its parts, than he 30 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. did when lie merely viewed it as an ingenious assem- blage of wheels and springs." Ser. of Zool. vol. ii., p. 305. Such observers as White, Knapp, Howit, Jesse, &c., would render their volumes ten times more useful, more valuable, and more satisfactory were they imbued with a little of the scientific spirit which marks the higher order of Naturalists — that is to say, Naturalists whose peculiar department requires the higher powers of the mind. As the present chapter is devoted principally to the discussion of Nomenclature, I shall now anatomize the paper of Mr. Strickland — the grand champion of the sta- tionary and stagnating system, now so universally abandoned. To begin with the beginning : — " To the Editor of the Analyst. — Sir, In your last number (No. X.) is a paper on the ' Nomenclature of Birds,' on which I am desirous of offering a few remarks. I think the writer's plan of altering many of the English names of our common birds, objectionable, because they more properly form part of our vernac- ular tongue than of the language of Science." But if Mr. Strickland will turn to that article he will find that the writer has not proposed to alter " many of the English names of our common birds" — nor has he altered any. In the whole article the only English name he has altered is — Snowy Owl, fStrix nyctea, Gm ;) for this he has substituted — and very appropriately — Gray Snowflake (Nyctea cinerea, Stephens ;) and this bird has only lately been dis- THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 31 covered in Britain as a very rare inhabitant. What led Mr. Strickland into this erroneous statement is probably the following passage: — "Are not the names Meadow Pipit, (Anthus pratensis, Bechst ;) Java Finch, (Fringilla oryzivora, Lin. ; Hedge Dunnoc ,( Accentor modularis, Cuv.;) Gray Squaterol ( Squatarola cinerea, Cuv.;) Willow Warbler (Silvia melodia,T$LYTii;) European Dipper, (Cinclus euro- peus, Stev. ;) Bearded Pinnoc, ( Calamophilus biar- micus, Leach ;) and Snow Longspur ( Plectrophanes nivalis, Meyer;) infinitely superior to those given above ?" But not one of these names is new, so that the vernacular names are not altered. The other names "given above" for those birds are, Meadow or Tit Lark, Java Sparroiv, Hedge Sparrow, Gray Plover, Willow Wren, Water Ouzel, Bearded Tit, and Snow Bunting. We may well say with the writer — "If an intelligent student finds in a book ' the Bearded Tit, ( 'Calamipholus biarmicusj ) he will ask, and with justice, how can one bird be in two genera ; and no satisfactory reason can be given. By using the names I have given above, this is remedied, and all becomes plain, and easy to under- stand." Even supposing for the moment that no one has a right to alter received names, surely every one has a right to choose which of the received names he pleases, and not be nailed down to that appellation which happens to be used in the district where Mr. Strickland resides. Now for Mr. Strickland : — " They (the names) are consecrated 32 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. by usage as much as any other part of the English language, and consequently when we speak of an Hedge Sparrow, we are much more likely to be understood than if we call it an Hedge Dunnoc, though I willingly admit that it is unscientific to give the same generic name to an Accentor and a Passer.'''' A weighty argument truly, and marshalled forth with due solemnity ! Is it possible that Mr. Strickland can maintain that every thing in the English language, or any other language which " is consecrated by usage," is to be preserved and perpet- uated ? What a backward state would science be in if scientific men were of the same opinion as Mr. Strickland ! I shall quote a passage in point from Jenning's Ornithologia : — " The author is old enough to remember the first introduction of the present Chemical Nomenclature, and those who remember it as he does, can tell how it was opposed and derided ; yet it has steadily made its way : he who should now, for a moment, contend that Glauber's Salts was a better term than Sulphate of Soda, for the same substance, would assuredly be dignified with a fool's cap." In other sciences the same reforms have been, and are constantly making, and shall Natural History lag behind because ignor- ance cannot, and prejudice will not see how beneficial are such changes ? No ! — the world of science echoes, No ! Of this we shall give some instances hereafter ; and shall now proceed with Mr. Strick- land's epistle : — " But the truth is, that the science THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 33 of Ornithology does not suffer by this incorrect application of English names, because those familiar appellations have no real or necessary connection with science.'''' With Mr. Strickland's permission I beg leave to state that the science does suffer by the " incorrect