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ORNITHOLOGICAL WORKS:

WITH AN APPENDIX,
“CONTAINING DISCUSSIONS

ON

VARIOUS TOPICS OF INTEREST.

BY NEVILLE WOOD, ESQ.

SRATHSONIA N

JUN 2 7 1987

LONDON: LIBRARIES

JOHN W. PARKER, WEST STRAND.

MDCCCAXXVI.

PIKE, PRINTERS, DERBY.

?

TO

JOHN LATHAM, MD.
E.RBS., AS., LS., ke.

FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED TALENTS
AS AN
ORNITHOLOGIST,

AND
AS A MARK OF ESTEEM,
THIS VOLUME
IS RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED
BY HIS SINCERE FRIEND

THE AUTHOR.

ede
tit

PREFACE.

It has long been a complaint among amateur
Naturalists, and those who are commencing the
study of Natural History, that no account of the
works relating to this delightful subject has yet
been published. ‘The present volume is, accord-
ingly, intended to supply the desideratum with
regard to what may perhaps be considered the
most interesting branch of the science, and it will,
we hope, and indeed anticipate, prove a useful
guide to the Ornithologist in the choice of his
books. That it is not so complete as might be
wished, especially as regards the less important
works of the continental writers, we freely admit,
but we think that no British work of importance is
omitted.

If we have failed to notice any important works

of our continental brethren, we wish it to be clearly
understood that such omissions are occasioned by
our not having had access to the works, and not
by a wilful disregard of their merits.
_ It may be objected, on the other hand, that we
have reviewed several works unworthy of notice,
such as the barefaced compilations and “ conglo-
merates” of “ Alphabet Rennie,” and the Ornitho-
logia of Jennings; but we answer that the evil
practices of this tribe of “ literary Lestr7” should
be exposed.

We have given short notices of the beautiful
and expensive illustrative monographs of Vieillot,
Desmarest, Lesson, and other French Naturalists,
as it is only necessary, with regard to these, to state
whether the plates are well or ill executed, and

PREFACE.

whether the descriptions are accurate. But sack
works as Mudie’s Feathered Tribes of the British
Lslands, Selby’s Illustrations of British Ornitho-
logy, Montagw’s | Ornithological Dictionary, and
others of this class, require a considerably more
minute analysis; and this, accordingly, we have
given them. In works of this kind we have fre-
quently given long extracts, which are certainly
far better calculated to convey an idea of the spirit
of the author than a dry abstract review. We have
endeavoured to conduct the whole with perfect
impartiality. Whether or not we have succeeded
in attaining this desirable object, our readers will
be best able to determine.

With regard to the synoptical tabies of systems,
we have thought it better to give the names of the
several groups in French than in English, where
the classification was framed by a Fr ench Natur alist,
and have in many cases added the Latin or scien-
tific terms, m order to point out how well the
continental Naturalists have succeeded in giving to
each genus a French generic appellation, to which
British Naturalists have hitherto paid little or no
attention.

In the age! we have thrown together
some hints for the formaticn of what would, in
our estimation, form a complete work on general
Ornithology.

NeEviLLE Woop.

Foston Hall, Derbyshire.
Jan. 1, 1836.

ORNITHOLOGISYTS TEXT-BOOK.

WE commence our notices of ornithological
works with the Ornithology of Francis Willughby;
as he was the first Naturalist who treated the study
of birds as a science, and the first who made any
thing like a rational classification. His work (folio)
was translated, edited, and published by his friend
Ray, in 1678. Now although the classification
of Willughby can by no means be considered
complete, yet it was unquestionably the best that
had hitherto been promulgated, and has indeed
very great merit, especially when we consider that
it was framed about a century and a halfago, with
no other assistance than the meagre compilations
of preceding authors. ‘The system of Willughby
is also without doubt the basis on which the orni-
thological classification of Linneeus was founded,
and it is a curious fact that many of Willughby’s
genera, which were altered by the great Swede, are
now-again introduced exactly as restricted by the
former author. ‘The descriptions of the habits of
birds in this work are full and generally exact; but
are occasionally besprinkled with absurdities which
should have been beneath his notice. 'The diseases
of birds and their cures, and the methods of cap-
turing and keeping the different species are also
fully detailed, and a “ Summary of Falconry” con-
cludes the descriptive part of the volume. After
this is given a figure (uncoloured) of each bird
described, but these are wholly destitute of merit.
The young Ornithologist will do well to study this
work with attention, but he must sift the true from
the false matter,

4 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Synopsis Methodicum Avium, by John Ray,
17138.

We find it our duty to say that the amiable and
gentle Ray, whatever he might be in Botany, had
- very little merit as an Ornithologist, the whole of
the system, and also the names of birds used in his
' works, being the production of his friend Willughby ;
this is frankly acknowledged by Ray himself, and
must therefore be true. Thus if you posséss the
Ornithology of Willughby, it is unnecessary to
have the Synopsis of Ray. We are sorry to ob-
serve that the credit of Willughby’s system, and
also of his names, is generally most unjustly
awarded to Ray, in works on Natural History, at
the present day.

Systema Nature, by Sir Charles Linné, M.D.
Fauna Suecica, by Sir Charles Linné, M.D. 8vo.

After the publication of Ray’s Synopsis, no work
of importance appeared until the Systema Nature
of Linneus. The best edition of this work is the
12th, the last which was published by the author,
and which appeared in 1766. It is probable that
this production has done more to advance Orni-
thology* than any other of a like nature, increasing
the votaries of the science an hundred fold, by the
advantages which the simplicity of the system
held out to amateurs. ‘This system, although
confessedly artificial, is remarkably comprehensive,
and the groups are generally very accurately de-
fined. It contains one or two very flagrant errors,

* When we have occasion to mention works which treat of
Natural History generally, we shall of course only criticise the

ornithological department.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 5

as the classing under the same generic head the
perfectly distinct genera Coccothraustes (Grosbeak),
Pyrrhula (Coalhood), and Crucirostra (Crossbill),
but it was of singular use at that time, and has
done much to advance the science. Linneus may
be considered the father of modern Naturalists, and
the student of Ornithology must be thoroughly
acquainted with the Systema Nature before he
proceeds to the study of more modern and abstruse
classifications. We are, however, far from advising
any one to adhere to the Linnean system at the
present day; that would be absurd, at the advanced
state the science has now attained. ‘The system
of Linnzus is merely the basis on which all other
classifications are founded. A thirteenth edition
was published by Dr. Gmelin, after the death of
Linneus, and this was subsequently translated
into English, by William Turton, M.D.—Fauna
Suecica is also indispensable to the Ornithologist.

Voyage to the Islands of Madeira, Barbadoes,
Nevis, St. Christopher’s, and Jamaica, with the
Natural History, Sc., by Sir Hans Sloane, M.D.,
2 vols. folio, 1707—1727. .

Sir Hans Sloane is better known as a liberal
patron of natural science, and an extensive collector,
than from his writings. In the former capacity he
certainly never had an equal. We have not seen
his Voyage, but according to Cuvier ( Régne Animal )
the plates, 274 in number, are “ medzocres ou
mauvaises.” |

Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the
Bahama Islands, by Mark Catesby. 1731, folio.
2 vols.

6 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

This work is of great use to the Ornithologist,
on account of the accuracy of the figures—which
are coloured, and two hundred in number—and
descriptions. A second edition appeared in 1771,
edited by Edwards, the author of a well known
_ work on birds.

Vorstellung der Vogel. Frisch. 1739—63. 2 vols-
folio. Berlin.

A work on the birds of Germany, but of no use
at the present day; the figures, two hundred and
fifty-five in number, being very indifferent, and the
descriptions equally meagre. Infinitely superior
works have since appeared on the Ornithology of
this country.

Natural History of Birds, by EK. Albin. 3 vols.
Ato. 1738. Three hundred and six coloured plates.

Of no use at the present day.

Natural History of Uncommon Birds, and
Gleanings of Natural History, by Geo. Edwards.
7 vols. 4to. 1743—64.

These two works may be considered as forming
one, the last being merely a continuation of the
first. ‘The birds described and figured are placed
without any reference to order, and were mostly
unknown species. The plates are coloured, and,
though somewhat coarse, have a life and character
which has perhaps not been surpassed even at the
present day. The whole of the figures are drawn
and engraved—mostly from living specimens—by

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 7

the author, and the work will always be valuable
to the Ornithologist.

Des Oiseaux Domestiques, par R. A.F. Reaumur.
2 vols. 12mo.

An exceedingly interesting work on tame birds,
interspersed with anecdotes and experiments.

Historie Avium Prodromus, by J. T. Klein.
4to. 1750.

It is unnecessary to make particular mention of
the system of Klein, as it was adopted by very few,
nor is it by any means necessary for the Ornitholo-
gist to possess his Prodromus. And we may here
be allowed to remark on the absurd custom of
writing works on Natural History—or indeed any
other subject—in Latin. When written in this
“learned tongue” the contents of the works must
necessarily be sealed to all but a few “learned”
pedants. At the time when Klein wrote, however,
there may have been some excuse for this practice,
as only a very few then turned their attention to the
Natural Sciences, and these few were generally
supposed to have had the benefit of a “ sound
classical education.” Butas this is no longer the
case, there cannot now be the same excuse as there
was formerly f for writing works on Natural History
in Latin. The modern languages should of course
be taught at every school, and then we may look
forward to the time when Latin and Greek, if not
entirely abandoned, will at least no longer be con-
sidered indispensable to any classes of society,—
much less to the students of science. We will,
however, postpone this discussion to a future oc-
casion.—See Analyst, Vol. Lil, p. 46.

s ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.
Nederlindische Vogel, by Sepp.

This author had less success as an Ornithologist
than as an Entomologist, “his talents being quite
unsuited to this department; and his figures have
all the stiffness and roughness of badly preserved
dried specimens ;” but the work is useful as a fauna
of the Netherlands. |

Ornithologie ; ou Méthode contenant la Division
des Oiseaux, en Ordres, §c. 6 vols. 4to. 1760, by
Brisson.

Ornithologia, sive Synopsis Methodicum sistens
Avium, 2 vols. 8vo. 1762, by Brisson.

The descriptions in these voluminous works are
remarkable for exactitude, but the figures, which
are uncoloured, are very bad. Brisson was the first
Ornithologist since the time of Linnzeus who
ventured to propose a system of his own, and
displayed a singular and unwarrantable hostility to-
wards the illustrious Swede. It seems strange that
Naturalists, engaged in studying the works "ok the
Creation, should ever stoop to these paltry bicker-
ings, especially when we consider what a wide
field they have for observation.—The system of
Brisson had its merits, oe amongst others, that
of drawing away many individuals fr om their blind
admiration of the Sj ystema Nature. ‘The chief
fault in the scientific part of Brisson’s works is,
that he sometimes gives only one Latin name toa
bird, and sometimes three or more, thus departing
from Linneus’s admirable principle of mvariably
giving a generic and specific appellation to each
species. Several new birds were described im the
above-mentioned works, which are still useful to
the Ornithologist.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 9
British Zoology, by Thomas Pennant, folio, 1766.

The system used in this work is mostly the
Linnean, and the descriptions of habits and man-
ners are tolerably full, and interesting. Many
editions of this work have appeared; that of 1812,
with woodcuts, is best known. The British Zoology,
although exceedingly useful at the time of its publi-
cation, 1s now by no means indispensable to the
student of British Ornithology. Many works have
since appeared, with infinitely more detail of the
habits and manners of British birds, besides hav-
ing the advantage of a better system, and good
coloured plates.

Genera of Birds, 4to. 1781, by T. Pennant.

This compilation scarcely requires a notice,
Pennant’s genera being those of Willughby.

Arctic Zoology, by 'T. Pennant, 3 vols., 4to. 1792.

These volumes contain much interesting detail
on every department of Natural History, in the
widest acceptation of the term. The work is useful
as an Arctic Fauna, and contains good figures.
Pennant also published Indian Zoology, in one
quarto volume (1792,) but this we have not seen.

Histoire’ Naturelle des Owseaux, par G. L.
Buffon. 1770. Paris.

For eloquence and elegance of style, Buffon -
stands unrivalled amongst the Naturalists of his
country, but the matter can seldom be depended

10 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

upon, and the figures are very bad. -He was more
bent on forming wild and absurd theories of his
own--to which his countrymen generally are much
addicted—than on collecting “ facts, fresh from the
fields.” Thus his histories degenerate into mere
interesting tales, which, though umusing to the
general reader, can be of little use to the philosc-
phic Naturalist; and hence the Histozre Naturelle
cannot with safety be perused by the young Orni-
thologist, until he has aitained a certain proficiency
in the science, and learnt to judge for himself. The
Crossbill (Crucirostra, Meyer,) Buffon considers a
Lusus Nature, and supposes the Woodpeckers
(Piciane, Swains.) to be the most unhappy of the
feathered race ; without reflecting that every living
creature is perfectly adapted to its peculiar mode
of life, and that were any part of its organization
changed, it must inevitably perish. The only way
in which the works of this author can be said to
have advanced the interests of science is, that it
increased the number of field Naturalists in about
the same ratio that the Systema Nature did the
cabinet class. The Histoire Naturelle may be had
in every language and every shape.

General Synopsis of Birds, by John Latham,
M.D. London, 1782, 3 vols., and two supplements, -
Ato.

Latham’s Synopsis is well known in every part
of the world where Natural History is studied, and
was undoubtedly the most useful and valuable
ornithological work that had as yet appeared, as it
contained exact scientific descriptions and figures
of every bird then known. The Sysopsts certainly
contains many errors, but the work was, and still
is, indispensable to the Ornithologist. Dr. Latham’s

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. li

primary divisions differ from those of Linnzeus, and
he introduced fourteen new genera.

Index Ornithologicus, by J. Latham, M.D.
London. 1790. 2 vols. 4to.

This is a list of ail the birds then known, and is
a useful work for reference.

General History of Birds ; by J. Latham, M.D.
Winchester. 182i—4. 10 vols. 4to. 21 gs.

If in the General History of Birds, the author
had used a more modern classification, instead of
adhering to that cf Linnzeus, this work would un-
“questionably be the most complete and useful in
existence, which is now by no means the case.—
The General History is merely an enlargement of
the Synopsis. Consequently, those who possess
the latter are under no necessity of giving twenty-
one guineas for the former. We think it may with
safety be affirmed that no scientific works on
Natural History, except those of Linneus and
Cuvier, ever obtained so much celebrity as those
of our venerable countryman Dr. Latham, now
(1835) in his ninety-fifth year.

Avlum rariorum et minus cognitarum Icones
et Descriptiones. 1786; by B. Merrem. Leipsic.

This work we have not seen, but it is prebably
of little or no value at the present day.

Natural History and Antiquities of Selborne ;
by the Rev. Gilbert White. 4788. (°(%4.

=

12 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

This work is well known to every one for the
delightful details it contains of the habits and man-
ners of British birds. It is interspersed occasion-
ally with notices of other animals, but the amiable
author appears to have paid most attention to the
feathered tribes, and we think the volume might
almost be termed “ Sketches of the Ornithology of
Selborne.” The Natural History of Selborne has
passed through a great many editions, but Rennie’s
is the best. This edition (8vo. 1833) contains notes
by Herbert, Sweet, Rennie, and Mitford, and should
be in the hands of every one—the general reader no
less than the professed Naturalist. All scientific
detail is here avoided, and indeed White probably
knew very few of the Linnzan names, as we fre-
quently meet with such appellations as “ Passer
arundinaceus,” “ Regulus non cristatus,” &c. The
work consists of a series of letters addressed to
Pennant and Daines Barrington.

Naturalists Miscellany; by George Shaw,
MAD. © (1789, Svo.

Zoology of New Holland; by G. Shaw, M.D.
1794. Several 8yo. Nos.

Zoological Lectures ; by G. Shaw, M.D.

Both letterpress and figures in these works are
almost entirely purloined from other authors, and
are wholly devoid of merit. :

General Zoology ; or Systematic Natural History,
by George Shaw, M.D., F.R.S. 14 vols. 8vo.
1800—1826 ; continued by Mr. Stephens.

Vols. seven to fourteen inclusive are devoted to
Ornithology, and all except vols. seven and eight

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 13

are written, or rather compiled, by Mr. Stephens,
as Dr. Shaw died shortly after the completion of
the eighth volume. The work was scarcely wanted,
as, besides being very expensive (£3. 12s. a vol.),
the descriptions are almost entirely taken from the
Synopsis of his more judicious countryman, Dr.
Latham. One or more species of each genus is
figured (by Mrs. Griffith), but these also, we are
sorry to say, are almost without exception copied
from other works, with but little care in the selec-
tion. The last volume appeared in 1826, with
a synopsis of the Quinary System, as drawn up
by Vigors, and concludes with a “ general index.”
The genera are neither judiciously arranged or ac-
curately defined in this voluminous compilation,
which, although almost indispensable to the Orni-
thologist, is so only because no better work exists.
If some of the first Ornithologists of the present
day would unite to produce a good work on gene-
ral Ornithology, success might doubiless reasonably
be expected. All departments, the science pro-
perly so called, and the popular descriptions of
habits and manners, should be equally attended
to, and a coloured figure of each species, with its
nest and eggs, should be given, as far as practica-
ble, drawn and coloured from Nature, or carefully
selected from the most accurate authors, such as
Edwards, Gould, Selby, Audubon, &c.—See the
Supplement.

Synopsis of British Birds, by John Walcot, Esq.
London. 4to. 1789.

This work is scarcely deserving of notice, both
figures and descriptions ‘being very indifferent.
Mr. Graves has also published an illustrative work
on British Ornithology, but we have neither seen

B

14 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

it, nor found any mention of it by other Naturalists,
except onee or twice in Rennie’s Architecture of
Birds, which we shall notice hereafter.—The same
may be said of Hayes’ British Birds, and these
two works may fairly be considered undeserving of
attention. |
Some astonishment might be expressed at our
having omitted all notice of Sir Stamford Raffles,
but we answer that he, like Sir Hans Sloane, is
more known asa liberal patron of Natural Science,

and a collector, than as an author. See his Life,
by Lady Raffles.

Fauna Groenlandica, by Otho Fabricius. 179€.

A very useful work, and the more so on account
of its still remaining the sole description we possess
of the zoological productions of that country.

Gemeinniitzige Naturgeschichte der Vogel Deut:
schlands, by J. M. Bechstein, M.D. 1791. 3 vols.
8vo. £i.

An excellent work on the birds of Germany,
combining scientific detail, and popular descriptions
of habits and manners; the second edition is much
improved.

Ornithologisches Taschenbuch, by J. M. Bech-
stein, M.D. Leipsic. 1802. 8vo.

This work is also essential to the Ornithologist.
Many new genera were characterised by Bechstein,
and his descriptions are always accurate, and even
full, for the time at which he wrete.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 15

Cage Birds ; Their Natural History, Manage-
ment, Habits, Food, Diseases, Treatment, Breeding,
and the methods of catching them; by J. M.
Bechstein, M.D. Orr and Smith, Paternoster Row,
10s. 6d. 12mo.

The following passage, from the preface to the
first edition, will give our readers some idea of our
author’s enthusiasm with regard to Ornithology :—

“Tf long experience and minute observation on
the subject of his work is calculated toe gain an
author credit, I fiatter myself that this will not be
denied me, since from my earliest youth I have
delighted in being surrounded with birds, and am
so accustomed to them that I cannot write at my
desk with pleasure, or even with attention, unless
animated by the warbling of the pleasing little
creatures which enliven my room. My passion is
carried so far that I always have about thirty birds
around me, and this has naturally led me to con-
sider the best and easiest mode of procuring them,
as well as of feeding and preserving them in health.
Few amateurs, therefore, are better fitted than my-
self to write on this subject, and I hope I have done
it to the satisfaction of the public.”

The preface to the third edition is as follows :—

“ A new edition of my Natural History of Cage
Birds having been ealled for, I have made many
additions and improvements in the work, as will
appear on comparison. ‘Some have alleged that I
have been too diffuse in my descriptions, and others
find fault that I have introduced birds difficult to
tame, such as the gold-crested wren [ Gold-crested
Kinglet] and the common wren. In the latter case,
at least, the most ample details are excusable, as
the birds require more care; yet I know several
amateurs who always have one or two wrens flying
about a room, or in a cage, and to let loose so

16 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

delicate a little bird as the gold-crested wren al-
ways gives great pleasure. Besides, the minutest
detail can never, in such cases, do any harm. I
have likewise added some foreign birds, several of
which have been but recently introduced im this
country by any bird dealers.”

We may remark, in conclusion, that we have
seldom met with any work on this delightful branch
of Natural Science which pleased us so well as
Bechstein’s Cage Birds. It appears also to be well
translated—probably by Rennie—and is perfectly
indispensable to every one who wishes to preserve
birds in health for any length of time, in confine-
ment.

History of the Earth and Animated Nature, by
Oliver Goldsmith, L.L.D. 1791.

The first edition of this popular work was, we
believe, published in 1791; as, however, that
edited by Wm. 'Turton, M.D. (6 vols. 8vo. 1816),
is the one in our possession, our remarks will apply
to this edition. It is well known to most of our
readers that our author was little fitted for writing
on Natural History, and that necessity alone urged
him to commence his arduous undertaking. The
Animated Nature is, accordingly, nothing but a
compilation, and even as a compiler Goldsmith had
but little success. The work is, however, written
in a pure and elegant style, and thus, like Buffon’s
Histoire Naturelle, it has attained considerable
popularity. It is never referred to by Naturalists,
and we would not recommend the young Ornitho-
logist to read it, much less study it, as it abounds
with errors in every page, which the Editor has
taken little or no pains to correct; nor, indeed,
would this be an easy matter, as the whole work

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 7

must be entirely re-written, in order to purge it of
its numerous errors. Vol. IV is devoted to Orni-

thology.

Harmonia Ruralis, or Natural History of British
Song Birds, by James Bolton. folio. 1794.

The descriptions in this work are tolerably accu-
rate, but the figures—drawn and coloured from
Nature, by the author—are of little value. The
work is of no use at the present day.

Birds of Great Britain, by W. Lewin, F.L.S.
8 vols. 4to. 1795—1801. Coloured plates by the
author.

This is a useful and even a valuable work, as it is
the only one with which we are acquainted in which
a coloured figure of every British bird is given;
these are “ engraved from the subjects themselves,”
and are generally accurate, especially when we
eensider that the work appeared forty years ago.
A specimen of the egg of each species is also figured,
but these are often inexact and badly coloured.—
The system is the Linnean, and the descriptions,
which are short and accurate, are written on one
side of the page in French, and on the other in
English. 'The chief fault of the figures is, that they
are generally too highly coloured, and that a single
species is sometimes figured two or three times over,
under different names. The frontispiece to the first
volume is a curious variety of Parus major, shot in
Kent, with the mandibles of the bill crossed, as in
the Crossbills (Crucirostra, Meyer); the distribu-
tion of the colours is the same as in ordinary indi-
viduals, but the tints are much duller. A friend

B 3

18 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. —

of ours informs us, that many years ago he remem-
bers to have seen a Blue Tit (P. coeruleus) with
the mandibles of the bill similarly crossed. This
specimen was caught inatrap. We have also seen
a Common Fowl with a crossed bill; it had some
difficulty in taking its food, and always remained
thin.—It would be good practice for the student
if he were to mark the plates in this work, where
varieties or sexes are multiplied into species, by
a reference to Selby’s Lllustrations of British Orni-
thology, plates and letterpress. He would then find
the work of use in his researches, as it is by no
means convenient to use Selby’s plates for common
reference.

Transactions of the Linnean Society. Many
Ato. vols.

The Linnean Transactions, as they are usually
termed, may here be mentioned, as containing many
excellent scientific papers on Ornithology. The
two most important ornithological Essays in the
whole series are, Ist, ‘“ On the Trachee of Birds,”
by Dr. Latham; 2d, “ On the Affinities which
connect the Orders and Families of Birds,” by N.
A. Vigors, Esq. ‘The latter may be considered an
explanation of the Quinary System, discovered by
Macleay in 1818. ‘This system is undoubtedly the
most natural which has yet been propounded, and
is admirably elucidated by Vigors in the above-
mentioned paper. The Linnean Transactions also
contain several highly interesting and valuable
papers by Montagu, on the habits and plumage of
birds.

History of British Birds, by Thomas Bewick.
1797. 2 vols. 8vo. Newcastle on Tyne.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 19

This work soon attained great popularity; chiefly
on account of the admirable wood-cuts and vignettes,
although the descriptions are accurate and even in-
teresting. In these he was probably assisted by
scientific men. ‘The work has passed through
several editions; that of 1826 is generally referred
to by Naturalists, but the last (1832) is the most
complete. ‘This edition contains a figure of every
species that has been killed in Britain, and should
be in the hands of every Ornithologist. A few of
the figures of birds are by no means characteristic ;
as those of the Hedge Dunnock (Accentor modu-
laris, Cuv.) and Golden-crested Kinglet (Regulus
auricapilius, Selby). Mr. Dovaston—a friend of
Bewick’s, and a very pleasing writer—has given
a long and interesting account of this celebrated
artist in the Magazine of Natural History.

Catalogue of the Birds, Shells, and Plants of
Dorsetshire, by Richard Pulteney, M.D. 1799.

This Catalogue, which is only useful as a local
list, is compiled from Mr. Hutchison’s History of
Dorsetshire.

Histoire Naturelle des Otseaux @ Afrique, par
F. Levaillant, 6 vols. folio or 4to. 1799. Paris.

Histoire Naturelle des Perroquets, par F. Le-
vaillant. 2 vols. 4to. and in folio. Paris. 1801.

Fist. Nat. @une Partie d’ Oiseaux del Amerique
et des Indes, par ¥. Levaillant. Paris. 1801.

Est. Nat. des Oiseaux de Paradis, et des Rol-
liers, suivie de celle des Toucans et des Barbus,
par F. Levaillant. 2 vols. grand in-fol. Paris. 1806.

Hist. Nat. des Promerops et des Guépiers, par
F. Levaillant.' Paris. 1807. folio.

20 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Levaillant was a close and accurate observer of
Nature, and his works, although entirely destitute
of system or arrangement, must ever hold a distin-
guished place on the shelf of the philosophic
Ornithologist. His descriptions may invariably be
relied on, and the figures, though somewhat want-
ing in finish, are always characteristic. Itis unne-
cessary to make particular mention of Levaillant’s
works, as all are equally essential to the Ornitho-
logist. |

Natural History of British Birds, by K. Dono-
van, F.L.S. 10 vols. 8vo. London. 1799—1816.

This is a work of little merit, and wholly useless
to the Ornithologist. The descriptions are short
and inaccurate, and the plates stiff and gaudy.

Ornithological Dictionary, or Synopsis of British
Birds. 2 vols. 8vo. and Supplement. London. 1802
-—1813, by George Montagu, Esq. F.L.S.

This was the first satisfactory work on British
birds that had yet appeared, the scientific details
being accurate in the extreme, and the descriptions
of habits and manners, and also the accounts of
tame birds in the author’s possession, are highly
entertaining, and the student will do well to peruse
the work with attention. A second edition appeared
in 1831, edited by Professor Rennie, “ with a plan
of study, and many new articles and original ob-
servations.” Now that there are “many new
articles” we fully admit, but think it would be an
extremely difficult matter to find any “ original
observations,” from the pen of the worthy Professor.
As to paper, type, &c. this edition is certainly an

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 2)

improvement on ‘the first, and we approve the
bringing the three volumes into one, but we think
the “ Plan of Study,” “ Remarks on the system of
Linneus and Latham,” and also those on the
“ Quinary System and Modern Doctrine of Types,
Affinities, and Analogies,” might well have been
dispensed with. We never could perceive the use
of these controversies. The field Naturalists will
always undervalue the studies of the scientific
Naturalist, and these in return think lightly of the
former. The fact is, that both are perfectly essen-
tial to the advancement of the science, but the
scientific department may perhaps be considered
higher than the other, as the one requires a good
development of the reasoning faculties—causality
and comparison—and the other good observing
powers—chiefly individuality. Now, Professor
Rennie affects to despise what he terms “ cabinet
Naturalists,” but he certainly does not belong to
the other class, having rarely, if ever, recorded a
“fact fresh from the fields.” Heis a mere compiler,
and is not much fitted even for this task. The
following extract, from the introduction, will plainly
show that our compiler is entirely ignorant of the
nature of the system he idly attempts to refute :—
“Tn the necessarily limited space of an introduc-
tion, I cannot go much into detail either in expla-
nation of this system, or in stating such objections
to it as have occurred to me; but I shall endea-
vour to show that it rests, so far as I can perceive,
on very untenable grounds. ‘ In natural history,
says Mr. Macleay, ‘we have always good reason
for suspecting methods,’ and still more, I should say,
for suspecting principles. ‘The doctrine of types,
if I comprehend it aright, is one of those suspicious
principles, being evidently a shoot from Plato’s
wild theory of pre-existent ideas, or the archetypes
of all things, and more directly borrowed from the

22 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

atheistic system of Robinet. His doctrine bears,
that Nature’s grand aim was to make man, and
being incapable of doing so at once, undertook an
apprenticeship (apprentisage) of experiments, by
making various types of his several organs; such
as the hand-shaped roots of some of the orchis
family, the brain-stone coral, and the stink horn
(Phallus foetidus, Sowerby), of many of which he
gives figures. ‘A stone, he says, ‘an oak, a horse,
a monkey, a man, are only graduated variations of
a prototype which has begun to be realized by the
least possible elements. A stone, an oak, a horse,
are not men, but they can be regarded as types,
more or less conformable to the same primitive de-
sign, and they are all the product of the same idea,
more or less developed. It was with no little as-
tonishment, that I found the Rev. W. Kirby, a
Naturalist of great talent, an accomplished scholar,
and a divine of the soundest religious sentiments,
for whose works I have a high esteem, not only
adopting, but eulogizing this very doctrine, as
coming from Mr. Macleay, though he elsewhere
rejects it with laudable indignation, as coming from
Robinet. ‘According, he says, ‘ to this opinion’
(Macleay’s) which seems the most consistent of
any yet advanced, and which reconciles facts which
upon no other plan can be reconciled, the series of
beings is involved in the highest degree, rolling
wheel within wheel ad infinitum, and revolving, if
I may so speak, round its centre and summit—
man: who, though not including in himself all
that distinguishes them, is still the great type
in which they terminate, and from which they
degrade on all sides.’ This, indeed, seems almost
a translation of Robinet. Iam not surely called
upon to enter into a serious refutation of such
doctrines as these, or to be accused of dealing in
unproved assertion, by appealing for their fallacy

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 23

to the plain sense of the reader. On the contrary,
I am most justly entitled to call for a proof of the
assumptions, that a stone has improved itself into
an oak, and a horse into a man, or that these de-
grade from man on all sides.”

We think that this extract will make it appear
sufficiently plain that the Professor has wholly mis-
understood the Quinary system. Rennie gathers
that the Quinarians suppose a stone to improve
itself into an oak, and a horse into a man, &c.,
from the simple expression of one group leading
through another, and passing into a third; which
of course only signifies that one group has an
affinity to another; and a species which connects
two genera may be said to lead from one to the
other. The chain of living beings is unbroken,
and consequently each group, of whatever value,
passes into that which follows. We think it would
be impossible for any one but such as Rennie to
interpret this simple expressson into a declaration
that one living being is transformed into another.
It is the same with the doctrine of degradations.
Are not all living creatures inferior to man? and,
therefore, if ranged round him in a circle—as is
the system of Nature—may they not be said to
degrade on all sides, without being supposed to be
transformed '—But as Rennie does not understand
the system he affects to despise, what benefit can
acerue from refuting his fanciful arguments?

Barring the whole of the introduction with which
this excellent work is disgraced, we recommend the
Ornithological Dictionary of the acute and accu-
rate Montagu, to the attentive perusal of the orni-
thological student. A few interesting remarks on
the habits and nidification of birds are inserted
into this edition, by the Editor, but, unhappily,
they ere far from “ original,” as specified in the
title page, being almost wholly copied from a po-

94 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

pular work—Architecture of Birds, by James
Rennie. |

Birds of Scotland, by Graham. 12mo. 1806.
Edinburgh. ;

A small work on the birds of Scotland, in verse.
The descriptions of habits, nidification, &e. are
generally accurate, but we are averse to having
scientific works in poetry.

Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux dorés; ou, a
Reflets Métalliques, par L. P. Vieillot et J. B.
Audebert. Paris. 1802. folio and 4to. 2 vols.

Histoire Naturelle des plus beaux Oiseaux
Chanteurs de la Zone Torride, par L. P. Vieillot.
Paris. 1805. folio.

Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux de l Amerique
Septentrionale, par L. P. Vieillot. Paris. 1807.
2 vols. folio.

Galerie des Oiseaux, par L. P. Vieillot. 2 vols.
Ato. Paris. 1825.

Analyse une Nouvelle Ornithologie élémentaire,
par L. P. Vieillot. Paris. 1816. 8vo.

All these works, which are mostly expensive 1l-
lustrative Monographs, are essential to the Orni-
thologist, the plates being generally good, and the
descriptions accurate. Vieillot will always rank
high amongst the Ornithologists of his country, and
has aptly been styled the father of modern French
Ornithologists. Every one should possess his Ga-
lerie des Oiseaux.

Histoire Naturelie des Tangaras, des Manakins,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 25

et des Todiers, par A. G. Desmarest. Paris. 1805.
folio.

All the writings of this excellent Ornithologist
are deserving of the closest attention. Besides the
above work, he has written several articles in the
Bulletin des Sciences Naturelles, Dictionnaire
@ Histoire Naturelle, Journal des Mines, and
other French periodicals of less note.

British Miscellany, by James Sowerby, F.L.S.
London. 1806. Vol. I. 8vo.

We have only seen the first volume of this work,
and are not aware of any more having appeared.
As regards Ornithology it is not of much use,
nearly all the birds figured as new or rare species,
being merely varieties of those which are well
known.

American Ornithology ; or Natural History of
the Birds of the United States, by Alexander Wil-
son. 13 vols. 4to. Philadelphia. 1808.

This work is so well known, as almost to render
a particular notice or recommendation unneces-
sary. His descriptions of birds are wholly unri-
valled, even at the present day, except perhaps by
those of Audubon. ‘The style is vigorous and
eloquent, and the descriptions of habits and man-
ners minute and interesting in the extreme. Per-
haps there never existed an individual better
calculated for observing Nature, and for recording
faithfully her wonders, than Alexander Wilson.
The coloured figures also are very accurate, al-
though there is a want of finish about them. Well

©

26 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

may we lament the premature death of this great
Naturalist, for he died before the completion of
his splendid and almost unrivalled work. The
four last volumes are by C. L. Bonaparte, Prince of
Musignano. Even those who do not possess the
American Ornithology, must have met with so —
many extracts from it, that we consider it quite
unnecessary to give a specimen of the work. Many
editions have appeared—the best by Sir William
Jardine, with plates, coloured or uneoloured, and
notes by the Editor; price £6. 6s. coloured,—
£3. 3s. uncoloured. A cheap edition was pub-
lished by Professor Jameson in 1831, with a life
of the author, but without plates—price 16s. 4 vols.
12mo. Every Ornithologist must of course possess
this work.

Observations on the Nomenclature of Wilsons
Ornithology. By Charles Lucien Bonaparte. 8vo.
pp. 352. Philadelphia. 1826.

“Of the high utility of this necessary appendix
to Wilson’s admirable production we have already
spoken, while noticing several of its parts, as they
successively appeared in the ‘Transactions of the
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
We need not, therefore, now repeat our commen-
dations. It will be sufficient to express our grati-
fication at finding that the scattered papers, in
which was contained so much important informa-
tion, have been collected into a volume, and have
thus been rendered more easily accessible. Devoted
expressly to the correction and revision of the
nomenclature of the American Ornithology, its
leading object is to place that standard work on a
level with the actual state of science. With this
view the synonymy is enlarged and continued, so

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. DG

as to embrace the latest observations. Its acqui-
sition is consequently essential to the possessors
of the original work. 'To the general Ornitholo-
sist it will also be desirable on account of the
numerous and just observations with which it is
interspersed, relative to the arrangement of birds,
and to the value of the groups into which they
have been divided.”—Zool. Journ.

Taschenbuch der Deutschen Vogelkunde, and
Naturgeschichte der Vogel Deutschlands, by Drs.
Meyer and Wolf. Francfort. 1810. 2 vols. 8vo.

An excellent and original work on the birds of
Germany. ‘The first volume is by Dr. Wolf, and
contains the land birds. 'The second volume, con-
taining the water birds, is by Dr. Meyer. ‘The
Ornithologist should possess this work.

Prodromus Mammalium et Avium, by J.C. G.
illiger. Berlin. 8vo. 1811.

We have not seen Illiger’s Prodromus, and can-
not therefore give any account of it. Illiger was
a Professor of Berlin, and-died young. -

Fauna Orcadensis, or Natural History of the
Quadrupeds, Reptiles, and Fishes of Orkney and
Shetland, by the Rev. George Low. 4to. Edin-
burgh. 1813.

The Ornithologist should not be without this
work, as a fauna of these islands assists in deter-
mining how far the various species of native and
migratory British birds extend to the north.

98 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Handbuch der Naturgeschichte, von Joh. Fried.
Blumenbach. Neunte Ausgabe. Géttingen. 1814.

This work is of little use to the Ornithologist at
the present day, bemg nothing more than a cata-
logue, with very short descriptions, and not always ~
accurate. It has, however, passed through a great
number of editions, and was translated into Eng-
lish in 1825, by R. 'T. Gore, Surgeon. The sys-
tem is a modification of the Linnean.

ENstoire Naturelle Générale des Pigeons et des
Gallinacés; par C. J. Temminck. 3 vols. 8vo.
Amsterdam et Paris. 1813—15.

Although this work is mostly compiled, yet it
is compiled in a very creditable manner. The
descriptions of habits and manners, which are
extremely full and generally accurate, are also re-
plete with interest. The author likewise gives a full
account of the most approved methods of keeping,
breeding, and rearing domestic Pigeons and Fowls.
Nor are the scientific details omitted. These the
learned author gives with his usual accuracy. In
fine, we may safely recommend these excellent
and interesting volumes to the attentive perusal of
the Ornithologist. ‘The Pigeons have since ap-
peared in folio, with splendid coloured plates, by
Madame Knip.

Manuel @ Ornithologie, ou Tableau systématique
des Oiseaux qui se trouve en Europe, par C. J.
Temminck. Paris. 1815. 2 vols. Svo.

Temminck is the first Ornithologist since the
time of Linneus, who promulgated a system worth

ORNITHOLOGISI’S TEXT-BOOK 2y

attending to. In simplicity it almost rivals that
of the illustrious Swede, aud is infinitely its supe-
rior in exactitude and preciseness. It is the clas-
sification we had ourselves adopted, before we had
investigated the merits of the circular system, as
illustrated and explained by those excellent Natu-
ralists, Swainson and Vigors, in the Northern
Zooiogy, Linnean Transactions, Zoological Jour-
nal, and other valuable works, which we have
perused with equal attention and pleasure.—Tem-
minck employs sections—or subgenera—where he
supposes his genera to require some division. ‘The
Warblers (Sylva, Lath.), for instance, he divides
into Becfins riverains (Salicaria, Selby), and Bec-
Jjins sylvains, which comprises the rest of Latham’s
Sylvia (Sylviade, Vig.\—The scientific details and
the tables of synonymes, in this useful work, are
almost always correct, but with regard to habits
and manners, Temminck had less success. ‘The
Ornithologist will do well to possess himself of
this work, nor indeed could he easily do without it.
Another edition of the Manuel d’Or nethologre ap-
peared in 1820, 2 vols. 8vo.

Régne Animal, distribué Vaprés son Organisa-
tion, par G. Cuvier. Paris. 1817. 4 vols. 8vo.

The Régne Animal is the only systematic work
since the Systema Nature, which includes the
whole range of Zoology. ‘The zoological system
of Cuvier—which has erroneously been termed
natural—has certainly far less merit than those of
Linneus and Temminck, and its fame was, accord-
ingly, short-lived. Cuvier’s classification is founded
on the organisation; and here lies its chief defect ;
a system founded on any one character, must ne-
cessarily be defective, if that characteris invariably

c 3

30 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

adhered to. lLinneus’s distinguishing character
was the bill, that of Vieillot, Klemm, and others,
the claws, and all these systems, whatever each
may be as a whole, contain flagrant errors in some
of the minutiz. ‘The student will, nevertheless,
find it useful to acquaint himself with the system
of the great French Naturalist, as its very defects
may have the use of proving to him the fallacy of
any system in which the series is smgle.—The
best edition is that of Griffith ; of this edition the
birds (3 vols.) may be had separate.

The Quinary System :—discovered by W. S.
Macleay in 1818.—In a work on the rise and
progress of Ornithology, we think it our duty to
make a few remarks on a system which, if not
“the Natural System,” is at least founded on the
principles of Nature. The first and fundamental
principle inculcated by Macleay and his disciples
is, that all nature moves in a circle, and that the
series of beings is unbroken ; and, secondly, that
each group and each species has a double affinity.
Every one of the higher groups has a binary divi-
sion, viz. the normal or typical, and the aberrant,
the former containing two, and the latter three, of
the five subdivisions of which each of the higher
groups is composed. We cannot here explain the
doctrine of analogy—which is wholly distinct from
affinity,—but we can give an instance of it :—the
Hedge Dunnock in the Sylviade, represents the
House Sparrow in the Pringillide ; that is, the
one bears the same relation to the Sylviade that
the other does to the Fringillide, and hence they
are said to bear an analogy to each other. ‘The
whole zoological series, before arranged in a sim-
ple chain, according to this system revolves in an
almost infinite number of circles around man, from

7
ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 31

whom they may be said to degrade on all sides.
We shall not here proceed further, as avery slight
sketch is all that the limits of this little work can
afford. We will conclude our necessarily brief
and imperfect notice of this admirable system by
observing, that no one who supposes the Quinary
System, or any part of it, to lead to atheism, can
rightly understand its principles.—As well might
it be affirmed that the science of Phrenology tends
to materialism.

Compendium of British Ornithology, by J. At-
kinson. London. 1820. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

A work of no use at the present day. ‘The sys-
tem is the Linnean, and the descriptions are short.

Natural History of the Birds of New South
Wales, by W. J. Lewin, London. 1822. Thin
folio.

We do not possess this work, but, according to
the first Ornithologist of the present day, the plates
“are of permanent value,” and the work of course

useful.

Compendium of Zoology, being a Description of
more than 300 Animals. New Edition. London,

1818. Sm. 8vo.

This volume is entirely compiled, and ranks very
low even as a compilation, being full of the most
flagrant errors, of which the following may be taken
as a sample :—“ ‘The Hedge Sparrow is a smaller
variety of the bird above described [the House

34 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Sparrow], and is called in French, Friguet.” We
might easily produce dozens of equally glaring
elrors, but we prefer cautioning our readers against
perusing the book at all. Only a few species are
described in this volume—of what we suppose the
author would call “ the more interesting species.”

