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LIBRARY 


Little  Nectarine  Sunbird. 
Kative  of  India 


[EKRY   G.   BOH^I 


THE 

NATURAL   HISTORY 

OF   THE 

NECTAEINIAD^, 

OR 

S  U  N  -  B  I  E  D  S. 

ILLUSTRATED    BY   THIRTY-TWO   COLOURED   PLATES, 

WITH   PORTRAIT  AND   MEMOIR  OF 

WILLOUGHBY. 


SIR   WILLIAM   JAEDINE,  BART. 


F.R.S.E.,  P.L.S.,  ETC.  ETC. 


LONDON: 
HENRY  G.  BOHN,  YOEK  STREET,  COVENT  GARDEN. 

1864. 


BIG 

LIBRAftf 
G 


1.  ^^  J'J 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

MEMOIR  OF  WILLUGHBT        ....         17 

XECTARIXIAD.E.— INTRODUCTION     .  .  .147 

DESCRIPTIONS    ......        164 

The  Lesser  Double-collared  Sun-Bird. 

"i.rinia  chalybeia.    Plate  I.  .  .        166 

The  Greater  Double-collared  Sun-Bird. 

N.afra.    Plate  II.         .  .  .169 

The  Green-rumped  Double-collared  Sun-Bird. 

N.  chloropigia.    Plate  III.         .  .  .171 

Bifasciated  Sun-Bird. 

N.  bifasciata.    Plate  IV.  .  .  .1/4 

Splendid  Sun-Bird. 

X.  spkndida.    Plate  V.  ...        1/6 

Little  Blue-banded  Sun-Bird. 

N.  collaris.    Plate  VI.  .  .  .  .1/9 

Little  Violet-banded  Sun-Bird. 

N.parvula.    Plate  VII.  .  .  .181 

Namaqua,  or  White-vented  Sun-Bird. 

N.fufCO.    Plate  VIII 183 

Verreaux's  Sun-Bird. 

-V.  verroxii.    Plate  IX 185 

N.  olivacea          ...  .186 


CONTENTS. 

Fine-backed  Sun-Bird.  PAGE 

N.  rubro-fusca      .  .  .  luj 

Olive-backed  Sun-Bird. 

JV.  cyanocephala.    Plate  X.  .  .        189 

The  Senegal  Sun-Bird. 

N.  senegalensis.    Plate  XI.        .  .  .        191 

Port  Natal  Sun-Bird. 

N.  natalensis.    Plate  XII.         ...        193 
Amethyst-throated  Sun-bird. 

N.  amethystina.    Plate  XIII.    .  .        195 

Carmelite  Sun-Bird. 

L.fulginosa.    Plate  XIV.         .  .  .        197 

The  Niger  Carmelite  Sun-Bird. 

N.stangeri.    Plate  XV.  ...        198 

Violet-headed  Sun-Bird. 

N.  molacea.    Plate  XVI. 
Malachite  Sun-Bird. 

N.famosa.    Plate  XVII.  .  .        204 

Red-breasted  Sun-Bird. 

N.pulchella.    Plate  XVIII.     .  .        iMJ 

Purple-rumped  Long-tailed  Sun-Bird. 

N.platura.    Plate  XIX.  .  .  .        209 

Blue-rumped  Long-tailed  Sun-Bird. 

N.metallica         .  .  .  .  .211 

Ceylon  Yellow-bellied  Sun-Bird. 

N.  zeylonica.    Plate  XX.          .  .  .        213 

N.  Solaris  .  .  .  .  .215 

Scarlet-bellied  Sun-Bird. 

N.  affinis.    Plate  XXI.  .  .  ,210 

Von  Hasselt's  Sun-Bird. 

N.hasscltii.    Plate  XXII.        .  .        218 

N.  aspasia  .  .  .  .  .219 

General  Loten's  Sun-Bird. 

N.lotenia.    Plate  XXIII.         .  .  .        220 

Mahratta  Sun-Bird. 

N.  mahrattensis.    Plate  XXIV.  .  .        222 

Minute  Sun-Bird. 

N.  minuta.    Vignette  Title       ...       224 


CONTENTS. 

Pectoral  or  Dark-breasted  Sun-Bird.  PAGE 

N.pectoralis.    Plate  XXV.*    Fig.  1.  .        226 

Dark- throated  Sun-Bird. 

N.jugularis.    Plate  XXV.    Fig.  2.    .  .        228 

Goalparali  Sun-Bird. 

N.  goalpariensis.    Plate  XXVI.          .  .        220 

Dr.  Latham's  Sun-Bird. 

N.  lathami  t  233 

Siparaja  Sun-Bird. 

N.  siparaja  .....        235 

Nipaul  Sun-Bird. 

N.nipalenw.    Plate  XXVII.  .  .       236 

Mrs,  Gould's  Sun-Bird. 

N.gouldice  .....        238 

Hodgson's  Sun-Bird. 

N.  hodgsonis.    Plate  XXVIII.  .  .        240 

Red-tailed  Sun-Bird. 

N.phcenicura.    Plate  XXIX.  .  .        242 

Eboe  Sun-Bird. 
N.adalberti.    Plate  XXX.  .  .  .244 

SYNOPSIS  ......       247 

Portrait  of  Willughby 2 

Vignette  Title-page        .....  3 

*  Plates  XXVV  XXVL,  and  XXVII.  have  been  num- 
bered XXVI.,  XXVII.,  and  XXVIII.,  by  mistake. 

In  all  Thirty-two  Piates  in  this  Volume. 


MEMOIR 


OF 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY,  ESQ.  F.R.S. 


To  Francis  Willughby,  Esq.  or  Willoughby,  as  it 
is  now  commonly  written,  an  English  gentleman, 
who  died  A.  D.  1672,  in  the  thirty-seventh  year  of 
his  age,  is  ascribed,  by  eminent  authorities,  the 
honour  of  having  greatly  contributed  to  advance 
the  science  of  Natural  History,*  and  of  having 

*  "  Francis  Willughby  was  the  first  naturalist  who 
treated  the  study  of  birds  as  a  science,  and  the  first  who 
made  anything  like  a  rational  classification."  —  Neville 
Wood's  Ornithologists1  Text-book.  "  Willughby  was  the 
most  accomplished  zoologist  of  this  or  any  other  country, 
for  all  the  honour  that  has  been  given  to  Ray,  so  far  as 
concerns  systematic  zoology,  belongs  exclusively  to  him. 
In  botany,  and  in  no  other  science,  was  Ray  the  author  of 
a  system,  for  he  confessedly  adopted  Willughby's  both  in 
ornithology  and  ichthyology,  while  his  arrangement  of 
quadrupeds,  and  of  insects,  was  doubtless  derived  from 
the  same  source." — Sivainson,  in  the  Cabinet  Cyclopaedia. 
B 


18  MEMOIR  OF 

laid  the  foundation  for  the  improvements  made 
in  some  of  its  departments  by  subsequent  writers.* 
In  order  to  the  due  appreciation  of  his  ingenuity 
and  labour,  it  may  be  requisite  to  commence  this 
memoir  of  him,  with  a  sketch  of  the  origin  and 
nature  of  Zoology  ;  and  of  the  state  in  which  it 
existed  at  the  time  when  he  commenced  his 
researches. 

It  may  be  inferred  that  mankind  would,  from 
the  earliest  period,  be  led  to  make  observations 
on  the  inferior  animals.  Some  degree  of  such 
knowledge  would  often  be  essential  to  their  own 
safety  and  welfare.  This  would  also  be  the  case 
with  the  more  intelligent  and  pious  portion  of 
them,  from  higher  motives,  since  it  is  the  charac- 
teristic of  such  persons  in  all  ages,  that  "  they 
regard  the  works  of  the  Lord,  and  consider  the 
operation  of  His  hands."f  The  naming  of  the 
animals  by  Adam,  recorded  in  the  second  chapter 
of  Genesis,  implies  some  examination,  or  at  least 
some  notice  having  been  taken  of  their  most 
obvious  distinctions, — a  supposition  which  will  be 
accepted  by  those  who  consider,  that  the  Hebrew 
language,  in  the  state  of  it  in  which  we  now 
possess  the  writings  of  Moses,  was  the  original 
language  of  mankind,  or  nearly  so  ;  because  the 
names  he  gives  to  the  animals  are  apparently 

*  "  He  alone  is  the  author  of  that  system,  which  both 
Ray  and  Linnaeus  took  for  their  guide,  which  was  not 
improved  by  the  former,  nor  confessed  by  the  latter. ' 
— Swainson. 

t  Isaiah,  v.  12 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  19 

formed  by  onomatopaeia,*  or  in  imitation  of  their 
natural  cries  and  notes.f  Thus,  the  name  given 
to  the  tamer  animals,  sheep  or  kine,  was  beme ; 
in  which  sound,  the  lowing  of  the  one,  and  the 
bleating  of  the  other,  seem  to  be  imitated  :  so 
the  name  of  the  common  ass,  orud,  and  of  the 
wild  ass,  pra,  resembles  their  braying.  The 
name  of  the  raven,  oreb,  was  doubtless  taken 
from  its  hoarse  croaking  ;  of  the  sparrow,  tsippor, 
from  its  chirping ;  of  the  partridge,  quera,  from 
the  note  she  uses  in  calling  her  young  ;  and  the 
murmur  of  the  turtle-dove  is  exactly  expressed 
by  its  Hebrew  name,  tur,  and  evidently  gave 
rise  to  it.  Other  names  seem  taken  from  the 
distinctive  qualities  of  animals  ;  as,  for  instance, 
the  camel  might  be  called  gamel,  from  its  re- 
vengeful temper ;  and  the  sheep,  rachel,  from  its 
meekness ;  the  ram  agil9  because  agile  and  active. 
The  ingenious  editor  of  Calmet,  criticising  on 
the  name  of  the  stork,  chasidah,  which  means 
mercy  or  piety,  supposes  it  to  be  derived  from 
the  peculiar  care  taken  by  that  bird  of  its  aged 
parents  ;  and  says,  "  I  take  this  opportunity  of 
remarking,  that  the  external  actions  of  any  crea- 
ture are  most  likely  to  give  it  an  appellation 
before  its  disposition  ;  and  that,  did  we  know 
intimately  the  actions,  appearances,  and  manners 

'*  "  The  surest  etymologies  are  those  derived  from  the 
onomatopaeia. " — Rees's  Cyclopcedia. 

t  For  some  of  the  following  observations  relating  to 
the  subject,  the  writer  is  indebted  to  Dr  Harris's  Natural 
History  of  the  Bible. 


20  MEMOIR  OF 

of  creatures,  we  should  no  doubt  find  in  their 
names,  when  primitive  and  original,  very  descrip- 
tive and  apt  epithets." 

In  the  account  of  the  creation  by  Moses,  there 
is  an  orderly  arrangement  of  the  objects  of 
Natural  History,  perfectly  simple,  yet  strikingly 
systematic,  rising  from  inert  matter,  through 
vegetation  and  animal  life,  up  to  intellectual 
being  ;  of  these  severally,  it  is  said,  that  they 
were  each  made  "  after  its  own  kind"  or  species. 

It  may  be  permitted  here  to  insert  the 
zoological  classification  of  the  ancient  Jews,  in  a 
systematic  form,  taken  from  the  interesting 
work  to  which  obligations  have  been  already 
acknowledged. 

The  system  of  Moses,  derived  from  the  first 
chapter  of  Genesis,  verses  20,  21,  24,  25,  &c. 
It  is  disposed  in  triads.  1.  Earth;  2.  Air; 
3.  Water. 

1.  EARTH. 

1.  Des/ia,  translated  "  grass,"  including  small 
herbs  of  every  order. 

2^  Osheb,  "  the  herb  yielding  seed,"  including 
all  larger  plants,  whose  seeds  are  conspi- 
cuous, rising  higher  than  the  grass,  having 
stalks,  not  ligneous,  of  annual  growth. 

3.  Otz,  or  tree,  including  shrubs  and  large  trees 
of  every  description  and  species ;  Peren- 
nials, "  fruit  bearing,  whose  seed  is  in  them," 
that  is,  in  the  fruit,  whether  the  fruit  or  nut 
be  proper  for  the  use  of  animals  or  not 


FRANCIS  W1LLUGHBY.  21 


2.  WATER. 

Including  all  creatures  supposed  to  have 
originated  in  the  water,  residing  on  it,  or 
frequenting  it  occasionally. 

1.  Sheretz,  animalculae,  translated  "  the  moving 

creatures  that  hath  life."  By  this  word,  is 
meant  all  sorts  of  creatures  which  creep  in 
the  water,  in  opposition  to  those  which 
creep  on  the  earth,  called  ground  reptiles, 
verse  25  ;  every  animal  capable  of  motion, 
which  either  has  no  feet,  or  feet  so  short 
that  it  rather  creeps  than  walks.  It  in- 
cludes all  aquatic  creeping  things,  as 
worms,  polypi,  lobsters,  crabs,  shrimps. 

2.  Tannim,  a  word  erroneously  translated  "  great 

whales,"  whereas  it  is  properly  the  generic 
name  for  all  the  large  aquatic  animals. 

3.  Ouph,  translated  "  fowl,"  but  the  word  really 

includes  every  creature  which  lifts  itself 
above  the  earth  on  wings,  whether  birds 
or  insects,  exactly  corresponding  to  the 
Saxon  \\ord,faon. 

3.  EARTH. 

1.  Behemah,   translated   "  beast   of   the   earth," 

including  all  animals  capable  of  domestica- 
tion, and  feeding  on  vegetables. 

2.  Chiah,   translated   "beast   of  the   field,"   in- 

eluding  wild  beasts  living  on  flesh. 


22  MEMOIR  OF 

3.  Retries,  translated  "  creeping  thing,  including 
all  sorts  of  less  animals  creeping  on  the 
ground,  vermin,  all  the  different  genera  of 
worms,  serpents,  and  such  creatures  as  have 
no  feet,  or  numerous  small  feet,  compre- 
hending not  only  all  the  serpentine  class, 
but  all  the  smaller  sort  of  animals  that  seem 
to  creep  rather  than  to  walk. 

4.  ADAM,  INTELLECTUAL  BEING. 

This  classification,  and  the  terms  of  it,  are 
used  with  the  strictest  regularity  by  Moses,  not 
only  throughout  the  book  Genesis,  but  also  all 
his  other  writings. 

In  the  eleventh  chapter  of  Leviticus,  the  same 
distribution  of  the  animal  kingdom  is  adopted, 
but  subdivided  still  farther  into  the  denominations 
"  clean"  and  "  unclean,"  or  those  creatures 
allowed  for  food  or  prohibited,  a  distinction 
which,  from  the  words  of  Moses,  would  seem  to 
have  been  known  in  the  time  of  Noah.* 

*  Genesis,  vii.  chapter.  "  Of  every  clean  beast  thou 
shalt  take  to  thee  by  sevens,  the  male  and  his  female,  and 
of  beasts  that  are  not  clean,  by  two,  the  male  and  his 
female,"  &c.  Some  persons,  however,  might  think  with 
Spencer,  De  legibus  Hebrceorum,  lib.  1.  c.  v.  that  Moses, 
who  wrote  the  book  Genesis,  while  conducting  the 
Israelites  through  the  wilderness,  and  after  the  delivery 
of  the  law,  and  when,  consequently,  they  were  acquainted 
with  the  distinctions  of  clean  and  unclean  animals,  uses 
the  words  in  this  passage,  as  they  also  suppose  he  speaks 
of  the  Sabbath  in  the  second  chapter, — namely,  by  antici  • 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  23 

This  farther  distribution  is  divided  into  beasts, 
birds,  and  fishes,  and  is  founded,  with  regard  to 
quadrupeds,  partly  on  the  external,  and  corres- 
pondent internal  structure  of  the  feet,  and  partly 
also  on  the  habit  of  rumination. 

The  system  may  be  thus  stated. 


Unclean. 

I.  QUADRUPEDS. 
Solipedes. 

All  quadrupeds  having  but  one  hoof,  as  the 
horse  and  ass ;  or  having  the  hoof  not  entirely, 
but  only  partially  divided  into  two  parts,  as 
the  camel ;  or  having  the  hoof,  though  entirely 
divided,  yet  into  more  than  two  parts  ;  or  having 
the  hoof  entirely  divided  externally,  yet  not 
having,  besides  this  external  structure,  its  internal 
anatomical  constitution  strictly  correspondent  to 
this  formation,  as  the  swine,  (for  though  the 
outward  appearance  of  the  hog's  feet  be  like  that 
of  a  cloven-footed  animal,  yet,  internally,  they 

pation,  and  so  would  understand  by  the  direction  recorded 
to  have  been  given  to  Noah,  merely  that  he  should  take  a 
larger  number  of  the  more  useful  animals  than  of  those  not 
so  useful.  Others,  perhaps  with  more  propriety,  regard 
the  terms  as  one  among  many  of  those  references  to  a 
patriarchal  church,  which  they  think  they  discern  in  the 
brief,  abrupt,  and  very  condensed  history  of  the  old 
world. 


24  MEMOIR  OF 

have  the  same  number  of  bones  and  joints  as 
animals  which  have  fingers  and  toes,  so  that  the 
arrangement  of  its  feet  bones  is  into  first,  second, 
and  third  phalanges  or  knuckles,  no  less  than 
those  of  the  human  hand ;)  and  animals  having 
the  requisite  external  structure,  and  correspon- 
dent internal  formation,  yet  not  ruminating ;  or 
though  ruminating,  not  having  the  requisite 
construction  of  the  feet,  as  the  saphan*  tran- 
slated coney,  Lev.  x.  5,  Deut.  xiv.  7  ;  which, 
though  it  ruminates,  yet  has  its  feet  divided  by 
two  clefts  into  three  toes.  These  are  the  "  legis- 
lative naturalist's"  most  obvious  distinctions  of 
unclean  quadrupeds. 

The  Clean. 
Fissipedes. 

All  quadrupeds  having  their  hoof  entirely 
divided  into  two  parts  only^  and  having  a  corres- 
ponding internal  construction,  and  ruminating,  as 
oxen,  deer,  sheep,  and  goats. 

II.  FISHES. 
The  Clean. 
All  such  as  have  fins  and  scales. 


*  "  Probably  the  different  species  of  jerboa,  musjaculus, 
Linn,  are  included  in  this  word.  The  Rabbins  render  it 
the  rabbit." — Gesenius's  Hebrew  Lexicon, 


PRANCIS  WTLLUGHBY.  25 

The  Unclean. 

All  such  as  are  defective  in  one  or  both  of 
these  requirements. 

III.  BIRDS. 

These  are  subdivided  into,  1.  Land  birds; 
2.  Those  of  the  air ;  3.  Those  of  the  water,  not 
web-footed  ;  and  these  last  are  again  farther 
divided  into,  (1.)  Those  which  prey  on  living 
game  of  all  kinds ;  (2.)  Those  that  feed  on  dead 
prey ;  (3.)  Those  that  feed  on  fish. 

TJie  Clean. 

Including  all  those  which  subsist  on  vegetable 
food. 

The  Unclean. 
Birds  of  prey  generally. 

IV.  REPTILES. 
Unclean. 

All  creatures  that  creep,  going  upon  all  four, 
and  whatsoever  goeth  on  the  belly,  or  whatso- 
ever hath  more  than  four  feet,  excepting, 

Those  winged  insects,  which,  beside  four 
walking  legs,  have  also  two  longer  springing  legs, 
pedes  saltatorii  ;  these,  under  the  denomination  of 
locusts,  are  declared  to  be  clean. 


26  MEMOIR  OF 

The  same  system  is  recognized  by  Jewish 
writers,  of  widely  different  times.* 

Now,  though  it  be  demurred,  that  this  system 
was  derived  from  inspired  direction,  and,  therefore, 
ought  not  to  be  mentioned  in  an  historical  sketch 
of  Natural  History,  in  which  regard  is  supposed 
to  be  had  only  to  the  results  attained  by  the 
unassisted  faculties  of  man ;  and  though  it  be 
objected,  that  it  owed  its  origin  to  the  require- 
ments of  a  ceremonial  religion,  or  to  the  design 
of  preserving  the  Jews  distinct  from  every  other 
nation,  and  especially  from  the  Egyptians,  and 
not  impossibly,  also,  of  serving,  at  the  same 
time,  the  farther  purpose,  not  unworthy  of  divine 
care,  of  a  guide  in  the  choice  of  viands  most 
favourable  to  health  and  virtue ;  yet  it  must  be 
confessed  worthy  of  more  notice  than  has  some- 
times been  paid  to  it,  both  as  truly  meriting  the 
name  of  a  system,  and  as  unquestionably  being 
the  most  ancient  specimen  of  the  kind  now 
known  to  be  extant. 

Respecting  one  part  of  it,  Michaelis,  in  his 
Commentary  on  the  Laws  of  Moses,  observes,  f 
«  That  in  so  early  an  age  of  the  world  we  should 
find  a  systematic  division  of  quadrupeds  so  ex- 
cellent as  never  yet,  after  all  the  improvements 
in  Natural  History,  to  have  become  obsolete, 
but,  on  the  contrary,  to  be  still  considered  as 

•  Genesis,   vi.  vii.   viii.  ix.  ;  Kings,  iv.  33.  ;   Psalm 
cxiviii. ;  Acts,  x.  32. 
t  Article  CCIV. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  27 

useful  by  the  greatest  masters  of  the  science, 
cannot  but  be  looked  upon  as  truly  wonderful." 

In  the  history  of  Solomon,  who  flourished 
about  a  thousand  years  before  Christ,  we  meet 
with  the  next  most  ancient  recognition  of  the 
study  of  Natural  History.  In  the  account  given 
of  that  monarch's  attainments,  in  the  first  Book 
of  Kings,  4th  chapter  and  33d  verse,  it  is  stated, 
that  "  he  spake  of  trees,  from  the  cedar  that  is  on 
Lebanon,  even  unto  the  hyssop,  (or  moss,*  rather, 
the  first  trace  of  vegetable  germination,)  that 
springeth  out  of  the  wall ;  he  spake  also  of  beasts, 
and  of  fowl,  and  of  creeping  things,  and  of 
fishes ;" — in  which  account  it  is  worthy  of  remark, 
that,  with  the  addition  of  trees,  the  same  distri- 
bution is  adopted,  and  in  the  same  order  as  that 
which  occurs  in  the  words  stated  to  have  been 
spoken  of  God  to  Noah  thirteen  centuries  be- 
fore. 

Though  it  is  impossible  to  say,  amid  the 
absence  of  all  means  of  judging,  except  isolated 
assertions  like  these,  what  were  the  real  attain- 
m'ents  of  Solomon  in  Natural  History  ;  it  will 
not  be  thought  a  hazardous  conjecture,  that  they, 
at  least,  included  a  correct  acquaintance  with 
that  system,  as  far  as  it  extends,  which  is  involved 
in  the  Levitical  ritual.  How  far  his  mind,  highly 
gifted  by  nature,  and  endowed  with  superhuman 
sagacity,  might  have  rendered  that  system  the 
nucleus  of  more  extended  inquiries,  aided  as  he 

*  Hasselquist. 


28  MEMOIR  OF 

was  by  importations  from  India,*  and  possessed 
of  the  greatest  pecuniary  resources,  may  be  a 
matter  of  supposition,  but  cannot  now  be  ascer- 
tained ;  as  also  the  influence  of  his  example,  in 
regard  to  such  pursuits,  upon  his  many  learned 
and  pious  cotemporaries  and  successors. 

The  first  individual  who  can  positively  be 
proved  to  have  pursued  the  study  of  Natural 
History  as  a  science,  is  the  immortal  Aristotle. 
Previously,  however,  to  taking  that  degree  of 
notice  of  his  researches  which  is  required  by 
the  object  of  the  ensuing  sketch,  it  may  not  be 
unacceptable  to  some  readers  if  it  be  attempted 
briefly  to  state  what  is  to  be  understood  by  the 
scientific  pursuit  of  any  department  of  Natural 
History. 

Mankind  universally  have,  no  doubt,  ever  been 
able  to  distinguish  and  to, describe  with  more  or 
less  accuracy  some  or  other  of  the  individuals  of 
the  animal  kingdom  ;  every  one  who  has  fre- 
quently seen  such  creatures,  knowing  the  diffe- 
rence between  a  quadruped  and  a  bird,  between 
a  bird  and  a  fish,  and  between  individuals  of  the 
same  order,  as  between  a  dog  and  a  cat,  a  pigeon 
and  a  hawk ;  and  it  is  probable  that  even  written 
descriptions  and  drawings  of  some  animals,  having 
various  degrees  of  truth  and  similarity,  have  ex- 

*  1  Kings,  x.  22.  For  the  king  had  at  sea  a  navy 
of  Tharshish  with  the  navy  of  Hiram  ;  once  in  three 
years  came  the  navy  of  Tharshish,  bringing  gold,  and 
silver,  ivory,  and  apes,  and  peacocks, — or  parrots,  as  some 
understand  by  the  word  in  Hebrew. 


FRANCIS  W1LLUGHBY.  29 

isted  from  a  remote  period  among  civilized  nations. 
But,  carried  to  this  extent  only,  Natural  History 
consists  in  mere  amusement,  and  the  books  and 
pictures  serving  merely  this  purpose,  may  afford 
relaxation  from  more  important  studies,  or  at 
best  supply  the  naturalist  engaged  in  the  forma- 
tion or  study  of  a  system  with  useful  descriptions 
of  such  individual  creatures  as  may  be  inacces- 
sible to  his  own  observation. 

Yet,  in  nearly  this  state  did  Natural  History 
continue  till  the  time  of  Aristotle,  at  least  among 
such  portions  of  mankind  as  were  unacquainted 
with  the  Scriptures,  and  for  many  ages  after  him. 
The  scientific  pursuit  of  any  department  of 
Natural  History  supposes  classification,  or  the 
arrangement  of  its  various  objects  into  those 
divisions  called  genera  and  species,  an  arrange- 
ment founded  on  some  selected  points  of  agree- 
ment between  those  objects. 

The  most  general,  because  the  most  obvious 
point  of  agreement,  would  be  a  complete  identity 
among  different  indi  vid  uals.  Thus,  to  take  a  familiar 
illustration  from  ornithology, — a  certain  bird  being 
called  a  crow,  the  same  name  or  noun  is  given  to 
every  other  crow  in  the  flock,  which  general 
name  or  noun  is  technically  called  the  genus. 
Among  the  different  tribes  of  creatures,  however, 
the  resemblance,  though  very  close,  is  not  com- 
plete, the  difference  sometimes  consisting  in  but 
few  subordinate  variations,  sometimes  only  in 
one ;  in  such  cases,  the  naturalist  considers  to 
which  genus  any  given  instance  of  variation 


30  MEMOIR  OF 

bears  the  greatest  resemblance,  either  naturally, 
or  agreeably  to  the  principles  of  his  system  ;  and 
having  fixed  on  it,  he  denominates  the  variety  a 
species.  Thus,  the  hooded  crow  is  a  species  of 
crow.  So  also,  having  determined  which  des- 
cription of  the  humming  bird  he  will  consider 
generic,  he  denominates  the  varieties  and  devia- 
tions from  this  description  within  certain  limits, 
as  the  different  species  of  humming  birds.  To 
each  of  the  different  species  some  name  is  given 
descriptive  of  its  chief  distinctions,  and  thus, 
those  who  agree  in  the  use  of  the  same  classifica- 
tion, and  of  the  same  names  of  the  different 
species,  can  readily  enable  each  other  to  find  in 
books  any  particular  species. 

Thus,  genera  and  species  are  founded  in  re- 
semblances ;  and  by  assorting  animals  together, 
agreeably  to  any  particular  resemblances  which 
may  be  determined  on  for  the  purpose,  whether 
toes,  teeth,  claws,  beaks,  habitation,  food,  habits, 
&c.  a  system  is  formed,  and  the  particular  point 
of  resemblance  adopted  by  any  individual  natu- 
ralist distinguishes  his  particular  system,  and  in 
the  superior  advantages  for  scientific  purposes  of 
any  author's  classification,  consists  the  superiority 
of  his  system. 

The  most  obvious  resemblances  are  not,  how- 
ever, always  to  be  chosen  for  the  purposes  of 
system. 

"  The  rudest  wanderer  in  the  fields,  "  observes 
an  eminent  writer,"*  may  imagine  that  the  pro- 
*  Dr  Brown's  Philosophy  of  the  Human  Mind. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  31 

fusion  of  blossoms  around  him,  in  the  greater 
number  of  which  he  is  able  to  discover  many 
striking  resemblances,  may  be  reduced  into  some 
order  of  arrangement.  But  he  would  be  little 
aware  that  the  principle,  according  to  which  they 
are  best  classed,  has  relation  not  to  the  parts 
which  appear  to  him  to  constitute  the  whole 
flower,  but  to  some  small  part  of  the  blossom, 
which  he  does  not  perceive  at  the  distance  at 
which  he  passes  it,  and  which  scarcely  attracts 
his  eye  when  he  plucks  it  from  the  stem."  This 
distinction  respecting  the  resemblances,  which, 
though  obvious,  are  not  always  best  adapted  for 
classification,  may  be  thus  illustrated :  "  There 
is  a  species  of  monkey  so  like  a  lion,  that  it  may 
be  compared  to  a  monkey  in  a  lion's  skin  ;  it  has 
the  lion's  long  mane,  slender  tufted  tail,  and  the 
fur  in  all  other  parts  short  and  compact.  But 
the  resemblance  not  only  extends  no  farther,  but 
so  total  a  dissimilarity  exists  in  all  other  respects 
between  these  two  creatures,  that  it  would  be 
absurd  to  class  them  together." 

It  is  the  preponderance  of  similar  characteristics 
which  indicates  to  the  naturalist  the  affinities  of 
animals.  From  the  classifications  founded  on 
these,  which  can  only  be  derived  from  the  most 
accurate  and  extensive  examination  of  facts,  he 
proceeds  to  u  detail  whatever  can  make  us 
acquainted  with  the  history  of  animals,  compre- 
hending a  knowledge  of  their  varieties,  external 
forms,  organs,  habits,  and  to  expound  the  laws  by 


82  MEMOIR  OF 

which  their   distribution  is   regulated  over   the 
different  portions  of  the  globe.* 

It  is  farther  to  be  observed,  that  a  system  must 
either  be  artificial  or  natural.  The  foregoing 
remarks  relate  to  the  formation  of  an  artificial 
system.  It  may  now  be  allowed  to  add  a  state- 
ment of  what  is  to  be  understood  by  a  natural 
system,  or  rather  the  natural  system ;  for  it  is 
pleaded,  that  the  true  system  of  nature  can  be 
but  one.  The  natural  system  is  supposed  to  be 
that  which  will  consist,  when  discovered  and 
verified — for  it  is  still  a  desideratum — of  a  develop- 
ment of  the  true  scale  of  universal  being,  or  that 
plan  on  which  every  object  was  created,  and 
upon  which  animals  and  plants,  by  the  interven- 
tion of  an  infinity  of  intermediate  forms,  blend 
into  each  other,  and  are  finally  so  united  as  that 
it  cannot  be  known  where  to  draw  the  line  of 
demarcation.  This  natural  series  of  beings  is 
complex,  forming  in  its  progress  certain  devia- 
tions which  resemble  a  series  of  circles.  A 
system  can  only  be  natural  which  attempts  to 
explain  the  analogies  or  resemblances  between 
the  individuals  or  divisions  of  one  circular  series 
when  they  are  compared  with  those  of  another 
circular  series.  The  relationship  between  all 
natural  objects  is  twofold — immediate  and  remote. 
The  first  of  these  is  called  an  affinity,  the  second 
an  analogy.  Thus  there  is  an  affinity  between 
tne  swallow  and  the  goatsucker.  These  genera 
*  Macgillivray. 


FRANCIS  W1LLUGHBY.  33 

are  intimately  connected  by  structure,  habits,  and 
economy  :  both  fly  nearly  in  the  same  manner, 
and  both  live  upon  insects  captured  in  the  same 
way  ;  but  the  goatsucker  has  also  the  relation  of 
analogy  to  the  bats,  by  flying  at  the  same  hour 
of  the  day,  and  by  feeding  in  the  same  manner. 
The  natural  system  must  state  these  varied  rela- 
tions and  resemblances,  and  prove  that  they  suc- 
ceed each  other  in  a  uniform  progression,  because 
it  has  been  repeatedly  demonstrated  that  the 
contents  of  one  circular  group  represent  the  con- 
tents of  another  circular  group.  If,  however,  by 
the  natural  system  we  are  to  understand  a  com- 
plete development  of  all  the  properties  and 
relations  of  animated  beings,  the  functions  they 
are  intended  to  perform,  the  principles  upon 
which  their  forms  have  been  regulated,  their 
indisputable  affinities  among  themselves,  and 
their  innumerable  analogies  to  all  others,  then 
the  natural  system  is  a  pinnacle  of  knowledge  to 
which  finite  beings  can  obviously  never  reach. 
The  system,  therefore,  which  develops  principles 
of  the  widest  application,  and  brings  the  elements, 
if  we  may  so  term  them,  of  natural  classification 
into  the  narrowest  compass,  is  that  which 
obviously  makes  the  nearest  approach  to  nature, 
and  therefore  deserves  to  be  distinguished  par 
excellence  as  the  natural  system."*  Several 
individuals  are  named  as  having  proposed  the 

*  Swainson,  Preliminary  Lecture,  and  Treatise  on  the 
Geography  and  Classification  of  Animals. 
c 


34  MEMOIR  OF 

development  of  the  natural  system  in  the  modified 
sense  of  the  term  ;  but  naturalists  are  still  unde- 
termined upon  whieh  of  their  systems  the  exalted 
title  shxwld  be  bestowed. 

Both  artificial  and  what  are  considered  to  be 
natural  systems  have  their  respective  advantages 
and  disadvantages.  The  advantages  of  a  good 
artificial  system,  are,  that  it  facilitates  research 
after  an  unknown  object,  and  thereby  renders  the 
study  of  natural  philosophy  more  inviting  to 
those  who  propose  to  make  respectable  attain* 
ments  merely  in  any  of  its  departments. 

The  disadvantages  of  an  artificial  system  are* 
that  it  disregards  the  order  of  nature,*  which  it  is 
the  chief  object  of  Natural  History  to  develop ; 
that,  from  its  nature,  it  cannot  be  formed  on 
general  principles,  in  which  alone  the  complex 
relations  of  natural  objects  can  be  determined ; 
that  it  involves  a  multiplication  of  divisions* 

*  This  disadvantage  is  thus  illustrated  by  Mr  Swain- 
son.  Alluding  to  the  best  classification  of  quadrupeds 
extant,  he  observes-,  «'  Commencing  with  the  oran-otan, 
the  series  passes  thence  to  the  baboon,  the  monkeys,  the 
howling  apes,  the  prehensile  monkeys,  and  the  bats.  So 
far  there  is  an  evident  appearance  of  a  natural  series,  and 
we  begin  to  think  the  author  is  really  arranging  animals 
according  to  the  order  of  organization  ;  but  when  we  have 
arrived  at  the  end  of  the  n'rst  fragment  of  the  chain,  and 
dismissing  all  idea  of  continuity,  we  are  to  begin  on  another. 
Immediately  after  the  bats  are  placed  the  hedgehogs,  and 
following  them  come  the  bears.  Every  person  possessing 
the  slightest  knowledge  of  these  animals  must  perceive 
&QW  unnaturally  they  are  combined." 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  35 

in  order  to  meet  what  is  called  by  Cicero  "  the 
insatiable  variety  of  nature  ; "  that  it  can  exhibit 
only  disjointed  parts  of  the  universal  frame  of 
being.  On  the  whole,  an  artificial  system  is  best 
adapted  for  use,  while  a»natural  system  alone  can 
enable  us  to  know  the  probable  station  of  any 
creature  in  the  system  of  the  scale  of  being,  by 
the  affinities  it  possesses  to  others,  and  the  ana- 
logies by  which  it  is  related  and  represented. 
The  attainment  of  the  best  natural  system  is, 
however,  likely  to  follow  from  the  inquiries  made 
by  the  best  artificial  systems. 

The  first  formation  of  an  artificial  system, 
when  all  circumstances  are  considered,  will  ever 
be  regarded  as  an  interesting  epoch  in  the  annals 
of  science.  It  is  now  intended  to  contemplate 
that  event  as  it  is  presented  m  the  history  of 
Aristotle.  Scarcely  any  thing  is  known  with 
certainty  of  the  early  life  of  this  illustrious  man, 
except  that  he  studied  at  Athens  with  the  most 
intense  assiduity  under  Plato,  and  that  this 
eminent  philosopher  used  to  call  him  "  the  mind 
of  his  school ;"  and  when  Aristotle  was  not  there, 
to  say,  "The  soul  of  the  school  is  absent." 

Some  time  after  the  death  of  Plato,  which 
happened  about  the  year  348  B.C.  and  when 
Aristotle  was  thirty-six  years  old,  he  began  to 
teach  publicly  at  Athens ;  and  after  having  gained 
the  highest  celebrity  as  an  instructor  of  youth, 
he  was-  invited  by  Philip,  king  of  Macedon,  to 
undertake  the  education  of  his  son  Alexander 
then,  about  fifteen  years  of  age.  The  letter.  ia» 


36  MEMOIR  OF 

which  Philip  invited  him  to  undertake  this  office 
expresses  his  high  opinion  of  the  philosopher's 
attainments.  He  declares  that  he  "  thanked  the 
gods,  not  more  for  having  given  him  a  son,  than  for 
having  bestowed  him  in*  the  time  of  Aristotle." 
Nor  less  expressive  are  Alexander's  own  words 
of  the  value  he  placed  in  his  tutor's  instructions, 
— "  I  am  not  less  indebted  to  Aristotle  than  to 
my  father ;  since,  if  it  was  through  the  one  that  I 
lived,  it  was  through  the  other  that  I  have  learned 
to  live  well/'  During  his  residence  at  the  court 
of  Macedon,  he  not  only  superintended  the 
education  of  the  youthful  prince,  but  most  likely, 
amid  many  other  improvements  in  science,  formed 
that  system  of  Zoology  which  has  justly  obtained 
for  him  the  titles  of  "  The  father  of  Natural 
History,"  and,  "  The  secretary  of  Nature." 

Alexander  was  called  to  the  throne  at  the  early 
age  of  twenty,  through  the  assassination  of  his 
father  by  Pausanias,  one  of  the  officers  of  the 
guard.  Two  years  afterwards  he  set  out  on.  his 
Asiatic  expedition,  and  Aristotle  returned  to 
Athens ;  and  during  the  next  thirteen  years  he 
lectured  in  the  Lyceum,  a  large  enclosure  in  the 
suburbs  ;  still,  however,  continuing  to  correspond 
with  his  former  pupil.  That  celebrated  prince 
had  already  bestowed  on  his  tutor  the  magnificent 
sum  of  eight  hundred  talents,  to  be  appropriated 
to  the  furtherance  of  his  investigations,  and  had 
placed  at  his  disposal  many  thousands  of  per- 
sofis,  who  were  employed  by  him  in  collecting 
animals  for  his  inspection,  by  hawking,  hunting, 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  37 

and  fishing.  Alexander  also  took  with  him,  on 
his  Asiatic  expedition,  more  than  a  thousand 
persons  for  the  same  purpose.  But  these  un- 
paralleled advantages  owed  their  chief  value  to 
the  powers  of  the  philosopher's  mind,  and  to  the 
system  of  inquiry  which  he  applied  to  the  ani- 
mal kingdom, — a  system  employed,  but  not 
improved,  by  Bacon  and  Newton  in  their  several 
researches. 

He  possessed  also  that  other  rare,  but  indis- 
pensable qualification, — a  mind  totally  devoid  of 
prejudice.  He  utterly  discarded  every  tradition 
of  his  countrymen  respecting  any  animal,  how- 
ever venerable  that  animal  had  become  by  the 
connection  with  it  of  their  religious  belief. 
Actuated  by  the  same  perfect  love  of  truth,  he 
adopted  the  most  literal  description  of  facts, 
instead  of  the  rhetorical  style*employed  by  other 
teachers  of  philosophy,  not  excepting  his  own 
venerated  instructor.  According  to  some  writers, 
he  must  have  composed  more  than  four  hundred 
treatises,  of  which  no  more  than  forty-eight  are 
extant,  and  not  one  of  these  in  a  perfect  state. 

His  history  of  animals,  four  volumes  octavo, 
which  it  is  most  congruous  to  the  object  of  this 
sketch  to  notice,  is,  in  the  judgment  of  an  emi- 
nent naturalist,  "  composed  in  a  method  so 
luminous,  as  not  yet  to  have  been  equalled  by 
any  subsequent  writer."  The  principal  divisions 
which  are  still  adopted  by  naturalists  in  the  ani- 
mal kingdom  are  those  of  Aristotle  ;  and  he  pro- 
posed some,  which  have  been  resumed  after 


33  MEMOIR  OF 

having  been  unjustly  rejected."*  His  great 
principle,  and  from  which  he  never  deviates,  is 
the  observation  of  facts  ;  comparing  them,  and 
endeavouring  to  discover  the  circumstances  in 
which  they  agree  to  the  greatest  extent. 

He  begins  by  laying  down  a  great  number  of 
general  propositions,  or  aphorisms,  which  must 
evidently  have  been  derived  from  the  careful 
observation  of  an  immense  number  of  phenomena. 
The  following  may  be  regarded  as  specimens 
taken  from  his  first  book  on  the  description  of 
the  parts  of  animals  :— 

"  Some  parts  are  simple,  and  divided  into 
similar  particles ;  while  others  are  compound,  and 
consist  of  dissimilar  elements. 

"  The  same  parts  in  animals  vary  in  form,  pro- 
portion, and  other  qualities  ;  and  there  are  many 
creatures  which,  although  they  have  the  same 
parts,  have  them  in  different  situations.  Animals 
differ  in  their  mode  of  living,  actions,  and  man- 
ners :  thus,  some  reside  on  land,  others  in  water ; 
and  of  the  latter  some  breathe  water  and  others 
air. 

"  Those  parts  which  seize  the  food,  and  into 
which  it  is  received,  are  found  in  all  animals. 
The  sense  of  touch  is  common  to  all/'  &c. 

The  following  is  the  zoological  system  ot 
Aristotle : — 

Red-blooded  animals. 

Quadrupeds,  serpents,  birds,  fishes,  cetacea 
•  Maegillivray's  lives  of  eminent  zoologist* 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  39 

White-blooded  animals. 
Testacea,  Crustacea,  mollusca,  insects. 

Under  these  genera  he  arranges  in  subdivi- 
sions the  various  species  of  animals  which  he  had 
observed. 

The  system  is  not  considered  as  in  any  respect 
perfect,  much  less  as  sufficient  to  supersede  some 
modern  systems.  It  is  chiefly  remarkable  as 
being  theftrst  recorded  attempt  at  system  among 
the  Gentiles  ;  and 'thus,  its  merit  would  seem  to 
consist  in  its  originality,  unless  we  take  heed  to 
the  affirmation  of  some  ancient  Jews,  that  Aris- 
totle had  derived  his  knowledge  of  Natural  His- 
tory from  Solomon,  having  seen  some  of  that 
monarch's  treatises,  and  which  some  Jewish 
writers  of  antiquity  maintained  to  be  extant  in 
their  time  under  an  Arabic  translation.* 

Could  it  be  shewn  that  the  system  ascribed  to 
Aristotle  was  suggested  by  his  acquaintance  with 
any  prior  zoological  arrangement,  then  his  merit 
would  consist  in  the  discernment  which  led  him 
either  to  select  the  arrangement  itself,  or  in  his 
sagacity  to  improve  on  it ;  if  it  was  original,  its 
praise  can  only  be  duly  awarded  by  those  who 
consider  the  immense  difference  which  exists 
between  individual  discovery  and  the  capacity 
of  apprehending,  and  of  improving  upon,  the 

*  Ce  qui  me  paroit  tres  sur,  c'  est  que  ce  livre  existe  ; 
il  doit  eontenir  un  ample  commentaire  sur  les  plantes  et 
les  animaux  de  V  Ecriture,  et  toute  la  doctrine  de  la 
philosophie  orientale.— ~ SCHEUCHZEB. 


40  MEMOIR  OF 

discovery  of  others.  "  It  is,  perhaps,  impossible,  at 
the  present  day,  when  the  investigation  of  nature 
is  so  much  facilitated,  by  the  accumulation  of  the 
knowledge  of  ages  in  every  department  of  physical 
science — by  the  commercial  relations  existing  in 
all  parts  of  the  globe — by  a  tried  method  of 
observation,  experiment,  and  induction  —  and, 
finally,  by  the  possession  of  the  most  ingenious 
instruments, — to  form  any  adequate  idea  of  the 
numerous  difficulties  under  which  this  ancient 
naturalist  laboured."*  It  is  remarkable,  that  as 
it  is  not  known  that  Aristotle  had  any  companion 
in  the  scientific  pursuit  of  zoology,  so  there  is 
no  record  of  any  follower,  at  however  great  a 
distance,  till  Pliny  the  elder,  born  in  the  reign  of 
Tiberius,  in  the  twentieth  year  of  the  Christian 
era,  that  is,  nearly  three  centuries  and  a  half  after 
the  death  of  Aristotle. 

It  appears  that  Pliny  travelled  into  Germany, 
Spain,  Africa,  and  perhaps  Britain,  Egypt,  and 
India ;  that  he  was  engaged  in  political  and 
military  services,  and  yet,  at  the  same  time,  that 
he  devoted  himself  so  sedulously  to  literature,  as 
that  scarcely  any  one  before  him  had  written  so 
many  books. 

He  compiled  thirty-six  volumes  of  natural 
history,  chiefly  from  the  works  of  other  writers, 
amounting,  as  he  asserts,  to  2000  volumes.  The 
very  names  even  of  many  of  these  authors  would 
now  be  unknown  but  for  Pliny's  own  enumeration 

*  Macgillivray. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  ^^-*1~  ^ 

:  m.  ID  vain,  however,  do  we  look  into  his 
works  for  any  of  the  excellencies  of  Aristotle. 
Amid  the  enormous  multitude  of  facts  which  he 
has  recorded,  he  could  scarcely  have  avoided  the 
statement  of  some  truths :  but  compilation  was 
evidently  his  great  object,  and  the  choice  of  the 
strange  and  marvellous  his  ruling  passion.  It  is 
an  open  question,  how  far  his  sentiments  respect- 
ing religion  may  have  influenced  the  composition 
of  his  works  on  natural  history ;  but  those  works 
themselves  exhibit  an  utter  absence  of  discrimi- 
nation, guided  either  by  an  acquaintance  with 
die  system  of  nature,  or  regard  to  what  was 
possible  in  itself.  The  writings  of  travellers, 
historians,  geographers,  philosophers,  and  phy- 
sicians, are  all  laid  under  the  contribution  of  his 
huge  drag-net,  but  on  the  contents  of  which  he 
bestows  no  selection.  Hence,  amid  an  immewe 
congregation  of  absurdities,  he  telb  stories  of 
men  without  heads,  and  men  without  mouths,  or 
of  men  having  but  one  foot.  Along  with  de- 
scriptions of  the  elephant  and  the  lion  he  gives 
accounts  of  manticores,  creatures  with  the  head 
of  a  man  and  the  tail  of  a  serpent ;  winged  hones  ; 
and  of  dolphins  who  became  attached  to  children, 
and  carried  them  on  their  backs  every  day  to 
school,  through  lakes  and  arms  of  the  sea ;  of 
ravens  and  cocks  that  spoke,  and  recognized  by 
name  different  important  personages.  "  More 
than  two-thirds  of  his  descriptions  are  erroneous, 
felse,  or  fabulous.** 


42  MEMOIR  OF 

They  serve,  however,  when  contrasted  with  the 
zoology  of  Aristotle,  to  bring  into  deserved  pro- 
minence the  inventor  of  an  original  system. 

No  real  improvements  in  zoology  were  made 
during  the  next  sixteen  hundred  years.  In  the 
16th  century  a  few  writers  appeared  whose  re- 
maining works  indicate  the  dawn  of  a  brighter 
era.  These  deserve  a  brief  notice  in  the  succes- 
sion in  which  they  lived. 

CONRAD  GESNER,  born  at  Zurich, — 1516;  a 
prodigy  of  application  ;  but  his  works,  though 
evincing  some  improvements  in  Botany,  are  now 
regarded  as  merely  literary  curiosities. 

PIERRE  BELON,  in  1553  ;  whose  works  exhibit 
some  improvements  in  Ichthyology,  particularly 
in  the  department  of  sea-fishes. 

HIPPOLITO  SALVIANI,  A.  D.  1554;  whose 
works  on  Ichthyology  contain  still  farther  im- 
provements, but  are  chiefly  valuable  on  account 
of  the  beautiful  and  accurate  plates  which  they 
contain. 

GILLAUME  RONDELET,  A.D.  1554;  whose  works 
on  Ichthyology  contain  some  traces  of  classifica- 
tions based  on  affinities. 

ULY&SES  ALDROVANDI,  or  ALDROVANDUS,  who 
died  A.D.  1605.  He  wrote  thirteen  folio  volumes, 
four  only  of  which  were  published  by  himself, 
namely,  three  on  birds,  and  one  on  insects.  The 
rest  appeared  after  his  death. 

He  can  be  ^regarded  merely  as  a  compiler  —  a 
modern  Pliny. 

With  regard  to  all  these,  it  is  asserted  by  an 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  43 

author  well  qualified  to  form  the  opinion,*  that 
"  their  descriptions  are  wide,  frequently  incorrect, 
and  in  few  cases  characteristic.  They  had  no 
idea  of  disposing  the  objects  of  which  they  treated 
in  a  manner  resembling  that  to  which  we  have 
been  accustomed  since  the  time  of  Ray  and 
Linnaeus." 

It  is  now  the  place,  agreeably  to  the  object  of 
the  foregoing  sketch,  avowed  at  the  commence- 
ment, to  submit  to  the  reader's  attention  the 
chief  particulars  in  the  history  of  the  English 
Naturalist,  Francis  Willughby,  Esq.  of  'whom, 
although  his  name  occurs  in  almost  every  treatise 
on  Natural  History,  and  often  with  high  com- 
mendation, yet  no  Memoir  has  been  published 
calculated  to  illustrate  the  varied  excellencies  of 
his  character,  or  to  do  justice  to  the  genuine 
claims  of  his  improvements  in  science. 

Francis  Willughby  was  born  at  Middleton,  in 
Warwickshire,  in  the  year  1635.  He  was  des- 
cended from  two  ancient  families,  each  of  the 
name  of  Willughby  ;  namely,  from  that  of  Wil- 
lughby de  Eresby  in  Lincolnshire,  a  baronial 
family  of  high  antiquity  and  historic  renown,  on 
his  grandfather's  side  ;  and  from  the  family  of 
Willughby  of  Wollaton  in  Nottinghamshire, 
which  derived  its  name  from  one  of  its  earliest 
possessions,  Willughby  on  the  Wolds,  in  that 
county,  on  his  grandmother's  side.  His  grand- 
mother's family  derived  its  first  prominence  from 
the  career  of  Sir  Richard  de  Willughby,  Knight, 
*  Macgillivray. 


44  MEMOIR  OF 

who  was  more  than  thirty  years  a  judge  of  the 
King's  Bench,  and  for  some  time  Lord  Chief 
Justice  of  England  in  the  reign  of  Edward  the 
Third. 