application of English names," and even if it did not, I should still contend for their alteration simply because they were "incorrect." Although Mr. Strickland has brought no facts to support his assertion, I will not make that an apology for leaving my statement equally unsupported. To prove that incorrect English names mislead, I will produce a few instances out of numbers that occur. In Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, vol. VI, p. 72, a correspondent notes down the "Mocking bud" in a list of birds which visit his neighbourhood (Clithero, Lancashire.) This occasions another cor- respondent to remark as follows : — " By the Mocking bird observed at Clithero, Lancashire, (p. 72) your correspondent, I presume, means the Curruca salica* ria of Fleming, (Sedge Reedling, Salicaria phrag- mitis, Selby.) Had he appended the systematic name to the Lancashire one, he would not have left his communication open to the following query, made to me by one to whom I had lent my copy— "Is the American Mocking bird (Turduspolyglottis) a spring visitant to England," p. 279. What becomes of Mr. Strickland's assertion, " we are much more likely to be understood" if we adopt the vulgar and incorrect names ? " Mockinff bird" is the common 34 THE OKXITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. name for the Sedge Reedling in England, just as it is for the Turdus pohjglottls, in America, and in both cases, or in any case, it is likely to produce confusion, and is therefore generally abandoned by those who have considered the subject maturely. By " mocking bird" may be understood a Reedling ( Salicaria,) or a Jay (Garruhts,) or a Fauvet (Ficedula,j or a Finch (Fringilla,) or many others, for all these have, as will hereafter be shown, the imitative faculty well developed, but if we say Mimic Reedling, Mimic Thrush, &c, the confusion vanishes instantly, and our meaning is no longer subject to doubts and queries. Another correspond- ent, in a communication from Pennsylvania, (says (VI, 102.) — " Flocks of Green Finches continued in the vicinity of the warm springs, near my residence, throughout the winter." This occasions the following query from another correspondent : — " Of what species is the Green Finch of Pennsylvania ?" If the proper generic and specific name had been used, instead of the vulgar ones, employed by the lower orders in the United States, this query had been unnecessary. In the same communication are several other inaccuracies of a similar nature, as — "a single Robin appeared on the Beaver Dams, followed by considerable numbers on the next day." By Robin I presume he intends the Migratory Thrush, (Tur- dus migratorius, Lin.;) but in this country most persons would suppose the Robin Redbreast, CRuhe- cula familiaris, Blytti,) to be meant. The name THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 35 " Blackbird" is also used, by which the Yellowbill or Common Ouzel (Merula vulgaris, Will.) would be understood here, but a very different bird is intended — the Redwinged Hangnest, (Icterus plioe- niceus, Bon.) In another part of the Magazine a correspondent sends a list of birds which have been shot in his neighbourhood ; to each of these the editor appends the Latin name, except to " Oven Bud," which he declares himself unacquainted with. I had heard that a species of Warbler (Silvia) inhabiting North America was known among the vulgar by that name, and was thus on the tiptoe of expectation thinking that a new bird had probably been discovered in our. island. I however accident- ally found that one of our commonest, and most familiar spring visitants, was intended. In the Linnean Transactions, (vol. XV, p. 20,) " Oven bird" is placed among the synonyms of our familiar vernal guest the Yellow Warbler ! (Silvia mclodia, Blyth.) The Gallinule is commonly known by the name of " Moor Hen ;" in Scotland Mudie says that the Red Grous (Tetrao scot i us, Lath,) goes by that appellation. In most Ornithological works "Cuddy" is given as a synonym of the Gallinule, but in many parts the Dunnoc is known by that name. Thus it is evident that to use the popular terms would produce confusion, and consequently retard science. Mr. Strickland proceeds: — "The first and most important requisite in scientific terms is, that they should be universally adopted, and 36 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. hence the fathers of Natural history hare wisely employed the Latin language as the source of their nomenclature, being generally understood by the learned among all civilized nations. English names, are useful only to denote those natural objects which are so common or remarkable in our own country as to attract the attention even of the vulgar, but as the science of natural history does not in the least require their assistance, I should be sorry to see them in any degree substituted for those Latin appellations which are universally current in the republic of