Animated Nature, or Elements of the Natural
History of Animals. Illustrated by Short Histories
and Anecdotes; and intended to afford a Popular
View of the Linnean System. For the use of
Schools. By the Rev. W. Bingley, A.M. London.
1814.

Animal Biography, or Popular Zoology ; Illus-
trated by Authentic Anecdotes of the Economy,
Habits, Instincts, and Sagacity of the Animal Cre-
ation. By the Rev. W. Bingley, A.M. 4 vols.
Fifth edit. London, 1820. Sm. 8vo.

These are extremely interesting popular works,
and although occasionally sprinkled with the errors
incident to most popular publications, we think our
readers will derive both pleasure and advantage
from their perusal. They contain descriptions and
figures of two or three species of every genus, with
scientific details of each. The wood-cuts are ge-
nerally well executed and original. ‘These works
will always remain favorites with the public, on
account of the vast fund of anecdote which they
contain, and from their simple and pleasing style.

Zoological Illustrations, by William Swainson,
Ksq., F.R.S., F.L.S. 8vo. 1820. W. Wood, London.

This work consists of “ original figures and
descriptions of new, rare, or interesting animals,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 33

selected chiefly from the classes of Ornithology,
Entomology, and Conchology; and arranged on
the principle of Cuvier and other modern Zoolo-
gists.” It might perhaps almost be deemed pre-
sumption to offer any remarks on a work emanating
from the pen and pencil of undoubtedly the first
Ornithologist of the day, but we feel it our duty to
eive our readers some idea of the contents of the
Zoological Illustrations. It will be sufficient if
we mention that the coloured figures of birds then
were, and still are, almost unrivalled. ‘They are
certainly not surpassed by the highly-lauded
plates of Audubon—of which hereafter—but are
perhaps equalled by those of Gould. The figures
are beyond conception lovely and delicate, and
it only remains for us to remark, that every
philosophic Ornithologist must possess the Zoo-
logical Illustrations, if indeed they are now to be
had.

Naturalist’s Guide, for collecting and preserving
subjects of Natural History, particularly shells; by
William Swainson, Esq., ¥.R.S. and L.S. W.Wood,
London. 1822. 12mo. 5s. 6d.

An interesting and highly useful guide to all
those who wish to collect and preserve objects of
Natural History, in tropical as well as in temperate
climates, and we recommend it to the special at-
tention of the ornithological collector.

fauna Borealt Americana, or Zoology of North
America, by J. Richardson, M.D., and Wm. Swain-
son, Hisq. London. 4to. 1831. Vol. II. £4. 4s.

The second volume of this splendid work treats

3b4 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

of birds, and is chiefly by Swainson, with co-
loured plates, by the author. Of Swainson’s ta-
lents as an ornithological painter, we have already
spoken, and his success in this department is so
well known as to require no further notice. In
the Northern Zoology—as it is termed for the
sake of brevity—the Quinary System is most ad-
mirably and lucidly expounded, and the affinities
of the higher groups are truly, in the words of Selby,
“‘ traced with the hand of a master.” We cannot
speak in too high terms of admiration with regard
to this splendid national production. It is un-
doubtedly the best work of its kind that has ever
appeared, and will, we expect, long remain so. It
must ever hold a distinguished place on the shelf
of the philosophic Ornithologist, and may always
be consulted with safety, pleasure and advantage.

Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural
History, by William Swainson, Esq., A.C.G. 12mo.
6s. Longman and Co. London. 1834.

To give an idea of the merits of this volume, we
shall transcribe the notice of it which appeared in
the Magazine of Natural History for April, 1835:—

* Mr. Swainson’s Discourse is the most lucid,
complete, and masterly introduction to Natural
History that has hitherto been published in any
language. The author was, before the appearance
of this volume, deservedly regarded as the greatest
Zoologist Britain has produced; he may now fairly
claim to be placed on an equality with the most
esteemed of any age or any country. The plan of
the work is simple, the arrangement. of the subject
excellent, and the phraseology vigorous and flow-
ing. The volume before us is the first of a series
from the perusal of which we anticipate much

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. Es,

pleasure as well as instruction; and we most cor-
dially recommend the series to such of our readers
as desire to obtain a general knowledge of Zoology.
It is with great pleasure that we see the great mas-
ters in science thus devoting their talents to the
task of instruction, instead of the more selfish occu-
pation of hoarding up stores of knowledge available
only to themselves.”—We conclude by recommend-
ing the volume to the attentive perusal of the stu-
dent of Zoology.

Treatise on the Geography and Classification of
Animals, by Wm. Swainson, Esq., A.C.G., 12mo.
6s. Longman and Co. London. 1835.

The geographical distribution of animals is a
subject hitherto little attended to, and is ably
treated of in this useful and delightful volume.
The principles of the Quinary System are also
explained at some length, and we recommend this
volume as well as the Discourse to the attentive
perusal of the ornithological student; as soon as
he has mastered all that is contained in these ex-
cellent and invaluable volumes, he may consider
himself a good Ornithologist, in the general prin-
ciples at least. ‘The plan of these books appears
to us so original, and the execution of them so
masterly, that they cannot fail to be of the greatest
use to the Zoologist, and of the most extended
service to this branch of Natural Science.

The following is a plan of the zoological volumes
to be published in Dr. Lardner’s Cabinet Cyclope-
dia. ‘The two first have already appeared, and
are noticed above :—

36 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Zoology.—14 vols. Vol. I. Pre->)
lim. Discourse. |

Vol. II. Geography and Clas-
sification of Animals.

Vol. III. Quadrupeds.

Vol. LV. Ornithology.

Vol. V. Conchology.

Vols. VI. & VII. Popular In-
troduction to Entomology.

Vol. VIII. Reptiles, Fish,
Polypes, &c.

dy, W.Swainson,
Esq. F.R.S., &c.

; ; range. | bY Mr. Swamson
Vol. IX. Systematic arrange \ andl dl oO SAieete

ment of Insects. ) wood, Esq.

Vols. X. and XI. Habits and)
Instincts of Animals.
Vol. XII. Menageries. |
Vol. XIII. Taxidermy, Biblio- f
eraphy, &c. &c. |
Vol. XIV. Man. j

By Wim. Swain-
son, Esq., A.C.G.

This series, when completed, will, we anticipate,
be the most useful and delightful work on Zoology
that has yet appeared.

Swainson has also written the zoological part of
Murray’s Cyclepedia of Geography, lately pub-
lished, in 12 Nos., forming one thick 8vo. volume ;
and various interesting and useful papers in seien-
tific Journals. He has likewise written a long and
highly interesting review of Audubon’s splendid
plates, in the Magazine of Natural History, Vol. 1.
p. 43, which our readers will do well to peruse.
We will conclude our necessarily brief notices of
the admirable works of this great Zoologist by
observing, that no one can call himself a good
Ornithologist at the present day, without a thorough
and intimate acquaintance of every thing that ever
proceeded from the pen and pencil of SwAINson.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 37

Treatise on British Song Birds, by Patrick Syme,
Esq. 8vo. 16s., or 12mo. 12s. Edinburgh. 1823.

Syme’s Treatise on British Song Birds is an
excellent and useful little work, “ including ob-
servations on the natural habits of song birds, their
manner of incubation, &c., with remarks on the
treatment of the young and management of the old
birds in a domestic state.” ‘The plan of the volume
is good, and well executed. It is embellished by
fifteen engravings, coloured or uncoloured, which
are generally good. We think, however, that the
author might have included many other British
song birds worthy of notice, especially as the
Spotted Starling (Sturnus varius, Meyer)—which
ean scarcely be considered a songster—has found
a place in his excellent Song Birds.

British Warblers, by Robert Sweet, F.L.S.
Simpkin and Marshall. London. 1823—1832.
Svo. 16s. 6d.

When first we saw the British Warblers adver-
tised, and noticed in the Magazine of Natural
History, we expected to have seen a complete
Monograph of that most lovely of all families, the
Sylviade :—so far, however, is this from being the
case, that not near all the British species are in-
cluded in it. ‘The figures are in general very bad,
especially that of the Brake Nightingale (Philo-
mela luscinia, Swains.), and the descriptions short
and meagre in the extreme. ‘The figure of the
Garrulous Fauvet (Ficedula garrula, Blyth) is
somewhat more characteristic than the rest; but
while the accompanying flower (a lilac) has all the
freshness of Nature, the bird has evidently the
roughness of a bird long kept in confinement. It

D

388 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-=BOOR:

is, however, perhaps scarcely fair to criticise this
little work so severely, when we find—as we shall
hereafter do—that Selby has by no means suc-
ceeded in the delineation of this beautiful and in-
teresting family. But, on the other hand, it is our
cool and decided opinion that no part of the British
Warblers—the preface, of five pages, perhaps
excepted—can be of the slightest use either to the
Naturalist, or to those who keep birds in confine-
ment. For the latter purpose, Bechstein’s delight-
ful and useful Cage Birds (reviewed in our p. 15)
is by far the best work in existence. Mr. Sweet
kept most of the different kinds of Sylviade in
confinement many years, and observed them closely
in their natural state; he mzght, therefore, have
furnished a delightful volume on the Warbler fa-
mily, which is now far from the case. Nor can
we compliment the author on his style. It may
be supposed by some that we are thus criticising |
the work of Mr. Sweet on account of the impossi-
bility of his replying to our observations—the au-
thor having died in January 1835—but this is not
the case, as we shall fully prove in the sequel, by
criticising far more severely the productions of cer-
tain compilers who are at present in the full glory
of their short-lived career.

Sur les Fonctions du Cerveau, par F. J. Gall,
M.D. 6 vols. 8vo. Paris, 1822—1825.

Dr. Gall is well known to every one as the dis-
coverer of the most splendid and practicably useful
of the sciences—Phrenology. But the learned
author also shows an intimate knowledge of the
habits of birds and other animals, on which his
femarks are highly interesting. He was likewise ex-
treriely fond of keeping birds in confinement, and

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 39

of observing the habits and manners peculiar to
each. The chief fault of the work is prolixity, to
which the continental writers in general, and the
French in particular, are so much addicted. ‘This,
however, can perhaps scarcely be considered a fault
in a work dedicated to the explanation of a new
theory, and we cordially recommend the perusal
of Gall’s Fonctions du Cerveau to all classes of
readers.

Tableau élémentaire d@ Ornithologie, par Mons.
Gérardin. 2 vols. 8vo. Paris. 1822.

We believe M. Gérardin’s Tableau forms a toler-
ably good elementary work on Ornithology, but it
can easily be dispensed with at the present day.

Philosophy of Zoology, or a General View of the
Structure, Functions, and Classification of Animals,
by John Fleming, D.D. 2vols. 8vo. Edinburgh.
1822. £1. 10s.

This work should be attentively perused by every
philosophic Ornithologist, although it is inter-
spersed in various parts with the crude, fanciful,
and pernicious doctrines of the old Metaphysicians.

Elistory of British Animals, by John Fleming,
D.D., F.R.S. & M.W.S. Edinburgh. 1828. 8vo.

This work is a useful compendium for the gene-
ral Naturalist, but is of no use to those who intend
to study any one department of Natural Science in
particular. ‘The descriptions are very short, and
the system extremely objectionable. Swainson has

40 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

some excellent remarks on the Dichotomous Sys-
tem—the one adopted by Fleming—in his Treatise
on the Geography and Classification of Animals,
and these we shall make no apology for transcrib-
ing :—

‘‘ Binary or dichotomous systems, although re-
gulated by a principle, are among the most arti-
ficial arrangements that have been ever invented.
This great principle upon which the advocates of
such tables insist, simply consists in arranging
animals according to their posetive and negative
characters; as, for instance, birds with perfect
wings, and, secondly, birds with wnperfect wings;
and so on. Now this mode of arrangement is,
perhaps, the most simple, and the most easy of
comprehension, of any that has been devised; and
was, therefore, the earliest in use. It likewise
seems to offer a ready clue to the discovery of any
particular species or genus, because the student has
no occasion to look beyond the table before him:
he need not trouble himself about affinities or ana-
logies, for he has merely to see what peculiar cha-
racter his specimen has, and what it has not.—
When, therefore, his object is either to ascertain
the recorded name of a species, or whether it be
described or undescribed, he will often find this
sort of catalogue useful. But the misfortune of
the binary methods of arrangement is this, that
they may be multiplied ad libitum. As their ad-
vocates profess not to pursue any one principle in
the selection of their characters, it follows that we
may have a hundred different binary systems, each
good in its way, but each different from the other.
One entomologist may choose to divide all insects
into such as have wings, and, secondly, such as
have none. Another, looking to the manner of
feeding, may make his two groups depend upon
one having jaws, the other none. A third, con-

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 4]

sidering metamorphosis as the corner-stone of his
system, may divide all insects into such as un-
dergo this transformation, and such as do not.
Hence, it follows, that every one may form a binary
system of his own, provided he closely attends to,
and ‘possesses distinct conceptions on, positive
and negative characters’; the only requisite, as its
advocates affirm, for this mode of arrangement.
As for preserving the natural affinities of groups,
it is by no means necessary to the systems in ques-
tion that any regard should be paid to such matters;
their advocates, very judiciously, do not insist on
such considerations, nor do they attempt to point
out in what way nature gradually passes from one
group to another.”

On the Cuckoo and on Migration, in Philosophie
Transactions, by Edward Jenner, M.D. 1797—
1824.

On the Cuckoo, in Manchester Transactions, by
Mr. Blackwall, 1824; and in Magazine of Natu-
ral History, Vol. VIII, by various writers. 1835.

In these several Journals will be found a full
elucidation of the habits, nidification, &c., of that
extraordinary bird, the Grey Cuckoo (Cuculus
canorus, Linn.) ‘The celebrated Dr. Jenner first
explained the peculiar habits of this bird, which
were little known before his time. The student
will read these papers. with pleasure and advan-
tage.

Illustrations of «British Ornithology, by P. J.
Selby, Esq. Land Birds. Edinburgh. 1825. 8vo.
10s. 6d.

D3

42 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Illustrations of British Ornithology, by P. J.
Selby, Esq. 2 vols. 8vo. Edinburgh. 18383.
£1. 1s. 2d. edition.

The most masterly work, on the whole, that has
yet appeared on the birds of Britain. ‘The first
edition is on the system of Temminck, with one or
two improvements, as, for instance, the removing
from the genus Sylvia of Latham the Common
Wren and Goldcrested Kinglet. The descriptions
of habits, nidification, &c., are sufficiently full for
a systematic work, and always correct. In this
edition only the land birds were described. . ‘Thus
much for the letterpress ;—the plates now claim
our attention. These are executed on “a scale
hitherto unattempted”—elephant folio—and are
all drawn and coloured from Nature, by the author.
Every individual of the families Falconide and
Strigide would make a perfect picture of itself, so
beautifully and correctly are they executed. Few
of the others come up to these, in our opinion, and
we are sorry to add, that the talented author has
entirely failed in the delineation of the Sylviade
and Fringillide. ‘We regret this the more, as the
figures of the Falcon and Owl families have cer-
tainly never been equalled—even by Gould and
Audubon. Let us now proceed to an analysis of
the second edition of the Illustrations.

The system here followed is the Quinary, as
drawn up by Vigors, and as improved by Swain-
son; the first volume containing the land birds
(Raptores, Insessores, and Rasores), the second
the aquatic (Graliatores and Natatores). ‘The
distinguishing characters of the several orders,
tribes, families, subfamilies, and genera, are given
in a concise and clear manner, which is indeed
indispensable in a system so complicated as the
‘ Quinary. The author has evidently a full know-

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 43

ledge of the system he adopts, and his work is al-
together by far the most masterly we have seen,
on our native Ornithology. ‘The plates of water
birds appeared at about the same time as the letter-
press of the second edition.

This work is not without its faults. For in-
stance, we frequently find the same Hnglish generic
names used for species belonging, according to
the system he adopts, to entirely distinct genera :—
thus he has, the Snow Bunting (Plectrophanes
nivalis), and the Yellow Bunting (Hmberiza
citrinella). Why not use Snowy Longspur for
the first of these? Again, to every one of the
Strigide he applies the English generic name
Owl, while in Latin he divides it into no less than
seven genera! We wish it, however, to be dis-
tinctly understood that we do not object to Selby’s
dividing the family mto seven genera—that being
in perfect accordance with Nature—but to his
inconsistency in using one generic appellation in
English where there should obviously be seven;
aud Strix, as the typical group of the family, can
alone be termed Ovl. Observations such as these
may be, and have been, (see Analyst, No. 11)
deemed frivolous, and it may be objected that the
English names of birds belong to our mother-
tongue, and are in no way connected with the ob-
jects of science. But if, as we have elsewhere
proved (Analyst, No. 10), this carelessness with re-
gard to English names is calculated to confuse the
student, and greatly to increase the difficulties of
science, what then can we think of him who, blind
to the interests of philosophical science, and the
improvement and welfare of future generations,
obstinately refuses to admit the smallest change,
merely because that change, slight as it is, would
cost him some trouble? Happily, however, for the
cause of science, its advancement does not, as for-

44 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

merly, depend on the fancies of any single indivi-
dual, and the change, which we first suggested in the
Analyst, No. 10, is undoubtedly gradually effecting,
as the pages of the Magazine of Natural History
will amply testify.— We will now refer our readers
for further observations on this much neglected
subject, to the Analyst, Nos. 10 to 14.

Selby’s work is of course indispensable to every
Ornithologist.—Several typographical errors occur
in the synoptical tables at the beginning of each
volume, and these the student will do well to cor-
rect, from the body of the work, as, otherwise, they
are apt to mislead the inexperienced.

Wanderings in South America, in the years

1812, 16, 20 and 24; with original instructions for
the perfect preservation of birds for cabinets, by
Charles Waterton, Esq. London. 1825. 4to.—
Second edition, London. 1828. 8vo. 10s. 6d.

A most delightful, original, and popular work,
written in a simple and extremely pleasing style.
The adventures of the author, herein related, in
combats with caymen, snakes, and other venomous
and dangerous reptiles, are truly wonderful, but
are, without doubt, wholly and substantially true.
In the frontispiece is figured a nondescript crea-
ture, which, from the features and comparative
elevation of the forehead—indicating some portion
of intellect—would almost lead one to suppose it
to be a cross between a man and some of the S7-
miade (Monkey family)—conjecture, however, is
of little use in this case, and Mr. Waterton has
hitherto kept the real state of the case an entire
secret, which has only been imparied to a single
individual besides himself.—We think that the fol-
lowing interesting and wonderful account of the

ey eee
ra
=

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 45

effects of the wourali poison, used by the Indians
for the poisoning of their arrows, will be accepta-
ble to such of our readers as do not possess these
exquisitely delightful Wanderings :—

“ During this time [three years after Mr. W. had
arrived in England], several experiments were
made with the wourali poison. In London, an ass
was inoculated with it, and died in twelve mmutes.
The poison was inserted into the leg of another,
round which a bandage had been previously tied a
little above the place where the wourali was in-
troduced. He walked about as usual, and ate his
food as though all were right. After an hour had
elapsed, the bandage was untied, and ten minutes
after death overtook him.

‘“‘ A she-ass received the wourali poison in the
shoulder, and died apparently in ten minutes. An
incision was then made inits windpipe, and through

it the lungs were regularly inflated for two hours
with a pair of bellows. Suspended animation re-
turned. The ass held up her head, and looked
around; but the inflating being discontinued, she
sunk once more in apparent death. ‘The artificial
breathing was immediately recommenced, and con-
tinued without intermission for two hours more.
This saved the ass from final dissolution; she rose
up, and walked about; she seemed neither in agi-
tation nor in pain. ‘The wound, through which
the poison entered, was healed without difficulty.
Her constitution, however, was so severely affected,
that it was long a doubt if ever she would be well
again. She looked lean and sickly for above a year,
but began to mend the spring after; and by Mid-
summer became fat and frisky.

“'The kind-hearted reader will rejoice on learn-
ing that Earl Percy, pitying her misfortunes, sent
her down from London to Walton Hall [the seat
of Mr.W.], near Wakefield. There she goes by the

46 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

name of Wouralia. Wouralia shall be sheltered
from the wintry storm ; and when summer comes,
she shall feed in the finest pasture. No burden
shall be placed upon her, and she shall end her
days in peace.’

In a letter with which the amiable, talented, and —
enterprising Mr. Waterton has lately favored us,
(dated July 28, 1835), the following passage oc-
curs :—“ The ass Wouralia is alive at the age of
twenty-four; and is more wicked and mischievous
in breaking through fences than any goat you can
imagine.”

Now we cannot exactly comprehend how the
restoring the ass’s suspended animation could pos-
sibly destroy the power of the poison, and prevent
its further action, as it had already circulated
throughout the system. When the ass was inocu-
lated, it was not of course want of breath, but the
virulence of the poison which threatened its de-
struction; and, one would suppose, that when this
had once pervaded the frame, nothing on earth
could save the unhappy creature. ‘The mere heal-
ing of the external wound could clearly be of no
avail. We wish it, however, to be distinctly un-
derstood that we have not the smallest doubt as to
the truth of a single sentence in the Wanderings,
but we should be much obliged to the author if he
would clear up this point for us, through the
medium of the Magazine of Natural History,
which teems with Mr. Waterton’s fresh and de-
lightful papers on the habits of the feathered race.

Interesting as are the notices of birds in the
Wanderings, their utility is greatly lessened by
his always using the Indian names without expla-
nation.

In conclusion we recommend this work, in
common with the other writings of this author,
to the perusal of all classes of readers. At the

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 47

end of the volume are some excellent directions
for the stuffing of birds, which are the more valu-
able, as the author is well known to be almost un-
rivalled in the art of setting up ornithological
specimens. Mr. Waterton has lately communi-
cated to us several interesting particulars relative to
the Wanderings, but these we are not at liberty to
divulge. |
Waterton has also written several articles on the
habits of birds, in the Magazine of Natural His-
tory. Amongst others we particularly admire the
paper on the “ Habits of the Barn Owl,” Vol. V,

p- 9.

Two Letters to Professor Jameson, by Charles
Waterton, Esq. 8vo. Wakefield. 1835.

These we have been unable to procure; Mr.
Waterton informs us that every copy disappeared
a few days after they were published. “ ‘The Pas-
senger Pigeon, the Vulture’s power of smelling,
and a certain hurricane, are the chief subjects” of
the second letter. Mag. Nat. Hist., Vol. VIII,
p. 244.

Ornitologia Toscana, by Dr. Savi. 1827. Pisa.
pp- 302.

All that we know of this work is its title and time
of publication; but it is probably by no means in-
dispensable to the Ornithologist.

Illustrations de Zoologie, par R. P. Lesson.
Livraison 1 a 13, 6s. 6d. each. Paris.

48 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux Mouches, par
R. P. Lesson. 8vo. £4. 5s. 17 livraisons. Paris.

EMstoire Naturelle des Colibris, par R. P. Les-
son. 8vo. Paris. £3. 5s. |

Histoire Naturelle des Trochilidées, par R. P.
Lesson. 14 livraisons. £3. 10s.

Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux de Paradis. Be
per livraison, par R. P. Lesson.

Nouveau Pecwesl de Planches colar @ Ois-
eaux, par C. J. Temminck. 91 livraisons. 4to.
£35. 1820.

All these expensive works, which are mostly
Monographs, are illustrated by beautiful coloured
plates, and should find a place on the shelf of every
philosophic Ornithologist.—With regard to the
Planches Coloriées of 'Temminck, we have deviated
from our usual plan of giving the several works of
each Naturalist together. In this case it could not
have been otherwise. The work is somewhat ex-
pensive, but, in our opinion, not dear, as the
figures are characteristic, and well coloured.

Manuel d Ornithologie, ou description des genres
et des principales espéces oiseaux; par R. P.
Lesson. Paris. 2 vols. 18mo. 1828. 7s. 6d.

Although Lesson’s Manuel d’ Ornithologie is by
no means so useful a work as that of the same title
by 'Temminck (reviewed p. 28), yet the Ornitholo-
gist should not be without it. Complete works on
the birds of any one country are always of more
use than those which include some species from
all parts of the world. Nor do we understand what
M. Lesson means by “ principales espéces dois-
eaux.” The work commences with a synopsis of
the principal systems which have been promulgated.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 49

He has given a synopsis of the systems of the
following authors :—Linneus, Brisson, Latham,
Lacépéde, Duméril, Meyer, Hliger, Cuvier, Vieillot,
Temminck, Blainville, Vigors, Latreille, Blainville
(développée par M. Lherminier), besides a “ pro-
jet de classification des oiseaux,” by Lesson him-
self. The descriptions in this work are short and
accurate, and, had the author included all the
birds then known, it would indeed have been a
useful Manual to the Ornithologist. Lesson has
succeeded very well in the French names of birds,
generally giving a distinct French generic appel-
lation to each genus, thus rendering the science
far more simple, and, consequently, its acquisition
easier. :

Magazine of Natural History, and Journal of
Zoology, Botany, Mineralogy, Geology, and Me-
teorology ; conducted by J. C. Loudon, F.L., G.,
and Z.S. Longman and Co. London. 1825—1835.
8 vols. 8vo.

The Magazine of Natural History was the first
English Journal devoted to the natural sciences,
except the Zoological Journal, and deserves a
special notice in a work on the rise and progress
of Ornithology, as there can be but little doubt
that it has conduced more to this end than any
work that has hitherto appeared in the English
language. ‘The number of new and interesting
facts contained in each volume is immense, and
the only fault we find with the work is, that we
can never cast our eyes over the index, in looking
for any particular head, without finding a dozen
interesting facts referred to, which it is almost
impossible to pass over without perusing; and
thus we frequently lay the volume on the shelf

E

50 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

without finding the article we had originally in-
tended to refer to. The number of individuals that
this invaluable Magazine has turned to the study
of Nature, must be very great, and, without its
agency, what an enormous number of facts would
never have seen the light! The Magazine is, how-
ever, in our opinion, too small and too dear (50
pages for 2s.) As the work is so popular and
widely circulated, we think Mr. Loudon could
well afford to give his readers at least twice the
number of pages at the same cost, thus giving two
volumes in the year instead of one. We also sug-
gest that the reviews of new works should be more
detailed, those in the Magazine of Natural History
being generally very meagre.—EHvery Ornithologist
must of course possess the whole of this work,
which is, we hope, already in the hands of by far
the greater number of our readers.

Zoological Journal. Edited by N. A. Vigors,
Esq. and other eminent Naturalists. 1824—1835.
5 vols. 8vo.

This Journal may here be mentioned, although
we do not much admire it, nor do we think it has
much to do with the rise and progress of Ornitho-
logy; the papers on this subject being “ few and
far between.” The scientific Ornithologist should,
however, by no means be without it, on account of
the valuable papers it contains by two of our most
eminent Ornithologists—Swainson and Vigors.
Some of the supplemental plates are very beauti-
ful, but the price both of these and of the letter-
press entirely prevents its having anything like a
wide circulation, and, even at this price, it does
not seem to answer; as, from 1829 to the present
time, only a single volume has appeared !

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 51

Ornithologie Provengale, par Polydore Roux.
1828. Marseilles. Each Livraison 7s. 6d.

This work consists of descriptions and coloured
figures of ail the resident birds of Provenge, en-
tirely omitting those which are migratory. It is
to consist of fifty parts. Weare not aware whe-
ther or not it is brought to a conclusion, but what
we have seen are good,

Mlustrations of Zoology, by James Wilson, Esq.
Blackwood, Edinburgh. Cadell, London. Atlas 4to.
Hach part 16s.

For a review of part of this work, we shall make
no apology for extracting that which appeared in
the Magazine of Natural History for 1831 (Vol.
iV, p. 261) both because it will serve as a review
of the whole work, and because we entirely agree
in the opinions therein expressed :—

“These Nos. (viii and ix) complete the first
volume of this work, which, in our estimation, is
too splendid and costly to have much, we had al-
most said any, influence in forwarding the study
of Natural History. Mr. Wilson writes so well
and agreeably, that if is to be wished he would
undertake to compose a book of size and price
moderate enough te permit of its circulation among
those lovers of Nature who (happily circumstanced)
have to labour for their luxuries, and have no no-
tion to barter their moderate gains merely for fine
paper and print, and pretty engravings. ‘The ap-
probation of the class of readers alluded to is,
perhaps, as gratifying as the praises of the saloon,
{and far more so in our opinion. |

No. viii commences with a spirited and elegant
figure of the grey American Wolf, the finest plate,

52 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

with one exception, in the whole collection; and
it is explained by eleven large pages of letterpress,
written in Mr. Wilson’s best manner. This variety
of Wolf is very common on the American continent
north of Canada, and is found as far northwards as
man has been able to penetrate; varying somewhat
in size, according to the latitude of its localities.
The two following plates are devoted to the male
and female of Richardson’s Grouse (Tetrao Rich-
ardsonit,) discovered by Mr. David Douglas among
the mountainous districts of the river Columbia,
and other parts of the Rocky Mountains, in North
America. The Searlet Ibis, in the plumage of the
first year, forms the subject of the other plate.
“The two first plates in No. 1x are really out of
place in a work like this, destined for the drawing-
room, and into which ladies may be presumed to
look without danger. They are pictures of the fore
and hind feet of the great Ourang Outang of Sum-
atra; faithful to Nature we are assured and do
believe, but abominably ugly. ‘The Great Auk
(Alca impennis) forms a good subject for plate 35.
This large and rare water bird is found along the
shores of Iceland and Greenland; it occurs occa-
sionally among the Feroes, and has once or twice
been observed in the Orkney Islands. Two in-
stances are recorded of its being driven on the
British coast. Its ‘ true sphere of action is the
water, through which it swims and dives with
extraordinary power and rapidity; and where its
short wings, entirely useless for the purposes of
flight, become efficient locomotive organs when
used as oars or fins beneath the surface. Its powers
of swimming and diving exceed, indeed, those of al-
most any other species of the feathered tribe. It has
been seen cresting the waves during the prevalence
of the most fearful storms, or shooting through the
raging surf with the rapidity of an arrow.’ The

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. o3

last plate in the number we do not like: it repre-
sents a very large cone, which is described for the

first time, and named Conus Nicollit.”

Ornithologia. Second edition, 1829, and Plea-
sures of Ornithology, by James Jennings. 12mo.
Lis. 1828.

We never had the misfortune to meet with a
book so full of errors—both of the author and
rinter—as the Ornithologia. We do not admire
the plan of introducing science into poetry at ail,
but never did we behold anything less like either
poetry or science than in this work, and we certainly
never met with anything more unpleasant than
Jennings’s Pleasures of Ornithology. We should
have considered such a work beneath our notice,
as it is impossible it can have the smallest connec-
tion with the advancement of Ornithology, had we
not been desirous of preventing so gross a violation
of the Muse for the future. As a specimen of the
work, we select, at random, the following lines
“to the Cuckoo :”—

“ Thou monotonous Bird! whom we ne’er wish away,—
Who hears thee not pleas’d at the threshold of May ?
The advent reminds us of all that is sweet,

Which Nature benignant, now lays at our feet ;—
Sweet flowers—Sweet meadows—Sweet birds, and their loves;
Sweet sunshiny mornings, and sweet shady groves ;—
Sweet smiles of the maiden—Sweet looks of the youth,
And sweet asseverations, too, prompted by truth;
Sweet promise of plenty throughout the rich dale;
And sweet the Bees’ humming in meadow and vale ;
Of the Summer’s approach—of the presence of Spring,
For ever, sweet Cuckco! continue to sing.

Oh who then, dear Bird! could e’er wish thee away?
Who hears thee not pleas’d at the threshold of May?

E 3

54 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

“ The House Sparrows, Chaffinches, noisy became ;—
But their notes, void of melody, always the same.
Sea Eagles and Buzzards, and Ospreys, were there—
Those who give of their nests to the Grakles a share.
The Hover Hawk came, too, tho’ loth to renounce
His strong inclination on Pigeons to pounce ;
On his librating wing he was oft seen apart,
And appear’d on his prey ever ready to dart.
There were Ringtails and Lanners, and Gos-Hawks, a few;
And the Falcons, like aides-de-camp, round about flew ;
The Kite, too, slow moving, was seen ‘midst the host,
Many Fulmars and Razorbills came from the coast.
Some Pheasants were there, too, in robes of bright dye;
The Rooks, eer gregarious, came soaring on high ;
Those whom soon will science instruct us to know,
By their white-yellow beaks from the black of the Crow.”—

Although our author appears to have been in a
tolerably seeeet humour towards the commencement
of his lines, yet, long before the conclusion, we
might expect to hear him exclaim—

“ But as my lines now hum-drum come,
Not Noah I am sure, of yore, could with all his lore,
four more pour.’—Mirror, Vol. 25.

We had intended to have given a specimen of
the Pleasures of Ornithology, but we find it utterly
impossible to drag our pen over lines so totally de-
void of poetry.—Alas! how sadly must the eminent
Poets and Naturalists, whose names we find on the
list of subscribers, have been disappointed on pe-
rusing the pages of Ornithologia—if indeed they
had patience to proceed beyond the first page. Is
it possible to conceive such men as Sir W. Jardine,
General Hardwicke, Thomas Bell,Children,Crabbe,
Dr. Horsfield, Dr. Latham, Sabine, Southey, Sweet,
Vigors, or Yarrell, gravely sitting down to read
such trashy pages as those of Ornithologia and
Pleasures of Ornithology? 'The original cost of
this book is fifteen shillmgs. Will our readers be

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 55

surprised when we inform them that it may now
be had anywhere for two shillings ?

Gardens and Menageries of the Zoological So-
ciety delineated. Vol. 11. London, 8vo.; edited by
EK. T. Bennett, Eisq.

The above work consists of descriptions and
figures in illustration of the Natural History of the
living animals in the collection of the Zoological
Society, the drawings being by William Harvey,
and engraved by Branston and Wright. It is pub-
lished with the sanction of the Council, under the
superintendence of the Secretary and Vice-Secre-
tary of the Society. ‘The second volume treats of
birds. ‘The descriptions are interesting, and the
figures highly characteristic. Upon the whole,
the work may be considered rather as ornamental
than useful, but it is an excellent popular book on
Ornithology.

Atlas des Oiseaux @ Europe, pour servir de
complémenit au Manuel de Temminck; par Mons.
Werner. Paris. 8vo. Livraison 1 4 26. 6s. each.
1828.

We lately ordered two lvraisons of this work,
but our bookseller informs us that the work is not
to be had in parts. As we were by no means wil-
ling to hazard procuring the whole, we can give
no account of it. The plates are probably not well
executed. The figures may be had uncoloured, at
3s. 6d. a number. We understand that the latter
numbers have much fallen off in merit.

536 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Systema Avium. Auctor Dr. Joannes Wagler.
Pars prima. Sm. 8vo. pp. 412. Stuttgard. 1827.

* Although perfectly unpretending in outward
appearance, this little volume may rank in effect
among the most important and desirable that have
recently been published. With compilations we
have indeed been overwhelmed, but there has
scarcely occurred a single work, embracing the
whole of any extensive department of Zoology, to
which the epithet original could be justly applied.
Manuals especially appeared to have become the
exclusive property of the mere heaper together,
without discrimination and without examimation,
of the labours of cther men. In the present in-
stance the author has taken a much higher ground,
and the plan which he has pursued reflects credit
on his judgment and on his industry. He has
endeavoured to see for himself the specimens which
others had described, and to describe also those
which others had not possessed. Into the body of his
work he has rarely introduced a species which he
had not personally observed, and he has very pro-
perly placed it within the power of every one to
verify his accuracy, by referring throughout, ex-
cept in the case of the more common birds, to the
collections in which they are respectively pre-
served. From these sources he has brought toge-
ther a very considerable number of species, which
he has carefully described and attentively collated
with the chief ornithological works. 'The doubtful
species, and those of uncertain location, are ap-
pended at the end of each genus, and the distine-
tion is thus strikingly made between those parts
of his System for which Dr. Wagler is himself
responsible, and those which rest only on the au-
_ thority of others.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. o7

“ Of this valuable work the commencement alone
has yet appeared. It is without arrangement, but
a mode of printing is usually adopted which will
enable its possessor hereafter to distribute the ge-
nera according to his own views of their affinities.
At present it may be regarded as a collection of
Monographs, forty-six of which, including the ex-
tensive genera, Picus, Columba, Ardea, and Cha-
radrius [of Linneus], are given in the first part.
It is printed in small type, and in double columns,
and contains as much matter as would have formed
a respectable quarto, if the usual mode of display-
ing synonyms had been had recourse to. One
objectionable practice may be pointed out in the
frequent changes of generic appellations which oc-
cur throughout the book. It is surely better, on all
occasions, to employ a name which has been uni-
versally received, although it may chance to be
inapplicable to some species of a genus, than to
create confusion by discarding it, and by inventing
a new one.

“In his Promium, Dr. Wagler gives a rapid
sketch of the present state of Ornithology, as con-
nected with collections and with the works to which
reference is most frequently made. The latter he
characterizes with freedom and judgment. He also
states that a continuation of his System will appear
almost immediately, and that he has ready for pub-
lication a Natural History of Birds, in which he
proposes to explain his views relative to their ar-
rangement and affinities.”"—Zool. Journ.

This excellent work has since been continued,
but the above will serve as a review of the whole.

Resume d@ Ornithologie, par Mons. Drapiez.
Paris, 1829. 18mo.

58 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

This is, we understand, considered a good ele-
mentary book at Paris , but we have many better in
our own language.

Journal of a Naturalist, by Knapp. Second
edition. London. 1829. 12mo.

This is indeed a fresh and delightful volume, and
has long since become deservedly popular amongst
the lovers of Nature. The notices of habits of
birds are truly delightful, and fully equal to those
of White of Selborne. We shall extract Knapp’s
account of the Hedge Coalhood (Pyrrhula vulga-
ris), for, whilst it mal give our readers an idea of
the plan ‘and spirit of his Journal, we shall at the
same time be enabled to criticise some of the opi-
nions therein expressed :—

“The bullfinch (loaia pyrrhula) has no claims
to our regard. It is gifted with no voice to charm
us; it communicates no harmony to the grove: all
we hear from it is a low and plaintive call to its
fellows in the hedge. It has no familiarity or as-
sociation with us, but lives in retirement in some
lonely thicket ten months in the year. At length,
as spring approaches, it will visit our gardens, an
insidious plunderer. Its delight is in the embryo
blossoms wrapped up at this season in the bud of
a tree; and it is very dainty and curious in the
choice of this food, seldom feeding upon two kinds
at the same time. It generally commences with
the germs of our larger and most early gooseberry ;
and the bright red breasts of four or five cock
birds, quietly feeding on the leafless bush, are a
very pretty sight, but the consequences are ruinous
to the crop. When the cherry buds begin to come
forward, they quit the gooseberry, and make tre-
mendous havoc with these. I have an early wall

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 39

cherry, a mayduke by reputation, that has for years
been a great favourite with the bullfinch family, and
its celebrity seems to be communicated to each
successive generation. It buds profusely, but is
annually so stripped of its promise by these fea-
thered rogues, that its kind might almost be
doubted. ‘The orleans and greengage plums next
form a treat, and draw their attention from what
remains of the cherry. Having banquetted here
awhile, they leave our gardens entirely, resorting
to the fields and hedges, where the sloe bush in
April furnishes them with food. May brings other
dainties, and the labours and business of incuba-
tion withdraw them from our observation.

“'The idea that has been occasionally entertained,
that this bird selects only such buds as contain the
embryo of an insect, to feed on it, and thus free us
of a latent colony of caterpillars, is certainly not
correct. It may confer this benefit accidentally,
but not with intention. ‘The mischief effected by
bullfinches is greater than commonly imagined, and
the ground beneath the bush or tree, on which they
have been feeding, is commonly strewed with the
shattered buds, the rejectments of their banquet;
and we are thus deprived of a large portion of our
best fruits by this assiduous pillager, this ‘ pick-a-
bud, as the gardeners callit, without any redeem-
Ing virtues to compensate our loss. A snowy,
severe winter makes great havoc with this bird. It
feeds much in this season upon the fruit of the
dog-rose, ‘hips,’ as we callthem. When they are
gone, it seems to pine for food, and is starved, or
perhaps frozen on its roost, as few are observed to
survive a long inclement winter. But it is not the
buds of our fruit-bearing trees only that these de-
structive birds seek out; yet in all instances I think
it will be observed that such buds as produce leaves
only are rejected, and those which contain the

60 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

embryo of the future blossom selected; by this
procedure, though the tree is prevented from pro-
ducing fruit, yet the foliage is expanded as usual ;
but had the leaves, the lungs of the plant, been
indiscriminately consumed, the tree would probably
have died, or its summer growth been materially
injured: we may thus lose our fruit this year, yet -
the tree survives, and hope lives, too, that we may
be more fortunate the next. The Tartarian honey-
suckle (lonicera Tart.) and Corchorus Japonicus,
when growing in the shrubbery, are very commonly
stripped of their bloom by bullfinches: the first
incloses many separated blossoms in its calyx
before expansion, and in that particular is analo-
cous to the buds of icosandrious trees in the gar-
den; and the full-petaled swelling bloom of the
latter affords a fine treat for their feasts; but we
may permit these pretty birds to banquet here,
though, if we expect a supply of summer fruit,
we must unsparingly drive them away from the
branches of our frugiferous trees. The blossoms
of the peach, nectarine, and almond, I have never
observed to be injured by these birds: the sparrow
will pick away the buds of trees against walls when
they frequent such places, but, with this exception,
I know none but the bullfinch which resort to that
food as a regular supply.”—p. 159—162.

Now the Hedge Coalhood (vulgarly Alp, Bull-
jinch, Nope) is a great favourite with us; we
consider it rather too sweeping a charge to say
that it “has no claims to our regard,” and Mr.
Knapp is certainly in error when he declares it
“‘ oifted with no voice to charm us;” that it “com-
municates no harmony to the grove,” we are willing
to admit, as the song is so low as to be inaudible
at a short distance. But it is sweet and plaintive
in the extreme, although it has been noticed by
very few authors. Selby and Mudie mention it,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. i

and Rennie has recorded it in the Ornithological
Dictionary, but the latter doubtless had it from
Selby. We ourselves have heard it, but not often,
although we have, for several years, paid parti-
cular attention to the habits and haunts of this
charming bird.

In our opinion, the Hedge Coalhood’s having
“no familiarity or association with us,” is one of
its greatest charms. ‘To follow a family of these
birds in the gloomy thickets and woods to which
they are so partial, or to hear its plaintive call-
note in the distance, answering to its mate, 1s pe-
culiarly delightful to the Ornithologist, especially
as there is yet much to be ascertained with regard to
its economy.—Although we have frequently caught
the Hedge Coalhood in the act of devouring the
buds of our plum and cherry trees, yet we never
either apprehended or experienced any material
damage from this cause. We indeed incline to
the opinion of many Naturalists, of its being
wholly beneficial to fruit trees. We grant that
it always singles out the best trees as the scene of
its labours, but then may we not well suppose that
the insects also choose the choicest trees for their
depredations? and that the Hedge Coalhoods are
chiefly observed on these on account of the num-
bers of noxious insects or caterpillars lodged in the
buds? We think—supposing our conjecture to be
true—there are few who would not rather have
their crop of fruit spoiled by so handsome a bird as
the Hedge Coalhood, than by a caterpillar which.
is seldom or never to be seen, or, if visible, by no
means a delectable object. We have often reflected
that so far from being entirely destructive to fruit
trees, the Hedge Coalhood is extremely beneficial
to them, by plucking off a certain number of buds
where the crop is superabundant; as, though it will
occasionally entirely strip a single tree of its buds

F

62 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

in two or three days (in which case we may suppose
the buds to have been infested with caterpillars),
yet it does not, zm general, remain long at. the
same tree. We think it might easily be proved—
and experience has hitherto supported our asser-
tion—that every one of the Sylviade and Frin-

gillide do meatculably more good than harm. We |

shall, however, fully discuss this point at a future
opportunity.