It  also  numbered  among  its  early  members  Sir 
Hugh  de  Willughby,  Knight,  who  commanded 
a  fleet  of  ships  sent  out  in  the  year  1553,  being 
the  seventh  and  last  year  of  the  reign  of  King 
Edward  the  Sixth,  to  discover  the  north-cast 
passage  to  Cathay,*  and  who  perished  in  the 
ice.f  The  two  families  of  Willughby  de  Eresby, 

*  "  Cathay  is  the  name  for  the  six  northern  provinces 
of  China,  separated  from  the  other  nine  by  the  great  river 
Kiang. , — Philosophical  Transactions,  Munday,  July  2J, 
1666." 

t  The  event  is  alluded  to  by  the  author  of  the  Seasons. 
in  his  description  of  Winter  within  the  polar  circles  : — 

Miserable  they 

Who,  here  entangled  in  the  gathering  ice, 
Take  their  last  look  of  the  descending  sun  : 
While,  full  of  death,  and  fierce  with  tenfold  frost, 
The  long,  long  night,  incumbent  o'er  their  heads, 
Falls  horrible.     Such  was  the  Briton's  t  fate, 
As  with  first  prow  (what  have  not  Briton's  dared !) 
He  for  the  passage  sought,  attempted  since 
So  much  in  vain,  and  seeming  to  be  shut 
By  jealous  Nature  with  eternal  bars. 
In  these  fell  regions,  in  Arzina  caught, 
And  to  the  stony  deep  his  idle  ship 
Immediate  seal'd,  he  with  his  hapless  crew, 
Each  full  exerted  at  his  several  task, 
Froze  into  statues ;  to  the  cordage  glued 
The  sailor,  and  the  pilot  to  the  helm. 
THOMSON'S 

t  Sir  Hugh  de  Willoughby. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  45 

and  Willughby  of  Wollaton,  were  united  in 
Sir  Francis  Willughby,  Knight,  the  father  of 
the  subject  of  this  memoir.  He  was  the  son  of 
Sir  Perceval  Willughby,  Knight,  of  the  house  of 

Some  account  of  this  unfortunate  expedition  may  not 
be  unacceptable. 

Sebastian  Cabot,  a  native  of  Venice,  arrived  in  England, 
and  settled  at  Bristol  in  the  reign  of  Henry  VII.  That 
monarch,  disappointed  in  his  hopes  of  forming  an  engage- 
ment with  Columbus,  gladly  extended  his  protection  to 
Cabot,  whose  reputation  was  scarcely  inferior  to  that  of 
the  celebrated  Genoese.  Accordingly,  Cabot  received 
from  him  a  patent,  dated  March  5,  1496,  "  to  go  in  search 
of  unknown  lands,  and  to  conquer,  and  to  settle  them." 
Cabot  "concluding,  by  reason  of  the  sphere,  that  if  he 
could  sail  by  the  north-west,  he  should,  by  a  shorter 
tract,  come  to  India,  he  advertised  the  king  thereon,  who 
immediately  commanded  two  caravels  to  be  furnished  with 
all  things  appertayning  to  the  voyage,  which  was,  as  far  as 
he  remembers,  in  the  year  1496,  in  the  beginning  of  sum- 
mer." 

The  result  of  the  voyage  disappointed  his  expectations, 
and  he  retired  to  Spain.  He  returned  to  England,  how- 
ever, in  the  year  1548,  when  Henry  VIII.  was  on  the 
throne ;  and  on  the  accession  of  Edward  VI.  he  was 
created  «« pilot  major,"  and  made  "  governor  of  the 
mysterie  and  company  of  the  marchants  adventurers 
for  the  discoverie  of  regions,  dominions,  islands,  and 
places  unknowen." 

By  his  advice,  and  under  his  direction,  a  voyage  was 
undertaken  for  the  discovery  of  a  north-east  passage  to 
Cathay.  Three  ships  were  accordingly  fitted  out  for  the 
enterprise,  of  which  Sir  Hugh  de  Willoughby  was  appoin- 
ted captain -general. 

So  confident  of  success  were  the  promoters  of  this 
design,  that  they  omitted  no  precautions,  which  were 


46  MEMOIR  OF 

Eresby,  by  the  eldest  daughter  and  co-heiress  of 
Sir  Francis  Willughby,  Knight,  of  Wollaton,  and 
inherited'  part  of  the  great  possessions  of  his 
maternal  grandfather,  including  the  stately 

deemed  necessary  for  the  safety  of  vessels  having  to 
navigate  Indian  seas,  causing  them  to  be  sheathed  with 
lead,  in  order  to  defend  them  frrom  the  worms  that  are 
found  so  destructive  in  warm  climates,  and  which  is  the 
first  recorded  instance  in  English  history  of  a  precaution 
which  had  often  been  previously  adopted  by  the 
Spaniards. 

The  following  particulars  respecting  the  expedition  are 
taken  from  Hakluyt's  Collection  of  Voyages,  vol.  i.  page 
226,  &c.  printed  1559. 

The  names  of  the  ships  were, — 

1.  The  Bona  Esperenza,  admiral  of  the  fleet,   "  of  120 
tunnes  burden,  having  with  her  a  pinnesse  and  a  boate ; " 
William  Gifferson,  master. 

2.  "  The  Edward  Bona  venture,  of  160  tunnes,  with  her 
pinnesse  and  a  boate.     Richard  Chancelor  captain,  and 
pilot-major  of  the  fleete." 

3.  "  The    Bona    Confidentia,   of   90  tunnes,    having 
with  her  a  pinnisse  and  a  boate."     Cornelius  Durforth 
master  of  the  ship. 

These  several  descriptions  of  the  ships  are  followed  by 
a  list  of  the  names  both  of  officers  and  men  belonging  to 
each. 

Then  comes,  "the  juramentura  or  othe  ministered 
unto  the  captaine,  and  the  othe  to  be  ministered  unto  the 
master  of  the  ship." 

Then,  a  copy  of  "the  ordinances,  instructions,  anv, 
advertisements,  of  and  for  the  direction  of  the  intended 
voyage  for  Cathay,  compiled,  made,  and  delivered  by  tht 
Right  Worshipful  M.  Sebastian  Cabota  Esquier,  gover- 
nour  of  the  mysterie,"  &c.  dated  the  9th  day  of  May,  in 
the  y  ere  of  our  Lord  God,  1553,  and  in  the  7th  yere  of; 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  47 

mansion  of  Wollaton  Hall,  in  Nottinghamshire, 
and  Middleton  Hall,  in  Warwickshire.  He 
married  the  Lady  Cassandra,  daughter  of  the 
Larl  of  Londonderry,  and.  had.  one  only  son, 

the  reigne  of  our  most  dread  soveraigne  Lord,  Edward 
VI. 

This  document,  consisting  of  thirty-t&ree  articles,  is 
interesting  in  several  respects. 

It  assumes,  in  an  official  manner,  the  influence  of 
Christian  principles,  as  the  source  of  duty  in  the  several 
individuals  concerned  in  the  voyage. 

It  also  contains  a  direction,  that  ««  morning  and  evening 
praier,  with  other  common  services  appointed  by  the 
king's  majestie  and  lawes  of  this  realme,  be  reade  aiuj 
saide  in  every  ship  daily. ;  in  the  admiral,  by  the  minister, 
(whose  name  appears  to  have  been  Richard  Stafford,)  and 
by  the  marchant,  or  some  other  person  learned,  in  the 
other  shippes  ;  and  the  Bible  or  paraphrases  to  be  read 
devoutly  and  Christianly  to  God's  honor,  and  for  his 
grace  to  be  obtained,  and  had,  by  humble  and  heartie 
praier,.  for  the  navigants  accordingly." 

There  are  also  very  strict  regulations  against  "carding, 
dicing,  and  such  other  divelish  gamesi." 

In  the  twenty-second  article,  direction  is  given  ' '  not  to 
disclose  to  any  nation  the  state  of  our  religion,  but  to 
passe  it  over  in  silence,  without  any  declaration  of  it. 
seeming  to  have  with  such  lawes  and  rules  as  the  place 
hath  where  you  shall  arrive." 

Some  other  instructions  are  characteristic  of  the  sim- 
plicity of  the  times,  for  instance  :  — 

"  Item  30.  If  you  shall  see  any  people  weare  lyons  or 
bearrs  skinnes,  having  long  bowes  and  arrowes,  be  not 
afraid. of  that  sight,  for  such  be  worne  often  times  more  tc 
feare  strangers  than  for  any  other  end." 

"  Item  31.  There  are  people  that  can  swimme  in  the 
sea,  havens,  and  rivers,  naked,  having  bowes  and  shafts 


48  MEMOIR  OF 

Francis,  our  naturalist,  and  two  daughters : 
Letitia,  married  to  Sir  Thomas  Wendy  of 
Haslingfield  in  Cambridgeshire,  Knight  of  the 
Bath ;  and  Catherine,  married  to  Clement  Win- 
stanley,  Esq. 

coveting  to  draw  nigh  your  ships,  which,  if  they  shall 
find  be  not  well  watched  or  warded,  they  will  assault, 
desirous  of  the  bodies  of  men,  which  they  covet  for  meate ; 
if  you  resist  them,  they  dive,  and  so  will  flee,  and,  there- 
fore, diligent  watch  is  to  be  kept  in  some  islands  both 
night  and  day." 

Twelve  counsellors  were  appointed  for  the  voyage,  by 
whom  "  every  measure  which  might  be  deemed  expedient, 
.was  to  be  considered  and  determined  agreeably  to  instruc- 
tions." There  is  also  a  Latin  and  English  copy  of  the 
"  letters  missive  which  the  right  noble  Prince  Edward  the 
Sixth  sent  to  the  kings,  princes,  and  the  potentates  in- 
habiting the  north-east  parts  of  the  world,  towards  the 
mighty  empire  of  Cathay :  at  such  time  as  Sir  Hugh  de 
Willoughby,  Knt.  and  Richard  Chancelor,  with  their 
company,  attempted  their  voyage  thither  in  the  yeere  of 
Christ,  1553,  and  the  seventh  and  last  yeere  of  his  raigne." 

A  note  is  added,  stating  that  these  letters  missive  •«  were 
written  in  Greeke  and  divers  languages."  "These  foresaide 
ships,  being  fully  furnished  with  their  pinnisses  and  boates, 
uel-appointed  with  all  manner  of  artillerie,  departed  from 
Ratcliffe  and  haled  unto  Deptford  the  10th  day  of  May, 
1553." 

Then  follows  the  diary  of  Sir  Hugh  Willoughby, 
beginning  with  May  llth,  1553,  with  their  departure  from 
Deptford. 

A  few  extracts  from  it  may  be  permitted. 

•'  The  llth  day,  about  two  of  the  clocke,  we  departed 
from  Deptford,  passing  by  Greenwich,  saluting  the  Kin^s 
majesty  then  being  there  ;  shooting  off  our  ordnances,  ana 
flu  haled  to  Blackwall,  and  there  replied  until  tne  i  7th 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  49 

It  is  not  known  where  Mr  Willughby  received 
the  first  part  of  his  education.  His  character  in 
youth,  and  throughout  his  life  generally,  is  thus 
depicted  by  his  most  intimate  friend  and  faithful 

day ;  and  that  day,  in  the  morning,  we  went  from  Black- 
wall  and  came  to  Woolich  by  nine  of  the  clocke,  and 
there  remained  one  tide ;  and  so  the  same  day  unto 
Heyreth."  "  The  18th  from  Heyreth  to  Gravesende, 
and  here  remained  until  the  twentieth  day,  that  day  being 
Saterday;  and  from  Gravesende  unto  Tilburie  Hope, 
remaining  there  until  the  twentieth  day." 

The  fleet  appears  to  have  encountered  adverse  winds 
during  its  whole  passage  down  the  river:  and  this  is, 
perhaps,  partly  the  reason  why  they  are  recorded  to  have 
cast  anchor  almost  as  regularly  as  the  evening  came. 
Similar  impediments  seem  to  have  opposed  themselves, 
after  they  had  ventured  into  the  sea,  frequently  occasion- 
ing them  to  put  back  to  land. 

The  following  is  the  extract  for  July  30  : — "  Stanfew 
harber,  Lofoot,  Leynam,  and  Finmark ;"  and  for  the  2d 
of  August,  "  From  that  day  came  winde  and  terrible 
whirle-winds,  so  that  we  were  not  able  to  bare  in,  but  by 
violence  were  constrained  to  take  the  sea  again ;  and  our 
pinnesse  being  unshipped.  We  sailed  north  and  by  east, 
the  winde  encreasing  so  sore,  that  we  were  not  able  to 
beare  any  saile  ;  but  took  all  in,  and  lay  adrift,  to  the  end 
to  let  the  storme  pass  over.  And  that  night,  by  violence 
of  winde  and  thicknesse  of  mists,  we  were  not  able  to 
keepe  together  within  sight ;  and  then,  about  midnight, 
we  lost  our  pinnesse,  which  was  a  great  discomfort  to  us. 
As  soone  as  it  was  day,  and  the  fogge  ouerpast,  we  looked 
about,  and  at  the  last  we  descried  one  of  our  shippes  to 
leeward  of  us,  when  we  spred  an  hullocke  of  our  foresaile, 
and  bare  roome  with  her,  which  was  the  Confidence,  but 
the  Edward  we  could  not  see." 

The  diary  thenceforward  consists  of  little  more  than  an 
D 


50  MEMOIR  OF 

editor  of  his  principal  works,  ins  constant  com- 
panion, and  protegee  in  science,  the  Rev.  Mr 
Ray,  in  his  preface  to  the  English  edition  of  Mr 
Willughby's  Ornithology.  "  He  was  endowed 

account  of  the  various  bafflings  which  were  met  with  in 
the  endeavour  to  sail  in  the  given  direction. 

The  last  entry  is  dated  September  18,  in  these  words  : — 
"  The  next  day,  being  the  18th  of  September,  we  entered 
into  the  haven,  and  there  came  to  an  anker  at  6  fadoms. 
This  haven  runneth  into  the  maine  about  two  leagues,  and 
is  in.  bredth  halfe  a  league,  wherein  were  very  many  seatle 
fishes,  and  other  great  fishes  :  and  upon  the  maine  we 
saw  beare?,  great  deere,  foxes,  with  divers  strange  beasts, 
and  gulloines,  (in  the  margin,  ellons,)  and  such  other, 
which  were  to  us  unknown  and  wonderful.  Thus  re- 
maining in  this  haven  by  the  space  of  a  weeke,  seeing  the 
yeare  farre  spent,  and  also  very  evill  wether,  as  frost, 
snow,  and  haile,  as  though  it  had  been  the  deepe  of 
winter,  we  thought  best  to  winter  there. 

"  Wherefore  we  sent  out  three  men  south-east,  three 
daye's  journey,  who  returned  without  finding  of  people,  or 
any  similitude  of  habitation.'* 

Hakluyt  states  that  "  the  two  following  notes  were 
written  on  the  outside  of  the  pamphlet  or  booke  :" — 

1.  "  The  proceedings  of  Sir  Hugh  Willoughbie  after 
he  was  separated  from  the  Edward  Bonauenture. 

2.  "  Our  shippe  being  at  anker  in  the  barber  called 
Sterfier  in  the  island  Lofoote. " 

There  is  also  a  marginal  note  in  Hakluyt  as  follows  : — 

"  Here  endeth  Sir  Hugh  Willoughbie  his  note  which 
was  written  by  his  own  hand." 

Then  follows  this  statement : — 

"  The  river,  or  haven,  wherein  Sir  Hugh  Willoughbie, 
with  the  companie  of  his  two  ships,  perished  for  cold,  is 
called  Arzina,  in  Lapland,  neere  unto  Kezor.  But  rt 
-appeareth,  by  a  will  found  in  the  ship,  that  Sir  Hugh 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  51 

with  excellent  gifts  and  abilities  both  of  body  and 
mind,  a  quick  apprehension,  piercing  wit,  sound 
judgment,  and  great  industry.  He  was,  from  his 
childhood,  addicted  to  study.  Though  duly 
prizing  the  advantages  of  birth,  and  fortune,  and 
talent,  he  did  not  content  himself  therewith,  or 
value  himself  on  them,  but  laboured  after  what 
might  render  him  more  deservedly  honourable, 
and  more  truly  to  be  called  his  own,*  as  being 
obtained  by  the  concurrence  at  least  of  his  own 
endeavours  ;  and  that  as  soon  as  he  had  come  to 
the  use  of  reason,  he  was  so  great  a  husband  of 
his  time,  as  not  willingly  to  lose  or  let  slip  un- 
occupied the  least  fragment  of  it,  detesting  no 
vice  more  than  idleness,  which  he  looked  upon 
as  the  parent  and  nurse  of  almost  all  others.  He 
was  also  so  excessive  in  the  prosecution  of  his 

Willoughbie  and  most  of  his  company  were  alive  in 
January,  1554.  No  lesse  than  70  persons,  including 
marchants,  officers,  and  ship's  company,  perished  with  the 
gallant  Sir  Hugh  Willoughby.  The  ships,  and  the  dead 
bodies  of  those  that  perished,  were  discovered  the  follow- 
ing year  by  some  Russian  fishermen,  and  who  found  the 
papers  from  which  the  foregoing  account  is  taken." 

The  reader  will  not  have  failed  to  notice  in  the  pre- 
ceding account,  which  is  copied  from  Hakluyt,  literatim, 
an  indifference  to  authography  in  several  words.  This  is 
also  observable  with  regard  to  the  name  of  the  "  captaine 
•. general,"  which  is  spelt  at  the  top  of  the  page,  Sir  Hugh 
Willoughbie,  and  in  the  course  of  the  narrative,  Willughby, 
though  not  unfrequently  as  at  the  top  of  the. page  also. 

*  "  Vix  ea  nostra  voco."  This,  like  the  mottoes  to 
the  arms  of  many  other  noble  families  of  Engl  nd,  con- 
veys a  most  useful  admonition. 


52  MEMOIR  OF 

studies,  and  other  employments,  without  any 
intermission  or  diversion,  that  most  of  his  inti- 
mate friends  were  of  opinion  that  he  did  much 
weaken  his  body  and  impair  his  health  by  his  inces- 
sant labours  and  perpetual  intention  of  his  mind 
upon  business.  He  was  eminent  for  virtue  and 
goodness  ;  and  wherewithal  so  truly  humble,  that  I 
have  never  known  any  man  of  the  meanest  for- 
tune or  birth  exceed  him  in  that  virtue.  .He  des- 
pised no  man  for  his  poverty  or  mean  parentage  ; 
honouring  all  men — affable  to  the  meanest,  not 
preferring  himself  before  others,  but  condescend- 
ing to  men  of  low  degree.  He  was  so  resolutely 
sober  and  temperate,  that  neither  the  importunity 
of  company  or  pleasure  of  sense  could  ever  tempt 
him  to  excess.  Of  that  exemplary  chastity  and 
purity  which  not  only  condemned  the  dissolute- 
ness of  the  age,  but  demonstrated  the  possibility 
of  restraining  and  regulating  those  motions  and 
desires  which,  of  all  others,  are  wont  to  be  thought 
most  violent  and  inordinate.  So  scrupulously 
just  and  righteous,  that  he  had  rather  a  greaf 
deal  suffer  wrong  than  do  any.  So  true  to  his 
word  and  promise,  that  a  man  might  safely  ven- 
ture his  estate,  and  life  too,  upon  it.  So  faithful 
and  constant  to  his  friend  in  all  conditions,  as 
well  adverse  as  prosperous,  that  one  might  br 
secure  of  him,  and  confident  of  his  help  an< 
assistance,  whatever  distress  or  calamity  migh- 
befal  one ;  he  never  deserting  any  man,  only 
because  fortune  frowned  on  him,  as  the  common 
sort  of  friends  are  wont  to  do.  Of  so  diffuse  and 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  53 

comprehensive  charity,  that  he  could  heartily 
affect  and  embrace  all  good  men  of  all  persua- 
sions,— good  men,  I  say,  to  exclude  such  opinions 
as  are  destructive  of,  or  inconsistent  with,  true 
goodness. 

"  To  these  I  may  add  his  due  fear  and  reverence 
of  the  Deity,  deep  sense  of  his  goodness,  and 
thankfulness  of  the  same,  and  sincere  piety  in  all 
his  actions  towards  him,  and  great  abhorrency  of 
whatever  tended  to  his  dishonour."  From  such  a 
confluence  of  excellencies,  which  Mr  Ray  de- 
clares he  "  never  else  beheld  united  in  one 
person,"  what  excellent,  what  memorable  results 
might  not  be  expected  !  Reasons  will  hereafter 
appear,  which  will  render  it  in  the  highest  degree 
probable,  that  the  eulogium  is  as  just  as  it  is 
exalted, — a  probability  arising  equally  from  Mr 
Ray's  own  most  eminent  integrity,  and  capability 
of  appreciating  whatever  was  admirable  in  the 
character  of  others. 

Thus  considered,  it  prepares  us  for  the  statement 
of  Mr  Willughby's  attainments,  and  performances, 
always,  till  of  late  years,  undoubtingly  ascribed  to 
him  as  really  his  own,  and  questioned  by  some 
very  modern  writers  simply  because  it  appeared  to 
them  impossible  that  they  could  have  been  made 
by  any  one  during  so  short  a  career.  Before 
proceeding  to  trace  his  progress,  which  is  inten- 
ded to  be  done  as  much  as  possible  through  every 
year  of  his  life,  it  may  be  permitted  to  confess 
the  impression  that  there  is  a  most  marked  agree- 
ment between  the  portrait  of  Mr  Willughby,  as 


54  MEMOIR  OF 

given  at  the  commencement  of  this  volume,*  and 
his  character,  as  thus  delineated  by  his  faithful 
and  impartial  friend,  who  was  almost  daily  in  his 
company  during  nearly  half  his  life. 

By  the  aid  of  merely  that  natural  skill  in  phy- 
siognomy which  most  persons  believe  themselves 
to  acquire  in  their  intercourse  with  the  world,  it 
seems  easy  to  read  in  his  countenance  that  per- 
fect subjugation  of  the  animal  propensities  and 
omnipotent  supremacy  of  intellect — that  unearthly 
purity,  modified  by  deep  resources  of  benevolence— 
that  accurate  contemplativeness — which  allied  him 
to  the  sublimest  occupations  and  purposes.  It  is 
our  beau  ideal  of  a  naturalist's  countenance. 

In  the  year  1653,  and  the  eighteenth  year  of 
Mr  Willughby's  life,  we  find  him  a  fellow  com- 
moner at  Trinity  College,  Cambridge.  During  his 
residence  in  the  University,  he  formed  an  acquain- 
tance with  several  persons,  afterwards  dis- 
tinguished by  their  learning  and  talent,  among 
whom  were  Mr,  afterwards  Dr,  Isaac  Barrow, 
the  celebrated  divine  and  mathematician ;  but 
the  chief  and  most  remarkable  of  his  friends  was 
Mr  Ray,  or  Wrayy  as  that  eminent  writer  spelt 
his  name  at  this  period,  and  who,  having  been 
born  in  the  year  1628,  was  seven  years  older 
than  Mr  Willughby;  and  having  been  chosen 
minor-fellow  of  Trinity  in  the  year  1649,  must 
have  been  a  fellow  of  between  three  and  four  years 


*    It  is  derived  from    an  original   painting,    now  al 
Wollaton, 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  55 

standing   at   the    time    Mr  Willughby  went   to 
College. 

Their  friendship  was  founded  upon  the  most 
complete  congeniality  of  tastes  and  dispositions, 
and  was  so  intimate  and  unbroken,  as  that  the 
narrative  of  their  respective  lives  will  henceforth, 
to  a  considerable  extent,  be  interwoven.  The 
general  events  of  Mr  Ray's  life  will  also  be  as 
often  introduced  in  the  following  pages  as  may 
be  consistent  with  the  principal  object.  Mr  Ray 
is  justly  characterized  by  a  celebrated  student  in 
the  same  department  of  Natural  History,  in  which 
he  so  conspicuously  excelled,  as  "  the  most  accu- 
rate in  observation,  the  most  philosophical  in 
contemplation,  the  most  faithful  in  description 
amongst  all  botanists  of  his  own  or  of  any  other 
time."*  It  is  asserted  by  many  writers,  that  Mr 
Ray  acted  in  the  capacity  of  tutor  to  Mr  Wil- 
lughby while  at  the  University,  and  that  their 
friendship  resulted  from  the  mutual  knowledge 
they  acquired  of  each  other  in  that  relation, — an 
assertion  far  from  impossible  in  itself,  when 
their  respective  stations  in  the  University,  at  the 
time  Mr  Willughby  first  entered,  and  the  age 
of  each  of  them,  are  considered.  But  no  proof 
has  ever  been  offered  for  the  assertion  ;  not  the 
slightest  evidence  of  it  occurs  in  the  letters  or 
works  of  the  parties  themselves';  and  what  is  still 
more  remarkable,  is,  that  Dr  Derham,  who  was 

*  Life  of  Ray,  by  Dr  James  Edward  Smith,  in  Rees's 
Cyclopaedia. 


5b  MEMOIR  OF 

intimately  acquainted  with  Mr  Ray,  and  wrote 
his  life,  and  edited  his  epistolary  correspondence, 
amongst  which  are  many  of  Mr  Willughby  Ts 
letters,  never  mentions  or  alludes  even  in  the 
most  distant  manner  to  the  circumstance.  * 

He  frequently  speaks  of  Mr  Skippon,  Mr  Peter 
Courthope,  Mr  Bacon,  and  others,  and  often  dis- 
tinguishes them  as  Mr  Ray's  pupils,  but  althdugh 
he  much  more  frequently  mentions  Mr  Willughby 
than  any  of  these  gentlemen,  he  never  takes 
notice  of  him  in  that  capacity. 

It  is  stated  in  Dr  Derham's  Life  of  Ray,  that 
he  went  to  Cambridge,  to  Catherine  Hall,  at  the 
early  age  of  sixteen,  distinguished  among  his 

*  The  following  sentence  in  Dr  Derham's  Life  of  Ray, 
seems  studiously  constructed  with  the  view  to  avoid  giving 
occasion  to  such  an  inference. 

••  Mr  Ray  having  spent  the  latter  end  of  this  year, 
1668,  with  his  friends,  Mr  Barrel  and  Mr  Courthope,  at 
Danny,  in  Sussex,  and  Sir  Robert  Barnham,  at  Bocton, 
in  Kent,  (all  three  his  pupils  at  Trinity,)  and  Mr  Wil- 
lughby in  Warwickshire,  he  then,  in  July  following, 
began  another  journey  alone  by  himself,"  &c. 

This  passage  refers  to  a  period  when  the  connection  of 
all  the  parties  with  Cambridge  had  totally  ceased  for  some 
years. 

It  should  seem  that,  upon  the  supposition  that  Mr 
Willughby  had  been  a  pupil  of  Mr  Ray  while  at  the 
University,  it  would  have  been  both  the  most  natural, 
and  the  easiest  procedure,  for  Dr  Derham  to  have  classed 
him  along  with  the  other  gentlemen  whom  he  mentions 
as  "Mr  Ray's  pupils  at  Trinity."  The  distinction  has 
all  the  appearance  of  having  heen  made  for  the  sake  of 
accuracy. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  57 

other  attainments  by  his  knowledge  in  Natural 
Philosophy  ;  and  that  his  motive  in  "  migrating" 
from  that  College  to  Trinity,  after  a  residence  of 
about  a  year  and  three  quarters,  was,  that  at  the 
latter  College,  "  the  politer  arts  and  sciences" 
were  much  more  cultivated  than  at  the  former, 
where  they  chiefly  addicted  themselves  to  dis- 
putations. 

It  may,  therefore,  be  probable  that  Mr  Ray's 
early  acquired  and  deeply  cherished  taste  for  the 
pursuits  of  science  might  have  served  to  awaken 
similar  inclinations  in  the  mind  of  his  friend  Mr 
Willughby.  There  is  also  positive  proof,  that 
while  at  Cambridge,  as  well  as  in  after  life,  they 
often  examined,  and  searched,  and  explored 
together,  and  as  will  shortly  be  seen,  that  Mr 
Willughby,  with  others,  assisted  Mr  Ray  in  his 
botanical  investigations.  It  may  also  be  inferred, 
from  Mr  Ray's  superiority  in  years  and  know- 
ledge, that  Mr  Willughby  might  have,  on  their 
first  acquaintance,  derived  from  him  much  skill 
and  information  ;  yet  all  this  is  not  sufficient  to 
justify  the  assertion,  that  Mr  Willughby  was  Mr 
Ray's  pupil, — an  assertion  made  inadvertently  in 
the  first  instance,  and  no  doubt,  afterwards,  inad- 
vertently copied.* 

It  may  now  be  permitted  to  state  the  only 
evidence  on  this  question  which  has  presented 
itself  to  the  writer  of  this  memoir.  In  Cole's  MS. 


*  Dr  Smith's  Life  of  Ray,  in  Rees's  Cyclopaedia,  is  an 
instance,  perhaps,  of  the  latter  description. 


58  MEMOIR  OF 

of  "  Collections  for  an  Athenae  Cantab,"  (now  in 
the  British  Museum,)  which  was  intended  to  have 
been  to  Cambridge,  what  Wood's  Athenae  Oxo- 
nienses  et  Fasti,  is  to  Oxford^  the  following 
passage  occurs: — "  Fra.  Willughby,  A.M.  Col. 
Trinity,  1659,  A.B.  16£.  Mr  Willughby  was 
Mr  James  Duport' s  pupil  at  Trinity  College,  to 
whom,  and  three  others,  he,  Mr  Duport,  dedicated 
his  Gnomologia,  1660. — BAKER." 

Now,  the  only  mention  of  the  name  Duport, 
in  any  possible  relation  to  Mr  Willughby,  is  that 
which  occurs  in  Dr  Derham's  Life  of  Mr  Ray, 
page  3. ;  in  the  following  words,  "  When  he, 
(that  is,  Mr  Ray,),  went  to  Trinity,  he  had  the 
happiness  to  have  Dr  Duport  for  his  tutor,  a  man 
well  known  for  his  learning,  particularly  for  his 
great  skill  in  Greek,  which  he  gave  the  world 
good  proof  of  in  his  Homerical  Translations  of 
Job,  and  other  Hagiographa." 

In  Chalmers's  Biographical  Dictionary,  the 
only  instance  of  the  name  James  Duport,  is  of 
this  Dr  James  Duport,  as  appears  by  the  tran- 
slations of  the  Old  Testament,  which  are  in  that 
account  ascribed  to  him.  Neither  is  any  other 
Duport  mentioned,  except  one  John  Duport,  of 
the  year  1580. 

And  in  the  Graduati  Cantabrigienses,  the  only 
instance  of  any  one  of  the  name  Duport,  who, 
previously  to  the  year  1787,  had  graduated  in 
that  University,  is  noticed  in  these  words, 
"  Duport,  James,  S.T.P.  per  literas  regias,  1661." 
In  Chalmers's  Dictionary,  it  is  said  of  him,  that 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  59 

he  was  admitted  at  Trinity  College,  1622,  and 
made  Professor  of  Greek,  1632. 

What,  then,  is  the  obvious  inference  from  these 
statements,  but  this,  that  instead  of  Mr  Wil- 
1  ugh  by  having  been  a  pupil  of  Mr  Ray,  both 
Mr  Kay  himself,  and  Mr  Willughby,  were,  at 
different  periods  of  time,  each  of  them  pupils  of 
Mr  Duport ;  but  whom,  in  consequence  of  his 
having,  some  time  after  Mr  Willughby  became 
his  pupil,  received  the  doctorate,  Dr  Derham, 
in  his  Life  of  Ray,  speaks  of  by  his  latest  and 
highest  designation  of  Dr  Duport  ?  Nor  is  there 
any  thing  in  the  ages  or  standing  of  the  parties, 
respectively,  inconsistent  with  this  inference. 
For,  allowing  that  Duport,  when  admitted  at 
Cambridge,  in  the  year  1622,  was  twenty  years 
old,  which,  in  those  times,  was  rather  a  late  age 
for  admission  to  the  University,  he  would  be 
about  forty-two  years  old  when  Mr  Hay  became 
his  pupil,  and  but  little  more  than  fifty  years  old 
when  Mr  Willughby  became  his  pupil. 

In  the  total  absence  of  evidence  to  the  con- 
trary, and  till  that  which  is  now  produced  is  either 
invalidated  or  explained  in  some  other  way, 
the  very  general  statement,  which  obtains  in 
both  English  and  foreign  publications,  that  Mr 
Willughby  was  Mr  Ray's  pupil,*  must  be  added 
to  the  numerous  exemplifications  already  in  exis- 
tence, of  the  danger  of  one  writer  being  contented 

*  In  the  jBiographie  Universelle  the  words  are,  "son 
gouverneur." 


60  MEMOIR  OF 

to  retail  assertions  upon  the  credit  of  a  prede- 
cessor, instead  of  having  recourse  himself  to 
original  sources  of  information. 

It  appears,  from  the  authority  already  quoted, 
as  well  as  from  other  sources,  that  Mr  Willughby 
took  his  degree  of  bachelor  of  arts  in  the  year 
1655-6, — that  is,  when  he  was  about  twenty-one 
years  of  age  ;  and  in  the  year  1659,  he  took  the 
degree  of  master  of  arts  when  about  twenty-three 
years  old.  Nothing  can  be  inferred  as  to  the 
attainments  made  by  Mr  Willughby,  in  the  usual 
studies  of  the  University,  from  any  public  record ; 
for,  at  the  time  he  graduated,  the  names  of  the 
bachelors  were  simply  arranged  in  alphabetical 
order,  their  respective  merits  not  being  at  that 
time,  and  for  many  years  afterwards,  distinguished 
by  any  classification. 

He  resided,  with  some  absences,  much  longer 
in  the  University  than  is  usual,  being  most  pro- 
bably induced  to  do  so  by  the  continued  residence 
there  of  Mr  Ray,  and  of  other  friends  of  conge- 
nial habits,  particularly  those  pupils  of  Mr  Ray 
already  mentioned.  Mr  Nid,  a  fellow  of  Trinity 
College,  also  then  resident  in  the  University, 
belonged  to  this  society  of  scientific  friends. 

In  the  September  of  1660,*  Mr  Willughby 
went  "  to  sojourn"  at  Oxford  for  the  benefit  of 
consulting  some  rare  works  in  the  public  library. 
In  this  year  also  Mr  Ray  published  his  first  work, 
entitled  "  Catalogus  Plantarum  circa  Cantabrigiam 

*  Wood's  Fasti,  1660. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  61 

nascent! urn."  The  following  words  occur  in  the 
preface :  —  "  Jam,  quoniam  honestum  est  fateri 
per  quos  profeceris,  generossimi  Juvenes,  D. 
Franciscus  Willughby  et  D.  Petrus  Courthope 
armigeri,  natalium  splendore,  ingenii  sublimitate, 
suavitate  morum,  fide,  virtute  illustres,  non  rei 
herbaria  solum  callentissimi,  sed  in  omni  litera- 
rum  genere  versatissimi,  amici  nostri,  plurimum, 
honorandi,  non  sunt  a  nobis  silentio  transmittendi, 
ni  ingrati  aut  arrogantes  esse  velimus.  Horum 
opera?  pos  saepius  usos,  et  ab  his  non  mediocriter 
adjutos  fuisse,  in  hoc  opusculo  concinnando  libere 
at  ingenue  profitemur."  At  the  time  Mr  Willughby 
rendered  to  Mr  Ray  the  assistance  which  he 
acknowledges  with  such  high  encomiums,  he 
could  scarcely  have  been  twenty-five  years  old. 
He  had  also  by  this  time  entered  on  the  study  of 
insects  ;  for  referring  to  his  discoveries  in  this 
department  Mr  Ray  also  writes  in  the  Catalogus, 
p.  136, — "  Ingeniosissimas  vir  et  sedulus  naturae 
indagator  D.  Franciscus  Willughby ;"  and  on 
page  137> — "  Observavit  idem  eruditissimus  vir," 
&c. 

Mr  Nid  died  before  the  work  was  completed, 
as  appears  from  these  words  in  the  same  preface, 
— "  Interea  temporis  fatis  concessit  amicissimus 
ille  noster  et  individuus  comes  D.  Joannes  Nid, 
collegii  S. ;  et  individuae  Trinitatis  apud  Canta- 
brigienses  socius  senior  meritissimus.  Multis  ille 
bonis  flebilis  occidit,  nulli  flebilior  quam  nobis." 

Mr  Ray  preached  his  funeral  sermon,  in  which 
he  dwells  much  upon  his  many  excellent  qualities 


62  MEMOIR  OF 

from  Psalm  xxxix.  5. — "  Verily,  every  man  at 
his  best  estate  is  altogether  vanity,"  and  which 
is  among  his  most  admired  productions  as  a 
preacher. 

In  the  preface  to  the  Catalogus  Plantarum,  he 
speaks  of  him  as, — "  Vir  de  republica  literaria 
optime  meritus,  antiqua  fide  et  sinceritate,  singu- 
lari  animi  simplicitate  et  candore,  vitae  probitate 
et  innocentia,  nee  vulgari  morum  comitate  et 
modestia  conspicuus."  The  work  in  which  Mr 
Willughby,  and  these  other  gentlemen,  assisted 
Mr  Ray,  is  not  a  mere  catalogue  of  plants  ;  it 
contains  also  a  copious  enumeration  of  synonyms, 
with  the  names  of  their  authors,  and  is  inter- 
spersed with  numerous  highly  philosophical 
notices  of  the  character  and  uses  of  the  plants 
and  trees  found  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Cam- 
bridge. It  needs  to  be  diligently  perused,  in 
order  to  perceive  how  much  reading,  accurate 
investigation,  and  diligent  inquiry  these  early 
but  enlightened  botanists  sent  into  the  world 
under  so  modest  a  title.  The  names  mentioned 
in  it  of  the  different  places  round  Cambridge,  in 
which  they  pursued  their  researches,  revive 
recollections  in  the  mind  of  a  Cantab.  He  wan- 
ders with  them  in  imagination  "  in  the  lanes  and 
closes  at  Chesterton,"  "  in  the  closes  at  Ditton," 
"  Gamlingay,"  "  Gog-magog  hills,"  "  Hill  of 
Health/'  "  on  the  moor  at  Cherry  Hinton," 
"  Kingston  wood,  and  in  the  closes  and  corn- 
fields fast  by,"  "  Madingly,  in  the  wood,  in  the 
.lan'es  and  closes  about  the  town,"  "Newmarket 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  63 

about  the  town,  on  the  heath,"  "  on  the  bank  of  the 
great  Ditch,  called  the  Devil's  Ditch,"  &c.  Dr 
Derham,  in  his  Life  of  Ray,  says  of  this  book,  — 
"  It  proved  of  singular  use  in  promoting  the 
study  of  botany,  hitherto  much  neglected  both  in 
Cambridge  ahd  in  the  kingdom  generally ;  for 
after  it  was  published,  Mr  Ray  himself  told  me 
(than  whom  no  man  ever  spoke  with  greater 
modesty  of  himself,  or  of  his  performances)  that 
many  were  prompted  by  it  to  those  studies,  and 
to  mind  the  plants  they  met  with  in  their  walks/' 
In  the  end  of  this  year,  1660,  peaceable  times 
coming  on,  as  Dr  Derham  observes,  "  by  the 
restoration  of  the  king  and  royal  family,"  Mr 
Ray  began  to  think  of  entering  holy  orders,  and 
was  ordained  deacon  and  priest  by  Dr  Saunder- 
son,  Bishop  of  Lincoln,  December,  1660.*  In 

*  The  fact  that  Mr  Ray  should  have  preached,  as  he  is 
stated  to  have  done,  before  being  ordained,  is  accounted 
for,  by  knowing  that,  during  the  interregnum,  young 
men  of  known  talent,  learning,  and  piety,  were  allowed 
to  deliver  what  were  called  *'  commonplaces,"  a  species 
of  sermon,  both  in  the  chapels  of  their  several  colleges,  and 
even  in  St  Mary's  Church  before  the  University.  The 
foundation  of  several  of  Mr  Ray's  works  published  m 
subsequent  years  was  laid  in  these  commonplaces, 
particularly  his  valuable  treatise  on  the  Wisdom  of  God 
in  Creation,  and  his  Physico- Theological  Discourses  con- 
cerning the  Chaos,  Deluge,  and  Dissolution  of  the  World. 
Dr  Tenison,  Archbishop  of  Canterbury,  said  of  his 
talents  as  a  preacher,  that  "he  was  much  celebrated  for 
his  preaching  solid  and  useful  divinity,  instead  of  that 
enthusiastic  stuff  which  the  sermons  of  that  time  were 
generally  filled  with.1' 


64  MEMOIR  OF 

consequence  of  the  favourable  reception  the 
Catalogus  Plantarum  met  with,  Mr  Ray  resolved 
to  extend  his  acquaintance  with  English  plants  ; 
and  having  already  taken  one  excursion  for  this 
purpose  alone  in  the  month  of  August,  1658,  he 
set  out  on  another  in  company  with  Mr  Wil- 
lughby  in  July,  1661.  They  started  from  Cam- 
bridge on  the  26th,  and  travelled  northward, 
proceeding  through  Huntingdon,  Stilton,  Peter- 
borough, Lincolnshire,  Yorkshire,  the  Bishoprick 
of  Durham,  Northumberland,  and  so  into  Scot- 
land as  far  as  Glasgow  and  Stirling,  and  thence 
back  again  through  Cumberland  and  Westmore- 
land to  Cambridge.  They  seem  to  have  observed 
whatever  was  worthy  of  notice, — churches,  cathe- 
drals, monuments,  inscriptions,  customs,  natural 
productions  of  various  kinds,  trades,  commerce, 
&c. — still,  howevei,  keeping  their  botanical  pur- 
suits chiefly  in  view,  and  in  which  they  discovered 
numerous  plants.  They  finished  their  journey 
August  30,  166L  This,  with  other  of  their 
excursions  for  scientific  purposes,  is  published 
in  Dr  Derham's  Life  of  Ray,  under  the  name  of 
Itineraries.  In  the  Philosophical  Letters  there  is 
one*  from  Mr  Ray  to  Mr  Willughby,  dated,  "  Coll. 
Trinity,  Feb.  25,  1659,"  but  which  was  more 
probably  written  some  time  in  the  year  1660  or 
1661,  in  which  Mr  Ray  submits  to  him  "one  or 
two  of  his  designs,"  desiring  his  "  sentence  and 
opinion  of  the  whole ;  and  then,  in  case  of  hi* 

*  Page  355. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  65 

approbation,  his  particular  directions  as  to  the 
management  and  carrying  on." 

After  reminding  Mr  Willughby  that  they  had 
"  lately,  out  of  Gerard,  Parkinson,  and  Phytologia 
Britannica,  made  a  collection  of  rare  plants, 
whose  places  are  mentioned  therein,  and  ranked 
them  under  their  several  counties,"  he  proceeds 
to  state  his  intention  to  carry  on  and  perfect  the 
design,  for  which  purpose  he  was  "  writing  to  all 
his  friends  and  acquaintance  who  were  skilful  in 
herbary,  requesting  them  the  next  summer  each 
to  search  diligently  his  country  for  plants,  and 
to  send  him  a  catalogue  of  such  as  they  might 
find,  together  with  the  places  wherein  they  gro\v. 
In  divers  counties  I  have  such  as  are  skilful 
and  industrious.  For  Warwickshire  and  Not- 
tinghamshire I  must  beg  your  assistance,  which  I 
hope,  and  am  confident,  you  will  be  willing  to 
communicate."  He  then  proceeds  to  state  the 
plan  of  his  work,  which,  he  adds,  "  it  will  require 
some  years  to  compleat." 

Mr  Ray  published  this  work  A.D.  1677,  under 
the  name  of  Historia  Plantarum,  and  inscribed  it 
to  his  friend  and  patron,  Mr  Willughby. 

There  are  no  means  of  ascertaining  positively 
how  far  Mr  Willughby  assisted  him  agreeably  to 
his  request. 

In  the  month  of  May,  1662,  Mr  Ray  and  Mr 
Willughby  set  out  from  Cambridge  on  another 
itinerary,  passing  through  Northamptonshire, 
Warwickshire,  Staffordshire,  Cheshire,  several 
counties  of  Wales,  returning  by  Gloucestershire, 


66  MEMOIR  OF 

Somersetshire,  Devonshire,  Cornwall,  Dorset- 
shire, Wiltshire,  and  Hampshire  in  July  follow- 
ing, noticing  a  multitude  of  objects,  which  may 
well  be  supposed  to  have  interested  men  whose 
attention  was  not  confined  to  one  branch  of 
Natural  History,  but  who,  knowing  the  relation 
to  each  other  of  air  objects-  of  knowledge,  near  or 
remote,  extended  their  acquaintance  to  whatever 
presented  itself,  while,  nevertheless  pursuing 
chiefly  one  particular  design. 

Among  other  things,  they  noticed,  on  their  way 
from  Nantwich  to  West-Chester  at  Birkly,  "  a 
pool  on  my  Lord  Cholmonefeley's  ground,  made 
by  the  falling  in  of  the  earth  about,  the  year 
1657 ;  and  which,"  adds  Mr  Ray,  "  Mr  Willughby 
has  described.*"  This  description  is  not,  how- 
ever, to  be  found. 

This  second  excursion  is  still  more  replete  with 
interest  than  the  former  ;  both  are  written  without 
distinguishing  what  each  observed  separately. 
They  are  the  Diary,  ory  as  Dr  Derham  has  rightly 
named  them*  the  "  Itineraries"  of  their  observa- 
tions, as  it  should  seem  daily  committed  to 
writing  by  one  of  them  in  the  name  of  both. 

Mr  Willughby  probably  continued  his  journey 
alone  for  a  short  time  ;  for  in  the  Philosophical 
Letters  he  writes  to  Mr  Ray,* — "  I  met  with 
several  adventures  in  the  remaining  part  of  roy 
journey  after  I  left  you.  You  may  remember 
the  day  we  parted  I  had  intended  to  have  gone 

*•  Page  5,     The  letter  is  not  dated. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  67 

to  Cirencester,  but  hearing  by  the  way  of  a  great 
deal  of  treasure  that  was  found  in  a  field,  I 
presently  conjectured  that  it  might  be  a  Roman 
coin,  and  directed  my  course  thither.  The  field 
was  near  Dursly,  a  town  we  left  about  a  mile  of 
the  left  hand  as  we  rode  from  Glocester,  where  I 
found  above  forty  people  digging  and  scraping, 
and  bought  a  great  many  silver  medals  of  them, 
and  one  incomparable  fair  one  of  gold  that  had 
been  found  a  little  before.  The  whole  history 
how  these  came  to  be  discovered  I  shall  reserve 
till  I  see  you.  I  thought  to  have  made  strict 
inquiry  after  the  snap-apple  bird,  but  falling  very 
sick  at  Malverne,  I  was  forced  to  give  all  over." 
There  is  also  proof  that  Mr  Willughby  had,  by 
this  time,  made  high  attainments  in  mathematical 
learning.  In  the  Philosophical  Letters  there  are 
two  addressed  to  him  by  Dr  Barrow;  the  one 
dated  Trin.  Coll.  March  26,  1662,  and  the  other, 
October  5,  1665. 

In  the  first  of  these,  Dr  Barrow  speaks  of  Mr 
Willughby 's  observations  concerning  "  the  spiral 
line,  as  having  sufficiently  evinced  the  invalidity 
of  a  supposed  demonstration  concerning  its 
equality  with  the  semi-periphery."  In  the 
second  letter,  he  says, — "  Your  discourse  infer- 
ring the  solidity  of  the  sphere  from  the  surface, 
by  comparing  the  concentrical  surfaces  of  the 
sphere  with  the  parallel  circles  of  the  cone,  is  very 
ingenious  and  solid,"  &c.  "  Your  observation 
about  the  equality  of  the  annuli,  with  spherical 
portions,  is  also  true  and  ingeniously  proved/* 


68  MEMOIR  OF 

Mr  Willughby  was  one  of  those  gentlemen  tc 
whom  Dr  Barrow  dedicated  his  edition  of  Euclid. 
In  Coles's  manuscript  already  quoted  the  following 
passage  occurs,  — "  Mr  Barrow  sayth  that  he 
never  knew  a  gentleman  of  such  ardor  after  real 
learning  and  knowledge,  and  of  such  capacities 
and  fitness  for  any  kinde  of  learning.  See  Dr 
Jo.  Worthington's  letter,  dated  Mar.  9,  1659." 

The  reason  why  so  little  is  heard  of  Dr  Barrow 
in  Mr  Willughby 's  memoirs,  may  be,  that  he  was 
abroad  during  several  years  subsequently  to  the 
date  of  the  letters  referred  to. 

During  all  this  time,  Mr  Ray  continued  to  be 
fellow  of  Trinity  College,  having  since  his  elec- 
tion held  several  offices  of  trust  and  honour  in 
that  society — as  praelector,  primarius,  junior  dean, 
and  college  steward.  The  latter  office  he  had 
held  about  two  years,  having  been  sworn  in  to  it 
on  the  last  occasion,  in  December,  1660.  An 
event  now  occurred  which  disturbed  his  tran- 
quillity, and  both  tried  and  evinced  the  integrity 
of  his  moral  principles.  The  reader  would  not 
excuse  the  history  of  this  circumstance  being 
passed  over  in  silence,  although  it  is  not  imme- 
diately connected  with  the  memoir  of  Mr  Wil- 
lughby. The  event  alluded  to  was  the  Bar- 
tholomew act,  otherwise  called  the  new  act  of 
uniformity,  passed  in  the  year  1662.  This  act 
did  not  require  an  attestation  from  persons  in 
holy  orders  against  the  Solemn  League  and 
Covenant,  which,  there  is  every  reason  to  think, 
Mr  Ray  would  most  willingly  have  subscribed  to, 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  69 

for  he  was  known  to  have  frequently  declared, 
that  he  considered  it  an  unlawful  oath ;  and  in 
the  total  absence  of  proof  to  the  contrary,  his 
observations  in  the  memorandum  of  his  mother's 
death,  which  will  be  hereafter  quoted,  and  his 
own  avowal  when  on  his  deathbed  to  the  Rev. 
Mr  Pyke,  rector  of  Black  Notley,  his  native 
village,  concur  to  prove  that  he  had  been,  through- 
out his  whole  life,  and  from  principle,  a  sincere 
and  most  cordial  member  of  the  Church  of 
England.  But  the  Bartholomew  act  required  of 
him  to  sign  a  declaration  that  such  persons  as  had 
taken  the  oath  of  the  Solemn  League  and  Cove- 
nant were  "  under  no  obligation  to  that  oath." 
"  He  feared  they  might  be/'1*  He  consequently 
was  unable  conscientiously  to  sign  the  declara- 
tion, and  his  scruples  cost  him  his  fellowship ; 
and  as  they  never  were  removed,  he  was  disabled 
throughout  the  rest  of  his  life  from  holding  any 
ecclesiastical  office  whatever.  Thirteen  fellows 
of  different  colleges  in  Cambridge,  and  one 
master  of  a  college,  along  with  upwards  of  two 
thousand  other  divines  in  various  parts  of  the 
kingdom,  were  also  ejected  from  their  livings  for 
the  same  reason. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  form  any  opinion  of  the 
abstract  question  itself,  in  order  to  appreciate 
the  uprightness  of  Mr  Ray's  conduct  on  this 
occasion.  It  is  sufficient  to  know  that  he  con- 
sidered it  an  act  of  doubtful  propriety  to  sign  the 

*  Derham's  Life  of  Raj. 