science. The first sentence of this ex- tract requires no comment — no one combats the sentiment it conveys ; but the second must not pass so easily. It seems that Mr. Strickland woidd deprive a large portion of the community of the convenience of calling many birds by English names, merely because they are not " so common or re- markable in our own country, as to attract the attention of the vulgar." Truly this is very obliging — because the vulgar have not been sufficiently enlightened to look on every part of the creation as equally remark- able and worthy of investigation, therefore those who wish to gain information concerning a parti- cular object, are to be debarred from the convenience of calling it in conversation by an English name, and forsooth, must wait till it has become sufficiently " common or remarkable" to be thought worthy of a name by the vulgar. As for their being " substitu- ted in any degree for the Latin," no one desires that, THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. " 87 but it is certain that the Latin name would not be required so frequently if the proper English names were given, as in the case of the Mocking bird and Sedge Reedling before mentioned. Now for Mr. Strickland : — " I may remark that French natu- ralists are much more addicted to the adoption of vernacular names to the exclusion of scientific ones, than the English. By endeavouring to coin a a French term for every natural object, in addition to the Latin one which it already possesses, they exactly double the enormous labor of bearing in memory the innumerable terms with which science is unavoid- ably encumbered." I do not think that the French show any disposition to "exclude" the Latin names, simply their own system of vernacular nomenclature being more exact than ours, the incessant repetition of the Latin name is rendered unnecessary. And so far from the creation of a vernacular generic name, doubling the enormous labor (!!!) as Mr. Strick- land calls it, of the herculanean task of bearing in memory the innumerable terms, &c. &c, I should rather say that its effects would be exactly to half the slight degree of application requisite to attain a familiarity with scientific terms, and at the same time render the acquisition of science ten times easier. To proceed with Mr. Strickland's article : — " If, then, I am correct in regarding the English names of Buds as belonging not to science, but to our mother tongue, it is clearly better to let them remain as they are than by endeavouring to reform dS THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. the English language, to make changes which are certain not to be universally adopted." The "if" at the beginning comes in very appropriately — but the premises being false the conclusion must, of course, fall. Mr. Strickland by the last part of the sen- tence clearly labors under the delusion that the improvements made in nomenclature " are certain not to be universally adopted." It has been remark- ed,— "in all tilings the past is the only mirror in which we can see the future." Let us then consult the past and see what is promised for the future. A few years ago the genus Cinclus, universally, even in books — and in the best books too — received the name TVater Ouzel in English, and Merle cPeau in French. Now those erroneous and absurd names have been abandoned, and Dipper in English, and Chicle in French, are every where used. The same may be said of the names Water Hen, Hedge Spar- row, Sea Swallow, Fern Owl, Reed Sparrow, Gold- crested Wren, all of which, (though to the modern Ornithologist it appears almost incredible) were used even by the scientific in the time of Willughby. What says Mr, Strickland next: — :'The second requisite in scientific nomenclature is, that when once established, it should remain unaltered. Hence I cannot but regard as erroneous the prevailing notion that improved names may be at any time substituted for those which, though already estab- lished, are less appropriate. In naming a new genus or species, for the first time, it is of course desirable THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 89 to give it the most appropriate appellation that can be found, but when a name has once become current, it is no longer the sense but the sound that recalls the idea of the object to our minds, and it is, there- fore of more importance that a name should be universally adopted, than that its meaning should be exclusively applicable to the object it denotes. To insure this universality in the use of terms, the only rule is to recur to the name originally given by the founder of the genus or species, which name I think no modern innovator has any more right to alter than he has to improve upon the name bestowed on a child by its godfathers. For these reasons I must still continue to prefer the term Motacilla alba to either M. lotor or M. maculosa, and to call the Goatsucker Caprimulgus, instead of either