In fine, we heartily recommend the delightful
Journal of a Naturalist to the perusal of every
lover of Nature.

Figures of the Parrots, by Mr. Lane. 1831.

We have seen this splendid work, but have not
sufficiently examined it to be able to decide on its
merits. We are told, however, by an eminent

Ornithologist, that “ every scientific institution

and public library ought to possess it, as being,
next to Audubon’s, the most beautiful and masterly
work, delineating birds, ever published in Britain.”
This is indeed high praise, from a high quarter.
Another splendid illustrative work on the Psitta-
cide has lately been published by Lear.

British Naturalist, by Robert Mudie. London.
1830. 12mo. Second edition, 1835. Whittaker
and Co. 12s.

These delightful volumes were originally pub-
lished anonymously, and profess to be “ Sketches
of the more interesting productions of Britain and
the surrounding sea, in the scenes which they in-
habit; and with relation to the general economy
of Nature, and the wisdom and power of its Au-

se

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 63

thor.” It is astonishing in how short a time the,
author of the British Naturalist attained the po-
pularity he now enjoys. In the beginning of the
year 1830 he was wholly unknown to the public
as an author, and now he is unquestionably the
first authority in everything relating to the haunts
and habits of British birds. Every Ornithologist
should possess the British Naturalist.

Popular Guide to the observation of Nature, by ~
R. Mudie. London. 1832. 12mo. 6s. 6d. Whitta-
ker and Co.

Although this charming litle volume contains
ittle directly relating to Ornithology, yet the stu-
dent will find it a great help to him in his obser-
vation of Nature. Some of cur author’s opinions
and theories are extremely anti-phrenological, but
it enters not into our province to notice these errors.

Feathered Tribes of the British Islands, by R.
Mudie. London. Whittaker and Co. 2 vols. Post
Syvo. 1834. £1. Bs.

We have given short notices of the other works
of this author, in order to be enabled to do full
justice to this, his best and most important. If
Mudie had only written the British Naturalist,
his name would have lived, but now he will be
ranked amongst the most eminent field observers
of this or any other country. The Feathered Tribes
is indeed an exquisite work, and unquestionably
the best that has yet appeared on the habits of our
native birds.—In short, it is only second to those
of Wilson and Audubon. We are extremely sorry
that ovr author has so restricted himself in his

64. ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

_ histories, for, although these are three or four
“times as full and accurate as those of any preced-
ing author, yet it is evident—as Mudie himself
informs us—that he has limited himself in many
of his accounts. This is the more to be lamented,
as the authov’s original design, of compressing the

whole into one pocket volume, was entirely frus- -

trated. We hope that in the second edition, which
is Shortly* to appear, the biographies will be greatly
enlarged. Mudie is the most accurate observer of
Nature, who has yet written on British Ornithology

—Selby excepted, and he treats not exclusively of ©

habits—and consequently the Feathered Tribes
deserves a distinguished place on the shelf of the
philosophic Ornithologist. In order to give our
readers some idea of the plan and spivit of this in-
valuable production, we shall extract, almost at
random, the whole account of some one species,
from the Feathered Tribes, from the British Zoology
of Pennant, who was hitherto considered a popular
writer, and from Lewin, of the same species, in
order that our readers may compare the description
of Mudie with those of the other authors. It may
be supposed that we have extracted a description
in Mudie’s best manner, but this is by no means
the case. We think more highly of the accounts
of the Green Woodpecker (Picus viridis), ithe
Longtailed Tit (Parus caudatus ),the Golden Eagle
(Aquila aurea, Will.), Wood Lark (Alauda arbo-
rea), some of the Buntings (Himberiza), &c. &c.,
but our choice was made, as before stated, almost
at random. We shall commence with the account
of Pennant, next proceed to that of Lewin, and,
lastly, to that of Mudie, and, if the reader fails to
experience. some of we eee of our author,
on perusing the latter account, he is little fitted
to become a field Naturalist :—

* In January, 1836,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 65

“The WATER OUZEL.

“This bird frequents small brooks, particularly
those with steep banks, or that run through a rocky
country. itis of a very retired nature, and never
seen but single, or with its mate. It breeds in
holes in the banks, and lays five white transparent
eggs adorned with a fine blush of red. The nest
is constructed in a curious manner, of hay and
fibres of roots, and lined with dead oak leaves,
having a portico, or grand entrance made with
green moss. It feeds on insects and small fish;
and as Mr. Willughby observes, though not web-
footed, will dart itself after them quite under water.

“Tts weight is two ounces and a half; the length
seven inches one quarter; the breadth eleven; the
bill is narrow, and compressed sideways; the eye-
lids are white; the head, cheeks, and hind part of
the neck are dusky, mixed with rust colour; the
back, coverts of the wings, and of the tail also
dusky, edged with bluish ash colour; the throat
and breast white; the belly ferruginous, vent fea-
thers a deep ash colour; the legs are of a pale blue
»efore, black behind; the tail short and black,
which it often flirts up, as it is sitting.”—British
Zoology, ed. 1812, Vol. I, p. 398—9.

The above is alittle, but not much, shorter than
the average of Pennant’s descriptions, but that
which follows is about one-third longer than Lew-
in’s average :—

* WATER OUZEL.

- Siurnius cinelus, Lin. Syst.—Le Merle @ Eau,
Briss. Orn.

“The length of this bird is not more than seven
F 3

66 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

inches and a half, and its breadth eleven inches.
The bill is narrow, flattish, and a little bent at the
point; its colour is black: the eyes hazel; the
eyelids white: upper part of the head and neck
deep brown: back and shoulders dark lead colour
spotted with white: tail and wing coverts dark
lead colour: quill feathers deep brown: chin and
fore part of the neck white: breast orange colour :
belly and thighs brown: vent white: legs dusky.
In young birds the belly is white.

‘“¢ Linneus places the Water Ouzel in the genus
stare; and indeed it bears considerable resemblance
to the Starling, in the flatness of its bill, and the
shortness ofits tail. But I have thought it advise-
able to class the Ouzels by themselves, as an inter-
mediate link between the Stare and Thrush genus ;
since they seem to form a gradual passage from one
to the other, in the order in which they are here
placed, which will appear evident from a view of
the figures. |

“This species is very solitary, and is found in
the more northern parts of England, in the neigh-
bourhood of streams, living on insects and small
fishes. 'The latter it takes by diving and running
under water after them, contrary to the habit of
land birds. It makes a nest on the ground, on the
banks of rivulets, of hay and dried fibres of roots,
lining it with dead oak or other leaves, and making
an entrance or porch to it with moss. ‘The eggs
are five in number; for which see the plate.”—
Birds of Great Britain, Vol. II, p. 56.

“The Dipper (Cinclus/.

“'There is only one British species of Dipper ;
but it has so many peculiar characters, that it can-
not be properly included in any other genus, as
there is no other British bird that much resembles

ee ee ee

7

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 67

it in shape, in colour, or in habits. The bill is
slender, with a slight bend upwards, the mandibles
bent inward at the edges, and the upper one mar-
gined and very slightly hooked at the tip. The
head is small, and the forehead remarkably low ;
the body short and compact, the wings very short
and rounded, the tail also short, but very stout and
strongly fortified by coverts. ‘The whole is what
one would call a ‘dumpy’ bird, but. there is an
expression of great energy and activity about it.
Tts plumage also is remarkably thick and close,
resembling that of the water birds. Like these, it
is amply supplied with oil for its feathers; and,
though a considerable time in the water, the plum-
age on the living bird does not become wet. ‘The
head, back, and sides of the neck are deep brown;
the rest of the upper part is black, with some va-
riations of brownish grey. ‘The tail feathers and
quills are quite black. The throat, chin, and breast,
are white, passing into reddish brown about the
middle of the belly, and becoming gradually deeper
and blacker towards the end of the tail. The bill
is dark brown, the irides brownish yellow, and the
feet yellowish grey. ‘The sexes are like each other |
in their markings, only the brown on the head of the
female is darker, and the white on the breast less
pure. The young birds have that part of the head
and neck grey which is brown in the old birds;
and they have the under part white almost to the
vent, but marked with grey and yellow on the
portion which afterwards becomes brown. ‘They
are, of course, seen with the plumage of the
changeable parts in all its intermediate stages;
and, as it may change differently in different birds
(as is the case in all birds that change much of
their plumage either with age or with the seasons),
there may be very different markings even in the

68 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

same brood in the autumn; but probably there are
distinct species, or at least, varieties.

“When the bird is standing in its usual position
of quietude, the length from the point of the bill to
that of the tail is not more than five inches and a
half, of which the bill and tail take two inches and
a half, measured on the horizontal line, so that the
body of the bird, in that position, is shorter than
that of any other species of equal weight. The
weight is two ounces and a half. The curve along
the under side is, however, nearly nme inches.

“The Dipper inhabits more romantic places
than those that are the almost exclusive haunts of
any other British bird; and its manners taken
altogether are among the most singular. It is not
confined to any particular latitude, being found
near the Channel, in Wales, in the mountainous
parts of the centre of the island, and also in the
north. Cold and heat seem indifferent to it, so that
it can be near water which is not frozen. The
ravines on the slopes of the mountains where the
perennial streams have worn themselves deep and
rugged channels through the strata, with here an
opposing rock, there a dimpling pool, and in another
place a brawling rapid, with loose stones, over-
turned trees, ne plus ultra precipices, and all the
et ceteras which annoy while they astonish a
guideless stranger in such places, are the favourite
haunts of the Dipper. The bird flits before him
from stone to stone chirping, and with a wing so
apparently helpless, that he imagines it unfledged,
utterly incapable of gaining the sky, of which a
mere stripe appears over head, and thus a ‘ some-
thing, which he can easily catch and carry home
as a triumph of his victory over the wild. As he
gives chase, with all the confidence of one who
drives deer into a tinchal, or Ducks into a decoy,
the Dipper flits on from stone to stone, flirting its

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 69

tail, and ever and anon jerking round as if half
astonished, half inviting. So onward they fare, till
they come to a bolder and tougher stratum which
has obstructed the stream, but at the same time
given it fall and force to scoop out a pool below,
which though it boils where the cascade plunges
(or rather where it rises again), is placid compared
with the brawlings that have been passed. The
water merely laves a beach of, clean pebbles, the
recks on the other side are ‘sky high, without
footing even for a bird; and the breast, over which
the water dashes, seems too high for a thing so
hopping and badly winged. The bird halts on the
beach ; and forward he rushes, hat in hand, to the
capture ; but the wet stones are treacherous, end-
long he falls, dips himself, and rising sees the hat
which was to capture the bird, whirling round and
round in the eddies. The bird too, has vanished—
it is ‘a sprite’ to wile him into peril. But it soon
‘bobs’ to the surface, at the lower end of the pool
on the other side, with its feathers dry without any
shaking off of the water, and leaping first on one
stone and then another, it descends the ravine
with the same nonchalance that it ascended. To
recover the hat is a much more arduous matter
than to lose the bird; but that too may be accom-
plished with one of the long suckers of hazel which
grow from the tangled and gnarled stool on the
- bank, though if the hold be not taken warily and
kept carefully, there may be a second dipping—
and yet no Dipper to boast of.

“The Dipper is, in fact, a very curious bird, and
it is more gratifying to watch the manceuvres of
one, than to be in possession of the bodies or skins
of fifty. Its food is water flies, water larve, water
msects, worms, and dragon flies, water beetles, and,
in short, a variety of animals and animal matters
found in the waters. The. fry of the trout and

70 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

salmon, while still in their cradle pools, numerous '
as motes in the sun, and each not an inch long,
form a supply for it, and its young while these are
in the nest. Nor is it at all chary of the nests of
the fishes,—of those nests under the sand and
gravel, each containing thousands, to form and fill
which the fish ascend as far as they can by the
help of the autumnal floods, and the nests (or ra-
ther ‘ plantations’) of young, sprout up in the spring,
like young onions in a garden. While the water
is unfrozen, the sun acts upon these, and they pass
through their stages; so that while the Thrushes,
with which the Dipper has sometimes been asso-
ciated in systems, are frozen out on land, the
Dipper feasts in plenty under the water.

‘““'The Dipper catches part of its food standing
on land, and some even on the wing, as well as
floating on the surface of the water; but it also
catches a considerable part under the water, and
the water is its retreat from terrestrial danger.
It cannot skim the water so well as if its feet
were webbed. Wings, though they help a web-
footed bird in running along the water, as may
be seen in the case of a Duck or Goose, are of less
use for progressive motion along the surface, if
there are not webbed feet to act as fulcra. But the
Dipper walks into the water, or lights on it from the
wing, and in either way gets under the surface, and
rises, descends, moves laterally, or appears to walk
(actually does walk) along the bottom; in short,
has almost the same command of itself in that sin-
gular element for feathers, as other birds have in
the air.

“A question has been raised (I do not say
among ‘those out o’ their wits, because there are
‘impossible cases, in that problem), how the Dip-
per can contrive to keep ‘beneath a fluid so infi-
nitely more dense than itself’ ‘That is a strange.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. ra!

use of the word ‘infinitely, unless infinitely small
be meant. An Owl to an Owl’s bulk of air, is a
stone to a pound, as compared with the Dipper’s
bulk of water to the Dipper; and if birds rise and
descend in the air at pleasure, by the motions of
their wings, it is only reversing those motions to
enable them to descend or keep themselves down
in water. ‘The compression of three feet of water
is nearly two pounds and a half on the inch of the
feathers, and that, when they are unruffled, as they
are in the Dipper, will bring them to very nearly
the specific gravity of water. ‘The difference cf
specific gravity between the bird and the water, is
indeed so trifling, that very little effort suffices to
move it in any direction, upwards, downwards, or
laterally. Birds do not fly upon the principle of
specific levity, as with equal wings the heavy bird
flies best ; they fly because they strike the air more
forcibly in the opposite direction to that in which
they wish to go, and, under water, the Dipper does
just the same: if it wishes to go down, it strikes
upward the wings and tail; if to come up, it does
just the reverse. ‘The only difference is, that the
wings are held ‘recovered, as running birds use
them, and that gravitation has even less to doin
the matter than in flying. Any one who has ever
seen a Dipper under water, or has the slightest
knowledge of the mere elements of mechanics,
can understand the whole matter in an instant.
The Dipperis, indeed, often adduced as an instance
of the beautiful simplicity of animal mechanics.
The curious habits of the bird will perhaps be an
excuse for this digression, which, after all, is more
apparent than real. )

‘“ From its not being solely dependent upon at-
mospherical temperature for its food, the Dipper is,
considering the upland character of its haunts,
really an early bird. It sings in January, and its

72 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

note, which is very sweet, and peculiarly varied,
may be heard before the frost has relented on the
banks between which the stream of its habitation
runs.

“'The nest is also begun early in the season, and
considerable labour and ingenuity are bestowed
upon it. It is large for the size of the bird, formed
of such materials as the ravine or other banks of
the stream furnish, covered over with a sort of
dome, and having an opening in the side. It is
usually placed but a little above the highest level
of the water, and the water is generally high from
the spring rains and floods about the time that it is
building. The angle between two fragments of
stone, or between an old root and the bank, is no
uncommon place for it. Externally it is generally
of moss, which the humidity of the place keeps
partially green, so that it looks like one of the na-
tural mossy tufts; internally it is lined with more
dry matters,—leaves or fibres, as the situation may
best afford. ‘The first brood is fledged in May ;
but as the birds have a perennial pasture, they have
two or three in the course of the season. The eggs
are not more than five, and of a beautiful white.
[There are, no doubt, exceptions ; but the eggs of
many birds partake of the colour which the breast
of the male has in the breeding season.] The
young Dippers grow fast, are great feeders, and are
incessantly chirping in the nest, in the absence of
the parent birds. It does not appear that the Dip-
per inhabits situations so high as that the running
waters are liable to be frozen over in ordinary sea-
sons, though it comes farther down in the winter,
—not to the wide and slow rivers, however, for
these are apt to be close, while the brawling ones
are clear. A pair of Dippers with their nest are
given in the vignette of this volume.”— Feathered
Tribes, Vol. 1; p. 251-6.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 73

After this extract, we consider it quite unneces-
sary to add anything more; we will, however,
give our readers one more short quotation, to show
that, though Mudie’s descriptions are infinitely
fuller and more accurate than those of preceding
authors, he has been obliged to rein himself in, in
most of them. After about seven closely printed
pages on the Golden Kagle—Lewin gives about
one-fourteenth of this quantity—he says :—* But
I must leave her to her haunts, apologizing to the
reader, that I am obliged to confine my notice to
a few desultory pages, which is as much out of
Nature as cooping up the living bird in a cage.
In Nature, the Eagle requires a mountain, and if
ever it be my good fortune to afford her a volume
of description, she shall spread her wings.”—Vol.
Ep. 122.

We understand that a second edition of the
Feathered Tribes is now in preparation.

Natural History of Birds, by R. Mudie. Orr
and Smith, London. 1834. 18mo. 4s. 6d. pp. 408.

This is, beyond all question, the cheapest book
that ever issued from the British press. We have
408 closely printed pages for four shillings and
sixpence, besides a great number of wood-cuts,
representing birds, and parts of birds, and these
are always well executed ‘The book is a kind of
treatise on the physiology of birds, with remarks
on their classification. It originally appeared
under the article “bird” in Partington’s British
Cyclopedia, most of the ornithological articles in
this work being by Mudie.* The Natural History
of Birds should be in the hands of every one, the

* We understand, also, that several of them are from the pen of
our talented friend, Mr. Blyth.

G

74 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

general reader as well as the philosophic Ornitho- -
logist. Itis also a very fit book for young persons,
and we know several very young children who,
since they have possessed the Natural History of
Birds, will scarcely read. or even look into any
other book. Mudie has likewise published a book
entitled “ First Lines in Zoology,” and, very lately,
“ The Heavens,” but these we think it unnecessary
to notice. ‘The system of Cuvier is followed in
the works of this delightful writer, and this we
consider to be the chief fault of his Feathered
Tribes, the system of Cuvier being now almost as
bygone as that of Linneus, and, as a whole, it has
far less merit. (See p. 29.)

Century of Birds from the Himalaya Mountains,
by John Gould. Folio. London, 1831.

Monograph of the Ramphastide, by John Gould,
1834. Folio. £4. 10s.

Monograph of the Trogonide, by John Gould.
London, 1835. Folio.

All these splendid and expensive works should,
if possible, be procured by the Ornithologist. To
criticise any of the plates would be useless, as, in
our opinion, they are all equally well executed.
The colouring of those splendid birds, the Toucans
and Trogons, is exquisite, and always true to
Nature.

Birds of Europe, by John Gould, A.L.S. Dedi-
cated, by permission, to the President and Council
of the Zoological Society. Imp. folio: in parts,
£2. 10s. plain: £3. 3s coloured. 1832.

Thirteen quarterly parts of the Birds of Europe
have already appeared, with twenty plates in each.

Or

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 7

We have never yet seen any ornithological draw-
ings that surpass those of Gould. ‘They are per-
haps equalled by Swainson’s, and by some of
Selby’s. The original drawings in Swainson’s
Ornithological Drawings, which we saw when we
had the pleasure of visiting that emment Natural-
ist a few months ago, are really exquisite, and so
are all the Raptores of Selby (see our p. 42), but
we think these are equalled by the splendid figures
of Gould, which are certainly far superior to the
highly lauded plates of Audubon. Gould’s figure
of the Wryneckt Emet-hunter (Yunx torquilla)
is beyond all conception beautiftil and correct.
The female is in the act of making its egress from
the hollow tree where its nest is concealed, and the
male is perched beside her. In all the plates each
feather is distinctly marked, as in Nature, and yet
the whole is so smooth, and has such a life and
character, that one is almost tempted to lay one’s
hands on the prize, lest it should escape. Nothing
can more clearly demonstrate the progress that
Ornithology has made of late years, than the im-
mense improvement in the figures of birds; for,
although it partly belongs to art, yet no one is
competent to draw a bird who has not closely
studied the habits of each in the field of Nature.
It does not, of course, follow that every one who
has studied the habits of birds, will be able to
draw birds well; for, added to this, the organs of
form, colour, size, and imitation, must be well de-
veloped, in order to make him a good draughts-
man.—The letterpress, which combines scientific
and popular detail, is also very good, and occupies
the page opposite to each plate. The following
extract from his prospectus may perhaps be ac-
ceptable to our readers, though—if we remember
rightly—it has already appeared in the Magazine
of Natural History:— _

76 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

“Kight years almost exclusively devoted to ©
Ornithology, more particularly that of Britain ;
extensive acquaintance and constant communica-
tion with the most celebrated cultivators of this
branch of Natural History; and resources in art
beyond those which have already given such uni-
versal satisfaction, insure to the author advantages
of no common extent. Assisted by experienced
collectors at all the most favourable localities, it
is intended that the artists employed on this work
shall have, as far as possible, a constant supply of
living, or very recently killed birds; thus insurmg
a deeree of truth both of character and colouring,
which museum specimens, however well preserved,
can never supply. All the interesting periodical
changes of plumage will be particularly illustrated ;
and the author hopes to secure for this arduous
undertaking that degree of support which its merits
and execution will be found to deserve.

‘“‘ Kach part to contain twenty plates, fifteen of
which will be devoted to the representation of
British birds, and five to those of the European
continent. ‘The price of each part to subscribers
will be £3, to be paid for on delivery.

‘“‘ Subscribers desirous of possessing the British
birds only, are requested to signify their wishes ;
and the author, confidently anticipating the sup-
port of all the subscribers to the completion ‘of the
work, pledges himself, in that case, to aregular and
equally perfect performance throughout.

‘“‘Only 300 copies will be printed off; and the
work when complete will form two interesting and
handsome volumes of the land and water birds of
Europe. Portions of letterpress, forming together
a history of the subjects of the plates, and minutely
detailing the habits and manners of the species,
as well as describing and explaining the various
changes of their plumage, hitherto so imperfectly

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. at

understood, will be published occasionally ; form-
ing, by the time of the completion of the figures,
two volumes large 8vo., which will not exceed
Eo :

Unhappily, however, these volumes of letter-
press never appeared. For our part, we think it
would have been more to the advancement of Or-
nithology, had our author published a work of a
smaller size. The plates would have been far more
convenient for reference, if they had been quarto
or octavo; and would, besides, have been accessi-
ble to almost every one. Such a work would in-
deed have advanced the science.—The author of
the Birds of Europe informs us that the plates are
broken as soon as the impressions are taken off, on
account of the enormous expense of preserving
them. We understand also—from Mr. Swainson
himself—that the same is done with the Ornitho-
logical Drawings.

Birds of America, by John James Audubon.
Elephant folio. 1828.

Ormthological Biography, by J. J. Audubon,
F.R.S. 2 vols. large 8vo. 1831—4. £2. 10s.

_ We must confess that we were not alittle disap-

pointed the first time we saw Audubon’s plates. We
had heard so much of them, from all quarters, that
we naturally expected them to be far superior to
those of Swainson, Selby, and others, whose draw-
ings we had always considered—and still do consi-
der—little short of perfection ; although the plates
of Selby are not sufficiently even in their merits, and
those of Swainson are perhaps not engraved in so
masterly a style as the birds of America. We
think that Audubon’s plates are of a needless size,
and that the birds are almost overwhelmed, in

G 3

78 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

many cases, by the mass of herbage which sur- |
rounds them. If some of the plates were hung up
as pictures, they would be taken for botanical in-
stead of ornithological paintings; the figures of
flowers are certainly better done than those of the
birds, and thus the attention is apt to be drawn
exclusively to the former. ‘This we consider a
sreat defect; for the flowers and trees, if intro-
duced at all, should rather be to set off the birds,
as in Jardine’s Naturalists Library, where the
principal figures are coloured, and the surrounding
herbage, drawn in a light, sketchy style, is un-
‘coloured. ‘The scenes in Audubon’s plates some-
times exhibit a considerable degree of life and
activity, but we do not in general find that cha-
racter and freshness so peculiar in the Birds of
Hurope. In our opinion, none of Audubon’s plates
are so well executed as Selby’s Strigzde and
Falconide, and thus we think that the public has
been greatly deceived as to the apparently magni-
ficent plates of Audubon. Fifty parts are come
out, and two volumes completed. The whole,
when finished, will cost £160. ‘The list of sub-
scribers to the Birds of America is very large.
The Ornithological Biography, which is the ac-
companying letterpress to the Birds of America,
next claims our attention. Although we are by no
means inclined to follow the common herd in laud-
ing Audubon’s plates through thick and thin, we
think it our duty to confer unqualified praise on
the accompanying letterpress. The enchanting
descriptions of the species figured, are beyond all
conception beautiful, and are indeed scarcely se-
cond to those of Wilson. The accuracy of these
biographies has been doubted by our amiable
friend Mr. Waterton, of Walton Hall. Of this we
are scarcely qualified to judge with regard to the
exclusively Transatlantic species, except by com-

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 79

parison with the accounts of Wilson ; but as to the
descriptions of such British birds as he has already
included in his Biography, they are as full and ac-
curate as can well be imagined. Look, for instance,
at his splendid biography of the Barn Owl * (Strix
jflammea); in this it would be impossible to dis-
cover a single error. And can we imagine, with
all due respect to Mr. Waterton, that while the de-
scriptions of the British birds are thus precise,
those of the American species should be so griey-
ously erroneous? For our own part, we perfectly
believe everything related by Audubon, and we
think that the Ornithological Biography will ever
hold a distinguished place on the shelf of the phi-
losophic Ornithologist. After the completion of
every volume of plates, a volume of letterpress ap-
pears, and we shorily expect great pleasure from
the perusal of the third volume, which is not yet
published. ‘The intermediate pieces between the
description of every five birds, are also very de-
lightful, and may be considered as forming part of
the biography of its distinguished author; thus
Audubon is carrying on his own biography, and
that of the feathered tribes of America at the same
time. We cordially recommend these invaluable
volumes to the perusal of all classes of readers.

Gleanings in Natural History, with local recol-
lections; by Edward Jesse, Esq. ‘To which are
added Maxims and Hints for an Angler. A new
edition. 1832. Vol. IT, 1834. Vol. III, 1835.
small 8vo. London. £1. lls. 6d.

* We think there can now be no doubt as to the identity of the
American and European Barn Owl, as Audubon’s account of this
bird tallies precisely in every particular with the habits and man-
ners which we have observed in the European species.

80 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

These volumes are truly fresh and delightful, and
show their author to be a real field Naturalist.
We present our readers with a short extract from
the second volume, to give an idea of the style and
spirit of the Gleanings :—

“The propensity which the Raven has to hide
things, is one of the peculiarities of its character.
Many persons must recollect a Raven, which used
to hop about amongst the workmen employed in
the construction of the bridge, at the top of the
Serpentine river in Hyde Park. This bird, from
its familiarity and odd habits, attracted at the same
time the notice of many persons, and amongst
others that of a friend of mine. He constantly
noticed and made many inquiries respecting it.—
It was taken from a nest on the top of an elm tree
in Hyde Park, with two or three others, all of
which died. ‘The one in question, however, sur-
vived, and became perfectly tame and sociable. It
haunted the spot I have mentioned, and would
sometimes take long flights and be absent some
days, but always returned to the bridge. One day
a lady was passing over it, and dropped a valuable
bracelet. She turned round to pick it up, but before
she could do so, the Raven had seized and imme-
diately flew away with it out of sight. It was con-
jectured that he had a hiding place in some distant
tree, where probably, at some future time, the
bracelet and other things may be found. ‘The fate
of this Raven was a melancholy one. He was
stolen, and was not heard of for along time. At
last, however, he returned, and one of his wings
was cut. He was unable therefore to resume his
former habits, and moped about, and one morning
he was found dead in the Serpentine river, to the
great regret of many of his admirers.’’-—Vol. II,
p. 33—34.—The work is exceedingly rich in anec-
dote, throughout.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 81

Zoologist’s Text Book, by Capt. 'Thomas Brown,
F.L.S., M.W.S., Ph. S., &c. Glasgow, 1833. 2 vols,
12mo. Reduced from £1. 1s. to 15s.

We do not much admire this work, as it consists
merely of the generic and specific characters of
birds, on which subject we had certainly already
by far too many works. Nearly all the genera,
according to ‘Temminck’s system, and at least one
species of each genus are given. ‘Lhe first volume
contains the letterpress, the second the figures,
which latter, though generally good, are almost
without exception copied from other authors.

e

Miscellany of Natural History. Vol. 1, Parrots.
By Sir T. D. Lauder, Bart., and Capt. T. Brown.
Edinburgh. 1833. 6s.

This volume contains a portrait and biographi-
cal sketch of Audubon, consisting chiefly of ex-
tracts from the introduction to the Ornithological
Liography. ‘The most attractive portion of the
book is the introduction, which contains much
interesting matter. ‘The plates are not remarkably
good, and the descriptions necessarily short. We
shall give our readers an extract from the intro-
duction :—

“A tradesman, who had a shop in the Old
Bailey, opposite the prison, kept two Parrots, much
to the annoyance of his neighbours, one of which
was green, and the other gray. The green Parrot
was taught to speak when there was a knock at the
street door—the gray put in his word whenever the
bell was rung; but they only knew two short
phrases of English a-piece, though they pronounced
these very distinctly. The house in which these
Thebans lived, had a projecting old-fashioned

82 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

front, so that the first floor could not be seen from |

the pavement on the same side of the way; and
one day, when they were left at home by them-
selves hanging out of a window, some one knocked
at the street door. ‘ Who’s there?’ said the green
Parrot, in the exercise of his office. ‘The man
with the leather! was the reply; to which the
bird answered with his farther store of language,
which was, ‘Oh, oh! Presently, the door not
being opened as he expected, the stranger knocked
a second time. ‘ Who’s there?’ said the green
Parrot again. ‘D—n you, who’s there! said the
man with the leather, ‘ why don’t you come down ?”
to which the Parrot again made the same answer,
“Oh, oh! This response so enraged the visitor,
that he dropped the knocker, and rung furiously at
the house bell; but this proceeding brought the
gray Parrot, who called out in a new voice, ‘ Go to
the gate. —‘ To the gate !’ muttered the appellant,
who saw no such convenience, and moreover ima-
gined that the servants were bantering him. ‘ What
gate?’ cried he, getting out into the kennel, that he
might have the advantage of seeing his interlo-
cutor. ‘New-gate, responded the gray Parrot—
just at the moment when his species was dis-
covered.”—p. 64—8.

We cannot resist the temptation of offering our
readers one more anecdote, with which this volume
abounds :—

“We remember a Parrot which belonged to a
lady, which was the innocent means of getting his
mistress into a very unfortunate scrape. A friend
of hers having called one forenoon, the conversation
of the two ladies took that turn towards petty scan-
dal, to which, we grieve to say, 1t 1s but too fre-
quently bent. The friend mentioned the name of
a lady of their acquaintance. ‘Mrs. ——! ex-
claimed the owner of the Parrot, ‘ Mrs. drinks

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 83

like a fish” These words were hardly uttered,
when the footman, in a loud voice, announced ‘ Mrs.
——! and as the new visitor, a portly, proud
dame, came sailing into the room, ‘ Mrs. —— !’
exclaimed the Parrot, ‘ Mrs. drinks like a
fish” Mrs. wheeled round, with the celerity
of a troop of heavy dragoons, furiously to confront
her base and unknown maligner.” ‘Mrs. ——!’
cried the Parrot again, ‘ Mrs. drinks like a
fish” ‘Madam,’ exclaimed Mrs. to the lady
of the house, ‘ this is a piece of wickedness towards
me which must have taken you no short time to pre-
pare. It shews the blackness of your heart towards
one for whom you have long pretended a friendship ;
but I shall be revenged.’ It was in vain that the
mistress of the Parrot rose and protested her inno-
cence; Mrs. flounced out of the room ina
storm of rage, much too loud to admit of the voice
of reason being heard. ‘The Parrot, delighted with
his new caught up words, did nothing for some days
but shout out, at the top of his most unmusical
voice, ‘ Mrs. ! Mrs. drinks like a fish.’
Meanwhile, Mrs. ’s lawyers having once taken
up the- scent, succeeded in ferretting out some in-
formation, that ultimately produced written proofs,
furnished by some secret enemy, that the lady’s im-
prudence in the propagation of this scandal had
not been confined to the instance we have men-
tioned. An action at law was raised for defama-
tion. The Parrot was arrested and carried into
court, to give oral testimony of the malignity of the
plot which was supposed to have been laid against
Mrs. ’s good fame; and he was by no means
niggardly of his testimony, for, to the great amuse-
ment of the bench, the bar, and all present, he was
no sooner produced, than he began, and continued
loudly to vociferate, ‘ Mrs. ! Mrs. drinks
like a fish’ tilljudges and jury were alike satisfied

84 -ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

of the merits of the case; and the result was, that |
the poor owner of the Parrot was cast with im-
mense damages.” —p. 75—6.

We believe this is the only volume of the Miscel-
lany of Natural History that has appeared.

Illustrations of Ornithology, by Sir Wm. Jardine,
Bart., F.R.S.E., F.L.S., M.W.S., and P. J. Selby,
Esq., F.R.S.E., F.L.S., M.W.S., &c. Royal 4to. -
each part £1]. 5s.; imp. 4to., £2. 2s. Plain, 18s.
royal 4to.; £1. 11s. imp. 4to. Edinburgh.

This is a very valuable work, as indeed the talent
employed on it sufficiently ensures. The authors
are assisted by the following eminent Zoologists :
—J. KE. Bicheno, Esq.; J. G. Children, Esq.; Ge-
neral Hardwicke; T. Horsfield, M.D.; R. Jame-
son, Esq.; and N. A. Vigors, Esq. ‘The plates
are beautifully coloured, and the letterpress accu-
rate and well written. We give a short notice of
this excellent work because, although we have fre-
quently seen it, yet do not possess it, and are con-
sequently unable to give so satisfactory an analysis
of its contents as we could have wished. We can,
however, safely recommend it to our scientific
readers, as an accurate publication.

Wilson’s American Ornithology, edited by Sir
Wm. Jardine, Bart. 1832. 3 vols. 8vo. £3. 3s.
plain, £6. 6s., coloured. In cloth ; with notes.

This is by far the best edition of the American
Ornithology (see p. 25), both on account of the
beautiful coloured plates, and the interesting notes
by the Editor ; of the merits of the American Or-
nithology we have already spoken, and, therefore,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 85

it is unnecessary to renew our approbation in this
place. The Ornithologist should, if possible, pro-
cure this edition.

Naturalists Library. Ornithology. Humming
Birds; 2 vols. 12mo. 1833. 12s.—Gallinaceous
Birds ; vol. II], 1834. 6s.—Game Birds, vol. IV,
1834. 6s.— Pigeons, vol. V, 1835. 6s. Conducted
by Sir W. Jardine. ‘The Pigeons by P. J. Selby,
Esq.

This is an excellent and popular work, about
seven thousand copies being sold. We do not
much admire the Humming Birds, on account of
the stiffness of the figures, and the scantiness of
the letterpress. ‘The first volume contains a me-
moir of Linnzus, and the second of Pennant, with
portraits of each.—The figures in the Gallinaceous
Birds {vol. 3) are much better executed, and some
of the descriptions long and interesting. ‘This
volume contains a portrait and memoir of Aristotle.
—In the Game Birds again we observe a decided
improvement, both in the figures and letterpress.
‘The description of the Wood Grous (Tetras uro-
gallus ),formerly a British species, is highly interest-
ing, and the figure of this noble bird—copied from
Bewick—is even superior to the original. The
volume entitled Game Birds is accompanied by a
beautiful portrait and interesting memoir of Sir
Stamford Raffles, copied, by permission, from that
which adorns the Life and Public Services of Sir
T. S. Raffles —The Natural History of Pigeons, by
Selby, is the best ornithological volume that has yet
appeared in this series. The plates are mostly well
executed, and the letterpress combines popular and
scientific detail. The descriptions of the British
Columbide are interesting and well written, and

H

86 - ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

the whole volume is characterised by the good
taste which pervades the other works of this excel-
lent Ornithologist. ‘The volume commences with
a portrait and memoir of Pliny. Upon the whole,
the Naturalist’s Library may be considered rather
as anornamental than a useful work.

Cutline of the Smaller British Birds, mtended
for Ladies and Young Persons. By R. A. Slaney,
Esq., M.P. Second edition. London. 12mo.
4s, 6d. 1835.

‘This is an excellent and an original work, and

well adapted for the purpose for which it is in-
tended. A short extract will give some idea of
ite

“ The little Blue Titmouse, with a yellow breast,
is very common, very pert, mischievous, and
amusing; it has the provincial name of nun, we
suppose, from some fancied resemblance of the
white broad patches on its cheeks to the plain
white head-dress of some religious order,—cer-
tainly from no similarity in manners to a female
devotee; on the contrary, we have often thought
its note very like scolding. ‘ It visits the farm
yard, and is partial to oats, which it plucks out ;
and, retiring to a neighbouring bush, fixes the
grain between its claws, and hammers with the
bill to break the husk... * * * * -* ace

“No bird attacks the Owl, in the day-time, with
greater fierceness than our Blue Titmouse; buffet-
ing its venerable adversary, erecting its feathers,
screaming for aid, and in every way expressing its
impotent rage.” p. 108—9.

The work is written throughout in a familiar
style, and is well adapted for youth. The wood-

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 87

euts are also well executed, and we recommend
the volume to all our young readers.

Another little work, published at about the same
time, scarcely deserves a notice.—We allude to
the Minstrelsy of the Woods. ‘The figures, which
may be had coloured or plain, are good, but the
letterpress is entirely copied from Bewick’s British
Birds, or from Griffith’s Cuvier.

British Goiogy ; being illustrations of the Eggs
of British Birds, with Figures cf [those of] each
species, as far as practicable, drawn and coloured
from Nature, &c., by W. C. Hewitson. In two-
monthly 8vo. Nos., each containing 4 lithographic
prints. Newcastle-on-Tyne and London. Nos. 1
to 25.

This is indeed an admirable work, and it was
certainly much wanted. The only illustrations we
before possessed of the eggs of British birds were
these of Lewin, in the Birds of Great Britain
{reviewed at p. 17), which are generally very indif-
ferent. Allthe figures in the British Oology are
drawn by the author, and coloured by Mr. J. Stand-
ish, in a very creditable manner. Where the eggs
of any species are subject to variety, two, and
sometimes three, specimens are given. We think
this a good plan; for, although it considerably
extends the work, yet it would otherwise be impos-
sible, in many cases, to discover to what species an
anknown egg belongs. Beautiful and accurate as
are the figures, we do not so much admire the lettei-
press; atleast, what there is of it is good, but it is,
in most cases, too short. It would be an improve-
ment if Mr. Hewitson were to state that he would
publish whatever facts, regarding the nidification
of birds, his correspondents would send him, under

88s ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

_the proper heads in the body of the work.—We are
sorry to cbserve that the system of Temminck is
followed in this excellent work; for although this
system 1s a great improvement on that of Linnezus,
and less objectionable than the Cuvierian, yet we
think it would have been much more to the ad-
vancement of the science, to have adopted the
Circular System (p. 30) of the great Macleay, which
is, undoubtedly, the most natural classification hi-
therto promulgated. At least, we think Mr. Hewit-
son should have divided his genera more minutely.
Who that has studied the Kalconide, the Sylviade,
the Anatide, or any other natural family in their
native haunts; will consent to include them all in a
single genus, without further division? Each na-
tural family evidently divides itself into five equally
natural subfamilies, and these again into genera,
without reference to any particular number. Our
author also frequently places on the same plate the ~
eggs of birds belonging, even according to ‘Tem-
minck, to totally distinct genera. The eggs of two
birds should not, of course, be placed on the same
plate, where there are any species intermediate be-
tween those two birds. And again, the author
includes the Green Grosbeak in Fringilla, while
he very properly removes the Haw Grosbeak into
Coccothraustes ; how, in the name of wonder, so
flagrant an error could find its way into a work
like the British Cology, we are quite at a loss to
determine.

This beautiful and highly valuable work must
of course be possessed by every British Naturalist.
The list of subscribers already exhibits the names
of most of our eminent Ornitholcgists, and will, no
doubt, continue to increase. We hope that Mr.
Hewitson will figure the eggs of Coccyzus Ameri-
canus, Alauda alpestris, Regulus ignicapillus, and,
in short, every species of which a single individual

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. &9

has been met with in Britain. The British Oology
was com menced in 1831, and will not be completed
till 1842, if continued at the same rate as hitherto.
The eggs are figured without any reference to order,
and will not be arranged until the conclusion of
the work. We think it would have been a much
better plan if Mr. Hewitson had obtained a com-
plete set of the eggs, before he commenced his
work, as he might then have proceeded in system-
atic order, the advantages of which must be obvi-
ous to every one. In fine, we recommend this
exquisitely beautiful work to the attention of all
our readers.—When we say exquisitely beautiful,
we allude chiefly to the plates, which are indeed
the principal part of the publication.

Architecture of Birds, 1831; Habits of Birds,
1833; faculties ef Birds, 1835. 12mo. 15s.
Knight, Ludgate Street.

We shall now proceed to notice Professor Ren-
nie’s “‘ conglomerates,” in chronological order; not
because they have the smallest influence in ad-
vancing the science, but rather, on the contrary,
on account of their retarding it. Such compila-
tions as we are now noticing, may please the vul-
gar, but they have nothing to do with the interests
of philosophical science. The woodcuts in these
volumes, and especially in the Architecture of
Birds, are extremely beautiful, but the letterpress
is wholly compiled, and consists either of quota-
tions from other works, or of the theories and
opinions expressed by preceding authors, with
occasionally, but very seldom, a fact observed by
.the worthy compiler himself. The subjects are
arranged with little reference to order, and, on the
whole, we never met with more worthless and bare-

H $3

90 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOGK.

faced conglomerates in the whole course of our
ornithological reading—Jennings’s Ornithologia
(p. 53) not excepted. It is a favorite notion of the
Professor’s, that birds strengthen their nests by
saliva from their own mouths; in speaking of which,
Mudie says in his charming Feathered Tribes (re-
viewed p. 63), “ it has, very naturally, no doubt,
occurred to some who have mentioned this bird
(the Hedge Dunnock), that the internal part of the
nest is put together with paste,—(as some books
are, and, of course, that the materials are obtained
with scissors,/—a process to whieh magptes will
resort, though, instead of paste, they are apt to
daub with more vulgar mortar, as the manner of
some is—among ourselves.”—p. 287. ‘These trashy
volumes are wholly useless to the Ornithologist, and
reflect no credit upon the Professor of Zoology at
King’s College, even as a compiler. We marvel
at the Useful Knowledge Society’s having chosen
such a man as Rennie for writing—or rather past-
ing together, for we should think his pen had very
little to do in the matter—the ornithological vo-
lumes of the Library of Entertaining Knowledge.
Had Mudie, or our intelligent fnend Mr. Blyth
been fixed on, we might have expected both a use-
ful and entertaining series, which Rennie is totally
unable to produce.