70  MEMOIR  OF 

declaration  ;  for  he  is  stated  to  have  "  feared" 
only  that  the  oath  was  binding  on  those  who  had 
taken  it ;  and  sooner  than  endanger  the  violation 
of  his  conscience,  he  renounced  the  fairest 
worldly  anticipations,  which  his  own  talents  and 
acquirements,  and  the  influence  of  his  connections, 
might  have  justified  him  in  entertaining.  If  it 
be  also  considered  that  his  parents  were  in  very 
humble  circumstances,  and  that  there  is  no  evi- 
dence of  his  having  amassed  a  sufficiency  at  this 
time  of  his  life,  being  then  only  thirty-four  years 
old,  and  that  he  thus  deliberately  threw  himself 
upon  his  own  exertions,  and  possibly  on  the 
bounty  of  his  friends,  and  also,  what  to  a  man  of 
his  deep  and  ardent  piety  must  have  been  a  source 
of  great  and  lasting  regret,  that  he,  at  the  same 
time,  lost  all  opportunity  of  exercising  his  sacred 
function  in  a  communion  which,  "  upon  a  serious 
and  impartial  consideration,"  he  preferred  as 
"  pure  in  doctrine,  decent  in  worship,  and  agree- 
able to  the  word  of  God,"  and  the  scruples 
against  which  he  declares  himself  to  have  thought 
"  unreasonable  and  groundless,"*  his  determination 
must  be  considered  as  a  sacrifice  to  the  cause  of 
truth  and  virtue  infinitely  more  illustrious  than 
all  his  scientific  acquisitions  and  honours.  Parti- 
sans of  all  kinds,  when  their  cause  is  emerging 
from  depression,  are  apt  to  think  that  a  peculiar 
liberty  of  conscience  and  action  is  allowable  as 
a  reprisal  for  their  previous  denials,  and  to 

*  "His  dying  words,"   added  to  the   «*  Philosoohica. 
Letters." 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  7[ 

regard  the  return  of  advantages  as  a  reward 
justly  due  to  their  constancy;  nor  is  evidence 
wanting  that  many  of  the  clergy  of  those  times 
countenanced  each  other  in  the  employment  of 
ingenious  methods  of  removing  their  scruples : 
but  the  integrity  of  Mr  fiay  was  of  that  genuine 
character  which  declines  all  parley  with  tempta- 
tion. It  required  not  for  its  development  the 
assertion  of  some  absolute  and  untamperable 
falsehood.  It  was  sufficient  that  the  case  was 
doubtful  4  and  like  the  apostle  St  Paul,  he  con- 
sidered that  "  whatsoever  is  not  of  faith  is  sin/* 
that  whatever  is  done  without  a  full  persuasion 
of  its  lawfulness,  is,  as  far  as  the  individual  him- 
self is  concerned,  unjustifiable  and  wrong  Nor 
did  length  of  .time,  or  <tbe  approach  of  old  age,  or 
the  occurrence  of  tempting  opportunities,  or  the 
emulation  of  the  successes  and  advancement  of 
others,  eaase  any  relaxation  of  his  principles.  In 
reply  to  a  letter,  in  wMeh  Dr  Lister  had  ex- 
pressed a  hope  that  he  would  avail  himself  of  the 
opportunity  afforded  by  the  recent  elevation  of 
his  friend,  Dr  Wilkins,  to  the  Episcopal  office,  he 
writes, — "  D.  Wilkins,  in,  episcopalem  cathedram 
evectum,  et  suiipsius,  et  mei,  et  pnseeipue  ecclesiae 
causa  vehementer  gaudeo :  me  tamen  per  eum 
•ecclesus  restiturum  iri9  stante  sententia^  plane  est 
impossible,  nee  enim  unquam  adduci  me  posse 
puto  ut  declarationi  subscr&am  quam  lex  non  ita 
pridem  lata  presbyteris  aliisque  ecclesise  ministris 
injungit,  nee  tamen  tanti  est  jactura  mei  qui  nulli 
lore  ,u&ui  eoclesise  foturus  essaai  utut  uod  dici 


72  MEMOIR  OF 

sol  fit)  rectus  in  curia  starem."  *  Soon  after  tlie 
forfeiture  of  his  fellowship,  Mr  Ray  left  Cam- 
bridge, as  also  did  Mr  Willughby  ;  "  and  now 
having,"  as  he  says  in  the  preface  to  his  foreign 
travels,  "  gone  over  the  greatest  part  of  England 
in  search  of  plants,  and  sufficiently  informed  him- 
self what  sorts  his  own  country  produced,  he 
grew  desirous  to  see  what  variety  other  countries 
of  a  different  soil  and  temperature  of  air  might 
afford.  For  which  reason  I  was  easily  induced 
to  accompany  Francis  Willughby,  Esq.  Phillip 
Skippon,  Esq.  and  Nathanael  Bacon,  Gent,  on  a 
voyage  beyond  seas."  These  four  gentlemen 
passed  over  from  Dover  to  Calais,  April  18,  1663. 
Mr  Willughby  was  then  in  his  twenty-eighth 
year.  Before  beginning  to  trace  their  progress 
as  far  as  may  be,  it  is  needful  to  remark,  that, 
on  the  22d  of  April  in  this  year,  the  Royal 
Society  received  its  charter  from  Charles  II.  It 
had,  previously  to  this  date,  consisted  merely  in 
private  meetings  of  some  scientific  gentlemen. 
Upon  its  incorporation  it  received  permission  to 
declare  within  two  months  who  were  its  members, 
and  afterwards  to  elect  upon  the  charter.  On 
the  22d  of  May  following  the  declaration  was 
published,  containing,  among  others,  the  name  of 
Francis  Willughby. 

The  King  of  France  having  recently  com- 
manded all  the  English  to  withdraw  themselves 
and  their  effects  out  of  his  dominions,  our  travel- 

*  Phil.  Let.  p.  35. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY. 

lers  were  unable  to  make  the  grand  tour,  but  took 
the  direction  of  the  Low  Countries,  and  proceeded 
through  Germany,  Switzerland,  Italy,  reaching 
as  far  as  Sicily  and  Malta.  The  immense  variety 
of  topics  on  which  they  bestowed  examination, 
"  natural,  topographical,  moral,  physiological, 
politics,  literature,  mechanics,  antiquities,  and 
other  curiosities,"  renders  it  impossible  to  give 
any  idea  of  their  vigilance  and  activity.*  A 
catalogue  of  the  plants  which  they  discovered  is 
added  to  the  volume,  and  is  a  proof  of  their 
amazing  industry  in  their  botanical  researches. 

In  this  expedition,  Mr  Ray  is  said  to  have 
observed  many  plants  in  Switzerland,  which,  in 
the  judgment  of  Haller,  were  not  known  even  to 
the  natives  of  that  country.  At  Montpelier  they 
separated,  Mr  Ray,  Mr  Skippon,  and  Mr  Bacon, 
returning  to  England,  and  Mr  Willughby,  accom- 
panied by  a  merchant,  beginning  his  travels  in 
Spain,  August  31,  1664.  Mr  Willughby's  diary, 
after  their  departure,  of  what  he  saw  in  Spain, 
is  characterized  by  the  same  multi-variety  of 
subjects.  It  is  an  admirable  specimen  of  minute 
observation  upon  every  thing  that  presented  itself 
to  his  notice.  He  also  wrote  to  Mr  Ray,  giving 
him  an  account  of  the  principal  things  he  had 
seen  since  they  parted.  To  the  great  regret  of 
the  travellers,  all  the  papers  belonging  to  Mr 
Willughby  and  Mr  Ray,  in  which  they  had  very 
accurately  described  all  the  birds,  fishes,  &c. 

•  Title  page  to  "  the  Travels,"  &c. 


74  MEMOIR  OF 

which  they  had  seen  in  High  and  Low  Germany, 
and  especially  about  the  Danube  and  the  Rhine, 
were  lost  on  their  return.*  This  event,  no  doubt, 
occasioned  the  work  of  Mr  Willughby  on  fishes 
to  have  been  far  less  perfect  than  otherwise  i 
would  have  been.  Mr  Willughby  made  a  col 
lection,  during  his  travels,  of  birds,  fishes,  shells, 
fossils,  seeds,  dried  plants,  coins,  many  of  which 
are  now  in  existence  at  Wollaton  Hall. 

While  he  was  in  Spain,  he  found  a  letter  from 
Dr  Wilkins,  Bishop  of  Chester,  importunately 
urging  him  to  make  a  voyage  to  the  Peak  01 
Teneriffe,  adding,  that  if  Mr  Willughby  must 
return  home,  and  Mr  Ray  would  undertake  it,  the 
Royal  Society  would  defray  all  the  expenses  and 
send  to  him  at  Cadiz  all  necessary  instructions, 
and  a  catalogue  of  the  observations  which  they 
desired  to  have  made. 

December  17>  1665,  Mr  Willughby  being  in 
the  thirtieth  year  of  his  age,  lost  his  excellent 
father,  Sir  Francis  Willughby,  Knt.  and  became 
possessed  of  his  estates,  and  with  them,  of  the 
noble  mansion  of  Wollaton  Hall  in  Nottingham- 
shire, and  of  Middleton  Hall  in  Warwickshire; 
the  latter  of  those  became  his  general  place  of 
residence  during  the  remainder  of  his  life,  though 
we  sometimes  find  him  at  Wollaton  Hall,  and 
some  of  Mr  Ray's  letters  to  different  persons  are 
dated  thence.  At  Middleton  Hall  he  had  a  good 
library,  classical  and  philosophical,  containing 

*  Philosophical  Letters,  p.  180,  181. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  75 

also  all  the  works  on  natural  history,  and  many 
French  and  Italian  works  collected  in  his  travels. 
These  are  now  at  \Vollaton. 

Much  of  the  year  1666  was  passed  at  Middleton 
Hall. 

In  the  Philosophical  Transactions,  dated 
"  Munday,  September  9>  1666,"  may  be  found 
the  observations  that  were  made  at  London  by 
Mr  Willughby,  Dr  Pope,  Mr  Hook,  and  Mr 
Phillips,  on  the  late  eclipse  of  the  sun,  which 
happened  on  the  22d  of  July,  1666.  This  paper 
relates  to  observations  made  from  the  commence- 
ment of  the  eclipse,  which  was  1  hr.  and  54  min. ; 
its  greatest  obscurity  somewhat  less  than  7  digits. 

"  About  the  middle,  between  the  perpendicular 
and  westward  horizontal  radius  of  the  sun,  viewing 
it  through  Mr  Boyle's  60  foot  telescope,  there 
was  perceived  a  little  of  the  limb  of  the  moon 
without  the  disk  of  the  sun,  which  seemed  to 
some  of  the  observers  to  come  from  some  shining 
atmosphere  about  the  body  either  of  the  sun  or 
moon." 

They  affirm  to  have  observed  the  figure  of  this 
eclipse,  and  to  have  measured  the  digits,  by 
casting  the  figure  through  a  five  foot  telescope 
"  on  an  extended  paper  fix't  at  a  certain  distance 
from  the  eyeglasse,  and  having  a  round  figure  ; 
all  whose  diameters  were  divided  by  six  concen- 
trick  circles  into  12  digits."  "  These  observations 
were  made  in  conjunction  with  others  made  at 
Madrid  and  Paris,  and  exhibit  those  coincidences 
and  differences  to  be  expected  from  the  several 


76  MEMOIR  OF 

positions  at  which  the  observations  were  severally 
taken." 

In  the  October  of  this  year,  Mr  Willughby 
received  the  following  letter  from  Bishop  Wilkins, 
preserved  in  the  Philosophical  Letters,*  requesting 
his  assistance  in  the  formation  of  his  work,  "  Real 
Character  and  Philosophical  Language.** 

OctoberlQ,  1666. 

Sin, — I  venture  this  letter,  not  without  some 
doubt  whether  it  will  be  likely  to  find  you  at 
home  or  not. 

I  thought  it  fitting  to  inform  you  that  the  late 
fire  hath  destroyed  all  the  impression  that  was 
wrought  off,  —  namely,  forty-two  sheets  of  the 
book  I  was  printing,  f  excepting  only  one  copy 
of  each  sheet,  which  was  sent  to  me  from  the 
press,  which  I  had  with  me  in  the  country,  besides 
the  written  copy  of  the  whole  second  book,  and 
the  Dictionary  from  the  beginning  of  the  letter  R, 
which  I  had. likewise  sent  entire  to  the  press,  the 
renewing  of  which  will  be  no  small  trouble  and 
difficulty  to  me.  But  I  am  not  hereby  discou- 
raged from  the  thought  of  beginning  again  ;  only, 
before  I  set  about  it,  I  must  desire  your  best 
assistance  for  the  regular  enumeration  and  defining 
of  all  the  families  of  plants  and  animals.  I  thought 
to  have  found  great  benefit  in  this  kind,  by  Dr 
Merret's  late  book,  but  it  hath  not  answered  my 
expectation ;  nor  do  I  know  any  person  in  this 

*   Page  366. 

t  Note  to  this  letter "  This  was  his  Real  Character- 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  77 

nation,  who  is  so  well  able  to  assist  in  such  matters 
as  yourself,  especially  if  we  could  procure  Mr 
Ray's  company  to  join  in  it.  I  would  fain  know 
whether  you  are  like  to  come  up  to  town  for 
any  time  this  winter,  and  when,  that  I  may  farther 
consult  with  you  here  ;  if  not,  I  would  be  willing 
to  wait  upon  you  in  the  country,  where  I  suppose 
you  have  all  the  books  necessary  for  such  in- 
quiries, but  then  I  would  earnestly  hope  that  we 
might  have  Mr  Ray's  company  and  help  if  you 
can  contrive  it  If  I  could  fully  satisfy  myself 
in  the  methodical  enumeration  of  such  things, 
I  would  put  out  the  next  edition  in  folio,  with 
handsome  cuts,  of  all  such  things  as  are  fit  to  be 
represented  in  figure.  If  you  can  afford  me  any 
of  your  time  at  present,  for  the  digesting  of  these 
matters,  I  will  get  what  I  have  done  transcribed 
and  sent  down  to  you,  that  you  may  add  thereto 
or  alter  it  as  you  think  fit.  I  hope  at  your  next 
opportunity  to  hear  from  you. — I  am,  &c. 

In  the  dedication  to  the  Real  Character,  the 
Bishop  says,  "  In  doing  these  things,  I  have  not 
neglected  any  help  that  I  could  procure  from 
others,  and  must  acknowledge  myself  much  en  • 
gaged  to  sundry  learned  men  of  my  acquaintance, 
for  their  directions  and  furtherance  in  such  matters 
as  were  most  suitable  to  their  several  studies  and 
professions.  Amongst  the  rest,  I  must  not  forget 
to  make  particular  mention  of  the  special  assis- 
tance I  have  received  in  drawing  up  the  tables  of 
animals,  from  that  most  learned  and  inquisitive 


7S  MEMOIR  OF 

gentleman,  and  worthy  member  of  the  Royal 
Society,  Mr  Francis  Willughby,  who  hath  made 
it  his  particular  business,  in  his  late  travels  through 
the  most  considerable  parts  of  Europe,  to  inquire 
after  and  understand  the  several  species  of  ani- 
mals, and  by  his  own  observations,  is  able  to 
advance  that  part  of  learning,  and  to  add  many 
things  to  what  hath  been  formerly  done  by  the 
most  learned  authors  of  his  time. 

"  And  as  to  those  most  difficult  tables  of  plants, 
I  have  received  the  like  assistance  from  one  of 
his  companions  in  travel,  Mr  John  Ray,  late 
fellow  of  the  Trinity  College ;  who,  besides  his 
other  general  knowledge,  hath,  with  great  success, 
applied  himself  to  the  cultivating  that  part  of 
learning." 

It  may  be  observed  upon  this  extract,  that  Dr 
Wilkins,  who  must  have  well  known  the  quali- 
fications of  the  two  individuals,  acknowledges  hi* 
obligations  to  Mr  Willugliby  alone,  for  the  con- 
tributions that  referred  to  the  animal  part  of 
creation,  and  to  Mr  Ray  for  contributions  for  the 
tables  of  plants. 

One  of  the  Philosophical  Letters*  from  Mr 
Ray  to  Mr  Lister,  written  from  Notley,  probably 
in  October  of  this  year,  refers  to  Mr  Willughby'* 
indefatigable  pursuit  of  the  study  of  insects, — 
"  Alia  Insectorum  genera  non  omnino  neglexi  at 
vero  cum  Ds.  Willughby  iis  conquirendis,  exami- 
nandis  describendis,  conferendis,  sedulam  a 

Page  35. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  79 

multis  retro  annis  navavit  operam,  ego  obiter 
tantum  et  animi  causa  hac  in  parte  versatus 
sum." 

Similar  notices  may  be  found  in  several  other 
letters  of  different  dates.  In  one,  dated  June  29, 
1670,  it  appears  that  he  had  greatly  extended 
Mr  Lister's  enumeration  of  English  spiders. 
Other  letters  in  that  interesting  collection  of  the 
correspondence  of  several  of  the  most  eminent 
men  of  that  time,  relate  to  his  observations  on  a 
variety  of  other  topics. 

The  greatest  part  of  the  winter  Mr  Ray  was 
Occupied  in  reviewing  and  helping  to  pat  in  order 
Mr  Willughbyrs  collection  of  birds,  fishes,  shells* 
stones,  and  other  fossils,  seeds,  dried  plants, 
coins,  &c.;  and  in  conjunction  with  Mr  Willaghby, 
in  .rendering  to  Dr  Wiikins  that  assistance,  by 
framing  his  tables  of  plants,  quadrupeds,  birds, 
fishes,  &c.  for  the  use  of  the  Universal  Character, 
which  he  had  requested.  "  Of  these  tables,"  Dr 
Derham  says,  in  his  Life  of  Ray,*  "  they  were 
partly  drawn  up  by  Mr  Willughby  and  Mr  Ray, 
who  were  the  best  able  of  any  men  living  for 
such  an  undertaking.  But  yet,  when  they  had 
done  it,  I  find  they  were  not  well  pleased  with 
it,  thinking  it  imperfect,  and  capable  of  great 
amendments,  which  they  afterwards  gave  it  in 
their  histories  of  plants  and  animals. 

But  it  is  not  at  all  to  be  wondered,  that  such 
an  account  should  be  defective  at  the  beginning, 

*  Page  21. 


80  MEMOIR  OF 

before  they  had  fully  weighed  and  considered  so 
new  a  subject,  as  that  was,  at  that  time,  a  part  of 
learning  but  little  studied  and  cultivated,  thac 
lay  confused,  and  without  any,  or  no  better  than 
no  method,  but  which  those  two  great  men  so 
cleared  up,  methodized,  and  advanced,  thatto  them 
may  be  ascribed  a  great  deal  of  that  perfection  to 
which  Natural  History  is  now  arrived." 

In  the  year  1667,  Mr  Willughby  being  in  the 
thirty-second  year  of  his  age,  and  still  intent  on 
prosecuting  his  researches  into  Natural  History, 
undertook  another  journey  in  company  with  Mr 
Ray,  into  the  west  of  England. 

They  set  out  from  Mr  Willughby's  seat  at 
Middleton  Hall,  on  June  25th,  and  travelled 
through  the  counties  of  Worcester,  Hereford, 
Gloucester,  Somerset,  and  Devon,  into  Cornwall, 
as  far  as  the  Larid's-end,  where  they  arrived  August 
17th,  and  thence  returned  through  Hampshire  to 
London  on  September  13th  following.  In  this 
journey,  they  described  many  fowls,  fishes,  and 
plants,  and  took  notes  of  the  mines  and  method 
of  making  salt,  &c. 

So  great  and  deserved  was  the  reputation  which 
Mr  Ray  had  now  obtained,  that  he  was  in  this 
year  invited  to  become  a  member  of  the  Royal 
Society,  and  was  admitted  a  fellow  November  7th. 
In  the  year  1668,  in  the  thirty-third  of  his 
age,  Mr  Willughby  married  Emma,  second 
daughter  and  co-heiress  of  Sir  Thomas  Bernard, 
and  by  whom  he  had  three  children,  Francis, 
Cassandra,  and  Thomas. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  81 

In  the  spring  of  the  year  1669,  Mr  Willughby 
and  Mr  Ray  entered  upon  a  course  of  inquiries 
into  the  theory  of  vegetation.  They  first  de- 
voted their  attention  to  the  motion  of  the  sap 
in  trees;  the  results  of  their  inquiries  were 
communicated  to  the  Royal  Society,  and  appeared 
soon  afterwards  in  the  Philosophical  Transac- 
tions. The  probable  reason  why  they  did  so 
was,  the  discovery  of  the  circulation  of  the  blood 
in  animals,  published  only  about  forty  years  before 
by  Dr  Harvey,  although  he  had  for  some  years 
taught  the  doctrine  in  his  lectures  to  his  pupils. 
They  perhaps  expected  to  find  something  equi- 
valent in  the  constitution  of  plants. 

The  experiments  made  at  that  early  period  of 
the  investigation  may  be  perused  with  interest. 
It  was  considered  that  the  following  facts  were 
established  : — "  That  the  sap  of  any  tree,  running 
down  the  side  of  it,  or  dropping  on  one  place,  will 
precipitate  a  kind  of  white  coagulum  or  jelly  ; 
and  this,  it  was  imagined,  might  be  the  part 
which  every  year,  between  bark  and  tree,  turns 
to  wood,  and  of  which  the  leaves  and  fruit  are 
made. 

"  That  a  tree  precipitates  more  when  it  is  just 
ready  to  put  forth  leaves,  and  is  about  to  cease 
dropping,  than  at  its  first  bleeding  :  that  the  sap 
ascends,  not  only  between  the  bark  and  the  tree, 
but  by  all  the  pores  of  the  wood.  This  was 
thought  to  be  undeniably  proved  by  boring  in 
the  same  tree,  just  before  the  expansion  of  the 
leaves,  holes  of  different  depths,  or  the  same  hote 


82  MEMOIR  OF 

double  the  depth.  For  from  an  hole,  suppose  of 
two  inches  depth,  will  issue  near  double  the 
quantity  of  what  proceeds  from  an  hole  of  an 
inch  depth.  So  from  the  sanre  hole,  if  it  be 
bored  on  to  double  the  depth  it  had,  will  issue 
double  the  liquor  that  first  did." 

Another  experiment  was  instituted  for  the  far- 
ther proof  of  the  sap's  ascent  through  the  woody 
part  of  the  tree. 

"  To  put  it  out  of  all  doubt,"  says  Mr  Ray, 
"  we  took  away,  on  one  side  of  a  birch  tree,  bark 
and  wood  to  a  considerable  depth,  and  bored  an 
hole  into  the  tree  where  the  piece  was  taken 
away,  out  of  which  hole  it  bled  copiously,  not- 
withstanding we  prevented  any  other  sap  coming 
on  the  filter  but  what  proceeded  from  the  hole." 

These  results  being  made  known  to  the  public, 
induced  a  great  number  of  inquiries,  relating  to 
the  proportion  of  the  sap  to  the  branches  ;  the 
position  of  the  branches,  erect  or  otherwise  ; 
whether  the  sap  flows  from  the  tops  when  cut  off, 
or  from  the  end  of  the  stalks  only  ;  also  relating 
to  the  flowing  of  the  sap  in  different  kinds  of 
trees,  and  the  effects  of  temperature  on  these 
phenomena,  and  how  far  they  are  regulated  by 
the  age  of  the  tree. 

"  In  order  especially  to  ascertain  whether  the 
sap  ascended  only,  or  descended  also,  we  bored 
a  hole  into  a  large  birch,  out  of  which  a  drop  fell 
every  fourth  or  fifth  pulse.  Then  about  a  hand's 
breath,  just  under  the  hole,  we  sawed  into  the 
body  of  the  tree  deeper  than  the  hole,  whereupon 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  S3 

the  bleeding  diminished  about  one  half ;  and 
having  sawed  just  above  this  hole  to  the  same 
depth,  the  bleeding  from  the  hole  ceased  quite, 
and  from  the  sawed  furrow  below  decreased  one 
half;  and  it  continued  bleeding  a  great  while 
after  at  both  the  sawed  furrows,  the  hole  in  the 
middle  remaining  dry.  We  repeated  this  with 
much  like  success  upon  a  sycamore." 

"  Some  trees  of  the  same  kind  and  age  bleed  a 
great  deal  faster  and  sooner  than  others,  but 
always  old  trees  sooner  and  faster  than  young." 
"  A  wound  made  before  the  sap  rises,  will  bleed 
when  it  doth  rise."  "  While  making  these 
experiments,  the  weather  changed  from  very 
warm  to  very  cold  ;  whereupon  the  bleeding  in 
the  birches,  which  began  to  abate  before,  ceased 
quite.  But  all  the  sycamores  and  walnut  trees 
we  had  wounded  bled  abundantly,  (some  whereof 
before  bled  not  at  all,  and  those  that  did  so  but 
slowly,)  and  so  continued  night  and  day  —  when 
it  froze  so  hard  that  the  sap  congelated  as  fast  as 
it  issued  out.  The  cold  remitting,  the  birches 
bled  afresh,  the  sycamores  abated  very  much, 
and  the  walnut  trees  quite  ceased." 

"  We  pierced  two  sycamores  on  the  north  and 
south  sides  of  them,  and  both,  from  equal  inci- 
sions, bled  a  great  deal  faster  from  the  north  sides 
than  from  the  south." 

These  communications  to  the  Philosophical 
Transactions  induced  many  others,  especially 
one  written  by  Martin  Lister,  Esq.  touching 
some  inquiries  and  experiments  on  the  motion  of 


84  MEMOIR  OF 

the  sap  in  trees,  and  relating  to  the  circulation  of 
the  same,  dated  York,  January  25,  167?>  in  which 
he  says,  that  he  was  "  actuated  in  his  experiments 
by  hopes  of  improving  the  notion  of  winter 
bleedings,  so  happily  discovered  by  Mr  Willughby 
and  Mr  Kay,"  and  which  succeeded  so  well  that 
he  "  afterwards  engaged  himself  in  keeping  a 
journal  throughout  the  whole  winter."  The 
experiments  of  Mr  Willughby  and  Mr  Ray  were 
verified  and  extended  by  Dr  Ezekiel  Tonge  ;  also 
by  Richard  Reed,  Esq.  as  appears  in  a  letter 
dated  March  14,  167?>  at  Lugwardine  ;  also  by 
Dr  John  Beal,  May  13,  1671.  These  discoveries 
also  suggested  inquiries  on  the  subject  in  Italy, 
as  appears  from  the  Philosophical  Transactions, 
August  14th,  1671. 

Dr  Ezekiel  Tonge  stated,  that  the  results  of 
his  experiments  did  not  coincide,  in  some  respects, 
with  those  of  Mr  Willughby  and  Mr  Ray. 
Accordingly  Mr  Willughby  wrote  in  a  letter, 
dated  Middleton,  in  Warwickshire,  March  12, 
I6y§,  explaining  the  causes  of  the  disagreement; 
such  as  their  being  made  in  a  different  season, 
£c.  and  intimating  his  intention  to  prosecute 
these  experiments  in  the  ensuing  year. 

It  should  seem,  that  these  experimentalists 
had,  like  the  rest  of  the  world  till  lately,  not 
considered  the  distinction  whether  the  sap  is 
quiescent,  or  whether  it  flows,  before  perforations 
are  made  in  a  tree,  neither  took  sufficiently 
into  consideration  the  principle  of  life  in  vege- 
.able  bodies.  At  all  events,  it  may  be  safely 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  85 

asserted,  that  the  main  body  of  the  sap  being  not 
returned  to  the  point  whence  it  was  propelled, 
like  the  blood  to  the  heart  in  animals,  the  term 
circulation  of  the  sap,  in  the  sense  of  its  passing 
round  in  the  same  track,  its  motion  constantly 
tending  to  the  same  point  from  whence  it  began, 
is  not  proved  to  be  appropriate.*  Mr  Willughby 
also  communicated  many  other  papers  during  the 
same  year,  containing  observations  which  he 
himself  made  on  the  black  poplar,  the  dwarf 
oak,  &c. 

In  the  month  of  July,  1670,  Dr  Edmund  King 
had  communicated  to  the  Royal  Society  some  ob- 
servations he  had  made  on  certain  insects  lodging 
themselves  in  old  willows,  curiously  wrapt  up  in 
green  leaves,  in  channels  or  burrows,  each  with 
twelve,  fourteen,  or  sixteen  leaves  around  the 
body,  and  several  of  them  having  as  many  little 
round  bits  of  leaves  at  each  end  to  stop  them  up 
close ;  which,  thus  made  up,  were  near  an  inch 
long,  put  in  one  after  another  into  a  bore  made 
in  the  wood  fit  for  their  reception,  "  resembling 
cartrages  in  powder  wherewith  pistols  are  wont 
to  be  charged,  or  like  long  slugs  of  lead  ;  some 
placed  so  near  as  to  touch,  and  others  at  a  con- 
siderable distance,  in  burrows  like  those  of 
rabbits.1' 

The  following  are  extracts  from  two  letters  by 
Mr  Willughby  to  the  publisher,  from  Astrop, 
August  19,  and  from  Middleton,  September  2, 

*  Rees's  Cyclopaedia ;  article,  Circulation  of  the  Sap. 


86  MEMOIR  OF 

1670,  containing  his  observations,  &c.  on  "  car- 
trages," described  in  the  preceding  account. 

"  I  had  the  good  luck  to  find  a  great  many  of 
your  cartrages  in  a  rotten  willow,  and  by  the 
shape  of  the  maggot  was  most  confident  they 
would  produce  insects  of  the  bee  tribe  ;  and  this 
I  should  have  foretold  you  had  I  ever  received 
those  you  sent  me  by  Mr  Le  Hunt.  But  having' 
only  that  one  you  sent  me  before,  I  was  so  fond 
and  choice  of  it,  that  I  durst  not  open  it.  I  think 
that  now  I  have  found  out  the  whole  mystery ; 
and  if  you  please  to  send  me  Dr  King's  account, 
and  one  of  your  bees,  I  may  perhaps  add  some- 
thing, and  shall  be  glad  to  be  instructed  in  any 
thing  that  hath  escaped  me.  I  desire  one  of  the 
bees,  because  all  mine  being  of  a  late  hatch,  and 
none  of  them  yet  turned  into  *  nymphas,'  (which 
is  the  word  of  art  for  the  aurelia  of  the  bee,)  I 
fear  I  shall  not  see  their  last  metamorphosis  this 
year.  In  a  garden,  near  a  willow,  I  found  where 
they  get  their  leaves  for  their  cartrages,  which 
are  riot  willow  but  rose  leaves. 

"  At  my  coming  home,  I  found  the  long 
expected  cartrages,  and  some  of  the  bees 
hatched  ;  so  that  now  we  want  nothing  to  com- 
plete their  history.  I  will  trouble  you  only  with 
those  particulars  that  I  found  not  mentioned  in 
Dr  King's  paper,  to  whom  we  owe  the  acknow- 
ledgement of  these  productions,  and  whose  obser- 
vations concerning  them  our  experience  hath 
since  confirmed. 

"  Mr  Snell,  an  ingenious  gentleman,  brought 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  87 

of  them  to  the  wells  at  Astrop,  who,  directing 
me  to  the  place  where  I  got  them,  I  have  found 
great  plenty  in  the  trunk  of  a  dead  willow. 
Beginning  to  unfold  some  of  them,  Mr  Wray 
immediately  judged  them  to  be  made  up  of  pieces 
of  rose  leaves,  and  called  to  mind,  that  this  very 
spring  a  worthy  friend  of  his,  Mr  Francis  Jessop, 
brought  him  a  rose  leaf,  out  of  which  himself  saw 
a  bee  bite  such  a  piece,  and  fly  away  with  it  in 
her  mouth. 

"  Thereupon,  searching  the  rose  leaves  there- 
about, we  found  a  great  many  leaves  with  such 
pieces  broken  out  of  them  as  these  cartrages  are 
made  up  of,  some  of  which  I  sent  you  enclosed  in 
my  last. 

"  The  cuniculi  or  holes  never  cross  the  grain 
of  the  wood,  excepting  where  the  bee  comes  in, 
and  where  they  open  one  into  another.  From 
the  place  of  entrance  they  are  wrought  both 
downwards  and  upwards,  so  that  sometimes  the 
bee-maggot  lies  under  her  food,  and  sometimes 
above  it.  One  end  of  the  cartrage  —  namely, 
that  which  is  next  the  entrance — is  always  a  little 
concave  ;  the  other  end,  which  is  farther  from  the 
entrance,  a  little  convex,  and  is  received  into  the 
concave  of  the  next  beyond  it.  The  sides  of  the 
cartrages  are  made  up  of  oblong  pieces  of  leaves, 
and  pasted  together  ;  the  ends  of  round  ones  ; 
and  whenever  they  do  not  lie  close  one  to 
another,  the  intermediate  space  is  filled  up  with* 
a  multitude  of  these  little  rounded  pieces  laid  one 
upon  another.  The  cartrages  contain  a  pap  or 


88  MEMOIR  OF 

batter  of  the  consistence  of  a  jelly,  or  something 
tnicker  ;  of  a  middle  colour,  between  syrup  of 
violets,  and  the  conserve  of  red  roses,  of  an  a< 
taste,  and  unpleasant  smell.  In  each  of  these,  at 
the  concave  end,  there  lies  one  bee-maggot, 
which  feeds  upon  the  forementioned  matter  till  it 

AS  to  its  full  bigness,  and  then  makes  and 
encloseth  herself  in  a  theca  or  husk  of  a  dark  red 
colour,  and  ovate  figure,  in  which  she  is  changed 
into  a  bee  ;  the  remainder  of  her  food  you  may 
find  dried  into  powder  at  the  convex  end,  and  her 

rements  at  the  concave  without  the  theca. 
The  bees  I  found  in  your  box  (which  are  the  only 
ones  I  have  yet  seen)  were  of  a  shorter  and  thicker 
shape  than  the  common  honey  bee,  more  hairy, 
£c.  But  the  surest  mark  to  distinguish  them  is, 
that  the  forcipes  or  teeth  of  these  are  bigger, 
broader,  and  stronger  ;  in  shape  like  those  of  a 

-p  or  hornet ;  from  which  she  also  sufficiently 
differs  in  having  a  tongue  like  a  bee,  which  they 
want. 

"  They  made  their  way  out  along  the  channel 
thorough  all  the  intermediate  cartrages,  and  not 
thorough  the  solid  wood.  Of  the  corruption  of 
the  matter  within  the  cases,  when  the  bee  mag- 
gots or  nymphae  happen  to  miscarry,  are  bred 
like  little  hexapods,  which  produce  beetles,  mag- 
gots which  produce  flies,  mites,  &c.  From  what 
hath  been  observed  concerning  this  tree,  and  by 
a  great  many  ihore  parallel  instances,  we  may 
answer  the  quaere  of  some  that  have  written  of 
bees,  whether  it  be  the  old  bee  or  the  bee  maggot 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  89 

that  covers  the  cells  before  the  change  ?  For  here 
the  old  bee,  when  she  hath  provision  enough, 
with  an  egg  closes  up  the  cartrage,  and  hath  no 
more  to  do;  the  maggot,  a  great  while  after,  making 
the  theca,  which  is  analogous  to  the  cover  of  the 
cells." 

There  is  another  letter,  relating  to  the  subject 
of  Mr  Willughby's,  dated  July  10,  1671. 

Among  many  other  of  his  communications  to 
the  Philosophical  Transactions  concerning  insects, 
there  is  one  dated  August  24,  1671,  which 
deserves  insertion. 

The  title  of  it  is,  "  Concerning  the  Ichneumon 
Wasps,  and  their  several  changes,  ways  of  breed- 
ing, especially  that  of  laying  their  eggs  in  the 
body  of  caterpillars."  The  inquiries  which  it 
describes  were  suggested  by  the  opinion  of  Mr 
Lister,  that  the  ichneumon  wasps  so  deposited 
their  eggs. 

"  These  insects  have  four  wings,  antennae  like 
bees,  their  body  hanging  to  their  breast  by  a  very 
slender  ligament,  as  in  wasps  ;  most,  if  not  all, 
have  stings,  and  come  from  a  maggot  which  spins 
herself  a  theca  before  she  turns  into  a  nympha. 
There  is  a  great  variety  of  them.  Some  breed 
as  bees  do,  laying  an  egg  which  produceth  a 
maggot,  which  they  feed  till  it  comes  to  full 
growth  ;  and  others,  as  we  guess,  thrust  in  their 
eggs  into  plants,  the  bodies  of  living  caterpillars, 
maggots,  &c. 

"  For  it  is  very  surprising  to  observe,  that  a 
great  caterpillar,  instead  of  being  changed  into  a 


90  MEMOIR  OF 

butterfly,  (according  to  the  usual  course  of 
nature,)  should  produce  sometimes  one,  some- 
times two,  or  three,  and  sometimes  a  whole  swarm 
of  ichneumones.  I  have  observed  this  anomalous 
production  in  a  great  many  sorts  of  caterpillars, 
both  hairy  and  smooth  ;  in  several  sorts  of  mag- 
gots, and  which  is  most  strange,  in  one  water 
insect.  When  there  come  many  of  these  ichneu- 
mon maggots  out  of  the  body  of  the  same  cater- 
pillar, they  weave  all  their  thecas  together  into 
one  bunch,  which  is  sometimes  wound  with  web 
about  it  just  like  a  bag  of  spiders'  eggs;  but  I 
dare  venture  to  answer  Mr  Lister's  tenth  quaere, 
page  21772  of  the  Philosophical  Transactions, 
negatively,  that  none  of  them  feed  on  spiders' 
eggs,  but  it  is  the  similitude  of  those  thecas  con- 
globated together  to  the  eggs  of  spiders,  that  hath 
occasioned  this  conjecture.  One  of  the  green 
caterpillars  common  on  the  heaths  in  the  north, 
went  so  far  on  to  her  natural  change  that  she 
made  herself  up  into  a  great  theca,  almost  of  the 
shape  of  a  bottle,  which  was  filled  with  a  swarm 
of  ichneumones.  And  1  have  observed,  in  one  or 
two  other  sorts,  that  from  the  very  aurelia  itself 
hath  come  an  ichneumon  ;  while  it  is  very  odd 
that  the  caterpillar,  stung  and  impregnated  by  the 
ichneumons,  should  yet  be  so  far  unhurt  and 
unconcerned  as  to  make  herself  a  theca,  and  to  be 
turned  into  an  aurelia.  This  year,  being  in  com- 
pany with  an  ingenious  neighbour,  we  observed 
one  haling  a  large  green  caterpillar,  much  bigger 
than  herself,  which,  after  she  had  drawn  the 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  91 

length  of  a  pearch,  she  laid  down,  and  then  takes 
out  a  little  pellet  of  earth,  with  which  she  had 
stopped  the  mouth  of  a  small  hole  like  a  worm- 
hole  ;  then  she  goes  down  into  it,  and  staying  a 
very  little  while,  comes  up  again  and  draws  the 
eruca  down  with  her  into  the  hole,  and  there 
leaves  her ;  and  afterwards  not  only  stops,  but 
fills  up  the  hole,  sometimes  carrying  in  little  clods, 
and  sometimes  scraping  dust  with  her  feet,  and 
throwing  backward  into  the  hole,  and  going  down 
after  herself  to  ram  it  close. 

"  Once  or  twice  she  flew  up  into  a  pine-tree, 
which  grew  just  over  her  hole,  perhaps  to  fetch 
cement.  When  the  hole  was  full  and  even  with 
the  superficies  of  the  ground  about  it,  she  draws 
two  pine-tree  leaves  and  lays  them  near  the  mouth 
of  the  hole,  and  flies  away. 

Not  taking  notice  that  she  came  any  more  in 
three  or  four  days,  we  digged  for  the  caterpillar, 
and  found  it  pretty  deep.  I  put  it  into  a  box, 
expecting  it  would  have  produced  an  ichneumon, 
but  it  died  away  and  nothing  came  of  it.  We 
lately  observed  a  sort  of  ichneumon,  or  rather 
vespae,  which  prey  upon  several  sorts  of  flyes ; 
when  they  fly  with  them,  they  hold  them  by  the 
head  and  carry  them  under  their  bellies.  These 
make  holes  a  great  depth  in  the  ground,  in  which 
they  lay  their  young  ones,  and  feed  them  with 
the  flies  they  catch,  creeping  backwards  into  the 
ground,  and  drawing  the  flies  after  them.  I  sus- 
pect they  at  first  lay  their  eggs  in  the  very  body 
of  a  fly.  but  one  fly  being  not  enough  to  bring  the 


92  MEMOIR  OF 

young  one  io  its  full  growth,  they  feed  it  with 
more.  Their  thecas  are  at  «last  all  covered  over 
with  the  wings,  legs,  and  other  parts  of  flies." 

These  observations  of  Mr  Willughby  caused 
many  other  persons  to  investigate  the  nature  of 
these  insects,  their  habits,  &c.  especially  Dr  Lister 
of  York,  as  appears  from  letters  from  him  in  the 
Philosophical  Transactions,  dated  October  16  and 
28,  1671. 

Thus  we  find  Mr  Willughby  in  the  full  pursuit 
of  scientific  objects,  and  with  undiminished  ardour 
and  enterprise ;  and,  as  we  are  informed  by  Mr 
Ray,  "having  now  made  so  good  progress,  that  few 
of  our  European  animals  described  by  others  had 
escaped  his  view,  he  was,  at  the  close  of  this  year, 
meditating  a  voyage  into  the  New  World,  that  he 
might,  as  far  as  in  him  lay,  perfect  his  history  of 
animals." 

But  the  *  time  was  now  nigh  at  hand  when  a 
career  so  honourable  and  useful  was  to  be  arrested 
by  the  unsparing  hand  of  death.  At  the  close  of 
the  year  1670,  he  experienced  another  of  those 
attacks  of  illness  which  had,  at  different  times 
during  some  years,  been  the  cause  of  much 
anxiety  to  his  friends. 

In  a  letter  from  Dr  Lister  to  Mr  Ray,*  dated 
December  22,  he  writes,  "  I  am  glad  to  hear  that 
Mr  Willughby  is  so  near  well  again,  and  thank 
God  for  his  recovery  ;  and  do  heartily  pray  a 
continuance  of  good  health  to  him.  Methinks  he 

*  Philosophical  Letters,  p.  80. 


FRANCIS  WJLLUGHBY.  93 

is  very  valetudinary,  and  you  have  often  alarmed 
me  with  his  illnesses." 

It  can  scarcely  be  doubted  but  that,  under  the 
advantage  of  a  good  bodily  constitution,  which 
Mr  Ray  represents  Mr  Willughby  to  have  origi- 
nally possessed,  these  frequent  attacks  of  indispo- 
sition, and  even  his  premature  death  itself,  are, 
partly  at  least,  to  be  attributed  to  the  excitement 
of  a  mind  overwrought  by  incessant  exercise.  In 
his  case,  as  in  that  of  many  other  self-devoted 
victims  to  the  cause  of  science,  these  premonitions 
of  disease  are  regarded  merely  as  hinderances, 
instead  of  being  carefully  obeyed ;  and  the  first 
opportunities  afforded  by  an  imperfect  conval- 
escence, are  employed  with  redoubled  energy  as 
reprisals  for  previous  delay.  Hence  those  nume- 
rous instances  in  which  the  brightest  expectations 
of  usefulness  and  excellence  have  been  annihilated 
in  an  early  grave. 

The  accounts  which  remain  of  Mr  Willughby's 
last  illness  are  brief  and  indistinct.  All  that  can  be 
ascertained  is,  that,  in  the  beginning  of  June,  1672, 
"  he  was  seized  with  a  violent  pain  in  his  head, 
which,  in  consequence  of  his  using  diascordium, 
removed  to  his  side,  and  that  he  fell  into  a  pleu- 
risie,  which  terminated  in  that  kind  of  fever  called 
Cattarrhalis,  within  less  than  a  month  after  he  took 
to  his  bed."  * 

He  died  on  the  3d  of  July,  1672.    His  faithful 

*  Ray's  Preface  to  the  English  edition  of  Willughby's 
Ornithology. 


04  MEMOIR  OF 

and  affectionate  friend,  Mr  Ray,  was  with  him, 
and  speaks  in  strong,  though  merely  general, 
terms,  of  his  "  patience  and  submission  to  the 
Divine  will,  which  did  eminently  appear  in  the 
time  of  his  sickness,  when  he  professed  himself 
contented  to  leave  the  world  if  it  pleased  God  to 
have  it  so,  though  then  in  the  height  of  his 
strength  and  parts,  and  in  the  hot  pursuit  of  use- 
ful studies  and  designs,  and  in  such  circumstances 
as  to  his  concerns  in  this  world  as  rendered  some 
continuance  of  life  very  desirable  to  him,  and 
would  have  tempted  a  man  of  ordinary  vertue  to 
express  some  anger  at  the  sentence  and  expecta- 
tion of  death."  * 

The  following  prayer,  composed  by  Mr  Ray 
on  the  occasion,  and  which,  from  its  language, 
seems  to  have  been  offered  in  the  midst  of  Mr 
Willughby's  assembled  family,  breathes  sentiments 
appropriate  to  the  Christian  and  the  friend.  It 
is  copied  from  Dr  Derham's  Life  of  Ray. 

"  O  Lord  !  Thou  hast  been  pleased  to  make  a 
sad  breach  among  us,  to  deprive  us  of  our  most 
dear  friend  and  relation,  —  a  person  that  was  to 
some  of  us  as  the  very  light  of  our  eyes,  the  joy 
of  our  hearts,  the  greatest  outward  comfort  of  our 
lives.  Give  us  a  sanctified  use  of  this  heavy 
affliction  ;  and  when  our  hearts  are  moved  and 
affected  with  a  sense  of  our  loss,  give  us  to  con- 
sider our  sins,  and  to  spend  some  part  of  our 
tears  in  lamenting  them.  Give  us  to  consider 
the  vanity  and  uncertainty  of  our  lives,  and  the 
*  Ray's  Preface. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  95 

emptiness  and  insufficiency  of  all  things  here 
below,  to  satisfy  the  vast  desires  of  our  immortal 
souls.  Comfort,  O  Lord,  and  support  the  hearts 
of  thy  servants  who  have  the  greatest  interest  in 
this  loss,  and  be  thou  pleased  also  to  counsel  and 
direct  them.  Give  us  all,  upon  this  occasion,  to 
consider  our  latter  end,  and  to  prepare  for  it ;  to 
wait  all  the  days  of  our  appointed  time,  until  our 
change  come ;  to  consider  that  we  can  die  but 
once,  and  after  death  comes  judgment ;  that  upon 
this  moment  depends  eternity ;  that  as  the  tree 
falls,  so  it  lies  ;  as  death  leaves,  so  shall  judgment 
find  us ;  as  we  spend  a  few  days  here,  so  it  will 
be  with  us  for  ever  hereafter ;  that  we  must  all 
appear  before  the  judgment  seat  of  Chris*  to 
receive  according  to  what  we  have  done  in  the 
body,  whether  it  be  good  or  whether  it  be  evil. 
Help  us,  therefore,  to  work  while  we  have  the 
light  and  the  day,  because  the  night  comes  in 
which  no  man  can  work,  and  to  pass  the  time  of 
our  dwelling  and  sojourning  here  in  thy  fear. 
And  for  thy  deceased  servant,  give  us  to  imitate 
his  meekness  and  humility,  his  temperance  and 
sobriety,  his  exemplary  chastity  and  purity,  his 
dutifulness  and  obedience,  his  justice  and  righte- 
ousness, his  faithfulness  and  constancy,  his  patience 
and  submission  to  thy  will,  and  all  those  other 
eminent  graces  and  virtues  wherewith  thou  wert 
pleased  to  beautify  and  adorn  his  soul ;  that  so 
we,  together  with  him,  may,  after  this  life  ended, 
be  made  partakers  of  thine  everlasting  kingdom 
and  glory  in  the  world  to  come  I" 


96  MEMOIR  OF 

Mr  Willugliby  left  five  executors  of  his  will, 
Sir  Thomas  Wend}7,  Mr  Barnard,  Mr  Phillip 
Skippon,  (afterwards  Sir  Phillip,)  Mr  Jessop,  arid 
Mr  Ray  ;  to  the  latter,  as  an  additional  mark  of 
his  esteem,  he  also  bequeathed  an  annuity  of  £60 
per  annum,  some  say  £70,*  intrusting  him  also 
with  the  education  and  care  of  his  sons,  Francis 
and  Thomas,  the  eldest  not  being  four  years  of 
age.  Francis,  the  eldest,  was  created  a  baronet  by 
King  Charles  at  ten  years  old,  as  an  honour,  no 
doubt,  to  the  memory  of  his  father.  He  died 
before  he  was  twenty.  Thomas,  the  younger  son, 
was  one  of  the  ten  peers  created  all  on  the  same 
day  by  Queen  Anne,  and  received  the  title  of 
Loft  Middleton.  Their  sister  afterwards  married 
the  Duke  of  Chandos.  Mr  Willughby  was  buried 
in  Middleton  church.  The  following  is  a  trans- 
lation of  the  epitaphs  over  his  parents,  himself, 
and  his  son  Francis,  made  by  a  late  minister  of  the 
parish.  The  original  Latin  is  said  to  have  been 
written  by  Mr  Ray,  and  to  have  all  the  charac- 


*  This  discrepancy  of  statement  may,  perhaps,  be  ac- 
counted for  by  a  circumstance  mentioned  in  a  letter  from 
Thomas  Willughby  to  Dr  Sloane,  dated*  Thurgunby, 
Mar.  27,  (the  year  is  not  added,)  contained  in  Ayscougb's 
Collection  in  the  British  Museum. 

"  Sr.  Having  not  been  at  Wollaton  for  some  time,  I 
had  not  your's  till  lately.  I  am  very  sorry  Mr  Ray  left 
his  family  in  so  very  ill  a  condition  ;  every  body,  I  believe, 
had  a  great  value  for  him,  and,  knowing  my  father  had 
so  particular  one,  I  have  always  paid  him  £12  more  than  1 
was  obliged  to  do,"  &c.  &c. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  97 

teristic  elegance  and  vivacity  of  his  style  in  that 
language. 

On  Mr  Willughby's  Father  and  Mother. 

"  Here  lie  interred,  Francis  and  Cassandra 
Willughby.  He  was  descended  from  the  ancient 
family  of  the  Willughbys,  and  she  added  ta  the 
lustre  of  that  family,  by  the  splendour  of  her  own, 
being  the  daughter  of  Thomas  Ridgway,  Earl  of 
Londonderry. 

"  Readers !  are  you  desirous  that  I  should 
briefly  give  you  some  idea  of  their  characters  ? 
He,  holding  the  command  over  his  passions,  ren- 
dered himself  exemplary  by  the  courtesy  of  his 
manners,  by  the  cultivation  of  religion,  and  by  a 
remarkable  integrity  of  life.  She,  by  the  most 
exquisite  accomplishments  of  mind  and  body,  left 
to  posterity  a  most  happy  example  of  conjugal 
virtues.  He,  by  persevering  vigour  and  prudence, 
restored,  repaired,  renewed  his  family  property, 
not  only  injured,  but  almost  reduced  to  a  wreck. 
She,  truly  sharing  in  his  fortunes,  and  following 
the  footsteps  of  her  husband,  by  the  exercise  of 
an  acute  understanding,  and  by  a  munificence 
frugally  directed,  extended,  conducted,  and,  in  a 
singular  manner,  adorned  her  domestic  duties. 
She  gave  offspring  to  her  husband,  Francis,  who 
is  here  buried  ;  Letitia,  the  wife  of  Sir  Thomas 
Wendy,  Knight  of  the  Bath  ;  and  Catherine, 
wife  of  Clement  Winstanley,  Esq.  They  died  in 
mature  age :  the  one  on  the  1 7th  day  of  December, 


98  MEMOIR  OF 

A.D.  1665,  in  the  76th  year  of  his  age  *  the  other, 
on  the  25th  of  July,  A.D.  1675." 

Mr  Francis  Willughbys  Epitaph. 
«  M.  S." 

"  Near  this  spot  lies  Francis,  the  truly  illus- 
trious son  of  the  best  of  parents.  If  piety,  probity, 
truth,  disinterested  fidelity,  a  rigid  observance  of 
virtue,  resolute  sobriety,  sincere  wisdom,  great 
learning  without  pedantry,  religion  without  super- 
stition, nobility  without  pride,  have  any  thing 
illustrious  in  them,  let  all  good  men  revere  his 
worthy  name ! 