Nycti- chelidon or Vociferator. I will now conclude these hasty remarks by referring your correspondent to Loudon's Magazine of Natural History, for Janu- ary last, (vol. VIII, p. 36,) where he will find the same subject treated of more at large." I agree with Mr. Strickland when he says, "the second requisite of scientific nomenclature is, that when once estab- lished, it should remain unaltered:" but then the first requisite must have been previously complied with, — that an appropriate name has been originally given. Mr. Strickland may, if he chooses, "regard as erroneous the prevailing notion" that correct names may be substituted for incorrect ones, but the notion will continue to prevail so long as human beings 40 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. exercise Causality, instead of being blindly led in the sheeptrack by Imitation. " In naming a new genus or species, for the first time, it is of course desirable to give it the most appropriate appellation that can be found;" so far so good: but if the nomenclator has failed in this, it is the busi- ness— nay, the duty, of another to supply the desideratum which, if successful, ought not again to be altered. Willughby called the Pied Wag- tail, M. alba ; Rennie finding this to be in contra- diction with the appearance of the bird, changed the name to M. lot or ; this however being applicable equally to every species of Wagtail, I changed to M. maculosa — which though certainly not perfect, (there being other Wagtails to which it would apply,) is yet perhaps as perfect a specific name as can be found for this species. To change carelessly or without sufficient reason cannot be too strongly condemned, but a moderate and wholesome reform, is what everything human must undergo. And to insure the "universality," for which Mr. Strickland wishes, it is of the utmost importance that the most unobjectionable term be in every case "adopted, and whoever alters that without a sufficient reason must be set down as a retarder of the progress of science equally with the anti-reformers. The comparison between scientific nomenclature, and the names given to human beings, is too ridiculous to merit exposure — when it was brought forward there must have been a sad lack of sound arguments to support the THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 41 sinking cause for which Mr. Strickland argues. There are some however who might be led away even by this comparison — absurd as it is. " A com- plete parallel," says Mr. Strickland, " seems to exist between the proper names of species and of men." This, in my opinion, is a most unfortunate and ill sorted comparison. The object of names bestowed on men is to enable us to distinguish each individual by arbitrary sounds — for it would be impossible to find names expressing some personal peculiarity for each individual, and even were it possible, the plan, if put in practice, would be pro- ductive of more confusion than advantage: thus suppose a person named in infancy " dark-hair ;" by the time he has attained maturity some accident may have turned his hair light-colored, or he may have lost it altogether, and thus the appellation would but ill suit him ever after. The case is however very different with birds: for although an individual of the species called Blackcapt, Fauvet may be white capt, or a specimen of the genus Longspur may have accidentally lost Iris spurs, yet this does not invalidate the name for the rest of the species or genus. The names given to men are merely arbi- trary signs and soimds — no one thinks of the sense ; it would therefore be ridiculous to attempt a change; but in science the case is very different — the mean- ing is thought of there. I do not say that it is necessary that the generic name should have a meaning, but that if it has a meaning it must not 42 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. convey an erroneous notion. Sparrow, Pinnoc, Ouzel, Abern,* Lark, Siskin, &c., &c., have no meaning, but no one objects to them as generic appellations — it is such names as Goatsucker, Tit- mouse, Sapmcker, &c, that are objectionable, and ought to be altered. Mr. Strickland then says, " for these reasons I must still continue to prefer the term M. alba to either M. lotor or M. maculosa, and to call the Goatsucker Caprimulgus, instead of either Nyctichelidon or Vociferator." In other words, he will prefer continuing in error, even after he has been convinced that what he defends, is error, to investigating and adopting Avhat is right — so be it, and let us see what others say. In a very pret- tily written work by Emily Taylor lately published — the Boy and the Birds, in which the latter are supposed to relate their history to the former — the Nightjar speaks as follows : — " I am anxious to have a pla.ce among the buds whom you are catechising about their history and habits, for though I am happy to say people are beginning to open their eyes to my true