Montagw’s Ornithological Dictionary. Second
edition, edited by Professor Rennie. London.
Peal). Svo.. £1. Is.

Although we have already mentioned this edition
of Montagu’s excellent Ornithological Dictionary
(p. 20), yet we shall here offer a few additional .
remarks on it.

We shall now direct our attention chiefly to the

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 91

English names of birds used in this edition. What
do our readers think of such names as “ Boonk”
(Nycticorax Europeus), “ Dulwilly” ( Charadrius
hiaticula) —dull-Rennie we think,— ‘“ Lumme”
Colymbus arcticus), “Loon” (Colymbus glacialis )
“ Cobble” (C. septentrionalis), “ Dung-hunter”
(Lestris Richardsonii), and many others which
they have doubtless seen in the “ conglomerate”
itself ?— Speaking of the latter name, Mudie says,
“it is the species (Lestris Richardsont) which is
most familiar to popular observation, and therefore
the one which has been, rather ingloriously named
as if it fed upon the ‘ mutings’ of other birds, and
not, as it really does, upon the undigested or par-
tially digested food, which the fear of it makes
them disgorge from their stomachs. ‘That such a
notion should have been entertained generally in
the times of ignorance, and that it should still be
entertained by the confessedly ignorant, is not at
all to be wondered at; but itis a matter of some-
what amusing marvel, to find those, who appear to
exist for no useful purpose but that of cavilling at
and mending the expressions of others (if indeed
that be a useful purpose), leave upon the page of
their volume that name of the bird, set forth as a
classical English name, which is not only expres-
sive of a falsehood, and therefore more exception-
able in Natural History than a simple nonsense
name, but such as no polite person can pronounce
in decent society. One would desire to be tender
of the frailties of human nature, inasmuch as man
did not make himself—ihough he sometimes spoils
and botches the workmanship; but truly the feeble-
minded should especially guard against all approxi-
mation to vulgarity, inasmuch as no elevated part
of their character stands up, which can, under any
position of the sun or the reader, veil the offence
with its kindly shadow. If, however, such is to

92 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

be done, the genus Lestris is unquestionably that |
wherein to do it, inasmuch as there may be a strong
feeling of consanguinity, and the usual argument
may be raised, that ‘a man may do with his own
what he likes’ —So much for the literary Lestri ;
and the misfortune is, that even the Eagle is not
secure from their predations.”— Feathered Tribes,
Vol. IL, p. 346—7.

Alphabet of Zoology, by James Rennie, A.M.

A compilation of no merit.

Whites Natural History of Selborne; edited by
James Rennie. London, 1833. 8vo. 16s.

This is by far the best edition of White’s delight-
ful letters, but the index is very meagre. We have
noticed this edition at p. 12, and further remarks on
it are therefore unnecessary.

Natural History Division of the British Cyclo-
pedia, conducted by C. F. Partington. 22 Nos.
ls. each. London. 8vo. 1834.

This excellent and useful work was commenced
in May, 1834, and has since appeared regularly on
the first of each month. Every known species of
bird is here described, and sometimes figured. We
could have wished, for the sake of uniformity, that
one system had been adopted throughout. ‘The
difference, as regards classification, arises from se-
veral individuals being employed in the ornithelo-
gical department. Many of the articles are written
by Mudie, some, we suspect, by Blyth, and others.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 93

The descriptions of species are often long and in-
teresting, and we cordially recommend this ex-
tremely cheap, useful, and interesting work to all
ourreadars. ‘The Cyclopedia has only advanced
_ as far as the letter HK.

The Analyst; a Monthly Journal of Science,
Literature, and the Fine Arts. 2 vols. 8yo. Simpkin
and Marshall, London. 1834—5. £1.

The Analyst is by far the best Magazine of the
kind with which we are acquainted, and emanates
from the town of Worcester. ‘The latter numbers are
rich in Ornithology, and the whole work deserves
the attention of the scientific Naturalist, no less
than of the general reader. We will now proceed
to notice the ornithological articles and reviews in
this invaluable Journal, in order that our readers
may judge of its merits. At Vol. I, p. 82, is along
and very able review of Mudie’s Feathered Tribes.
At p. 98 is a review of Dr. Hastings’s Illustrations
of the Natural History of Worcestershire ; at p.
159. of Dr. Shirley Palmer’s Popular Lectures on
the Vertebrated Animals of the British Islands.
At p. 171, are “ A few general observations on
Natural History,” by Mrs. Perrott; at p. 189 are
seme delightful notes on “ Insectivorous Birds” ;
at p. 222 is a notice of the formation of a Natural
History Society at Ludlow. At p. 248 are some
‘““ Memoranda respecting the nidification of the
Common Wren,” by Mis. Perrott; at p. 258 is a
highly interesting paper “on the plumage, nest,
and eggs of the Longtailed Tit (Parus caudatus),”
in which the excellent name Corvus nudirostris
(C. frugilegus, Lin.; C. predatorius, Rennie) is
proposed. At p. 328 is a continuation of the notes
on “ Insectivorous Birds,” besides an abstract of

94. | ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

various lectures on animals, delivered before the
Worcestershire Natural History Society. We
earnestly recommend all the above articles to the
attention of our readers.

Ornithology seemed to have been entirely forgot-
ten in the first part of Vol. II, nor is there a single
article on that subject until that “ on making the
English generic names of birds correspond to the
Latin ones,” by ourselves. In this paper we have
suggested that each genus should have a generic
name peculiar toitself,in English as well as in Latin,
instead of the lax and unscientific mode of giving
the same generic name to half a dozen wholly dis-
tinct genera. We will, however, refer our readers to
the article in question, the principles of which cer-
tainly deserve the attention of the scientific Natural-
ist. At p. 269 is a review of Mudie’s excellent little
work, the Natural History of Birds (reviewed in our
p. 73). The reviewer here stipposes that Mudie
wishes to class the Barefaced Crow (Corvus nudir-
ostris; C. frugilegus, Linn.)and Blue Tit in the same
genus, which would indeed be a gross violation of
the laws of Nature. From what that Mudie has
said, the reviewer has gathered this, we are totally
ata loss to divine.—At p. 305 we find some excel-
lent “remarks on vernacular and scientific ornitho-
logical nomenclature,” on the same principles as
our article at p. 238. In this paper several new
names, both Latin and English, are proposed. At
p- 317 is an article by Mr. Strickland, objecting
to our alteration in the English nomenclature of
birds. Mr. Strickland’s arguments are, however,
few and weak. Amongst the Critical Notices of
New Publications in No. 11, are reviews of Hewit-
son’s British Oology (noticed at our p. 87), Jar-
dine’s Game Birds, and Rennie’s Faculties of
Birds. At p. 394 is a long and detailed ac-
count of the “Habits of the Brake Nightingale

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 95

(Philomela luscinia, Swains.), by Neville Wood,
Esq.,” which contains many new facts regarding
this delightful songster, and is fuller than any de-
scription of it in standard ornithological works. At
p. 419 we have answered Mr. Strickland’s objec-
tions to our nomenclature. Amongst the Critical
Notices in No. 12 are reviews of Swainson’s admi-
rable Treatise on the Geography and Classification
of Animals, and of Mrs. Perrott’s Selection of Bri-
tish Birds.

Some apology may perhaps be due for having
spoken somewhat highly of cur own papers in
the Analyst, but we have spoken of them with
perfect impartiality, and it would certainly have
been false modesty to have omitted all notice
of them, besides being unfair to the Magazine.
The Analyst is henceforth to be published quarterly
instead of monthly, and is, we understand, to put on
a somewhat altered appearance. We hope that al/
our readers will extend their patronage to the forth-
coming number (to be published on the first of
October), even if they do not procure the rest of
the work. In conclusion, we may remark that we
haye never seen a more interesting and useful pe-
riodical than THe ANALYST.

Illustrations of British Birds, in monthly Nos.
Ato. Price to Subscribers, 10s. 6d. coloured; plain,
on India paper, 8s.; to nonsubscribers, 12s. 6d.

and 10s.; by H. L. Meyer. London, 1835.

The figures in this work are not characteristic,
and birds of different genera, and even different
orders, are figured on the same plate. The same
error is observable with regard to the eggs. Two
or three lines of description are given at the foot of
each plate. We cannot recommend the work to

96 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

the British Ornithologist. Had the plates of birds
and eggs been good, and the letterpress combining
scientific and popular detail, the publication would
have been invaluable.

Selection of British Birds frequenting Worces-
tershire, by Mrs. C. L. E. Perrott. Dedicated to
her Royal Highness the Landgravine of Hesse
Hombourg. Elephant folio. Part 1, 1835. coloured,
£1. 1s.; uncoloured, 14s.

We are compelled to state that this work is even
not so good as Meyer's Illustrations, reviewed
above. ‘The plates—of which there are to be five
in each number—are from drawings by Mrs. Per-
rott, engraved by Robert Havell; the descriptions
—which are good, but too much copied—will also
occupy five pages. A number is to appear every
two months, and the work will be completed in two
volumes. Part I contains figures of the Hamburgh
Fowl, Ring Pigeon, Raven Crow, Whin Chat, and
Blue Tit; none of these are good, but that of the
Xaven is the best. We neither subscribe to this
work, nor intend todo so. We are indebted to the
kindness of a friend for being enabled to review
Part I of Mrs. Perrott’s Selecticn of British Birds.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society,
many vols.

Journal of ithe Royal Institution.

Transactions of the Wernerian Society of Edin-
burgh.

Transactions of the Natural History Society
of Northumberland, Durham, and Newcastle-on-
Tyne.

Transactions of the Zoological Secrety.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 07

Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles. 8vo.

Dictionnaire Classique @ Histoire Naturelle.
Svo.

Annales des Sciences Naturelles. 8vo. monthly.

Bulletin des Sciences Naturelles. 8vo. monthly.

These and many other Journals and Transactions
of learned Societies that might be mentioned, fre-
quently contain valuable Essays on Ornithology,
and some of them at least should be possessed by
the Ornithologist. It is, we conceive, unnecessary
to make a particular analysis of their contents.
Many of them have now extended to several
volumes.

Werner's Nomenclature of Colours ; Edited by
Patrick Syme. Edinburgh. 1821. ‘Thin 8vo.

Every Ornithologist should possess this volume,
especially as it is the nomenclature adopted by
Selby, in his splendid Jllustrations of British
Ornithology. "There should of course be a fixed
nomenclature in Ornithology, and Syme’s Werner
is the best with which we are acquainted.

A New Work on the Smatler British Birds.

Our friend Mr. Blyth, of Tooting, Surrey, informs
us that the first number of a work on the smaller
British birds is to appear on the first of October,
by himself and Mr. Fowler. We believe it was
originally intended that each number should com-
prise a family, but this plan was afterwards aban-
doned, and each No. will now contain four coloured
plates; the plumage of the old and young of each
species will be particularly attended to. Full and

I

98 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

interesting popular descriptions of each will also
be given; these will be written by Mr. Blyth.
Each number is to cost half-a-crown, and each plate
to contain one, two, or three figures, as circum-
. stances will admit. If the work is well conducted,
of which indeed we have little doubt, it will be
very useful. We should have liked it better, had
the original plan, of including a family in each ~
number, been adhered to, but this was scarcely
practicable. We are glad to find that the princi-
ples of English Nomenclature, inculcated by us
in the Analyst (reviewed p. 93), will be followed
in this work. Mr. Blyth has kindly submitted to
us a list of the birds he intends to figure and de-
scribe, with their Latin and English names. It
includes nearly all the birds belonging to the order
Insessores of Vigors.

Since writing the above, we have learned that
this work will not be commenced for some months
to come.—Jan. 11, 1836.

END OF PART I.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 99

Part II, SYNOPSES OF SYSTEMS.

WILLUGHBY’S SYSTEM. 1678.

Lanp Fowl t.
Rapacious Diurnal Birds. [Order Raptores*,
Family Laniade and Cuculide].
Rapacious Nocturnal Birds. [Fam. Strigide
and Vociferatoride, mihi].
Crow Kind. [Corvide].
Woodpecker Kind. [Picide and Certhiade.]
Poultry Kind. [Phastanide, Tetraonide and
Crex |.
Pigeon Kind. [Columbide].
Thrush Kind. [Merulide, Cinclus, Sturnus |.
Small Birds with Slender Bills. [Alawda, Hi-
rundinide, Sylviade],.
Small Birds with thick and short bills. [ Frin-
gillide}.
Water Fow.
Cloven-footed, such as live about waters and
marshes.
The Greater Kind. [Gruide, Ardeide].
Middle and Lesser Kinds with very long bills.
[Numenius, Scolopax, Limosa, Totanus, Gidicne-
mus, Hematopus}.
2. With middle-sized bills.
[ Machetes, Totanus, Tringa, Arenaria, Alcedo].
3. With short bills.
[| Vanellus, Charadrius, Hematopus}.

* Mr. Vigors’s quinary groups are put in editorial brackets, to
point out the species included in Willughby’s divisions.

100 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Water Fowl that swim.

I. Cloven-footed, some of which may be called
fin-toed, because they have lateral appendant mem-
branes on each side their toes. [ Colymbus, Podi-
ceps, Gallinula, Fulica, Rallus}.

II. Whole-footed birds. 1: such as swim. [| Fra-
tercula, Alca}.

2. Such as have four toes, ail web’d together.
[ Sula, Cormoranus |.

3. Such as have four toes, but the hind one se-
parate; and first, such as have narrow and sharp-
pointed bills. [ Laride, Procellaride, mihi].

2. Such as have narrow, serrate, or toothed bills.
[ Sula, Mergus|.

4 Suchas have broad bills; and 1. The Goose
kind. [Cygnus, Anser].

2. The Duck kind, [ Tadorna, Spathulea, Chau-
liodus, Anas, Querquedula, Mareca, Oidemia,
Somateria, Fuligula, Harelda, Clangula}.

Confused and full of flagrant errors as is the
above system—especially in the water birds—it is
undoubtedly the first rational attempt at classifi-
cation.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 101

LINNEUS’S SYSTEM.

(Twelfth edition of the Systema Nature, 1766.)

I Order, Accipirres.—Gen. Vultur, Falco,
Strix, Lanius.

IT Order, Pic#.—Division 1, pedibus ambu-
latoriis—Gen. Trochilus, Certhia, Upupa, Glau-
copis, Buphaga, Sitta, Oriolus, Coracias, Gracula,
Corvus, Paradisea.

Divis. 2, pedibus scansoriis.—Gen. Ramphas-
tos, Trogon, Psittacus, Crotophaga, Picus, Yuna,
Cuculus, Bucco.

Divis. 3, pedibus gressoriis.— Buceros, Alcedo,
Merops, Todus.

HII Order, ANserRES.—Divis. 1, rostro denticu-
lato.— Anas, Mergus, Phaeton, Plotus.

Divis. 2, rostro edentulo.— Rhyncops, Diome-
dea, Aptenodyta, Alca, Procellaria, Pelecanus,
Larus, Sterna, Colymbus.

IV Order, Gratt£.—Divis. 1, pedibus tetra-
dactylis.—Phenicopterus, Platalea, Palamadea,
Mycteria, Tantalus, Ardea, Corrira, Recurvirostra,
Scolopax, Tringa, Fulica, Parra, Rallus, Vagina-
his, Psophia, Cancroma, Scopus, Glareola.

Divis. 2, pedibus cursoriis sive tridactylis.—
Hematopus, Charadrius.

V Order, GaLtinz.—Otis, Struthio, Didus,
Pavo, Meleagris, Penelope, Crax, Phasianus,
Numidia, Tetrao.

I 3

102 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BGOOK.

VI Order, PassrREs.—Divis. 1, Crassirostres.—

Loxia, Colius, Fringilla, Phytotoma, Emberiza.

Divis. 2, Curvirostres.—Camprimulgus, Hi-
rundo, Pipra.

Divis. 3, Emarginatirostres.—Turdus, Ampe-
lis, Tanagra, Muscicapa.

Divis. 4, Simplicirostres—Parus, Motacilla,
Alauda, Sturnus, Columba.

6 orders, 87 genera.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 103

BRISSON’S SYSTEM. 1760.

Divis. I, Lanp Brrps.
I Ordre—Gen. Pigeon.

II Ordre, bec en cone courbé.

A. Téte garnie de membranes charnues.—
Dindon, Coq, Peintade.—B.'Téte dénuée de mem-
branes.—Gelinote, Perdrix, Faisan.

III Ordre, bec court et crochu.

A. Base du bec couverte d’une peau nue.—
Epervier, Aigle, Vautour.—B. Base du bec cou-
verte de plumes tournées en devant.—AHibou, Chat-
huant.

IV Ordre, bec en cone allongé.

A. Narines couvertes par les plumes.—Cora-
cias, Corbeau, Pie, Gear, Cassenoix.—B. Narines
découvertes.—Rollier, Trowpiale, Otseau-de-Pa-
radts.

V Ordre, bec droit, a bords de la mandibule
supérieure échancrés vers le bout.

Pie-griéche, Grive, Cotinga, Gobe-mouche.

VI Ordre, Les deux mandibules entiéres.

Pique-beuf, Etourneau.

VII Ordre, bec menu et un peu arqué.

Huppe, Promerops.

VIII Ordre, bec trés petit, comprimé horizon-
talement a sa base, et chrochu a son bout ; l’ouv-
erture du bec plus large que la téte.

Tette-chévre, Hirondelle.

IX Ordre, bec en cOne raccourcl.

104 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

A. Les deux mandibules droites.—Tangara,
Chardonneret, Moineau, Grosbec, Bruant.—B.
Mandibule supérieure crochue.—Coliou, Bouv-
reutl, Bec-croisé.

X Ordre, bec en aléne.

Alouette, Bec-figue, Mésange.

XI Ordre, bec en forme de coin.

Torchepot.

XII Ordre, bec effile.

Grimpereau, Colibri, Oiseau-mouche.

XIII Ordre, quatre doigts ; deux devant et deux
derriére.

A. Bec droit.—Torcol, Pic, Jacamar.—B.
Bec un peu courbé.—Barbu, Coucou.—C. Bec
court et crochu.—Couroucou, Bout-de-petun, Per-
roquet.—D. Bec long, de la grosseur de la téte—
Toucan.

XIV Ordre, celui du milieu des trois antérieurs
étroitement uni a Vextérieur jusqu’ 4 la troisiéme
articulation, et aVintérieur jusqu’ a la premiere.

A. Bec court et comprimé.—Coq-de-roche,
Manakin.—B. Bec conique et dentelé.—Momot.
—C. Bee droit et assez long —Martin-pécheur,
Todier.—D. Bec arqué.—Guépier, Calao.

XV Ordre, la partie des jambes dénuée de plumes,
les ailes petites a proportion du corps et impro-
pres pour le vol.

Autruche, Touyou, Casoar, Dronte.

XVI Ordre, les ailes assez grandes et propres
pour le vol; trois doigts devant, pas derriére.

Outarde, Echasse, Huitrier, Pluvier.

XVII Ordre, trois doigts devant, un derriére.

A.— Vanneau, Jacana, Coulon-chaud, Per-
drix de mer, Rdale—B. PBécasseau, Barge, Bé-
casse, Courlis, Spatule.—C. Cicogne, Héron, Om-
brette—-D. Cuilliére, Oiseau-royal, Cariama,
Kamichi, Poule-sultane.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 105

Divis. I], WATER Birps.

XVIII Ordre, les doigts garnis dans toute leur
longueur de membranes ; fondues; trois doigts
devant, un derriére.

A. Membranes simples.—Poule deau.—B.
Membranes festonées.—Phalarope, Foulque.

XIX Ordre, demi-fendues: quatres doigts, dont
les trois antérieurs sont joints ensemble par les
membranes, et le postérieur séparé; les jambes
placées tout-a-fait derriére et cachées dans l’abdo-
men.

Grebe.

, XX Ordre, les jambes placées tout-a-fait derricre
et cachées dans abdomen; trois doigts devant,
tous joints ensemble par les membranes; pas de
doigts derriére.

Guillemot, Macareux, Pingouin.

XXI Ordre, quatre doigts; les trois antérieurs
joints ensemble par les membranes, et le posté-
rieur sépare.

Manchot, Gorfou, Plongeon.

XXII Ordre, les jambes avancées vers le milieu
du corps et hors de Pabdomen ; plus courtes que
le corps; trois doigts devant, tous joints ensemble
par les membranes, et point de doigt derriére.

Albatros.

XXIII Ordre, quatre doigts ; les trois antérieurs
joints ensemble par les membranes et le postérieur
séparé; le bec sans dentelures.

A. Puffin, Pétrel, Stercoraire, Goéland.—

B. Hirondelle de mer, Bec-en-ciseau.

XXIV Ordre, le bec dentelé.

Harle, Oie, Canard.
XXV Ordre, tous joints par les membranes.
Anhinga, Paille-en-queue, Fou, Cormoran,
Pélican.

Pie inbeanes. ie otek séparé.
Flammant, Avocette, Coureur.
26 orders, 115 genera.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOE. 107

LATHAM’S SYSTEM. 1790.

_ Divis. 1, TERRESTRES.
I Order, ACCIPITRES.

Vultur, Falco, Strix.

II Order, Picz. :

A. Walking feet.—Lanius, Buphaga, Glauc-
opis, Corvus, Coracias, Oriolus, Gracula, Para-
disea, Sitta, Upupa, Certhia, Trochilus.

B. Climbing feet.—Psittacus, Ramphastos,
Calleus, Crotophaga, Trogon, Bucco, Cuculus,
Yunx, Picus, Galbula.

C. Running feet.—Momota, Buceros, Alcedo,
Todus, Merops.

IIT Order, PAassERres. 3

A. With hard thick bills:—Lowvia, Emberiza,
Fringilla, Phytotoma.

BB. Bill flat, suddenly narrowing from the base
to the tip.—Colius, Pipra, Hirundo, Caprimulqus. —

C. Upper mandible depressed at the tip.—
Turdus, Ampelis, Tanagra, Muscicapa.

D. Bill straight, entire, and narrow.—Stur-
nus, Alauda, Motacilla, Sylvia, Parus:

IV Order, CoLuMBz.

Columba.

V Order, GALLINe. |

Pavo, Gallopavo, Penelope, Numidia, Crazx,
Phasianus, Tinamus, Tetrao, Perdix, Psophia, Otis.

VI Order, STRUTHIONES.
Didus, Rhea, Casuarius, Struthio.

108 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. |

Divis. 2. AQUATICA.
VII Order, GRALLA.

Platalea, Palamedea, Mycteria, Cancroma,
Scopus, Ardea, Ibis, Numenius, Scolopax, Vanel-
lus,Charadrius, Cursorius, Hematopus, Glareola,
Rallus, Parra, Gallinula, Chionis.

VIII Order, PINNATIPEDES.

Phalaropus, Fulica, Podiceps.

IX Order, PALMIPEDEs.

A. With long legs.—Recurvirostra, Glareola,
Phenicopterus.

B. With short legs.—Diomedea, Alea, Uria,
Colymbus, Rhyncops, Sterna, Larus, Procellaria,
Mergus, Anas, Aptenodytes, Pelecanus, Phaéton,
Plotus.

9 orders, 101 genera.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 109

LACEPEDE’S SYSTEM. 1799.

PREMIERE Sovus-CLassE.
Le bas de la jambe garnis de plumes; point de
doigts entiérement réunis par une large membrane.
PREMIERE DIvisron. ;
Deux doigts devant, et deux derri¢re.
Premiére Sous-division..
Doigts gros et forts.
GRIMPEURS.
I Ordre, bec chrochu.
Ara, Ara; Perroquet, Psttiacus.
Ii Ordre, bec denlelé. .
Toucan, Ramphastos ; Couroucou, Trogon ;
Touraco, Touraco; Musophage, Musophaga.
III Ordre, bec échancré.
Barbu, Bucco.
IV Ordre, bec droit et comprimé.
Jacamar, Galbula ; Pic, Picus.
V Ordre, bec trés court.
Torcol, Yunx.
VI Ordre, bec arqué.
Coucou, Cuculus; Ani, Crotophaga.
SECONDE Division.
Trois doigts devant, un doigt ou point de doigt
derriére.
Prenwére Sous-division.
Ongles forts et trés chrochus.
OISEAUX DE PROIE.
VII Ordre, bec crochu.

K

110 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Vautour, Vultur; Griffon, Gypaétus; Aigle,
Aquila; Autour, Astur ; Epervier, Nzsus; Buse,
Buteo ; Busard, Circus ; Milan, Milvus ; Faucon,
Falco; Chouette, Strea.

Deuxieme Sous-division.

Ongles crochus, doigts extérieurs libres ou unis
seulement le long de la premiére phalange.

PASSEREAUX,

VIII Ordre, bec dentelé.

Phytotome, Phytotoma.

IX Ordre, bec échancré.

Piegriéche, Lanzus ; Tyran, Tyrannus ; Gobe-
mouche, Muscicapa; Moucherolle, Muscivora ;
Merle, Turdus; Fourmillier, Myrmecophaga ;
Loriot, Oriolus ; Cotinga, Ampels ; 'Tangara,
Tanagra.

X Ordre, bec droit et conique.

Cacique, Cacicus; Troupiale, Icterus; Ca-
rouge, Xanthornus; Ktourneau, Sturnus ; Gros-
bec, Loxia; Bouvreul, Pyrrhula; Moineau,
Fringilla ; Bruant, E’mberiza.

XI Ordre, bec droit et comprimé.

Gracule, Gracula; Corbeau, Corvus ; Rollier,
Coracias; Paradis, Paradisea; Sittelle, Svtta ;
Pic-beeuf, Buphaga; Picoide, Picoides.

XII Ordre, bec droit et menu.

Meésange, Parus; Alouette, Alauda; Becfin,

Sylvia ; Motacille, Motacilla. .
XIII Ordre, bec trés court.

Hirondelle, Htrundo; Engoulevent, Capri-
mulgus.

XIV Ordre, bec arqué.

Glaucope, Glaucopis ; Huppe, Upupa; Grim-
pereau, Certhza ; Colibri, Trochilus.

XV Ordre, bec renflé.
Mouche, Orthorhynchus.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 111

Troisiéme Sous-division.
Doigts extérieurs unis dans presque toute leur
longueur.
PLATYPODES.
XVI Ordre, bec dentelé.
Calao, Buceros ; Momot, Momota.
XVII Ordre, bec droit et comprimé.
Aleyon, Alcedo ; Ceyx, Ceyx.
XVIII Ordre, bec droit et déprimé.
Todier, Todus.
XIX Ordre, bec droit et menu.
Manakin, Pzpra.
XX Ordre, bec arqué.
Guépier, Merops.
Quatriéme Sous-division.
Doigts de devant réunis a leur base par une
membrane.
GALLINACEES.
XXI Ordre, bec renflé.

Pigeon, Columba; 'Tétras, Tetrao; Perdrix,
Perdix ; Tinamou, Tinamus ; 'Tridactyle, Tridac-
tylus; Paon, Pavo; Faisan, Phasianus ; Peintade,
Numidia; Dindon, Meleagris; Hocco, Craz ;
Pénélope, Penelope ; Gouan, Gouan.

SECONDE SOUS-CLASSE.
Le bas de la jambe dénué de plumes, ou plu-
sieurs doigts réunis par une large membrane.
PREMIERE DIVISION.
Trois doigts devant, un doigt ou point de doigt
derriere.
Premiére Sous-division.
Doigts de devant réunis par une membrane.
Oiseaux D’Eav.
XXII Ordre, bec crochu.

Flammant, Phoenicopterus; Albatrosse, Dio-
medea ; Pélécanoide, Pelecanoides; Pétrel, Pro-
cellaria.

112 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

XXIII Ordre, bec dentelé.
Canard, Anas ; Harle, Mergus ; Prion, Prion.
XXIV Ordre, bec droit et comprimé.

Bec-en-ciseau, Rhyncops ; Plongeon, Urina-
tor; Grébe, Colymbus ; Guillemot, Uria ; Alque,
Alca; Pingouin, Pingouwin; Manchot, Apteno-
dytes. | 3

XXV Ordre, bec droit et menu.

Sterne, Sterna.

XXVI Ordre, bec arqué.
Avocette, Recurvirostra.
XXVIT Ordre, bec renflé.
Mauve, Larus.
Deuaxiéme Sous-division.
Quatre doigts réunis par une large membrane.
O1sEAUx D’Eavu LaTiIrREMEs.
XXVIII Ordre, bec crochu.
Frégate, Fregata ; Cormoran, Carbo.
X XIX Ordre, bec dentelé.
Fou, Sula; Phaéton, Phaéton; Anhinga,
Plotus.
XXX Ordre, bec droit et déprimé.
Pélican, Pelecanus.
Troisiéme Sous-divesion.
Doigts réunis a leur base par une membrane.
OISEAUX DE RIVAGE.
XXXI Ordre, bec crochu.

Messager, Serpentarius ; Kamichi, Palame-
dea; Glaréole, Giareola.

XXXII Ordre, bec droit et conique.

Agami, Psophia; Vaginal, Vaginalis.

XXXII Ordre, bee droit et comprimé.

Grue, Grus; Cicogne, Ciconia ; Heron,
Ardea; Bec-ouvert, Hians; Rale, Rallus; Om-
brette, Scopus; Huitrier, Hematopus.

XXXIV Ordre, bec droit et déprimé.

Savacou, Caneroma ; Spatule, Platalea.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 113

XXXV Ordre, bec droit et menu.

Bécasse, Scolopax.

XXXVI Ordre, bec arqué.

Jabiru, Mycteria ; Ibis, [bis ; Courlis, Tan-
talus ; Echasse, Macrotarsus.

XXXVII Ordre, bec renfleé.

Hydrogalline, Hydrogallina ; Foulque, Fu-
hea; Jacana, Jacana; Vanneau, Parra; Phala-
rope, Phalaropus ; Pluvier, Charadrius; Outarde,
Otis.

SECONDE DIVISION.
Deux, trois, ou quatre doigts trés forts.
Premiére Sous-division.
Doigts non réunis a leur base par une membrane.
OISEAUX COUREURS.
XXXVIII Ordre, bec droit et déprimé.

Autruche, Struthio ; 'Touyou, Touyou.

XXXIX Ordre, bec arqué.

Casoar, Rhea; Dronte, Didus,

39 orders, 130 genera.

ee AER Se CD Wren aN uty CAPR tra Bae) om Gli

114 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

DUMERIL’S SYSTEM. 1806.

1 Ordre, RApaces.
I Fam. Nudicolles ou Ptilodéres.—Sarcoramphe,
Sarcoramphus ; Vauatour, Viitur.
II Fam. Plumicolles ou Cruphodeéres.—Griffon,

Gypaétus ; Messager, Gypogeranus ; Aigle, Aqut-°*

la; Buse, Buteo; Autour, Astur; Faucon, Falco.

III Fam. Nocturnes ou Nyctérins.—Surnie,

Surnia; Duc, Bubo; Chouette, Strzx.
II Ordre, PassEREAUX.

I Fam. Crénirostres ou Glyphoramphes.—Tan-
gara, Tanagra; Piegriéche, Lantus ; Gobemou-
che, Muscicapa; Cotinga, Ampelis; Merle, Tur-
dus.

II Fam. Dentirostres ou Odontoramphes.—
Calao, Buceros; Momot, Momota; Phytotome,
Phytotoma.

III Fam. Plénirostres ou Pléréoramphes.—Mai-
nate, Gracula; Paradisier, Paradisea; Rollier,
Coracias; Corbeau, Corvus; Pie, Pica.

IV Fam. Conirostres ou Conoramphes.—Pic-
beeuf, Buphaga ; Glaucope, Glaucopis ; Troupiale,

Icterus ; Cacique, Cacicus; Etourneau, Sturnus;

Bec-croisé, Crucirostra; Loxie, Loxtia ; Coliou,
Colius; Moineau, Fringilla ; Bruant, Emberiza.

V Fam. Subulirostres ou Raphioramphes.—
Manakin, Pipra; Mésange, Parus; Alouette,
Alauda; Becfin, Sylvia.

VI Fam. Planirostres ou Omaloramphes.—Mar-
tinet, Cypselus ; Hirondelle, Hirundo; Engoule-
vent, Caprimulgus. [ Vociferator, mihi. |

,
5

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 115

VII Fam. Ténuirostres ou Leptoramphes.—
Alcyon, Alcedo; 'Todier, Todus; Sittelle, Sttta ;
Orthorinque, Orthorha ynchus ; Guépier, Mer Ops ;
Colibri, Trochilus ; Grimpereau, Certhia ; Huppe,
Upupa.

III Ordre, GRIMPEURS.

I Fam. Cuneirostres ou Sphénoramphes.—Pic,
Picus; 'Torcol, Yunx; Jacamar, Galbula; Ani,
Crotophas GQ ; Coucon, Cuculus.

II Fam. Lévirostres ou Cénor amphes. —Toucan,
Ramphastos; Musophage, Musophaga ; Courou-
cou, Trogon; 'Touraco, Towraco; Barbu, Bucco ;
Ara, Ara; Cacatoés, Cacatua; Perroquet, Psitta-
cus.

IV Ordre, GALLINACES.

I Fam. Péristéres ou Colombins.—Pigeon, Co-
lumba.

II Fam. Alectrides ou Domestiques.—Outarde,

tis; Paon, Pavo; 'Tétras, Tetrao; Faisan, Pha-
stanus ; Peintade, Numidia ; Hocco, Crax ; Guan,
Penelope; Dindon, Meleagris.

III Fam. Brachyptéres ou Brevipennes.—Au-_
truche, Struthzo ; 'Touyou, Towyou; Casoar, Rhea;
Dronte, Didus.

V Ordre, EcHasstErs.

I Fam. Pressirostres ou Ramphosténes.—J aca-
na, Jacana; Rale, Rallus; Huitrier, Hematopus ;
Gallinule, Gallinula ; Foulque, Fulica.

II Fam. Cultrirostres ou Ramphocopes.—Bec-
ouvert, Hians; Héron, Ardea; Cicogne, Ciconia;
Grue, Grus; Jabiru, Mycteria ; Tantale, Tantalus.

Ill Fam. Latirostres ou Ramphoplates.—Phé-
nicoptere, Phenicopterus ; Spatule, Platalea; Sa-
vacou, Cancroma.

IV Fam. Ténuirostres ou Rampholites.—Avo-
cette, Avocetta; Courlis, Numenius; Bécasse,

Scolopax ; Vanneau, Parra; Pluvier, Char adrius.

116 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

VI Ordre, PALMIPEDEs.

I Fam. Serrirostres ou Prionoramphes.—Canard,
Anas; Harle, Mergus; Flammant, [bis.

II Fam. Pinnipédes ou Podoptéres.—Pélican,
Pelecanus ; Cormoran, Cormoranus; Frégate,
Fregata; Fou, Sula; Phaéton, Phaéton. ;

III Fam. Longipennes ou Macroptéres.—Rhin-
cope, Rhryncops; Sterne, Sterna; Peétrel, Procel-
laria; Albatros, Diomedea; Mauve, Larus.

IV Fam. Brevipennes ou Uropodes.—Grébe,
Podiceps; Guillemot, Uria; Alque, Alcea; Pin-
gouin, Pingouin; Manchot, Aptenodytes.

6 orders, 23 families, 111 genera.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 17

MEYER’S SYSTEM. 1810.

I Order, RAPACES.
{ Fam. Scleroptere. Diurnal birds of prey.
II Fam. Malacoptere. Nocturnal birds of prey.
II Order, Coraces.

Lanius, Corvus, Nucifraga, Coracias, Oriolus,
Upupa, Cuculus.

III Order, Prcct.

I Fam. With rigid quills. —Preus, Certhia.

II Fam. With soft quills—Vunz, Sitta, Ticho-
droma.

IV Order, ALCYONES.

Mer Ops, Alcedo.

V Order, OSCINES.

I Fam. Passerint.—-Loxia, Fringilla, Plectro-
phanes, Emberiza.

Il Fam. Turdoides—Turdus, Bombycivora,
Cinclus, Sturnus, Pastor.

III Fam. Subulate.—Muscicapa, Motacilla,
Sylvia, Troglodytes, Saxicola, Accentor, Anthus,
Alauda, Parus, Regulus.

VI Order, CHELIDONEs.
Hirundo, Cypselus, Caprimulgus.
VII Order, CoLuMBz.

Columba.

VILL Order, GaLuinz.

Contains the European Gallinide.

IX Order, CursoreEs.
Otis, Gidicnemus, Cursorius.

118 . ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

X Order, GRALL.
Morinella, &c. :
XI Order, NATATORES.

I Fam. Conirostres.—Fulica, Podiceps, Alca,
Mormon, Uria, Sterna, Larus, Lestris.

II Fam. Lamelloso-dentati.—Anas, Anser, Mer-
us.

IIIT Fam. Steganopodes.—Pelecanus, Carbo,
Sula.

1] orders, 10 families,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 119

ILLIGER’S SYSTEM. 1811.

I Order, ScANSORES.

I Fam. Psittacint—Psittacus, Pezoporus.

II Fam. Serrati—Ramphastos, Pteroglossus,
Pogonias, Corythaix, Trogon, Musophaga.

Ill Fam. Amphiboli.—Crotophaga, Scytrops,
Bucco, Tamatia, Cuculus, Centropus.

IV Fam. Sagittilingues—Yunx, Picus.

V Fam. Syndactyli.imGalbula.

II Grder, AMBULATORES.

VI Fam. Angulirostres.—Alcedo, Merops.

VII Fam. Suspenst.—Trochilus.

VIII Fam. Tenuirostres—Nectarinia, Ticho-
droma, Upupa.

IX Fam. Pigarrhigi.—Certhia, Dendrocolaptes.

X Fam. Gregarii.—Xenops, Sitta, Buphaga,
Oriolus, Cassicus, Sturnus.

XI Fam. Canori.—Turdus, Cinclus, Accentor,
Motacilla, Saxicola, Sylvia, Muscicapa, Tyran-
nus, Muscipeta, Myothera, Lanius, Sparactes,
Todus, Pipra.

XII Fam. Passerint.—Parus, Alauda, Anthus,
Emberiza, Tanagra, Fringilla, Loxia, Colius,
Glaucopis, Phytotoma.

XIII Fam. Dentirostres—Pr tonites, Buceros.

XIV Fam. Coraces.—Corvus, Coracias, Para-
disea, Cephalopterus, Gracula.

XV Fam. Sericatt.—Ampelis, Procnias.

XVI Fam. Hiantes—Hirundo, Cypselus, Ca-
primulgus.

120 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Tif Order, RArraTores.

XVII Fam. Nocturnt.—Strix.

XVIII Fam. Accipitrint.—Falco, Gypogeranus,
Gypaétus.

XIX Fam. Vulturinit—Vultur, Cathartes.

IV Order, Rasores.

XX Fam. Gallinacet.—Numidia, Meleagris,
Penelope, Crax, Opisthocomus, Pavo, Phasianus,
Gallus, Menura, Tetrao, Perdix.

XXI Fam. Epollicatt—Ortygis, Syrrhaptes.

XXII Fam. Columbini.—Columba.

XXIII Fam. Crypturt—Crypturus.

XXIV Fam. Jnepti.—Didus.

V Order, Cursores.

XXV Fam Proceri.—Casuarius, Struthio,
Rhea.

XXVI Fam. Campestres.—Otis.

XXVII Fam. Littorales—Charadrius, Cali-
dris, Himantopus, Hematopus, Tachydromus,
Burhinus.

VI Order, GRALLATORES.

XXVIII Fam. Vaginati.—Chionis.

XXIX Fam. Alectorides—Glareola, Cereopsis,
Dicolophus, Palamedea, Chauna, Psophia.

XXX Fam. Herodit—Grus, Ciconia, Ardea,
Kurypyga, Scopus, Cancroma, Anastomus.

XXXI Fam. Falcati.—Tantalus, Ibis.

XXXII Fam. Limicole.—Numenius, WScolo-
pax, Eurenetes, Actitis, Tringa, Totanus, Limosa,
Strepsilas.

XXXII Fam. Macrodactyli—Parra, Rallus,
Crex.

XXXIV Fam. Lobipedes.—Fulica, Podoa,
Phalaropus.

XXXV Fam. Hygrobate—Corrira, Recurvi-
rostra, Platalea, Phenicopterus.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 12]

VII Order, NATATORES.
XXXVI Fam. Longipennes.—Rhyncops, Sterna,
Larus, Lestris.
XXXVII Fam. Tubinares.—Procellaria, Ha-
ladroma, Pachyptila, Diomedea.
XXXVITII Fam. Lamelloso-dentati.—Anas, An-
ser, Mergus.
XXXIX Fam. Steganopodes.—Pelecanus, Ha-
lieus, Dysporus, Phaéton, Plotus.
XL Fam. Pygopodes.—Colymbus, Hudytes,
Uria, Mormon, Alca.
XLI Fam. Jmpennes.—Aptenodytes.
7 orders, 41 families, 155 genera.

| a ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

TEMMINCK’S SYSTEM. 1815.

I Ordre, Rapaces.—Vautour, Vultwr; Catharte,
Cathartes; Gypaéte, Gypaétus ; Messager, Gypo-
geranus; Faucon, Falco ; Chouette, Strzx.

Il Ordre, OMNIVoRES.—Sasa, Opisthocomus ;
Calao, Buceros; Motmot, Prionites; Corbeau,
Corvus; Casse-noix, Nuctfraga; Pyrrhocorax,
Pyrrhocorax ; Cassican, Barita; Glaucope, Glau-
copis; Mainate, Gracula; Pique-beeuf, Buphaga;
Jaseur, Bombycivora; Piroll, Ptilonorhynchus ;
Rollier, Coracias ; Rolle, Colaris; Loriot, Oriolus ;
Troupiale, [cterus; Etourneau, Stwrnes; Martin,
Pastor ; Oiseau de Paradis, Paradisea ; Stourne,
Lamprotornis.

III Ordre, InsEcTIvorEs.—Merle, Turdiis ;
Cincle, Cinclus; Lyre, Menura; Bréve, Pitta;
Fourmilier, Myothera; Batara, Thamnophalus ;
Vanga, Vanga; Piegriéche, Lanius; Bécarde,
Psaris; Bec-de-fer, Sparactes; Langrayen, Ocyp-
terus; Crinon, Criniger ; Drongo, Hdolius ; Eche-
nilleur, Ceblephyris ; Coracine, Coracina; Co-
tinga, Ampelis ; Averano, Casmarhinchos ; Proené,
Procnias; Rupicole, Rupicola ; Tanmanak, Phi-
balura ; Manakin, Pipra; Pardalote, Pardalotus ;
Todier, Todus; Platyrhinque, Platyrhinchos ;
Moucherolle, Muscipeta ;.Gobe-mouche, Musci-
capa; Meérion, Malurus; Becfin, Sylvia; Tra-

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 123

quet, Saxicola; Accenteur, Accentor ; Bergeron-
nette, Motacilla; Pipit, Anthus.