"  In  the  course  of  his  life,  after  that  he  had 
investigated  by  travel  the  various  characters  of 
the  nations  of  Europe,  their  languages,  arts, 
manners,  and  laws,  he  cultivated  and  perfected 
the  same  in  the  retirement  of  his  home. 

"  He  penetrated  into  the  recesses  of  mathema- 
tical science  to  others  inaccessible.  He  searched 
out  the  various  secrets  of  medicine ;  he  so  nicely 
examined  the  whole  system  of  philosophy,  that 
he  restored  its  peculiar  qualities  and  names  to 
every  part;  he  gave  also  a  new  arrangement  to 
natural  philosophy,  and  this  he  accomplished  with 
so  much  skill,  diligence,  and  fidelity,  that  he  still 
appeared  as  a  new,  and  unerring,  and  a  faithful 
interpreter  of  nature.  He  married  Emma  Ber- 
nard, second  daughter  of  Sir  Henry  Bernard,  who 
was  the  mother  of  Francis,  Cassandra,  and  Thomas. 
And  now  highly  respected  in  life,  and  deeply 
regretted  in  death,  he  was  numbered  with  IIP- 


TRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  99 

mortal  spirits,  on  the  3d  of  July,  1672,  in  the 
37th  year  of  his  age.  The  rest  let  a  prayer 
express.  May  his  sons,  his  grandsons,  and  their 
posterity,  transcribe  their  father's  character  into 
their  own  T" 

Epitaph  over  Mr  Francis  Willughby' s 
Eldest  Son,  Francis. 

"  Near  this  place  lies  Francis  Willughby, 
Baronet ;  a  youth  of  almost  prodigious  promise, 
of  most  elegant  manners,  the  most  acute  genius, 
a  judgment  manly  even  in  youth,  and  mature  in 
the  powers  of  his  mind,  though  not  in  age  : 
The  eldest  Son  of  Francis  and  Emma 

Willughby.     Snatched  away  by 

an  untimely  fate,  he  bid  farewell 

to  life,  in  the  20th  year  of  his  age,  on 

the  13th  of  July,  which  day  was 
the  day  of  his  birth  and  of  his  death. 
O'er  the  warm  ashes  of  the  youthful  dead, 
The  short-lived  lily,  rose,  and  violet  spread, 
Thomas  Willughby,  Baronet,  has  most  devotedly 
consecrated  this  monument  of  ready  affection  and 
regret." 

Mr  Ray  continued  to  reside  at  Middleton, 
engaged  in  the  education  of  his  friend's  children. 
He  was  so  conscientious  in  the  discharge  of  this 
duty,  as  to  refuse  an  inviting  request  from  his 
scientific  friend,  Dr  Lister,  to  take  up  his  abode 
with  him  at  York. 

He  soon  began  to  provide  for  the  future  wants 


100  M;EMOIR  OF 

of  his  infantine  pupils,  by  compiling  for  their  use 
his  Nomenclator  Classicus,  and  which  was  pub- 
lished the  same  year  of  their  father's  death.  "  It 
consisted  of  an  accurate  nomenclature,  enriched 
especially  with  the  correct  meanings  of  both  the 
Latin  and  Greek  names  of  animals  and  plants, 
assigned  to  them  by  himself  and  Mr  Willughby. 
It  was  highly  serviceable  not  only  to  schoolboys, 
but  to  the  amendment  of  the  dictionaries  and 
lexicons  published  after  its  appearance."*  In  the 
November  of  the  same  year  in  which  Mr  Wil- 
lughby died,  Mr  Ray  sustained  another  heavy 
affliction  in  the  death  of  his  friend,  Bishop  Wil- 
kins.  He  now,  therefore,  sought  consolation  for 
his  bereavements  in  domestic  endearments,  and 
married  a  young  gentlewoman  at  that  time  a 
visiter  at  Middleton  Hall,  whose  piety,  discretion, 
and  virtues,  had  recommended  her  to  him  as  well 
as  her  agreeable  person.  Her  name  was  Margaret, 
daughter  of  Mr  John  Oakly  of  Launton,  a  gentle- 
man of  a  younger  branch  of  a  family  of  that  name 
in  Shropshire.  They  were  married  in  Middleton 
church,  June  5,  1673.  Mrs  Ray  is  said  to  have 
superintended  the  English  part  of  the  young 
gentlemen's  education.  Mr  Ray  was  also  en- 
gaged in  preparing  Mr  Willughby's  works,  and 
some  of  his  own,  for  publication,  and  in  commu- 
nicating papers  to  the  Philosophical  Transactions. 
During  the  year  1674,  and  part  of  the  next 
year,  he  was  employed,  as  far  as  Mr  Willughby's 

*  Derham's  Life  of  Rav. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  101 

writings  are  concerned,  in  preparing  his  observa- 
tions on  birds,  which  made  its  first  appearance  in 
the  year  1675,  in  Latin,  in  which  language  Mr 
Willughby  had  written  it,  as  he  did  all  hi&  other 
manuscripts,  it  being  at  that  time  the  catholic 
language  of  the  literati  of  Europe. 

It  was  published,  in  the  first  instance,  as  simply 
a  treatise  on  ornithology,  without  those  extraneous 
accompaniments  which,  as  will  be  shewn,  are 
entirely  to  be  ascribed  to  Mr  Ray's  selection. 
It  had  the  following  title : — 

Francisci  Willoughbeii  de  Middleton  armigeri 
e  Reg:  Soc:  ornithologiae  Libri  tres,  in  quibus 
aves  omnes  hactenus  cognitae,  in  Methodum 
naturis  suis,  convenientem  redactae,  accurate  des- 
cribuntur:  descriptiones  iconibus  elegantissimis 
et  vivarum  avium  simillimis  sere  incisis  illus- 
trantur.  Totum  opus  recognovit,  digessit,  sup- 
plevit  Joh.  Raius. 

It  is  now  the  place  to  give  an  account 
of  this  celebrated  book.  Dr  Derham  relates,* 
that  when  he  "  waited  upon  Mr  Ray  at 
Black-Notley,  his  native  place,  and  whither  he 
had  retired  to  end  his  days,  May  the  15th,  1704, 
Mr  Ray  told  him,  that  himself  and  Mr  Wil- 
lughby, finding  the  history  of  nature  very  im- 
perfect, had  agreed  between  themselves,  before 
their  travels  beyond  sea,  to  reduce  the  several 
tribes  of  things  to  a  method,  and  to  give  accurate 
descriptions  of  the  several  species  from  a  strict 
view  of  them ;  and  forasmuch  as  Mr  Willughby's 
*  Derham's  Life  of  Ray,  p.  48. 


102  MEMOIR  OF 

genius  lay  chiefly  to  animals,  therefore  he  under- 
took the  birds,  beasts,  and  fishes,  and  insects,  as  Mr 
Ray  did  the  vegetables'9  This  account  Dr  Der- 
ham  professes  to  give  as  he  had  it  from  Mr  Ray 
himself,  a  statement  which  Sir  James  Edward 
Smith  could  not  have  sufficiently  weighed,  when 
he  pronounces,  as  he  does  in  his  introductory 
discourse  to  the  Linnaean  Society,  p.  18,  that 
"  certainly  it  is  by  no  means  a  fair  statement  of 
the  case,  to  say,  with  Dr  Derham,  that  Mr  Wil- 
lughby  had  taken  the  animal  kingdom  for  his 
task,  as  Mr  Ray  had  the  vegetable  one." 

Dr  Derham  also  remarks,  "  that  Mr  Willughby 
carried  his  province  as  far  as  the  utmost  applica- 
tion and  diligence  of  a  short  life  would  enable 
him ;"  and  that  "  he  laboured  so  incessantly  in 
his  studies,  that  he  allowed  himself  little  or  no 
time  for  those  recreations  and  diversions  which 
men  of  his  estate  and  degree  are  apt  to  spend  so 
much  of  their  time  in,  but  that  he  prosecuted  his 
design  with  as  great  application  as  if  he  had  had 
to  get  his  bread  thereby."* 

Mr  Ray's  own  account  of  the  book  is  of  great 
importance,  as  tending  to  set  in  a  clear  light  the 
distinction  between  Mr  Willughby 's  share  in  it 
and  his  own.  "  Observing,"  he  says,f  "  in  this 
busie  and  inquisitive  age  the  history  of  animals 
to  have  been  in  a  great  measure  neglected  by 
Englishmen,  (for  that,  since  Turner  and  Mouffe$ 

*  Derham's  Life  of  Ray,  p.  49, 
t  Preface  to  the  English  edition  of  Willughby's  Orni- 
thology. 


FRANCIS  W1LLUGHBY.  103 

none  that  I  know  of  bath  performed  any  thing 
therein  worthy  of  commendation ;)  he  (Mr  Wil- 
lughby)  made  the  study  thereof  his  province, 
applying  himself  with  all  diligence  to  the  culti- 
vating and  illustrating  it ;  which,  that  he  might 
the  more  effectually  do,  he  not  only  read  what  had 
been  written  by  others,  but  did  himself  accurately 
describe  all  the  animals  he  could  find  or  procure 
either  in  England  or  beyond  the  seas,  making  a 
voyage  to  forein  countries  chiefly  for  that  pur- 
pose, to  search  out,  view,  and  describe  the  several 
varieties  of  nature  ;  and  though  he  was  not  long 
abroad,  yet  travelled  he  over  a  great  part  of 
France,  Spain,  Italy,  and  the  Low  Countries. 

"  In  all  which  places  he  was  so  inquisitive  and 
successful,  that  not  many  sorts  of  animals  des- 
cribed by  others  escaped  his  diligence.  For  my 
part,  I  know  no  man  who  hath  seen  more  species, 
been  more  exact  in  noting  their  differences,  and 
inventing  characteristic  marks,  whereby  they  may 
be  certainly  distinguished,  or  more  curious  in 
dissecting  them,  and  observing  the  make  and 
constitution  of  their  parts,  as  well  internal  as 
external.  The  reason  of  this  his  diligence  was, 
because  he  observed  that  some  of  the  descriptions 
of  former  writers  of  this  kind,  either  by  reason  of 
their  brevity,  or  because  they  contained  only 
general  notes,  were  very  obscure,  and  gave 
occasion  to  many  errors  and  mistakes,  but  chiefly 
unnecessary  multiplications  of  species,  the  readers 
often  mistaking  several  descriptions  of  the  same 
animals,  which  they  met  with  in  divers  authors, 


104  MEMOIR  OF 

by  reason  of  their  generality  and  obscurity,  for  so 
nany  descriptions  of  different  animals. 

"  Now,  that  he  might  clear  up  all  these  obscu- 
rities, and  render  the  knowledge  and  distinction 
of  species  facile  to  all  that  should  come  after,  he 
bent  his  endeavours  to  find  out  (as  I  before  inti- 
mated) certain  characteristic  notes  of  each  kind  ; 
but  if,  in  any,  no  singular  mark  occurred,  whereby 
it  might  certainly  be  distinguished  from  all 
others,  he  did  minutely  and  exactly  describe  all 
its  parts,  that,  at  least,  a  collection  of  many 
accidents,  which  altogether  could  not  be  found  in 
any  species  else  of  the  same  kind,  might  serve 
for  a  characteristic,  that  the  reader  should  not,  by 
a  general  and  ambiguous  description,  be  left  in 
suspense,  or  incur  the  danger  of  error. 

"  But  because  prolix  and  operose  description 
is  tedious  to  most  readers,  and  to  the  inattentive 
seems  rather  to  obscure  than  illustrate  the  thing 
described,  to  relieve  and  gratify  such,  besides  the 
description,  he  often  adds  some  short  notes,  by 
which  the  animal  described  may  be  distinguished 
from  others  of  the  same  kind  like  to  it,  and 
wherewith  it  is  in  danger  to  be  confounded. 
Now,  though  I  cannot  but  commend  his  diligence, 
yet  I  must  confess  that  in  describing  the  colours 
of  each  single  feather,  he  seems  to  me  to  be  too 
scrupulous  and  particular ;  partly,  because  nature 
doth  not  in  all  individuals  (perhaps  not  in  any 
two)  observe  exactly  the  same  spots  or  strokes  ; 
partly,  because  it  is  very  difficult  so  to  word 
descriptions  of  this  sort  as  to  render  them  intel- 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY. 

ligible,   yet   dared  I  not  to  omit  or  alter 
thing. 

"Viewing  his  MSS.  after  his  death  I  found  the 
several  animals  in  every  kind,  both  birds,  and 
beasts,  and  fishes,  and  insects,  digested  into  a 
method  of  his  own  contriving,  but  few  of  their 
descriptions  or  histories  so  full  and  perfect  as  he 
intended  them  ;  which  he  was  so  sensible  of,  that 
when  I  asked  him  upon  his  deathbed  whether  it 
was  his  pleasure  they  should  be  published,  he 
answered,  that  he  did  not  desire  it,  nor  thought 
them  so  considerable  as  to  deserve  it,  or  some- 
what to  that  purpose,  though  he  confest  there 
were  some  new  and  pretty  observations  on 
insects. 

"  But  considering  that  the  publication  of  them 
might  conduce  somewhat  to,  first,  The  illustra- 
tion of  God's  glory  by  exciting  men  to  take 
notice  of  and  admire  his  infinite  power  and  wis- 
dom displaying  themselves  in  the  creation  of  so 
many  species  and  animals  ;  and  secondly,  To  the 
assistance  of  those  who  addict  themselves  to  this 
most  pleasant  and  no  less  useful  part  of  philo- 
sophy ;  and,  thirdly,  Also  the  honour  of  our  nation 
in  making  it  appear  that  no  part  of  real  know- 
ledge is  wholly  balked  and  neglected  by  us,  (he 
not  contradicting,)  I  resolved  to  publish  them, 
and  first  took  in  hand  the  Ornithology."  Mr 
Ray  proceeds  to  state,  that  "  it  was  neither  the 
author's  nor  his  design  to  write  pandects  of  birds, 
comprising  whatever  had  before  been  written  by 
others,  whether  true  or  fabulous  ;  that  having  been 
performed  already  by  Gesnerand  Aldrovandus,nor 


106  MEMOIR  OF 

to  abridge  their  bulky  volumes,  such  epitome* 
having  been  already  made  by  Johnston.  But 
our  main  design  was  to  illustrate  the  history  of 
birds,  which  is,  (as  we  said  before  of  animals  in 
general)  in  many  particulars,  confused  and  obscure ; 
by  so  accurately  describing  each  kind,  and  observ- 
ing their  characteristic  and  distinctive  note?,  that 
the  reader  might  be  sure  of  our  meaning,  and 
upon  comparing  any  bird  with  our  description, 
not  fail  of  discerning  whether  it  be  the  bird  des- 
cribed or  no.  Nor  will  it  be  difficult  to  find  out 
any  unknown  bird  that  shall  be  offered  ;  for  com- 
paring it  with  the  tables  first,  the  characteristic 
notes  of  the  genuses,  from  the  highest  or  first 
downwards,  will  easily  guide  him  to  the  lowest 
genus;  among  the  species  whereof,  being  not 
many,  by  comparing  it  also  with  the  several  des- 
criptions, the  bird  may  soon  be  found.  This, 
then,  being  our  design,  that  we  might  surely 
effect  it,  we  did  not,  as  some  before  us  have 
done,  not  only  transcribe  other  men's  descrip- 
tions, but  we  did  ourselves  carefully  describe 
each  bird  from  the  view  and  inspection  of  it 
lying  before  us.  Having  acquainted  the  reader 
with  our  principal  aim  in  this  work,  which  was  to 
give  certain  characteristic  notes  of  the  several 
kinds,  accurately  to  describe  each  species,  and 
to  reduce  all  to  their  proper  genera  or  classes,  we 
omitted  every  thing  not  properly  relating  to 
Natural  History/  Neither  have  we  scraped 

*  "  As  hieroglyphics,  emblems,  morals,  fables,  presages, 
or  ought  also  pertaining  to  Divinity,— as  ethics,  grammar, 
or  any  sort  of  humane  learning." — RAY. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  ]  07 

together  whatever  of  this  nature  is  any  where 
extant,  but  have  used  choice  and  inserted  only 
such  particulars  as  ourselves  can  warrant  upon 
our  own  knowledge  and  experience,  or  whereof 
we  have  assurance  by  the  testimony  of  good 
authors  or  sufficient  witnesses.  Concerning  the 
names  of  birds  we  did  not  much  trouble  our- 
selves, there  having  been  disputing  enough  about 
them  long  ago  ;  but  have,  for  the  most  part,  fol- 
lowed Gesner  and  Aldrovandus,  being  unwilling 
to  disturb  what  is  settled,  or  dispossess  names 
that  may,  for  their  use,  plead  prescription  ;  and 
because  Mr  Willughby  (though  sparing  neither 
pains  nor  cost)  could  not  procure,  and  conse- 
quently did  not  describe  all  sorts  of  birds; — to 
perfect  the  work,  I  have  added  the  descriptions 
and  histories  of  those  that  are  wanting  f  out  of 
Gesner,  Aldrovandus,  Bellonius,  Marggravius, 
Clasius,  Hernandez,  Bontius,  Wormius,  and  Piso, 
disposing  each  kind  as  near  as  I  could  in  its  pro- 
per place.  Now,  because  elegant  descriptions 
and  accurate  figures  do  much  illustrate  the  under- 
standing of  descriptions,  in  order  to  the  engraving 
figures  for  this  work,  Mr  Willughby  made  a  col- 
lection of  as  many  pictures  drawn  in  colors  by 
the  life  as  he  could  procure.  First,  He  purchased 
of  one  Leonard  Baltner,  a  fisherman  of  Stras- 
burgh,  a  volume  containing  the  pictures  of  all  the 
water-fowl  frequenting  the  Rhene,  near  that  city, 
as  also  all  the  fish  and  water-insects  found  there, 

t  These   articles  are    severally  distinguished   by   an 
asterisk  *  throughout  the  work. 


108  MEMOIR  OF 

drawn  with  curiosity  and  exactness  by  an  excel- 
lent hand,  —  the  which,  fowl,  fishes,  and  insects, 
the  said  Baltner  had  himself  taken  and  described 
at  his  own  proper  charges,  and  caused  to  be 
drawn.  Secondly,  at  Nuremberg,  in  Germany, 
he  bought  a  large  volume  of  pictures  of  birds 
drawn  in  colors.  Thirdly,  he  caused  divers  species, 
as  well  seen  in  England  as  beyond  seas,  to  be 
drawn  by  good  artists.  Besides  what  he  left, 
the  deservedly  famous  Sir  Thomas  Brown,  Pro- 
fessor of  Physick  in  the  city  of  Norwich,  frankly 
communicated  the  draughts  of  several  rare  birds, 
with  some  brief  notes  and  descriptions  of  them. 
Out  of  these,  and  the  printed  figures  of  Aldro- 
vandus  and  Pet.  Olina,  an  Italian  author,  we 
called  out  those  we  thought  most  natural  and 
resembling  the  life  for  the  gravers  to  imitate,  add- 
ing also  all  but  one  or  two  of  Marggravius's,  and 
some  out  of  Clasius  his  exotics,  Piso  his  Natural 
History  of  the  West  Indies,  and  Bontius  his  of 
the  East."  Then  follows  a  statement  of  the 
reason  why  "  the  sculps"  were  not  so  good  as 
they  might  have  been ;  namely,  the  distance  of 
the  editor  from  the  press."* 

*  The  plates  were  engraved  at  the  expense  of  Mr 
Willughby's  widow,  and  are  better  in  the  Latin  edition 
than  in  the  English,  chiefly,  however,  in  consequence  of 
the  superior  nature  of  the  ink  used  in  the  former  edition. 
Both  editions  seem  to  have  been  made  from  the  same 
plates.  Still,  even  these,  as  contrasted  with  far  less 
expensive  representations  of  animals  so  abundant  in  the 
present  day,  shew  the  wonderful  improvement  made  in 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  109 

The  Ornithology  is  divided  into  three  books, 
which  are  each  subdivided  into  chapters.  The 
first  book  treats  of  Birds  in  general ;  the  second 
of  Land  Fowl ;  the  third  of  Water  Fowl. 

"  The  first  book  is  divided  into  two  parts.  The 
first  whereof  contains  birds  of  crooked  beak  and 
talons  ;  the  second,  such  whose  bills  and  claws 
are  more  straight ;  the  third  book  is  tripartite. 
The  first  part  takes  in  all  birds  that  wade  in  the 
waters,  or  frequent  watery  places,  but  swim  not. 
The  second,  such  as  are  of  a  middle  nature  be- 
tween swimmers  and  waders,  or  rather  that  par- 
take of  both  kinds;  some  whereof  are  cloven-footed, 
and  yet  swim  ;  others  whole-footed,  yet  but  very 
long-legged,  like  the  waders.  The  third  is  of 
whole-footed  or  fin-toed  birds,  that  swim  in  the 
water." 

Acknowledgment  is  made  by  name,  to  several 
"  learned  and  worthy  friends"  who  rendered  con- 
siderable information  and  assistance. 

A  statement  then  follows  of  the  particulars  in 
which  the  English  edition  of  the  ornithology  has 
been  amended  or  enlarged.  To  which  are  added, 
three  lengthy  discourses  of  the  art  of  fowling, 
with  a  description  of  several  nets  in  two  large 
copperplates  ;  of  the  ordering  of  singing  birds  ; 
and  of  falconry. 

this  department  of  art  since  the  days  of  Mr  Willughby. 
Yet  it  is  doubtful  whether  the  plates  in  the  works  of 
Hippolito  Salviani,  A.D.  1554,  already  referred  to,  might 
not  bear  comparison  with  the  most  successful  productions 
of  modern  skill. 


110  MEMOIR  OP 

The  treatise  on  ornithology  itself  would  have 
had  a  much  more  philosophical  aspect  had  it  been 
published,  as  it  may  be  certainly  inferred  the 
author  would  have1  chosen,  without  those  unsightly 
discourses,  and  which  give  the  book  an  unfortu- 
nate aspect  to  a  modern  reader,  as  too  much 
resembling  the  old  treatises  on  Natural  History, 
which,  with  some  valuable  portions,  are  in  general 
an  accumulation  of  rubbish.  Mr  Ray  has,  how- 
ever, taken  upon  himself  the  responsibility  of 
adding  the  three  discourses.  In  a  letter  from  Dr 
Lister  to  Mr  Ray,  at  Coleshill,  in  Warwickshire, 
dated  February  8,  1675,  he  says,  referring  to  the 
ornithology, — "  I  am  very  glad  you  say  so  much 
concerning  the  English  edition,  which  you  tell  me 
you  mean  to  augment.  If  I  might  advise  you, 
in  the  history  of  hawks,  it  would  be  very  accept- 
able to  have  their  managery  and  training,  which 
I  find  is  done  with  much  skill  and  faithfulness  in 
a  certain  late  piece  called  «  The  Gentleman's 
Recreation,'  printed  in  — 74,  where  is  the  best 
account  of  hawks  and  hawking  that  I  ever  met 
with." 

"  Again,  in  the  history  of  small  birds,  some 
account  of  the  keeping  and  ordering  of  them  in 
cages  would  please,  which  also  is  very  well  done, 
in  a  little  book,  entituled,  "  The  Epitome  of  the 
Art  of  Industry,"  where  you  will  find  a  large  and 
very  accurate  tract  of  singing  birds,  both  done  by 
experienced  and  judicious  persons  in  that  way." 

In  another  letter  from  Mr  Ray  to  Dr  Lister, 
dated  June  14,  — 76,  he  says,  "  I  have  resolved 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  1 1 1 

to  follow  your  advice,  in  adding  to  the  ornitho- 
logy, an  account  of  the  ordering  of  birds  for 
singing,  also  something  of  falconry,  and  besides, 
an  epitome  of  the  art  of  fowling.  For  this  pur» 
pose,  I  sent  for  the  books  you  minded  me  of 
about  those  subjects."  These  discourses  will, 
perhaps,  seem  to  most  readers  of  the  present 
day,  as  "german  to  the  matter"  of  ornithology, 
as  dissertations  on  cookery,  tailoring,  and  dress- 
making, would  be  at  the  end  of  a  system  of 
anatomy  or  physiology.  Having  given  Mr  Ray's 
account  of  the  ornithology,  and  having  distin- 
guished Mr  Willughby's  share  in  its  composition 
and  merits,  and  also  Mr  Ray's,  it  seems  now 
advisable  to  state  the  nature  of  its  contents,  at 
determined  by  subsequent  writers,  and  to  exhibit 
Mr  Willughby's  ornithological  system  as  drawn 
out  by  one  who  is  well  qualified  for  such  an  under- 
taking. The  portion,  then,  of  the  book  which  is 
really  to  be  ascribed  to  Mr  Willughby,  "  consists 
chiefly  of  dissertations  on  the  form  and  external 
structure  of  birds,  and  their  organization  or 
internal  structure,  generation,  age,  shape,  bigness, 
colour,  natural  instincts,  manners,  &c. 

Then  follow  twenty-four  queries,  the  answers 
to  which,  if  founded  on  fact,  and  drawn  up  with 
judgment,  would  not  fail  to  contribute  greatly  to 
the  advancement  of  ornithology. 

The  author  then  institutes  his  leading  distinc- 
tions derived  from  the  form  of  the  bill  and  feet, 
and  would  doubtless  have  accomplished  a  com- 
plete arrangement,  had  he  uniformly  adhered  to 


112  MEMOIR  OF 

the  same  principle ;  but  in  compliance  with 
the  prejudices  of  his  times,  he  assumes  the  diffe- 
rent kinds  of  food,  the  varieties  of  the  size,  the 
nature  of  the  flesh,  and  even  what  he  calls  the 
moral  qualities,  as  the  grounds  of  subdivisions. 
His  second  and  third  books  contain  a  description 
and  history  of  the  species.  To  the  exposition  of 
each  genus,  are  prefixed  general  observations, 
including  the  fabulous  accounts  of  the  ancients, 
and  then  such  common  properties  as  appertain  to 
the  genus. 

He  then  proceeds  to  the  specific  details,  stating 
the  most  important  particulars  with  precision, 
and  finishes  with  an  account  of  particular 
habits."* 

The  following  is  Mr  Willughby's  system  ol 
ornithology. 

LAND  FOWL. 

Rapacious  diurnal  birds. 
Rapacious  nocturnal  birds. 
Crow  kind. 
Woodpecker  kind. 
Poultry  kind. 
Pigeon  kind. 

THRUSH  KIND. 

Small  birds  with  slender  bills. 

Small  birds  with  thick  and  short  bills. 

*  Rees's  Cyclopaedia,  article  Ornithology.  * 


FRANCIS  W1LLUGHBY.  113 


WATER  FOWL 

Cloven-footed,   such    as   live    about  waters  and 

marshes. 

The  greater  kind. 
Middle  and  lesser  kinds,  with  very  long  bills. 

2.  With  middle  sized  bills. 

3.  With  short  bills. 

WATER  FOWL  that  swim. 

I.  Cloven-footed,  some  of  which  may  be  called 
fin-toed,  because  they  have  lateral  appendant 
membranes  on  each  side  of  their  toes. 

II.  Whole-footed  birds. 

1.  Such  as  swim. 

2.  Such  as  have  four  toes,  all  webbed  together. 

3.  Such  as   have   four   toes,   but   the  hind  one 
separate. 

And  first,  such  as  have  narrow  and  sharp  pointed 

bills. 
Such  as  have  narrow,  serrate,  or  toothed  bills. 

4.  Such  as  have  broad  bills* 

1.  The  grouse  kind. 

2.  The  duck  kind."* 

Now,  with  regard  to  this  system,  which,  what- 
ever may  be  its  defects,  is  pronounced  by  the 
luminous  writer  of  zoology,  from  whose  work  it 
is  extracted,  to  be  "  the  first  rational  attempt  at 

*  Neville  Wood's  Ornothologist's  Text-book,  p.  100. 
u 


114  MEMOIR  OF 

classification,"  it  has  of  late  years  been  ques- 
tioned whether  it  is  to  be  ascribed  to  the  genius 
of  Mr  Willughby  or  Mr  Ray  ;  or  to  be  considered, 
as  it  is  also  sometimes  called,  The  System  of 
Willughby  and  Ray.  The  doubt  does  not  seem 
to  have  arisen  upon  any  regular  comparison  of 
the  evidence  for  each  side  ;  but  the  system  is 
sometimes,  in  the  most  unhesitating  man/icr, 
ascribed  to  Mr  Ray,  as  if  the  point  could  not  be 
controverted  ;  or  an  opinion  is  past  to  that  effect, 
without  any  appeal  to  proof;  or  the  notion  that 
it  ought  to  be  attributed  to  Mr  Willughby  is 
treated  as  a  false  impression,  derived  from  Mr 
Hay's  admiration  and  gratitude  towards  his 
friend,  which  led  him  to  bestow  honours  on  his 
youthful  patron,  which  he  might  with  more 
justice  have  assumed  to  himself ;  or  at  most,  if 
the  origination  of  the  system  is  primarily  traced 
to  Mr  Willughby,  it  is  by  representing  it  as 
having  been  on  his  part  a  sagacious  but  unformed 
conjecture  ;  and  that  its  present  comparatively 
complete  state  is  owing  to  Mr  Ray's  maturer  know- 
ledge, and  protracted  opportunity  for  observation. 
The  writers  expressing  themselves  in  this  con- 
trary manner,  agree  at  least  in  one  point,  that  it 
is  original  with  either  Mr  Ray  or  Mr  Willughby, 
or  both  ;  no  one  having  yet  insinuated  that  it 
can  be  ascribed  to  any  one  else.  It  is  plain  that 
all  reasoning  on  the  subject  can  only  proceed 
upon  such  evidence  as  actually  exists,  and  can 
therefore  be  appealed  to.  So  far  from  there 
being  any  thing  iu  the  shape  of  direct  evidence 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  115 

In  favour  of  the  opinion  that  Mr  Ray  is  the 
author  of  the  system,  either  wholly  or  partially, 
we  have  Mr  Ray's  own  most  positive  statement, 
that  when  he  came  to  look  over  Mr  Willughby's 
MSS.  he  "  found  the  several  animals  in  every 
kind ;  both  birds,  beasts,  fishes,  and  insects, 
digested  into  a  method  of  his  own  contriving" 
This  statement  is  perfectly  consistent  with  Dr 
Derham's  account  of  his  interview  with  Mr  Ray, 
a  few  months  only  before  his  death  ;  and  in 
which  Dr  Derham,  speaking  "  of  the  noble  and 
useful  design  which  by  agreement  between  Mr 
WiJlughhy  and  Mr  Ray,  fell  to  Mr  Willughby's 
share,  which  was  despatching  the  history  of 
animals ;  of  which  design,"  he  continues,  "  it 
may  not  be  improper  here  to  give  some  account, 
which  I  shall  do,  as  I  had  it  from  Mr  Ray  him- 
self.'9 He  then  proceeds  to  say,  that  "  these  two 
gentlemen,  finding  the  history  of  nature  very 
imperfect,  had  agreed  between  themselves,  before 
their  travels  beyond  seas,  to  reduce  the  several 
tribes  of  things  to  a  method,  and  to  give  accurate 
descriptions  of  the  several  species  from  a  strict 
view  of  them.  And  forasmuch  as  Mr  Willughby's 
genius  lay  chiefly  to  animals,  therefore  he  under- 
took the  birds,  beasts,  fakes,  and  insects,  as  Mr 
Ray  did  the  vegetables."  It  is  also  perfectly  con- 
sistent with  Mr  Ray's  statement  in  the  preface 
to  the  Ornithology,  (the  reader's  impartiality 
will  lead  him  to  pardon  the  requotation  of  these 
passages,  which  is  in  this  instance  for  a  different 
purpose  from  the  preceding,)  that  Mr  Wil-- 


I  If)  MI-IMOIR   OF 

lughby,  "  observing  in  this  busie  and  inquisitive 
age,  thfe  history  of  animals  alone  to  have  been  in 
a  great  measure  neglected  by  Englishmen,  he 
made  the  study  thereof  his  province,  applying 
himself  with  all  diligence  to  the  cultivating  and 
illustrating  of  it."  After  having  given  in  the 
same  preface  an  account  of  his  amazing  industry 
in  the  pursuit  of  his  "  design,"  he  states,  "  I 
know  of  no  man  who  hath  seen  more  species,  been 
more  exact  in  noting  their  differences,  and  is> 
ing  characteristic  marks,  whereby  they  may  be. 
certainly  distinguished ;  or  more  curious  in  dis- 
secting them,  and  observing  the  make  and  con- 
stitution of  their  parts,  as  well  internal  r.s 
external."  Again,  he  informs  us  that  Mr 
Willughby  "  bent  his  endeavours  mainly  to  find 
out  (as  I  before  intimated)  certain  characteristic 
notes  of  each  hind"  These,  with  several  other 
expressions  which  might  be  quoted  from  the 
same  preface,  shew  that  Mr  Willughby's  great 
object  was  the  formation  of  a  system,  and  the 
invention  of  one  which  might  serve  all  the 
requisite  purposes,  not  only  in  ornithology,  but 
in  the  several  other  zoological  departments.  It 
is  also  observable  that  Mr  Hay  seems  by  no 
means  unwilling  to  assume  to  himself  all  the 
credit  due  to  him  as  the  editor  of  his  friend's 
writings  ;  and  to  state  fully  and  explicitly  the 
various  labours  he  was  required  to  perform  in 
that  capacity.  He  states,  without  any  apparent 
reluctance,  that  though  "  in  viewing  his  MSS. 
after  his  death,  he  found  the  several  animals  in. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  117 

every  kind,  both  birds,  beasts,  fishes,  and  insects, 
digested  into  a  method  of  his  own  contriving  ;v" 
yet  that,  "  but  few  of  their  discriptions  and  his- 
tories, so  full  and  perfect  as  he  intended  them,  and 
which  he  was  so  sensible  of,  that  when  I  asked  him 
upon  his  death-bed  whether  it  was  his  pleasure 
they  should  be  published,  he  answered  that  he 
did  not  desire  it,  nor  thought  them  so  consider- 
able as  to  deserve  it,  or  somewhat  to  that 
purpose."  Nor  is  Mr  Ray  at  all  sparing  in 
stating  the  reasons  which  induced  him  to  resolve 
upon  the  publication  of  Mr  Willughby's  writings 
on  natural  history,  "  he  not  contradicting,"  and 
"  first  to  take  in  hand  the  ornithology."  He 
also  incidentally  calls  Mr  Will  ugh  by  "  the  author 
of  this  design  and  undertaking."  The  sarnp  fact 
is  recognized  even  in  Mr  Ray's  epitaph  on  Mr 
Willughby.  Dropping  the  plural  style  in  which 
Mr  Ray  delights  in  most  of  his  works  to  write, 
in  reference  to  the  assistance  he  obtained  from 
his  friends,  he  says,  "  But  because  Mr  Wil- 
lughby (though  sparing  neither  pains  nor  cost) 
could  not  procure,  and  consequently  did  not 
describe  all  sorts  of  birds,  to  perfect  the  work, 
I  have  added  the  descriptions  and  histories  of 
those  that  are  wanting  ;"  and  then  having  men- 
tioned the  names  of  the  several  authors,  out  of 
which  these  were  taken,  he  adds,  "  disposing  each 
kind,  as  near  as  I  could,  in  its  proper  place."  He 
also  speaks  of  the  additions  he  made  throughout 
the  whole  book,  "  as  being  so  many  that  it  would 
be  tedious  to  enumerate  them." 


118  MLM01R  OF 

Upon  the  due  consideration  of  these  several 
circumstances,  and  upon  consulting  more  exten- 
sively the  preface  to  the  English  edition  to  the 
ornithology,  the  reader  will  be  enabled  to  judge 
of  the  correctness  of  Dr  Smith's  assertion,  who, 
in  the  same  introductory  discourse  already 
quoted,  says,  p.  18,  "  Indeed,  Ray  was  so  partial 
to  the  fame  of  his  departed  friend,  and  has 
cherished  his  memory  with  such  affectionate  care, 
that  we  are  in  danger  of  attributing  too  much  to 
Mr  Willughby,  and  too  little  to  himself;"  and 
also  of  his  still  stronger  statement  in  his  life  of 
Hay,  in  llees's  Cyclopedia,  in  which  he 
"  Even  to  his  own  prejudice  he  fulfilled  the 
sacred  duties  of  friendship,  and  delighted  in 
adorning  the  bust  of  his  friend  with  wreaths 
that  he  himself  might  justly  have  assumed." 

It  seems  obvious  that  these  suppositions 
involve  for  their  truth  a  degree  of  weakness,  both 
of  intellect  and  feeling,  or  of  sycophancy  also, 
on  the  part  of  Hay,  utterly  inconsistent  with  his 
well  known  character.  The  powers  of  his  mind 
were  too  great  to  admit  of  the  conjecture  that  he 
mistook  the  distinction  between  his  own  merits 
and  those  of  another  ;  and,  though  his  heart  was 
eminently  grateful,  yet  its  emotions  must  ever 
have  been  too  far  regulated  by  the  convictions 
of  his  understanding,  to  have  betrayed  him  into 
so  egregious  and  fruitless  an  error,  as  to  have 
fallacious!}'  transferred  imaginary  excellencies 
even  to  his  most  esteemed  friend  ;  while  tho 
suspicion  of  any  interested  motive  cannot  rest 


FRANCIS  WJLLUGHBY.  119 

for  a  moment  on  the  character  of  one  who, 
sooner  than  violate  his  conscience  by  the 
momentary  act  of  signing  his  name  to  a  declara- 
tion, chose  rather  to  encounter  the  comparative 
poverty  and  dependence  in  which  he  lived  and 
died. 

So  far  from  being  influenced  by  worldly 
expectations  from  Mr  Willughby's  family,  Mr 
Ray,  at  the  time  of  the  publication  of  the  English 
edition  of  the  Ornithology,  had,  as  will  shortly 
be  stated,  owing  to  domestic  changes,  removed 
from  beneath  their  roof,  and  was  no  longer 
occupied  in  the  superintendence  of  Mr  Wil- 
lughby's children. 

On  the  whole,  whatever  praise  may  be  due  to 
Mr  Ray's  integrity  and  regard  to  religion  as  a 
man,  public  spirit  as  a  member  of  society, 
fidelity  and  affection  as  a  friend,  (but  for 
which  qualities,  Mr  Wiliughby's  principal  wri- 
tings might  have  lain  neglected,  and  his  real 
merit  as  the  inventor  of  his  systems  have  been 
more  successfully  questioned)  ;  yet  his  anxiety  to 
disclaim  honours  to  which  he  had  no  just  pre- 
tensions, must  be  considered  as  one  of  the 
greatest  beauties  in  his  character,  for  unless  the 
whole  of  the  existing  evidence  attendant  on  the 
question  be  doubted,  and  which  it  cannot  be 
unless  at  the  expense  of  depreciating,  in  some 
respects,  the  character  of  some  of  the  best  and 
wisest  of  men,  the  judgment  of  a  writer  already 
quoted  must  be  received,  "  that  it  is  our  duty  to 
say,  that  the  amiable  and  gentle  Ray,  whatever 


120  MEMOIR  OF 

he  might  be  in  botany,  had  very  little  merit  as 
an  ornithologist,  the  whole  of  the  system,  and 
also  the  names  of  the  birds  adopted  throughout 
his  work,  being  the  production  of  his  friend 
Willughby.  This  is  frankly  acknowledged  by 
Ray  himself,  and,  therefore,  must  be  true.  We 
are  sorry  to  observe,  that  the  credit  of  Willugliby's 
system,  and  also  of  his  names,  is  generally  most 
unjustly  awarded  to  Kay,  in  works  on  natural 
history  in  the  present  day."*  The  same  writer 
thus  expresses  his  opinion,  as  to  the  influence  of 
Mr  Willughby's  Ornithology,  in  the  researches 
of  succeeding  naturalists  in  the  same  branch  of 
natural  history, — "  The  system  of  Willughby  is, 
without  doubt,  the  basis  on  which  the  ornitho- 
logical classification  of  Linnaeus  is  founded  ;  and 
it  is  a  curious  fact,  that  many  of  Willughby's 
genera,  which  were  altered  by  the  great  Swede, 
are  now  again  introduced  merely  as  restricted  by 
the  former  author*"}  And  of  LinnaBus's  Systema 
Natures,  Mr  Wood  observes,  that  "  it  has  pro- 
bably done  more  to  advance  ornithology,  than  any 
other  publication  of  a  like  nature." 

The  reader  will  excuse  it  if  the  narration  here 
retrogrades  for  a  short  time  to  that  point  in 
which  it  last  left  the  personal  history  of  the  good 
and  faithful  Ray,  which  is  connected  still  farther 
with  the  memoir  of  Mr  Willughby.  He  con- 
tinued to  reside  at  Middleton  Hall  till  the  end  of 
the  year  1676,  when  the  old  Lady  Willughby, 

*  Neville  Wood's  Ornithologist's  Text-book,  p.  3,  4. 
t  Ibid.  p.  3. 


FRANCIS  WJLI.UGIIBV.  J21 

the  mother  of  our  naturalist,  died.  Mr  Wii- 
lughby's  widow,  soon  afterwards,  married  the 
rich  Turkey  merchant,  Sir  Josiah  Child,  when 
his  friend's  children  being  removed  from  under 
his  tuition,  Mr  Ray  thought  it  best  to  leave 
Middieton  Hall.  He  retired  to  Sutton  Cofield, 
at  the  distance  of  about  four  miles,  and  con- 
tinued there  till  Michaelmas,  1677?  when  he 
removed  to  Falborne  Hall,  not  far  from  Black 
Notley,  and  afterwards,  upon  the  death  of  his 
mother,*  to  Black  Notley  itself,  where  he  passed 
the  remaining,  twenty-five  years  of  his  life. 

There  are  some  instructions  in  Latin  addressed 
by  Mr  Ray  to  his  pupils  ;  but  whether  written 
^respectively  for  their  future  use,  or  at  a  time 
when  they  were  sufficiently  acquainted  with  the 
language  to  understand  them,  is  uncertain.  They 
will  be  perused  by  every  scholar  with  admiration 
for  the  beauty  of  the  style,  and  by  every  good 
man  for  the  excellence  of  the  sentiments.  They 
may  be  committed  to  memory,  by  the  youthful 
reader  especially,  with  advantage.j  As  soon  as 

*  This  event  happened  March  15,  16/8.  The  follow- 
ing words  are  part  of  a  memorandum  respecting  it,  found 
among  Mr  Ray's  papers,  by  Dr  Derham,  and  transcribed 
into  the  life  he  wrote  of  him, — "  I  have  good  hope  that 
her  soul  is  received  to  the  mercy  of  God,  and  her  sins 
pardoned,  through  the  merits  and  mediation  of  Jesus 
Christ,  in  whom  she  trusted,  and  whose  servant  she  had 
been  from  her  youth  up,  sticking  constantly  to  her  profes- 
sion, and  never  leaving  the  church  in  these  times  of 
giddiness  and  distraction." 

t  "  Curn  educationis  vestrae  cura  a  pia?  memorise  parente 


1*22  MEMOIR  OF 

Mr  Ray  became  comfortably  settled,  he  renewed 
his  botanical  researches,  and,  in  the  year  1682, 
published  his  own  Methodus  Plantarum  Nova* 
In  the  year  1684,  he  sent  to  the  press  the  His- 

(amicorum  optimo)  mihi  delcgata  sit,  praecipuaque  pensi 
mei  pars  in  moribus  vestris  ad  normam  a  patre  prsescrip- 
tam  formandis  versetur,  oiTicii  mei  esse  duxi,  qua?  mihi 
in  mandatis,  dedit,  vobis  exponere ;  eaque,  ut  pro  virili 
observare  et  implere  annitamini  obtestari  :  Ut  virtutis, 
libertatis  et  moderationis,  quamprimum  per  cetatem  licet 
principia  vobis  instillem  ;  literarum  amorem  et  vehemens 
desiderium  ;  laboris  patientiam  ;  otii.  guloe,  libidinis,  et 
omnigeni  luxus  odium,  detestationem,  fugam  vobis  suadeam 
et  ingenerem. 

"  Haec  cum  per  absentiam  non  licet  auribus  vestris  viva 
voce  insonare,  saltern,  quod  possum,  literis  consignata 
vobis  ob  oculos  ponere,  et  ut  rerun?  perpetuo  memores 
esse  velitis,  orare  non  desistam. 

"  Cum  autem  te  ad  libertatem  provocem,  cavendum 
est,  ne  vocem  earn  aliter  interpreteris,  quam  oportet  ;  et 
in  sinistrum  sensum  detorqueas  :  —  Liber  ergo  est,  qui 
divinis  mandatis  obtemperat  qui  rationem  ducem  sequitur, 
qui  pravorum  affectuum  jugurn  excussit,  qui  nee  guhe, 
nee  libidini  inservit,  qui  irre,  odio,  et  ambition!  dominatur ; 
non  qui,  ut  vult,  vivit,  nisi  id  velit,  quod  debeat,  quodque 
rationi  consentaneum  sit ;  liber  qui. 

"  Nullius  addictus  in  verba  jurare  magistri" 

aliena  placita  pro  oraculis  nori  habet,  sed  eorum  dictata, 
ad  Lydium  rationis  lapidem  exigit,  (de  iis  intellige  qui  per 
aetatem  et  usum  judicio  valent  qui  ingenio  pollent :)  liber 
denique,  qui  nee  alienae  voluntati  in  tantum  se  emanci- 
pavit,  ut  ejus  jussa  sine  cj,electu  omnia,  justane  an  injusta 
fuerint  parum  solicitus,  exequi  paratus  sit  legitimo  tamen 
imperio  in  omnibus  licitis,  honestisque  rebus  prompte 
et  libenter  obsequitur. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGIJBY.  123 

tory  of  Fishes,  under,  the  title  "  Ichthyographia 
sive  Historia  Piscium,  libri  quatuor  recognovit, 
cooptavit,  et  supplevit.  J.  Ray,  Oxon,  1686  ; 
folio."  A  supplementum  was  added  afterwards, 
dated,  "  Supplumentum  ;  Lond.  1743;  folio.'' 

"  Si  hsec  omnia  observaveris,  prcut  te  observasse  spero 
et  confido  ;  qua  dixi,  non  parsenesis  sed  encomium  sunt  ; 
nee  reprehensionis  sed  laudis  materiam  continent,  teque 
sereno  et  tranquillo  animo  esse  jubent,  et  recte  factorum 
conscientia  laetari.  —  Siquidem 

Qui  monet,  ut  facias,  quod  jam  facis,  &c. 

tantum  ut  quo  caepisti  pede,  pergas  ;   et  ut  indies  magi?, 
*  magisque  perlicias  consulendus  est. 

"  Imprimis  autem  te  vehementer  exbortor,  uta  malorum 
consortio  abborreas,  nee  iis  unquam  familiarius  utaris  : 
memineris  illius  Apostoli 


Verum,  si  qui  pii  sunt,  et  probi,  modesti,  ingeniosi,  docti, 
illos  tibi  socios  asciscas,  cum  iis  amicitiam  colas,  et  liben- 
tissime  verseris,  a  quibus  ipse  aut  doctior  semper,  aut 
melior  possis  discedere. 

*'  Fastum  omnem  et  superbiam  exanimo  ejicias  :  reputes 
tecum,  quam  stultum  sit  hoc  vitium  quam  rationi  cori- 
trarium,  quam  Deo  et  hominibus  odiosum. 

Summopere  exorandus  es,  ut  pietatem  exerceas  erga 
parentes,  aliosque  sanguine  conjunctos  quibus  aBtatis,  dig- 
nitatis,  aut  gradus  respectu  observantiam  et  reverentiam 
debes,  ut  eos  debitis  officiis  colas  eorumque  monitis,  con- 
siliis,  imo  et  reprehensionibus  justis  auscultes  et  obtem- 
peres.  Tandem  ut  grato  animo  esse  velis  erga  omnes, 
qui  de  te  bene  meruerint  :  —  decorum,  honestum,  justum 
est.  ut  eos,  qui  te  amore  et  benevolentia  prosequuntur, 
qui  fideli  consilio  aut  precibus  apud  Deum  juverunt,  qui 
beneflciis  cumularunt,  ut  eos,  inquam,  vicissim  diligas,  et 


124  MKMOIR  OF 

Iii  a  letter  to  Dr  Tancred  Robinson,  dated 
February  18,  1684,  Mr  Ray  tells  him  that  he  had 
extracted  out  of  Mr  Willughby's  papers,  revised, 
supplied,  methodized,  and  fitted  for  the  press,  the 
Ichthyologia.  Dr  Tancred  Robinson  communi- 
cated it  to  the  Royal  Society  ;  and  the  members 
of  that  learned  body,  thinking  that  so  good  a 
work  was  worthy  of  being  published,  "  did,  by  the 
help  of  Bishop  Fell,  get  it  printed  at  the  Theatre 
at  Oxford,  the  Royal  Society  bearing  the  charge, 
and  the  cuts  being  engraved  at  the  cost  of  divers 
worthy  members  of  that  learned  body.  The 
reason  why  none  of  Mr  Willughby's  family  afforded 
pecuniary  assistance  towards  this  work  as  to  the 
former,  may  have  been,  that  the  widow  of  Mr 
Willughby  was  now  married  to  Sir  Josiah  Child, 
and  that  both  his  sons  were  still  very  young.  This 
book,  although  fewer  materials  were  left  for  it 
than  for  the  Ornithology,  owing  partly  no  doubt 
to  the  loss  of  Mr  Willughby's  papers,  containing 
his  observations  on  fishes,  while  abroad,  is  also 
frequently  included  by  Mr  Ray  as  one  amongst 
those  several  kinds  of  creatures,  birds,  beasts, 

affectu  mutuo  complectaris  ;  ut  paria  facere  contendas ; 
imo  ut  cum  favore  beneficium  reponas,  et  agros  fertiies 
imiteris,  qui  multo  plus  reddunt  quam  acccperunt. 

"  Haec  sunt,  quae  tibi  consulere  officii  mei  esse  duxi,  ut 
ingrati,  imo  injusti  notam  effugiam  ;  *  ut  qui  beneficium 
acciperem,  officium  autem  non  prsestarem  ullam'  —  quae  ut 
eodem,  quo  a  me  ammo  profecta  sunt,  accipias  ;  eademque 
non  ut  monita  mea,  sed  ut  mandata  paterna,  imo  divina 
respicias,  et  observes,  rogo;  meque  habeas,  pro  humilissimo 
et  fidissimo  tuo  cliente  et  servo." — J\  R. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGKBY.  125 

fishes,  and  insects,  which  lie  had  digested  into  a 
method  of  his  own  contriving,  yet  also  leaving 
few  of  their  descriptions  and  histories  so  full  and 
perfect  as  he  intended  them."  Mr  Willughby  is 
known  to  have  considered  Belon  as  the  best 
writer  on  ichthyology  whose  works  were  extant 
in  his  day.  Their  systems  are  said  to  have  some 
resemblance,  but  not  to  the  extent  of  depriving 
Mr  Willughby 's  of  a  claim  to  invention. 

The  following  years  of  Mr  Ray's  life  were 
occupied  in  the  publication,  at  different  intervals, 
of  several  excellent  works,  none  of  which, 
however,  were  in  any  way  connected  with  Mr 
Willughby. 

In  the  last  year  of  his  life  he  resolved  to  com- 
plete Mr  Willughby's  History  of  Insects.  In  a 
letter  to  Dr  Derham,  who  had  just  been  to  visit 
him,  dated  August  16,  1704,  he  writes,  "  It  is 
high  time  that  I  give  you  thanks  for  the  kind 
visit  you  made  me  here,  and  those  rare  insects 
3'ou  were  pleased  to  communicate.  I  am  now 
entering  on  a  History  of  Insects,  &c.  The  main 
reason  which  induces  me  to  undertake  it  is,  be- 
cause I  have  Mr  Willughby 's  history  and  papers 
in  my  hands,  who  had  spent  a  great  deal  of  time, 
and  bestowed  much  pains  upon  this  subject,  when 
there  were  few  that  minded  or  were  diligent 
about  it,  though  now  there  are  many  ;  and  it  is  a 
pity  his  pains  should  be  lost." 