character, and I constantly hear my innocence of all bad propensities asserted by competent per- sons, my race have had a very long struggle for common justice. It is hardly half a century since one Mr. White, of Selburn, protested that we were utterly incapable of doing the mischief imputed to * Sei.by calls the species which visits Britain, the " Alpine Neophron," but, it is objectionable to use Latin names in English : this species might be called the Alpine Abern (Neophron aljj'uins.) THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 43 us; that we never could, by any possibility, milk goats; nor, said lie, were we the least likely to wound cattle with our bills. He said very true ; but prejudice is strong, and a bad name was still fastened upon us. The Fern Owl was still called the Goat- sucker in English, and in Latin Caprimulgus, which keeps up the error. Let me entreat you, kind friend of buds, whenever you talk Latin about me, rather to call me Nyctichelidon. This is my latest name, — given me by a gentleman who knows me well; and I see no objection to it, except that it may be a little hard to spell and pronounce at first sight ; but for the sake of justice, you, I am confident, will soon overcome that small difficulty. Then, in English, you may always call me the Fern Owl." p. 156. The spirit in which this is written is admirable, but the names proposed as substitutes for the old appel- lations are fully as calculated to mislead as those. The bird is not a Swallow (Hirundo) as Nyctichel- idon imports, neither is it an Owl (Strix.) We are told that the gentleman who gave the name Nycti- chelidon knows the bird well, but if we judge of his knowledge of the bird by the appellation he has bestowed, it will be pronounced lamentably deficient. However, it is the principle I advocate — that ob- tained, the rest will folloAV smoothly. Let us next see what Bewick says: — "To avoid as much as possible, perpetuating error, we have dropped the name Goatsucker, which has no foundation but in ignorance and superstition, and have adopted one, 44 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. which, though not universally known, bears some analogy to the nature and qualities of the bird, both in respect to the time of its appearance, which is always the dusk of evening, as well as to the jarring noise which it utters while at rest perched on a tree, and by which it is peculiarly distinguished." Brit. Birds. Art. Nightjar. Now for Wilson's senti- ments on the subject: — " The ridiculous name Goat- sucker,— which was first bestowed on the European species, from a foolish notion that it sucked the teats of the goats, because, probably, it inhabited, the solitary heights where they fed, which nick- name has since been applied to the whole genus — I have thought ^proper to omit. There is something Avorse than absurd in continuing to brand a whole family of birds (the old name given to the Nightjar- family was Ca/primulgidce, Goatsucker-family) with a knavish name, after they are universally known to be innocent of the charge. It is not only unjust, but tends to encourage the belief in an idle fable that is totally destitute of all foundation." Rennie says as follows: — "The Nightjar, it would appear-, is the butt of innumerable mistakes ; for though it feeds, like the bat, upon nocturnal moths and other night-flying insects, the small birds shew, by the attacks they make upon it, that they believe it to prey upon them, in the same way as they mistake the Cuckoo (Cuculus) for the Hawk (Accipiter.) The name also which it has received in all languages, of Goatsucker, (most absurdly THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 45 continued by systematic naturalists in the temi Caprimulgus,) shews the opinion of it entertain- ed by the vulgar. It is, however as impossible for the Nightjar to suck the teats of cattle, (though most birds are fond of milk,) as it is for cats to suck the breath of sleeping infants, of which they are popularly accused; inasmuch, as the structure of then organs would baffle any such attempt." We thus see the opinions entertained of the name Goat- sucker by naturalists high and low, and yet notwith- standing the condemnation passed on it by these competent judges, notwithstanding that it is con- demned by reason, by justice, by benevolence, and by truth, notwithstanding this — Mr. Strickland coolly and deliberately says — he shall continue to use it, and to prefer it to any other ! After this barefaced declaration, his opinions and remarks on this subject forfeit all claim to that consideration which they might otherwise have possessed. " Ple- rique errare mallent eamque sententiam quam adarn- arerunt, pugnaciter defendent, quam sine pertinacia, quid constantissime dicatur, exquirent." Will not Mr. Strickland come under this class ? A correspondent has objected to the name Night- jar on the score of the species in that genus (as he represents) not making their noise in the night, but only at dusk. Let us examine this objection. 