IV Ordre, GRanivorEs.—Alouette, Alauda ;
Mésange, Parus; Bruant, E'mberiza ; Tangara,
Tanagra ; 'Tisserin, Ploceus ; Bec-croisé, Loxia;
Psittasin, Psittirostra; Bouvreuil, Pyrrhula ;
Grosbec, Fringilla ; Phytotome, Phytotoma ; Co-
hou, Colius.

V Ordre, ZycGopactyit1.—Fam. 1.—Touraco,
Musophaga; Indicateur, Indicator; Coucon,
Cuculus ; Coua, Coccyzus; Coucal, Centropus ;
Malcoha, Phcenicophaus; Courol, Leptosomus ;
Scythrops, Scythrops; Aracari, Pteroglossus ;
Toucan, Ramphastos; Ani, Crotophaga ; Cou-
- roucou, Trogon ; Tamatia, Capito; Barbu, Bucco ;
Barbican, Pegontas; Perroquet, Psittacus. Fam.
2—Pic, Picus; Jacamar, Galbula ; Torcol,
Yun.

VI Ordre, ANISODACTYLI.—Oxyrinque, Ovyrun-
cus; ‘Torchepot, Sztta; Onguiculé, Orthonyz ;
Picucule, Dexdrocolaptes ; Sittine, Xenops ; Grim-
part, Anabates ; Ophie, Opetierhynchos; Grimpe-
reau, Certhia; Guit-guit, Cwreba ; Colibri, To-
chilus; Souimanga, Nectarinia ; KEchelet, Cli-
macteris; 'Tichodrome, Tichodroma; Huppe,
Upupa; Promerops, Epimachus; Heéorotaire,
Drepanis ; Philedon, Meliphaga.

VII Ordre, ALcIonESs.—Guépier, Merops ; Mar-
tin-pécheur, Alcedo ; Martin-chasseur, Dacelo.

VIII Ordre, CHELIDONES.—Hirondelle, Hirun-
do; Martinet, Cypselus; Engoulevent, Capri-
mulgus.

IX Ordre, CoLtumB#.—Pigeon, Columba.

X Ordre, GaLLIN2z.—Paon, Pavo ; Coq, Gal-
lus; Faisan, Phasianus ; Lophophore, Lopho-
phorus; Eperonnier, Polyplectron ; Dindon, Me-
leagris; Argus, Argus; Pintade, Numedia ;

124 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Pauxi, Pauzxi; Tocco, Crax; Pénélope, Pene-
lope; 'Tétras, Tetrao; Ganga, Pterocles ; Hété-
roclite, Syrrhaptes ; Perdrix, Perdix ; Cryptonyx,
Cryptonyx ; 'Tinamou, Tinamus ; 'Turnix, Hemi-
podius.

XI Ordre, ALECTORIDES.—Agami, Psophia ;
Caziama, Dicholophus; Glaréole, Glareola; Ka-
michi, Palamedea ; Chavaria, Chauna.

XII Ordre, Cursorres.—Autruche, Struthio ;
Rhea, Rhea; Casoar, Casuarius ; Outarde, Otis ;
Courtvite, Cursorius.

NII Ordre, GRALLATORES.—F am. 1.—Oedic-
neme, Cidicnemus ; Sanderling, Calidris ; Falei-
nelle, Falctnellus ; Echasse, Himantopus ; Buit-
erier, Hamatopus; Pluvier, Charadrius. Fam.
2.—Vanneau, Vanellus; 'Tournepierre, Strepsilas ;
Grue, Grus; Courlan, Aramus; Héron, Ardea ;
Cicogene, Ciconta ; Becouvert, Anastomus ; Om-
brette, Scopus; Flammant, Phaenicopterus ; Avo-
cette, Recurvirostra ; Savacou, Cancroma ; Spa-
tule, Platalea; Tantale, Tantalus; Ubis, Ibis ;
Courlis, Numenius ; Bécasseau, Tringa ; Cheva-
lier, Totanus; Barge, Limosa ; Bécasse, Scolopaz ;
Rhrynchuée, Rhrynchea; Curale, Eurypyga ;
Rale, Rallus ; Poule @eau, Gallinula ; Jacana,
Parra; Taléve, Porphyrio.

XIV Ordre, PInNATIPEDES.—Foulque, Fulica ;
Grébefoulque, Podoa ; Phalarope, Phalaropus ;
Grebe, Podiceps.

XV Ordre, PALMIPEDES.—Céréopse, Cereopsis :
Bec-en-fourreau, Chionts; Bec-en--ciseau, Rhyn-
chops; Hirondelle de mer, Sterna; Mauve, Larus ;
Stercoraire, Lestris; Pétrel, Procellaria ; Prion,
Pachyptila; Pélécanoide, Haladroma; Albatros,
Diomedea ; Canard, Anas; Harle, Mergus; Peé-
lican, Pelecanus ; Cormoran, Carbo; Frégate,
Tachypetes; Fou, Sula; Anhinga, Plotus; Paille-

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 125

en-queue, Phaéton; Guillemot, Uria; Starique,
Phaleris; Macareux, Mormon; Pingouin, Alca ;
Spheénisque, Spheniscus ; Manchot, Aptenodytes.
XVI Ordre, INERTEs. Apteryx, Apteryx ;
Dronte, Didus.
16 orders, 202 genera.

126 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK-

CUVIER’S SYSTEM. i817.

{ Ordre, OIsEAUX DE Prois.

Divurnres. Les Vautours.—Vautour, Vultur ;
Sarcoramphe, Sarcoramphus; Percnoptere, Neo-
phron; Griffon, Gypaétos.

Les Faucons.—Faucon, Falco; Gerfaut, Hvero-
falco; Aigle, Aquila; Aiglepécheur, Halietus ;
Orfraye, Pygargus ; Balbusard, Pandion ; Harpie,
FHarpyia; Aigle-autour, Morphnus; Cymindis,
Cymindis; Autour, Astur ; Epervier, Nésws; Mi-
lan, Milvus; Bondrée, Pernis; Buse, Buteo;
Busard, Circus ; Messager, Serpentartus.

Nocturnes. Les Strix.—Hibou, Otus; Chou-
ette, Ulula; Effraye, Strex; Chat-huant, Syr-
nium; Duc, Bubo; Chevéche, Noctua; Chou-
ette-a-aigrettes, ————?! Scops, Scops.

II Ordre, PAssSEREAUX.

DENTIROSTRES. Les Piegriéches.—Piegriéche,
Lanius; Ocyptere, Ocypterus ; Cassican, Barita;
Bécarde, Psarts ; Choucaris, Graucalus ; Béthyle,
Bethylus. |

Les 'Tangaras.—Bouvreuil, ————? Grosbec,

? Tangara, Tanagra ; 'Tangara-loriot,
Tangara-cardinal, ——— ? 'Tangara-ramphocéles,
?

Les Gobe-mouches.—Tyran, Tyrannus ; Mou-
cherolle, Muscipeta ; Gobe-mouche, Muscicapa ;
Gymocéphale, Gymnocephalus ; Céphaloptere,
Cephalopterus ; Cotinga, Ampelis; Echenilleur,
Ceblepyris ; Jaseur, Bombycivora ; Procnias,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 127

Procnias; Gymnodére, Gymnoderus ; Drongo,
Edolius.

Les Merles.—Merle, Merula; Grive, Turdus ;
Chocard, Pyrrhocorax ; Loriot, Oriolus ; Four-
milier, Myothera ; Cincle, Cinclus; Philédon,
Philedon ; Martin, Gracula ; Lyre, Menura.

Les Manakins.—Cogq de roche, Rupicola; Ma-
nakin, Pipra.

Les Becfins.—Traquet, Savicola ; Rubiette, Syi-
via; Fauvette, Curruca; Accentor, Accentor; Roi-
telet, Regulus; 'Troglodyte, Troglodytes; Hoche-
queue, Motacilla; Bergeronnette, Budytes; Far-
louse, Anthus.

Fisstrostres. Les Hirondelles.
Apus ; Hirondelle, Hirundo.

Les Engoulevents.—Podarge, Podargus; En-
goulevent, Caprimulgus. | Vociferator, N. Wood. |

ConirostTrREs. Les Alouettes. Sra, Alau-
da; Calandre, Calandra; Sirh,

Les 1 Mésanges.— Mésange, Par US ; etn
Calamophilus; Remiz, Icterus.

Les Bruants.

Les Moineaux.—Tisserin, Ploceus; Moineau,
Pyrgita; Pincgon, Fringilla; Linotte et Chard-
onneret, Carduelis ; Veuve, Vidua; Grosbec, Coc-
cothraustes.

Les Pityles.—Pitylus, Prtylus.

Les Bouvreuils.—Bouvreuil, Pyrrhula.

Les Bec-croisés.—Bec-croisé, Loxia.

Les Durbecs.—Durbec, Corythus.

Les Colious.—Coliou, Colzus.

Les Glaucopes.—Glaucope, Glaucopis.

Les pique-beeufs.—Pic-beuf, Buphaga.

Les Cassiques.— Cassique, Cassicus ; Troupiale,
Icterus; Carouge, Xanthornus; Pitpit, Dacnis.

Les Etourneaux.—Etourneau, Stwrnus.

Les Sittelles.—Sittelle, S¢tta.

Les Corbeaux.—Corbeau, Corvus; Pie, Pica ;

Martinet,

128 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Geai, Garrulus ; Casse-noix, Caryocatactes ; 'Té-
mia, Tema.

Les Rolliers.—Rollier, Coracias; Rolle, Colaris ;
Mainate, Hulabes.

Les Paradisiers.—Paradisier, Paradisea.

TENUIROSTRES. Les Huppes.—Crave, Fregi-
lus; Huppe, Upupa; Promerops, Promerops ;
Epimaches, Epumachus.

Les Grimpereaux.—Grimpereau, Certhia ; Pi-
cucule, Dendrocolaptes; Echelet, Tichodroma ;
Sucrier, Nectarinia; Dicée, Diceum; Heéorotaire,
Drepanis ; Souimanga, Cinnyris.

Les Colibris.—Colibri, Trochilus; Oiseau-
mouche, Orthorhynchus.

SynpactyLes. Les Gueépiers.—Gueépier, Me-
rops.

Les Motmots.—Motmot, Prionztes.

Les Martin-pécheurs.—Martinpecheur, Alcedo.

Les Ceyx.—Ceyx, Ceyzx.

Les 'Todiers.—Todier, Todus.

Les Calaos.—Calao, Buceros.

III Ordre, GRIMPEURS.

Les Jacamars.—J acamar, Galbula; Jacamerops,
Jacamerops.

Les Pics.—Pic, Pecus.

Les Picoides.—Picoide, Picoides.

Les Torcols.—Torcol, Yuna.

Les Coucous.—Coucou, Cuculus; Coua, Coc-
cyzus; Coucal, Centropus ; Courol, Leptosomus ;
Indicateur, Indicator ; Barbacou, ————? Mal-
coha, Phenicophaus.

Les Scythrops.—Scythrops, Scythrops.

Les Barbus.—Barbican, Pogonias; Barbu, Buc-
co; Tamatia, Capito.

Les Couroucous.—Couroucou, Trogon.

Les Anis.—Ani, Crotophaga.

Les Toucans.—Toucan, Ramphastos.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 129

Les Perroquets.—Ara, Ara; Perruche, ————?
Cacatoés, Cacatua ; Perroquet, Psittacus; Perro-
quet a trompe, ————? Pézopore, Pezoporus.

Les Touracos.—Touraco, Corythaix.
Les Musophages.—Musophage, Musophaga.
IV Ordre, GALLINACES.

Les Paons.—Paon, Pavo.

Les Dindons.—Dindon, Meleagris.

Les Alectors.—Hocco, Craxz; Pauxi, Ourax ;
Guan, Penelope ; Parraquas, Ortalida.

Les Hoazins.—Hoazin, Opisthocomus.

Les Faisans.—Coq, Gallus; Faisan, Phasianus ;
Houppifére, ———: Lophophore, Lophophorus ;
Cryptonyx, Cryptonyx.

Les Peintades.—Peintade, Numidia.

Les 'Tétras.—Coq de bruyére, Lagopus; Per-
drix, Perdix; Francolin, Francolinus ; Caille,
Coturnix ; ; Colin, Ortyx; Tridactyle, Hemipo-
dius ; 'Turnix, Or ty gis; Syrrhaptes, Syrrhaptes ;
Tinamou, Tinamus.

Les Pigeons—Colombi-galline, Goura; Co-
lombe, Columba ; Colombar, Vinago.

Vv Ordre, E\CHASSIERS.

BREVIPENNES. Les Autruches.—-Autruche,
Struthio.

Les Casoars.—Casoar, Casuarius.

PRESSTROSTRES.—Les Outardes.—Outarde, Ofts.

Les Pluviers—Cidicnéme, Cidicnemus; Plu-
vier, Charadrius.

Les Vanneaux.—Vanneau-pluvier, Sguatarela ;
Vanneau, Vanellus.

Les Huitriers—Huitrier, Hematopus.

Les Coure-vites.—Coure-vite, Cursorius.

Les Cariamas.—Cariama.—Microdactylus.

CULTRIROSTRES. Les Grues.—Agami, Psophia ;
Numidique, Anthropotdes; Grue, Grus ; Courlan,
Botaurus ; Caurale, Hurypyga.

Les Savacous. —Sayacou, Cancroma.

130 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Les Hérons.—Heéron, Ardea.

Les Cicognes.—Cicogne, Ciconia.

Les Jabirus.—Jabiru, Mycteria.

Les Ombrettes.—Ombrette, Scopus.

Les Bec-ouverts.—Bec-ouvert, Hians.

Les Tantales.—Tantale, Tantalus.

Les Spatules.—Spatule, Platalea.

Lonerrostres. Les Ibis.—Ibis, [bis.

Les Courlis.—Courlis, Nwmenius; Courlieu,
Pheopus; Falcinelle, Falcinellus.

Les Bécasses.—Bécasse, Scolopax ; Rhynchée, »
Rhynchoea ; Barge, Iamosa ; Maubéche, Calidris ;
Alouette de mer, Pelidna ; Combattant, Machetes ;
Sanderling, Arenaria ; Phalarope, Phalaropus ;
Tournepierre, Strepsilas; Chevalier, Totanus ;
Lobipéde, Lobipes ; Kchasse, Himantopus.

Les Avocettes.—Avocette, Recurvirostra.

Macropacty.Les.—Les Jacanas.—Jacana, Par-
ra.

Les Kamichis.—Kamichi, Palamedea.

Les Rales.—Rale, Rallus.

Les Foulques.—Poule @eau, Gallinula ; 'Taléve,
Porphyrio ; Foulque, Fulica.

Les Giaroles.—Giarole, Glareola.

Les Flammants.—Flammant, Phoentcopterus.

VI Ordre, PALMIPEDES.

Pionerurs. Les Plongeons.—Grébe, Podiceps ;
Plongeon, Colymbus ; Guillemot, Uria ; Cephus,
Cephus.

Les Pingouins.—Macareaux, Fratercula ; Pin-
gouin, Alea.

Les Manchots:—Manchot, Aptenodytes; Gor-
fou, Catarrhactes ; Sphénisque, Sphenzscus.

LoNGIPENNES. Les Pétrels.—Pétrel, Procella-
ria; Puffin, Puffinus; Pélécanoide, Haladroma ;
Prion, Pachyptila.

Les Albatrosses—Albatros, Diomedea.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 131

Les Goélands.—Goéland, Larus; Stercoraire,
Lestris.

Les Hirondelles de mer.—Sterne, Sterna; Noddi,
Anois.

Les bec-en-ciseaux.—Bec-en-ciseau, Rhyncops.

TotrpaLMEs. Les Pélicans.—Pélican, Peleca-
nus ; Cormoran, Carbo; Frégate, Fregata; Fou,
Sula.

Les Anhinga.—Anhinga, Plotus.

Les Paille-en-queue.—Paille-en-queue, Phaéton.

LAMELLIROSTRES. Les Canards.—Cygne, Cyg-
nus; Oie, Anser; Bernache, Bernicla ; Canard,
Anas; Macreuse, Ozdemia; Garrot, Clangula ;
Eider, Somateria; Millouin, Fuligula; Souchet,
Spathulea; 'Tadorne, Tadorna; Sarcelle, Quer-
quedula.

Les Harles.—Harle, Mergus.

6 orders, 16 families, 263 genera.

132 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

BLAINVILLE’S _

Type I, Ostéozaires.—

( Préhenseurs ...........000 |
:
Ravisseurs.2..:...2.05 eee i
¢ Anomaux |
Variables ...., 2. ae oa
( Médiocres
+ doigts.
S Libres on presque libres ........
td 2
=
re)
pirat C
>
"oD Normaux aoe
oO . <
5, Un peu réunis par ( Longue ....
es une Membrane.
3 Les‘ailes 255..22 Courtes....
= ( Inutiles an’ vol {oye Be
‘ Fort longs en général
=a Wes Ales tesa ashe
4 Utiles evvevreceeenr eeercese adn canine ns aininiaidio f@eaatorve ¥
ie)
ro
A
=
3
o
w
oe)
Courts; les doigts palmés........... is iiens -

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 133

SYSTEM. 1818.

Sous-type I, Ovipares. Classe II, Oiseaux.

PTMPPCUSOTCS fo.0icccscssceeeineeet ee emer Psittacus.
f Anomaux. Serpentarius.
DidiMe Ss s aes é
Rapiatores . U Normans. Falco.
( INGetiInMes ~ 2... 26 Strix.
Pe Latirostres. Caprimulgus.
Hétérodactyles .. se Se
Altirostres. Crotophaga.
Scansores.... j ai :
Zygodactyles ........ Cuculus, Picus.
Syndactyles............ Alcedo.

Subulirostres. Trochilus.
ANNE 2 eee deh

| Cultrirostres. Corvus.
Saltatores... Longirostres. Turdus.
ie Tenuirostres. Motacilla.
Crénirestres. Lantus.
Conirostres. Fringilla.

>

TALS beer es,

TET RES ce .Columba.
Longicaudes ........ Phastanus.
Gradatores. )
| Brevicaudes _........ Perdix.
ELS ERO EER Struthio.
Gallinogralles ........ Psophia, Otts.
Microrhyngues. Tringa.
apes ns Tachydromes .... Macrorhynques. Scolopax.
Hétérorhynques. Phenicopterus.
Ciconiens ............5 Ciconia.
Macrodactyles.......Radlus.
Macropteres<.:....... Larus.
{ Ssptionorkinicns.” Procltaria
Natatores ..< Cryptorhiniens.......Pelecanus.
( Ailés. Anas.
Colymbiens........< Subailés. Mergus.

Inailés. Aptenodytes.

/ 134 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

VIEILLOT’S SYSTEM. 1816.

I Ordre, ACCIPITRES.
I Tribu, Diurnes.

{ Fam. Vautowrins.—Vautour, Zopilote, Galli-
naze, Iribin, Rancaca, Caracara.

Il Fam. Gypaétes.—Phéne.

III Fam. Accipitrins.—Aigle, Pygargue, Bal-
busard, Circaéte, Busard, Buse, Milan, Elanus,
Ictinie, Faucon, Physéte, Harpie, Spizaéte, As-
turine, Epervier.

II Tribe, Nocturnes.

IV Fam. @goliens.—Chouette.

II Ordre, SYLVAINS.
I Tribu, Zygodactyles.

I Fam. Psittacins.—Perroquet, Ara, Kakatoés.

II ¥am. Macroglosses—Pic, Torcol.

III Fam. Auréoles—Jacamar.

IV Fam. Ptéroglosses—Toucan.

V Fam. Barbus.—Couroucou, Barbican, Bar-
bus, Cabézon, Monase, Malkoha.

VI Fam. Imberbes.—Tacco, Scythrops, Vou-
roudriou, Coulicou, Coucou, Indicateur, Toulou,
Ani.

VII Fam. Prugivores—Musophage, Touraco.

II ‘Tribu, Anisodactyles.

VIII Fam. Granivores—Phytotome, Coliou,
Bee-croisé, Durbec, Bouvreuil, Grosbec, F ringille,
Sizerin, Passerine, Bruant.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 135

IX Fam. Ggithales—Mésange, Mégistine, Ty-
ranneau, Pardalotte, Manakin.

X Fam. Péricalles.—Phibalure, Viréon, Né-
mosie, Tangara, Habia, Arremon, Touit, Jacapa,
Pyranga, Tachyphone.

XI Fam. 7isserands.—Loriot, Malimbe, Icterie,
Carouge, Baltimore, Troupiale, Cassique.

XII Fam. Letmonites.—Stournelle, Etourneau,
Pic-beeuf.

XIII Fam. Caronculés.—Glaucope, Dulophe,
Créadion, Mainate.

XIV Fam. Manucodiates.—Sifilet, Lophorine,
Manucode, Samalie.

XV Fam. Coraces.—Corbeau, Pie, Geai, Casse-
noix, Coracias, Choquard, Témia, Astrapie, Quis-
cale, Cassican, Rollier.

XVI Fam. Paccivores.—Rolle, Coracine, Piau-
hau, Jaseur, Cotinga, 'Tersine.

XVII Fam. Chélidons.—Hirondelle, Martinet,.
Engoulevent, Ibijau.

XVIII Fam. Myothéres.—Platyrhynque,Todier,
Conopophage, Gallite, Echenilleur, Moucherolle,
Tyran, Bécarde.

XIX Fam. Collurions.—Piegriéche, Falconelle,
Sparacte, Lanion, Batara, Pillurion, Drongo, Vanga,
Bagadais, Gonolek, Langraien.

XX Fam. Chanteurs.—Merle, Esclave, Sphéco-
thére, Martin, Psaroide, Gralline, Aguassiére, Bréve,
Grallarie, Fourmilier, Pégot, Mouchet, Motteux,
Alouette, Pipi, Hoche-queue, Mérion, Cigithine,
Fauvette, Roitelet, Troglodyte.

XXI Fam. Grompereaux.— Thriothore, Mniotilde,
Sittine, Sittelle, Pyrrote, Picchion, Grimpereau,
Picucule.

XXII Fam. Anthomyses. —Guit-guit, Soui-
manga, Colibri, Héorotaire.

XXIII Fam. Epopsides.-—Polochion, Fournier,
Puput, Promerops.

136 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

XXIV Fam. Pelmatodes.—Guépier, Martin-—
péecheur.

XXV Fam. Antriades.—Rupicole.

XXVI Fam. Prionotes.—Momot, Calao.

XXVII Fam. Porte-lyres.—Meénure.

XXVIII Fam. Ophiophages.—Hoazin.

XXIX Fam. Colombins.—Théron, Pigeon,
Goura.

XXX Fam. Alectrides.—Marail.

IIT Ordre, GALLINACKS.

, 1 Fam. Nudipédes.—Hocco, Dindon, Paon,
Eperonnier, Argus, Faisan, Coq, Monaul, Peintade,
Rouloul, Tocro, Perdrix, Tinamou, Ortygode.

Il Fam. Plumipédes.—Tétras, Lagopéde,
Ganga, Hétéroclite. ; |

IV Ordre, ECHAssIERs.
I Tribu, Di-tridactyles

I Fam. Mégistanes.—Autruche, Nandou, Casoar,
Emou.

Il Fam. Pédionomes.—Outarde. .

Tlf Fam. Atgialites.—(éidicnéme, Echasse,
Huitrier, Erolie, Court-vite, Pluvian, Sanderling,
Plavier.

II Tribu, Tétradactyles.

IV Fam. Elonomes.—Vanneau, Tournepierre,
Tringa, Chevalier, Chorlite, Bécassine, Bécasse,
Barge, Caurale, Courlis.

V Fam. Falcirostres.—Ibis, Tantale.

VI Fam. Latirostres.—Spatule, Savacou.

VII Fam. Heérodions.— Ombrette, Bec-ouvert.
Courliri, Héron, Cicogne, Jabiru.

VIII Fam. A’rophones.—Grue, Anthropoide.

IX Fam. Coléoramphes.—Chionis.

X Fam. Uncirostres.—Cariama, Secrétaire, Ce-
reopsis, Glaréole, Kamichi, Chavaria.

XI Fam. Hilebates——Agami.

XII Fam. Macronyches.—Jacana.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 137

XIII Fam. Macrodactyles.—Rale, Porzane,
Porphyrion, Gallinule.
XIV Fam. Pinnatipédes.—Youlque, Crymo-
phile, Phalarope.
XV Fam. Palmipédes.—Avocette, Phénicoptére.
V Ordre, NAGEuRS.
I Tribu, Teléopodes.
I Fam. Syndactyles.—Frégate, Cormoran, Peli-
can, Fou, Phaéton, Anhinga.
Il Fam. Plongeurs.—H éliorne, Grebe, Plongeon.
Ill Fam. Dermorhynques.—Harle, Oie, Cygne,
Canard. ©
IV Fam. Pélagiens.—-Stercoraire, Mouette,
Sterne, Rhryncope.
Il Tribu, Atéléopodes.
V Fam. Szphorins.—Peétrel, Albatros.
VI Fam. Brachypteres. —Guillemot, Mergule,
Macareux, Alque.
lil Tribu, Pélonieen
VII Fam. Manchots.—Gorfou, Aptenodyte.
5 orders, 9 tribes, 58 families, 273 genera.

138 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

VIGORS’S SYSTEM. 1825.

Order I, RAPTOREs.

I Fam. '—G'ypogeranus.

II Fam. Vulturidee.—Cathartes. Sarcoramphus,
Gyps, Vultur, Gypaétus, Neophron.

III Fam. Falconide.

1 Subfam. Aquiline.

Ibycter, Daptrius, Polyborus, Pandion, Halie-
tus, Aquila, Harpyia, Physeta, Mor ‘phnus, Cymin-
dis, Asturina.

2 Subfam. Accipitrine.

Dedalion, Astur, Accipiter, Harpagus, Gamp-
SONYX.

3 Subfam. Falconine.

Hierax, Falco.

4 Subfam. Buteonine.

Ictinia, Circus, Pernis, Buteo.

5 Subfam. Milvine.

Elanus, Nauclerus, Milvus.

IV Fam. Strigide.

1 Subfam. Noctuine.

Surnia, Noctua.

2 Subfam. Bubonine.

Scops, Bubo.

3 Subfam. Asionine.

Asio.

4 Subfam. Strigine.

Ulula, Strix.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 139

5 Subfam. Syrniane.
Syrnium.
V Fam.

.
II Order, INsEssoREs.
I Tribe, Fissirostres.
I Fam. Meropide.—WMerops.
II Fam. Hirundinide.—Cypselius, Hirundo.
III Fam. Caprimulgide.—Caprimulgus, Pod-
argus, Aigotheles, Steatornis, Nyctibius.
IV Fam. Todide.—EHurylaimus, Hurystomus,
Todus. .
V Fam. Halcyonide.—Alcedo, Halcyon, Dacelo,
Tanysiptera, Galbula, Capito, Monasa.
Tribe II, Dentirostres.
{ Fam. Muscicapide.—Platyrhynchus, Musci-
capa, Muscipeta, Onychorhynchus, Vireo, Icteria,
IT Fam. Laniade.
1 Subfam. Tyrannine.
Tyrannus, Tityra, Gubernetes.
2 Subfam. Dicrurine.
Artamus, Dicrurus, Trichophorus, Je ena.
3 Subfam. Laniane.
Sparactes, Lanius, Faleunculus, Cyclarhis,
Lanto.
4 Subfam. 'Thamnophiline.
Vanga, Thamnophilus, Malaconotus, Formict-
vora, Drymophila, Laniarius, Prionops.
5 Subfam. Campephagine.
Graucalus, Campephagqa.
III Fam. Merulide.
1 Subfam. Myiotherine.
Urotomus, Myiothera, Pitta, Grallaria, Cono-
pophaga, Cinclus, Chameza.
2 Subfam. Meruline.
Merula, Sphecotheres.
3 Subfam. Orioline.
Oriolus.

140 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

4 Subfam. Cossyphine.
Cossypha, Timalia.

5 Subfam. i

Petrocincla.

IV Fam. Sylviade.
1 Subfam.

Hylophilus, Lora, Accentor, Pr unella.
2 Subfam. ?

Brachypteryx, Curruca, Ficedula, Aigithina.
3 Subfam. Sylviane. 7

Sylvia, Melizophilus, Synallaxis, Malurus,

Troglodytes, Regulus, Tyrannulus.
A Subfam. Motacilline.

Motacilla, Budytes, Enicurus, Anthus, Cory-
dalla, Megalurus.

5 Subfam. Saxicoline.

Saxicola.

V Fam. Pipride.— githalus, Parus, Megis-
tina, Pardalotus, Pipra, Rupicola, Calyptomena,
Phibalura, Bombycilla, Ampelis, Procnias, Cas-
marhynchus, Querula, Coracina, Pachycephala.

Tribe III, Conirostres.

I Fam. Fringillide.

1 Subfam. 'Tanagrine ?

Huphonia, Nemosia, Tachyphonus, Saltator,
Tanagra, Pyranga, Ramphopis, Arremon, Dulus,
Pipilo.

2 Subfam. Alaudine.
Emberiza, Passerina, Alauda, Mirafra.
3 Subfam. Cardueline.
Carduelis, Ploceus.
4 Subfam. Passerine.
Fringilla, Passer.
5 Subfam. Pyrrhuline.
Linaria, Vidua, Pyrrhula.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 14]

Il Fam. Sturnide.

1 Subfam. Icterine.

Xanthornus, Icterus, Sycobius, Quiscalus, Cas-
SS: Leistes.

2 Subfam. Sturnine.
Sturnella, Sturnws, Ae yramphus, Dilophus.
3 Subfam.
Lamprotornis, Acr Bic es.
4 Subfam. ———?
Pastor, Grallina.
5 Subfam. ————?
Buphaga.
Ill Fam. Corvide.
1 Subfam.
Cracticus, Nuctfraga.
2 Subfam. Corvine.
Pica, Garrulus, Corvus.
3 Subfam. Coraciane.

Coracias, Gracula, Ptilonorhynchus, Glaucopis,
Crypsirina.

4 Subfam. Paradiseane.

Astrapia, Parotia, Paradisea, Lophorina, Ct-
conurus, Epimachus.

5 Subfam. ————?

fregilus, Pyrrhocorax.

IV Bea. Buceride.—Buceros, Momotus.

V Fam. Loxiade.—Phytotoma, Coccothraustes,
Pitylus, Loxia, Psittirostra, Colius, Cissopis,
Strobilophagqa.

IV Tribe, Scansores.

I Fam. Ramphastide.—Scythrops, Ramphastos,
Pteroglossus.

IT Fam. Psittacide.

1 Subfam. Psittacine.
Psittacus, Androglossa.
2 Subfam. Plyctolophine.
Plyctolophus, Calyptorhynchus, Microglossum.

Lin W)

142 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

3 Subfam. Macrocercine.

Macrocercus.

4 Subfam. Paleornine.

Psittacara, Nanodes, Platycercus, Pezoporus,

Paleornis, Trichoglossus, Lorius, Brotogeris.
5 Subfam. Psittaculine.

Psittacula.

III Fam. Picide.—Pogonias, Bucco, Picus, —
Colaptes, Yunx.

IV Fam. Certhiade.— Dendrocolaptes, Certhia,
Climacteris, Orthonyx, Tichodroma, Upupa, Sit-
ta, Xenops, Orthotomus, Neops, Mniotilta, Thrio-
thurus, Pyrrota, Opetiorhynchus, Oxyrhynchus.

V Fam. Cuculide.—Coccyzus, Leptosomus,
Cuculus, Indicator, Centropus, Saurothera, Phe-
nicophaus, Crotophaga, Trogon, Corythaix, Muso-
phaga.

V Tribe, ‘Tenuirostres.

I Fam. Nectariniade.—Nectarinia, Dacnis,
Furnarius.

II Fam. Cinnyride.—Ctnnyris, Diceum, Dre-
pants.

III Fam. Trochilide.—Trochilus, Mellisuga.

IV Fam. Promeropide.—Promerops.

V Fam. Meliphagide.—Meliphaga, Melithrep-
tus, Creadion, Mimetes, Sericulus, Ptiloris, Poma-
torhinus, Prinia.

III Order, Rasores.

I Fam. Columbide.—Treron, Columba, Ptili-
nopus, Lophyrus.

II Fam. Phasianide.—WMeleagris, Pavo, Di-
plectron, Gallus, Monaulus, Phasianus, Argus,
Numidia.

III Fam. Tetraonide.—TLiponyx, Odontopho-
rus, Coturnix, Perdix, Ganga, Tetrao, Lagopus,
Syrrhaptes, Ortygis, Tinamus.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. ~ 143

' IV Fam. Struthionide.—Rhea, Struthio, Casu-
arius, Dromiceius, Didus, Otis.

V Fam. Cracide.—Ourax, Crax, Penelope,
Ortalida, Opisthocomus, Menura, Megapodius.

IV Order, GRALLATORES. |

IT Fam. Gruide.—Psophia, Anthropoides, Bale-
arica, Grus, Cariama.

II Fam. Ardeide.—Aramus, Kurypyga, Ardea,
Cancroma, Phoenicopterus, Platalea, Ciconia,
Mycteria, Scopus, Anastomus, Tantalus, Ibis.

III Fam. Scolopacide.—Numenius, Totanus,
Recurvirostra, Lamosa, E'reunetes, Macroramphus,
Scolopax, Rusticola, Rynchea, Machetes, Pelidna,
Phalaropus, Lobipes, Tringa, Pheopus.

IV Fam. Rallide.— Parra, Palamedea, Chauna,
Glareola, Rallus, Chionts, Crex, Gallinula, Por-
phyrio, Podoa, Fulica.

VY Fam. Charadriade.—Hematopus, Calidris,
Faleinellus, Krolia, Cursorius, Strepsilas, Squata-
rola, Vanellus, Pluvianus, Charadrius, Burhinus,
Himantopus, @dicnemus.

V Order, NATATORES.
I Fam. Anatide.
1 Subfam. Anserine.
Anser, Bernicla, Cheniscus, Chenolopex, Plec-
tropterus.
2 Subfam. Cereopsine.
Cereopsis.
3 Subfam. Anatine.
Tadorna, Cairina, Anas, Dafila, Mareca, Quer-
quedula, Rhynchapsis.
4 Subfam. f
Clangula, Harelda, Fuligula, Mergus, Somate-
ria, Oidemia, Biziura.
5 Subfam. Cygnine.
Cygnus.
Ii Fam. Colymbide.—Podiceps, Colymbus.

144 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

III Fam. Alcade.—Uria, Cephus, Mergulus,
Phaleris, Fratercula, Alca, Spheniseus, Catarr-
hactes, Aptenodytes.

IV Fam. Pelecanide.—Onocrotalus, Phalacro-
corax, Sula, Tachypetes, Phaéton, Plotus.

V Fam. Laride.— Sterna, Rhynchops, Larus,
Stercorarius, Diomedea, Haladroma, Procellaria,
Pachyptila, Puffinus, Thalassidroma.

5 orders, 5 tribes, 45 families, 60 subfamilies,
AOA genera.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 145

LATREILLE’S SYSTEM. 1825.

Premiére section, TERRESTRES.
I Ordre; Rapaces.
I Tribu, Diurnes.

I Fam. Vautourins.—Sarcoramphe, Vautour,
Percnoptére, Griffon.

Il Fam. Acctpitrins.—Aigle, Pygargue, Balbu-
sard, Harpie, Aigle-autour, Asturine, Messager,
Autour, Epervier, Elane, Milan, Bondrée, Buse,
Busard, Faucon, Gerfault.

II Tribu, Nocturnes.

Ill Fam. Agoliens.—Scops, Chevéche, Duc,

Chathuant, Effraye, Chouette, Hibou.
II Ordre, PASsEREAUX.

IFam. Latirostres.—1. Engoulevent, Hirondelle,
Martinet. 2. Procnias, Gymnodeére, Jaseur, Eche-
nilleur, Piroll, Cotinga, Céphaloptére, Gymnocé-
phale, Gobemouche, Moucherolle, Tyran, Drongo.

Il Fam. Dentirostres.—Coq de roche, Mana-
kin, Tangara, Piegriéche, Vanga, Langrayen,
Crinon, Cassican, Bécarde, Choucari, Béthyle,
Merle, Chocard, Loriot, Philédon, Martin, Cincle,
Bréve, Fourmilier, Lyre, Traquet, Rubiette, Fau-
vette, Accenteur, Roitelet, Troglodyte, Hoche-
queue, Bergeronnette, Farlouse.

Ill Fam. Conirostres.—Alouette, Mésange, Bru-
ant, Tisserin, Moineau, Pinson, Chardonneret,
Linotte, Veuve, Grosbec, Pityle, Bouvreuil, Bec-

N

146 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

crois¢, Durbec, Coliou, Glaucope, Etourneau, Cas-
sique, ‘Troupiale, Carouge, Pitpit, Corbeau, Pie,
Geai, Casse-noix, Témia, Rollier, Rolle, Mainate,
Oiseau-de-paradis, Stourne, Pic-bceuf, Sittelle.

IV Fam. Ténutrostres.—Crave, Huppe, Pro-
merops, Epimaque, Grimpereau, Picucule, Eche-
let, Sucrier, Dicée, Héorotaire, Soui-manga, Po- ~
mathorine, Colibri, oiseau-mouche.

V Fam. Syndactyles.—Guépier, Momot, To-
dier, Martin-pécheur, Ceyx, Calao.

III Ordre, GRIMPEURS.

I Fam. Psittacins.—I Tribu. Ara, Perruche,
Pézopore, Kakatoés. J Tribu. Eurhynque.

Il Fam. Pogonorhynques.—Ani, Barbacou, Bar-
bu, Tamatia, Barbican, Couroucou, Monase, Mal-
koha.

III Fam. Cuculides——Scythrops, Coucou, Coua,
Coucal, Indicateur, Courol, Jacamar.

IV Fam. Proglosses.—Torcol, Picoide, Pic.

V Fam. Grandirostres—Toucan, Aracari.

VI Fam. Galliformes.—Musophage, Touraco.

IV Ordre, PASSERIGALLES.

1 Fam. Dysodes.—Hoazin.

II Fam. Columbins.—Goura, Pigeon, Colom-
bar.

TII Fam. Alectrides.—Marail, Paraqua.

V Ordre, GALLINACES.

I Fam. Tétradactyles—I Tribu, Nuditarses.—
Pauxi, Hocco, Dindon, Paon, Coq, Faisan, Hou-
piféere, Lophophore, Cryptonyx, Peintade, Méga-
pode, Perdrix, Francolin, Caille. J/ Tribu. Plu-
mitarses.— Ganga, Tétras, Lagopéde, Tinamou.

II Fam. Tridactyles—Syrrhapte, Tumix.

Deuxiéme section, AQUATIQUES.
VI Ordre, ECHASSIERS.

1 Fam. Brévipennes.—Autruche, Nandou, Ca-

soar.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOKE. 147

II Fam. Pressirostres.—Outarde, QOdicnéme,
Pluvier, Huitrier, Court-vite, Vanneau, Cariama.

HI Fam. Cultrirostres.—Agami, Anthropoide,
Grue, Courliri, Caurale, Glaréole, Savacou, Héron,
Ombrette, Cicogne, Jabiru, Bec-ouvert, Spatule,
Tantale.

IV Fam. Longirostres.—Courli, Courlieu, Fal-
cimelle, Bécasse, Rhynchée, Barge, Maubéche,
Pélidne, Combattant, Tournepierre, Chevalier, San-
derling, Echasse.

V Fam. Ptérodactyles—Lobipéde, Phalarope,
Avocette.

VI Fam. Macrodactyles.—Jacana, Kamichi,
Chauna.

VII Fam. Pyazidirostres.—Phenicoptére.

VII Ordre, PALMIPEDEs.

I Fam. Lamellirostres.—Cygne, Oie, Anatique,
Canard, Harle.

Il Fam. Totipalmes.—Pélican, Cormoran, Fou,
Anhinga, Paille-en-queue, Frégate.

Ill Fam. Longipennes.—Pétrel, Puffin, Péléca-
noide, Prion, Albatros, Goéland, Mouette, Sterco-
raire, Sterne, Noddi, Bec-en-ciseau.

IV Fam. Brachyptéres.— Grebe, Plongeon, Guil-
lemot, Cephus, Macareux, Pingouin, Spheénisque,
Gorfou, Manchot. -

7 orders, 30 families, 252 genera.

148 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

BLAINVILLE’S SYSTEM. 1815.
(As developed by Lherminier in 1827.)

Oiseaux. I Sous-classe. NORMAUX.

I Fam. Accipitres, Acczipitres.

II Fam. Serpentaires, Gypogeranus. ‘Type,
genre Messager, Serpentarius.

III Fam. Chouettes, Strix. Type, Effraye.

IV Fam. Touracos, Opethus. 'Type, 'Touraco.

V Fam. Perroquets, Ps¢ttacus, Linn.

VI Fam. Colibris, Trochilus, Linn.

VII Fam. Martinets, Cypselus, Il.

VIIt Fam. Engoulevents, Caprimulgus, Linn.

IX Fam. Coucous, Cuculus, Linn.

X Fam. Couroucous, Trogon, Linn.

XI Fam. Rolliers, Galgulus, Briss.

XII Fam. Guepiers, Merops, Linn.

XIII Fam. Martinpécheurs, Alcedo, Linn.

XIV Fam. Calaos, Buceros, Linn.

XV Fam. Toucans, Ramphastos, Linn.

XVI Fam. Pics, Pzcus, Linn.

XVII Fam. Epopsides, Epopsides. Type,
Huppe.

XVIII Fam. Passereaux. Passeres, Linn.

XIX Fam. Pigeons, Columba, Linn.

XX Fam. Gallinacés.

XXI Fam. Tinamou, 7inamus, Lath.

XXII Fam. Foulques, Fulica, Linn,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 149

XXIII Fam. Grues, Grus, Pallas.

XXIV Fam. Heérodions, Herodzz, Ul.
XXV Fam. Néant. Ibis et Spatule.
XXVI Fam. Gralles, Gralle, Linn.
XXVII Fam. Mouettes, Larus, Linn.
XXVIII Fam. Pétrels, Procellaria, Linn.
XXIX Fam. Pélicans. Pelecanus, Linn.
XXX Fam. Canards, Anas, Linn.

XXXI Fam. Grébes, Podiceps, Lath.
XXXIT Fam. Plongeons, Colymbus, Lath.
XXXIITI Fam. Pingouins, Alca, Lath.
XXXIV Fam. Manchots, Aptenodytes, Forst.

IL Sous-classe, ANOMAUX.

XXXV Fam. Cursores.—Autruche, Nandou,
Casoar, Emou.

150 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

LESSON’S SYSTEM. 1828.

I. ‘TERRESTRES.

I Ordre. Jnsessores ou grimpeurs.

II Ordre. Passereaux, Passerinz.

III Ordre. Rapaces, Raptatores, ou oiseaux de
proie.