In  the  last  letter  *  Mr  Ray  wrote  to  Dr  Derham, 

*  Philosophical  Letters,  p.  342. 


125  MEMOIR  OF 

dated  September  6,  1704,  lie  says, — "  The 
which  I  have  now  entered  upon  is  indeed  too 
great  a  task  for  me  ;  I  am  very  crazy  and  infirm, 
and  God  knows  whether  I  shall  overlive  this 
winter.  Cold  weather  is  very  grievous  to  me  ; 
besides,  I  have  not  bestowed  sufficient  time  and 
pains  in  the  quest  of  any  insect  tribes,  except 
papilios ;  and  I  have  told  how  far  short  I  am  of 
perfection  in  that.  I  rely  chiefly  on  Mr  Wil- 
lugJibys  discoveries  and  the  contributions  of 
friends  ;  as  for  my  own  papers  on  this  subject, 
they  are  not  worth  preserving''"  Mr  Ray  died  on 
the  17th  of  January  in  the  next  year,  1705. 

The  History  of  Insects  was  published  after  his 
death  by  Dr  Derham,  at  the  expense  of  the  Royal 
Society,  in  the  year  1710,  under  the  following 
title  :  — 

"  Historia  Insectorum,  Autore  Joanne  Raio  ; 
Collegii  S.  Trinitatis  apud  Cantabrigienses,  et 
Societates  Regiae  olim  socio,  opus  posthumum. 
Jussu  Regia3  Societatis  Londinensis  Editum. 

"  Cui  subjungitur  appendix  de  scaraboeis  Britan- 
nicis  Autore  M.  Lister,  S.R.S.  ex  MSS :  MusgeL 
Ashmolasani." 

This  work  comprehends  all  Mr  Willughby's 
descriptions,  with  others  by  Mr  Ray,  and  forms  a 
quarto  volume,  including  the  appendix  on  British 
beetles.  It  abounds  with  acknowledgments  to 
Mr  Willughby  throughout,  made  frequently  in 
terms  of  the  highest  respect  and  deference.  When 
it  is  considered  how  comparatively  neglected  the 
study  of  insects  was  when  Mr  Willughby  began, 


FRANCIS  WJLLUGHBY.  127 

the  system  contained  in  this  volume,  and  the 
descriptions  which  are  acknowledged  as  his  by 
name,  might  have  of  themselves  been  considered 
a  very  sufficient  and  praiseworthy  occupation  of 
his  short  life. 

Various  testimonies  of  that  age  are  still  extant 
of  the  public  estimation  in  which  Mr  Willughby 
was  held  ;  one  of  these,  consisting  of  a  compari- 
son between  him  and  Dr  Wilkins,  may  be  admit- 
ted, taken  from  Echard's  History  of  England.* 

"  After  all  these,  we  shall  mention  Francis 
Willughby,  Esq.  of  Middleton  in  Warwickshire, 
one  highly  celebrated  among  the  great  virtuosi  of 
Europe.  He  was  descended  from  two  great 
branches  of  that  ancient  and  most  famous  family 
of  the  \Villughbies,  and  proved  a  mighty  orna- 
ment to  them  both.  His  rare  natural  abilities, 
joined  with  his  indefatigable  industry,  brought 
him  to  very  great  skill  in  all  parts  of  learning, 
and  particularly  in  those  sciences  which  are  most 
abstruse  and  uncommon  to  vulgar  capacities ; 
the  most  subtle  parts  of  mathematics  and  natural 
philosophy;  and  more  particularly  the  history  of 
animals,  birds,  beasts,  fishes,  and  insects,  in  which 
he  distinguished  himself  almost  beyond  example, 
and  became  the  glory  of  his  age.  In  order  to 
which  he  travelled  into  many  countries,  and  left 
no  impediment  untried ;  and  last  of  all.  he  was 
snatched  away  in  the  37th  year  of  his  age,  to 
the  great  concern  of  all  curious  and  inquisitive 

*  Edition  folio,  1718,  vol.  iii.  p.  309. 


128  MEMOIR  OF 

scholars,  especially  of  the  Royal  Society,  and  the 
great  loss  of  all  good  men  who  were  acquainted 
with  his  virtues,  and  of  all  learned  men  who 
could  judge  of  his  labours. 

"  The  other,  Bishop  Wilkins,  was  a  person  of  a 
different  temper,  and  a  more  extensive  genius  ; 
who  was  no  loser,  but  a  considerable  gainer  in  the 
late  troublesome  times.  He  was  educated  in  the 
University  of  Oxford,  where  he  was  warden  of 
Wadham  College,  and  thence  removed  to  the 
mastership  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge,  by 
Cromwell,  whose  sister  he  had  married. 

"  He  was  deprived  of  this  at  the  Restoration,  yet 
afterwards,  for  his  admirable  abilities,  he  was  made 
Bishop  of  Chester ;  and  surely  the  Court  could 
never  have  found  a  man  of  greater  ingenuity  and 
capacity,  or  of  more  considerable  knowledge  and 
understanding,  being  distinguished  not  only  by 
his  theology  and  his  excellent  preaching,  but  for 
his  skill  in  mathematics,  in  philosophy,  and  in  all 
sorts  of  polite  and  valuable  learning,  than  whom 
no  man  ever  had  a  truer  taste  or  a  more  solid 
judgment." 

The  marble  busts  of  Mr  Willughby  and  Mr 
Ray  stand  opposite  to  each  other  in  the  Library, 
of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge,  at  the  commence- 
ment of  that  long  succession  of  resemblances  on 
either  hand  of  the  great  and  wise  of  past  ages, 
which  deepens  the  veneration  inspired  in  the 
visiter  by  the  view  of  their  works,  assembled 
around  him,  and  who  occasionally  pauses  to  com- 
pare the  "  features  with  the  thoughts"  of  those  of 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  129 

them  whose  history  is  peculiarly  hallowed  in  his 
recollections.* 

In  reviewing  the  short  but  brilliant  career  of 
Mr  Willughby,  our  observations  must  be  di- 
rected to  his  merits  viewed  in  relation  to  his 
advantages.  He  seems  to  have  been  possessed 
of  every  pre-requisite  for  great  scientific  attain- 
ments ;  being  an  instance  of  the  rare  union 
of  intellectual  powers  of  the  highest  order,  a 
sound  constitution  of  body,  and  a  natural  inclina- 
tion for  exalted  pursuits.  Had  any  one  of  these 
endowments  been  wanting,  or  possessed  by  him 
in  a  lower  degree,  his  character  might  have  been 
less  admirable.  An  inequality  of  the  mental 
powers  might  have  made  him  merely  a  well- 
meaning  and  virtuous  man,  —  qualities,  indeed, 
whose  absence  cannot  be  compensated  by  the 
possession  of  any  others,  but  which  would  not 
have  raised  him  to  the  position  of  eminence  and 
usefulness  which  he  occupied.  Still  less  valuable 
and  illustrious  might  have  been  the  results,  had 
not  every  other  qualification  been  directed  by  an 
excellence  of  disposition.  It  need  not  here  be 
attempted  to  assign  the  causes  of  that  violent 
propensity  to  evil  which  has  often  been  associated 
with  great  talents,  and  which,  if  indulged,  has 

*  And  if  a  sage's  bust  arrests  thee,  there, 

Pause,  and  his  features  with  his  thoughts  compare. 

ROGERS'  Pleasures  of  Memory. 

"  Dryden  drew  inspiration  from  the  *  majestic  face'  of 
Shakespeare,  and  a  portrait  of  Newton  was  the  only  orna- 
ment of  the  closet  of  Buffon." — Notes. 


130  MEMOIR  OF 

served  but  to  render  those  talents  the  means  of 
proportionally  greater  mischief  and  misery,  and 
every  worldly  advantage  the  source  of  self-degra- 
dation to  the  possessor,  involving  too  frequently 
that  of  others  also  ;  or  which  propensity,  if  re- 
strained, requires  that  concentration  of  intellect 
upon  the  mere  effort  of  preserving  a  decent  regu- 
larity which  almost  entirely  absorbs  its  energies. 
Mr  Willughbyy  though  doubtless  sharing  in  the 
general  frailty  of  mankind,  seems  to  have  suffered 
no  diminution  of  his  usefulness  from  any  lapses  or 
aberrations  of  good  principle,  or  from  the  corrod- 
ing regrets  by  which  these  are  retrieved.  Still 
this  right  direction  of  his  powers  was,  no  doubt,  an 
act  of  voluntary  selection,  on  his  own  part,  to 
the  extent  needful  to  have  rendered  it  virtuous, — 
a  selection  which,  in  order  to  its  being  praise- 
worthy, must  have  been  made  upon  an  acquain- 
tance with  the  difference  of  those  objects  which 
compete  for  human  preference.  There  is  reason 
also  to  believe  that  he  owed  much  to  the  instruc- 
tions, example,  and  assistance  of  his  parents,  who 
were  themselves  highly  educated,  and  truly  excel- 
lent persons  ;  capable  not  only  of  conducting  the 
earlier  part  of  his  education  upon  the  best  prin- 
ciples, but  also  of  appreciating  the  bias  of  his 
natural  disposition,  and  of  adopting  right  means 
for  its  development.  There  is,  however,  one 
portion  of  Mr  Willughby's  character,  the  praise 
of  which  must  be,  partly  at  least,  ascribed  to  him- 
self, which  was,  his  abhorrence  of  idleness,  which 
he  justly  considered  as  the  parent  of  almost  every 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  131 

vice.  May  persons  of  every  class  in  society  be 
constantly  actuated  by  a  similar  persuasion,  and 
dread  the  first  hour  that  shall  find  them  unengaged 
in  some  interesting  and  useful  pursuit,  as  most 
certainly  exposing  them  to  the  seductions  of  self- 
indulgence  in  animal  pleasures ;  whose  syren 
voice,  unless  guarded  against  with  the  forethought 
and  decision  of  the  prince  of  Ithaca,  may  disable 
its  captive  listener  from  refusal  or  retreat,  and 
involve  him  in  a  destruction  more  calamitous 
than  that  which  strewed,  with  bones  and  corrup- 
tion, the  rocks  and  caverns  of  Pelorus  !  He  had 
happily  become  convinced,  that  the  only  method 
whereby  the  mind  can  be  preserved  free  from  the 
solicitations  of  inordinate  desires,  and  be  kept 
both  innocent  and  cheerful,  is  to  occupy  it  with 
those  pursuits  which  are  conducive  to  a  course 
of  virtue  and  usefulness. 

The  excellence  of  his  choice  will  become  more 
apparent,  if  it  be  considered  to  what  powerful 
temptations  he  must  have  been  exposed  from 
station  and  affluence  ;  temptations  increased  in 
number  and  force  by  the  state  of  his  times,  which 
offered  him  the  excitement  of  political  partisan- 
ship, or  those  coarse  and  dissolute  pleasures  to 
which  persons  of  his  position  in  society  were 
then  too  generally  addicted. 

It  should  also  be  remembered,  that  the  depart- 
ments to  which  he  devoted  his  time  and  energies, 
were  then,  comparatively,  unexplored,  and  so 
new  was  one  of  them  to  the  world  generally, 
namely,  the  study  of  insects,  that  even  at  the 


132  MEMOIR  OF 

distance  of  some  years  after  the  death  of  Mr 
Willughby,  an  attempt  was  made  to  set  aside  the 
will  of  a  Lady  Glanville,  on  the  ground  of  lunacy, 
because  she  had  shewn  a  strong  partiality  for 
insects;  and  Mr  Ray  had  to. appear  on  the  day 
of  trial,  to  bear  testimony  to  her  sanity!*  Nor 
were  there  those  inducements  of  an  honorary 
description  then,  as  now  ;  the  Royal  Society  had 
not  even  existed  as  such,  till  some  years  after  Mr 
Willughby  had  addicted  himself  to  his  favourite 
studies. 

Another  excellence  of  character  which  he  exhi- 
bited in  the  highest  perfection,  was  his  due  esti- 
mate of  birth,  fortune,  and  talent, — "  not  con- 
tenting himself  therewith,  or  valuing  himself  on 
them,  but  labouring  after  what  might  render  him 
more  deservedly  honourable  and  more  truly  to  be 
called  his  own,  as  being  obtained  by  the  concur- 
rence at  least  of  his  own  endeavours."  With 
respect  to  birth, — a  distinction  which,  like  some 
others,  is  despised  chiefly  by  those  who  do  not 
possess  it, — if-  it  be  a  fact,  that  the  consciousness 
in  an  individual  of  being  able  to  trace  distinctly 
his  origin  through  a  long  succession  of  persons 
chiefly  distinguished  by  the  rewards  of  merit, 
or  the  due  performance  of  those  duties  which  the 
inferior  grades  of  society  expect  from  privileged 
station,  is  really  a  motive  felt  by  him  who  forms 
the  existing  member  in  the  series  of  illustrious 
descent,  inclining  him  to  avoid  whatever  is 
mean  in  conduct,  and  to  pursue  whatever  is 

*  Life  of  Ray  in  the  Naturalist's  Library. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  133 

honourable  and  kind  towards  his  less  distinguished 
neighbours,  as  the  fee-simple  of  that  station,  and 
of  which  he  is  "  seized  and  his  heirs  for  ever  ;" 
then  will  no  wisely-judging  wellwisher  of  society 
desire  to  see  this  distinction  annihilated,  since 
every  motive  to  good  conduct,  like  every  thread 
in  the  cable,  is  valuable  as  conducive  to  the 
general  result.  If  ever  any  man  had  temptations 
to  the  pride  of  birth,  it  was  Mr  Willughby,  the 
authentic  and  unbroken  records  of  whose  family 
carry  his  descent,  by  his  grandfather's  side,  up  to 
the  Conquest,  through  a  succession  scarcely  ever 
descending,  for  any  great  length  of  time,  beneath 
the  level  of  nobility,  and  including  in  its  progress 
alliances  with  the  chief  sovereigns  of  Europe. 
But  Mr  Willughby  was  aware,  that,  as  far  as 
concerned  himself,  this  was  an  accidental  distinc- 
tion, that  he  derived  no  worthiness  from  the 
virtues  of  his  ancestors,  and  that,  as  ever  he  would 
support  the  hereditary  honours  of  his  family, 
and  avoid  those  honours  becoming  a  reproach 
to  himself,  he  must  **  labour  after  what  might 
render  him  more  deservedly  honourable,  and 
more  truly  to  be  called  his  own,  as  being  obtained 
by  the  concurrence  at  least  of  his  own  endea- 
vours." His  estimate  of  the  advantages  of  fortune 
were  equally  just.  He  must  have  experienced 
the  value  of  competency,  as  affording  scope  and 
efficiency  to  genius,  by  enabling  its  possessor  to 
obtain,  in  the  first  instance,  the  best  kind  of  edu- 
cation, and  ever  afterwards  to  remove  all  impe- 
diments to  his  researches. 


134  MEMOIR  OF 

There  are,  no  doubt,  many  brilliant  instances  on 
record  of  genius  contending  with  difficulties,  and 
emerging  from  amid  them ;  and  these  instances 
sometimes  command  the  admiration  of  mankind, 
just  as  they  admire  the  splendours  of  the  sun 
when,  having  gained  the  meridian,  his  beams  gild 
with  effulgence  the  clouds  which  enveloped  his 
rising  ;  but  it  is  to  be  questioned  whether  their 
admiration  of  these  instances  does  not  largely 
partake  of  the  quality  of  mere  surprise,  or  of 
beholding  a  difficulty  overcome  ;  and  whether  the 
objects  of  it,  having  attained  that  given  point  they 
appear  to  have  proposed  to  themselves,  have  not 
afterwards  sunk  iuto  a  comparative  lethargy, 
consisting  at  best  in  the  satisfaction  of  having 
gained  a  purpose,  and  quite  as  often  at  least  in  the 
exhaustion  of  the  energy  their  attempt  required. 
It  must  be  confessed,  that  of  two  competitors  in 
the  pursuit  of  science,  under  equal  circumstances, 
in  other  respects,  he  has  infinitely  the  advantage 
who  is  free  from  the  paralyzing  effect  of  worldly 
cares ;  and  that,  though  the  weight  of  early  difficul- 
ties on  the  principle  of  genius,  creates  a  reaction  of 
its  powers  favourable  to  success,  yet,  unless  it  be 
speedily  relieved  by  gaining  some  vantage  ground 
upon  which  it  may  recruit  its  powers,  that  very 
reaction  may  merely  result  in  disheartening  and 
disabling  from  farther  enterprise.  The  cause  of 
science  seems  to  have  peculiar  claims  upon  those 
who  are  possessed  of  the  requisite  worldly  advan- 
tages, and  have  imbibed  a  taste  for  its  pursuits, 
cither  to  engage  in  them  personally,  or  at  least 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  135 

to  assist  others  to  climb  the  steepy  ascent  to  use- 
fulness, unencumbered,  who  otherwise  might  have 
"  waged  with  fortune  an  eternal  war."* 

The  annals  of  science  are  indeed  replenished 
with  the  names  of  many  persons  of  this  class  in 
society,  who  have  acknowledged  and  acted  on 
the  duty  arising  from  the  possession  of  wealth, 
in  one  at  feast,  and  often,  like  Mr  Willughby,  in. 
both  of  the  modes  now  adverted  to.  It  were  to 
be  wished  that  Mr  Ray's  intention,  partly,  at 
least,  in  eating  the  works  of  Mr  Willughby,  and 
writing  his  life,  may  be  more  extensively  accom- 
plished ;  which,  next  to  doing  him  right,  by  pro- 
curing him  the  honour  due  to  his  memory,  was 
"  to  provoke  young  gentlemen  of  this  nation,  by 
the  proposal  of  so  illustrious  an  example  of  their 
own  rank,  to  prosecute  the  study  of  ingenious 
literature,  and  to  aspire  to  true  honour  by  the 
constant  exercise  of  virtue."f  It  is  also  equally 

*  Beattie's  Minstrel. 

t  It  may  be  allowed  to  record  an  instance  in  which  such 
an  effect  was  produced.  It  is  that  of  the  naturalist  Pen- 
nant, born  1726,  who,  like  Mr  Willughby,  was  of  illus- 
trious descent,  and  whose  father  was  a  wealthy  old 
English  gentleman.  He  tells  us  that  "  a  present  of  the 
Ornithology  of  Francis  Willughby,  made  to  me  when 
I  was  about  twelve  years  of  age,  by  my  kinsman,  the  lata 
John  Salisbury,  Esq.  first  gave  me  a  taste  for  that  study, 
and  incidentally  a  love  for  that  of  Natural  History  in 
general,  which  I  have  since  pursued  with  my  constitu- 
tional ardour."  Speaking  of  his  Arctic  Zoology,  he  says, 
"This  work  was  begun  a  great  many  years  past,  when 
the  empire  of  Great  Britain  was  entire,  and  possessed  tha 


136  MEMOIR  OF 

worthy  of  remark,  that  the  subject  of  our  memoir 
did  not  rest  contented  in  the  mere  consciousness 
of  talent.  On  the  contrary,  he  seems  to  have 
been  early  aware,  that  the  value  of  ability  of  any 
kind  consists  in  its  due  and  proper  application, 
eo  that  "  he  addicted  himself  to  that  department 
of  Natural  History,  which,  by  agreement  with 
Mr  Ray,  he  had  selected,  as  diligently  as  if  he  had 
been  compelled  to  get  his  bread  by  it." 

As  may  be  expected  from  the  foregoing  account, 
he  was  most  deeply  sensible  of  the  value  of  time, 

northern  part  of  the  New  World  with  envied  splendour. 
At  that  period,  I  formed  a  design  of  collecting  materials 
for  a  partial  history  of  its  animals  ;  and  with  true  pains, 
my  various  correspondents  made  far  greater  progress  in 
my  plan,  than  my  most  sanguine  expectations  had  framed. 
Above  a  century  ago,  an  illustrious  predecessor  in  the 
line  of  Natural  History,  who  as  greatly  exceeded  me  in 
abilities,  as  he  did  in  zeal,  meditated  a  voyage  to  the 
New  World  for  a  similar  purpose.  The  gentleman 
alluded  to  was  Francis  Willughby,  Esq.  who  died  in 
1672,  on  the  point  of  putting  his  design  into  execution. 
Emulous  of  so  illustrious  an  example,  I  took  up  the  object 
of  his  pursuit,  but  my  many  relative  duties  forbade  me 
from  carrying  it  the  length  of  that  great  and  good 
man." — Memoir  of  Pennant  in  the  Naturalist's  Library \ 
page  32  and  33. 

It  seems  that  Mr  Pennant  did  not,  however,  follow  hi& 
exemplar  with  equal  steps.  It  is  remarked  by  Mr  S  wainson, 
that  he  "  followed  the  system  of  Linnaeus,  except  in  that 
strange  and  unnatural  system  of  the  primary  orders  of  birds 
which  he  fell  into,  and  which  was  the  more  inexcusable 
after  the  writings  of  Willughby."— Preliminary  Discourse* 
page  50. 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  137 

or,  in  the  words  of  Mr  Ray,  "  he  did  not 
willingly  let  slip  one  moment  of  it  unemployed." 
He  had  not,  therefore,  yielded  to  the  delusion, 
that  talent  is  a  compensation  for  every  other 
deficiency  ;  and  that  it  especially  exempts  the 
possessor  from  the  industry  which  is  sometimes 
spoken  of  as  more  appropriate  to  less  gifted  indi- 
viduals. It  had,  however,  been  well  for  those 
who  hold  this  erroneous  notion  had  they  under- 
stood, that  talent,  without  the  knowledge  to  be 
acquired  by  application,  is  mere  power  without 
skill ;  and  that  there  are  strong  reasons  for  be- 
lieving, that  what  is  called  genius  consists  greatly 
in  the  aptitude  for  patient  attention.  But  there 
were  other  component  qualities  in  the  character 
of  Mr  Willughby,  of  equal  value  with  any  of  the 
preceding, — namely,  his  entire  dominion  over  the 
carnal  propensities  of  his  nature,  the  indulgence 
of  which  has  ever  been  most  justly  reckoned  as 
the  most  deadly  foe  to  greatness.  Hence,  his  time 
was  not  devoured  by  the  long  intervals  which 
even  occasional  excesses  demand  from  their  com- 
mencement to  the  cessation  of  their  effects,  nor 
his  faculties  beclouded  and  weakened  by  the  sym- 
pathy of  his  mind  with  a  disordered  body,  nor  his 
moral  feelings  perverted  by  the  grossness  which 
is  transferred  to  them  from  the  pampered  appetites 
of  the  voluptuary  ;  but  his  understanding  and 
heart  were  ever  replete  with  the  tranquillity,  purity, 
and  brightness  of  the  early  summer's  morning, 
rendering  every  perception  correct,  every  emotion 
just,  every  purpose  exalted. 


138  MEMOIR  OF 

And,  it  may  readily  be  believed,  that  such  a 
state,  instead  of  being  one  continual  pain,  as  it 
appears  to  the  weakened  and  perverted  judgment 
of  the  sensualist,  is,  on  the  contrary,  the  highest 
state  of  human  enjoyment.  Mortification  is 
merely  the  process  by  which  it  is  at  first  obtain- 
ed, and  which,  thenceforward,  entirely  ceases, 
leaving  results  which  convince  the  happy  pos- 
sessor, that  "  the  minding  of"  the  intellect  is 
life  and  peace. 

Nor  was  Mr  Willughby  so  absorbed  in  his 
philosophical  pursuits,  as  to  be  neglectful  of  the 
interests  of  his  family,  and  the  improvement  of 
his  estates.  There  are  two  avenues  of  noble  oaks 
at  Wollaton,  which  were  planted,  or,  as  it  is 
worded  in  the  family  records,  "  sown"  by 
him.* 

There  are  many  fine  oaks  at  Middleton  also, 
which  he  is  said  to  have  planted.  Were  it  needed, 
it  might  be  shewn,  by  much  additional  evidence, 
that  he  knew  how  to  combine  the  requisite  at- 
tention to  his  worldly  concerns  with  the  most 
devoted  pursuit  of  science,  evincing  his  own 
superiority  to  the  weakness  of  considering,  as  some 
have  done,  or  rather  perhaps  have  affected  to  do, 
that  such  objects  of  attention  are  incompatible 
with  each  other.  No  distinct  account  exists  of 

*  The  use  of  the  particular  word  "  sown,"  as  applied  to 
these  avenues,  reminds  of  Evelyn's  Silva,  which  was 
published  in  the  year  1664,  and  in  which  he  recommends 
that  oaks  should  be  "  sows,"  in  order  to  preserve  ths 
tap -root  which  is  often  destroyed  by  transplanting. 


FRANCIS  W1LLUGHBY.  J39 

; 

his  particular  religious  principles ;  perhaps  the 
state  of  the  times  was  unfavourable  to  any  marked 
expression  of  these.  It  is  not  the  least  evil 
resulting  from  such  a  political  condition  as  ex- 
isted during  the  Commonwealth  and  subsequent 
Restoration,  that  the  wise  and  good  are  often 
compelled  by  it  to  decline  the  well-timed  and 
moderate  avowal  of  the  distinguishing  doctrines 
of  Christianity,  in  order  to  avoid  the  imputation 
of  indifference  from  the  extravagant  zealot  on  the 
one  hand,  and  the  charge  of  religious  hypocrisy 
from  the  profane,  rendered  still  more  profane  by 
the  spirit  of  revulsion  on  the  other. 

But  enough  is  still  said  of  him  to  justify  the 
most  pleasing  conclusions.  His  habits  of  indus- 
try, temperance,  and  purity — his  enlightened 
estimate  of  the  advantages  of  birth,  wealth,  and 
intellectual  ability,  and  of  the  true  nature  of  per- 
sonal worthiness — his  abhorrence  of  idleness,  on 
the  ground  of  its  being  the  parent  of  almost  every 
vice — his  eminent  virtue  and  goodness — his  re- 
markable humility,  justice,  and  integrity — his 
disinterested  constancy  to  his  friends — his  com- 
prehensive "  charity  toward  all  good  men,  to  the 
exclusion,  however,  of  such  opinions  as  are  incon- 
sistent with  true  goodness" — his  fear  and  reverence 
of  the  Deity,  deep  sense  of  his  goodness,  and 
thankfulness  for  the  same — sincere  piety  in  all 
his  actions  toward  him,  and  great  abhorrency  of 
whatever  tended  to  his  dishonour — his  patience 
and  submission,  which  he  also  evinced  so  con- 
spicuously on  his  deathbed,. — all  which  qualities 


140  MEMOIR  OF 

are  in  almost  the  same  words  ascribed  to  him 
by  the  pious  and  impartial  Itay,  and  also  in  the 
most  solemn  manner  reiterated  in  the  affecting 
prayer  which  he  composed  on  the  subject  of  his 
death,  fully  justify  the  belief  that  religion  was 
the  great  actuating  principle  of  his  pursuits, 
transforming  them  into  a  course  of  devoted 
services  to  the  Creator.  Nor  need  it  be  dis- 
trusted that,  upon  these  varied  excellencies,  was 
ingrafted  a  belief  in  the  genuine  doctrines  of 
Christianity  ;  since  dispositions  of  this  kind 
constitute  "  the  honest  and  good  heart,"  in  which 
Christianity  produces  its  most  fertile  and  valuable 
results,  agreeably  to  that  ever  memorable  declara- 
tion of  its  Founder,  that  "  if  any  man  will  do  the 
will  of  God,  he  shall  know  of  the  doctrine  whether 
it  be  of  God."  The  writer  would  express  his 
conviction,  derived  from  the  acquaintance  with 
Mr  Willughby's  character  which  has  necessarily 
arisen  during  the  research  required  by  this 
memoir,  that  his  religious  principles  did  not  rest 
in  a  mere  general  and  indefinite  acquiescence  in 
the  articles  of  the  Christian  faith,  but  in  that  clear 
and  heartfelt  apprehension  —  that  predominant 
influence  of  them — which  is  supposed  throughout 
the  formularies  of  the  Church  of  England  to  be 
possessed  by  its  members,  and  which  those  formu- 
laries are  so  admirably  calculated  to  excite  and 
cherish.  The  concluding  observation  with  regard 
to  Mr  Willughby,  is,  that  his  eminence  as  a 
naturalist  may,  no  doubt,  be  greatly  ascribed  to 
the  basis  which  was  laid  for  it  in  the  sound  edu- 


FRANCIS  W1LLUGHBY.  141 

cation  in  classical  and  mathematical  learning  in 
the  first  part  of  his  life.  His  early  proficiency 
in  these  may  be  inferred  from  his  ready  use  of 
the  Latin  language,  in  which  all  his  papers  were 
written,  and  from  his  correspondence  with  Dr 
Barrow  on  mathematical  subjects,  which  took 
place  when  he  was  only  twenty-seven  years  of 
age.  To  the  habits  of  correct  reasoning,  minute, 
and  universal  observation,  extensive  acquaintance 
with  nature,  and  scientific  truth  thus  acquired,  may 
be  ascribed  that  excellence  in  the  great  variety 
of  departments  which  he  attained  even  before 
the  powers  of  his  mind  had  reached  their  matu- 
rity. The  mental  habits  derived  from  the  exclu- 
sive study  of  classics  and  mathematics  during  a 
considerable  period  in  the  first  part  of  education, 
render  accurate  and  extensive  acquirements  in 
any  department  to  which  the  attention  may  after- 
wards be  turned  both  sure  and  easy,  while,  for 
the  want  of  this  early  training,  the  best  wishes 
and  most  desirable  advantages  are  often  rendered 
useless.  It  may  serve  to  abate  the  impatience 
of  some  youthful  students,  who,  amid  the  fatigues 
of  learning  languages,  and  of  pursuing  what,  in 
ancient  phraseology,  were  most  happily  called 
"the  exact  sciences,"  may  sigh  for  what  they 
deem  the  more  congenial  pursuits  of  Natural 
History,  to  assure  them,  that  till  they  are  possessed 
of  the  mental  discipline  to  be  derived  from  their 
appointed  studies  alone,  attention  to  Zoology,  or 
to  any  other  branch  of  natural  philosophy,  would 
but  dissipate  their  energies  already  acquired,  and 


142  MEMOIR  OF 

by  so  much  as  they  might  indulge  it,  diminish 
their  power  of  pursuing  hereafter  the  study  of  any 
department  of  nature  with  success. 

Let  them,  therefore,  postpone  the  gratification 
of  their  wishes  as  ever  they  would  avoid  being 
numbered  with  that  large  class  of  individuals 
who,  by  having  had  their  attention  too  soon 
directed  to  such  branches  of  knowledge,  have 
ultimately  attained  scarcely  a  mediocrity  in  any. 

It  may  also  be  permitted  to  remark  on  the 
collateral  advantages  of  a  moral  and  religious 
nature  which  result  to  the  individual  himself, 
who,  with  the  requisite  education,  pursues 
Natural  History  either  as  his  chief  occupation,  or 
for  purposes  of  mere  amusement  or  relaxation. 
The  attention  of  the  naturalist  is  directed  to  the 
immediate  works  of  Deity,  which  are  the  realized 
perceptions  of  whatever  seems  beautiful  and  wise 
to  His  infinite  intelligence.  These  pursuits  also 
lead  him  to  the  continual  observation  of  the 
specimens  of  design  apparent  in  the  works  of 
nature,  and  which  are  the  primary  proofs  of  the 
existence  and  attributes  of  God.* 

*  The  utility  of  Natural  History  in  this  respect  has  been 
so  extensive,  that  owing  to  the  advancement  it  has  made 
within  comparatively  a  short  space  of  time,  such  a  phenome- 
non as  an  avowed  speculative  atheist  which  not  unfrequently 
presented  itself  to  our  forefathers,  is  now  almost  unknown. 
The  reader  acquainted  with  Paley's  Natural  Theology 
will  be  aware  to  what  excellent  effect  the  different  de- 
partments of  physical  science  are  there  applied.  The 
service  it  has  rendered  to  religion  is  one  of  the  highest 
recommendations  of  Natural  History,  and  which,  presented 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY.  143 

These  studies  also  peculiarly  prepare  the  mind 
for  the  due  reception  of  revealed  religion,  be- 
tween which  and  natural  religion  many  striking 
analogies  exist,  as  might  be  expected  in  two 
systems,  each  of  which  equally  originated  in  the 
same  eternal  mind,  and  of  which  it  may  yet 
farther  be  asserted,  that  the  natural  world  is  the 
material  type  and  representative  of  the  spiritual, 
—the  former  being  intended  to  assist  our  com- 
prehension of  the  latter.*  The  displays  of  the 
divine  benevolence  which  constantly  present 
themselves  to  the  view  of  the  student  of  nature, 
tend  to  refine  and  soften  his  own  feelings,  since 
he  will  soon  perceive  the  abundant  provisions 
made  by  the  Creator  for  the  happiness  of  every 
sensitive  being,  whose  happiness  therefore  is  His 
will,  and  which  man  may  not  needlessly  diminish, 
but  at  the  peril  of  frustrating  the  intention  of 
God  ;  nor  less  effectually  do  they  conduce  to 
that  genuine  humility  which  is  so  favourable  to 
every  virtue.  The  observer  of  nature  must  be 
frequently  reminded  that  he  is  but  one  out  of  a 
myriad  of  sensitive  beings  who  are  all  equally 
with  himself  the  production  of  the  divine  wisdom 
and  benevolence,  and  thus  become  dispossessed 

in  the  form  of  books,  conveys  its  most  valuable  benefits 

to  many  who  would  otherwise  be  precluded  fiom  enjoying 

its  highest  advantages. 

*  Romans,  i.  20.     The  same  idea  is  thus  expressed  bj 

Milton  in  the  fifth  book  of  the  Paradise  Lost : — 
What,  if  earth  be  but  the  shadow  of  heaven, 
And  things  therein,  each  to  each  other  like, 
More  than  on  earth  is  thought. 


144  MEMOIR  OF 

of  that  pride  and  indifference  to  any  living 
creature  which  has  its  origin  in  the  neglect  or 
inattention  of  this  obvious  truth.  Nor  among  the 
advantages  of  the  study  of  natural  history  should 
be  overlooked  its  continual  effect  in  keeping  those 
habits  of  correct  reasoning,  in  constant  vigour, 
upon  which  the  wellbeing  and  improvement  of 
mankind  so  much  depend.  It  requires,  at  every 
time,  the  same  devoted  love  of  truth,  and  the 
same  union  of  hardihood  and  humility  in  the 
pursuit  of  it ;  the  most  accurate  habits  of  observa- 
tion, the  most  entire  exemption  from  prejudice, 
the  most  unwearied  perseverance.  It  is  impossible, 
that  the  constant  exercise  of  these  habits  and 
states  of  mind,  should  not  gradually  originate 
numerous  others,  nearly  or  more  remotely  allied 
to  them,  and  exercising  their  influence  in  the 
most  desirable  manner  on  all  the  varied  interests 
of  the  possessor. 

Nor  is  it  unimportant  to  remark,  that  a  taste 
for  natural  history  supplies  the  individual  with 
resources  of  innocent,  improving,  yet  inexhaus- 
tible amusement  wherever  he  may  be  situated. 
It  is  especially  the  great  secret  of  relieving  the 
monotony  and  tedium  of  a  country  life.  The 
intelligent  father,  too,  may  employ  his  children 
as  his  collectors,  and  imbue  their  minds,  at  the 
most  desirable  period,  with  what  is  of  inestimable 
value, — the  love  of  nature.  It  affords  an  amuse- 
ment which  is  also  highly  conducive  to  health, 
and  all  its  incalculable  blessings ;  it  being  a 
well-known  fact,  that  naturalists  are  remarkable 


FRANCIS  WILLUGHBY,  145 

as  a  class  of  men  for  their  longevity.  It  may 
be  pursued  as  a  study  or  an  amusement,  at  a 
very  small  expense  ;  it  is  unlimited  in  its  resources, 
and  so  calculated  to  improve  the  moral  character, 
that  it  is  asserted  by  an  eminent  writer,  that  less 
evil  has  been  chargeable,  in  proportion,  upon  the 
naturalists,  than  upon  any  other  order  of  students. 

In  addition  to  these  advantages,  the  examina- 
tion of  nature  tends  peculiarly  to  produce  and 
establish  a  serene  and  happy  state  of  mind.  It 
is  hardly  possible  to  read  the  lives  of  naturalists 
without  making  the  reflection,  how  considerable 
a  share  of  happiness  they  must  have  enjoyed. 
They  have  been  compared,  in  this  respect,  to 
the  father  of  mankind  yet  unfallen,  when  engaged 
in  the  happy  garden  in  giving  names  to  the 
cattle,  fowls  of  the  air,  and  beasts  of  the  field. 
How  silent,  how  peaceful,  must  have  been  the 
meditations  of  these  priests  of  nature — how  pure, 
now  healthy  their  perceptions  —  how  free,  how 
full  of  joy  the  action  of  their  intellect  —  when 
communing  with  the  denizens  of  air,  and  earth, 
and  ocean  ! 

What  superiority  to  the  envies  of  courts,  and 
the  tumults  of  camps  and  senates,  and  even  the 
competitions  of  the  dull  distant  city,  which  they 
have  descried  in  their  far  off  wanderings,  and 
whose  fumes  and  blackness  are  but  the  too  exact 
emblems  of  their  agitations  and  crimes  ! 

Nor  may  it  be  forgotten  that  the  pursuits  of 
the  naturalist  are  peculiarly  calculated  to  remind 
him  of  the  clearest  natural  argument  for  his  own 

K 


146  MEMOIR  OF  WILLUGHBY. 

immortality — which  is  derived  from  the  fact,  that 
•whereas  every  other  sensitive  being  is  in  some 
degree  essential  to  the  happiness  of  some  other 
earthly  beings,  man  only  stands  alone  in  this 
respect,  since  every  other  tribe  of  being  would 
continue  equally  happy  did  mankind  universally 
cease  to  exist.  What  may  he  not  expect  from 
this  obvious  phenomenon,  but  that  he  is  the  last 
apparent  link  in  the  chain  of  earthly  being,  ready 
to  be  removed  without  any  disturbance  to  the 
order  and  welfare  of  nature,  but  also  most  pro- 
bably having  relations  to  other  classes  of  beings 
superior  to  himself  in  other  scenes  of  existence. 
Nor  will  the  presumption  appear  to  him  totally 
unfounded,  that  when  removed  thither,  the 
works  of  God  will  still  continue  to  be  the  objects 
of  his  attention,  and  that  the  knowledge  be  is 
now  acquiring  may  prepare  him  to  enter  here- 
after upon  a  proportionably  higher  position  of 
dignity  and  enjoyment.* 

*  Those  readers  who  are  yet  unacquainted  with  Mr 
S\vainson's  Discourse  on  the  Study  of  Natural  History, 
edited  in  Dr  Lardner's  Cabinet  Cyclopaedia,  may  there 
find  these  and  other  inducements  to  such  pursuits  drawn 
out  and  exemplified  in  the  most  admirable  manner.  It  is 
hoped  that  the  acknowledgments  already  made  by  the 
writer  of  this  Memoir  will  be  deemed  sufficient.  To 
himself  it  seems  no  less  a  privilege  than  a  duty  to  confess 
his  obligations  to  so  excellent  a  writer. 


THE 

NATURAL  HISTORY 

OF  THE 

NECTARINIAD^E  OR  SUN-BIRDS. 

INTRODUCTION. 

"  Each  spangled  back  bright  sprinkled  specks  adorn, 
Each  plume  imbibes  the  rosy-tinctured  morn ; 
Spread  on  each  wing  the  florid  seasons  glow, 
Shaded  and  verged  with  the  celestial  bow ; 
Where  colours  blend  an  ever- varying  dye, 
And  wanton  in  their  gay  exchanges  vie." 

IN  the  early  Volumes  of  "  THE  LIBRARY,"  we  have 
endeavoured  to  illustrate  a  family  of  birds,  univer- 
sally acknowledged  to  be  among  the  most  brilliant 
in  plumage,  as  well  as  being  most  interesting  and 
singular  from  their  diminutive  size ;  these  were  seen 
to  be  peculiar  to  the  New  World,  and  more  particu- 
larly to  the  tropical  or  warmer  portions  of  it,  though 
a  few  examples  of  tiny  size  and  bright  colouring 
extended  far  to  the  north*,  appearing  there  as 
*  Selasphorus  rufus,  Sw. 


148  INTRODUCTION. 

gems  among  their  generally  dull  plumaged  com- 
panions. But  according  to  the  theory  and  prin- 
ciples of  representation,  which  have  been  of  late 
so  much,  and,  we  may  say,  successfully  insisted 
on  in  our  various  works  devoted  to  Zoology,  it 
was  to  be  expected  that  some  portions  of  the  Old 
World,  and  more  particularly  those  under  the  tro- 
pics, would  present  forms  bearing  a  close  alliance  in 
their  habits,  and  exhibiting  some  of  the  resplendent 
colouring  which  so  conspicuously  marked  the  plu- 
mage of  the  Humming-birds.  And  these  expec- 
tations, commenced  by  theory  as  a  general  law, 
have  been  verified  in  this  instance  by  facts,  for  the 
continents  of  Asia  and  Africa  are  the  strongholds 
of  another  race  of  fairy  birds  which  vie  with  the 
Trochilidas  in  brilliancy ;  and  though  they  differ 
in  many  of  the  essential  parts  of  their  structure, 
they  still  agree  by  holding  the  same  place  in  the 
ornithological  economy  of  the  countries  they  in- 
habit. 

The  "  SUN-BIRDS,"  deriving  their  appellation  from 
their  brightly-tinted  dress,  appearing  in  higher  splen- 
dour when  played  on  by  the  sun -beams,  may  be 
said  to  be  peculiarly  restricted  to  the  tropics  of  Asia 
and  Africa ;  but  when  we  take  the  form  as  a  family, 
we  shall  find  it  extending  far  beyond  that  range, 
and  reaching  on  the  one  hand  to  the  numerous 
islands  in  the  Pacific  Ocean,  while  in  another  direc- 
tion a  few  members  occur  in  South  America  and 
the  adjacent  islands,  in  both  instances  forming  the 
exception  in  the  amount  of  numbers ;  the  form 


INTRODUCTION.  ]  49 

in  the  first  being  the  one  peculiarly  taken  up  by 
the  Meliphagidas  or  Honey-suckers,  in  the  latter 
by  numerous  and  abundant  species  of  Humming- 
birds. 

When  we  commenced  to  work  at  the  present 
Volume,  we  had  intended  to  include  the  whole 
groups  of  the  family,  giving  a  general  survey  of  the 
forms,  and  illustrating  them  by  figures  of  the  more 
typical  examples  only ;  upon  entering  on  the  sub- 
ject, however,  we  found  that  there  were  ample 
materials  to  furnish  sixty  or  seventy  interesting 
illustrations,  instead  of  about  thirty,  to  which  in 
the  other  case  we  should  have  had  to  restrict  the 
whole;  and  on  this  account  we  have  decided  to 
confine  it  to  the  typical  form  alone,  or  the  genus 
Nectarinia*  of  Illiger,  by  which  we  shall  be  enabled 
to  give  nearly  a  monograph  of  the  species,  with 
figures  of  a  large  proportion  of  them.  The  remain- 
ing forms  may  be  hereafter  again  taken  up  and 
illustrated ;  nevertheless,  some  general  observations 
may  be  now  required. 

The  Humming-birds,  or  family  of  the  Trochilidse, 
although  they  want  the  wide  gape  and  other  acces- 
saries around  the  mouth  provisional  for  capturing 
insects  in  flight,  in  form  most  closely  resemble  the 
fissirostral  genera,  being  deficient  in  the  members 
particularly  adapted  for  perching,  while  they  pos- 
sess an  extraordinary  development  of  those  proper 
for  flight.  The  want  of  adaptation,  however,  in 

*  Nectarinia  was  applied  by  Illiger  in  1811 ;  Cinnyris,  by 
Cuvier,  in  1816  or  1817. 


150  INTRODUCTION. 

other  members,  prevents  the  wings  being  used  to 
pursue  an  insect  prey,  though  their  great  develop- 
ment is  as  necessary  to  the  manner  in  which  they 
feed,  by  hovering  above  the  beautiful  blossoms 
which  afford  a  sustenance,  in  part,  alike  to  them 
and  to  a  host  of  minute  insects ;  and  also  to  perform 
the  lengthened  migrations  which  these  species  are 
known  to  undertake  annually.  In  the  Sun-birds, 
or  Nectariniadaa,  the  family  which  we  have  now  to 
examine,  we  see  no  such  extraordinary  development 
of  wing,  and  their  legs  and  feet,  or,  in  other  words, 
their  provisions  for  perching,  are  equal  to  those  of 
the  majority  of  the  Incessores,  and  show  at  once  a 
marked  difference  between  the  structure  of  the  same 
parts  in  truly  fissirostral  birds,  where  they  are  al- 
ways extremely  weak,  comparatively  unfitted  for 
perching  or  settling  on  the  ground ;  and  where,  in 
fact,  they  are  constructed  upon  that  model  which 
will  be  least  incommodious  to  the  bird  in  pursuing 
its  prey  with  rapidity  through  the  air,  or  in  per- 
forming very  long  migrations.  The  nectariferous 
juices  of  flowers  have  also  been  considered  as  the 
chief  food  of  the  Sun-birds,  at  least  during  certain 
seasons  of  the  year;  but  we  find  the  manner  of 
seeking  for  these  to  be  very  different  from  the 
hovering  flight  of  the  Humming-birds,*  the  Nec- 
tariniadae  always  perching  first,  and  exhibiting 

*  Mr.  Jerdon  states  of  the  purple  Sun-bird  (C.  Mahrattensis, 
Jerd.),  "  That  it  occasionally  hovers  on  the  wing  before  a  flower, 
while  extracting  the  honey,  but  generally  hops  or  flies  rather 
among  the  smaller  twigs.  It  feeds  partly  on  the  honey  ex- 


INTRODUCTION.  151 

more  similarity  in  passing  from  blossom  to  blossom* 
to  the  activity  of  some  of  our  small  waiblers,  rapidly 
examining  the  flowers  of  one  plant  and  immediately 
passing  off  to  another,  uttering,  during  the  while,  a 
shrill  and  impatient  call.  Neither  do  the  species  per- 
form extensive  migrations,  at  least,  where  a  con- 
tinued flight  has  to  be  maintained.  In  the  Old 
World  the  change  of  station  is  chiefly  from  the  town 
and  coast  districts  to  the  more  exalted  regions,  where 
it  is  possible  a  succession  of  food  may  be  acquired ; 
or  if  the  range  is  more  extensive,  it  is  performed 
over  tracts,  or  coast- wise,  where  resting-places  may 
be  found  during  its  continuance.  In  both  groups 
the  bill  and  the  tongue  are  inserted  into  the  tubes, 
and  withdraw  from  them  the  honey  and  the  small 
insects  which  are  attracted  by  it.  In  both  the  me- 
chanism of  the  tongue  is  in  different  manners 
adapted  for  this  mode  of  deriving  nourishment,  and 
in  both  are  the  members  of  the  family  extremely 
numerous,  social  in  their  habits,  and  probably  in- 
tended, in  their  respective  countries,  as  one  of ' the 
means  by  which  the  sexes  of  many  plants  are  intro- 
duced to  each  other.  Thus  it  is  that  we  see  design 
in  every  part  of  the  plan  of  Nature,  and  even  its 
frailest  creatures  dressed  in  a  garb  of  splendour, 
and,  agreeable  to  all  external  senses,  also  made  the 
instruments,  in  a  manner  most  simple,  at  the  same 
time  essential  to  their  own  existence,  of  carrying  on 

tracted  from  flowers,  and  partly  on  minute  insects,  flies,  cica- 
daricae,  &c.  Occasionally  I  have  seen  it  snap  at  an  insect  in 
the  air."  Jerdon's  Cat.,  Madras  Journ.,  1839,  et  seq. 


152  INTRODUCTION. 

and  perfecting  one  of  the  most  important  properties 
of  vegetation.  * 

The  Nectar inladce,  or  Sun-birds,  are  placed  by 
Mr.  Swainson  as  the  sub-typical  family  of  the  Te- 
nuirostres  or  suctorial  and  slender-billed  birds,  of 
which  the  True  Humming-birds  stand  as  the  most 
developed  form.  The  five  genera  which  the  same 
gentleman  has  taken  to  represent  the  principle  mo- 
difications of  structure  (1.  Melithreptus,  2.  Necta- 
rinia,  3.  Anthreptes,  4.  Ccereba,  5.  Diceimi)  near- 
ly show  also  their  geographic  distribution.  The 
second  or  typical  form  is  confined  nearly  to  the 
tropics  of  the  Old  World,  there  holding  the  same 
rank  in  distribution  as  the  more  perfect  Trochilida?. 
The  first  is  confined  to  the  islands  of  the  Pacific 
Ocean,  exhibiting  a  variety  of  the  form  there ;  while 
the  fourth,  extremely  limited  in  species,  another 
family  entirely  almost  occupying  its  place,  is  proper 
to  America  only,  extending  a  very  short  way  be- 
yond the  boundary  of  the  southern  continent.  The 
third,  which  shows  only  a  stronger  developed  varia- 
tion of  Nectarinia,  is  chiefly  found  in  continental 
India,  extending  in  small  proportion  to  Africa; 
while  the  fifth  is  intermediate  between  the  third 
and  fourth,  both  in  form  and  in  locality,  the  Aus- 
tralian islands  being  its  more  peculiar  strong-hold. 

In  the  colouring  of  the  group  we  find  also  a  kind 

*  Vaillant-  considers  the  Humming-birds  and  Sun-birds  re- 
present, in  their  own  class,  the  Bees  and  Butterflies  among 
insects,  performing,  like  them,  the  same  services  of  impregna- 
tion. 