1st., the bird does make his clatter in the night, and about midnight too; and 2nd: even granting that he does not serenade his mate at mid-night, yet if he does 46 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. so at dusk, he must also do so in the night, for dusk does not commence in summer till the night has commenced — taking night in the correct acceptation of the term, the twelve hours that usually elapse between sunrise and sunset — that is to say, night in contradistinction to day.* Another has said that the term does not exclusively apply to this genus, as the species of several other genera, make a harsh jarring noise in the night. This is very true; but will not this objection apply equally to many other generic names which have never been objected to ? For instance, Woodpecker, Wagtail, Warbler, Red- breast, Grosbeak, Longspur, Creeper, Nutcracker, and many others. In short, I do not recollect a single meaning generic name in Ornithology (with the exception of Crossbill (Crucirostra, Meyer) which will not apply to other genera, than that for which it is used. Thus if Nightjar is rejected on account of its applicability to other genera, so must almost every meaning generic name in Ornithology be also rejected. I incline to the opinion of several eminent Naturalists, in thinking unmeaning generic names to be the best, such as Fauvet, Eagle, Thrush, Wren, Anrael. Partridge, Duck, Hern, &c. I shall now extract the article in the Analyst which answers the communication of Mr. Strick- land, the arguments of which I have shewn to be a See some excellent remarks on this subject (on the misapplied application of the word night) in that amusing work — Prose by a Poet. THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 47 so unsound : — " I was by no means surprised to perceive in the last number, (No. XI,) of the Analyst, that my proposed alteration (though a very slight one) in the English nomenclature of birds, was considered objectionable by Mr. Strickland, I am well acquainted with the views of that correspondent on this subject, from his paper in the Magazine of Natural History, which, in my opinion, does not contain one sound argument in favour of his state- ments. On this occasion I shall confine my remarks to his paper in the Analyst. " Mr. Strickland says, at page 317, that the English names of birds ' are consecrated by usage as much as any other part of the English language,' (a gradual change is constantly effecting in eveiy part of the English language,) and consequently if we call it an Hedge Sparrow, we are much more likely to be understood, than if we call it an Hedge Dunnoc, though I willingly admit that it is unscien- tific to give the same generic name to an Accentor and a Passer." I am sorry that Mr. S. belongs to that imimproving class who consider that ' whatever is, is right.' If every one were of the same opinion, the world would never advance. As to the name Hedge Sparrow being better known than Hedge Dunnoc (although the bird goes by the latter name in many parts of England,) that is possible enough ; but it is the business of the scientific naturalist to reform these abuses, and to substitute proper names for those which are erroneous and unscientific. 48 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. Why Natural History should be doomed to possess so loose and unscientific a nomenclature, while that of all other sciences is so exact and precise, I am really at a loss to determine. I remember when I first entered on the study of Ornithology, I actually supposed the ' Bull Finch' to be a true* Finch; and is this to be wondered at ? I had heard that every bird had a generic and a specific name, and, there- fore, it was quite natural to conclude that the generic name indicated the genus to which the species belonged ; how grievously I was mistaken, the works of any modem Ornithologist will amply testify. "The number of naturalists (field naturalists especially) is now so great, that were the proper English names given in all standard Ornithological works, the multitude would insensibly follow in the steps of the professor. For the amateur naturalist would use in common conversation such names as they had been accustomed to meet with in books. Thus the name Gallinule has now almost wholly superseded the absurd name 'Water Hen.' The Naturalist should direct the multitude, and not the multitude the Naturalist. "If Mr. Strickland objects to the name Hedge Dunnoc, what will he say to that used by Selby, in his masterly work, the British. Ornithology ; in both the first and second editions, that excellent * The word true had better have been omitted here : see the Analyst, vol. II, p. 437, in a review of volume II, of SwAiNSOiVs System of Nature. THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 49 naturalist calls this bird the Hedge Accentor. Now although there is no scientific