IV Ordre. Gallinacés, Rasores.

V Ordre. Hétérosomes, Heterosoma.

II. AQUATIQUES.

VI Ordre. Echassiers, Grallatores.

VII Ordre. Pinnatipéedes, Pinnatipedes.

VIII Ordre. Palmipédes, Natatores.

IX Ordre. Paradoxaux. G. Ornithorhynque.

(Development of Order I.)
I Ordre, INSESSORES.
I 'Trnbu, Zygodactyles.

I Fam. Psittacées—Ara, Perruche, Pézopore,
Kakatoés, Microglosse, &c.

II Fam. Pogoniées——Ani, Barbacou, Barbu,
Tamatia, Barbican, Couroucou, Monase.

III Fam. Cuculées.—Scythrops, Coucou, Mal-
coha, Coua, Coucal, Indicateur, Courol, Touraco ?
Musophage?

IV Fam. Picées—Torcol, Picoide, Pic, Pic-
umne.

V Fam. Ramphastidées—Toucan, Aracari.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 151

II Tribu, Anisodactyles.

VI Fam. S%ttées—Oxyrinque, ‘Torchepot, On-
guiculé, Picucule, Sittine, Grimpart, Ophie.

VII Fam. Certhiadées.—Crave, Huppe, Prome-
rops, Epimaque, Heéorotaire, Philédon, Grimper-
eau, Fournier, Tichodrome, Sucrier, Dicée, Eche-
let.

VIII Fam. Cinnyridées—Souimanga, Poma-
thorin, Colibri, Oiseau-mouche, Guitguit.

III Tribu, Syndactyles.

IX Fam. Méropidées——Guepier, Jacamar ?
Momot.
~X Fam. Aleyonées.—Todier, Martinpécheur,
Ceyx.

XI Fam. Rupicolées.—Rupicole, Manakin.

XII Fam. Buceridées.—Buceros.

152 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

FLEMING’S SYSTEM. 1828.

( Order I. FisstpepEs. Land birds.—Toes free,
and formed for grasping or walking.
(‘Tribe I. ‘TERRESTRES.—-Tibial joimt fea-
thered.

(Sect. 1. Ambulatores—Three toes di-
rected anteally, and fitted for walking or
grasping.

( Gallinade.—Bill
arched from the
base. Eggs numer-

1. Nostzils hid under | ous.
an arched covering.< Colwmbade.—Bill
Wings short. swollen at the base,
nearly straight, and
subulate towards
the extremity.
( Accipitres—Bill
and claws strongly
hook’d,limbsstrong.
2. Nostrils exposed | Tongue emarginate.
or hid only by fea-< Females largest.
thers. Passeres.—-Buill
nearly straight at
the gape. No cere.
Males largest.

Sect. 2. Scansores.—Two toes directed

Lanteally, and fitted for climbing.

Tribe Il. Gratta.—Lower end of the tibial

| joint and tarsus naked.

Order II. PatmiPrepEs. Water birds.—Toes web’d
\ to their extremity, and formed for swimming.

peas AE ee ree

153

SUPPLEMENT.

HINTS FOR A NEW AND COMPLETE WORK ON

GENERAL ORNITHOLOGY.

It has long appeared to us that the greatest de-
sideratum in Ornithology is a work devoted to the
whole of the science, and including every particu-
lar which has hitherto been observed. It is true
that we have Latham’s General History of Birds,
Shaw’s General Zoology, and Griffith’s translation
of Cuvier’s Régne Animal, which are all intended
as complete histories of Zoology or Ornithology.
But the lamentable deficiency of each and all of
these expensive works, must be obvious to all who
have had occasion to consult them. In the Gene-
neral History of Birds, the system of Linnzus is
adopted throughout; the figures are not generally
characieristic or well coloured, and the descriptions
are meagre. In the General Zoology it can hard-
ly be said that any system is adopted. It ap-
pears, however, to commence with the Linnean,
and to conclude with that of Vigors! The plates
(uncoloured) are almost entirely taken from other
works, with extremely little care in the selection ;
and the descriptions are mostly copied from La-
tham’s works. In Griffith’s Cuvier the descriptions
are fuller, but cannot certainly lay claim to origi-
nality, nor always to correctness.

154 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

Hence the inefficiency of these works to fulfil
the purpose for which they were intended, being
fully established, it becomes our business to con-
sider the most expedient means of obtaining a
work which might always be consulted with safety
and advantage, and which should be within the
reach of almost every one. ‘That such would be
far from difficult to accomplish, we shall fully
prove in the sequel. In the mean time afew
gencral remarks on the subject may perhaps be
useful.

We would propose that there should be an Edi-
tor, to arrange and superintend the whole work,
and that the most eminent Naturalists should be
employed in composing the various departments.
The Editor must of course fix on the classification
he wishes to adopt; and this system must be
strictly adhered to throughout. The evils arising
from allowing each writer to adopt the classifica-
tion he thinks best, as in Partington’s Cyclopedia,
must be obvious to every one. If the same system
is not adhered to throughout, it would be far better
to leave out classification altogether, as such laxity
is calculated to confuse the student and impede his
progress, rather than to assist him. ‘Thus if one
writer informs you that the Golden Eagle belongs
to the genus Falco, whilst another declares that
the same bird is ranked amongst the Falconide,
and in the genus Aguila, what assistance can be
derived from the systematic portion of that work?
Most assuredly none. And there can be little
doubt that every sentence relating to classification
in such a work would be time and labour thrown
away. Wewould much rather that the Linnean
system should be adopted throughout, as in La-
_tham’s last production, than that the system should
be altered in the course of publication, to suit the
continually advancing state of science. To adopt

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 1905

the Linnean system at the present day is, how-
ever, manifestly absurd. A single glance over the
synoptical table of his system, which we have
given at p. 101, willsufficiently establish this pro-
position, and indeed there are now few, very few,
who still consent to follow the Systema Nature as
their guide. This classification has had its day.
And a long and serene day it was.—It has served
its purposes, and has long since yielded to systems
better suited to the present advanced state of
science, and more in accordance with the laws of
Nature. No one would now think of ineluding the
Eagles and Hawks, the Kinglets (Regulus) and
Wagtails, the Swans and Ducks, &c., in the same
genera. Let us not, however, be misunderstood.
We are far from wishing to detract from the merits
of the Linnean system, or to undervalue the la-
bours of its immortal author, but merely wish to
establish the inefficiency of such a system to answer
the purposes of science at the present day. <A
system founded entirely on any one character, as
the bill, claws, wings, &c., may have been suffi-
ciently accurate at a time when only about nine-
hundred species of the feathered tribes were known;
but as Naturalists are now acquainted with about
eight times that number, it would be perfectly ri-
diculous to adhere to such a system. The neces-
sity of attending to the internal as well as to the
external structure, and to the habits of each in a
state of Nature is now, we believe, almost universally
admitted; it has also recently (in 1818) been dis-
covered that all Nature revolves in a circle, and
that each species has a double eattinaly 5 and it is
certain that many points have on this theory been
cleared up, which were before considered irrecon-
cilabie. That any development of such a theory
may, and does at present, contain errors, we freely
admit ; but are we on this account to discard the SYS-

156 = ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

tem without further consideration? The reasons why
such errors are to be found in the circular system,
as hitherto developed, are obvious. In the first
place, it is not to be expected that an arrangement
so complicated as the Quinary can be brought to
perfection at the first trial; and, secondly, its very
errors prove to us that it is the natural system.
For these errors arise from our not knowing proba-
bly one fourth of the species that actually exist,
and a natural system cannot be complete if any
one linkis wanting. In the Raptores one family
is wanting, and this is without doubt either extinct,
or yet remains to be discovered. Whatever any
particular development of this system may be, there
can, we think, be little doubt that the principles on
which it is based, are founded on the laws of
Nature, and that can be said of no other classifica-
tion that has hitherto been promulgated. And if
founded on Natural laws, the details, which are
of course a minor consideration, will come with
time, when we shall have gained a more extensive
knowledge of species, anda more accurate acquaint=
ance of the habits of species already known. For
these reasons it is that we think it would be expe-
dient to adopt the Quinary System* in a work on
general Ornithology. Our next consideration will
be the nomenclature of birds, both scientific and
vernacular.

One of the advantages of the system of Vigors,
is the uniformity which prevails with regard to the
terminations of the appellations. ‘Thus the orders
end in ores, as Raptorves, Insessoves, Rasores,
Grallatorves, and Natatoves. (The tribes are an ex-
ception to the rule :—four of these terminate in
rostres, and the fifth in ores. ‘This requires revi-

* A complete elucidation of this profound theory will be found
in Swainson’s Northern Zoology, in his volume in Lardner’s Cyclo-
peedia, and in the Linnean T'ransactions, Vol. XIV.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 157

sion.) The families end in de, as Falconide, Syl-
viade, Charadriade, Anatide, &c. &c. The sub-
families terminate in ne, as Falconine, Sylviane,
Anatine, &c. &c. All the appellations of the
larger groups should be used in the plural number,
as In the above instances, whilst the genera alone can
properly be employed in the singular number. ‘The
reason of this is sufficiently evident. ‘The larger
groups are used in the plural number in order to
render them more comprehensive, while genus,
being the smallest division, must remain in the sin-
gular. This beautiful regularity inthe terminations
of the larger groups is doubtless calculated greatly
to lessen the difficulties of the ornithological
student; as by asingle glance at an appellation
with which he is wholly unacquainted, he is thus
enabled to ascertain its value. He knows that if
it terminates in ores, it is an order cr tribe; if in
de, a family; in ne, a subfamily; and, in any
other ending, that it must be a genus. We are
however sorry to remark that many modern genera,
and chiefly those of Vieillot, frequently have the
termination iva, which, being the ending of the
subfamilies, is calculated to destroy the order and
regularity that should pervade the whole of scien-
tific nomenclature. ‘The names of all such genera
should certainly be altered. We may also observe,
as others have done before us, that species should
never be named after persons or countries, or from
their abundance in any one locality :—as Procel-
laria Bullockit, Siite Europea, Coccothraustes
vulgaris. ‘Those of the first class can only gratify
the temporary vanity of the individual after whom
the species is named, those of the two last classes
are either incorrect at the time they are named, or
liable to become so at some future period. We
could mention many other kinds of names which
should be avoided, but this we conceive to be un-
)

158 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

necessary, as all that we wish to enforce is, that
certain rules of nomenclature should be attended
to. So far from increasing the difficulties of the
science, as some have supposed, such rules are
calculated to lessen its abstruseness to a degree
which has as yet been little contemplated. Having
thus established that it would be expedient to ad-
here to certain rules of scientific nomenclature, we
shall now offer a few remarks on English nomen-
clature.

In a complete work on Ornithology, it is of course
indispensable to treat equally of every department
of the science, and to pay gqual attention to each.
And amongst these, vernacular nomenclature holds,
or rather should hold, no undistinguished station.
Our observations on this inter esting and important
subject must necessarily be brief, but we will endea-
vour to convey some idea of our opinions on this
matter. What we wish to insist on with regard to
to English nomenclature is, Ist, that each genus
should have an English name peculiar to itself, and
2d, that the English name of a genus can belong to
no other genus, under any combination, as “ Field-
Waegtail” ( Budytes), “ Water-Wren” (Salicaria),
“ Gold-Finch” (Carduelis), &c. Surely it will not
be contended that any of the members of Salicaria
are Wrens! and it scarcely mends the matter to
patch up the generic name Water-Wren. For a
Salicaria never can be a Wren, any more than a
Pyrrhula is a Finch (Fringilla), or a Nightjar
a Swallow (Hirundo). Nothing is commoner
than to find all the Sylviade designated “Warblers”
in ornithological works, while in Latin they are di-
vided into many distinct genera! Surely such fla-
grant errors as these must greatly increase the dif-
ficulties of science. Nor can we admit with Mr.
Strickland (see Analyst, No. 11), that the English
names of birds belong wholly to our mother-tongue,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 159

and that they are as much consecrated by usage
as any other part of the English language. Even
supposing that no part of the English language
was liable to change with time, would it not be
perfectly allowable to make a few slight alterations
in the vernacular designations of birds, in order to
facilitate the progress of the student? And, more-
over, we shall find that our Ornithologists are in
favor of the change. Stephens, Selby, and Mudie
have introduced many new and excellent English
generic appellations, several of which have been
adopted in a popular periodical—the Magazine of
Natural History. So that here again Mr. Strick-
land is mistaken, in supposing that such innovations
would never be generally adopted.—So long as
Naturalists shall continue to disgrace their works
with the unscientific mode of proceeding which we
have above reprobated, we may safely predict that
the science will not advance in the ratio which
might otherwise be expected. As we are now
merely throwing together “ hints” for the formation
of a work on general Ornithology, we shall not here
develop this division of our subject further.

Let us now proceed to enquire as to the most
expedient method of obtaining adequate popular
descriptions of birds. Part of this would come
most properly in the introduction, as for instance
on the song of birds, on nidification, &c. &e. And
we may here remark that the introduction should
contain discussions on classification, nomenclature,
physiology, incubation, the general habits of birds,
migration, moulting, and on every other point ap-
pertaining to the science. Directions for the pre
parations of specimens for a museum, and for the
labelling of ornithological collections should also
be included. But to return to the popular descrip-
tions. ‘These should be written with a view of
including every peculiarity, and every habit which

160 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

each species may possess, with philosophical ob-
servations on their uses in Nature. Some of
Mudie’s histories in his Feathered Tribes might
be taken as fair samples, and also many of those
of Wilson and Audubon. As we shall presently
lay before our readers a description of some one
species in the manner which we should wish to
see each treated, further observations on this head
are needless. After the popular account, the table
of synonyms may be placed, and, finally, the
description of feathers. We have no doubt but
most of our readers have frequently felt the incon-
venience of lighting upon a dry scientific descrip-
tion of feathers, between the delightful details of
habits which are to be found mm Wilson, Audubon,
and Mudie. In the account of the bird which we
have extracted, we have, accordingly, placed the
details of the feathers after the synonyms. And
thus the general reader can skip the latter at plea-
sure, whilst they are more convenient for the refer-
ence of the professed Ornithologist. In popular
biographies we should have preferred placing the
song, nidification, time of appearance, &c., each
under their proper head, and to have marked these
heads in Italic characters at the beginning of the
paragraph ; and had the description been our own,
we should most assuredly have done so.

The characters of the several groups should be
given in precisely the same manner as in Selhby’s
admirable work on British birds.

With regard to the figures of birds, there should
be a coloured plate of each ; or where the sexes or
young differ materially, these also must be figured,
and drawn either from Nature, by the most eminent
artists, or carefully selected from the works of the
best authors. Accurate delineations of the nest
and eges of each species would also be required.

In fine, having thus given a brief and rapid

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 161

sketch of what would, in our opinion, form a com-
plete and invaluable work on general Ornithology,
we shall conclude the Essay by a specimen of the
characters of one order, family, subfamily, and
genus, and a description of one species, as a sam-
ple of sucha work. We might easily have given
an original specimen, but we preferred taking the
materials from other authors, to prove that by
engaging some of the first Ornithologists now
living, the accomplishment of such a work would
be far from difficult.

The following can, of course, only serve as a
sample of characters of groups and descriptions of
species, and will therefore give but a small idea of
the plan we wish for, but we think it will serve as
a fair sample of one of the principal portions of
the volumes. The size of the work should be
octave, im order to place it within the reach of
every one.

* Order I, RAPTORES, Vicors.

“In the natural arrangement, or that founded
upon the affinities connecting the various tribes of
the feathered race, the Raptorial Order constitutes
the first of the five great divisions into which the
Class Aves, like those of the other departments of
the animal kmgdom, may be divided: a number,
it may be obser ved, to which not only the primary,
but also all the minor subdivisions, of such depart-
ments as have hitherto undergone investigation,
appear to be limited. Of these divisions, it is one
of the two which are considered typical or repre-
sentative (the Order Jnsessores bemg the other),

0 3

162 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

and is composed of the various groups generally
known as Birds ef Prey ; answering to the Ace-
pitres of Linneus, and analogous to the Carnivo-
rous Animals of the Class Mammalia. ‘The com-
pact yet powerful body, the predatory habits, the
decided partiality for animal food, the strong and
hooked bill, the muscular limbs, the curved and
often semi-retractile claws, and other distinguish-
ing traits, separate the birds of this Order from all
the others; though, at the same time we must
remark, that modifications of form and character
are met with in the less typical members, sufficient
to support the necessary connection with the other
orders of the class. In this Division four Families
only have yet been recognised, viz. the Vulturide,
falconide, Strigide, and Gypogeranide. Of these
the three first mentioned embrace the extensive
Linnean genera Vultur, Falco, and Strix; the
fourth is represented by the African Serpent-Kater
(Secretary Vulture of Latham). ‘The fifth, neces-
sary to complete the series of affinities within the
circle of this Order, is still wanting.”—SELby,
Brit. Orn.

“ Family II, FALCONIDA.

“ The Falconide, which form the second typical
family of the order, may be considered as embracing
all those various ‘ birds of prey that feed in the
day time, which are arranged by Linneus and
other systematists under the extensive genus Falco.
In these, the head (except in the species more im-
mediately connecting them with the Valturide)
is clothed with feathers; the bill is strong and short,
much hooked, and in the typical species bending
immediately from the base, which is covered with
a naked and coloured cere ; the nostrils are lateral,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 163

more or less rounded, and placed in the cere; the
legs, which are either naked or feathered to the
toes, are of mean length, but muscular and strong,
and the tibial joint considerably elongated, to act
as a powerful leverin pouncing their prey. ‘Their
front toes are partially united at the base, particu-
larly the outer and middle ones; and their claws,
which are much incurved, are very sharp, and in
‘general partially retractile. ‘To symmetry of form
they unite great strength and activity, and the
typical groups possess a power of flight, both as
to duration and swiftness, superior to most of the
feathered race; their vision is also wonderfully
acute, and they are distinguished for courage and
audacity. They prey almost entirely upon living
creatures, which they either strike upon the wing
(the mode adopted by the typical genera) or pounce
upon the ground, like the Buzzards and Kites.
Birds and quadrupeds are the usual food of most
of the species; some, however, prey on fish, and
others principally subsist upon the larger coleop-
terous insects. They tear their prey in pieces with
their bill and claws, and parts of the feathers and
fur being swallowed with the flesh, are afterwards
ejected (together with the bones and other indi-
gestible portions) in pellets by the mouth. They
generally lead a wandering and solitary life, except
in the season of incubation, or at furthest continue
associated in pairs as male and female, which is
sometimes observed in birds cf the aquiline kind.
The members of this family, as might be expected
from their typical character, are very numerous,
and distributed over every portion of the giobe.
Many cf the species in their progress from the
young to the adult state (which in some is not at-
tained before the third, in others the fourth or fifth
year), undergo great and remarkable changes.
This circumstance, from a want of observation,

164 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

and indeed very often of opportunity for close in-
vestigation, has given rise to several errors among
writers on Ornithology, and has caused great con-
fusion, and a consequent incorrect multiplication,
of species. ‘The gradual increase of knowledge,
in this, as well as other branches of Zoology, and
the labour of several recent Naturalists (among
whom stand prominent the names of ‘Temminck
and Montagu), have, however, essentially contri-
buted to the development of these smgular and
unexpected changes of plumage, and cleared up
many of the doubts and difficulties, in which the
history of several species had been so long in-
volved. By many modern Ornithologists, five

subordinate divisions or subfamilies, have been
recognised in the Falconide ; viz. Aguiline, Ac-
cipttrine, Falconine, Buteonine, and Milvine,
which again are divisible into groups of still less
amount, constituting the genera of the present
work, and all forming a circular series of affinities
within themselves. Of these Subfamilies, the
Accipitrine and Falconine, are the typical forms,
possessing peculiarities of structure, habits, &c.,
which either do not exist, or become modified in
the others.

“ Subfam. I, AQUILINE.

“ The distinguishing characters of this Subfami-
ly, consist in superiority of size, in having the bill
longer and straighter at the base than in the typi-
cal Falcons, in which respects they approach nearer
to the Vulturine Family; the feathers of the crown
of the head and neck are narrow and sharp-pointed,
and in some subjects the head and throat are found
partially naked. ‘Their limbs are generally short
and muscular, and their talons very strong and

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 165

much hooked. In this subfamily we find the most
powerful and destructive birds of the Family, as
well as others, which, partaking more of the Vul-
turine form and disposition, are less predacious,
and frequently content themselves with prey already
dead, or, in some instances, with carrion. ‘Towards
the further extremity other forms are met with,
which connect this Subfamily more immediately
with the Accipitrine and others of the Order.

“ Genus AQUILA, Briss. EAGLE.

“ Generic Characters.—Bill strait at the base,
strong, much hooked at the point, compressed,
with the sides inclining upwards, and forming a
narrow ridge or culmen. ‘The tomia or cutting
edges of the upper mandibles having a faint obtuse
lobe, situated behind the commencement of the
hook. Nostrils oval lateral, transversely placed in
the cereous part of the bill. Space between the
nostrils and eye-orbits thinly covered with radiat-
ing hairs. Wingsample; with the fourth and fifth
quill-feathers the longest in each wing. Legs
having the tarsi thickly clothed with feathers to the
toes. ‘Toes rather short, the outer and middle ones
united at the base by a-membrane. Claws very
strong, hooked, and very sharp, grooved beneath ;
those upon the outer and hind toes the largest.

“The members of this genus are not less distin-
guished for their size and strength than for those
bold and destructive habits, in which they emulate
the typical subdivisions of the Family. They do
not, however, possess the same facility of pursuing
their prey upon wing, which we see in the Falcons
and Hawks; for though their flightis very powerful,
they are not capable of the rapid evolutions that
attend the aerial attacks of the above named

166 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

groups; in consequence of which their prey is
mostly pounced upon the ground. They attack the
larger birds and quadrupeds, and, unless pressed
by extremity of hunger, refuse to feed upon carrion,
or even any prey already dead. ‘Their form is com-
pact and strong, and their gait and aspect are
active and alert, being entirely devoid of the slug-
gish appearance that characterizes the genera more
nearly allied in habits and form to the Vulturide.
The genus possesses an extensive geographical
distribution, the species being found in all quarters
of the globe. These are mostly the inhabitants of
mountainous districts, where they breed amongst
inaccessible precipices, and in lofty trees. ‘The
young are four or five years in attaining maturity,
and during this period, undergo considerable
changes of plumage.”—SeELsBy, Brit. Orn.

GOLDEN EAGLE.*
Aquila aurea, WILL.

“On the frontispiece there is a figure of the
female Golden Eagle, in the attitude which it as-
sumes when apparently exulting over the prey
which it has captured, and in the act of clutching
it to death. The figure is about one eighth of the
lineal dimensions of nature ; and it will give some
idea of the attitude, though it is not possible to
give the expression on so small a scale, or indeed
on any scale. The spirit of an excited Eagle can
be felt only by those who are familiar with the
birds (such familiarity as man can have with

* The publishers of the Feath. Tribes (Whittaker & Co.) having
objected to our reprinting an entire article from that work, we have
been obliged to cancel several paragraphs.—N. W.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 167
Eagles) in their native haunts; and even then it
must be imagined, for it cannot be accurately seen,
or satisfactorily described. It is very difficult
indeed to obtain even a tolerable portrait of one of
these birds; for in order to get the Eagle in per-
fection into an aviary, we would require to bring
the mountain crag and the mountain glen along
with her. The bird lives, no doubt, for it is a bird
not easily killed, but its plumage is dull and its
spirit more so. The rich browns in their peculiar
metallic lustre, and the ‘pointed feathers on the
neck, shaded off till they arrive at the rich orange
at the points, and stand up when the bird is ex-
cited, as if they were so many scales margined with
gold, are not to be obtained, unless where the bird
has the free and unrestrained range of all its
powers,— can climb the pure air tillit touch on the
region of perpetual frost, and there dash along over
a wide extent of country. Their feathers are tinted -
and tempered in the fury of the blast ; and they ac-
quire not their full depth and lustre till they have
borne that for four successive winters; and so it
would be vain to hope that we could either obtain
or preserve them in confinement.

“The bird with which the Golden Eagle has
sometimes been confounded is the White-tailed,
or Sea Eagle, which is of much more frequent oc-
currence; and, though the brown is not nearly so
rich, or the points of the neck feathers so well made
out, and the bird seems altogether of a laxer and
looser make when they are seen together, yet the
general colours are so much alike, especially when
the Golden Eagle is young and has white in the
tail, that, to casual observation, the one may pass
for the other. But upon comparison, the looser
form of the head, the pale beak, the naked tarsi,
and a comparative want of firmness and decision
in all the feathers, and of compactness in the body,

168 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

show at once that the bird, however large it may
be, is not the Golden Eagle. On the other hand,
while the Golden Eagle is in the young plumage
and the feathers of the tail are partly white, forming
what has been called the ‘ Ring-tail, the bill, the
down on the tarsi, and the deep brown bar on the
end of the tail, together with the whole air of the —
bird, point out at once that it is the Golden Eagle.
Give it but its form and expression, and no matter
though the colour white, black, or even green, the
Golden Eagle would never be mistaken for any
other bird, any more than a friend, of whose per-
son, air, and gait, we had a complete knowledge,
would be lost to our recollection, or changed to
another person by merely putting on a dress of a
different colour.

“The Golden Eagle is now rare in England, if
indeed it be found there at all; and even in the
Highlands of Scotland it is by no means common,
and its eyrie at least is confined to the most wild
and inaccessible places of the mountains, and only
in those places that are cliffy and precipitous. I
have seen Eagles beating about in the higher glens
of the rivers that rise on the south-east side of the
Grampians. I know that one pair, at least, nestle
somewhere in the high cliff called Wallace’s Craig,
on the north side of Lochlee, and another some-
where in Craig Muskeldie, on the south side of the
same. I have observed the four all in the sky at
one time; and I for some time wrote with a quill
which dropt from one of their wings in the autumn
of 1819. An intelligent farmer who had resided
all his days on the spot, assured me that the Wal-
lace Craig Eagles had been known in the days of
his grandfather, (the people there are rather famed
for longevity, though the sun does not shine on the
lake for several weeks at mid-winter), but these on
the south side were not such old settlers, and they

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 169

were conjectured to be descendants of the former,
although driven off by their parents according to
the general habits of the birds. I have seen them
in Strathspey, and Badenoch, in Stratherrick, and
in the moor between Kiltarlity and Strathglass ;
and I once saw one over Culloden moor, not far
from the scene of the battle, though some of the
land in the intermediate neighbourhood was under
crop. Indeed, when the weather is very clear, and
the Eagles fly high, they continue their course in
perfect indifference to anything that may be hap-
pening on the ground; and I have been fold,
though I do not vouch for the fact, that they some-
times stoop down and carry off hens and even cats
from the very doors of the cottages. I found, how-
eyer, that Eagles had been a sort of ‘lions’ with
wandering tourists, and that any number of stories
of their achievements might be had cheap. I never
saw the Golden Eagle near the west coast, or in
the islands (though that is no proof of its not being
there), but I have seen the Sea Eagle and the
Osprey.

“The eyrie of those magnificent birds, which is
a dwelling as well as a cradle for their broods, is
placed on some ledge of the rock, and rarely on a
tree, unless where the tangled roots spring from the
cliff, and offer a broad space which can be covered
with sticks. The place is generally slippery with
the refuse of their prey ; and when the young are
there, it is usually well stored with provisions,
which consist indiscriminately of quadrupeds and
birds. The eggs are seldom more than two, though
some say that there are occasionlly three, and that
in such broods there are two females, one of which
becomes an ‘ odd Eagle’ and lives solitary, growing
to a very large size, being very ferocious, and drop-

Pp

170 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

ping addled eggs occasionally on the mountain
tops; but the tale wants verification.

“'The Eagle generally strikes her prey upon the
ground, and the stoop is almost instantly fatal to
any animal on which she pounces. ‘The mere fall
of a body of twelve or even eighteen pounds in
_weight, from an elevation of 1500 or 2000 feet,
would be powerful; but the Eagle shoots down
with a great initial velocity, and as she delivers
the whole of her momentum with the claws, she
not only dashes the animal to the earth, but plunges
the claw into its body up to the toe, dislocating the
spine or breaking the skull of the feebler quadru-
peds, such as hares, and the death of Red Grous
and Black Grous, which form a very large portion
of the prey, 1s instantaneous. ‘The view upon
which the Eagle proceeds must be a steady one,
for on the ground she seldom misses her pounce,
_ though she often does when she attempts to hawk
on the wing, as her broad wings and forward rush
are both unfavorable to turning so as to follow the
motions of the bird. If the prey is small, she has
the power of slackening her speed as she descends,
so as to temper the ultimate effect to the necessity
there is for it, otherwise, strong as she is, she might
be injured by the collision with the ground. An
unrestrained stoop from her greatest height would
be sufficient to dash even an Eagle to pieces. If
the pounce is not fatal, the clutch instantly follows,
in the giving of which the whole weight of the bird
—in the utmost excitement, with the head elevated,
the neck stiff, the feathers of the head and neck
erected, and the wings shivering so as to keep the
pressure on the instruments of death—is upon the
claws. With small animals, even when they shew
signs of life after the pounce, the clutch is given
with one foot only, and the bird is less excited;

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 17]

but in no case is the prey touched with the beak or
even looked at until all motion in it has ceased.
When the eye has guided the descent, and the
talons have taken effect, the office of the eye is at
an end, and the work of death is committed to in-
struments admirably fitted for carrying it into effect.
In general the prey is borne off, but in some cases
it is devoured on the spot, that taking place of course
at those times when the bird has only herself to
provide for.
- “ Tn winter when her pastures are covered with
feet or even with fathoms of snow, the Eagle is often
for weeks together without food. ‘That may be one
of the causes (for all phenomena, whether of birds or
of anything else, have causes) why she drives the
young not only from the eyrie but from her haunt
generally before the intensity of winter sets in; and
it is said that she drives them lower down the coun-
try, where the chances of food are more numerous.
“ Thus the instinct which we are apt to regard
as an unkind one, is the very best adapted for the
preservation of all; and the Eagle is, in her way,
just as tender a mother as any other animal. As
it is necessary for her brood to grow fast and get
strong before the inclement season sets in, she is
most indefatigable and most successful in supply-
ing them with food, and equally daring in the de-
fence of them against any intruders, that may have
the temerity to invade an Kiagle’s nest; and when
they are so far matured that they can kill prey for
themselves, she drives them down where prey is
more easily obtained, while she herself remains to
brave the winter at the very throne of its dominion.
Herein we may see a beautiful mstance of that
balance of reaction which can be traced through
all the works and operations of Nature. Popu-
lating and cultivating narrow the bounds and di-

172 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

minish the number of Eagles; but as there is a

constant tendency in the Eagles to spread and ex-

tend their territory and their numbers, that ten-

dency instantly acts upon the withdrawal of the

restraint ; so that when the Eagle becomes neces-

sary in order to maintain the balances of races,

and the perfection of the whole of Nature, she re-

turns by as unerring a law of Nature as that which
guides her to her prey.

“ Her strength of endurance also enables her to
keep her footing and preserve her existence, under
circumstances to which the powers and the life of
almost any other animal would be obliged to yield.
The same elastic ligament, which, of its own na-
ture, and without effort from the bird, compresses
her toes in clutching, enables her to cling to the
pinnacle of the rock, and to cling the more firmly
the ruder the blast. The claws are not used in
those cases, as that would injure their pomts and
unfit them for their proper functions ; but the pads
and tubercles hold on upon places where the foot
of all else would give way; and the Eagle sits
with closed wings and close plumage, as if part of
the rock itself, while the wind roars and the snow
drives, tearing the bushes from their roots, send-
ing them rolling over the precipices, and literally
scourging the wilderness with ruin. ‘The strength
of the hill ox, the fleetness of the mountain deer,
and the resources of the mountain traveller, are
often unavailing; and when the storm breaks, the
signal of the Raven and the Carrion Crow points
out the place of their bones; but the bones of the
Eagle are not thus given by nature to be tugged at
by ignoble birds. Queen of the tempest, she rides
as secure amid its fury, as when, on a cloudless and
breezeless day, she floats down the valley with easy
and almost motionless wing.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 173

“ Her endurance of hunger is as remarkable as
her power in the storm. In confinement she is said
to have lived five weeks without food; and yet as she
was then taken with dead bait, to which she does
not resort except in extremity, she must have been
hungry when taken: so that, in her native freedom
and with the cold dry wind around her, which di-
minishes the waste of the animal system, she may
possibly be able to fast for a longer period ;—and
the one mentioned was killed and did not die of
hunger.. But I must leave her to her haunts,
apologizing to the reader, that I am obliged to
confine my notice to a few desultory pages, which
is as much out of nature as cooping up the living
bird inacage. In Nature, the Eagle requires a
mountain, and if ever it be my good fortune to
afford her a volume of description, she shall spread
her wings.”--Mupig, Feath. Tribes.

Synonyms of Young.—Chrysaétos cauda annulo
albo cincta, Ray, Syx.—F alco fulvus, Linn. Syst.
—GmneL. Linn.—Latu. Ind. Orn.—Falco niger,
GMEL. Linn.—Aquila fulva, Mey. Vog. Liv. und
Esthl—Aigle commun, Burr, Pl. E'nl.—Black
Hagle, Penn. Brit. Zool_—Ringtail Eagle, PENN.
Br. Zool.—W 11. Orn.—Latu. Syn.—Ib. Supp.—
Bew. Mist. Br. Birds.—Low, Fauna Orcad.—
SHaw, Gen. Zool.—Wits. Amer. Orn.—Ip. Ed.
Jardine.

Synonyms of Adult.—Aquila aurea, WILL. Orn.
—Analyst, No. 11.—Mag. Nat. Hist., No. 50.—
Falso chrysaétos, Linn. Syst.—Gme.. Linn.—
Faun. Suec.—Latu. Ind. Orn.—MUuttEr, No. 59.
—Briss. Orn.—Aquila chrysaéta, SHaw, Gen.
Zo0l.—F EM. Brit. Anim.—Swains. Northern
Zool.—Gold Adler, Brecust. Naturg. Deut—
Aigle Royal, Burr. Pl. Enl.—Ip. Grand Aigle.—
Aigle Royal, et Aigle Commun, Cuv. Régne Anim.

P 3

174 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

—Aigle Royal,Temm. Man. d’Orn.—Golden Eagle,
Wii. Orn.—Penn. Br. Zool.—Iv. Arct. Zool.—
LatuH. Syn.—Lew. Birds of Brit.—Berw. Hist.
Br. Birds.—Suaw, Gen. Zool.—Mont. Orn. Dict.
—Firem. Br. Anim.—Sepy, Illustr. Br. Orn.—
Orn. Dict. 2d edit—Munikt, Feathered Tribes.—
AupuBOoN, Orn. Biog.

*“* General Description ; Adult Female.—Bill —
bluish at the base, the tip black. Cere lemon-yel-
low. Irides orange-brown. Primary quills black;
the secondary ones clouded with hair-brown, broc-
coli-brown, and umber-brown. Crown of the head,
and nape of the neck, pale orange-brown, the fea-
thers occasionally margined with white, narrow,
elongated and distinct. Chin and throat, dark
umber-brown. Vent pale reddish-brown. ‘Tail.
pale broccoli-brown, barred with blackish-brown,
and ending in a broad band of the same colour.
Tarsi clothed with pale reddish-brown feathers.
Toes naked, yellow. Claws black, very strong,
and much hooked.

“‘ Young.—Bill having the base bluish grey, and
the rest black. Cere lemon-yellow. Indes clear dark
chesnut brown. Forehead dark chesnut brown.
Crown of the head, and nape of the neck, yellowish-
brown, inclining to pale orange-brown; the feathers
narrow, distinct, and pointed. Throat and under
part of the neck dark umber-brown. Breast and
belly dark brown, with a few white feathers inter-
mixed. Inside of the thighs zwhzte. Vent and
under tail-coverts white, having some of the fea-
thers tipped with brown. Back and wing coverts
very intense umber-brown. Upper tail coverts
white, some of them being tipped with brown.
Tail, for two-thirds of its length, white; the re-
mainder (or end part) blackish-brown. Greater
quills very intense brown, or blackish brown, hay-

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK, 175

ing their bases white. Secondaries, for two-thirds
of their length from the base, white. Tarsus
clothed with white feathers. Toes lemon-yellow, -
Claws black.”—Se.tsy, Illustr. Br, Orn,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 77

ON THE
ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW MAGAZINE

OF

NATURAL HISTORY.

It is with no small pleasure that we inform our
readers that in all probability a magazine devoted
to Natural History will shortly be commenced. It
must be obvious to every one that such has long
been a desideratum in the English language. For
although we have Louden’s Magazine of Natural
History, and the Zoological Journal,* yet neither
of these are sufficiently comprehensive to suit the
present state of the science:—the one treating
entirely of habits, and the other as exclusively of
classification, nomenclature, &c. Now we should
wish in the forthcoming pericdical to see every de-
partment of the science equally attended to, as
there can be no doubt but that this is essential to
the progress of Natural History.

It is certainly a great disgrace to Britain that
only two periodicals on this interesting and useful
study are in existence in the whole kingdom, when
our continental brethren possess so many. We
look forward to the time when Britain shall be able
to boast of one or more periodicals devoted to

* This work has since been discontinued.

178 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

each department, but we fear that such would at
present scarcely answer. We therefore hail with
delight the appearance of a new magazine devoted
to the whole of Zoology, and heartily wish that it
may succeed, and that the lovers of Nature will not
suffer it to languish and perish.

The periodical is, we understand, to be entitled
the “ Naturalists Miscellany.” It will be devoted
chiefly to Mammalogy, Ornithology, Entomology,
Ichthyology, Erpetology and Conchology, but the
Editor informs us that communications relating
to other departments of the science will also be ac-
ceptable. It is shortly to commence, and will be
continued monthly, at a moderate price.

In this journal, we are further informed that
classification and habits of animals will be equally
attended to. We should moreover wish to see
complete histories of species wherever this is prac-
ticable : the synonyms should also be added. We
are, however, by no means desirous of discarding
the short communications, as these are far from
being the least interesting and useful feature of a
magazine of Natural History.

It is also to be hoped that the Naturalist?s Mis-
cellany will present far more satisfactory reviews
of new works than Loudon is accustomed to give,
Such reviews as appear in the Magazine of Natural
ffistory are certainly worse than nothing, and
would be far better omitted, with the exception,
however, of those occasionally furnished by cor-
respondents.

We think that if all the readers of Loudon’s
magazine—which is excellent as farit goes—would
also become subscribers to the Naturalists Mis-
cellany, the success of the periodical would be cer-
tain, and we should thus ensure to ourselves what
has certainly long been a desideratum in Britain.
It is well known to most of our readers that Lou-

a

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. - 179

don is quite overstocked with communications, and
that two or three years frequently elapse before
they can be inserted. If therefore some of the
correspondents of the Magazine of Natural His-
tory would lend their services to the Naturalist’s
Miscellany, they would be advancing the interests
of the science, while they obtained an early in-
sertion for their valuable contributions.—If, in fine,
this periodical is well conducted, and above all
well supported by its subscribers, it will certainly do
more for the advancement of the science, than any
magazine which has yet appeared in the English
language.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 181

Art. III. ApprrionaL Noricss or Books.

Ornithologia Nova: or anew General History
of Birds, extracted from the best authorities in
various languages, both antient and modern, 2 vols.
12mo. Birmingham, printed by T. Warren. 1743.

We never saw this production, nor had we so
much as heard of it, until we were supplied with
the following account of it, by Edwin Lees, Esq.,*
M.E.S., Honorary Curator of the Worcestershire
Natural History Society, in a letter dated Dec. 27,
1835 :—

“No author’s name is appended to the Ornitho-
logia Nova, though reference is continually made
to Willughby, Ray, Derham, Sibbald, Johnson,
and others, and copious extracts are given from
works of travels. It is, however, chiefly remark- —
able for ‘four hundred figures——woodcuts—appa-
rently made for the occasion, and, though the
majority are execrable, a few are really spirited
and characteristic. In execution they will of
course bear no comparison with any cut of the
present day. Amidst a good deal of rubbish and

_ * To the kind attention of Mr. Lees, we are likewise indebted
for a copy of the “ Proceedings at the Second Anniversary Festival
of the Worcestershire Nat. Hist. Soc., with the address of the Council,
delivered by Chas. Hastings, M.D., the speech of the Right Hon.
Lord Lyttelton; report of the speeches at the dinner, names of the
officers and council, list of donations, &c¢.”—N. W:

Q

182 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

absurdity, there are occasionally good remarks,
and particular attention appears to be paid to
British birds, with observations, which, had they
received the attention they deserved, need not have
protracted the discussion as to the migration of
the Swallow for so many years after 1743, as the
author, from personal observation, details the mi-
gration of these birds from the eastern coast of —
England at considerable length.” .

Journal of a Voyage to New South Wales. By
Jas. White. 4to. 1790.

This work, which had previously escaped our
researches, contains much that is useful and inte-
resting regarding the Ornithology of the region of
which it treats. Amongst sixty-five plates, a large
proportion are figures of birds, and these, with due
allowances for the time at which the book appeared,
are accurately delineated, and faithfully colored,
and exhibit much life and spirit. From a cursory
view of Mr. White’s Journal, at the house of a
friend in the neighbourhood, we can pronounce
that the volume deserves to be far better known
to Naturalists, than it appears to be at present.

Index to the General History of Birds. By
John Latham, M:)., F.R.S.,:A-S., ana@eiiee:
Winchester, 1828. 4to.

Since the preceding sheets passed through the
press, our venerable and amiable friend the cele-
brated Dr. Latuam, has kindly presented us with
a copy of the above work, which is intended as a
complete and copious index to his great work, the
General History of Birds. 'The index to each

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 183

volume is printed separately, and may be bound
up at the end of the volumes to which they re-
spectively refer. Every one who possesses the
General History, should likewise procure the Jn-
dex to it.—All the names, Latin, English,German,
and French, and frequently also the Indian, are
inserted, and, had the names, employed by the
illustrious author, been in a different type from the
others, the volume would have been extremely
useful even to those who do not possess the Ge-
neral History of Birds.

Manual of the Ornithology of the United States,
and Canada. By Thomas Nuttall, F.L.S. Vol. I,
1832. Vol. II, 1834. 12mo. £2. 2s.

This is indeed a valuable AMZanuwal, the descrip-
tions being so surprisingly minute, accurate, and
well-written, as scarcely to be inferior to those of
Wilson. ‘The wood-cuts are likewise spirited and
well executed, and Nuttall must ever rank high
among the Ornithologists of the present age. Every
one interested in American birds, should possess
this work. Hitherto Europe has produced no
such field observers as the American trio, WILSON,
AupbuBON, and NUTTALL,

Tales of Animals ; comprising Quadrupeds, -
Birds, Fishes, Reptiles, and Insects. By Peter
Parley. Third edition. London, Tegg and Son.
1834, 12mo. 5s. :

Peter Parley’s Tales of Animals have long been
familiar to us, but somehow we managed to omit
all notice of it in the previous part of this volume.
To say the truth, indeed, it has no claims on the

184 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

attention of the Ornithologist, though it may per-
haps be perused with interest by the general reader.
The woodcuts—which are very numerous—are not
original, but are well selected, and the accounts
of birds consist either of some of their principal
habits, or of such anecdotes as the author has been
able to collect. On the whole it forms an instruc-
tive book for the young.