INTRODUCTION.  153 

of  geographic  restriction.  It  is  in  the  two  typical 
genera  that  we  find  the  most  brilliant  colours  and 
changing  tints,  and  those  patches  of  playful  colour 
on  the  throat  and  head  which  so  particularly  mark 
the  Humming-birds.  In  these  the  principal  colours 
are  various  shades  of  steel-blue,  always  with  me- 
tallic lustre,  the  head  and  throat  often  with  patches 
of  green,  blue,  or  violet,  of  a  scale-like  texture,  and 
giving  out  fresh  tints  with  every  change  of  position ; 
but  a  marked  difference  in  the  rest  of  the  arrange- 
ments is  seen  in  the  under  parts  being  often  of  clear 
and  very  decided  yellow,  orange,  or  red,  or  being 
boldly  marked  with  a  broad  bar  of  these  colours. 
In  these  two  genera,  also,  we  see  a  slight  develop- 
ment of  the  feathers  springing  from  under  the  wings, 
which  is  often  so  beautifully  displayed  among  the 
Humming-birds,  and  which  also  brings  both,  in 
part  to  resemble  another  suctorial  family, — the 
Meliphagidce  or  Honeysuckers.  Here  they  are  con- 
fined to  small  tufts  of  loose  plumes,  commonly  of  a 
yellow  colour,  but  occasionally  of  a  bright  red :  we 
have  endeavoured  to  exhibit  this  structure  in  our 
Plates.  It  is  in  these  forms  also  that  we  perceive 
the  greatest  variation  in  the  form  of  the  tail,  which 
is  in  some  long,  at  the  same  time  having  the  plumes 
regularly  graduating ;  in  others  the  two  centre 
plumes  only  are  much  elongated,  sometimes  more 
than  equalling  the  length  of  the  bird,  and  in  a  few 
instances  being  slightly  spatulate  at  the  tips ;  but 
in  none  of  the  known  species  have  we  an  example 
of  a  forked  tail.  In  the  American  portion  of  the 


154  INTRODUCTION. 

group  we  have  the  colours  blue  and  green,  varied 
by  black;  but  almost  without  lustre  or  play  of 
colour,  and  the  throat  and  crown  patches  in  a 
few  just  indicated ;  one  or  twro  species  also  are  of 
unobtrusive  tints,  and  in  their  entire  form  re- 
mind us  of,  and  in  fact  run  into,  the  Melipha- 
gidae  and  Titmouse  warblers.  In  the  Australian 
and  Pacific  groups,  black  and  red  are  the  prevail- 
ing colours,  without  lustre ;  the  crown  and  throat 
patches  marked  by  a  difference  in  the  structure 
of  the  feathers,  and  the  general  appearance  of  the 
birds  in  many  parts  allying  them  to  Myzomela. 
Thus,  from  a  portion  of  the  plumage  of  the  birds 
only,  and  without  any  assistance  from  the  more 
essential  parts  of  their  forms,  we  could  tell  with 
nearly  certainty  to  what  division  of  the  world  the 
species  belonged.  The  colours  which  we  have  been 
now  alluding  to  are  those  adorning  the  male,  and 
that  in  the  African  birds,  according  to  Vaillant, 
continues  only  during  the  breeding  season ;  so  soon 
as  the  duties  of  this  important  period  have  passed, 
the  same  author  states  that  they  return  or  moult 
into  the  unobtrusive  dress  of  the  winter  or  rainy 
season ;  and  as  the  time  of  change  again  approaches, 
birds  may  be  seen  more  or  less  spotted,  or  in  dif- 
ferent stages  of  advancement  towards  their  most 
splendid  state.  At  the  same  time  also  the  long 
caudal  plumes  are  shed  or  lost,  these  also  being 
only  of  temporary  duration,  as  an  adornment  in  the 
time  of  pairing  and  incubation.  The  colouring  of 
the  plumage  in  winter,  together  with  that  of  the 


INTRODUCTION.  155 

females  and  young,  are,  in  the  two  typical  genera, 
shades  of  brown  or  greyish  brown,  without  any 
metallic  lustre,  darker  on  the  wings  and  tail,  and 
having  the  coronal  and  gular  patches  sometimes 
slightly  indicated  by  a  difference  in  the  structure  of 
the  feathers.  It  is  from  this  cause  that,  as  in  many 
other  instances,  the  numbers  of  species  have  been 
much  increased  and  the  synonymy  much  entangled ; 
sufficient  attention  not  having  been  paid  to  form 
and  proportion  in  those  states  which  were  most 
liable  to  be  confounded  together. 

The  plumage,  in  its  texture,  is  in  general  rather 
loose  and  disconnected,  assuming  the  scaly  form 
on  the  crown  and  throat;  and  it  is  in  the  typi- 
cal forms  only  that  we  see  the  greatest  diversity 
of  its  structure;  it  is  here  also  only,  that  we 
have  the  scaly  and  imbricated  distribution,  the  soft 
velvety  feel  (N.  amethystina\  occurring  in  the 
plumage  of  some  of  the  Paradiseadce  and  Pro- 
iwropidce,  together  with  the  axillary  tufts  before 
mentioned,  so  gorgeously  displayed  in  both  the 
above  families,  with  occasional  elongation  of  the 
tail-coverts  (N.  splendida).  In  some,  also,  the 
feathers  forming  the  coloured  pectoral  bands  are 
very  large  and  full,  and  we  believe  that  during 
the  height  of  the  season  of  courtship  they  can  be 
and  are  erected  at  will,  and  exhibit  a  brilliant 
dress  of  attraction  and  contrast  between  the  sober 
colours  of  the  female.  In  describing  his  Sucrier- 
Protee,  Le  Vaillant  states  that  the  Dutch  inhabi- 
tants denominate  these  birds  by  a  provincial  name 


156  INTRODUCTION. 

which  indicates  this  display,  so  common  that  it 
lias  given  rise  to  it.  It  is  produced,  however,  in 
a  different  manner  from  the  raising  or  displaying  of 
the  plumes,  which  in  fact  are  too  short  to  admit  of 
their  being  exhibited  or  raised  as  ruffs  or  lengthened 
tail-coverts ;  but  they  have  the  power  of  changing 
the  position  of  the  feathers  by  a  muscular  action,  so 
as  to  throw  their  brilliant  reflective  powers  into 
view  of  the  spectator,  or  to  exhibit  parts  which 
were  otherwise  concealed ;  and  he  likens  or  compares 
this  power  to  that  possessed  by  some  of  the  African 
antelopes,  which  at  will  suddenly  display  concealed 
white  portions  of  the  hair,  which  in  that  state  forma 
conspicuous  pale  markings.  It  is  during  this  season 
of  incubation  also,  that  any  variation  of  notes  is 
principally  shown,  as  among  the  Humming-birds, 
the  call  when  in  search  of  food,  or  when  irritated, 
is  sharp,  and  indicates  anxiety  or  a  restless  desire  to 
obtain  the  object;  but,  unlike  them,  they  possess 
at  times  an  agreeable  note  or  warble,  having  con- 
siderable melody.  Vaillant  states  this  of  several 
species,  and  in  the  Voyage  of  Frecynet,  indica- 
tions of  them  being  sometimes  nocturnal  occur, 
"  At  night  they  have  a  lengthened  song,  the  mo- 
dulations of  which  are  very  agreeable."*  Latham 
adds  to  his  description  of  the  Blue-rum ped  Creeper, 
— "  Said  to  sing  as  well  as  any  Nightingale,  with 
a  sweeter  voice."  t  The  Diceum  hirundinaceum 
sings  in  "  a  very  animated  and  long-continued  strain, 

*  Frecynet,  p.  26,         f  Gen.  Hist.,  iv.  p.  239. 


INTRODUCTION.  157 

but  is  uttered  so  inwardly,  that  it  is  almost  necessary 
to  stand  beneath  the  tree  upon  which  the  bird  is 
perched,  before  its  notes  can  be  heard/'* 

In  their  habits,  so  far  as  we  are  acquainted  with 
them,  they  are  active  and  almost  restless.  The 
forms  of  the  Old  World  constantly  flit  from  shrub 
to  shrub,  and  from  flower  to  flower,  in  search  of 
food,  which,  by  nearly  all  our  writers,  has  been  de- 
scribed to  be  the  sweet  juices  found  in  the  bottom 
of  the  corolla  or  in  the  nectaries,  or  the  sweet  sap 
which  several  trees  naturally  give  out;  at  seasons 
only,  when  these  materials  were  wanting,  repairing 
to  the  search  of  minute  insects ;  in  searching  thus, 
they  never  employ  the  hovering  flight  of  the  Hum- 
ming-birds, but  clamber  and  suspend  themselves  by 
the  trunks  or  branches  in  the  manner  most  conve- 
nient to  gain  access  to  the,  in  many  instances, 
lengthened  corolla,  and  in  their  general  activity 
now  show  a  close  resemblance  to  the  Titmice,  or 
scansorial  warblers  of  America.  The  form  of  the 
bill  and  lengthened  tongue  are  both  adapted  for  be- 
ing plunged  into  the  tubes  of  flowers ;  but  another 
structure  in  the  bill  induces  us  to  believe  that  they 
(Nectarinia)  are  more  insectivorous  at  all  times  than 
what  has  been  generally  considered.  We  mean  the 
minutely  and  regularly  dentated  margins  of  the 
mandibles,  so  delicate  as  not  to  be  perceptible  with- 
out the  aid  of  a  magnifier.  Now,  we  never  find 
this  structure  where  some  prey  is  not  to  be  seized 
and  held.  Among  some  of  the  Humming-birds  it 
*  Gould,  Birds  of  Australia. 


158  INTRODUCTION. 

is  present,  even  more  boldly  developed ;  but  these 
do  take  insects  as  food,  and  when  better  known,  the 
species  which  possess  the  dentation  may  and  will 
be  found  to  vary  very  considerably  in  their  manner 
of  feeding. 

In  these  observations,  we  are  borne  out  by  the 
remarks  of  a  recent  traveller  and  indefatigable 
observer;  Dr.  Smith  tells  us,  in  his  Zoology  of 
Southern  Africa,  "  The  birds  of  the  genus  Cin- 
nyris  have  generally  been  regarded  as  feeding 
upon  the  saccharine  juices  which  exist  in  flowers ; 
but  as  far  as  my  experience  goes,  I  should  be  in- 
clined to  consider  them  as  giving  a  preference  to 
insects.  In  those  I  examined,  I  found  the  bulk 
of  the  contents  of  the  stomach  to  be  insects,  though 
at  the  same  time  each  contained  more  or  less  of  a 
saccharine  juice.  The  acquisition  of  a  certain  por- 
tion of  the  latter  is  not  easily  to  be  avoided,  con- 
sidering the  manner  they  insert  their  bills  into 
flowers,  but  the  consumption  of  insects  of  a  size 
such  as  I  have  found  in  their  stomachs,  must  easily 
be  obviated,  provided  these  were  not  agreeable  to 
their  palates,  and  not  actually  a  description  of  food 
which  they  by  choice  selected." 

We  find  many  of  the  species  also  frequenting  a 
particular  genus  of  plants,  and  even  particular  spe- 
cies. The  Proteae  are  in  Africa  general  favourites. 
Vaillant's  Sucrier  Figuer  frequents  a  species  of 
scentless  jessamine,*  and  these  will  no  doubt  be 
the  resorts  of  peculiar  groups  of  insects,  affording  a 
*  Vaill.,  vi.  159. 


INTRODUCTION.  159 

favourite  food.  Some  of  the  Proteae  are  remarkable 
for  the  quantity  of  juice  afforded  by  them ;  from 
one,  provincially  called  the  sugar-tree,  the  juice  is 
collected  from  the  bottom  of  the  flowers,  and  is 
sometimes  boiled  down  to  a  thick  syrup  for  the 
purpose  of  preserving  fruits.  Vast  numbers  perch 
themselves  on  the  edge  of  the  corollas,  for  the  pur-* 
pose  of  collecting  the  sweet  juice ;  and  one  species, 
from  its  song,  is  often  kept  in  cages,  where  it  is 
maintained,  "  with  difficulty,  on  sugar  and  water."* 
This  would  seem  to  show  that  these  juices  cannot 
alone  afford  them  support.  Sloane  represents  the 
American  Ccereba  coerulea  as  feeding  on  the  fruit  of 
the  sugar-cane,  t 

Among  the  Sun-birds,  which  also  are  constantly 
plunging  their  bill  into  flowers,  we  have  no  doubt 
that  dissection  will  exhibit  insects  also,  and  in  a 
greater  proportion,  according  as  we  find  the  struc- 
ture most  developed.  In  most  other  forms  of  the 
family  we  find  the  bill  much  stronger,  and  the  edges 
either  rugged  or  very  irregularly  toothed;  but  in 
Melithreptus  we  have  that  member  stronger  still,  and 
entirely  unbroken  on  the  edges,  running  smoothly 
to  a  sharp  tip.  This  we  would  also  consider  in  a 
great  measure  as  insectivorous ;  and  we  have  seve- 
ral instances  among  tenuirostral  birds,  whose  curved 
attenuated  bill  is  a  very  successful  instrument  in 
searching  out  minute  insects.  The  various  Dendro- 
colapti  show  a  most  remarkable  curvature,  which 

*  Barrow,  Travels  in  South  Africa,  p.  62. 
f  Latham,  quoted  from. 


1  GO  INTRODUCTION. 

will  be  found  in  some  way  adapted  to  secure  the 
peculiar  insects  which  may  afford  them  sustenance. 
The  Hoopoe  is  an  example  among  our  native  birds, 
while  the  Cornish  Chough  will  furnish  another  still 
more  striking ;  for  in  fact  the  bill  of  Melithreptus 
is  almost  a  model  of  that  of  Pyrracorax,  both  of 
them  entire,  finely  attenuated,  and  much  curved  ; 
and  Montague  speaks  of  the  aptness  and  facility 
with  which  our  native  bird  could  procure  minute 
objects.  We  do  not  mean  by  these  remarks  to 
insist  that  the  Sun-birds  are  not  partially  meli- 
phagous,  because  we  know  the  contrary ;  but  we 
think  that  their  fine  colouring,  and  habitation  amidst 
sweets  and  beautiful  blossoms,  have  been  too  much 
associated  with  delicacy  of  food  as  a  cause  of  the 
former,  and  have  given,  as  it  were,  a  poetical  licence 
to  their  describers. 

Vaillant,  considering  the  sweet  juices  of  plants 
to  be  the  sole  food  of  the  Sun-birds,  looks  at 
the  tongue  only  as  a  member  for  collecting  honey. 
He  describes  it,  exteriorly,  of  a  horny  substance, 
hollowed,  and  forming  a  kind  of  tube,  of  which 
the  anterior  extremity  is  supplied  with  many  nerv- 
ous threads,  forming  the  seat  of  taste,  and  also 
serving  as  a  kind  of  sieve  to  prevent  the  grosser 
matters  to  pass;  while  the  horns  of  the  hyoid 
bone,  being  lengthened,  pass  over  the  skull  and  serve 
as  the  same  parts  in  the  Woodpecker,  to  dart  out 
or  protrude  the  tongue  for  the  purpose  of  reaching 
support,  whether  vegetable  or  animal,  which  is  con- 
cealed in  the  deep  tubes  or  corollas  of  many  gorge- 


INTRODUCTION.  161 

ous  blossoms.  Audebert  and  Vieillot  lean  nearly 
to  the  same  opinion  of  these  birds  being  in  a  great 
measure  meliphagous *,  and  they  give  figures  and 
descriptions  of  several  modifications  in  the  structure 
of  the  tongue.  In  some  it  is  long  and  bifid,  being 
cleft  even  to  the  centre  of  its  length,  and  occasion- 
ally these  divisions  are  ciliated  upon  the  sides ;  in 
other  species  the  tongue  is  in  the  form  of  a  small 
brush  or  pencil,  as  among  many  of  the  True  Honey- 
suckers.  The  more  general  form  of  the  tongue,  in 
the  typical  Nectariniada3  which  we  have  examined, 
is  lengthened  and  slender,  with  a  shortly  bifid 
fringed  apex,  having  the  edges  for  the  whole  length 
turned  over  inwards,  artificially  forming  a  double 
tube,  as  exhibited  in  the  annexed  diagram  of  a  sec- 
tion of  the  tongue  of  N.  fulginosa,  but  in  another 

Q_D 


genus  which  we  have  introduced  into  the  familj 
(Arachnothera,  Temm.),  we  have  the  tongue  com- 
paratively short  and  hard. 

In  their  nidification,  the  Sun-birds  also  present 
some  difference  from  the  Humming-birds,  though  we 
perhaps  know  less  about  the  nests  and  the  places 
where  their  fabric  is  reared ;  the  exquisite  structure 
and  curious  small  size  of  those  of  the  latter  being 
objects  of  request  or  curiosity,  even  to  many  who  do 

*  The  general  name  of  the  Malays  is  "  Chechop,1"  or  the 
'-'  Suckers." 

L 


162  INTR<  DUCTION, 

not  generally  take  an  interest  in  such  productions. — 
Many  of  the  Sun-birds  breed  in  the  clefts  and  hol- 
lows, or  worm-eaten  trunks  of  trees,  where  no  nest 
possessing  external  interest  is  found ;  *  others  place 
the  "  nest  among  thick  bushes,  and  form  it  of  the 
down  of  plants,  covering  it  externally  with  lichens 
or  fine  mosses,  t  Of  the  nest  of  an  Indian  species 
Dr.  Latham  thus  writes,  upon  the  authority  of 
General  Hardwicke,  "  The  nest  composed  of  fine 
downy  materials,  mixed  with  a  few  dead  leaves,  in 
shape  nearly  globular,  about  three  inches  in  diame- 
ter, and  at  bottom  runs  to  a  point,  at  least  four 
inches  beyond  it ;  the  entrance  at  the  top,  and  on 
one  side,  next  to  the  branch  to  which  it  is  attached, 
has  a  kind  of  hood  or  cover  over  the  entrance."  J 
In  most,  where  we  have  any  notice  of  them,  the  eggs 
are  described  as  of  a  pale  colour,  bluish,  grey,  or 
reddish,  with  brown  or  greenish  spots ;  in  the  Hum- 
ming-birds they  are  generally  white.  The  nest  of 
the  -A7,  goalparensis  is  represented  by  Professor 
Koyle  as  suspended,  and  having  the  hole  or  en- 
trance  near  the  upper  part,  the  materials  of  which 
it  is  constructed  being  rather  coarse.  From  these 
descriptions  and  the  next,  the  character  of  the  nests 
of  the  Indian  species  partakes  more  of  those  of  the 
Orthotomi  and  tailor  warblers.  Mr.  Jerdon  writes 
of  the  C.  MahrattensiS)  "  I  have  seen  the  nest  of 
'this  pretty  little  bird  close  to  a  house  at  Jaumah. 

*  Vaillant,  Sucrier  eblouisant,  S.  velour. 

t  Ditto,  S.  Oranga. 

£  Lath.  Gen.  Hist.,  iv.  p.  233. 


INTRODUCTION.  163 

It  was  commenced  on  a  thick  spider's  web,  by 
attaching  to  it  various  fragments  of  paper,  cloth, 
straw,  grass,  and  other  substances,  till  it  had  secured 
a  firm  hold  of  the  twigs  to  which  the  web  adhered, 
and  the  nest  suspended  on  this  was  then  completed 
by  adding  other  fragments  of  the  same  materials ; 
the  hole  is  at  the  one  side,  near  the  top,  and  has  a 
slight  projecting  roof  or  awning  over  it."  * 

*  Mr.  Jerdon's  excellent  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  of  the  Pe- 
ninsula of  India.    Madras  Journ.  of  Science,  Sept.  1839,  et  seq. 


THE 

NATURAL  HISTORY 

OF  THE 

NECTARINIAD^E  OR  SUN-BIRDS. 


DESCRIPTIONS. 

AMONG  the  typical  genus  of  the  Nectariniadge,  we 
have  the  greatest  contrast  of  species,  as  well  as 
considerable  variety  of  form  ;  the  latter  occurring 
principally  in  the  shape  of  the  tail,  which  is  even, 
much  elongated,  and  wedge-shaped,  or  having  the 
two  central  feathers  only  narrow  and  lengthened. 
The  wings  are  rather  rounded,  with  the  first  quill 


short,    and  the    plumage    is   extremely   brilliant, 
having  generally  a  coronal  and  gular  patch  of  me- 


DESCRIPTIONS.  165 

tallic  lustre,  the  under  surface  of  the  body  banded 
with  some  bright  shades  of  steel-blue,  red,  or 
yellow.  The  birds  now  alluded  to  may  be  thus 
characterised : — 

NECTARINIA,  Illiger.  GEN.  CHARACTERS. — Bill  slender, 
curved,  very  fine,  and  acute  at  the  tip,  dilated  at  the 
base,  edges  of  the  mandible  folding  over  the  maxilla, 
maxilla  narrow  in  depth  at  the  base,  edges  of  both  mi- 
nutely and  regularly  denticulated ;  tongue  lengthened, 
slender,  with  a  shortly  bifid  fringed  apex,  the  edges  for 
the  whole  length  turned  over  inwards,  forming  a  double 
tube ;  wings,  with  the  third  quill  longest,  first  short, 
nearly  spurious ;  tail  even,  lengthened  and  much  gra- 
duated, or  with  the  two  centre  feathers  only  elongated  ; 
tarsi  and  feet  fully  developed,  the  hallux  lengthened 
and  with  its  claw  proportionally  strong.  Types,  N. 
famosa,  chalybeia9  amethystina. 

Note.  India  and  Africa,  principally  within  the  tro- 
pics. Colours  of  the  plumage  brilliant ;  with  me- 
tallic lustre. 


THE  LESSER  DOUBLE-COLLARED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  chalybeia,  LINN^US.  * 

PLATE  I. 

By  several  early  ornithologists,  and  occasionally 
down  to  the  present  time,  the  two  birds  from 
Southern  Africa,  known  under  the  names  of  Certhia 
chalyleia,  Linnaeus,  and  Sucrier  a  plastron  rouge  of 
Le  Yaillant,  have  been  confounded  with  each  other  ; 
and  we  believe  a  third  may  now  be  added  from  the 
western  coast,  which,  though  closely  allied  to  the 
first,  seems  to  present  variations  in  size  and  colour- 
ing. As  representing  the  African  even-tailed  form 
of  Nectarinia,  where  the  colours  of  the  lower  plu- 
mage are  distributed  in  the  form  of  bands,  we  shall 
now  describe  the  three  birds  in  their  turn. 

This  very  beautiful  species  was  considered  by  Le 
Yaillant  to  be  distinct  from  his  "  Sucrier  a  plastron 
rouge,"  though  it  had  been  by  some  authors  con- 
founded with  it ;  and  this  opinion  seems  now  to 
have  been  confirmed  by  most  modern  ornithologists, 
who  generally  retain  for  them  the  distinguishing 
names  of  "  Greater  and  Lesser  Collared  Sun-birds ;" 

*  The  authority,  placed  after  the  Latin  name  of  the  bird, 
will  be  understood  to  refer  to  the  specific  name  only. 


NECTARINIA  CII A1AHI-.1  A 

Native  of  S.Africa . 


UNIV 


O' 


J68         LESSER  DOUBLE-COLLARED  SUN-BIRD. 

under  tail-covers ;  from  the  sides  of  the  breast,  on 
each  side  of  the  red  band,  spring  tufts  of  king's- 
yellow,  the  feathers  composing  which  are  rather 
longer  than  those  covering  the  flanks.  The  wings 
and  tail  are  blackish-brown  glossed  with  green, 
in  some  specimens  hair-brown,  which  chiefly  occurs 
in  birds  before  the  change  of  breeding-plumage 
takes  place.  The  upper  tail-covers  are  rich  violet- 
purple. 

A  female  from  Southern  Africa  is  in  length  aboufc 
four  inches  four-tenths.  The  colour  of  the  whole 
plumage  is  a  brocoli-brown,  darker  on  the  wings 
and  tail,  and  much  paler  in  shade  on  the  under 
parts ;  bill  and  legs  brownish  black. 

To  exhibit  the  distinctions  we  have  alluded  to  in 
the  above  description,  and  also  to  represent  another 
very  beautiful  bird  of  this  form,  we  give  a  figure  of 
the  "  Sucrier  a  plastron  rouge  of  Le  Vaillant,"  un- 
der the  title  of 


«r»TTT7i     i  i  1 1  1 1   \  1 1 1 1 .1  1 1  ^f  \f  \l  I  I  il    I  '   flfiyY    *  "DUTi    QTT"M   T5T"DT"» 

IHrj  CrKEAl.bK  JJuUliLjlii  UlJLLAKiiiD  oUri-rJIivD. 

Nectarinia  Afra,  LINNAEUS 

PLATE  II. 

THIS  really  splendid  species  has  nearly  the  same 
distribution  and  colour  of  the  markings  with  the 
last,  but  is  at  once  known  by  its  much  larger  size, 
the  extreme  length  of  the  males  being  rather  more 
than  five  inches  and  a  half.  The  distribution  of  the 
golden  green  on  the  head,  neck,  and  upper  parts  is 
nearly  similar,  but  it  is  of  a  more  bronzed  lustre, 
and  on  the  throat  the  feathers  are  more  compact 
and  scutellated.  The  steel-blue  band  immediately 
succeeding  the  green  is  darker  and  more  violet- 
coloured,  and  the  tips  of  the  crescent  do  not  extend 
so  far  upon  the  sides  of  the  breast:  the  crimson 
band  is  seven-eighths  or  nearly  an  inch  in  breadth, 
and  the  remaining  under  parts  are  yellowish  wood- 
brown  and  nearly  uniform  in  tint ;  the  upper  tail- 
coverts  are  violet-purple,  and  the  wings  and  tail  are 
dark  blackish  brown  glossed  with  green.  The  yel- 
low axillary  tufts  are  also  present.  This  state  of 
plumage  is  what  Le  YaiUant  considers  to  be  that 
of  the  male  in  his  highest  breeding  state.  A  female 
is  only  five  inches  and  one-eighth  in  length,  and 


170       GREATER  DOUBLE-COLLARED  SUN-BIRD. 

is  entirely  of  a  greenish  hair-brown,  paler  on  the 
under 'parts,  and  having  a  yellowish  tint  on  the 
chin,  vent,  and  under  tail-coverts, — the  wings,  tail, 
and  crown  of  the  head  being  a  few  shades  darker. 
These  specimens,  received  from  Southern  Africa, 
were  collected  by  Dr.  Smith. 

According  to  Le  Vaillant  this  species  does  not 
reach  nearer  to  the  southern  point  of  Africa  than 
where  the  extensive  forests  of  the  eastern  coast  ter- 
minate ;  but  it  stretches  into  Caffraria,  and  also  to 
the  Gamtoos  and  Sondag  rivers.  It  frequents  the 
forests,  sometimes  also  descending  to  the  plains,  con- 
structs a  nest  in  the  hollow  of  some  tree,  and  lays 
from  four  to  five  eggs  of  a  bluish  white  colour, 
marked  with  tawny. 

During  the  rainy  season,  or  when  the  time  of  in- 
cubation is  past,  the  same  traveller  states  that  the 
male  assumes  exactly  the  dress  of  the  female,  ex- 
cept that  the  vent  is  of  a  more  yellow  tint,  and  that 
the  axillary  tufts,  which  the  female  never  possesses, 
are  preserved.  The  young  of  both  sexes  are  of  a 
reddish  grey  above,  olive  beneath,  and  on  the  throat 
whitish. 


XKCTARIXIA  CHLOROFYGIA. 

Native  of  V Africa. 


171 


THE  GREEN-RUMPED  DOUBLE-COLLARED 
SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  cliloropigia,  JARDINE. 

iPLATE  III. 

THE  third  bird  which  we  alluded  to,  as  allied  to 
these,  formed  part  of  a  small  collection  brought  to 
this  country  on  the  return  of  Dr.  Stanger,  in  1841, 
from  the  Niger  expedition,  and  kindly  entrusted  to 
us  by  Mr.  Waterhouse.  One  specimen  only  ap- 
peared among  these,  but  Dr.  Stanger  allowed  us 
to  compare  a  second  at  Manchester,  which  corre- 
sponded with  that  previously  seen.  Its  nearest 
connexion  is  with  the  first,  or  Lesser-collared  Sun- 
bird,  for  which  it  was  first  mistaken ;  and  while  it 
presents  considerable  variations,  it  may  still  remain 
a  question  how  far  local  circumstances  may  influ- 
ence varieties,  and  also  whether  the  birds  from  that 
part  of  the  African  coast  continue  constant  in  the 
markings,  &c.  which  seem  to  separate  our  two 
birds.  The  distinctions  are  a  less  size  and  less  pro- 
portional length  of  the  wings  and  tail ;  the  want 
nearly  of  the  blue  collar,  that  being  indicated  by  a 
deeper  green,  slightly  tinted  with  blue;  by  the 
under  parts  and  flanks  being  pale  oil-green,  whereas 
Jiey  are  brocoli-brown  in  the  other;  and  by  the 


172     GREEN-HUMPED  DOUBLE-COLL.  SUN-BIRD. 

upper  tail-coverts  being  of  the  same  brilliant  green 
with  the  head  and  back,  and  not  rich  violet-blue  as 
in  the  bird  from  Southern  Africa. 

In  the  bird  from  the  Niger,  the  upper  parts, 
wings  and  tail  excepted,  are  of  a  very  rich  emerald 
bronzed  green;  the  wings  and  tail  are  brownish 
black,  on  the  former  the  edges  of  the  feathers  being 
dull  oil-green.  The  chin  is  deep  velvet-black, 
shading  into  the  neck  and  upper  parts  of  the  breast, 
which  are  similar  in  colour  to  the  upper  parts,  and 
finish  on  the  breast  by  a  deep  bluish  green  band, 
the  prototype  of  the  blue  collar  of  the  two  former 
birds  ;  this  is  succeeded  by  the  crimson  band,  nearly 
similar  in  extent  to  the  same  part  in  the  N.  chaly- 
beia,  and  having  the  tips  of  the  feathers  on  the 
upper  part  of  it  narrowly  edged  with  golden  green, 
while  the  belly,  flanks,  vent,  and  under  tail-coverts 
are  of  a  pale  oil-green  ;  the  ample  axillary  tufts  are 
rather  paler  in  tint.  In  addition,  we  give  the  dimen- 
sion of  the  Cape  and  Niger  birds  :  — 

CAPE.  NIGER. 

Entire  length  .  .  .  4  in.  6-10ths  4  in.  1-1  Oth 
Bill  to  forehead  .  .  .  7f-10ths  7-lOths 

Wing  to  longest  quill  .  .  2  in.  3-10ths  1  in.  9-10ths 
Tail  from  extremity  of  upper  )  }  m>  M0th 


covers  ) 

Tarsus  .....  6-10ths  5|-10ths 

We  have  not  seen  specimens  of  the  Lesser 
Double-collared  Sun-bird  from  the  Western  coasts 
of  Africa  which  we  could  compare  with  those  from 
the  Cape,  but  it  is  not  impossible  that  the  bird  which 


GREEN-HUMPED  DOUBLE-COLL.  SUN -BIRD.     ]  73 

served  for  the  description  of  C.  chalyleia  in  the 
"  Birds  of  Western  Africa,"  may  have  been  that 
now  before  us ;  and  the  "  greenish  tinge"  on  the 
narrow  blue  collar,  and  the  "  tail-coverts  banded 
with  greenish  blue,"  almost  lead  us  to  believe  that 
this  has  been  the  case. 

In  Le  Vaillant's  description  of  "  Sucrier  a  plastron 
rouge,"  a  bird  inhabiting  the  forests  of  Auteniquoi, 
nearly  allied,  is  described  as  almost  intermediate 
in  colouring  between  the  greater  and  lesser  collared 
birds,  the  crimson  band  being  less  in  breadth ;  and 
what  at  once  distinguishes  it,  it  has  all  the  red 
feathers  transversely  marked  with  lines  of  a  rich 
golden  green.  By  referring  back  to  our  descrip- 
tion, it  will  be  seen  that  the  red  band  in  our  present 
bird  is  partially  marked  in  this  way. 


174 


BIFASCIATED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  bifasciata,  SHAW. 
PLATE  IV. 

THE  banded  distribution  of  colouring  appears  to  be 
of  frequent  occurrence  in  this  group,  as  seen  most 
decidedly  in  the  beautiful  birds  we  have  just  de- 
scribed ;  in  that  before  us,  we  have  it  continued  ir, 
a  manner  a  little  less  distinct,  wrhile  the  colours 
continue  to  bear  resemblance.  We  are  indebted  to 
Dr.  A.  Smith  for  the  use  of  the  specimen  which 
we  now  describe  and  figure,  from  the  collection 
at  Fort  Pitt,  Chatham,  and  which  has  marked,  as 
its  locality,  "  Interior  of  Africa."  The  whole  up- 
per parts,  wings  and  tail  excepted,  are  of  the 
same  rich  bronzed  green  of  the  greater  and  lesser 
collared  birds,  approaching  to  emerald-green  on 
the  lower  back  and  rump;  on  the  shoulders  the 
base  of  the  feathers  is  black,  having  a  broad  round 
fringe  of  greenish  at  the  tips,  as  in  N.  famosa, 
and  which  exhibits  a  rich  spotted  contrast.  The 
wings  and  tail  are  nearly  black,  glossed  with  green, 
the  latter  on  its  edges,  with  purple.  Underneath 
the  chin  is  of  a  deep  velvet-black,  changing  on 
the  nock  and  upper  part  of  the  breast  to  the  same 


BIFASCIATED  SUN-BIRD.  175 

bronzed  green  of  the  head  and  back,  but  having 
a  greater  tinge  of  golden  yellow,  —  this  again  is 
shaded  into  a  narrow  band  of  steel-blue,  succeeded 
by  another  of  a  dull  red,  in  some  lights  appearing 
almost  brown,  in  others  dull  vermillion-red,  and 
having  the  tips  of  the  feathers  narrowly  banded 
with  steel-blue;  the  remaining  under  parts  are 
dull  black,  glossed  with  blue  on  the  lower  tail- 
coverts,  and  immediately  succeeding  the  red  band. 
The  entire  length  of  the  specimen  is  five  inches 
and  three-tenths,  the  proportions  not  showing  any 
important  variation.  The  first  quill  is  unusually 
short,  compared  with  species  of  similar  siz^  There 
are  no  axillary  tufts. 


SPLENDID  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  splendida,  SHAW. 

PLATE  V. 

THIS  is  a  large  species,  and  certainly,  when  the 
male  is  seen  in  his  full  breeding  dress,  one  of  the 
most  gorgeously  dressed  of  the  whole  tribe.  Le 
Yaillant  found  this  bird  in  the  country  of  the  Great 
Namaqua,  near  the  Fish  River,  but  only  during  the 
season  of  incubation ;  so  that  it  is  probable  a  more 
western  locality  may  be  its  true  and  continuous 
habitation.  It  is  introduced  by  Mr.  Swainson  in 
his  Birds  of  "Western  Africa,  and  our  own  speci- 
mens were  received,  by  the  attention  of  Dr.  "W. 
Fergusson,  from  the  vicinity  of  Sierra  Leone.  In 
the  country  of  the  Namaquas  the  nest  was  placed 
in  the  worm-eaten  trunks  of  mimosa  trees,  and 
contained  from  four  to  five  entirely  white  eggs.* 

The  total  length  of  the  adult  male,  measured 
from  Sierra  Leone  specimens,  is  from  five  inches 
and  a  half  to  five  and  three-quarters,  being  nearly 
an  inch  longer  than  the  measurements  given  by 
Mr.  Swainson.  The  back  of  the  neck,  back,  shoul- 
ders, and  upper  and  under  tail-coverts,  are  brilliant 
golden  green,  varying  with  every  change  of  light ; 
*  Le  Vaillant,  vi.  p.  163. 


XECTAKIMA  SL'l.F  M>  li>.\ 

Native  of  \\*  Africa. 


SP1ENDID  SUN-BIRD. 


177 


the  head  and  throat  are  steel-blue,  in  some  lights 
appearing  as  black,  in  others  as  rich  violet ;  across 
the  breast  there  appears  in  most  lights  a  band  of 
scarlet,  but  in  some  positions  it  appears  as  if  banded 
with  steel-blue,  golden  green,  or  violet,  and  at  times 
to  be  almost  entirely  composed  of  one  of  those  tints; 
this  is  occasioned  by  the  structure  of  the  feathers, 
near  the  base  the  colour  is  of  the  metallic  tints 
alluded  to,  but  the  tips  of  the  plummules  are  length- 


ened into  fine  vermillion  tips  without  barbs,  which 
are  so  slender  as  sometimes  to  be  entirely  lost  when 
n  against  the  dark  tint  of  the  feather  Iving  be- 


J78  SPLENDID  SUN-BIRD. 

ncath.  On  the  sides  of  this  beautiful  bird  spring  two 
axillary  tufts  of  pale  lemon-yellow.  The  breast, 
belly,  and  flanks,  wings  and  tail,  are  deep  black, 
— the  latter  edged  with  golden  green.  In  this  spe- 
cies also  the  tail-coverts  are  of  an  unusual  form, 
very  nearly  as  long  as  the  feathers  of  the  tail,  the 
webs  very  ample,  loose,  and  unconnected.  The  legs, 


feet,  and  bill  are  black.  The  female,  according  to 
Le  Vaillant,  is  entirely  of  an  "  earthy  brown,"  paler 
beneath,  tinted  with  olive  on  the  wings  and  tail, 
the  last  having  the  lateral  feathers  bordered  exte- 
riorly with  dirty  white ;  the  bill  and  feet  blackish 
brown.  The  young  resemble  the  female. 


XKCTARINIACnu.ARlS.M.F. 
Natives  of  S  Africa. 


RtJNIVEK! 


179 


LITTLE  BLUE-BANDED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarwia  collarit,  VIEILLOT. 

PLATE  VI. 

THIS  pretty  little  Sun-bird  was  met  with  by  Le 
Vaillant  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Gamtoos,  in  troops  of 
eight  or  nine  birds,  the  amount  of  the  broods.  "We 
have  only  received  the  males  in  miscellaneous  col- 
lections from  Southern  Africa,  where,  by  some  of 
our  correspondents,  it  is  said  to  be  rare ;  but  a  spe- 
cimen of  the  female  has  been  put  in  our  possession 
by  Dr.  A.  Smith,  procured  at  the  Cape,  and  agree- 
ing with  the  description  of  authors.  In  extreme 
length  it  is  about  four  inches,  some  specimens 
slightly  exceeding,  while  others  do  not  reach  it. 
The  bill,  to  the  forehead,  is  half  an  inch,  becoming 
very  slender  towards  the  tip ;  the  upper  parts,  edges 
of  the  wing-coverts,  and  secondaries,  a  bright  yel- 
lowish green,  changing  with  every  position;  the 
wings  umber-brown,  edged  with  oil-green;  the 
chin,  throat,  and  upper  parts  of  the  breast  similar, 
but  deeper  in  tint,  shading  into  and  terminating  in 
a  narrow  band  of  rich  blue,  glossed  with  violet; 
the  remaining  under  parts  are  of  a  dull  yellow,  and 
in  the  axillae  there  are  tufts  of  pale  primrose-yel- 
low. The  tail,  slightly  rounded,  is  black  glossed 


180  LITTLE  BLUE-BANDED  SUN-BIRD. 

with  blue,  the  feathers  edged  with  rich  shining 
green. 

In  the  female  above  alluded  to,  the  upper  parts 
are  nearly  similar,  but  having  a  greater  mixture  of 
yellow ;  this  extends  slightly  over  the  cheeks  and 
sides  of  the  neck,  but  the  chin  and  throat  are 
yellowish  white,  shading  into  dull  gamboge-yellow, 
which  occupies  the  remaining  under  parts,  becoming 
bright  in  the  centre  of  the  belly  and  vent,  and 
there  is  no  trace  of  the  brilliant  gular  and  pectoral 
patch  and  band  which  characterises  the  male. — 
Le  Vaillant  remarks  that  the  young,  whether  males 
or  females,  had  the  plumage  of  the  adult  female, 
above  being  a  little  less  brilliant,  while  underneath 
the  tint  of  the  yellow  was  not  so  deep. 


i'-S1 

Ni\  I'l'SlTY 


NEC'TAKINTA    VKXTSTA. 
Native  of  W!  Africa. 


M  i:i;slTY 


181 


LITTLE  VIOLET-BANDED  SUN-BIRD. 
Nedarinia  parvula,  JARDINE. 

PLATE  VII. 

WE  have  been  permitted  to  examine  a  specimen  of 
a  Sun-bird  very  closely  allied  to  the  last,  by  the  at- 
tention of  H.  E.  Strickland,  Esq.,  evidently  identical 
with  the  N.  pusilla  of  Swainson's  Birds  of  Western 
Africa ;  the  name  given  to  it  by  that  author, 
however,  having  been  previously  used  both  by  Lin- 
nseus  and  Vieillot,  we  have  endeavoured  to  sup- 
ply it  with  another  bearing  a  meaning  somewhat 
similar.  In  size  it  is  rather  less  than  N.  collaris ; 
in  length,  so  far  as  we  can  measure  from  the  skin, 
being  between  three  and  a  quarter  and  three  inches 
and  a  half;  that  of  the  bill,  to  the  forehead,  about 
six-tenths.  The  crown,  cheeks,  back  and  sides  of 
the  neck,  back  and  rump,  are  of  a  bronzed  green, 
not  so  yellow  in  tint  as  in  the  last ;  the  forehead  is 
violet,  gradually  shading  into  the  green  of  the  other 
upper  parts ;  the  upper  tail-covers  steel-blue ;  tail 
black,  margined  on  the  outer  webs  with  green.  The 
wings  clove-brown;  quills  and  secondaries  edged 
with  olive.  Beneath,  the  chin  is  black ;  fore  part 
of  the  neck  bluish  green,  terminating  in  a  distinct 


182  LITTLE  VIOLET-BANDED  SUN-BIRD. 

band  of  violet,  which  stretches  round  on  the  sides 
of  the  neck,  and  at  its  sides  below,  is  succeeded 
by  dull  black,  forming  an  angular  patch  on  each 
side  of  the  breast,  almost  losing  itself  in  the  centre 
of  the  violet  band.  The  remaining  under  parts  are 
light  king's-yellow,  paler  on  the  vent  and  under  tail- 
covers  ;  the  axillary  tufts  are  bright  orange-yellow, 
easily  distinguishing  it  from  the  last. 

The  two  following  species  possess  a  more  sombre 
colouring ;  and,  as  it  were,  to  relieve  this,  the  axil- 
lary tufts,  which  we  have  hitherto  seen  to  be  pale 
lemon- yellow,  are  in  some  instances  bright  orange- 
red  and  scarlet. 


CX  T 

~~^  f/  s*  • 


NZCTARUflA  Fl'SCA. 

Satira  ors.; 


383 


NAMAQUA,  OR  WHITE-VENTED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  fusca,  VIEILLOT. 

PLATE  VIII. 

SPECIMENS  of  the  male  of  this  species  have  been 
furnished  to  us  both  by  the  Zoological  Society  of 
London  and  from  the  Fort  Pitt  Museum  at  Chat- 
ham. Le  Vaillant  met  with  it  only  in  the  country 
of  the  Great  Namaqua,  where  he  found  it  remain- 
ing during  the  whole  year,  and  considered  it  as 
nearly  confined  to  the  bounds  of  that  district ;  the 
nest  was  discovered  in  the  hollow  trunks  of  trees, 
the  eggs  from  four  to  five  in  number,  and  of  a 
greyish  colour.  Specimens  in  our  own  collection 
were  received  many  years  since  from  Southern 
Africa  by  the  attention  of  Dr.  Smith,  but  the  exact 
locality  is  not  known. 

The  crown,  cheeks,  neck  and  back,  are  of  a  pur- 
plish brown,  having  metallic  reflections  of  purple, 
caused  by  the  prolonged  tips  of  the  feathers  being  of 
that  colour,  or  in  some  lights  greenish ;  the  lower 
part  of  the  back  and  rump  clove-brown,  and  the 
upper  tail-coverts  steel-blue,  without  much  reflec- 
tion ;  the  wings  are  dark  clove-brown,  approaching 
to  umber-brown  on  the  quills ;  the  tail  is  blackish 


J84     NAMAQUA,  OR  WHITE-VENTED  SUN-BIRD. 

brown,  glossed  with  blue.  The  chin  is  dull  black, 
and  the  fore  part  of  the  neck  and  breast  are  purplish 
brown  having  purple  and  green  reflections,  shading 
into  blackish  brown  on  the  flanks  and  upper  part 
of  the  belly,  and  which  again  runs  into  white  on 
the  vent,  flanks,  and  under  tail-coverts.  From  each 
axilla  springs  a  tuft  of  bright  orpiment-orange 
plumes,  contrasting  decidedly  with  the  otherwise 
comparatively  sombre  appearance  of  the  bird.  The 
specimens  in  our  own  collection,  above  alluded  to, 
are  above  entirely  clove-brown,  the  breast  and  thuoat 
only  shewing  a  dark  and  metallic  lustre.  The  length 
is  from  four  and  a  half  to  four  and  three-fourths  of 
an  inch. 

The  female  is  described  by  Le  Yaillant  as  of  a 
greyish  brown  above  (probably  of  the  brocoli  or  hak- 
brown  which  marks  the  same  parts  of  the  male), 
and  beneath  of  a  dirty  white.  The  young,  again,  . 
are  said  to  be  of  a  reddish  brown  above,  below  of  a 
reddish  white,  and  the  males  in  this  state  can  be 
distinguished  by  a  pale  yellow  spot  which  marks 
the  position  of  the  axillary  tufts. 


HECTAHIVIA  VERROXII. 

Xative  of  Kafir  lac  ci. 


35 


VERREAUX'S  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  Verroxii,  SMITH. 

PLATE  IX. 

THE  Zoological  Society  of  London  have  permitted 
us  to  examine  and  describe  both  sexes  of  this  spe- 
cies, placed  in  its  collection,  we  believe,  by  Dr. 
Smith.  The  head,  neck,  shoulders  and  back,  are  of 
a  dark  bluish  green  with  metallic  lustre,  but  both 
in  this  and  the  preceding  bird  somewhat  interrupted 
from  the  dark  base  of  the  feathers  appearing,  the 
fringe  of  the  tips  only  being  of  the  more  brilliant 
colour.  The  lower  part  of  the  back,  rump,  and 
upper  tail-covers,  wings  and  tail,  purplish  brown, 
darkest  on  the  tail,  which,  excepting  the  slightly 
shorter  outside  feathers,  is  square  at  the  end.  The 
lower  parts,  in  the  specimen  before  us,  were  pale 
hair-brown,  slightly  tinted  with  yellow  on  the  chin 
and  vent  ;  Dr.  Smith  describes  them  as  yellowish 
grey,  and  his  figure  represents  a  very  clear  tint. 
The  axillary  tufts  are  here  of  a  brilliant  scarlet,  and 
appear  conspicuously.  The  female  above  is  uni- 
formly brocoli-brown,  darker  on  the  wings  and  tail  ; 
beneath  of  a  paler  tint  of  the  same  colour,  tinged 
with  greenish  yellow,  and  approaching  to  yellowish 
grey  on  the  vent  and  flanks. 


186  NECTARIN1A  OLIVACEA. 

Dr.  Smith  remarks,  "  Only  a  very  few  speci- 
mens of  this  bird  have  yet  been  found  in  South 
Africa,  and  none,  as  far  as  I  know,  within  the 
limits  of  the  Cape  colony.  Kafirland,  and  the 
country  east  of  it,  towards  Port  Natal,  furnishes 
the  specimens  we  possess.  Like  the  other  species 
of  the  group,  it  feeds  upon  small  insects,  and  these  it 
collects  partly  from  the  branches  and  leaves  of  brush- 
wood and  dwarf  trees,  and  partly  from  flowers." 
The  same  author  also  adds  a  short  notice  of  another 
species  considered  new, — 


NECTARINIA  OLIVACEA,  SMITH. 

"  THE  colour  of  this  species  above  is  intermediate 
between  grass-green  and  olive-green,  the  head  being 
strongly  tinged  with  blue ;  below  it  is  light  yel- 
lowish green,  with  an  orange  tint  on  the  throat, 
and  on  each  axilla  there  is  a  small  tuft  of  brilliant 
yellow  feathers.  Length  from  the  base  of  the  bill 
to  the  point  of  the  tail  five  inches,  length  of  the  bill 
one  inch  three  lines." 


187 


FINE-BACKED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  ntbro-fusca,  SHAW. 

SPECIMENS  identical  \vith  the  bird  we  are  now  about 
to  describe  from  our  own  collection  occur  in  the 
British  Museum,  the  Museum  of  the  Zoological 
Society,  and  at  Fort  Pitt,  Chatham,  but  all  without 
any  name  attached,  "We  have  referred  it  to  the 
species  of  Shaw  above  named,  and  consequently  to 
the  bird  figured  by  Mr.  Swainson  in  the  Birds  of 
Western  Africa.  Its  other  synonymes  will  be  found 
in  our  Synopsis,  and  we  would  merely  observe,  that 
all  the  specimens  we  have  examined  are  very  close 
and  similar  in  their  markings  and  the  tints  on  the 
plumage. 

The  length  of  our  specimen  is  about  four  inches 
eight-tenths,  and  it  is  a  bird  of  rather  lender  make. 
The  crown,  back,  and  sides  of  the  neck  are  of  a  rich 
reddish  purple,  with  a  bronzed  or  coppery  lustre ; 
the  middle  of  the  back,  the  rump,  and  upper  tail 
coverts,  rich  auricula-purple  with  a  changing  lustre, 
richest  on  the  coverts,  and  losing  itself  upwards  in 
the  tint  of  the  head  and  neck ;  the  chin,  throat,  and 
upper  parts  of  the  breast  are  of  a  shade  intermediate 
between  these,  the  purple  prevailing,  and  all  the 
other  parts  of  the  plumage  are  deep  black,  tinted 


188  FINE-BACKED  SUN-BIRD. 

with  blue  on  the  wings  and  tail.  On  the  band  of 
each  wing  there  is  a  patch  of  rich  violet-purple. 
There  are  no  axillary  tufts. 

By  the  attention  of  Mr.  Louis  Frazer,  we  are 
enabled  to  add  a  description  of  the  female,  from 
specimens  procured  at  Cape  Coast  and  Accra,  dur- 
ing the  progress  of  the  late  Niger  expedition,  and 
forwarded  to  us  for  the  use  of  the  present  volume. 
Plumage  above,  including  the  wings,  dark  brownish 
oil-green,  deepest  on  the  latter ;  beneath,  pale  wax- 
yellow,  clearest  on  the  centre  of  the  belly;  tail 
nearly  black,  the  outer  feathers  tipped  with  grey. 
Length,  three  inches  four-tenths ;  of  the  bill  to  the 
forehead,  six-tenths. 

Mr.  Swainson's  specimens  of  his  JV.  erythronotus 
were  received  from  Senegal,  and  Yieillot's  N.  tri- 
color, which  we  consider  closely  allied,  if  not  iden- 
tical, was  from  Malemba. 


.VECTAU1N1A  CVAXOCKl'llAI.A 

Native  of  Sierra  IcoiU'. 


189 


OLIVE-BACKED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  cyanocephala,  SHAW. 
PLATE  X. 

DR.  WILLIAM  FERGUSSON,  some  years  since,  sent 
us  both  sexes  of  this  species  from  the  vicinity  of 
Sierra  Leone,  and  we  refer  them  without  hesita- 
tion to  the  "  Soui-manga  a  tete  blue"  and  the  "  Soui- 
manga  vert  et  gris"  of  Yieillot,  Oiseaux  dores, 
pi.  vn.  and  xxv. ;  the  first  as  the  male,  the  latter 
as  the  female.  The  male  is  in  length  five  inches 
and  a  half;  the  female  about  a  quarter  of  an  inch 
shorter.  In  the  first  sex,  the  head,  throat,  neck, 
and  upper  part  of  the  breast  are  deep  black,  having 
the  tips  of  each  feather  broadly  banded  with  a  rich 
and  dark  metallic  bluish-green,  giving  to  those 
parts  an  almost  entire  tint  of  the  latter  colour, 
which  varies  with  every  shade  of  light,  and  in 
some  positions  is  coloured  with  steel-blue  reflec- 
tions, particularly  upon  the  breast.  The  upper 
parts,  including  the  edges  of  the  feathers  of  the 
wings  and  tail,  are  yellowish  olive,  or  a  clear  yel- 
lowish oil-green,  without  any  reflected  lights ;  the 
wings  and  tail  are  pale  umber-brown ;  the  lower 
part  of  the  breast,  belly,  and  vent  are  of  a  uniform 
tint  of  brocoli-brown,  and  from  each  axilla  spring 


'90  OLIVE-BACKED  SUN-BIRD. 

tufts  of  primrose-yellow.  The  bird  which  we  re- 
ceived in  the  same  collection  from  Sierra  Leone  as 
the  female,  is,  as  we  stated,  about  five  inches  and 
a  quarter  in  length,  and  it  agrees  in  plumage  with 
the  description  of  Vieillot's  "  Soui-manga  vert  et 
yris."  The  crown,  nape,  cheeks,  and  sides  of  the 
neck  are  of  the  same  rich  bluish  green  seen  in  the 
male,  the  back  and  wings  are  also  similar  in  tint, 
but  the  whole  chin  and  under  parts  are  of  a  uniform 
greyish  white,  paler  on  the  vent,  and  there  tinted 
with  yellowish  oil-green.  We  have  little  doubt  of 
this  being  the  female ;  there  is  no  trace  of  imma- 
turity in  the  specimen. 

We  have  also,  among  the  African  forms  of  even- 
tailed  Sun-birds,  species  of  uncommon  brilliancy  of 
colouring ;  and  which,  as  in  the  Humming-birds  of 
the  New  World,  possess  a  coronal  and  gular  patch 
of  resplendent  scale-like  feathers.  Examples  of 
these  will  be  seen  in  some  of  our  next  plates. 