error in this name, yet it is, in my opinion, too pedantic for common use. Selby seems rather partial to using Latin names in English ; thus he has, the Egyptian Neophron, (Neophron percnopterus,) the Swallow- tailed Elanus, (Elanus furcatus,) the Goldcrested Regulus, (Regulus auricappillus,) the Hedge and Alpine Accentors, ( Accentor modularis and A. al- pinus,) &c. It is evident enough that there is no essential objection to any of these names; still, however, it is probable that the generality of those who read works on natural history would not adopt them. But who can object to the name White- headed Forktail (Elanus leucocephali(s, mild,) or to the beautiful and expressive name Kinglet (Regu- lus ?) "Even supposing that the science of Ornithology did 'not suffer by this incorrect (and Mr. Strick- land allows it to be incorrect) applications of English names,' yet the difficulties thus placed, unnecessarily, in the way of the student, would sufficiently wan-ant the change of the names. Any- thing loose or unscientific is totally inadmissible in science. Science is surely sufficiently abstruse in itself without heaping upon it inaccuracies which render it ten times more difficult ! But to proceed. " Mr. Strickland observes that ' the fust and most important requisite in scientific terms is that they should be universally adopted, and hence the 50 THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. fathers of Natural History have wisely employed the Latin language as the source of their nomencla- ture, being generally understood by the learned among all civilized nations.' It is certainly very important that scientific terms should be generally adopted, but before names become well known, the newly proposed one might be followed by the old and Linnean name.* It is essential to the improve- ment of Ornithological science that names — Latin as well as English — be frequently altered ; for when a new system is proposed — and there are now few who advocate the Linnean system — new names must necessarily be introduced, and as new systems are always propounded in works which it is essential for every scientific Naturalist to possess, there would be no fear of the names not being sufficiently known. " I by no means advocate — as Mr. Strickland seems to think — the substituting English for Latin names, but merely wish to effect a reform in the * Mr. Blyth has proposed this plan in the Field Naturalist's Magazine, vol. I., p. 335 : — "The chief bar, however, at present to all improvements in classification, is the confusion which is caused by calling the same species by various and different names ; but this con- fusion may, in a great measure, if not entirely, be prevented, by adding to the approved systematic name of an animal, that also by which it was first known and described in systematical nomenclature." For instance; the Whitetailed Ossifrage (Ossifraga albicilla ; Aquila marina of Willughby,) the Solan Gannet (Sula alba, Meyer, Anscr bassanus of Will.) the Carbuncle Kinglet (Rcgulus carbun- culus, Bonap., R. Cuvicrii of Aud.,) the Bearded Pinnoc ( C alamo - philus biarmicus, Leacii, Parus Marmicus, of Linneus) the Sedge Reedling ( Salicaria pliragmitis, Selby, Sylvia pliragmitis, of Bech- stein,) &c. — Wood. THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 51 former, which has long been most grievously wanted. To say that 'the science of Ornithology does not suffer by this incorrect application of English names,' is evidently erroneous, and requires no comment from me. Mr. Strickland also speaks of * changes which are certain not to be universally adopted.'* One or two instances will prove the groundlessness of this assertion; Cinclus aquaticus was formerly invariably called the " Water Ouzel" and the Pipits (AntJiusJ were termed "Tit Larks;" now, however, the former receives the name Dipper, and the latter of Pipit in Ornithological works ; and rarely do we now meet with the old names in the Natural History periodicals of the day. It is unnecessary to multi- ply instances. " The whole use of a system is to facilitate the acquirement of Natural History ; consequently this system should be as simple, and as free from errors as possible, in every part. This is a proposition which, I think, no one will deny, and I consider that the slight alteration in English Nomenclature, proposed by me in a former number (No. X.,) greatly conduces to this important end. If I wished the science to remain stationary, then indeed I should say, leave the names as they are. * Happily for the cause of science, our Ornithologists are not of the same opinion as Mr. Strickland. Thus Mudie gives the name Hedge Warbler to the Silvia hippolais, vulgarly Pettichaps ; the translator of Beciistein's Cage Birds uses the name Dunnoc ; and Selby introduces the following new names — Longbeak, ( Macro- ramphus,) Lobefoot (LoUpcs,) Swiftfoot ( Cursorius,) Thick- nee (Edicnemus,) Hareld (Ilarclda,) Garrot (Clangula,) &c."