Familiar History of Birds. By the Rev. Ed-
ward Stanley, M.A., F.L.S. 7s. 2 vols. 12mo.
London, 1835.

“ The attractive and familiar guise in whieh
scientific knowledge can be dressed, is most strik-
ingly exemplified in this Familiar History of
Birds, published ‘ under the direction of the Com-
mittee of General Literature & Education ap-
pointed by the Society for Promoting Christian
Knowledge.’ It is one of the most instructive and
at the same time interesting books on Natural
History that has come under our notice. Those
who read it will hardly help becoming Ornitholo-
gists,* if they reside in the country. Young and
old will learn from it how to glean knowledge that
is constantly before their eyes in their every-day
path, and to understand and apply it by the aid of
science.

“‘ It is an anecdotical account of the formation,
habits, and instincts of birds; in which knowledge
and entertainment are so intimately and felicitously
blended, that the stories told derive fresh interest
from the scientific facts that they illustrate. No
better book could be put into the hands of young

* That is, they will be put in the way of becoming Ornitholo-
gists.—N. W.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 185

folks: it will open to them a new and never-failing
source of amusement. The litle girl, who is now
content to watch the Robin [Redbreast] picking
up crumbs at the window, and the schoolboy,
whose only aim it is to carry off anest as a trophy,
will by means of this book be led to trace the in-
stinct of self-preservation, in the commonest acts
of the feathered tribes, and the wonderful adapta-
tion of their structure to the most minute circum-
stance of the habits and locality peculiar to each
class. '

“The two little volumes are illustrated with
numerous wood-cuts, very bold and distinct. The
only defect in them is the common one of the sur-
rounding landscape being on too small a scale for
the animals; so that a hare looks of the size of a
roebuck, and a [Grey] Cuckoo is as big as the
trunk of the oak on which he is perched.”—Spee-
tator.

We have likewise heard good report of Mr.
Stanley’s Familiar History of Birds from other
quarters, and especially from our able ornitholo-
gical correspondent, J. D. Weston, isq., Surgeon,
of Chester.—Since writing the above, we have
seen these volumes, and can recommend them as
forming a cheap and excellent elementary work on
birds.

Manuel @ Ornithologie, ou ‘Tableau Systéma-
tique des Oiseaux qui se trouvent en Europe. Par
C.J.Temminck. Partie III. Paris, 1835. 8vo. 7fr.

This is a continuation of the work noticed at
p. 28, and contains all the new species discovered
in Kurope since the publication of the second
edition of the previous volumes. Additional syno-
nyms are likewise added to the species included in

Q 3

186 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

the two first volumes. We are glad to find Gould’s
Birds of Europe frequently referred to with high
commendation. ‘The third volume of the Manuel
@ Ornithologie appeared in the spring of last year,
and even since that time, several new European
species have been characterised by our own zealous
and indefatigable Ornithologist, Gould. ‘The pre-
sent volume treats of Jand birds, and we understand ~
that a fourth and last, including the water birds, is
in preparation. The “'Tardigrade Dutchman” has
made surprisingly few alterations in system since
his last appearance before the public, his third
volume being, in this particular, on a footing with
the first edition of Selby’s Illustrations, published
in 1825. After what we have said of the previous
volumes of the Manuel @ Ornithologie, we consider
it needless to enforce on our readers the necessity
of procuring the third volume.

Manual of British Vertebrate Animals: by the
Rev. Leonard Jenyns, M.A., F.L.S., Z.S., E.S.,
&e. Smith, Deighton, Stevenson, Cambridge;
Longman and Co., London. 1835. 8vo. 13s. pp.
559.

Jenyns’s long promised, long looked-for Manual
has at length appeared, and now that we at last
have it safe on our table, we think it every-way
satisfies the high expectations which we had, natu-
rally enough, formed of it, from the well-known
talents of its Reverend author. Dr. Fleming’s Bri-
tish Animals, the only English work the student
before possessed, as a guide to the whole animal
kingdom of Britain, bears no comparison with the
work now before us, and indeed it sinks into insig-
nificance before the luminous Manual under con-
sideration. Fleming’s work, never of much use,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 187

may now be entirely abandoned, and suffered to
moulder on the shelf of the proprietor, while Mr.
Jenyns’s Manual will, if we mistake not, reap a
plentiful harvest from the enlightened Naturalists
of Britain.

We would fain notice the whole of this tempting
book, but this our plan forbids, and we are com-
pelled to restrict our readers to a bill of fare con-
sisting entirely of forel. Ornithology occupies a
considerable-—though not an undue—portion of the
volume, and the same taste, order and accuracy
reign here as in the other zoological classes. Our
author informs us that he is strongly inclined to
quinary principles, but we are sorry to find that he
has not adopted the masterly theory of Macleay,
as developed by his zealous and talented disciples.
Perhaps, however, his reason for this is, that he
could not have carried the system throughout, on
account of some of the minor classes not having
been investigated with sufficient precision, in their
quinary relations. Mr. Jenyns has, accordingly,
rather chosen to be directed by his own reason,
than to being servilely guided by any previous au-
thority, however great. ‘The system, though not
the natural one, is ably drawn up. Descriptions
of the plumage and general habits of every British
bird, and a few of the principal synonyms, judi-
ciously selected, constitute the letterpress, which,
we rejoice to say, is original wherever originality
has been possible, and, in other cases, authorities
which can be depended on, are alone resorted to.
The volumes most frequently referred to, are those
of Montagu, Temminck, Selby, Bewick, Gould,
and a few other worthies, whose names the Orni-
thologist delights to pronounce.

With regard to the style in which the work is
“got up,” we need only observe that we should
never desire to see better paper or more beautiful

188 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

printing ; and we will now conclude, by recom-’
mending Jenyns’s Manual of British Vertebrate

Animals to the attention of all our readers. A very

competent knowledge of British Ornithology may

be gleaned by a proper use of this book, and, with

the exception of Selby’s /llustrations, we do not

know a better book for the beginner. -

Ornithological Biography. By John James
Audubon, F.R.S. Vol. III. Large 8vo. pp. 638.
1836. 25s.

Since we penned the notice of the previous
volumes of this delightful and accurate work, a
third volume, nowise inferior to its predecessors,
has reached us. Its plan is the same, and there-
fore we need only refer to our critique of the two
first volumes, for our opinion of the whole work.
The Ornithological Biography is as indispensable
to the philosophic Ornithologist as the Amert-
can Ornithology of Wilson; The Article CaNnapa
GoosE may be pointed out as being peculiarly ex-
cellent.

Feathered Tribes of the British Islands. By
Robert Mudie. 2nd. edition. 2 vols. post 8vo. 1836.
28s.

After what we have said of this work at p. 63,
we consider it needless to renew our commendation
in this place, except that we would advise every
one to procure a copy of it. The specimens of
printing in colors are greatly improved.

Descriptions of the Rapacious Birds of Great

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 189

Britain. By Wm. Macgillivray, A.M. Edinb. and
London. 1836. 12mo. pp. 482. 9s.

We conceive that the title of this work and the
name of its author, will be sufficient recommenda-
tion of it. Suffice it to say, that the descriptions
are minute, accurate, and in the author’s best style;
the plates are likewise excellent, and the book 1s
well got up. We have skimmed the whole of this
delightful volume, and can conscientiously recom-
mend it to our readers. We much like the plan of
giving monographs of families of birds, and hope
that the present volume will be followed by others
on the same plan. Our own British Songsters will
probably be on a similar plan.

British Songsters ; being Popular Descriptions
of the British Choristers of the Groves. By Neville
Wood, Esq. Fcp. 8vo. J. W. Parker, West Strand,
London.

We have in preparation for the press a work of
the above title, for a specimen of which we have
extracted the eutire article “ Ivy Wren,’ at the re-
quest of our scientific friend, Dr. Liverpool, in
Art. IV. of the supplement. In our Text-book we
have already noticed two or three works on song
birds, by Bolton, Bechstein, and Syme; but none
of these volumes in any way come to our notion
of a treatise on song birds, the authors of the above
works being mere book Naturalists or amateurs,
and their respective publications, accordingly, either
compilations—what an odious word !—or instruc-
tions for the preservation of birds in confinement.
In our British Songsters, sach defects will be
avoided, and we shall aim, as far as possible, at
giving descriptions of the habits, haunts, nidifica-
tion, and general economy of the feathered choris-

190 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

ters. With regard to the commoner birds, the’
biographies will be entirely original, and some-
times, we hope, new, but in the case of very rare
visitants or stragglers, we prefer extracting the
account of some standard author, verbatim, to
botching and pasting up an apparently original
description of our own. Thus far, compilation is
allowable, in order to fill up gaps in a work which |
would otherwise be incomplete, but to detail all
the commonest circumstances in the words of other
authors,isunpardonable. ‘Professor Nudirostris”
(we will not say who has employed this epithet
before us), with a host of House Sparrow’s nests
on his table, and “ under his nose”, must needs
repair to his very extensive library, and, having
pored over all the ornithological volumes—both
old and new—in his collection, selects the accounts
of two or three authors (perhaps by a lucky chance
one of the descriptions is correct!}, cuts them out
with his very efficient pair of scissors, and pastes
them on his own conglomerate, with all the despatch
of a compiler long inured in his art! This is the
kind of thing we despise and condemn, but occa-
stonal and judicious compilation is frequently not
only useful, but necessary.

We cannot inform our readers when this work
will appear, but it will be carried on with as
little delay as possible, and will probably form
a foolscap octavo volume. If we can get it
illustrated with original figures, it will be an ad-
vantage. In conclusion, we need. only observe,
that any communications on the British song birds,
either facts or anecdotes, and however apparently
trivial, will be gratefully accepted, and duly and
immediately acknowledged. Such favors will be
printed at the end of each description. Valuable
communications have already been received, from

Chas. Liverpool, Esq., M.D., Mr. Edward Blyth,

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 191

Henry Barlow, Esq., J. D. Weston, Esq., Surgeon,
and many others.

History of the Rarer British Birds. Tntended
as a Supplement to Bewick’s “ History of British
Birds.” By T. C. Eyton, Esq. Longman and Co.
London. Part I, Jan. 1836. Demy 8vo, 3s. 6d.
Royal 8vo, 7s.

In the present work, all the new species not
figured by Bewick, are included. The plan of the
work appears to be excellent, and the whole is well
“sot up,” but surely the author cannot have met
with the last edition of Bewick’s British Birds,
published in 1832. If he will take the trouble of
referring to that edition, he will there find cuts of
the Alpme Abern (Neophron leucocephalus) and
Bluethroated Fantail (Pandicilla suecica, Blyth).
But though this is obviously a needless repetition,
we are little disposed to quarrel with the author
on that account, and will now proceed to investi-
gate the merits of the figures and letterpress in
succession.

‘The number opens with a representation of the
Alpime Abern. which appears to us, as far as we
can judge from the stuffed specimens we have seen,
to be characteristic. ‘The vignette at the close of
the description consists of the head of this bird,
executed in a masterly style, and with scrupulous
ornithological nicety. ‘The second figure (the
Redlegged Falcon) is a beautiful cut; and the
third (the 'Tithys Redstart) pleases us as well as
any in the number. Of the Bluethroated Fantail
we cannot speak so favourably, though there is
much finesh, both about the bird and the surround-
ing herbage. And, moreover, who ever saw a bird
siraining its head round towards the right side, in

192 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

order to seize an insect on its left side ?’—The

Alpine Annet (Curruca Alpinas) is an excellent
figure. We have lately learned from our esteemed
friend, Dr. Latham, that he possesses a stuffed
specimen of this bird, but he is not quite certain
as to its being a British-killed individual.—The
Firecrested Kinglet (Regulus ignicapillus) is a

complete failure, and it surprises us that our author -

should have allowed the cut to appear. 'The Shore
Lark (Alauda Alpestris), however, is a good
figure.—Passing over the Whitebellied Swift, we
find a lovely representation of the Mealy Linnet
( Linaria canescens). Mr. Blyth informs us that
he now possesses a live specimen of this species,
and Mr. Doubleday has had two of them in con-
finement above a year. We have little doubt but
the Mealy Linnet is perfectly distinct from the
Redpoll Linnet. The Whitewinged Crossbill
(Crucirostra leucoptera) is a spirited, and we
think, an accurate figure. A single individual,
shot in 1802, near Belfast, and recorded in the
Linnean Transactions, is the sole authority for
including this species in the British Fauna. Mr.
Kyton’s woodcut “is taken from a specimen in the
collection of William Yarrell, Eisq., of a male bird
in the plumage of the second year.” ‘The next spe-
cies 1s the Coccyzus Americanus, of which we have
seen a specimen in the British Museum. Of the
Rock Ptarmigan no representation is given. The
cut of the Wood Pigeon is not so characteristic as
we could have desired, nor do we much admire
that of the Migratory Pigeon. With regard to the
remaining species, a bare enumeration must suf-
fice.

The number closes with cuts of the Black Stork
(Ciconia nigra), Brown Longbeak (Macroram-
phus griseus), Buffbreasted Dunlin ( Tringa rufe-
scens), Pectoral Dunlin (Tringa pectoralis), and

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 193

Temminck’s Dunlin (Tringa Temmincki), all of
which are well executed.

The vignettes are in a very finished style, but
have none of the character and spirit of those of
Bewick. ‘The nomenclature also is extremely
faulty, and, under the cut of the Bluethroated
_ Fantail, we actually find “ Picedula Suecica, Lin-
nzuUSs”! Such defects, however, can scarcely be
said to detract from the value of a work of this
kind, and we cordially recommend the publication
to the notice of our readers. ‘Two more monthly
numbers, forming one octavo volume, will com-
plete the work.

The Analyst; a Quarterly Journal of Science,
Literature, Natural History, and the Fine Arts.
Vol. III. London: Simpkin and Marshall; Curry,
Jun. & Co., Dublin; Barlow, Birmingham. 1836.
Svo. Bds. 9s.

‘Since we noticed the two first volumes of this
valuable Magazine, a decided improvement has
taken place, both as regards the papers, and the
manner in which the work is “got up.” It has
now fixed its head quarters in Birmingham, is
published quarterly, has acquired a far loftier and
more definite character than it formerly possessed,
and, from the extreme merit of its literary and
scientific papers, surpasses all of its Metropolitan
cotemporaries. It has equal charms for the man
of science and the general reader, but the ornitho-
logical portion alone will claim our attention on
the present occasion.

At p. 26, is an article entitled “ Remarks Con-
ducive to the Improvement of Ornithological No-
menclature”, consisting of a list of British land
birds (orders Raptores, Insessores and Rasores),

R

194 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

hedged in on either side with excellent practical’
observations on this hitherto neglected subject. As
a corrected reprint of this list appeared in a subse-
quent part of the volume, we defer making particu-
lar mention of this paper for the present. Passing
over a host of highly interesting and valuable
scientific and literary articles, as “not bearing on
our immediate purpose, we arrive at “ A Retro-
spect of the Literature of British Ornithology”,
anonymous, but written, we happen to know, by
a learned and talented Physician, with whom we
have the honor of corresponding. The article con-
sists of slight notices of works on Ornithology, and
especially British Ornithology, commencing, as we
have likewise done, in our Ornithologists Teat-
book, with the valuable production of Willughby.
The writer has made an interesting chapter of it,
though not a very complete catalogue, and, with
all our respect and esteem for the highly-gifted
author, we find it our duty to observe, that truth
and justice has occasionally been sacrificed to
effect, as, for instance, in the notice of Morris’s
Guide, at p. 99. Now, In our opinion, it was
wholly unnecessary to make any mention of this
little affair, “blind”, or not blind; and we are
convinced that the writer would not have noticed
the pamphlet, had it not afforded him scope for
concluding with an effective paragraph. To this
we decidedly object, but candour compels us to ad-
mit, that such instances are of rare occurrence in
this Retrospect.

At p. 197, the list of British birds, before alluded
to, is corrected and completed, in an article headed,
“The Birds of Britain, Systematically Arranged. ”
As in the former list, so also in the one now offered
to our notice, the catalogue is, very properly, fenced
in with principles, on which the Fauna is founded.
The English nomenclature is almost unexception-

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 195

able, and the classification differs little from that
adopted by Vigors, Selby, and other quinary
systematists. We object, however, to changing
the generic name Yunx to Torgiulla, Phenicura
to Ruticilla, and other unnecessary and uncalled
for alterations of a likenature. We are well aware
that these names, now again introduced by this
writer, are not new, but, on the contrary, have
the advantage of pricrity; yet we do not clearly
perceive the end that is attaimed by changing
names now established by long usage, and which,
moreover, are intrinsically unexceptionable. What
offence also, we would ask, has the letter y com-
mitted, that it should scarce find a place in this
list? and why is it preferable to write Pyrrhula,
Budytes, Bomodycilla, Colymbus, Ortyx, &c.,
“ Pirrula”, “ Budites”, “ Bombicilla’, ‘“* Colim-
bus”, “ Ortiz”? 2 What do we gain by spelling
Cuckoo “Cucoo” or ‘‘Cucceoo”, or Qwail “ Cwail”?
—For the rest, we have not a word to say against
this arrangement, and feel peculiar gratification
in recommending it to the close attention of our
readers, as the most complete list of British birds
hitherto published, and the only one which can be
considered in any way a guide to English nomen-
clature. For farther remarks on ornithological no-
menclature, sce our paper on this subject, read
before the Worcestershire Natural History Society,
and printed in Art. V of our Supplement.

The next ornithological essay consists of “Sketches
of European Ornithology”, which appears to be an
analysis of Part I of Gould’s magnificent work, the
Birds of Europe. In the paper before us, the
generic and specific character, synonyms, and
principal habits of the birds figured in the first
part of Gould’s work, are given, with reference to
the volumes of Werner, Selby, Meyer, and other
modern standard Ornithologists. To those who

196 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

are unable to obtain the Birds of Europe, this
analysis will be invaluable, and we are informed
that the subject will be continued in the subse-
quent numbers of the Analyst. ‘The sketch is by
an eminent scientific individual, and is ably drawn
u

At p- 288, is a reply to the “ Ornithological
Query”, in Analyst, Vol. I], p. 426. With regard -
to the first bird, we think the correspondent is mis-
taken, in supposing it to be the Red Lark; because
we believe that the bird mentioned under this name
by Latham, Montagu, Fleming, and others, is
merely a variety of the Sky Lark (Alauda arven-
sis), and that the true Red Lark (A. Pennsyl-
vanica) has not been met with in Britain, being an
exclusively ‘Transatlantic species. Until “‘ Querist”
presents us with a more minute and detailed ac-
count of his first bird, any conjecture as to its
species is useless. ‘The second bird is, most pro-
bably, the Spring Oatear (Ludytes verna). 'The
only circumstance we cannot reconcile, is its having
been observed amongst dwarf fruit trees in the nur-
series near London; every other particular coin-
cides perfectly with the habits we have observed in
the Spring Oatear.

On the next page is a letter to the Editor, ob-
jecting to the new English names introduced in the
list of British land birds in No. 18. We would
recommend the writer of this epistle to make him-
self a little better acquainted with the science of
Omithology, before he pretends to criticise or ob-
ject to any innovations in that science, merely be-
cause they are innovations, or difficult for him to
attain. We need offer no further observations on
this letter, because, we doubt not, it will be ably
replied to, by the framer of the arrangement of
Brtish birds, to whom it applies.

The third letter to the Editor, at p. 291, by the

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 197

Rev. F. O. Morris, was wholly uncalled for. It
relates to the manner in which his Guede was
noticed in the ‘“ Ornithological Retrospect,” in
the thirteenth number of the Analyst. We have
already observed that the criticism of the writer of
the Retrospect was unfair, but we cannot perceive
the advantage Mr. Morris has derived from reply-
ing to the strictures, especially as he has made a
somewhat bungled affair of it. If Mr. Morris were
to mention as distinct species, all included as such
by Gmelin, Lewin, Linneus, Fleming, Montagu,
and, above ail, by Buffon and Bewick, his Guide
would indeed be a blind one.—Amongst the Crit1-
cal Notices in No. 14, is a review of Selby’s
Pigeons.

But as we have already occupied considerably
mere space with our critique of this interesting
Journal than our limits can well justify, we must
now conclude by again recommending this highly
useful and entertaining periodical to the attention
of all ourreaders. ‘To the scientific Naturalist it is-
indispensable, and few will be found to answer the
purposes of the general reader better than THE
ANALYST.

Edinburgh Journal of Natural History and the
Physical Sciences, with Cuvier’s Régne Animal ;
by Capt. Thomas Brown, F.L.8., M.W.S., &e.
Crown folio. Fortnightly Nos. 6d. col. 4d. uncol.
1835.

This Journal is of a two-fold nature. The first
part of each number contains a variety of interest-
ing miscellaneous matter, by the author and other
scientific men. The second portion consists of a
translation of Cuvier’s Régne Animal, with addi-
tions by the author. It appears to be well trans-

RS

198 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

lated, and the original matter (which is distin-—
guished from the rest by being in a smaller type)
is always valuable. Each No. contains a colored
plate, with ten figures on each, on an average.
These are well executed, considering the extreme
cheapness of the work. It will be a valuable pub-
lication, and the only fault we can find with it, is
its very large size, which will prevent its standing
upright on any shelf.

A Few Observations on the Ornithological Pe-
riodicals—Having thus brought our notices of
works up to the present time, we conceive we
cannot do better than conclude with a few remarks
on the principal periodicals. With one exception,
these have since been carried on with great spirit
and regularity. Of the Zoological Journal, only
five volumes have appeared, and it is announced
that it is “‘ complete”, or, in other words, discon-
tinued. We regret that the periodical did not
succeed, but, for reasons stated in our former no-
tice of it (p. 50), are by no means surprised at the
circumstance.—Of Hewitson’s British Oology, No.
xxv was published in January; it 1s nowise in-
ferior to its predecessors, for the accuracy of the
delineations, and the tasteful manner in which the
work is got up. ‘This number opens the third
volume, which will be, or ought to be, completed
in November, 1837.—No. xxii of Partington’s
British Cyclopedia of Natural History appeared
in January. ‘The work has advanced as far as the
letter G, and we particularly recommend the arti-
cle “ GALLINIDZ”, in this number, to the attention
of our readers.—No. lvii of the Magazine of Na-
tural History, for January, has reached us, in
which, we regret to say, the only ornithological
article is a short, though pleasant, paper on the
Robin Redbreast. We have reason to know that

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 199

this formerly deserving repository now scarcely
pays the expenses of paper, print, &c., simply be-
cause the interest and originality of its matter has
so obviously and rapidly fallen off for some time
past. The “ facts fresh from the fields”, with
which it formerly teemed, and which must, we
think, have brought it an extensive circulation,
have now given place, for the most part, to dry,
musty, closet-hatched speculations, interesting
alone to the framers of such trash. We cannot
imagine the cause of this deterioration, and whilst,
with many of our ornithological friends, we sin-
cerely regret the circumstance, we cannot help
thinking, that, if a change for the better does not
shortly take place, the Mag gazine of Natural His-
tory will, ere long, like the Zoological Journal,*
attain a “ sickly “maturity”, and be pronounced
complete ! We offer these observations, be it
Enewn, in a spirit of the most perfect kindliness
and respect, on account of our esteem and regard
for the learned and excellent Editor, Mr. Loupon;
but it would decidedly be to his advantage to pre-
sent his readers with matter as interesting and
valuable as he was wont to do, in the early part
of his administration?

Captain Brown’s Edinburgh Journal of Natu-
ral History continues to appear every other Sa-
turday, and several numbers relating to birds,
are already published. From a cursory view of
the contents of the parts already laid before the
public, we can pronounce the work to be well
deserving the attention of the student, while its
extreme cheapness will place it within the reach

of the humblest class of individuals.—Meyer’s
fllustrations are making rapid advances, a large

* This journal, however, was intrinsically good, but was too dry
and scientific to command anything like a remunerating circulation.

900 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

number of parts being published; but an inspec-
tion of the latest Nos. only serves to confirm the
opinion we formerly expressed of the publication,
at p. 95. For want of a better work, on the same
scale, and with colored plates, it is, nevertheless,
we regret to say, useful to the student.—As to
Mrs. Perrott’s wretched Selections of British Birds,
the work is beneath criticism, and we have never ~
taken the needless trouble of inquiring whether a
second part of it ever dared to show its face. We
are informed, that if our authoress should chance
to meet with our little Text-Gook, we may expect a
“Raven’s quill” from her; but, unless she can
manage Raven’s quills with greater success than
she has exhibited in her delineation of that bird,
we have little to fear! Mrs. Perrott may, for ought
we know, be an accomplished woman, but it is a
pity but either she or her friends could have dis-
tinguished between the talents required fer draw-
ing as an amusement and as a profession.—No. xv
of the Analyst will appear on the first of April.

The two gigantic ornithological periodicals now
alone remain to be noticed. All we can at present
say of them, however, is that of Audubon’s Berds
of America, No. LX has lately appeared; this
series of plates, and the accompanying letterpress
—entitled Ornithological Biography—will be com-
pleted in the early part of 1838.—Of Gould’s unri-
valled Birds of Europe, thirteen parts are pub-
lished, and we understand that nearly the whole
number of copies struck off (300) are subscribed
for.

In the papers, we have lately seen advertised,
the first volume of an “Entertaining Library of
Natural History”, entitled Architecture of Birds,
price ls. Now, from the title of this book, and
from the circumstance of its being published under
the superintendence of the Useful Knowledge So-

ORNITHOLOGISI’S TEXT-BOOK. 201

ciety, we came to the conclusion that the volume
must be a new botch-work of Rennie’s. But,
judge of our disappointment, when we discovered
it to be neither more nor less than the old Archi-
tecture of Birds, brought out in a new shape!
We had anticipated the inconceivable pleasure of
cutting up his masonry with as much diligence as
he usually employs in pasting them together. Mais
nimporte ! we have resigned ourselves to our lot,
and must do ourselves the justice to say, that we
bore our unappreciable loss with the philosophic
and praiseworthy magnanimity which became us
as purveyors in the cause of NATURE.

We understand that a work called the Ornitho-
logical Guide is in the press, and will probably
appear before long.

Some Remarks on our Review of Hewitson’s
“ British Oology”’, at p. 87.—A short time since,
we forwarded, to our friend Wm. C. Hewirson, of
Bristol, the proof sheets of our Text-book ; that
gentleman objected to some points of our review of
his British Oology, and intimated, that if it were
published as there stated, he should be compelled
to reply to it with more warmth than he should
wish. Now as nothing could be further from our
desire than to give offence, however slight, to any
of our friends, and more especially to an ornitho-
logical one, we proposed to Mr. Hewitson to print,
at our own expense, any reply that he might wish
to make to our notice. ‘The result is that we have
received the following remarks, addressed, it will
be observed, to our readers :—

“As Mr. Neville Wood has not only offered me
a page in the Supplement of his Teat-book, to reply
to some remarks at p. 89, in his review of my Bri-
ish Oology, but has also proposed to print the

202 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

same at his own expense, I gladly avail myself of '
his liberality.

“Taking the list of our British birds, as he has
done, at 300 (beyond its utmost limit), and allow-
ing it possible to obtain the eggs of the whole
(which, as every Ornithologist must be well aware,
is totally impracticable), I must protest against his
review as being anything but fair. The British
Oology was commenced in April 1831, and with
the March number of the present year (1856), 155
species will have been figured; the remaining 145
could not, therefore, by any calculation, spin out
the work longer than the Ist of January 1841. I
trust, however, long ere so many years of our lives
have passed away, to take leave of my subscribers,
and thank them for their many kindnesses. I am
fully aware that the work has not gone on as regu-
larly as I at first hoped, and that many delays have
arisen—in the first place by my absence from home,
in search of rarities for its pages, and in the second
from my inexperience as a publisher. By my own
calculation, however, the work will be concluded at
a much earlier period. Of the 145 species which
remain, I fear there is no chance of procuring the
eggs of one half, at the utmost. I would, however,
most gladly decrease the number of species whose
eggs must remain unfigured, and for that purpose
have requested the aid of my subscribers, on the
cover of my recent Nos., where a list of my des?-
derata is also given. No exertion on my own part
shall be spared to render the work as complete as
possible.

“From what I have said, it will be seen that
the work, instead of lasting till 1842, will be com-
pleted by the close of 1837.

“To the other faults pointed out by Mr. Wood,
with regard to classification, I must plead guilty.
At the beginning of the work Temminck’s arrange-

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 203

ment was adopted; as it proceeded, however, and
more light dawned upon the delightful study of
Ornithology, it was necessary to follow, in part, a
more modern system. ‘This defect will be obviated
as much as possible by an index at the conclusion
of the work.

“ Witit1aM C. HeEwirTson.”

Weare perfectly sensible of the cogency of the
above remarks, but, had we stated 1841, instead of
1842, as the probable time of the conclusion of the
British Oology, our review had been perfectly fair.
We calculate the list of British birds, in round
numbers, to amount to 300 (there are actually
more), and as 141, or nearly half, had been figured
when we penned our notice, in five years, we might
justly infer—making allowances for interruptions—
that it would not be completed before the expira-
tion of other five years. We could not of course
be aware of the means Mr. H. possessed for pro-
curing the eggs of rare birds; and as we under-
stand that the egg of the Alpine Annet (Curruca
collaris) will be figured in the May No., we had
good reason to suppose that the eggs of all our other
stragglers could be obtained. As it is, however,
our review was not quite fair, and we siricerely hope
Mr. H.’s review will set the matter in its right
light. In conclusion, we have only to express a
wish that our amiable and talented friend may
continue laying his eggs as regularly and success-
fully as he has done for some time past.

204 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. IVY WREN.

Art. 1V. Habits of the Ivy Wren (Anorthura
troglodytes, Morris) .*

Within thy warm and mossy cell,
Where scarce ’twould seem thyself could dwell,
Twice eight, a speckled brood we tell,
Nestling beneath thy wing !
And still unwearied, many a day,
Thy little partner loves to stay,
Perched on some trembling limber spray,

Beside his mate to sing.
Anonymous.

Synonyms.—Motacilla troglodytes, Linn. Syst.—Sylvia trog-
lodytes, Latu. Ind. Orn.—Troglodytes Europeus, Cuy. Regne
Anim.—Anorthura troglodytes, MorrIs’s Cat. Br. Birds.— Analyst,
No. 14.—Common Wren, SELBy’s Br. Orn.—Ivy Wren, Analyst,
No. 14.

THE Ivy Wren is little superior in size to the
Goldcrested Kinglet (Regulus aur icapillus, SEL-
BY), and is common and indigenous in every part
of Britain, being an extremely hardy little creature.
Its bill is ‘longer, and its tail shorter, than those of
most other members of the family (Sylviade), and
the prevailing color of the bedy is dark brown,
and the eyes are bright and glistening. ‘The tail
is often held at a right angle with the body, and
is always more or less cocked.

* This paper forms the article “Ivy Wren” in our British

Songsters, and is here printed, at the suggestion of our esteemed

pees friend Charles Liverpool, Esq., M.D., as a specimen of
the work. N. W.

IVY WREN. ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 205

The haunts, habits, and general appearance of
this species are wholly distinct from those of our
feathered choristers which we have hitherto de-
scribed. Most of the true Sylviade (Warbler
family) are inhabitants of groves, or of furzy com-
mons, and extensive heathy wastes, whilst the Ivy
Wren frequents out-houses, heaps of weod, dead
fences, and other localities assimilating closely with
its own dusky colour. In such places it conceals
itself sedulously throughout the year, and is mostly
observed singly or in pairs. It is not remarkably
shy, but it is fond of seclusion, always keeping
close to the ground, flying low, and seldom or
never perching on trees. It is extremely expert in
threading the small interstices of the thick hedges
_and tangled brakes which are its favourite haunts,
and is, on that account, difficult to be seen, though,
when it does sally forth from its retreat, it often
admits of a very near approach. ‘The bowing
of the head observable in some birds, may also be
seen in this,—not so commonly as in the Robin
Redbreast (Rubecula familiaris, BiyTH*), but
much more frequenily than in the Goldcrested
Kinglet; it is most common in the breeding sea-
son, or rather when the males are in song, which
is, in fact, the greater part of the year.

TI am inclined to think that our tiny songster
pairs for life, having frequently observed the same
pair near a particular spot, in the depth of winter,
and, on shooting one of these, the surviver has been
seen hopping about the place alone, unceasingly
uttering a shrill mournful kind of note, as if wail-
ing for its deceased partner. Itis probable that
many of our resident birds, as the Robin Redbreast,

* T am at a loss to conceive why my talented friend, Mr. Blyth,
has lately rejected his name Rubecula familiaris for the absurd re-
petition contained in Hrythaca rubecula—N. W.

bs)

206 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. IVY WREN,

Ivy Wren, Chaff Finch (Fringilla coelebs, Linn.),
and others, which have hitherto been supposed to
select a fresh mate every year, pair for life. At
least I am certain of this, that many of the pairs
remain attached through the winter, though with
regard to their coupling for /2/e, it is impossible to
speak with certainty. |

The song of this bird is short in stave, harsh,
and remarkably loud in proportion to the size of
the body. It may perhaps be reckoned amongst
the most trivial of our feathered choristers, but the
song is more prized than it would otherwise be,
on account of its being frequently heard m mid-
winter, when a mere scream would almost seem
sweet, especially if it proceeded from the throat of
so tiny a bird as the Ivy Wren. And thus, insig-
nificant and humble—with regard to musical merit
—as are its strains, I always listen to them with
delight during the dreary winter months, though
we are apt to overlook them altogether in fairer
times. In fact, interesting as are some of the
habits of this species, and lively as is its general
expression, the sight of it always conveys to one’s
mind the idea of cold, of snow, and of winter
fageots, even during the ardent heat of midsummer.
It often commences singing so early as January,
mostly taking its stand on a heap of sticks, a log
of wood, a hedge abounding with dead underwood,
or the top sprig of a currant bush. Were it not
that the bird is generally so conspicuous while
singing, it would be difficult to persuade ourselves
that the notes proceeded from a bird of such small
dimensions, so loud and clear are they. It often
carols also whilst flying from bush to bush, in the
manner of the Warblers (Sylvia), and I have even
known a male bird sing in the act of pursuing one
of its kind along a hedge.

As a song bird, itis certainly not worth pre-

IVY WREN. ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 207

serving in a cage, especially as it is somewhat
difficult to keep it in health for any length of time,
though, with alittle care, I have no doubt it would
bear confinement very well, having myself had one
in acage nearly three weeks. ‘This individual,
which was caught in an outbuilding, during a
severe storm in the winter of 1831, fed readily on
bruised hempseed and bread, with the occasional
addition of a few insects. It was not so wild as
might have been expected, but was remarkably
active, and in constant motion. Having thus
ascertained that it might be preserved in confine-
ment—in spite of what compilers may say on the
subject—I restored it to liberty (* Nature’s greatest
boon”), and had the satisfaction of seeing it come
to be fed almost every morning in the winter,
which convinced me that it was not displeased
with the liberty I had taken of caging it for a few
days. |

The Ivy Wren (or at least those individuals
which had not previously been coupled) pairs in
February, and the nest is sometimes commenced
so early as the end of March, though, if the spring
be a backward one, not till the beginning of April.
It is a curious and beautiful structure, and has
ever engaged the attention of all who take the
slightest interest in ornithological pursuits. The
exterior usually consists entirely of green moss,
with a few small twigs round the entrance; the
inside is generally, though not always, lined with
feathers. ‘The situations in which it may be sought
for are, the thatched roofs of outhouses, where it
makes use of the holes excavated by House Spar-
rows (Passer domesticus, AupRov.) and Spotted
Starlings (Sturnus varius, Mry.), ivy-clad walls
or trees, mossy banks, or low bushes. ‘These are
the usual sites; but the bird is not very nice in
the choice of a situation for its nest. I have found

208 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. IVY WREN.

it on the branches of wall fruit trees, at the tops
of raspberries and honey-suckles, amongst the
dense foliage of the fir, in hollow trees, on the
luxuriant Clematis on the tops and sides of ar-
bours, in hop trellises, in tall thick hedges, and
also, though not very frequently, in corners of
hay-lofts, granaries, and similar places. I have
likewise seen it under the thatch of hay and corn ©
ricks. Few birds build in such a variety of locali-
ties, and fewer still display so much diversity in
their architectural doings. It has already been
observed, that green moss is the principal material
of the nest in ordinary localities. It will be ne-
cessary, however, to notice, as briefly as possible,
some of the varieties to which the structure is
subject.

Of the above-mentioned deviations from the
common locality, I have found the building in
raspberry bushes to be the most common, and in
such I have had frequent opportunities of observ-
ing the method in which the little architects go to
work. It is a curious, and to Naturalists a well
known, fact, that this bird varies the materials of
its nest according to the situation in which it may
happen to be placed*; and, accordingly, those
built in ivy-clad walls or trees, or in mossy spots
of any kind, invariably consist almost wholly of
green moss outside. But, when it nidificates in
raspberry bushes, scarcely a particle of moss is
employed, the whole structure, both externally and
internally, being composed of the leaves of the
raspberry. ‘This is one of the most extraordinary
departures from the ordinary mode of nest-building
with which I am acquainted; and, though three

* This circumstance is observable, to a certain degree, in the
nests of many other birds; but in none is it so conspicuous as in
the species now under consideration.

IVY WREN. ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 209

or four instances of it have fallen under my obser-
vation, it appears to have been noticed by no
writer on British Ornithology, whose works I have
consulted.

The course taken by this bird in building its
curious piece of architecture, is accurately, but not
very minutely, related by SELBy—undoubtedly the
first authority on such subjects. In some parti-
culars, however, the observations here detailed
differ from those of that eminent Ornithologist.
First a kind of cup, shaped like an ordinary nest,
open at the top, is made; next the sides and roof,
or “‘dome”, are erected, and the whole exterior
rendered smooth and even, leaving a small opening
towards the top, and twining a few slender twigs
round the entrance, to make the whole firm. The
last operation consists in establishing a feather-bed
inside, for the reception of the nestlings. When
composed of leaves, however, it is lined merely
with a few horsehairs, which is remarkable enough,
as the leaves must obviously be much less warm
and comfortable than soft moss; but the fact is
certain. ‘The raspberry leaves, when first laid,
are always fresh and green, but become quite
brown and autumnal in the course of a few days.

In the case of the Ivy Wren building in rasp-
berry bushes, with the leaves of the same shrub,
the color of the nest was certainly singularly well
adapted to its locality. In one imstance, however,
I remember to have found it between two of the
dense flakes of foliage (so to speak) of the fir tree,
and composed exclusively of beech and oak leaves,
with the usual intermixture of moss and slender
twigs, which was evidently but ill calculated to
conceal the structure. ‘This specimen was loosely
put together, and never contained more than three
eggs, after which it was, not unwisely, deserted.
On cutting off the branch on which it rested, the

s3

MRIS i aiahs.:
. dtc wh | pRaaaen
‘

210 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. IVY WREN.

nest—like a house built on the sand—fell to pieces.
It was lined with horse hair and a few feathers.
One that I once saw in a pear tree against the wall,
was composed of the usual materials. It frequently
builds also in the hollow and clefts of trees, or in
banks, where the entrance is often so small as
scarcely to admit even an Ivy Wren, and such >
situations generally conceal the snug little tene-
ment from the keen eyes and merciless claws of
the truant schoolboy.
But perhaps the most remarkable locality of the
nest of this bird, which has fallen under my ob-
servation, was inside that of a Chimney Swallow
(Mirunda urbica), under the eaves of a roof. It
had evidently contained young, but these had
escaped when the double nest was dislodged, to-
wards the latter end of April. I have frequently
seen this remarkable specimen, and, if I remember
rightly, an account of it has lately appeared in the
Magazine of Natural History, but I cannot at
present refer to the exact place. ‘There was no-
thing remarkable about the materials or structure
of the nest; the marvel consisting in its expen’
nary situation. In other instances, I have known
it build under the thatch of hay stacks, where it
was composed of the usual green moss, but mixed
with hay, and sparingly lined with feathers. ‘The
whole is well concealed from view, being covered
over with stalks of hay, without which precaution
it would be a very conspicuous object. ‘Twice also
have I found it in hay-lofts, amongst heaps of fag-
gots, and other wood collected for winter use.
Both of these nests came to a singularly unhappy
fate. In one, the usual number of eggs was laid,
and, just when the female was on the point of
hatching, the loft happened to be shut up for seve-
ral days together; and as, moreover, there was no
hole large enough to allow even an Ivy Wren to

IVY WREN. ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 211

pass, the necessary consequence was, that the bird
was starved to death. When the room was re-
opened, I visited the nest, and, on putting my
finger into the snug little structure, found the bird
sitting. Unwilling to disturb her, I instantly with-
drew my hand, but, to my no small surprise, the
bird continued sitting. It was now clear that all
could not be going on right, and, on extracting
the little creature, found that it was in its last
sleep. Just at this instant, the male entered at
the recently opened door, and flew around me with
the most evident signs of concern and distress.
The female was in tolerably “good case”, but her
death was evidently owing to starvation. The
young birds, five in number, and very lately hatched,
were quite dead. ‘Three eggs, one of which was
addled, remained in the nest. ‘The above anec-
dote proves how powerfully the organ of Philopro-
genitiveness sometimes acts in this tiny creature.

The other nest, also built amongst faggots, in a
hay-loft, was converted by the mice into a store-
house for half-chewed corn, beans, peas, bits of
apple, cheese, and sundry other delicacies; the
eggs, seven in number, having, previous to the
“ furnishing” of the apartments, been duly de-
voured or ejected, and the dome of the nest almost
torn off. This is a parallel case to that related in
the article “ GaRnEN OvuzEL (Merula torquata)”,
of the rats taking possession of the nest of that
bird.

It is one of the disputed questions in Ornithology,
whether the Ivy Wren does, or does not, line its
nest with feathers. ‘The soluticn of this “ point in
dispute” is sufficiently easy, and the only wonder
is, how any one conld have the smallest doubt as
to the true state of the case. In this, as in many
other arguments of a similar nature, both parties
are right, as the nest is generally lined with a pro-

912 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. IVY WREN.

fusion of feathers, but there are many which do
not contain a single feather; and here again we
perceive the wonderfal diversity displayed by the
Ivy Wren in the framing of its beautiful piece of
architecture. Most other birds almost invariably
line their nests with the same materials; that is,
the materials do not vary considerably in different
specimens, though the exterior frequently varies
according to circumstances. On referring to the
beautiful and accurate work of my friend, Mr.
HeEwITson, of oological celebrity*, I find my ob-
servations confirmed. He says:—‘‘ Ornithologists
differ as to the lining of the nest of the [Ivy] Wren,
some maintaining that it is thickly lined with fea-
thers, whilst others deny that it has any in its com-
position. I have found it both ways, but cannot,
from recollection, say which most frequently.” It
is difficult to imagine what can be the reason of
this extraordinary variety in different specimens ;
and I do not pretend to draw any subtle inferences
from the circumstance, but merely present my
readers with the plain fact, which almost any one,
residing in the country, may verify for himself.
The Ivy Wren often builds nests which never
contain eggs. ‘These are called “ cock nests” in
some parts of England, being supposed to be the
manufacture of the male; here, however, they are
more commonly known by the name of “ fallow-
nests”, which is certainly a more appropriate de-
signation. It is the opinion of some writers, that
these “cock” or “fallow nests” are built by the
male, for the purpose of drawing away the atien-
tion of nest-plunderers and other mtruders from
the real structure. This might be a plausible
theory enough for the closet speculator and com-
piler; but as, in the biographies of birds, one fact

* See his exquisite British Oology, No. XXI.