\.-itivi-   nf  Sf 


THE  SENEGAL  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  Senegalensis,  LINNAEUS. 

PLATE  XI. 

THIS  species,  instead  of  having  the  upper  parts  and 
the  breast  of  a  uniform  brilliant  tint,  has  only  a 
marked  coronal  and  gular  patch  of  rich  emerald- 
green  ;  that  on  the  throat  extending  upon  the  cheeks, 
where  it  exhibits  a  streak  or  moustache  separated 
by  the  different  structure  of  the  feathers,  the  chin 
and  throat  being  also  more  yellow  in  tint.  Space 
between  the  eye  and  bill  deep  black ;  the  back  of 
the  neck,  upper  parts,  wings  and  tail,  belly  and  vent, 
are  of  a  soft  and  deep  brownish  black,  glossed  with 
purple,  appearing  and  feeling  to  the  touch  like 
velvet.  The  fore  parts  of  the  neck  and  breast  are 
brilliant  scarlet-red,  appearing  in  some  lights  violet- 
blue  ;  this  change  is  caused  by  each  feather,  black 
at  the  root,  having  a  band  of  violet-purple,  im- 
mediately succeeded  by  scarlet  tips,  which  in  a 
state  of  rest  nearly  conceal  the  blue,  or  allow  it  only 
to  be  partially  seen  through ;  the  feathers  com- 
posing this  part  are,  to  the  feel,  of  a  stiffer  texture 
than  general,  and  are  capable  of  being  erected  and 
displayed  at  pleasure,  giving  at  one  time  a  totally 


192  THE  3ENEGA.L  SUN-BIRD. 

different  appearance  than  what  is  seen  upon  another 
change ;  this  is  what  suggested  the  name  of  "  Protce" 
to  Le  Vaillant,  who  considers  that  this  species  and 
some  others  thus  display  themselves  during  the  time 
of  courtship  as  an  attraction  to  the  other  sex.  This 
beautiful  plumage  ceases  with  the  season  of  incu- 
bation, and  the  male  assumes  nearly  that  of  the  fe- 
male, which  is  of  a  uniform  wood-brown  tinted  with 
yellow  on  the  belly  and  vent ;  the  bill  and  legs  are 
in  this  sex  brown,  while  in  the  opposite  they  retain 
at  all  seasons  their  deep  black  colour.  In  an  inter- 
mediate state  of  plumage  the  upper  parts  are  of  a 
reddish  brown,  and  the  lower  parts  of  a  yellowish 
wood-browTn,  having  the  splendid  feathers  of  the 
throat  and  breast  appearing  among  it ;  on  the  belly 
and  vent  the  feathers  have  the  centres  darker,  giving 
a  streaked  appearance  to  those  parts.  In  none  of 
the  conditions  of  plumage  have  we  any  trace  of  the 
axillary  tufts  seen  in  the  two  last  birds.  Caffraria 
and  Senegal  are  the  localities  generally  assigned  to 
this  species,  our  own  specimens  were  received  from 
the  vicinity  of  Sierra  Leone,  while  Le  Vaillant  states 
that  it  is  found  on  several  parts  of  both  the  east 
and  west  coasts. 


NE  CTAK  IN  I A  XATALEXSI S 


193 


PORT  NATAL  SUN-BIRD. 

bcctarinia  Nataleusis,  JARDINE. 

PLATE  XII. 

AN  equally  beautiful  species,  the  metallic  colours 
appearing  more  brilliant  from  the  deep  and  velvety 
colour  and  texture  of  the  other  parts  of  the  plumage, 
we  have  received  from  the  vicinity  of  Port  Natal. 
We  have  seen  specimens  also  in  the  Fort  Pitt  collec- 
tion, which  were  considered  by  the  active  superin- 
tendent there  as  undescribed ;  in  the  Zoological 
Society  also  there  is  a  specimen  marked  by  Riippell, 
though  we  could  not  ascertain  that  it  was  procured 
by  that  traveller  during  his  excursions. 

In  our  specimen,  the  coronal  patch,  confined  to 
the  forehead  and  crown,  is  of  a  rich  bluish- green. 
The  gular  patch,  of  a  golden-green,  is  confined  to 
the  chin  and  throat,  and  is  bordered  on  each  side 
with  a  narrow  maxillary  stripe  of  the  same  colour 
with  the  crown.  The  upper  parts,  cheek,  and  sides 
of  the  neck  are  of  a  very  deep  soft  and  velvety 
umber-brown,  paler  on  the  wings  and  tail,  the  bend 
of  the  wing  having  a  violet  patch.  On  the  under 
parts,  the  fore  part  of  the  neck  and  breast  are 
of  a  brilliant  scarlet,  appearing,  in  different  lights, 


194  PORT  NATAL  SUN-BIRD. 

waved  with  violet,  from  the  structure  of  the  feathers 
being  the  same  as  those  of  N.  Senegalensis  and 
splendida  ;  the  simple  apical  tips  only  being  scarlet, 
and  producing  all  the  brilliant  effect.  The  remaining 
under  parts  are  very  deep  blackish-brown  appear- 
ing in  some  lights  almost  black.  The  feet,  legs, 
and  bill  are  black,  the  former  strong.  The  length 
of  the  specimen  described  is  within  a  tenth  of  being 
six  inches. 


N  KCT.VKIMA  AMKTIIYSTINA 


195 


AMETHYST-THROATED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  amethystinay  SHAW. 

PLATE  XIII. 

THIS  bird  differs  in  several  respects  from  any  of 
those  we  have  yet  described,  and  though  of  appa- 
rently more  sombre  colouring,  it  possesses  some 
hues  of  exceeding  brilliancy.  It  is,  with  one  or  two 
exceptions,  one  of  the  largest  species  known,  being 
in  extreme  length  from  five  and  a  half  to  six  inches. 
The  whole  of  the  plumage  of  the  adult  male,  in  a 
breeding  state,  with  the  exception  of  the  parts 
we  shall  immediately  mention,  is  of  a  very  deep 
brownish  black,  feeling  and  looking  like  velvet,  and 
on  the  upper  parts,  when  held  side-ways  to  the 
light,  having  a  rich  play  of  purple.  The  coronal 
patch  is  dark  emerald  green;  on  the  throat  and 
fore  part  of  the  neck  there  is  an  oval  patch  of  rich 
amethystine  purple,  and  on  the  carpal  joint  of  the 
wing  and  upper  tail-covers  the  feathers  are  of  the 
same  beautiful  tint,  but  more  inclining  to  violet, — 
in  all  these  parts  playing  and  changing  with  the 
variation  of  the  light.  The  axillary  tufts,  as  in  the 
last,  are  wanting.  In  the  plumage  of  the  winter  or 
rainy  season,  the  male  resembles  the  female ;  but, 
unlike  the  previous  birds,  retains,  it  is  said,  his 


J96  AMETHYST-THROATED  SUN-BIRD. 

coronal  and  gular  patch  ;  before  the  first  moult,  or 
in  the  nestling  plumage,  however,  these  are  want- 
ing. In  the  female,  according  to  Le  Vaillant,  the 
upper  parts  are  of  an  olive-brown,  the  throat  and 
fore  part  of  the  neck  black,  and  the  remaining 
under  parts  olive,  spotted  or  broadly  streaked  with 
deep  brown. 

Le  Vaillant  first  met  with  this  bird  in  the  country 
of  the  Auteniquoi,  afterwards  on  the  river  Gamtoos, 
and  considers  that  it  remains  in  the  southern  part 
of  the  continent  during  the  whole  year.  Our  own 
specimens  of  the  adult  male,  which  have  now  been 
used,  were  received  from  some  part  of  Southern 
Africa,  though  we  do  not  know  the  exact  locality. 
Mr.  Swainson  has  also  admitted  it  into  his  Birds  ot 
Western  Africa,  so  that  we  may  consider  its  range 
pretty  extensive.  Le  Vaillant  states  that  he  found 
the  nest  in  thickest  bushes,  and  in  the  holes  in 
trees ;  the  eggs  being  five  in  number,  grey,  spotted 
with  olive. 


CTAkiMA  FI:LII;IX.IS  v 
Native  of  W Africa. 


197 


CARMELITE  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  fulyiTiosa,  SHAW. 
PLATE  XIV. 

THIS  apparently  not  very  well  known  species  does 
not  seem  common  in  our  collections;  there  is  a 
specimen  in  the  British  Museum,  another  in  the 
Coll  ,ction  at  Edinburgh,  from  which  our  figure  has 
been  taken,  and  Mr.  Strickland  has  obliged  us  with 
the  use  of  a  specimen  from  among  his  Nectari- 
niadas,  from  which  we  have  made  our  description. 

The  body,  above  and  below,  is  uniform  pale  yel- 
lowish umber-brown,  the  wings  and  tail  consider- 
ably darker,  and  with  a  slight  purple  reflection  ; 
the  forehead  has  an  imbricated  patch  of  auricula 
purple,  extending  to  the  line  of  the  eyes  and  the 
chin,  throat,  and  fore  part  of  the  neck,  forming  the 
gular  patch,  with  the  lesser  wing-covers  or  radial 
edges  of  the  wings,  are  of  the  same  colour;  the 
axillary  tufts  are  bright  primrose-yellow.  The  en- 
tire length  about  five  inches.  The  female  is  said  to 
want  the  coronal  patch. 

Malemba,  on  the  west  coast  of  Africa,  is  given  by 
Vieillot  as  the  locality  of  this  species,  but  we  are 
not  aware  where  those  which  have  come  under  our 
own  observation  have  been  received. 


198 

\ 

THE  NIGER  CARMELITE  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  Stangeriiy  JARDINE. 

PLATE  XV. 

THE  next  specimen  we  have  to  describe,  as  entering 
into  the  artificial  division  with  coronal  and  gular 
patches,  is  one  which,  independent  of  its  remarkable 
colouring,  will  possess  an  interest  as  part  of  the 
limited  collection  procured  during  the  late  Niger 
expedition,  and  brought  to  this  country  by  Dr. 
Stanger.  It  was  placed  under  our  inspection  by 
the  kindness  of  Mr.  Waterhouse,  curator  to  the 
Zoological  Society,  and,  after  examination,  wre  have 
been  unable  to  refer  it  to  a  described  species.  It 
approaches  nearest  to  the  last,  but  differs  from  it  in 
the  frontal  and  gular  patches  being  green  instead  of 
violet,  in  there  being  no  violet  on  the  lesser  wing- 
covers,  and  in  wanting  all  trace  of  the  axillary 
tufts.  The  following  is  an  exact  description  of  the 
specimen,  and  we  may  remark  that  it  appears  in 
every  way  to  be  in  full  and  perfect  plumage. 

The  entire  length  is  five  inches  one-tenth;  of 
the  bill,  five-tenths;  of  the  wing,  to  the  longest 
quill,  two  inches  and  a  half.  The  upper  parts  are 
of  a  uniform  deep  yellowish  umber-brown,  darker 
on  the  wings  and  tail ;  the  whole  plumage  having 


XECTARINIA  STAN'GERII. 
Xative  of  ^Africa. 


CARMELITE  SUN-BIRD.  199 

the  velvety  feel  and  appearance  of  N.  amethystine 
and  showing  yellow  and  greenish  lights.  Under- 
neath, the  plumage  of  the  same  texture  is  deep 
umber-brown,  and,  when  seen  across,  shows  rich 
purple  reflections.  The  forehead,  until  within  the 
line  of  the  eyes,  is  covered  with  the  scale-like 
feathers  of  deep  green,  the  last  row  of  feathers 
being  rich  violet,  forming,  as  it  were,  a  narrow 
band  of  that  colour.  The  chin  is  velvety-black, 
and,  following  it,  the  gular  patch  is  rich  yel- 
lowish-green, playing  in  the  light,  reaching  to  the 
upper  part  of  the  breast,  and  having  the  last  row 
of  feathers  deep  steel-blue  tipped  with  scarlet,  at  a 
little  distance  appearing  as  a  violet  termination, 
bordered  by  a  scarlet  thread.  On  each  maxilla 
there  is  a  narrow  stripe  of  deep  shining  green, 
similar  to  the  forehead  in  colour.  No  trace  of  axil- 
lary tufts  or  colouring  on  the  shoulders.  Bill,  legs, 
and  feet  black. 

As  in  Africa  we  have  the  Nectariniadse  in  the 
greatest  profusion,  both  in  numbers  and  species,  so 
do  we  find  the  more  varied  forms.  These  are  most 
apparent  in  the  form  of  the  tail,  which  is  square, 
wedge-shaped,  or  has  the  centre  feathers  only  much 
elongated;  the  first  we  have  seen  in  the  species 
we  have  been  describing,  and  as  an  example  of  the 
second  we  now  give  the  representation  of  the 


VIOLET-HEADED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  violacea,  LINXJEUS. 

PLATE  XVI. 

THIS  bird,  a  native  of  Southern  Africa,  has,  in  tli6 
adult  males,  the  head,  sides  of  the  neck,  and  chin, 
with  the  upper  part  of  the  back  and  bend  of  the 
wings,  dark  golden-green  varied  with  purple  and 
bronzed  reflections ;  on  the  upper  part  of  the  back 
the  base  of  the  feathers  are  olive,  and  are  seen 
mixed  with  the  dark  and  shining  tint;  the  back 
and  remaining  upper  parts,  with  the  edges  of  the 
wings  and  tail-feathers,  are  yellowish  oil-green ;  the 
quills  and  tail  pale  umber-brown.  On  the  centre 
of  the  breast  and  running  round  on  each  side  the 
green  colour  of  the  neck,  is  a  patch  of  brilliant 
violet-purple  stretching  up  upon  the  throat  and 
nearly  bordering  the  lower  part  of  the  breast  in  a 
narrow  crescent.  The  lower  part  and  centre  of  the 
breast  is  deep  reddish-orange,  shading  into  gamboge- 
yellow  on  the  flanks  and  under  tail-covers.  In  the 
axillao  we  have  the  king's-yellow  tufts.  The  ex- 
treme length  is  nearly  six  inches. 

According  to  Le  Yaillant,  the  female  is  rather 
smaller  in  size,  and  is  of  a  uniform  olive-green, — 


N'KCTAKI  VIA.  VI 0 1.  ACE  A 

X.-Uivr  of  S  AtVi.-a. 


VIOLET-HEADED  SUN-BIRD.  201 

paler,  and  of  a  more  yellow  tint  beneath.  The 
young  of  both  sexes  nearly  resemble  each  other, 
and  are  above  greyish  olive,  beneath  yellowish.  The 
species  is  abundant  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Cape,  but 
it  delights  in  the  more  mountainous  districts,  and 
only  descends  to  the  gardens  during  the  season  of 
the  flowers,  and  while  the  orange  trees  are  in 
blossom.  The  male  has  a  quick,  lively,  and  agree- 
able warble.  The  nest  is  placed  in  thick  bushes, 
formed  of  the  down  of  plants,  and  covered  exteriorly 
with  lichens  or  fine  moss.  The  eggs  are  white, 
mottled  with  minute  brown  dots.  Latham  says  the 
structure  of  the  nest  is  loose  and  artificial. 

The  tail,  in  the  Violet-headed  Sun-bird  of  Africa, 
is  regularly  graduated,  and  we  have  the  form  con- 
tinued in  several  species  from  Continental  India, 
where  it  prevails,  and  also  exists  in  a  more  deve- 
loped manner  in  some  lovely  birds  sent  to  us 
from  Nipaul  by  Mr.  Hodgson,  and  which  we  shall 
immediately  describe  and  figure  from  his  specimens; 
but  in  doing  this,  let  it  be  distinctly  understood 
that  we  do  so  with  no  wish  to  interfere  with  his 
discoveries ;  and  we  cannot  help  expressing  our 
regret  to  see  that  gentleman  daily  deprived  of  the 
merit  of  his  extensive  researches  in  ornithology  by 
the  arrival  of  insulated  specimens,  when  we  know 
that  for  some  years  large  remittances  collected  by 
him,  containing  hundreds  of  new  species,  have  con- 
tinued hidden  in  the  keeping  of  his  friends.  In 
some  of  these  Indian  species  the  centre  feathers 
become  much  more  elongated,  and  seem  to  lead 


202 


VIOLET-HEADED  SUN-BIRD. 


to  the  next  form  of  tail,  where  that  member  is 
perfect  in  itself,  the  lengthened  feathers  being  rather 
accessaries,  appearing  only  during  incubation  and 
disappearing  with  the  moult  of  the  rainy  season,  or 
winter. 


MALACHITE  SUN-BIRD. 


203 

Those  with  the  elongated  tail-feathers  will  be 
represented  by  our  next  figure  of 


204 


MALACHITE  SUN-BIRD. 
Nectarinia  famosa. 

PLATE  XVII. 

THE  largest  species  of  Sun-bird  which  is  known, 
and  when  in  its  full  breeding  plumage,  a  bird  of 
great  splendour.  In  this  form  we  have  ten  feathers 
in  the  tail,  short,  and  nearly  of  equal  length ;  the 
centre  or  sixth  pair  being  narrow  and  alone  much 
lengthened,  in  the  specimen  before  us  exceeding 
the  other  feathers  by  three  inches  and  a  quarter. 
This  is  what  the  French  writers  term  "  Queue  en 

Jleche ;  and  in  some  of  the  smaller  species  the 
length  beyond  the  short  feathers  is  even  still  more 
disproportioned.  The  Malachite  Sun-bird  has  been 
frequently  figured,  both  on  account  of  its  being 
very  early  known,  and  from  the  splendour  of  its 
colours,  though  perhaps  few  figures  have  or  ever 
will  come  up  to  the  varying  tints  and  changes 
which  play  upon  its  plumage.  An  adult  male  now 
before  us  is  nine  inches  in  extreme  length,  of  which 
the  bill  measures  an  inch  and  a  quarter,  the  excess 
of  the  centre  tail-feathers  being  as  we  mentioned 
above.  The  whole  upper  and  under  parts  are  of 

•  a  deep  Malachite  green,  having  a  play  of  golden 
green  and  reddish  bronze,  particularly  on  the  head 


i  r-  UN  ; 


THE  MALACHITE  SUN-BIRD.  205 

and  neck,  with  the  forehead  and  throat  in  some 
lights  appearing  deep  black.  The  feathers  on  the 
latter  parts  are  thick  and  close  like  the  pile  of 
velvet,  in  which  they  resemble  the  structure  of 
the  same  parts  in  the  Paradise-birds,  and  which  is 
not  frequently  met  with  in  the  Sun  or  Humming- 
birds. We  may  remark,  that  in  some  specimens 
we  have  seen  a  pinkish  bronze  tint  prevailing 
over  nearly  the  whole  upper  plumage,  but  Le 
Yaillant  observes,  in  his  description,  that  this  bronze 
colour  is  caused  by  the  stuffs  used  in  preparing 
the  skins,  and  that  in  a  fresh  state  it  does  not 
appear.  This  we  have  had  no  opportunity  of  veri- 
fying. On  the  back  and  breast  the  colours  have 
often  the  appearance  of  being  waved,  from  the  tips 
only  of  the  feathers  being  of  the  brilliant  green,  the 
base  being  deep  black,  over  which  the  others  lie  and 
partially  exhibit  the  dark  tint  beneath.  The  wings 
and  tail  are  black,  the  secondaries  and  covers  of 


the  former  being  edged  with  green  and  violet ;  the 
latter  distinctly  margined  for  two-thirds  of  their 
length  with  the  malachite  green  of  the  upper  parts. 
From  each  axilla  there  springs  a  lengthened  tuft 


206  THE  MALACHITE  SUN-BIRD. 

of  gamboge-yellow  plumes.  Bill  and  legs  are  black. 
This  plumage,  together  with  the  lengthened  tail- 
feathers,  is  lost  immediately  after  the  season  of  in- 
cubation, when  it  becomes  nearly  of  a  uniform  dull 
oil-green,  yellowish  on  the  throat,  paler  on  the  under 
parts  (and  described  by  Le  Vaillant  as  yellowish, 
which  characterises  the  adult  from  the  young  male 
in  the  first  moult) ;  the  centre  feathers  of  the  tail 
coming  in  of  an  equal  length  with  the  others.  The 
female  is  described  to  be  considerably  less  in  size, 
and  to  be  entirely  of  an  olive-brown  colour,  the 
outer  feathers  of  the  tail  being  bordered  witli 
white. 

This  species  is  abundant  in  the  vicinity  of  the 
Cape  of  Good  Hope,  or  at  least  was  so  in  the  days 
of  Le  Vaillant,  remaining  stationary  during  the  year, 
frequenting  the  gardens,  and  there  extracting  the 
juices  from  the  flowers.  It  extends  also  along  the 
eastern  coast,  and  the  author  above  quoted  states 
that  fifty  may  be  found  in  a  day  by  remaining 
quiet  within  reach  of  one  of  their  favourite  plants, 
to  which  they  constantly  flock.  The  nest  is  com- 
posed of  slender  twigs  covered  externally  with  moss. 
The  eggs  are  four  or  five  in  number,  and  are  of  a 
greenish  colour. 


NKCTAKIXIA    Pl'I.CHF.M.A  . 

Native  of  Senegal. 


RED-BREASTED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  pulchella,  LINN^US. 

PLATE  XVIII. 

LE  YAILLANT  gives  Senegal  as  the  country  of  this 
Sun-bird,  stating  that  it  is  also  found  in  Southern 
Africa,  but  not  beyond  the  "  Great  River"  in  the 
Caffre  country,  where  it  frequents  the  forests ;  Mr. 
Swainson,  in  his  Birds  of  Western  Africa  above 
quoted,  remarks  that  it  "  seems  to  be  particularly 
common  in  Senegal,  from  whence  great  numbers 
have  been  recently  sent  to  Europe  as  articles  of 
commerce ;"  and  we  have  ourselves  received  speci- 
mens which  appear  identical,  and  which  have  sup- 
plied the  accompanying  figure  and  description,  from 
the  vicinity  of  Sierra  Leone.  The  adult  male  is 
both  above  and  below  of  a  rich  golden-green,  upon 
the  crown,  throat,  and  breast  seeming  more  in- 
tense from  the  structure  of  the  feathers.  The  centre 
of  the  breast  is  crossed  by  a  bright  collar  of  yel- 

owish  carmine  red,  shading  off  upon  the  belly  into 
gamboge-yellow,  and  there  running  to  a  point  along 

he  centre;  the  vent,  wings,  and  tail  are  black, 
under  tail-coverts  tipped  with  shining  bluish  green ; 
the  centre  tail-feathers  or  long  coverts  are  black, 
edged  at  the  base  with  the  green  of  the  upper  parts. 


208  THE  RED-BREASTED  SUN-BIRD. 

Extreme  length  to  end  of  the  long  feathers,  si\ 
inches  two  tenths,  to  the  end  of  true  tail,  four  inches 
two  tenths.  In  a  specimen  accompanying  that  now 
described,  and  which  we  consider  to  be  a  male 
changing  from  its  brilliant  dress,  the  two  centre 
feathers  of  the  tail  are  worn  nearly  to  their  shafts, 
in  the  same  way  that  we  often  perceive  those  of  tho 
Scolopacidae  after  the  season  of  incubation,  and  pre- 
vious to  their  having  entirely  thrown  off  that  dress. 
The  upper  parts  are  entirely  of  a  hair-brown,  a  few 
bright  green  feathers  remaining  apparent  on  the 
crown  and  rump.  The  wings  are  brownish  black, 
shining  green  upon  the  shoulders,  and  the  entire 
under  parts  are  yellowish  white,  the  yellow  tint 
being  deeper  along  the  centre  of  the  breast  and 
belly.  In  both  states  the  bill  and  legs  are  black. 


NECTARINIA  1'l.ATURA. 
Xative  of  S.Africa. 


209 


PURPLE-RUMPED  LONG-TAILED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  platura,  VIEILLOT. 

PLATE  XIX. 

LE  VAILLANT,  in  describing  this  bird,  seems  to 
have  felt  that  it  was  an  aberrant  form,  and  from 
the  resemblance  of  the  bill  to  that  of  the  warblers, 
gave  it  the  appellation  of  "  Figuier"  and  it  also 
varies  from  the  previously  noticed  birds  in  minute 
size  of  the  first  quill,  as  represented  in  the  wood-cut 
at  the  end  of  this  description ;  he  only  found  it  in 
the  forests  of  the  country  of  the  Namaquois,  where 
it  gained  its  subsistence  chiefly  from  the  flowers  of  a 
species  of  scentless  jessamine,  which  grew  in  abun- 
dance under  the  mimosas;  little  farther  is  known 
regarding  it,  and  the  nest  was  not  found.  Our  own 
specimens  were  received  from  Southern  Africa,  but 
without  any  accompanying  information.  The  total 
length  of  a  male,  apparently  in  complete  plumage, 
is  six  inches  and  eight  tenths ;  the  bill  to  the  fore- 
head, four  tenths;  the  long  caudal  feathers  surpassing 
the  tail  by  two  inches  six  tenths.  The  upper  parts, 
above  the  rump,  are  green,  with  bronze  and  slight 
purple  reflections  ;  the  rump  and  tail-coverts  violet 
purple  ;  the  throat,  fore  part  of  the  neck,  and  upper 
parts  of  the  breast,  duck  green,  with  metallic  reflec- 


210 


PURPLE-RDMPED  SUN-BIRD. 


tions ;  the  remaining  under  parts,  saffron-yellow ; 
the  wings  are  brownish  black ;  the  tail  black  ;  the 
centre  long  feathers  glossed  with  steel-blue,  and 
somewhat  spatulate  at  the  tips.  The  female  is  de- 
scribed by  Le  Vaillant  as  above  of  a  reddish  grey 
tinted  with  olive,  and  as  wanting  the  long  feathers ; 
the  belly  and  under  parts,  however,  continuing  yel- 
low. 

"We  also  have  specimens  of  a  Sun-bird  from  the 
vicinity  of  Sierra  Leone,  possesing  a  similar  dis- 
tribution of  markings  and  of  the  same  size,  but  the 
tints  are  somewhat  different.  The  whole  upper 
parts,  together  with  the  throat  and  breast,  are  of  a 
rich  bronzed  purple,  showing  very  little  indication 
of  green  in  any  light,  and  having  the  violet  of  the 
rump  scarcely  distinguishable  from  the  other  plu- 
mage ;  the  yellow  under  parts  are  of  a  decidedly 
deeper  tint,  approaching  almost  to  gallstone-yellow  ; 
the  true  tail  is  perfectly  square,  whereas,  in  the  first 
described,  we  have  thought  it  slightly  graduated. 
These,  however,  we  consider  here  as  merely  local 
variations.  Another  closely  allied  bird  is  the 


211 


BLUE-RUMPED  LONG-TAILED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  metallica,  LICHTENSTEIN. 

OF  this  species,  closely  allied  to  the  last,  there  are 
figures  of  both  sexes  in  the  Planche  Coloriees,  and 
in  the  Atlas  to  Riippell's  "  Reise  in  Nordlicheii 
Afrika"  In  form  and  general  distribution  of  colour- 
ing, this  bird  nearly  resembles  the  last,  but  the  lower 
parts  of  the  back  upper  tail-covers,  and  tail,  are 
of  a  bright  metallic  blue.  The  dark  colour  of  the 
throat  and  fore  part  of  the  neck  also  is  bordered 
with  a  distinct  collar  of  clear  blue,  wanting  in 

'  o 

the  species  we  have  previously  figured.  Cretzsch- 
mar,  in  Ruppell's  Atlas,  describes  the  female  as 
grey  (hair  brown)  on  the  upper  part  of  the  body ; 
the  wings,  and  also  the  tail  dark,  with  a  light 
border;  the  two  outer  feathers  having  white  tips. 
The  whole  lower  parts  of  the  body  pale  lemon- 
yellow,  paler  on  the  chin,  throat,  and  under  tail- 
covers. 

Nubia  and  the  vicinity  of  Dongala  are  the  locali- 
ties given  to  it  by  Temminck.  Cretzschmar,  on 
the  authority  of  Riippel,  states  that  it  is  found  in 
all  North-eastern  Africa,  south  of  Suckot,  nestling 
in  the  acacia  trees. 


212  INDIAN  NECTARINIAD.E. 

"VVe  come  next  to  examine  the  species  of  India 
and  her  islands;  they  extend  generally  over  the 
continent,  reaching  to  a  very  high  elevation  among 
the  Himalayas,  while  they  are  also  found  on  the 
Malay  peninsula  and  the  vast  archipelago  of  the 
East  Indian  islands.  The  forms  resolve  themselves 
almost  into  two, — those  having  the  tail  square,  and 
those  having  that  member  more  or  less  graduated. 
Of  the  first,  the  birds  show  a  smaller,  thickset,  and 
more  compact  form  than  the  African  square-tailed 
species  ;  they  have  generally  a  coronal  and  gular 
patch ;  the  under  parts  are  frequently  banded  with 
one  or  more  distinct  colours,  and  they  possess  yel- 
low or  orange  axillary  tufts;  their  distribution 
seems  to  be  chiefly,  but  not  exclusively,  the  plains 
or  Lower  Continental  India,  and  the  islands.  The 
second,  possesses  brilliant  colouring,  often  a  coronal 
patch,  but  instead  of  that  on  the  throat,  we  have 
lines  or  stripes  of  resplendent  feathers  on  the  sides 
of  the  maxilla,  and  reaching  down  on  the  neck, 
the  centre  tail-feathers  often  extend  beyond  a  pro- 
portional graduation.  These  seem  to  be  most  fre- 
quent in  Alpine  India,  Nipaul,  £c. 

We  have  found  considerable  difficulty  in  making 
out  these  correctly.  An  idea  has  been  taken  up 
that  they  are  subject  to  considerable  variety,  which 
seems  scarcely  to  be  the  case,  many  species  being 
closely  allied,  yet  at  the  same  time,  when  in  adult 
plumage,  pretty  constantly  and  regularly  marked. 


X  EC  T  AK  IMA  ZF.Y1.OX  1C  A  . 


213 


Nectarinia  Zeylonica,  LINN^US. 
PLATE  XX. 

THE  Certhia  Zeylonica  of  Linnaeus,  sent  by  Gover- 
nor Loten  from  Ceylon,  refers  to  the  bird  we  have 
now  represented ;  but  the  synonym  of  that  illustri- 
ous naturalist  is  erroneous,  and,  though  printed  by 
him  with  a  ?,  it  has  been  continued  to  many  of  the 
descriptions  which  have  since  been  given  of  the  bird, 
and  has  kept  up  the  confusion;  in  our  Synopsis 
will  be  found  what  we  consider  as  belonging  to  it. 

We  have  received  the  males  from  various  parts 
of  Continental  India,  where  it  seems  pretty  gene- 
rally distributed  and  far  from  uncommon ;  but  we 
have  never  seen  specimens  from  any  of  the  East 
Indian  islands,  nor  been  able  to  compare  those  of  the 
continent  with  a  Ceylonese  bird.  Dr.  Latham,  on 
the  authority  of  Dr.  Buchanan,  states  that  "  it  is 
found  in  all  the  gardens  near  Calcutta,  lives  by 
sucking  honey  out  of  flowers,  and  will  readily  sip 
sugar  and  water."  u  The  nest,  suspended  from  the 
extreme  branch  of  a  tree,  is  almost  of  a  globular 
shape,  with  a  neck  above  somewhat  like  an  alembic, 
and  composed  of  fine  fibres,  with  a  round  hole  of 
entrance  on  one  side,  nearer  the  bottom  than  the 
middle."  Mr.  Jerdon,  who  described  it  under  the 


214      CEYLON  OR  YELLOW-BELLIED  SUN-BIRD. 

name  of  C.  sola,  says  it  is  "  more  abundant  in  the 
Carnatic  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  peninsula, 
and  to  be  seen  in  almost  every  garden. 

The  length  of  our  specimens  are  about  four 
inches  and  a  quarter.  The  crown  of  the  head, 
above  the  eyes,  extending  to  the  occiput,  is  a  dark 
and  deep  olive  with  green  and  purple  reflections ; 
the  chin,  throat,  and  fore  parts  of  the  neck,  rich 
violet  or  amethystine  purple,  changing  with  the 
light ;  these  form  the  coronal  and  gular  patches  of 
scale-like  feathers.  The  sides  of  the  neck,  back, 
scapulars,  and  a  band  across  the  upper  parts  of  the 
breast,  of  a  rich  purplish  brown  (maroon  red)  ;  the 
lesser  wing-covers  similar  in  tint  to  the  head,  but 
having  a  greater  tinge  of  purple ;  lower  parts  of  the 
back  and  upper  tail-covers  rich  amethystine  purple; 
wings  umber-brown,  edges  of  the  feathers  paler ; 
tail  nearly  black,  the  exterior  feathers  with  very  pale 
greyish  tips,  on  the  outer  one  extending  for  nearly 
a  quarter  of  an  inch ;  the  breast  and  belly  king's- 
yellow,  becoming  paler  on  the  flanks  and  under  tail- 
covers. 

Mr.  Jerdon,  who  is  an  accurate  observer,  thus 
describes  the  female,  "  olive-green  above,  beneath 
yellow,  chin  and  throat  white,  wings  and  tail  as  in 
the  male." 

In  the  collection  of  Hugh  Strickland,  Esq.  there 

are  specimens  apparently  a  variety  of  this  species, 

having  the  coronal  patch  violet,    the  gular  patch 

.  nearly  steel-blue,  agreeing  somewhat  with  that  placed 

by  Dr.  Latham  as  his  Yar.  1. 


NECTARINIA  SOLARIS,  TEMMINCK. 

OF  the  same  form  and  distribution  of  colouring  witli 
the  last,  is  the  species  figured  in  the  Planches  Co- 
loriees,  pi.  347,  fig-  3,  under  the  title  of  "  Souimanga 
souci,  N.  Solaris"  It  is  from  Amboina,  one  of  the 
Molucca  islands.  From  the  figure  above  quoted, 
the  following  description  is  drawn : — The  coronal 
patch  covering  the  whole  crown  green;  the  gular 
patch  extending  over  the  throat,  sides  of  the  neck, 
and  breast  is  violet-purple ;  the  upper  parts  olive, 
wings  and  tail  brown,  the  latter  (in  the  description) 
having  the  two  lateral  feathers  tipped  with  white  ; 
the  belly,  vent,  and  flanks,  orange-yellow;  the 
axillary  tufts  paler. 


216 


SCARLET-BELLIED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  affinis,  SHAW. 
PLATE  XX 

THE  specimen  from  which  the  drawing  of  our  plate 
was  made  agrees  with  the  figure  and  description  of 
the  bird  represented  by  Temminck  as  the  "  Soui- 
manga  a  venire  ecerlate?  with  the  "  Souimanga  a 
gorge  violette"  of  the  Ois.  dor.,  and  with  Dr.  La- 
tham's C.  sperata,  var.  B. ;  but  it  differs  from  the 
"  Certhia  philippensis  purpurea"  of  Brisson,  from 
which  all  the  descriptions  of  the  Certhia  sperata, 
Linnaeus,  are  taken,  in  the  green  colour  of  the 
coronal  patch  and  lower  back,  with  the  upper  tail- 
covers;  by  Brisson,  these  parts  are  said  to  be 
violet.  Brisson's  bird  was  from  the  Philippine 
Islands,  and  so  also  is  Temminck's  specimen ;  and 
it  may  remain  a  question  whether  there  is  some 
mistake  in  the  description  of  Brisson,  handed  down 
through  a  variety  of  volumes,  or  that  there  are  two 
distinct  and  closely  allied  birds,  the  one  with  the 
coronal  patch  and  tail-coverts  violet,  as  in  Brisson's 
bird,  or  with  these  parts  green,  as  in  Sonnerat  and 
Temminck's  specimens. 

This  very  beautiful  species  has  the  whole  crown, 
running  to  the  hind-head,  green,  with  golden  reflec- 


Vr.CT  AK1V1  \  AKI-IMS 

V.t'avc  of  M;iniIIn. 


SCARLET-BELLIED  SUN-BIRD.  217 

tions ;  the  cheeks  and  auriculars  black ;  sides  of  the 
neck,  nape,  mantle,  and  greater  covers,  rich  pur- 
plish red  (maroon) ;  lesser  covers  and  bend  of  the 
wing  green,  similar  to  the  coronal  patch ;  the  lower 
part  of  the  back  and  upper  tail-covers,  rich  metallic 
olive-green  with  purple  reflections;  wings  umber- 
brown,  edges  of  the  feathers  paler ;  tail  black,  outer 
webs  of  the  feathers  edged  with  violet ;  underneath 
the  chin,  throat,  and  fore  part  of  the  neck  are  ame- 
thystine purple ;  lower  part  of  the  breast  and  belly 
scarlet ;  vent  and  under  tail-covers  oil-green. 

In  this  species,  and  one  or  two  allied,  there  is  a 
small  patch  of  brilliant  feathers  upon  the  sides  of 
the  breast  where  the  gular  patch  terminates ;  in  the 
present  bird  they  are  of  a  rich  bluish  green.  Entire 
length  from  four  to  four  and  a  quarter  inches.  There 
are  no  axillary  tufts. 

Temminck's  specimens  were  received  from  Ma- 
nilla ;  we  do  not  know  the  locality  of  that  which 
has  served  for  our  plate. 


218 


VON  HASSEI/TS  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  Hasseltii,  TEMMINCK.  * 

PLATE  XXII. 

THIS  species  is  indicated  in  Sir  Stamford  Raffle's 
catalogue  in  the  Linnean  Society's  Transactions  for 
1812,  under  the  title  and  as  a  variety  of  "  Certhia 
sperata ;"  it  is  not,  however,  any  of  the  states  to 
which  that  name  has  been  applied ;  and  in  modern 
times,  at  least,  Temminck  separated  and  recognised 
it  as  a  distinct  species. 

The  specimen  which  we  have  figured  and  de- 
scribed, has  the  whole  crown  extending  a  short  way 
upon  the  nape  of  a  brillant  golden  green;  the 
feathers  of  a  short  and  soft  texture,  and  not  appear- 
ing imbricated ;  the  cheeks,  sides,  back  of  the  neck, 
wings,  and  tail,  are  of  a  deep  velvet  black ;  the 
mantle,  lower  back,  and  tail-covers,  with  the  lesser 
wing-covers  and  bend,  of  a  metallic  olive-green  or 
steel-blue,  varied  according  to  the  lights.  Under- 
neath, the  chin  is  nearly  black,  bordered  on  each 
side  with  a  maxillary  stripe,  and  shading  downwards 

*  This  bird  is  Certhia  Brasiliana  violacea  of  Brisson  ;  Certhia 
Brasiliana,  Shaw.  We  have  retained  Temminck's  specific 
name  as  preferable  to  Brasiliana,  though  the  latter  was  given 
much  prior  to  it. 


XECTA.TCTXIA.  HASSELTII. 

Native  of  Java. 


NECTARINIA  ASPASIA.  219 

into  amethystine  purple  which  forms  the  patch  on 
the  fore  part  of  the  neck  and  breast ;  on  each  side 
of  this  we  find  the  small  spots  of  brilliant  feathers 
alluded  to  in  the  description  of  the  last,  and  here  of 
a  steel-blue  colour.  No  true  axillary  tufts.  The  lower 
parts  of  the  breast  and  belly  are  of  a  purplish  red 
(maroon) ;  the  vent  and  under  tail-covers  greyish 
black.  The  entire  length  scarcely  four  inches.  Java 
is  the  only  authentic  country  given  for  this  species ; 
Temminck  received  it  from  thence ;  our  own  speci- 
mens were  purchased  among  some  birds  from  the 
East  Indian  islands. 

Another  bird,  having  the  same  character  in  the 
markings  with  this,  we  find  figured  in  the  Voyage 
du  Coquille,  from  New  Guinea,  apparently  of  the 
typical  structure ;  but,  from  its  locality,  ranging 
on  the  verge  of  the  Australian  geographic  separation, 
where  we  find  representing  forms  of  somewhat  dif- 
ferent appearance  and  colouring. 


NECTARINIA  ASPASIA,  LESSON. 

CHEEKS,  sides  of  the  neck,  mantle,  wings  (wings 
in  text  "  sont  lrunes"\  lower  part  of  the  belly  and 
vent,  deep  velvet-black ;  coronal  patch  emerald- 
green,  passing  over  the  occiput  to  the  nape;  the 
wing-covers,  lower  back,  and  upper  tail-covers, 
golden  green ;  tail  black,  feathers  edged  with  blue  ; 
while  the  chin,  throat,  and  fore  part  of  the  neck  is 
occupied  with  a  patch  of  deep  bluish  violet. 


220 


GENERAL  LOTEN'S  SUN- BIRD. 

Nectarinia  Lotenia,  LINNJEUS. 

PLATE  XXIII. 

THIS  bird  is  one  of  the  Nectariniadas  first  and  origi- 
nally described  by  Linnaeus  in  the  Syst.  Naturce,  from 
specimens  sent  to  him  by  General  Loten,  Governor 
of  Ceylon,  and  named  in  honour  of  that  gentleman, 
"  qui  hortum  lotanicum  primus  in  India  condidit^ 
et  tot  raris  avibus  me  aliosque  dotavit."  From 
the  improper  synonymes  of  Gmelin  being  ap- 
plied to  the  description,  the  original  name  lias 
been  long  given  to  another  and  very  different  bird 
(N.  splendida^  Shaw,  Plate  V.),  and  we  think  it 
only  due,  both  to  its  discoverer  and  first  describer, 
to  restore  its  former  title.  We  have  not  seen 
specimens  either  from  Ceylon  or  any  of  the  East 
Indian  Islands,  all  those  which  we  have  received 
being  from  various  parts  of  Continental  India.  Mr. 
Jerdon  states  it  to  be  tolerably  common  in  the 
Carnatic  and  on  the  west  coasts  of  the  peninsula, 
frequenting  both  gardens  and  jungles.  Specimens  of 
the  male  before  us  are  in  entire  length  five  inches ; 
that  of  the  bill  to  the  forehead,  which  is  consider- 
ably hooked,  showing  a  difference  when  compared 
with  the  same  member  in  the  next,  one  inch.  The 


If  / 


XECTARIXIA  LOTEX1A. 
Native  of  India. 


GENERAL  LOTEN's  SUN-BIRD.  22J 

whole  of  the  upper  parts,  cheeks,  sides  of  the  neck, 
and  lesser  wing-covers,  are  of  a  dark  metallic-green 
with  blue  and  purple  reflections ;  the  wings  umber- 
brown  ;  tail  bluish  black,  feathers  edged  with  green. 
On  the  under  parts,  the  chin  is  velvet-black,  the 
neck  and  upper  part  of  the  breast  dark  metallic- 
green,  shading  at  the  lower  edge  of  this  gular  patch 
into  rich  steel-blue  tinted  with  violet ;  this  is  suc- 
ceeded by  a  narrow  band  of  purplish  red,  the  re- 
maining under  parts  being  of  a  dark  yellowish 
hair-brown,  relieved  upon  the  sides  by  two  ample 
axillary  tufts  of  king's-yellow.  In  some  specimens 
the  prevalence  of  the  varying  colour  is  different. 
Mr.  Jerdon's  birds  have  a  greater  shade  of  purple 
above,  and  the  margin  of  the  gular  patch  is  nearly 
steel-blue.  Mr.  Jerdon  describes  the  female  as — 
"  Above  light  greenish-brown,  quills  darker,  tail 
black ;  beneath  pale  yellow ;  only  differs  from  the 
female  of  the  last  (onr  next  bird)  in  the  darker  tint 
of  the  plumage  above/' 


222 


MAHRATT3TSUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  Mahrattensis,  LATHAM. 

PLATE  XXIV. 

THE  species  which  we  have  placed  under  the  above 
name  we  have  received  from  the  plains  of  India, 
the  more  alpine  districts,  by  the  attention  of  Cap- 
tain Alexander  Singers,  from  Nipaul,  through  Mr. 
Hodgson,  and,  as  Mr.  Jerdon  remarks  of  it,  "  it 
appears  to  be  the  most  generally  distributed  of  all 
the  Cinnyridae,  and  is  the  only  one  I  have  met  with 
on  the  bare  table  land."  Notwithstanding  this  ap- 
parent frequency,  and  that  it  is  not  an  uncommon 
bird  in  Indian  collections,  the  descriptions  of  authors 
are  so  very  short,  that  it  is  with  difficulty  that  by 
them  it  can  be  separated  from  some  allied  birds. 
From  the  following  description  also,  it  will  be  seen 
how  near  it  agrees  with  the  last  bird,  differing, 
however,  by  the  more  purple  tint  of  the  upper 
plumage,  the  black  belly  and  vent,  the  orange  as 
well  as  yellow  axillary  tufts,  and  by  the  form  and 
proportions  of  the  bill. 

The  entire  length  is  from  four  inches  seven-tenths 
to  four  and  a  half;  bill  to  the  forehead  seven,  or 
seven-tenths  and  a  half.  The  upper  parts  and  lesser 


MKCTAKJ  N  J  A  MAHK  ATTF.N  SI  S  . 

flatty  of  Iiidin. 


MAHRATTA  SUN-BIRD.  223 

wing-covers  are  steel-blue  varied  with  green  or 
purple,  and  in  some  specimens  having  a  violet  tinge 
entirely  prevailing ;  wings  brownish  black ;  tail 
black  feathers  edged  with  steel-blue.  The  cheeks, 
chin,  neck,  and  upper  part  of  the  breast,  are  of  the 
same  steel-blue  with  the  upper  parts,  sometimes 
inclining  to  greenish  or  to  violet,  but  on  the  chin 
the  feathers  are  darker,  almost  black,  and  the  fore 
part  of  the  neck  is  of  a  deeper  and  more  violet  tint 
in  some  lights,  showing  a  decided  central  mark  run- 
ning downwards  for  the  whole  length  of  the  gular 
patch.  The  remaining  under  parts  are  black,  having 
the  feathers  of  the  under  tail- covers  edged  with 
steel-blue;  but  the  black  is  separated  from  the 
gular  patch  by  a  narrow  band  of  purplish  red,  in 
some  specimens  scarcely  perceptible.  The  axillary 
tufts  are  king's-yellow,  overlaid  by  a  few  plumes  of 
brilliant  orange-red. 

Mr.  Jerdon  describes  the  female  as  "  above, 
greenish  brown-grey ;  beneath,  pale  yellow;  darkest 
on  the  throat ;  tail  black ;  quills  dusky." 

Colonel  Sykes  has  stated  this  bird  to  be  South 
African  as  well  as  Indian,  on  the  comparison  of 
specimens  from  both  countries.* 

*  Proceed.  Zool.  Soc.,  1835,  p.  iii.  page  62. 


224 


MINUTE  SUN-BIRD. 

Nedarinia  minuta,  SYKES. 

VIGNETTE  TITLE. 

A  LOVELY  species  of  Sun-bird  was  characterised 
by  Colonel  Sykes  in  his  Catalogue  of  the  Birds  of 
the  Deccan,  under  the  above  name ;  specimens  were 
also  met  with  by  Jerdon  on  the  Indian  peninsula, 
a  pair  of  which  were  forwarded  for  our  examina- 
tion, and  these  we  have  been  unable  to  reconcile  to 
any  previous  description.  They  were  met  with  by 
the  latter  naturalist  in  the  high  forest-jungle  of 
Malabar;  by  Colonel  Sykes  "  only  in  the  dense 
woods  of  the  Ghauts.  White  ants  and  the  larvaB  of 
flies  were  found  in  their  stomach/' 

The  entire  length  of  Mr.  Jerdon's  specimens  is 
about  three  inches  six-tenths  (he  states  three  inches 
and  three-quarters).  Above,  the  crown  and  nape 
are  brilliant  olive  with  purple  reflections,  and  of  a 
soft  scutellated  appearance;  the  upper  plumage^ 
including  the  lesser  wing-covers,  are  very  rich  pur- 
plish red  with  a  large  mixture  of  scarlet,  on  the 
lower  back  and  upper  tail-covers  varying  with  pale 
bluish  purple.  The  wings  are  umber-brown,  the 
tail  dark  blackish  brown.  Beneath,  the  throat  and 


MINUTE  SUN-BIRD.  225 

upper  part  of  the  breast  rich  amethystine  purple, 
forming  the  gular  patch ;  the  remaining  under  parts 
deep  primrose-yellow. 

In  the  female,  above,  there  is  no  coronal  patch  ; 
the  nead,  neck,  and  mantle,  yellowish  oil-crreen  ; 
the  lesser  covers,  lower  back,  and  upper  tail-covers 
are  of  the  same  colour  as  in  the  male,  but  with  a 
slighter  tinge  of  the  varying  bluish  purple ;  the 
wings  and  tail  umber-brown ;  the  lower  parts  en- 
tirely dark  primrose-yellow,  deepest  on  the  throat 
and  breast :  the  bill,  legs,  and  feet  seem  to  have 
been  wood-brown. 


226 


PECTORAL  OR  DARK-BREASTED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  pectoralis,  HORSFIELD. 
PLATE  XXV.     FIG.  1. 

WE  have  specimens  of  this  species  from  the  collec- 
tion of  the  London  Zoological  Society,  furnished  to 
them  by  the  East  India  Company,  and  procured 
from  Java ;  we  give  it,  therefore,  as  identical  with 
the  bird  described  by  Dr.  Horsfield,  and  that  figured 
by  Temminck  in  the  Planches  Coloriees  ;  it  is  also 
very  near  to  the  Certhia  Philippensis  olivacea  of 
Brisson,  and  the  Grimpereau  olive  des  Philippines 
of  Buffon,  Planches  Enluminees,  but  in  neither  the 
description  of  the  one,  nor  the  figure  of  the  others, 
is  the  frontal  patch  of  steel-blue  indicated. 

The  entire  length  of  the  specimen  before  us  is 
within  a  tenth  of  four  inches ;  that  of  the  bill  to  the 
forehead  seven-tenths.  Above,  the  plumage  is  dark 
yellowish  oil-green,  on  the  forehead  a  patch  of  steel- 
blue,  extending  backwards  to  a  line  with  the  exte- 
rior angle  of  the  eye,  and  with  a  narrow  streak  of 
the  rich  colour  passing  over  each;  wings  umber- 
brown,  feathers  edged  with  yellow  oil-green;  tail 
black,  somewhat  graduated, — the  feathers,  except 
the  centre  ones,  tipped  with  white,  on  the  outer  to 
the  extent  of  nearly  half  the  feather.  Underneath, 


SECTARDOA  PECTORALS.  N.JUGULAKIS. 

Natives  of  Java  &  Philippine  Islands. 


DARK-BREASTED  SUN-BIRD.  227 

the  chin,  throat,  and  breast  are  of  the  deep  steel- 
blue  which  forms  the  pectoral  adornment  whence 
the  species  has  been  named,  the  chin  being  very 
dark,  and  along  the  centre  of  the  throat  and  neck 
being  of  a  decidedly  purple  tint,  and  showing  a 
defined  longitudinal  band.  The  remaining  under 
parts  are  king's-yellow,  slightly  paler  towards  the 
vent ;  the  axillary  tufts  of  a  deeper  shade.  Hors- 
field  states  that  the  female  is  distinguished  by  the 
want  of  the  dark  colour  on  the  breast;  and  by 
Temminck  she  is  represented  as  of  a  hair-brown 
above,  the  under  parts  greyish  white,  with  a  slight 
trare  of  yellow  in  the  centre  of  the  belly.  Bill 
black,  tarsi  and  feet  dark  blackish  brown. 


DARK-THROATED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  jugularis,  VIEILLOT. 

PLATE  XXV.     FIG.  2. 