IVY WREN. ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 913

is worth a dozen hypotheses, I shall proceed to
state my objections to the above-mentioned suppo-
sition.

First, then, though I have frequently discovered
these “‘ fallow nests” near others containing eggs
or young, yet I have observed that such have invari-
ably been the first architectural attempts of young
birds of the year, or else that they have been built
as a winter retreat. Secondly, I have found, from
personal observation, that both birds assist in fabri-
cating the nest. And, in the third place, they are
always constructed at the beginning, or towards
the end, of the breeding season. For these reasons,
I confidently deny that the untenanted nests are
built by the males, whilst their mates are sitting.
And, indeed, I may be allowed to ask, why should
this bird alone possess so extraordinary an instinct
for the preservation of its nest? I say preservation,
because it has been argued that they are built with
the view of preventing the discovery of the furnished
or inhabited apartment; but I am of opinion that
it would have exactly the opposite effect, namely,
that of encouraging the bird-nester to continue his
researches. Success naturally stimulates to further
exertion, and so, if I am not greatly mistaken, it
would be in this case. Accounting for the circum-
stance by supposing these dubious nests to be the
productions of young and inexperienced architects,
we find many parallel cases in other species. No-
thing is commoner than to meet with haif finished
or clumsily constructed nests of the Garden Thrush,
Garden Ouzel, Hedge Dunnock, Goldcrested King-
let, and many others, which are invariably com-
menced very early in the season, as none of these
birds make any use of their nests but in the breed-
ing time. But the Ivy Wren often builds itself a
dwelling in autumn, and lodges therein on cold
nights. These are mostly built in the usual locali-

214 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. IVY WREN.

ties, though I once found one situated inside an’
old Garden Thrush’s nest, in a Portugal laurel.
Frequently also the nests in which one or two
broods had been reared in summer, are tenanted
every night throughout the winter,—whether by
the old or the young birds, is a question more cu-
rious than easy to determine, on account of the
difficulty—almost amounting to impossibility—of —
catching the birds at night. This I have frequently
endeavoured to effect, but without success. It is
probable, however, that it would be impracticable
for all the young birds to stuff themselves into one
nest, and thus, whether the summer fabrication be
tenanted by old or young, the rest must find beds
for themselves elsewhere. And this they do, either
framing a new domicile, or roosting in holes of
thatch, and, very commonly, in ivy-clad walls and
trees, where in very severe weather, I have found
them, at different times, frozen to death.

I have already expressed an opinion, that the
Ivy Wren may pair for life; and this supposition is
greatly strengthened by the circumstance of two birds
generally (always?) assisting in the construction of
the winter retreats. J have never known an in-
stance in which the tenement was constructed by
solitary labor, and I am enabled to speak the more
positively on this point, from having frequently ob-
served the operations of the skilful litile architects,
from behind a bush or tree. The winter nests
seldom or never contain feathers, but in other re-
spects they agree with the usual structures. I do
not think it a very common occurrence for this bird
to build in autumn or winter, as, if it can have its
summer nest to lodge in at night, or if 1t can dis-
cover a suitable hole in a thatched roof, there is no
necessity for fabricating a duplicate, but, in this
neighborhood at least, it is not very rare.

One point, regarding the nidification of this

IVY WREN. ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 915

little songster, yet remains to be noticed. How-
ever its nest may differ in other particulars, it
always agrees in this, that, around the entrance,
moss and small twigs are invariably woven. With-
out this precaution, it is probable that the nest,
being composed almost wholly of moss, would soon
lose its beauty and symmetry, from the constant
ingress and egress of the parent birds. This is so
prominent a feature in the structure, that almost
every one at allinterested in this delightful branch
of Natural Science, must have remarked it, though
I believe it is mentioned by none of our ornitholo-
gical writers.

The eggs, from eight to ten in number, are of a
pure white, or sometimes dusky, spotted with red-
dish brown at the larger end. The circumstance
mentioned by the older Ornithologists, and still
echoed by the compilers of the present day*, of the
Ivy Wren’s laying eighteen or twenty eggs, is
wholly incorrect; eight being, according to my ex-
perience, the usual number. ‘There are sometimes
fewer, but, I believe, never more. How this mis-
take, with regard to the number of its eggs, could
possibly arise, it passeth my understanding to de-
termine. Not only has it been repeated by authors
of good repute, however, but most sagacious reflec-
tions have likewise been made on the circumstance ;
to wit, how so small a bird should be able to sup-
port so numerous a progeny, without ever missing
an individual, and feeding them all in order; also
as to the wisdom of Providence, and so forth—all
which sage and profound observations were founded

* T know not what the Prince of Compilers may have pasted into
his “faulty Dictionary” on this subject, as I never take the needless
trouble of referring to his unskilful botchings and hashes, but some
other book Naturalists are still endeavoring to perpetuate this error
to the best of their ability.

216 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. IVY WREN.

on an erroneous basis. If half the time that is
spent in such pseudo-philosophic conclusions from
unproved assertions, were employed in observing
and recording new facts, our acquaintance with the
habits and general economy of the feathered race
would be infinitely more extensive and accurate.

The Ivy Wren displays not a little pugnacity in
its disposition, and, like that of all other birds, it —
is most observable in the breeding season. I well
remember, on one occasion, that whilst walking
with a friend, in a solitary wood, some years ago,
a violent rustling of the leaves, in a neighboring
bush, arrested our attention. On peering into the
shrub, we found two of these birds engaged in such
close and fierce combat, that nothing would have
been easier than to have made them both prisoners.
When parted, one of them appeared glad enough
of a chance of escape, and sculked amongst the
thick bushes, whilst the other, perched on a neigh-
boring tree, poured forth the joyous song of vic-
tory. After the lapse of a few minutes, however,
the vanquished was furiously chased through bush
and brake, and the pursuit continued as far as the
eye could penetrate. ‘The conquered party ap-
peared to have received some injury in one of its
wings, and flew with difficulty. Probably it had
been relieved of some of its quill feathers in the
late conflict.

Though a very hardy bird, usually braving the
rigors of our northern winters, yet, in extremely
severe seasons, great numbers do perish, equal
victims to hunger and cold. Itis said to have
been sometimes found dead in holes.of thatched
roofs and other places, and that several stow them-
selves into the same retreat, in order to keep each
other warm; but I have never discovered more
than one ina hole, though that pretty frequently.
It often chooses its own nest for its sepulchre, but

IVY WREN. ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 217

perhaps as commonly selects the first easy spot
_ that offers itself, as heaps of sticks or flower pots
in outhouses, and other warm and sheltered situa-
tions. I have generally found them in a hard and
frozen state, and, even though they may have lain
in the grave several months, yet—provided the
frost has not yet relented—the bodies do not ex-
hibit the slightest symptoms of putrescence. |

It is worthy of remark, that the Ivy Wren is a
pretty constant attendant on the Coal and Marsh
Tits and on the Goldcrested Kinglet, especially
the latter, and, that where the one is, the other is
almost sure to be also. Thus, whilst the Gold-
crested Kinglet (Regulus auricapillus, SELBY) is
exploring the branches and twigs of the mighty
oak and the lofty pme, the Ivy Wren is equally
busily employed in the humbler task of scouring
the brakes and bushes beneath. Both species are
remarkable for their activity, and are in constant
motion.

The food of the Ivy Wren consists of various
kinds of insects and their larve, and frequently
also—which is not noticed by authors—of red
currants, which it sometimes devours in great
abundance in sultry seasons. Insect food, how-
ever, forms by far the greater portion of its sub-
sistence, and fruit is probably only resorted to
when its favorite fare becomes scarce. All birds
are most eminently frugivorous during along con-
tinuance of dry weather, owing, doubtless, to the
extreme difficulty with which insects and worms
are then procured, the latter then penetrating very
deep into the earth for the sake of eluding the
fervor of the sun’s rays.

My Cambridge correspondent, HENry Bartow,
Esq., appears to have noticed the Ivy Wren’s fru-
givorous habits in confinement, though not in its

E

OTS ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. . IVY WREN.

natural state. ‘That gentleman has lately written
to me as follows :—

“IT have, for many years, possessed two or three
Ivy Wrens, and find them by no means so difficult
to preserve as is mentioned by some authors. But,
both in summer and winter, a little care is requi-
site. In hot weather they require, besides their
ordinary food, a constant supply of insects, and in -
winter, a considerable degree of warmth is at all
times indispensable. It is partial to currants and
elderberries, especially the former, but will not
touch apple or pear.’

I am not aware that this species is subject to
variety, and the sexes resemble each other so
closely as to be distinguished only by the practised
eye of the experienced Ornithologist.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 219

Art. V. On the English Nomenclature of
Birds.*

THE English nomenclature of birds is the only
department of Ornithology which has not received
the attention it deserves, from the Naturalists of
Britain. In the science, properly so called, we
have Willughby, Latham, Swainson, Vigors, Selby,
and others equally illustrious, while the descriptive
or popular department has been no less ably filled
by Pennant, Montagu, Mudie, Blyth, and other
admirable writers and acute observers. But the
vernacular designations of birds have been most
ignominiously abandoned to popular caprice and
absurd superstitions. Whether or not such a sys-
tem-—or rather such a want of system—can advan-
tageously be permitted to continue, it is the inten-
tion of the present paper briefly to investigate.

Now, there can be little doubt but that it is very
convenient to call a bird by a name by which it has
always been known to the vulgar; but is such a
system of procedure consistent with the princi-
ples on which philosophic science ought to be
based :—Is it, | would ask, consistent with any
_ principles?—Most assuredly not. But still I
candidly admit, that the principles of English
nomenclature, which I so ardently desire to see

* Read before the Worcestershire Natural History Society, to
which body it was communicated at our request, by the Honorary
Curator, Edwin Lees, Esq., M.E.S., &c.—_N. W,

220 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

carried into effect, could not have answered thé
purposes of science during the Linnean era.
It would have been inconvenient to have given
the name “Falcon” to all the members of the
extensive Linnean genus Falco, or indeed to any
of the more comprehensive genera of the illus-
trious Swede;—as Motacilla, Anas, Ardea, &c.
For these divisions could not properly be termed
genera, but rather families. Genus is the name
given by modern Zoologists to the smallest divi-
sion, and each of these should obviously possess a
distinct English appellation, to correspond to the
Latin one. But to designate the Falco chrysaétos
of Linnzus the “ Golden Falcon”, or the Motacilla
rubecula the “ Redbreast Wagtail”, would be ab-
surd. The genera Aguila and Falco, Motacilla
and Rubecula, are so entirely distinct, that the
impropriety of arranging them in the same generic
group is no longer doubted, and thus, though the
classification of the great Linneus is the most
beautiful and simple artificial system hitherto pro-
mulgated, yet its inadequacy to answer the pur-
poses of science at the present day, is sufficiently
obvious, and becomes the more so the further we
extend our knowledge of species. ‘The propriety
or impropriety of giving to each genus, of a system
now universally abandoned, a separate English
designation, is, therefore, of little or no conse-
quence. It is now admitted, by all our most emi-
nent Zoologists, that the genera of Linneus rank
more properly as families. These families are
again divided into subfamilies, and the subfami-
lies into genera. It is with these last, as now re-
stricted, that we shall have occasion to speak.
That great improvements, in the vernacular de-
signations of birds, have been effected, since the ©
time of the illustrious Willughby, is very evident.
Ornithologists no longer disgrace their catalogues

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 22]
by such absurd names as ‘“ Solan Goose”, “ Pied
Finch”, &c. But, though reform is gradually going
on, yet there are no avowed and unerring principles
by which the Ornithologist can abide, be his sys-
tem what it may. Some few, indeed, appear to
have had a glimpse of such principles, but, un-
happily, have not invariably adhered to them.
Thus Stephens, though he gives the generic name
“Warbler” to most of the members of Latham’s
Sylvia, terms the Sylvia sylviella (now Ficedula
garrula, Blyth) “ Lesser Whitethroat”,—making
the same bird belong to two genera, as it were.
But as such inconsistencies do not often occur in
the General Zoology, this work may—setting aside
the classification-—be held up as a model for Eng-
lish nomenclature. Had Selby followed the ex-
ample of Stephens, in this particular, the [dlus-
trations of British Ornithology would have been
faultless. Nothing can be more erroneous than
the supposition that a work can be rendered un-
popular by using proper names; for by far the
greater number of our Naturalists consists of ama-
teurs; and the Naturalists of this class will seldom
take upon themselves to criticise the scientific por-
tion of the work. In this department, they natu-
rally look to their superiors for instruction, and
would certainly have no objection* to employing
any new English names that might be adopted by
them, especially if these names were given on fixed
rules and scientific principles. ‘The works of the
great Ornithologists are the text-books of the ama-
teur Naturalist, and therefore whatever English

* Since writing the above, a distinguished field Naturalist, the
Rey. W. T. Bree, has expressed to us (by letter) his disapprobation
of our plan of altering many long established English names. We
think, however, that were scientific Ornithologists invariably to em-
ploy the proper English names, in standard works, they would, ere
long, come into general use.—N. W.

fa

299 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

names are adopted in those works, will be used by —

amateurs, and finally by the public. It may, how-
ever, be argued, that systems are liable to con-
stant change, and consequently, that no fixed no-
menclature can be established. But 1 reply, that

I do not wish nomenclature to be fixed, but merely

that certain given principles should be adhered to:

—namely, that each genus should have a distinct

English appellation, and that this appellation can
be applied to no other genus. That “bird” can
never form any part of the name of a species, as

“ black-bird”, “red-bird”, ‘“ blue-bird”, &c.; and .

that a name applied to any genus can belong to
no other-genus, under any combination, as “ Field-
Wagtail”, “ Water-Wren”, “ Bull-Finch”, &c.
That no unobjectionable name can ever be altered,
priority being of the highest importance in these
matters. That a species cannot be named from its
abundance or scarcity in any locality, and that it
be not named after persons, countries, towns, &c.
Now nothing would be easier than to carry such
principles into effect, as has already been proved,
in Nos. XIII and XIV of that admirable scientific
Journal, the Analyst. And, moreover, it is suffi-
ciently obvious that Selby, Mudie, and other
Ornithologists, are aware that these rules should
be attended to, but they labour under the ground-
less impression, that adhering to such rules will
detract from the popularity of their works. It can-
not, however, be proved that such has ever been
the case. Mudie has made many alterations in the
English names of birds, and perhaps few ornitho-
logical works have enjoyed more popularity than
the Feathered Tribes of that delightful writer.
Selby has effected yet greater changes in the same
line, and more especially in the water birds, but
his work has reached a second edition in a sur-
prisingly short space of time, for a systematic

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 293

work. The most convincing proof of the good
effects which these awful changes—as Mr. Strick-
land (see Analyst, No. xi) would term them—have
had, may be found in the Magazine of Natural
History. Very few here presume to speak of the
Solan Goose, Water Ouzel, Water Hen, &c. &c.
And this has been effected solely by the improved
names having been employed in standard works*.

It is easy to foresee, that, before another century
has elapsed, the state of our vernacular nomencla-
ture will be very different from what it now is. At
present, however, though some are willing to allow
that the principle is good, yet they suppose it im-
possible to effect any material alteration in this
department ; while others, admitting the possibility
of making the change, declare that no beneficial
result can be. derived from it, when introduced.
The first of these objections, I have here, and also
elsewhere, proved to be invalid. The second now
demands our attention.

Is it then no beneficial result to establish a prin-
ciple in a science, where popular caprice had before
been the sole director? Is it nothing to facilitate
the progress of the student in-so extensive, so im-
‘portant and difficult a study as that of Naturet?
These two reasons alone are surely sufficient argu-
ments in favour of a change so small, so easily ef-
fected, and yet so important. It is, moreover, gra-
dually winning its way into notice. My excellent

+ In the index to Vol. VIII of Mag. Nat. Hist., it was with no
small pleasure that we found “‘ Coalhood” employed instead of
* pbull-finch”. ‘“¢ Kinglet” is also used; but, unfortunately, so is
“ Goldcrested Wren” too.

+ Natural History has, until lately, been merely a science of ob-
servation. But, by the discovery of the splendid circular theory
of Macleay, it has become one of the deepest philosophic induction.
Consequently, it is a far loftier and more difficult study than for-

merly. .

oy ae ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

friend, Mr. Blyth, has already acknowledged the
principle, and, as far as I am aware, intends to
carry it into practice. But this accomplished Na-
turalist adopts subgeneric divisions, on which plan
it is almost impossible to have correct English
nomenclature. For, to follow out the principles
here inculcated, each subgenus rust have a dis-
tinct English appellation, on the plan before men-
tioned, that each of the smaller divisions, whether
genera or subgenera, should have a separate Eng-
lish name,—supposing these subgenera to be de-
fined in Latin. For where the subgenera are only
_marked by numbers or letters (and these are more
properly termed sectzons), as in the system of Tem-
minck, it is obvious that English names cannot be -
given to such divisions. Butin Mr. Blyth’s sub-
genera the case is different. Each of these is
marked by a third Latin name, and, consequently,
a third English name should also be introduced.
A few istances will best explain my meaning.
Mr. Blyth’s Fringilline are as follows:—

FRINGILLIN&.*

Haw Grosbeak Fringilla coccothraustes vulgaris.
Green Grosbeak chloris.
Common Linnet — linaria linota.
Mountain Linnet -—— montana.
Mealy Linnet Sas canescens.
Rose Linnet ——— pusilla.

Siskin Goldfinch — carduelis spinus.
Common Goldfinch elegans.
Whitewinged Chaffinch Spiza celebs leucoptera.
Mountain Chaffinch montana.
House Sparrow Passer domesticus.

Tree Sparrow arboreus.

Now, though I am far from wishing to call in
question the accuracy of the classification of the
above group, yet the English nomenclature is not
so precise as might be desired. For where is the

* Extracted from a letter dated August the 18th, 1835.

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 225

English name that corresponds to Fringilla ?
“ Grosbeak” corresponds to Coccothraustes, “ Lin-
net” to Linota, and so on, but there is nothing in
English answering to Fringilla; while in the
genus Passer, the name “ Sparrow”—which is
equivalent to Passer—is given. In order to have
made the English and Latin designations agree,
they should have been as follows:—Haw Gros-
beak Finch, Common Linnet Finch, Goldwinged
Siskin Finch, Whitewinged Chaff’ Finch*, &c.
But this method is so clumsy and inconvenient,
that, though the subgeneric system possesses some
advantages, yet it could, on this account, scarcely
answer the practical purposes of science. And
then, others might institute swb-swbgenera, alleging
that in some cases, the distinctive marks are not
sufficiently evident to warrant even a subgeneric
division. The Linaria cannabina and L. pusilla
might be taken as an instance of this. I think it
will be found, in the end, that generic divisions
are quite sufficient, without establishing any groups
of lower value. Be this, however, as it may, what
I wish to contend for is, that the English names
should correspond to the Latin ones.

As yet, no book has appeared which may be in-
variably relied on and confidently referred to as a
guide to English nomenclature, either in theory or
practice. With regard to the water birds, Selby
has succeeded tolerably well in giving to each
genus an English name, but in the land birds—
which are more apt to receive popular and erro-
neous designations—he has entirely failed. The
various members of the Sylviade, he indiscrimi-
nately terms Chats, Redstarts, Warblers, Wrens,
&c., without the slightest regard to generic divi-

* Had Mr. Blyth written Chaff Finch as two words, instead of
one, his Englsh names of this subgenus had been right.

296 ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK.

sions; and actually gives the name “ Wren” to

three birds, belonging to two genera, whilst there

is not a single Anorthura in the family! Itis dif-
ficult, nay impossible, to imagine what benefit can
result from giving “Owl,” “ Wren,” or any other
name, to five or six perfectly distinct and well de-
fined genera. What should we think of the Natu-

ralist who did likewise in Latin ? and who told us

that though he gave the name Strzx to the whole
of the Strigide, yet meant to divide the family into

seven genera?—Although this may appear to be
- carrying the matter to an extreme—and I admit

that it is an exaggeration—yet the principle is the —

same, whether we look to the Latin or the English
appeliations. Both belong equally to science, and
both must be made to correspond.

It is strange that the principles here briefly ad-
verted to, have not received the attention they de-
serve, from the Naturalists of our own country, as
they have long been known and acknowledged by
the French Ornithologists. But the alteration

must and will be effected, notwithstanding the.

opposition it may meet in its progress. New dis-

coveries or new principles—whatever be their in-

trinsic value—are ever viewed with a suspicious
eye, and are seldom appreciated during the lives
of their propounders ; but it is to be hoped that the
Gentlemen of this prosperous and flourishing So-
ciety will not allow the subject to pass unnoticed.
if any one would be kind enough to transmit to me
remarks in favor of, or controversial to, the opinions
herein expressed, I should feel sincerely obliged to
him, and would give all such obser vations due
consideration.

I am of course fully aware that the desultory,
and perchance tedious, cbservations, here thrown
together, can in themselves be of little value, but I
trust that the mere introduction of the subject to

ORNITHOLOGIST’S TEXT-BOOK. 227

the attention of the Society, will not be without its
use, and that they may be instrumental in causing
more talented individuals to pursue the same track,
on an equally sure basis.—With the most sincere
wishes for the advancement of the Society, I have
the honor to be, Gentlemen,

Your obedient servant,

NEVILLE Woop.

THE END.

229

PNG Dy Ex.

Additional Notes, 181

Albin, E., Nat. History of Birds, 6

American Ornithology, Wilson, 25,
84

Analyse d’une Nouvelle Ornithologie,
Vieillot, 24

Analyst, the, 93

Animal Biography, Bingley, 32

Animated Nature, Bingley, 32

Annales des Sciences Nee 97

Aquila, 166

Aquiline, 164

Architecture of Birds, 24

Arctic Zoology, Pennant, 9

Atkinson’s British Ornithology, 31

Atlas des Oiseaux D’Europe, Tem-
minck, 55

Audubon, Birds of America, 77

—— Ornithological Biography,
77, 183

Avium rariorum, &c., Descriptiones,
Merrem, 11
Bechstein, S.M., Cage Birds, &c., 15
———. _ Gemeinniitzige der Vogel
Deutschlands, 14
Ornithologisches Taschen-
buch, 14
Bingley, Animal Biography, 32
Animated Nature, 32
Birds of America, Audubon, 77
——— Europe, Gould, 74
—— Great Britain, Lewin, 17
Blackwall, on the Cuckoo, 41
Blainville’s System, 132, 148
Blumenbach, G. F., Handbuch der
Naturgeschichte, 28
Blyth, Smaller British Birds, 97
Bolton, Jno., Harmonia Ruralis, 17
Bonaparte, Chas. Lucien, Observa-
tions on Wilson, 26
Brisson, Ornithologia, 8
Ornithologie, &c., 8
his System, 103
British Birds, Natural History of,
Donovan, 20
Cyclopedia, 92
Miscellany, Sowerby, 25
Naturalist, Mudie, 62
Oology, Hewitson, 87
Remarks on Review
of, 201

Song Birds, Treatise on, 37

British Songsters, Wood, 189

—— Warblers, Sweet, 37

—— Zoology, Pennant, 9

Brown, Thos., Edinburgh Journal of
Nat. History, &c., 197

— Zoologist’s Text Book, 81

Buffon, G. L., Histoire Naturelle des
Oiseaux, 9

Bulletin des Sciences Nat., 97

Cage Birds, &c., Bechstein, 15

Carolina, Nat. Hist. of, Catesby, 5

Century of Birds, &c., Gould, 74

Cerveau, les Fonctions du, Gall, 33

Compendium of British Ornithology,
Atkinson, 31

of Zoology, 31. ,

Cuckoo, on the, Blackwall, 41

—_————-_ &c., Jenner, 41

Cuvier, G. Régne Animal, 29

his System, 126

Desmarest, A. G., Histoire Nat. des
Tanagras, &c., 24

Dict. Classique @ Hist. Nat., 97

des Sciences Nat., 97

Donovan, Nat. Hist. of Brit. Birds, 20

Dorsetshire, Catalogue of the Birds,
&c., of, Pulteney, 19

Drapier, Résumé d’ Ornithologie, 57

Duméril’s System, 114

Eagle, Golden, 166

Edinburgh Journal of Nat. History,
&c., Brown, 197

Edwards, G., Glean. of Nat. Hist. 6

Natural History of
uncommon Birds, 6

Eyton, T. C., History of the rarer
British Birds, 191

Fabricius, Otho, Fauna Grenlan-
dica, 14

Faculties of Birds, 89

Falconide, 162

Familiar Hist. of Birds, Stanley, 184

Fauna Boreali Americana, Rich-
ardson, 33

— Grenlandica, Fabricius, 14

—— Orcadensis, Low, 27

Suecica, Linné, 4

Feathered Tribes of the British Is-
lands, Mudie, 63

Fleming, John, History of British
Animals, 39 ;

———— Philosophy of Zoology, 39

—$—$<—

230

Fleming’s System, 152

Frisch, Vorstellung der Vogel, 6

Galerie des Oiseaux, Vieillot, 24

Gade. 00 paver ees Tapers du
Cerveau, 38

Gardens and Menageries of the Zoo-
logical Society delineated, 55

Gemeinniitzige, &c., der Vogel Deut-
schlands, Bechstein, 14

Genera of Birds, Pennant, 9

General Hist. of Birds, Latham, ul

—__—_ — index’to, 182

General Zoology, Shaw, 12

Gerardin, Tableau Elémentaire, 39

Gleanings of Nat. Hist., Edwards, 6

in Nat. History, Jesse, 79

Golden Eagle, 166

Goldsmith, Oliver, History of the
Earth and Animated Nature, 16

Gould, J., Birds of Europe, 74

—_—_——_ ’ Century of Birds, &c., 74

—— Monograph of the Ram-
phastide,74 ,

Monograph of the Tro-
gonide, 74

Graham, Birds of Scotland, 24

Habits of Birds, 89

Handbuch der Natur geschichte, Blu-
menbach, 28

Harmonia Ruralis, Bolton, 17

Hewitson, W. C., British Oology, 87

——’ Remarks on Review of, 201

Hints, &c., on Ornithology, 153

Hist. Nat. des Colibris, Lesson, 48

—_——— des Oiseaux, Buffon, 9

des Oiseaux @ Afrique,

Le Vaillant, 19

des Oiseauz de? Amérique,
Le Vaillant, 19

—_—— des Oiseaux Chantcurs,
&c., Vieillot, 24

— des Oiseaux dorés, Vieil-

lot, 24

des

Lesson, 48
— des Oiseaux de Paradis,
Lesson, 48
——— des Oiseaux de Paradis,
&c., Le Vaillant, 19
~ des Per oquets, Le Vail-
lant, 19

Oiseaux

mouchés,

pe AEN ps Pigeons, &c., Tem-
minck, 28

—— des Pomerops, &c., Le

Vaillant, 19

des Tanagras, &e., Des-

marest, 24

INDEX.

Hist. Nat. desTr ochilidées, Lesson, 48
Historie Avium Prodromus, Klein, 7

Hist. of Brit. Animals, Fleming, 39

—— of the Earth and Animated

Nature, Goldsmith, 16
—— of the rarer British Birds,
Eyton, 191

Jameson, two Letters to, Waterton, 47

Jardine, Sir W.,
Ornithology, 84.
Naturalist’s Library, 85
Jenner, E., on the Cuckoo, &c., 41
Jennings, J ames, Or nitholog cia, 53
——-——— Pleasures of Ornithol., 53
Jenyns, L., Manual of British Ver-
tebrate Animals, 186
Jesse, E. , Gleanings i in Nat. Hist., 79
Mliger, ape! G., Prodromus Mam-
maliwm et Avium, 20
his System, 119
Illustrationsof Brit. Birds, Meyer,95
— of British Ornithology,
Selby, 41

———— of Orinthol., Jardine, 84

————— de Zoologie, Lesson, 47

a of Zoology, Wilson, 51

Index Ornithologicus, Latham, oh

Journal of a Naturalist, Knapp, 58

— of the Royal Institution, 96

of a Voyage to New South
Wales, White, 182

Ivy Wren, habits of, 204

Klein, J. T., Historie Avium Pro-
dromus, 7

Knapp, Journal of a Naturalist, 58

Lacépéde’s System, 109

Lane, Figures of the Parrots, 62

Lardner’s Cabinet Cyclopedia, 36

Latham, John, General History of
Birds, 11

—— General Synopsis of

oe 10

Illustrations of —

—_

—_—— Index to the General
History of Birds, 182

Index Ornithol., 11

—— his System, 107

Latreille’s System, 145

Lauder, T. D., Miscellany of Na-
tural History, 81

Lesson, Hist. Nat. des Colibris, 48

——_—— des Oiseaux Mou-

ches, 48

—-——._ des

Paradis, 48
——— des Trochilidées,

48

Oiseaux de

INDEX.

Lesson, Illustrations de Zoologie, 47
———— Manuel d’Ornithol., 48
———\— his System, 150
Le Vaillant, F., Histoire Naturelle
des Oiseaux d’ Afrique, 19
———— dune partie d’Oiseaux de
VAmérique, &c., 19
des Oiseaux de Paradis, 19
des Peroquets, 19
—-— des Promerops, &c., 19
Lewin, W., Birds of Gt. Britain, 17
Natural History of the
Birds of New South Wales, 31
Linnean Society, Transact. of, 18
Linneus’s System, 101
Linné, Sir Chas., Fauna Suecica, 4
——_——_——— _ Systema Nature, 4
Low, G., Fauna Orcadensis, 27
Macgillivray, W., Descriptions of the
Rapacious Birds of Gt. Britain, 189
Macleay, W.S., The Quinary Sys-
tem, 30
Magazine of Natural History, 49
Mag. of Nat. Hist., on a new, 177
Manual of British Vertebrate Ani-
mals, Jenyns, 186
Manuel d Ornithologie, Lesson, 48
———-—— Temminck, 28, 185
Manual of the Ornithology of the
United States, &c., Nuttall, 183
Merrem, B., Avium rariorum, &c.,
Descriptiones, 11
Meyer, H. L., Illustrations of Brit.
Birds, 95
——-—\ his System, 117
Meyer and Wolf, Taschenbuch der
Deutschen Vogelkiinde, 27
Miscellany of Nat. Hist., Lauder, 81
Monograph of the Ramphastide,
Gould, 74
of the Trogonide, Gould, 74
Montague, G., Ornithological Dic-
tionary, 20, 90
Mudie, Robt., British Naturalist, 62
eee Feathered Tribes of the
British Islands, 63, 188
—_—_—__—— Nat. Hist. of Birds, 73
Popular Guide to the
observation of Nature, 63
Natural History of Birds, Albin, 6
—. Mudie, 73
Natural Hist. of uncommon Birds,
Edwards, 6
Naturalist’s Guide, Swainson, 33
— Library, Jardine, 85
———— Miscellany, Shaw, 12

——

231

Nederlandisehe Vogel, Sepp, 8

New South Wales, Natural History
of Birds of, Lewin, 31

Nomenclature of Colours, Werner, 97

(English) of Birds, 2\9

Nouveau Recueil, &c., Temminck, 48

Nuttall, Thos., Manual of the Orni-
thology of the U. States, &c., 183

Oiseaux Domestiques, Réaumur, 7

Ornithologia, Brisson, 8

Jennings, 53

— nova, 181

Ornithol. Biography, Audubon, 77

Dictionary, Montague, 20,90

Ornithologie, &c., Brisson, 8

a Provencale, Roux, 51

Ornithol. Taschenbuch, Bechstein, 14

Ornithology, Willoughby, 3

Ornithologia Toscana, Savi, 47

Outline of the Smalier British Birds,
Slaney, 86

Parley, P., Tales of Animals, 183

Parrots, Figures of the, Lane, 62

Pennant, T., Arctic Zoology, 9

——— British Zoology. 9

Genera of Birds, 9

Periodicals, a Few Observations on
Ornithological, 198

Perrott, C. L. E., Selection of Brit.
Birds, &c., 96

Philosophical Transactions, 96

Philosophy of Zoology, Fleming, 39

Pleasures of Ornithol., Jennings, 53

le Guide to the Observation of

Jature, Mudie, 63

Preliminary Discourse on Natural
History, Swainson, 34

Prodromus Mammalium et Avium,
Tlliger, 27

Pulteney, Richard, Catalogue of the
Birds, &c., of Dorsetshire, 19

Quinary System, the, Macleay, 30

Rapacious Birds of Great Britain,
Description of, Macgillivray, 189

Raptores, 161

Ray, John, Synopsis Methodicum
Avium, 4

Réaumur, R. A. F., Des Oiseaus
Domestiques, 7

Régne Animal, Cuvier, 29

Rennie, J., Alphabet of Zoology, 92

——— Architecture of Birds, 24

Résumé d’ Ornithologie, Drapier, 57

Richardson, J., Fauna Boreali Ame-
ricana, 33

Roux, P., Ornithol. Provencale, 51

—<—

232

Savi, Ornithologia Toscana, 47

Scotland, Birds of, Graham, 24

Selborne, Natural History and An-
tiquities of, White, 11, 92

Selby, P. J., Illustrations of British
Ornithology, 41

Selection of British Birds, Perrott,

96

Sepp, Nederléndische Vogel, 8

Shaw, G., General Zoology, 12

Naturalist’s Miscellany, 12

Zoology of New Holland, 12

Zoological Lectures, 12

Slaney, Outline of the Smaller Brit.
Birds, 86

Sloane, Sir H., Voyage to Madeira, 5

Sowerby, J., Brit. Miscellany, 25

Stanley, E., Familiar History of
Birds, 184

Supplement, 153

Swainson, W., Naturalist’s Guide, 33

Preliminary Discourse on

Natural History, 34

Treatise on the Geography,
&c., of Animals, 35

—§| Zoological Illustrations, 32

Sweet, R., British Warblers, 37

Syme, P., Treatise on British Song
Birds, 37

Synopsis of Brit. Birds, Walcot, 13

of Birds, General, Latham, 10

——— Methodicum Avium, Ray, 4

System, Blainville’s, 132, 148

—-_— Brisson’s, 103

Cuvier’s, 126

Dumeril’s, 114

Fleming’s, 152

Tlliger’s, 119

Lacépéde’s, 109

Latham’s, 107

Latreille’s, 145

Lesson’s, 150

Linnezus’s, 101

Meyer’s, 117

Temminck’s, 122

—— Vieillot’s, 134

——— Vigors’s, 138

— Willughby’s, 99

Systema Avium, Wagler, 56

Systema Nature, Linné, 4

Tableau Elémentaire, Gérardin, 39

Tales of Animals, Peter Parley, 183

Taschenbuch der Deutschen Vogel-
kunde, Meyer and Wolf, 27

—_——

INDEX.

Temminck, Atlas des Oiseaux d’Eu-
rope, 55

-— Histoire Nat. des Pigeons,

&c., 28

Manuel d’ Ornithologie, 28

Nouveau Recueil, &c., 48

his System, 122

Transactions of the Linnean Soc., 18

————— Nat. History Society of
Northumberland, &c., 96

Wernerian Society of

Edinburgh, 96 -

Zoological Society, 96

Treatise on the Geography, &c., of
Animals, Swainson, 35

Vieillot, Analyse d’une Nouvelle Or-
nithologie, &c., 24

Galerie des Oiseaux, 24

Histoire Nat. des Oiseaux

Chanteurs, &c., 24

Histoire Nat. des Oiseaux

dorés, &c., 24

his System, 134

Vigors’s System, 138

Vorstellung der Vogel, Frisch, 6

Voyage to the Islands of Madeira, &c.,
Sloane, 5

Wagler, J., Systema Avium, 56

Walcot, John, Synopsis of British
Birds, 13

Wanderings in South America, 44

Waterton, Chas., Two Letters to
Professor Jameson, 47

Wanderings in South
America, 44

Werner, Nomenclature of Colours, 97

White, Jas., Journal of a Voyage
to New South Wales, 182

White, Gilbert, Natural History and
Antiquities of Selborne, 11, 92

Willughby, Francis, Ornithology, 3

his System, 99

Wilson, Alex., American Ornitho-
logy, 25, 84

Wilson, Jas., Illustrations of Zoo-
logy, 51

Wilson, Observations on his Ornitho-
logy, Bonaparte, 26

Wood, Neville, Brit. Songsters, 189

Zoological Illustrations, Swainson, 32

Journal, 50

Lectures, Shaw, 12

Zoologist’s Text Book, Brown, 81

Zoology of New Holland, Shaw, 12

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*MECHANICS APPLIED TO THE ARTS. By the Rev.
HENRY MOSELEY, M.A., Professor of Natural Philosophy and
Astronomy, King’s College. With numerous Engravings, 6s. 6d.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF LIVING. By HERBERT
MAYO, F.R.S., Senior Surgeon of the Middlesex Hospital. 8s. 6d.

CONTENTS.

Or Drversirizs oF ConsTiTuTION ; Temperament; Habit; Diathesis.
—Of Dixr.—Of Dicestion ; Adaptation of Diet to different Con-
stitutions and Ages; Social Relations of Food.—-Of Exerciss;
Exercise proper for Boys; Physical Education of Girls; Spinal
Curvature ; Exercise proper for Adults; for the Aged.—Of Siuzp.
Of Batuinc.—Of Croruinc.—Of Am and CriimaTe.—HEAttu of
Minp; Self-control; Mental Culture.

MANAGEMENT OF THE ORGANS OF DIGES-
TION, in HEALTH and in DISEASE; by HERBERT
MAYO, F.R.S., Senior Surgeon of the Middlesex Hospital. 6s. 6d.

~ CONTENTS.
Rules of Diet for different Constitutions.—Treatment of the various
kinds of Indigestion ;—of Looseness ; of Costiveness.—Local Diseases

of the lower Bowel, and their Treatment.

LATELY PUBLISHED. 5

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BRITISH COLONIZATION of NEW ZEALAND. The
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New Zealand; with Charts and Illustrations. 4s. 6d.

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SAMUEL HINDS, D.D., Vicar of Yardley, Herts; and one
of the Committee of the New Zealand Association. 1s. 6d.

NOTES ON INDIAN AFFAIRS. By the late Honourable
FREDERICK JOHN SHORE, Judge of the Civil Court and
Criminal Sessions of the District of Furrukhabad.—2 vols. 8vo. 28s.

THE WEST INDIES; comprising the Natural and Physical
History of the Windward and Leeward Colonies; with Sketches of
the Moral, Social, and Political Condition of the Inhabitants, before
and after the Abolition of Necro Stavery. By SIR ANDREW
HALLIDAY. With Maps, 10s. 6d.

NARRATIVE of an EXPEDITION to GREENLAND,
sent by the King of Denmark, in Search of the LOST COLO-
NIES, with the CHART, completed by the Expedition. Published
under the Direction of the RoyaL GEOGRAPHICAL Society. 8s. 6d.

SCOTLAND; SKETCHES of its COASTS and ISLANDS,
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* THREE WEEKS IN PALESTINE AND LEBANON.

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CAPTAIN COOK; his VOYAGES and DISCOVERIES:
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ISAACO, and the substance of later Discoveries relative to his
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6 SELECT BOOKS

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THE FAMILY HAND-BOOK, or, PRACTICAL IN-
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lection of Choice Receipts and Valuable Hints, 5s.

THE YOUNG LADY’S FRIEND; a Manual of Practical
Advice and Instruction to Young Females, on their entering
upon the Duties of Life, after quitting School. Bya LADY. 3s. 6d.

ON THE EDUCATION AND TREATMENT OF CHIL-
DREN ; being Mrs. Cuip’s ‘‘ Moruer’s Boox,” revised, and
adapted to the use of Parents and Teachers. 2s. 6d.

THOUGHTS OF A PARENT ON EDUCATION. By
the late Mrs. RICHARD TRENCH. Is. 6d.

A DAILY PRAYER BOOK, for Famiues and ScHoots;

arranged from the Services of the United Church of England and
Treland, after the Form and Order of Morning and Evenin
Prayer. By J. T. BARRETT, D.D., Rector of Beauchamp. 1s. 6d.

A MANUAL OF FAMILY PRAYER; comprising
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THE BOOK OF PRIVATE PRAYER, for the Use of
Members of the United Church of England and Ireland. By the
Rev. JOHN A. BOLSTER, M.A. 2s.

VILLAGE LECTURES on the LITANY. By the Rev.
WILLIAM PALIN, Rector of Stifford, Essex. 3s. 6d.

THE OLD AND NEW POOR LAW; WHO GAINS,
AND WHO LOSES? Sixpence.

USEFUL HINTS for LABOURERS, on various Subjects.
ls. 6d. New Edition, enlarged and improved. .

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The two last-mentioned Works are compiled and issued under the Direction of
the LABOURER’S FRIEND SOCIETY, established in London under the
Patronage of His late Majesty, the present Queen Dowager, and a large portion
of the influential Nobility and Gentry of the country.

LATELY PUBLISHED. 7

* A FAMILIAR HISTORY of BIRDS; their Nature,
Habits, and Instincts.) By EDWARD STANLEY, D.D., Lord
Bishop of Norwich, Pres. Lin. Soc. Mew Edition. Two Vols. 7s.

* DOMESTICATED ANIMALS considered with reference
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The SATIRES and EPISTLES of HORACE, interpreted
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AND PUBLISHED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF

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The work is complete in Five Volumes, either of which may be
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their subjects.

‘Half-bound, in Two handsome Folio Volumes, Turkey Morocco, price
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SACRED MINSTRELSY;

A COLLECTION OF

SACRED MUSIC FROM THE FINEST WORKS OF THE GREAT
MASTERS, BRITISH AND FOREIGN.

ARRANGED AS

Solos, and Concerted Pieces for Private Performance, with accompani-
ments for the Piano-Forte.

The exclusive nature of nearly all existing collections of Sacred
Music, and the high price at which novelties are in general produced,
renders this work particularly desirable. Many fine productions, at
present comparatively unknown, would be hailed with delight as ad-
ditions to the stores of Sacred Harmony, could they be procured in
a familiar form and on reasonable terms.

The design of the present work, therefore, is to place within the
reach of families, and of persons unaccustomed to playing from score,
really good practical music; classical, yet not laboriously and use-
lessly learned; to introduce into the drawing-room many beautiful
compositions of enduring value, which, if not altogether unknown,
have rarely been heard except at Concerts or Oratorios; and thus to
attract towards Sacred Music a portion of that patronage which is
too generally bestowed, in so disproportionate a degree, upon works
of a secular kind.

Lonpon: JOHN W. PARKER, PuBLIsHER.

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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION LIBRARIES

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00080 912

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