UPON  the  same  plate  with  the  last,  we  give  a  figure 
of  an  allied  species,  brought  from  the  Philippine 
Islands  by  Mr.  Gumming,  which  we  refer  to  the 
44  Certhia  Philippemis  minor"  of  Brisson,  and  to 
the  N.  juyularis  of  Vieillot ;  that  gentleman,  quot- 
ing  Brisson's   synonim,    considers   it   only   as   an 
immature  bird.     Many  of  Brisson's  specimens  were 
from  the  Philippine  Islands,  and  have  been  con- 
founded we  fear  with  allied  birds  from  Continental 
India  and  the  Javanese  and  Sumatran  group,  with- 
out proper  examination.     The  bird  before  us  does 
not  seem  to  show  any  marks  of  immaturity,  and 
whether  we  are  right  or  not  in  our  references,  we 
have  little  doubt  of  its  being  a  distinct  species; 
birds  from  the  Philippine  Islands  have  of  late  not 
been   very   readily   procured,    and   we   shall   feel 
obliged  to  any  of  our  friends  if  they  will  allow  us 
to  examine  any  they  possess.     In  length  Mr.  Cuin- 
ming's  specimen  equals  that   of  the  last,   and  its 
general  proportions  are  very  similar.     Above,  the 
plumage  is  a  yellowish  hair-brown,  with  a  greenish 


DARK-THROATED  SUN-BIRD.  229 

tint  in  some  lights,  and  having  that  colour  predomi- 
nating on  the  lower  parts  of  the  back ;  the  wings 
darker,  inclining  to  umber-brown;  the  tail  black, 
and  with  the  same  distribution  of  white  on  the  tips 
of  the  feathers  as  In  N.  pectoralis.  Underneath,  the 
chin,  throat,  and  upper  part  of  the  breast  are  deep 
steel-blue,  appearing  intensely  dark  in  the  centre. 
This  dark  colour  does  not  extend  so  far  down  as  in 
the  last,  but  at  the  side  there  are  a  few  dark  brown 
feathers,  indicating  a  narrow  terminal  band  of  that 
colour ;  the  remaining  under  parts  are  dull  king's 
yellow,  paler  towards  the  vent ;  the  axillary  tufts 
ample,  and  deep  king's  yellow ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet 
black. 

Our  next  plates  will  represent  a  series  of  rich 
coloured  birds,  having  the  tail  either  much  gradu- 
ated, or  with  the  centre  feathers  disproportionally 
exceeding  the  graduation,  as  to  appear  somewhat 
like  the  corresponding  species  in  Africa.  These 
appear  to  be  most  frequent  in  Northern  and  Alpine 
India,  the  Himalaya  range,  Nipaul,  £c.,  and  may 

reprwwnted  by  the 


230 


GOALPARAH  SUN  BIRD. 
Nectarinia  Goalpariensis,  ROYLE. 

PLATE  XXVI. 

THE  bird  we  have  now  represented  was  received 
from  Nipaul  from  Mr.  Hodgson,  and  appears  iden- 
tical with  the  Goulparah  Creeper  of  Latham  and 
the  Cinnyri*  Viyorsn  of  Colonel  Sykes,  although 
there  are  slight  discrepancies  in  both  these  descrip- 
tions ;  in  the  first  there  is  no  mention  made  of  the 
pale  yellow  rump  and  brilliant  tail-covers,  both  of 
which  seem  to  afford  a  constant  and  marked  feature 
for  the  distinction  of  some  species;  the  yellow  on 
the  rump  may,  however,  have  readily  escaped  no- 
tice, as  from  the  structure  of  the  plumage  on  that 
part  it  may  be  at  times  entirely  concealed  The 
feathers  upon  the  sides  of  tne  lower  part  of  the 
back  are  of  a  loose  downy  texture,  and  are  so  long 
as  to  be  capable  of  being  raised  over,  and  of  com- 
pletely covering  not  only  the  yellow  patch  but  part 
of  the  tail-covers,  and  so  completely  as  to  require 
separation  before  the  pale  colour  can  be  discovered. 
In  Colonel  Sykes'  bird  we  have  the  maxillary  stripe 
and  "  macula  auriculari,  splendenti  violaceis ;"  the 
latter  is  awanting  in  our  Nipaul  specimen. 


N  K  < '  TAKI N  I A   i;  t)  ALFAKIE  X  SIS. 

Native  of  Nip  a  ill. 


GOALPARAH   SUN-BIRD.  231 

The  length  of  our  Nipaul  specimen  is  about  five 
inches  four-tenths ;  of  the  bill  to  the  forehead,  seven 
and  a  half  tenths;  that  of  the  long  tail-feathers, 
about  two  and  six-tenths,  exceeding  the  other  about 
eight  tenths.  The  bill,  legs,  and  feet  are  wood- 
brown,  the  latter  very  pale  on  the  mandible ;  the 
crown  golden-green  with  slight  purple  reflections, 
changing  its  intensity  with  the  light;  the  nape, 
back,  and  scapulars  deep  carmine  red,  with  a  brown- 
ish or  subdued  tinge,  separating  them  from  the 
colour  of  the  cheeks,  throat,  and  breast,  which  are 
of  a  clear  and  dazzling  scarlet,  relieved  on  each  side 
of  the  maxilla  with  a  moustache  or  streak  of  rich 
violet  purple.  The  rump  is  banded  with  pale  king's- 
yellow,  but  immediately  below  the  red  on  the  back 
the  feathers,  of  an  oil-green  colour,  are  lengthened, 
and  can  be  made  to  conceal  entirely  the  yellow 
band,  which  we  have  no  doubt  they  do  while  the 
bird  continues  in  a  state  of  rest.  The  wings  are 
umber-brown,  having  the  feathers  edged  with  oil- 
green  ;  the  vent  and  under  tail-covers  are  pale 
clove-brown  or  greyish  white.  The  tail  itself  is 
brownish  black,  with  the  upper  covers  and  two 
centre  feathers  deep  green,  with  reflections;  the 
two  centre  feathers  are  much  lengthened,  and  are  of 
disunited  texture. 

This  species  does  not  appear  to  be  very  uncom- 
mon ;  we  have  seen  several  specimens  of  it,  and  its 
range  is  also  somewhat  wide;  as  stated,  we  possess 
it  from  Nipaul.  Professor  Royle  figures  it  from 
Deyra  Doon  as  an  example  of  a  tropical  form  from 


232  GOALPARAII  SUN-BIRD. 

Northern  India,  and  represents  the  nest  as  pen- 
dulous. Dr.  Latham's  specimen  was  shot  at  Go&l- 
parah,  and  if  we  are  correct  in  referring  it  to  Colonel 
Sykes'  bird,  it  was  found  in  the  dense  forests  of 
the  Ghauts,  feeding  on  the  larv®  of  flies,  and  on 
spiders,  ants,  and  minute  i 


233 


DR.  LATHAM'S  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  Lathami,  JARDINE. 

WE  possess  a  specimen  of  a  Sun-bird  from  some 
part  of  Continental  India,  closely  allied  to  that  we 
have  now  represented,  and  also  to  the  Certhia 
Siparaja  of  Sir  Stamford  Raffles'  catalogue.  From 
the  Goalparah  Sun-bird  it  differs  in  a  slight  general 
modification  of  the  tints  of  the  plumage,  in  the  yel- 
low of  the  rump  being  much  deeper,  and  in  the 
coronal  patch,  upper  tail-covers,  and  tail  being 
steel-blue  instead  of  metallic-green,  and  in  the  tail 
being  shorter  and  more  regularly  graduated.  Sir 
Stamford's  bird  is  from  Sumatra;  no  mention  is 
made  of  the  yellow  rump,  while,  in  the  catalogue 
appended  to  that  gentleman's  Memoirs,  N.  mysti- 
coles,  Temm.  from  Java  is  quoted.  A  comparison 
of  the  birds  may  serve  to  distinguish  them.  The 
entire  length  is  four  inches  four-tenths ;  that  of  the 
bill  to  the  forehead,  six-tenths.  Above,  the  forehead 
to  the  line  of  the  eyes  is  steel-blue,  with  a  play  of 
colour ;  the  upper  tail-covers  and  edges  of  the  tail- 
feathers,  except  the  outer,  are  of  the  same  tint,  and 
the  tail  itself,  nearly  black,  has  a  very  strong  gloss 
of  bluish  purple ;  the  back  and  sides  of  the  neck, 
cheeks,  back,  and  lesser  wing-covers,  are  rich 


234  DR.  LATHAM'S  SUN-BIRD. 

brownish  red.  The  lower  part  of  the  back  and 
rump  are  very  deep  gamboge-yellow,  almost  Dutch 
orange,  and  following  the  red  of  the  back  we  have 
the  same  lengthened  plumes  we  saw  in  the  last,  of 
a  dark  greyish  oil-green,  and  which  can  completely 
cover  the  yellow  patch ;  the  wings  are  umber-brown 
feathers  edged  with  a  paler  tint  and  oil-green. 
Underneath,  we  have  the  maxillary  stripes  run- 
ning upon  the  sides  of  the  neck,  inside  half  of  the 
feathers  black,  the  exterior  rich  violet ;  the  chin, 
fore  part  of  the  neck,  and  breast,  bright  scarlet-red  ; 
the  remaining  under  parts  dull  greyish  oil-gregh. 
Bill  umber-brown,  slightly  paler  on  the  maxilla. 

As  stated,  we  do  not  know  the  locality  of  the 
specimen  we  have  described,  and  in  the  coUection 
of  the  Zoological  Society  there  is  one  similar,  and 
bearing  out  the  distinctions  from  N.  Goalpariensis 
we  have  pointed  out,  but  the  locality  of  which  is 
also  unknown. 


235 


SIPARAJA  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  Siparaja,  RAFFLES. 

THIS  is  characterised  in  the  descriptive  catalogue  in 
the  Transactions  of  the  Linnean  Society  for  1822, 
and  in  the  subsequent  catalogue  in  the  Appendix  to 
Sir  Stamford  Raffles'  Memoirs,  N.  mysticalis,  Temm. 
is  quoted  as  a  synonim.  The  discrepancy  in  the 
description  of  the  former,  and  figure  of  the  latter,  is, 
in  the  first,  "  abdomen  brown ;"  in  the  figure,  these 
parts  are  pure  white.  From  our  last  species,  the 
Eafflesian  bird  differs  in  having  no  yellow  on  the 
rump,  and  Temminck's  figure  varies  both  in  the 
want  of  that  and  in  the  white  under  parts.  The 
N.  Siparaja  is  from  Java  and  Sumatra,  and  it  is 
probable  may  be  distinct  from  the  continental  birds ; 
the  union  of  the  other  two  will  rest  on  the  autho- 
rity of  the  catalogue  in  the  Memoirs.  "  This  species 
has  a  blue  patch  on  the  forehead,  and  a  stripe  of  the 
same  colour  on  each  side  of  the  neck.  The  back  of 
the  head,  neck,  and  upper  parts  of  the  back,  are 
dark  red ;  the  breast  of  a  lighter  red ;  the  abdomen, 
wings  and  middle  tail-feathers  brown,  while  the  tail- 
covers  and  outer  tail-feathers  are  blue*."  Tem- 
minck's  figure  is  represented  with  the  whole  tail 
blue,  and  the  belly  and  vent  pure  white. 
*  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.,  xiii.  p.  299. 


230 


NIPAUL  SUN-BIRD.  , 

Nectarinia  Nipalensis,  HODGSON. 

PLATE  XXVII. 

THE  subject  of  our  present  plate  is  one  of  the 
fine  species  formerly  alluded  to  as  received  from 
Mr.  Hodgson.  When  examining  the  specimens  in 
the  collection  of  the  Zoological  Society,  we  found 
one  similar  to  it,  marked  as  above,  and  sent  to 
the  Society  by  that  gentleman ;  we  have  therefore 
retained  the  name,  though  it  may  be  equally  ap- 
plicable to  several  others.  It  agrees  very  nearly 
with  that  which  has  served  for  our  illustration,  the 
yellow  on  the  rump  being  followed  by  a  very  deep 
greenish  black  band,  which  separates  it  from  the 
brilliant  tail-covers,  and  these  appearing  more  tufted 
than  usual. 

In  the  bird  before  us  the  entire  length  is  five 
inches  and  a  half,  of  which  the  long  central  tail- 
feathers  measure  almost  three  inches.  The  head, 
throat,  and  neck,  are  deep  steel-blue  on  the  upper 
part  of  the  back ;  a  broad  crescented  band  of  deep 
and  rich  reddish  chestnut,  extending  on  each  side 
upon  the  breast,  and  pointing  upwards  on  the  sides 
of  the  neck ;  the  centre  of  the  back  and  shoulders, 


XhTTAlU .VIA  BflPALBNsis. 

Native  of  Kipaiii. 


NIPAUL  SUN-BIRD.  237 

with  the  edges  of  the  quills  and  secondaries,  are 
olive,  or  of  a  clear  oil-green,  the  rump  gamboge- 
yellow,  the  upper  tail-coverts  deep  steel-blue ;  the 
quills  and  secondaries  are  blackish  blue,  paler  on  the 
inner  webs ;  the  tail,  graduated  and  having  the 
feathers  rather  accuminated  towards  the  tips,  is 
black,  the  centre  feathers  being  nearly  entirely 
greenish  steel-blue,  those  on  the  outsides  edged  with 
that  colour.  The  under  parts  are  gamboge-yellow, 
in  the  centre  of  the  breast  and  belly  bright  reddish 
orange ;  the  insides  of  the  wings  are  pale  yellowish 
white. 


238 


MRS.  GOULD'S  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  Gouldice,  VIGORS. 

BELONGING  to  the  same  group,  in  form  and  colour- 
ing, is  the  beautiful  species  which  "will  now  stand  as 
the  Ornithologist's  record  of  an  accomplished  artist 
The  N.  Gouldice  was  dedicated  to  Mrs.  Gould  by 
the  friend  of  her  husband,  at  a  time  when  she  had 
shown  how  much  could  be  effected  by  the  union  of 
taste  and  skill  with  a  fine  mechanical  invention, 
and  had  produced  a  series  of  ornithological  figures 
which  could  vie  with  the  best  that  had  preceded 
them,  aud  were  excelled  only  by  those  which  ap- 
peared in  her  later  works. 

"  The  top  of  the  head,  ear-coverts,  throat,  a  spot 
on  each  side  of  the  chest  near  the  shoulder,  tail- 
coverts,  and  two  middle  tail-feathers,  are  of  a  rich 
metallic-blue  with  brilliant  purple  reflections;  the 
back  and  sides  of  the  neck  and  shoulders  are  deep 
sanguineous  red ;  the  rump  and  under  surface  bright 
yellow,  the  latter  having  a  few  sanguineous  dashes ; 
the  quills  and  outer  tail-feathers  dark  brown."  The 
above  is  the  description  given  by  Mr.  Gould  of  this 
beautiful  species,  from  a  specimen  at  the  time  con- 
sidered unique.  On  examining  that  specimen  in 
the  collection  of  the  Zoological  Society  of  London, 


MRS.  GOULD'S  SUN-BIRD.  239 

we  noticed  that  the  coronal  patch  extends  back- 
wards to  the  hind  head  in  a  pointed  form ;  the 
upper  parts  described  as  sanguineous  are  rather  of  a 
deep  chestnut-red  having  carmine  mixed  with  it; 
the  quills  and  coverts  deep  oil-green ;  the  tail  is 
nearly  black,  except  the  centre  feathers,  which  are 
elongated,  ainl  of  the  same  steel-blue  on  the  edges 
as  that  seen  on  ine  unl-coverta, 


240 


HODGSON'S  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  Hodgsonis,  JARDIN*, 

PLATE  XXVIII. 

have  provisionally  named  this  fine  species  after 
the  individual  who  has  done  so  much  towards  the 
elucidation  of  the  Zoology  of  Nipaul,  although  he 
may  himself  have  already  applied  a  specific  appel- 
lation to  it  in  some  of  the  scattered  periodicals  where 
he  has  detailed  his  discoveries.  "We  possess  only  a 
single  specimen,  which  is  unfortunately  somewhat 
mutilated ;  at  the  same  time,  we  believe  our  figure 
and  description  will  be  found  to  be  tolerably  cor- 
rect. 

The  extreme  length,  to  the  tips  of  the  longest 
tail-feathers,  five  inches  and  a  half;  the  length  of 
the  long  feathers  being  about  three.  The  crown  and 
nape  of  the  neck,  with  two  narrow  stripes  or  length- 
ened moustaches  running  from  the  base  of  the  max- 
illa upon  the  sides  of  the  neck,  are  of  a  very  rich 
steel-blue,  with  violet  purple  and  pink  reflections. 
The  lower  part  of  the  rump,  upper  tail-coverts,  and 
centre  tail-feathers,  are  of  the  same  beautiful  colours, 
the  latter  being  broadened  at  their  base,  disconnected 
in  their  webs,  and  extended  disproportionately  be- 


HODGSON'S  SUN-BIRD.  i241 

yond  the  rest  of  the  tail.  The  upper  parts  of  the 
back,  sides  of  the  neck,  and  scapulars,  are  of  a  dark 
reddish  chestnut,  inclining  to  blood-red ;  the  centre 
of  the  back  appears  to  be  deep  black,  and  there  is 
a  trace  of  the  pale  yellow  band  on  the  rump  which 
prevails  through  this  group ;  the  wings  are  brown- 
ish black.  On  the  under  surface  of  the  bird*  the 
chin  and  throat,  the  fore  parts  of  the  neck  between 
the  two  stripes,  and  entire  breast,  are  very  deep 
black  ;  the  vent  and  under  tail-coverts  are  greenish 
grey ;  the  sides  and  under  surface  of  the  wings  pale 
yellowish  white ;  bill  and  legs  are  nearly  black. 

*  In  these  parts  the  specimen  is  considerably  mutilated. 


242 


RED-TAILED  SUN-BIRD. 

Nectarinia  pliGnicura. 

PLATE  XXIX. 

WE  have  another  large  and  fine  tailed  species  en- 
trusted to  us  by  the  Zoological  Society.  The  male 
has  the  long  centre  feathers  imperfectly  developed, 
but  entirely  exclusive  of  them  is  five  inches  in  length. 
The  female  is  within  an  eight  of  seven  inches  to  the 
extremity,  while  her  tail  measures  three  and  a  half 
inches.  In  the  male,  the  crown  and  two  broad 
maxillary  stripes  are  steel-blue  with  violet  reflec- 
tions ;  the  hind-head,  back,  and  sides  of  the  neck, 
rump  and  upper  tail-covers,  and  outside  webs  of 
the  tail-  feathers,  bright  orange  scarlet-red ;  the 
rump,  dull  gamboge-yellow;  the  shoulders,  sca- 
pulars, and  edges  of  the  wing-feathers,  oil-green; 
the  quills  and  secondaries,  and  inner  webs  of  the 
tail-feathers,  umber-brown;  the  chin  and  centre  of 
the  throat  and  neck,  deep  velvet-black.  The  re- 
maining under  parts  gamboge-yellow,  orange  in 
the  centre  of  the  breast,  aud  becoming  very  dull 
and  greenish  on  the  vent  and  tail-coverts.  In  the 
female  the  whole  upper  parts  and  wings,  rump  ex- 
cepted,  are  yellowish  oil-green ;  on  the  rump  the 
yellow  band  is  marked  by  dull  yellow,  and  sue- 


NKCTARINIA  PHtKNIC  URA . 

Native  of  Silhet. 


RED-TAILED  SUN-BIRD.  243 

ceeding  it  the  upper  covers  and  tail  are  of  the  same 
scarlet  or  wax-red  with  the  male,  the  long  feathers 
having  a  black  shaft  and  disunited  webs.  The 
chin,  fore  part  of  the  neck,  and  breast,  are  pale  oil- 
green,  of  a  greyish  tint,  and  the  remaining  under 
parts  are  dull  gamboge-yellow,  darkest  and  clearest 
in  the  centre  of  the  breast  and  belly. 

The  above  described  specimens  are  from  Silhet, 
and  were  presented  by  Sir  Philip  Egerton,  Bart. 
to  the  Society. 


244 


EBOE  SUN-BIRD. 

Neetarinia  Eloensis,  THOMPSON. 
PL^TE  XXX. 

"UrE  ha 76  received,  by  the  attention  of  Mr.  Thomp- 
son, one  of  the  surgeons  to  the  Niger  expedition, 
but  too  late  for  bringing  into  its  proper  place,  both 
sexes  of  a  very  remarkable  Sun-bird,  procured  in 
the  vicinity  of  Eboe ;  it  will  range  with  those  having 
the  colouring  and  markings  of  -AT.  fulginosa,  Stan- 
peril,  Sec.  but  varies  from  them,  as  well  as  from 
other  species,  by  the  throat  and  breast,  or  the  parts 
occupied  generally  by  the  coloured  gular  or  pec- 
toral patch,  being  of  a  dull  straw-yellow,  forming 
a  very  decided  contrast  with  the  otherwise  dark 
plumage.     In  size  the  male  is  slightly  less  than  N.  \ 
Stangerii)  being  in  length  about  four  inches  and  eight-  , 
tenths.     Above,  the  plumage  is  of  a  uniform   yd-  i 
lowish  umber-brown,  slightly  darker  on  the  wiu^s 
and  tail;  the  coronal  patch  passes  the  line  of  the  I 
eyes,  and  is  of  a  deep  green.     Underneath  the  chin  . 
is  velvet  black,  bordered  by  a  maxillary  stripe  off 
deep  green,  the  fore  parts  of  the  neck  and  upper  1 
breast  straw-yellow  bordered  on  the  lower  edge  by  1 
dark  umber-brown;   the  lower  breast,   belly  and* 
sides,  are  pale  chestnut-brown;  under  tail-covers! 


XEfTARINIA  ADELBERTI. 

Native  of  "W:  Africa. 


EBOE  SUX-BIRD.  245 

dark  umber-brown.  The  female,  slightly  less,  is 
above  uniformly  of  a  dark  hair-brown,  nearly  ap- 
proaching to  umber-brown  on  the  wings  and  tail. 
The  lower  plumage  of  the  body  is  pale  yellowish 
grey,  each  feather  darker  along  the  centre  ;  the  bill, 
logs,  and  feet,  are  here  dark  umber-brown,  whereas 
in  the  other  sex,  they  are  black.  These  specimens 
are  deposited  in  the  British  Museum. 


SYNOPSIS. 


GENUS  NECTARINIA,  ILLIGER. 

NECTARINIA,  Illiger,  1811  —  "•  OKRTHTA,   Linnaeus  =  MELLI- 
SUGA,  Vieillot,  1816  =  CIXXYRIS,  Cuvier,  1817.* 

GEN.  CHARACTERS.  —  Bill  slender,  curved,  very  fine  and  acute 
at  the  tip,  dilated  at  the  base,  edges  of  the  maxilla  fold- 
ing over  the  mandible,  mandible  narrow  in  depth  at  the 
base,  edges  of  both  minutely  and  regularly  denticulated  ; 
tongue  lengthened,  slender,  with  a  shortly  bifid  fringed 
apex,  the  edges  for  the  whole  length  turned  over  in- 
wards, forming  a  double  tube  ;  wings,  with  the  third 
quill  longest,  first  short,  nearly  spurious;  tail  even, 
lengthened  and  much  graduated,  or  with  the  two  centre 
feathers  only  elongated  ;  tarsi  and  feet  fully  developed, 
the  hallux  lengthened  and  with  its  claw  proportionally 
strong.  Types,  N.famosa,  chalybea,  aineihystina^  lotcnia 

Note.  India  and  Africa,  principally  within  the  tro- 
pics. Colours  of  the  plumage  brilliant  ;  often  with 
metallic  lustre. 

SPECIES  WHICH  HAVE  BEEN  EXAMINED. 

N.  AFRA,  Linnseus,  1766. 

CertUa  afra,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  i.  p.  186,  1766  f  ;  Gm.  Linn. 
i.  p.  476  (syn.  exc.)  ;  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  i.  p.  286  (syn. 
exc.)  ;  Shaw,  Gen.  Zool.  viii.  p.  1  92  (syn.  exc.).  —  Cm- 
nyris  smaragdinus,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method.  Orn.  p.  595 

*  We  here  use  the  signs  proposed   by  Mr.  Strickland  :  — 
^  less  than,  =  equal  to,  ~^-  greater  than. 
f  Edit.  12  is  quoted  throughout, 


248  SYNOPSIS. 

1823. — Sucrier  a  plastron  rouge,  Le  Vaill.  Ois.  cVAfr. 
vi.  p.  176,  pi.  300,  M.  &  F. — Dlue-rumped  Creeper, 
Lath.  Gen.  Hist.  iv.  p.  239  (syn.  exc). 

(J  Above,  head,  back,  rump,  less,  w.-covers,  deep  golden- 
green  with  a  bronzed  lustre ;  up.  t.-covers  steel-blue,  v 
umber-brown,  tail  black. — Beluw,  chin  black;  throat,  fore  part 
of  the  neck,  and  upper  breast,  golden-green,  the  latter  at  the 
lower  edge  shaded  into  violet  and  steel-blue,  forming  a  pectoral 
band  not  passing  the  line  of  the  wings  ;  lower  breast  and  ant. 
half  of  the  belly  deep  scarlet-red ;  post,  half  of  belly,  vent, 
flanks,  and  und.  t.-covers,  yellowish  wood-brown  ;  axillary  tufts 
pale  kingVyellow  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  black. — Length  5 \  in. 
to  5  in.  4-10ths;  bill  to  forehead,  1  in.  ;  w.  to  longest  quill, 
2  in.  7-10ths. 

9  Above,  hair-brown,  darker  on  the  wings  and  tail, — outer 
web  of  the  outer  feather  of  the  latter,  white. — Below,  wax- 
yellow  (feathers  pale  hair-brown  at  the  base),  shading  into 
yellowish-white  on  the  vent  and  und.  t.-covers  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and 
feet,  dark  umber- brown  ;  proportions  equal  to  ^. 

Hob.  S.  Africa.  The  forests  of  the  E.  coast  to  Caflraria  on 
the  Gamtoo  and  Sondag  rivers.  Does  not  reach  the  S.  extre- 
mity of  the  continent,  but  is  restricted  to  the  line  of  the  great 
forests.  Le  VaiV. — Note.  In  the  descript.  in  the  Syst.  Nat.  it 
is  "  abdomine  albo." 

N.  CHALYBEA,  Linnaeus,  1766. 

Certhia  ckalybea,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  i.  p.  186  (syn.  exc.); 
Gm.  Linn.  i.  p.  475  (syn.  exc.) ;  Lath.  Ind.  Orn. 
i.  p.  284  (syn.  exc.). — Certhia  torqvata  C.  B.  Spei.  Le 
yrimperecm  a  collier  du  C.  de  B.  Esperance,  Briss.  Or- 
nithol.  4to.  iii.  p.  643,  pi.  xxxii.  fig.  1  ;  8vo.  ii.  p.  13 
(syn.  of  last  exc.). — Grimpereau  du  C.  de  B.  Espe- 
rancc,  Buff.  PI.  Enl.  246,  fig.  3.  —  Cmnyris  chah/bea, 
Sw.  Zool.  Illust.  pi.  35.— Collared  Creeper,  Lath.  Gen! 
Hist.  iv.  p.  247  (syn.  exc.). — Chalybean  Creeper,  Shaw 
and  Nodd.,  Nat.  Miscel.  x.  pi.  381.— Red-collared  Sun- 
bird,  Sw.  B.  of  W.  Afr.  ii.  p.  132.  (The  last  may  be 
found  to  belong  to  the  next.) 


SYNOPSIS.  249 

£  Above,  head,  neck,  back,  less,  w.-covers,  and  rump,  golden- 
green  ;  up.  t.-covers  violet  steel-blue  ;  wings  umber-brown  ;  tail 
blackish  brown,  outer  feather  hair-brown  edged  with  greyish 
white. — Below,  chin,  throat,  and  breast,  golden-green,  termi- 
nated by  a  narrow  band  of  steel-blue,  running  beyond  the  line 
of  the  wings  upon  the  sides  of  the  neck  ;  lower  breast  and  ant. 
half  of  the  belly  scarlet-red  ;  post,  half  of  the  belly,  vent,  flanks, 
and  und.  t.-covers,  pale  brocoli-brown  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  black. 
Length,  from  4±  in.  to  4  in.  8-10ths ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  7  to 
8-1  Oths  ;  of  wing  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  2-10ths  to  2  in.  3-10ths. 

$  Above,  entirely  brocoli-brown,  darker  on  the  wings  and  tail. 
— Below,  much  paler,  on  the  vent  and  und.  t.-covers  nearly  yel- 
lowish white  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  dark  umber-brown. — Length, 
4iin. 

Hab.  S.  Africa  to  the  extremity  of  the  Cape  peninsula,  Le 
Vaill.  Western  Africa,  Sw. — Note.  Differs  from  N.  afra  in 
its  smaller  proportions,  different  tint  of  the  lower  parts,  blue 
collar  stretching  on  the  sides  of  the  neck,  and  different  colour 
of  the  female. 

N.  CHLOROPYGIA,  Jardine,  1842. 

Ar.  chloropygia,  Jard.  Ann.  of  Nat.  Hist.  vol.  x.  p.  188; 
Illust.of  Orn.  N.  S.  pi.  L.,  18±2.—Green-rumped  Double- 
collared  Sun-bird,  Nat.  Lib.  Nect.  p.  172,  pi.  iii.. 

<J  Above,  rich  emerald  bronzed  green ;  w.  and  t.  brownish 
black,  former  with  the  edges  of  the  feathers  oil-green,  latter 
glossed  with  green. — Below,  chin  velvet-black ;  throat,  neck, 
and  breast  emerald-green,  terminated  by  a  narrow  band  of 
bluish  green ;  lower  breast  with  a  band  of  scarlet-red  ;  belly, 
flanks,  and  under  t.-covers,  pale  oil-green  ;  axillary  tufts  ample, 
kingVyellow  ;  bill,  tarsi,and  feet,  black. — Length,  4 in.  4-10ths; 
bill  to  forehead,  7-1  Oths ;  w.  to  longest  quill,  1  in.  9-1  Oths. 

2  Above,  oil-green;  w.  and  t.  umber-brown. — Below,  chin 
yellowish- white ;  breast  and  flanks  wine-yellow,  shading  to 
pale  but  pure  gamboge-yellow  in  the  middle  of  the  belly  ;  bill, 
tarsi,  and  feet,  dark  umber- brown. — Length,  Sin.  8-1  Oths; 
w.  to  longest  quill,  1  in.  8-1  Oths. 


250  SYNOPSIS. 

Hob.  Fernando  Po,  Niger  Exped.,  L.  Fraser.  * — Note.  Dif- 
fers from  N.  chalybea  in  lesser  size,  want  of  blue  on  the  up. 
t.- covers,  and  blue  pectoral  collar ;  tint  of  under  parts ;  in 
difference  of  female. 

N.  BIFASCIATA,  Shaw,  1811. 

Souimanga  vert  et  brun,  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor.  ii.  pi.  24. — Cinni/- 

ris  nitens,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method.  Ornith.  ii.  p.  588,  1823. 

—Ccrthia  bifasciata,  Shaw,  Gen.  Zool.  viii.  p.  198,  1811. 

—  Violet-breasted  Creeper,  Lath.  Gen.  Hist.  iv.  p.  248. 
£  Above,  head,  neck,  back,  less,  w.-covers,  rich  bronzed 
green,  on  the  rump  and  t.-covers,  shading  to  emerald-green 
(feathers  black  at  the  base)  ;  w.  and  t.  black  glossed  with 
green,  feathers  of  the  latter  purple  on  the  edges. — Below,  chin, 
throat,  and  fore  part  of  the  neck,  brilliant  bronzed  green, 
shading  into  a  pectoral  band  of  rich  steel-blue,  succeeded  by  a 
second  distinct  band,  changing  from  dull  red  to  vermillion ; 
belly,  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers  black,  on  the  latter  arid  at  the 
termination  of  the  second  pect.  band  tipped  with  steel-blue ; 
bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  black. — Length,  5  in.  3-10ths;  bill  to  fore- 
head, 9-10ths  ;  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  8-10ths. 

Hab.  Interior  of  S.  Africa,  Smith.  Malemba,  V'wiU. — Xote. 
First  quill  short,  compared  with  other  sp.  of  similar  size. 

N.  SPLENDIDA,  Shaw,  1811. 

Certhia  splendida,  Shaw,  Gen.  Zool.  viii.  p.  191,  1811.— 
Cinnyris  splendida,  Cuv.  Reg.  Anim.  i.  p.  434,  1817; 
Swain.  West.  Africa,  ii.  p.  125. — Cinnyris  splendid  us, 
Vieill.  Enc.  Method,  ii.  p.  587,  1823. — Cinnyris  bomby- 
cinus,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method,  ii.  p.  596,  1823.— Le  Sucrl-r 
eblouissant,  Le  Vaill.  Ois.  d'Af.  vi.  pi.  295,  fig.  1,  p.  163. 
Le  Souimanga  a  Plumes  Soyeiises,  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor.  ii. 
pi.  82.  —  Blue-rumped  Creeper,  var.  C.,  Lath.  Gen. 
Hist.  iv.  p.  240. 

$  Above,  head  steel-blue,  in  some  lights  appearing  black,  in 
others  as  rich  violet ;  back  of  the  neck,  back,  up.  t  -covers 


*  Naturalist  to  the  Niger  Expedition. 


SYNOPSIS.  251 

shoulders,  and  less,  w.-covers,  brilliant  golden-green,  feathers 
black  at  the  base  ;  w.  and  t.  black,  feathers  of  the  latter  edged 
with  golden  green. — Below,  throat  and  fore  part  of  the  neck 
steel-blue  (changing  as  upon  the  head)  ;  across  the  breast  a 
band  of  scarlet,  according  to  position  appearing  as  if  banded 
with  steel-blue,  golden-green,  or  violet,  or  to  be  composed  en- 
tirely of  one  of  tnese  tints ;  lower  breast,  belly,  and  flanks, 
deep  black  ;  under  t.-covers  steel-blue  ;  axillary  tufts  primrose- 
yellow  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  black. — Length,  5\  in. ;  of  bill  to 
forehead  9-10ths  ;  of  w.  to  long  quill,  3  in.  8-10ths. 

Hob.  Great  Namaqua  country,  towards  Fish  river,  Le  Vaitt. 
Sierra  Leone,  coll.  from  Dr.  Ferousson.  Cape  Coast,  Niger 
Exped.  L.  Fraser. — Note.  Plumage  with  the  webs  of  the  fea- 
thers loose  and  unconnected ;  up,  t.-covers  nearly  as  long  as 
the  tail. 

N.  COLLARTS,  Vieillot  (Enc.  Method.),  1823. 

Cinnyris  collaris,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method,  ii.  p.  590,  1823; 
Diet.  Classique  d'Hist.  Nat.  xv.  p.  510,  1829.— Le  Su- 
crier  Gamtocin,  ou  a  cordon  blue,  Le  Vaill.  Ois.  d'Af. 
pi.  299,  M.  and  F. 

£  Above,  bright  yellowish  green ;  w.  umber-brown,  feathers 
broadly  edged  with  yellowish  green,  quills  with  oil-green ;  t. 
greenish  black,  broadly  edged  with  deep  green. — Below,  chin, 
throat,  and  up.  breast,  yellowish  green,  shading  into  and  ter- 
minating in  a  narrow  band  of  blue  glossed  with  violet ;  lower 
breast  and  flanks  wax-yellow,  shaded  to  gamboge-yellow  on  the 
centre,  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers  ;  axillary  tufts  pale  kingVyel- 
low ;  bill,  legs,  and  feet,  black.— Length,  4  in.  2-10ths  to  3  in. 
8-10ths;  of  bill  to  forehead  4l-10ths.;  of  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in. 
to  1  in.  8-10ths. 

9  Above,  nearly  as  in  $  ;  cheeks  and  sides  of  the  neck, 
dull  yellowish  green. — Below,  chin  yellowish  white;  breast 
and  flanks  wax-yellow,  shading  into  dull  gamboge-yellow  in  the 
centre  of  the  belly,  the  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers ;  bill,  tarsi,  and 
feet,  brownish  black.  Length,  3  in.  8-10ths. 

Hob.  Gamtoos,  Le  Vaill.  S.  Africa,  coll.  Dr.  Smith.  Fer- 
nando Po,  Niger  Exped.  L.  Fraser. 


252  SYNOPSIS. 

N.  VENUSTA,  Shaw  and  Nodder,  1790. 

Certhia  venusta,  Leona  Creeper,  Shaw  and  Nodd.  Nat. 
Hist.  Misc.  x.  pi.  369. — Leona  Creeper,  Lath.  Gen. 
Hist.  iv.  p.  234. — Cinn.  vcnusta,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method. 
ii.  p.  597  (spec.  char.  only).  —  Cinn.  pusilla,  Swain. 
Birds  of  West.  Afr.  ii.  p.  138,  1837. 

$  Above,  forehead  violet ;  back  and  sides  of  the  neck, 
less,  w.-covers,  back,  and  rump,  bronzed  green ;  up.  t.-covers 
steel-blue ;  w.  clove-brown,  edged  with  oil-green  ;  tail  black, 
feathers  edged  with  green. — Belong  chin  black ;  fore  part  of 
the  neck  green,  terminating  in  a  distinct  band  of  violet,  suc- 
ceeded on  the  sides  by  dull  black,  losing  itself  in  the  centre  of 
the  violet  band,  and  forming  an  angular  patch  on  each  side  of 
the  breast ;  lower  breast,  belly,  and  vent,  pale  king's-yellow, 
paler  on  the  und.  t.-covers ;  axillary  tufts  orange-yellow ;  bill, 
tarsi,  and  feet,  black.— Length,  3  in.  3-10ths  to  3£  in.  ;  bill  to 
forehead,  6-10ths  ;  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  1-1  Oth. 

Hah.  Western  Africa,  Swain.  Sierra  Leone,  Shaw  &  Nodd. 
— Note.  Differs  from  the  last  in  the  general  tint,  frontal  and 
pectoral  violet  bands,  orange  axillary  tufts. 

N.  FUSCA,  Vieillot,  1823. 

Cinnyris  fuscus,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method,  ii.  p.  594,  1823 

Sucrier  Namaquois,  ou  a  calecons  blanc,  Le  Vaill.  Ois. 
d'Af.  pi.  296,  M.  &  F. 

(J  Above,  base  of  the  plumage  purplish  brown,  tips  of  the 
feathers  purple  with  greenish  reflections  ;  w.  dark  clove-brown ; 
up.  t.-covers  black,  with  steel-blue  reflections  ;  t.  black. — Be- 
Imr,  chin  dull  black,  fore  part  of  the  neck  and  breast  purplish 
brown  with  purple  and  green  reflections,  shading  into  blackish 
brown  on  the  sides  and  upper  part  of  the  belly,  again  running 
into  white  on  the  vent,  flanks,  and  und.  t.-covers  ;  axillary  tufts 
orange-red  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  dark  brownish  black. — Length, 
4}  in.  to  4  in.  8-10ths  ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  8-10ths;  of  w.  to 
lower  quill,  2  in.  3-10ths. 

Hob.  Great  Namaqua,  Le  Vaill.  Mouth  of  the  Orange 
River,  Dr.  Smith,  MSS. 


SYNOPSIS.  253 

N.  VERROXII,  Smith,  1831. 

Cinnyris  Verroxii,  Smith,  South  African  Quart.  Journ. 
No.  V.  p.  13  ;  Illust.  of  the  Zool.  of  S.  Afr.,  No.  XI. 
Aves.  pi.  57,  M.  and  F. 

<J  Above,  head,  neck,  less,  w.-covers,  and  back,  dark  bluish 
olive  with  metallic  lustre  (interrupted  by  the  dark  base  of  the 
feathers  appearing)  ;  lower  part  of  the  back,  rump,  up.  t.-covers? 
w.  and  t.,  clove-brown,  darkest  on  the  t.  and  with  a  slight  pur- 
ple reflection. — Below,  pale  hair-brown  tinted  with  yellow,  on 
the  sides  and  flanks  shaded  to  brocoli-brown ;  axillary  tufts 
scarlet-red  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  blackish  brown. — Length,  5  in. 
6-10ths;  of  bill  to  forehead,  91-lOths;  of  w.  to  long,  quill, 
4  in.  6-10ths. 

9  Above,  uniform  brocoli-brown,  darker  on  the   w.  and  t. 

Below,  pale  brocoli-brown,  tinted  with  greenish-yellow,  on 

the  flanks  and  vent  yellowish  grey  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  umber- 
brown. — Length,  5  in.  1  or  2-10ths. 

Hah.  Kafir  Land  and  eastward,  towards  Port  Natal,  Dr. 
Smith. 

N.  OBSCURUS,  Jardine,  1842. 

<J  Above,  yellowish  olive,  darker  on  the  crown,  and  Tiavinga 
more  yellow  tint  on  the  lower  back  and  rump  ;  w.  and  t.  umber- 
brown,  feathers  edged  with  yellow  oil-green ;  t.  underneath 
appearing  dark,  the  outer  feathers  tipped  with  greenish  grey. — 
Below,  whole  under  surface  wine-yellow ;  axillary  tufts  gam- 
boge-yellow ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  legs  umber- brown, — first  with  the 
base  of  the  mandible  pale. — Length,  5  in.  2-10ths  ;  of  bill  to 
forehead,  9-10ths  ;  of  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  7-10ths. 

9  Abvve,  similar  to  (J. — Below,  greyish  wine-yellow ;  bill, 
tarsi,  and  feet,  pale  umber-brown. — Length,  4  in.  9-10ths;  of 
bill  to  forehead,  8-10ths;  of  long,  quill,  2  in.  3-10ths. 

flab.   Fernando  Po,  Niger  Exped.  L.  Fraser. 

N.  OLIVACEUS,  Dr.  Smith,  183 — . 

Cinnyris  olivaeeus,  Smith,  Illust.  of  the  Zool.  of  S.  Afr.  in 

Descrip.  of  C.  verroxii 
£  Above,  dark  olive,  on  the  crown  nearly  bluish  black ;  w. 


254  SYNOPSIS. 

and  t.  dark  umber-brown,  feathers  edged  with  yellowish  olive, 
t.  with  the  out.  feathers  tipped  with  grey. — Below,  oil-green, 
paler  on  the  vent  and  und.  t.-covers,  on  the  throat  tinted  with 
yellow  ;  axillary  tufts  pale  saffron-yellow  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet, 
umber-brown. — Length,  6  in. ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  1  in. ;  of  w. 
to  long,  quill,  2  in.  6-lOths. 

Hob.  Vicinity  of  Port  Natal,  Dr.  Smith,  MSS.—Note,  differs 
from  the  last  in  larger  size,  darker  colour  above,  difference  of 
the  tint  below. 

N.  CUPREA,  Shaw,  1811. 

Certhia  cuprea,  Shaw,  Zool.  viii.  p.  201,  1811. — Sbuimanga 
tricolor,  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor.  pi.  23.  —  Cinnyris  tricolor, 
Vieill.  Enc.  Method.  Orn.  p.  588. — Cinn.  erythronotus, 
Swain.  West.  Af.  ii.  pi.  15,  1^1  .—Certhia  rubrofutca, 
Shaw,  Zool..  viii.  p.  222,  1811? — Le  Souimanga  rouge- 
dore,  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor.  pi.  xxvii.?  —  Cinnyris  nibarus, 
Vieill.  Enc.  Method.  Orn.  p.  597,  1823  ? 

£  Above,  crown,  cheeks,  back,  and  sides  of  the  neck,  reddish 
purple  with  a  bronzed  and  coppery  lustre  ;  lower  back,  rump, 
and  up.  t.-covers,  auricula-purple  ;  w.  and  t.  black,  tinted  with 
blue ;  less,  w.-covers  violet-purple. — Beloiv,  chin,  fore  part  of 
the  neck,  and  breast,  reddish  purple,  the  latter  prevailing; 
lower  breast,  belly,  vent,  and  t.-covers,  deep  black  ;  bill,  tarsi, 
and  feet,  black.— Length,  4  in.  8-10ths;  of  bill  to  forehead, 
7-lOths  ;  of  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  8-10ths. 

9  Above,  plumage,  including  the  w.,  dark  brownish  oil-green, 
darkest  on  the  latter;  t.  nearly  black,  outer  feathers  tipped 
with  grey. — Below,  pale  wax-yellow,  clearest  and  more  yellow 
in  the  centre  of  the  belly. — Length,  4  in.  3-10ths ;  bill  to  fore- 
head, 6-10ths. 

Hab.  Cape  Coast.  Accra,  Niger  Exped.  L.  Fraser.  Ma- 
lemba,  as  A^.  tricolor,  Vieill.  Senegal,  as  N.  erythronotus,  Swain. 

N.  CYANOCEPHALA,  Shaw,  1811. 

Certhia  cyanocephala.  Shaw,  Zool.  viii.  p.  203, 1811. — Soui- 
mancia  a  ttte  blue,  N.  cyanocephalus,  Vieill.  Ois.  d'Or.  ii. 
pi.  7;  Enc.  Method.  Ora.  p.  587. — Cinnyris  cldoronoms, 


SYNOPSIS.  2.55 

Swain.  West.  Afr.  ii.  pi.  16.  p.  136. — Souimanga  vert  et 
gris,  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor.  ii.  pi.  xxv.  Female. 

$  Above,  crown,  nape,  cheeks,  and  sides  of  the  neck,  dark 
bluish  green  with  metallic  lustre,  base  of  the  feathers  black ; 
back,  rump,  up.  t.-covers,  and  less,  w.-covers,  clear  yellowish 
oil-£reen  without  lustre ;  w.  and  t.  pale  umber-brown,  feathers 
edged  with  yellowish  oil-green.  Below,  chin,  fore  part  of  the 
neck,  and  breast,  dark  bluish  green  with  steel-blue  reflections  ; 
belly,  flanks,  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers,  uniform  brocoli-brown  ; 
axillary  tufts  primrose- yellow ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  black. — 
Length,  5  in.  3-10ths.  to  5±  ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  9-10ths;  of 
wing  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  6-10ths. 

9  Above,  as  in  £. — Below,  uniform  greyish  white,  paler  on 
the  vent,  and  there  tinted  with  yellowish  oil-green;  length, 
5  in.  5-1  Oths  ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  8-10ths  ;  of  w.  to  long,  quill, 
2  in.  4-10ths. 

Bab.    Malemba,  Vieill.     Sierra  Leone   Dr.  Fwgusson. 

N.  SENEGALENSIS,  Linnaeus,  1766. 

Certliia  Senegalensis,  Linn.Syst.  Nat.  edit.  xii.  p.  186, 1766; 
Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  i.  284,  1790. — Grimpweau  violet  du 
Senegal,  Certhia  Senegalensis  violacea,  Briss.  Ornithol. 
4to.  p.  660,  pi.  xxxlv.  fig.  2  ;  8vo.  vol.  ii.  p.  18, 1763.—- 
Cinnyris  discolor,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method.  Orn.  p.  589, 
1823.— Le  Sucrier  protee,  Le  Vaill.  iv.  pi.  295,  fig.  2 — 
Le  Souimanga,  violet  a  poitrine  rouge,  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor« 
pi.  viii.  —  Cinnyris  Senegalensis,  Swain.  West.  Af.  ii. 
p.  127,  1837. 

£  Above,  coronal  patch  above  the  eyes,  as  fa,r  as  the  occiput, 
rich  emerald-green  ;  lores  black  ;  remaining  plumage  deep 
brownish  black,  glossed  with  purple,  paler  on  the  wings,  feeling 
to  the  touch  like  velvet. — Below,  maxillary  stripe  broad,  emerald- 
green,  chin  and  throat  golden-green  ;  fore  part  of  the  neck  and 
breast  scarlet-red,  varying  to  violet-blue,  each  feather  being 
tipped  with  the  former,  succeeded  by  a  band  of  the  latter ; 
belly,  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers,  deep  brownish  black ;  bill,  tarsi, 


256  SYNOPSIS. 

and  feet  black. — Length  5  in.  4-10ths  to  5  ;  of  bill  to  forehead, 
8-10ths  ;  of  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  G-lOths. 
Hob.  Caffraria,  Le  Vaill     Senegal,  Swain. 

N.  NATALENSIS,  Jardine,  1842. 

<-£  Above,  coronal  patch,  confined  to  the  crown,  bUiish 
green  ;  bend  of  the  w.  violet ;  remaining  plumage  deep  brown- 
ish black,  paler  on  the  w.  and  t.,  feeling  to  the  touch  like  vel- 
vet. —  Below,  maxillary  stripe  narrow,  bluish-green,  chin  and 
throat  golden-green  ;  fore  part  of  the  neck  and  breast  scarlet- 
red,  intermixed  with  violet,  each  feather  b-iim  broadly  tipped 
with  the  former,  succeeded  by  a  band  of  the  latter  ;  belly,  vent, 
and  und.  t.-covers,  deep  brownish  black  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet, 
black.— Length,  5  in.  9-10ths;  bill  to  forehead,  2  in.  4- 10th; 
w.  to  long,  quill,  3  in.  1-lOth. 

Jfab.   Vicinity  of  Port  Natal. 

N.  AMKTHYSTINA,  Shaw,  1811. 

Certhia,  amethysfina,  Shaw,  Zool.  viii.  p.   195,   1811. — 
Cinnyris  amethystina,  Cuv.  Reg.  Anim.  1816. — C'n- 
aumtifrms,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method.  Orn.  p.  590,  1823.— 

Le  Sucrier  velour,  Le  Vaill.  Ois.  d'Af.  vi.  pi.  294 

Le  Souimanga  a  front  (Tore,  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor.  pis.  v.  vi. 

£  Above,  coronal  patch,  confined  to  the  crown,  dark  eme- 
rald-green ;  bend  of  the  w.  and  up.  t.-covers,  amethystine- 
purple  ;  remaining  plumage  very  deep  brownish  black,  with  a 
play  of  purple,  feeling  to  the  touch  like  velvet, — Below,  gular 
patch  on  the  chin,  throat,  and  fore  part  of  the  neck,  amethys- 
tine-purple ;  breast,  belly,  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers,  brownish 
black;  bill,  taaei,  and  feet,  black.— Length,  5  in.  3-10ths  to 
5  in.  9-10ths  ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  1  in.  1-1  Oth  to  1  in.  2-10ths  ; 
of  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  8-10ths  to  3  iu, 

N.  FULIGINOSA,  Shaw,  1811. 

Certlii'i  fuli<iinosa,  Shaw,  Zool.  viii.  p.  223,  1811. — Cin- 
9*yri$  fuKginotut,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method.  Orn.  p.  584,  1823. 
— Souimanga  cai'mtlite,  Vieill.  Ois.  d'Or.  pi.  xx. — Soul 


SYNOPSIS.  25? 

manga  carmelite  ciwiyris  fuligmosus,   Drapiez,  Diet. 

Class.  d'Hist.  Nat.  xv.  p.  510.  —  Carmelite  Creeper, 

Lath.  Gen.  Hist.  iv.  p.  256. 

(J  Above,  uniform  pale  yellowish  umber-brown;  w.  and  t. 
dark  umber-brown,  with  slight  purplish  reflections ;  forehead 
w^th  an  imbricated  patch  extending  to  the  line  of  the  eyes ; 
less,  w.-covers  and  radial  edge  of  the  w.,  auricula-purple  ;  axil- 
lary tufts  bright  primrose-yellow. — Below,  yellowish  umber- 
brown  ;  chin,  throat,  and  fore  part  of  the  neck,  auricula-purple. 
— Length,  5  in. ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  7-10ths  ;  w.  to  long,  quill, 
21  in. 
Hob.  Malemba,  western  coast  of  Africa,  Vieill. 

N.  STANGERI,  Jardine,  1842. 

N.  Stangeri,  Jard.  Ann.  of  Nat.  Hist.  x.  p.  187,  1842.— 
N.  Stangeri,  Niger  Carmelite  Swrbird,  Nat.  Lib.  Nect. 
p.  198;  Jard.  and  Selby,  Illust.  of  Orn.  N.S.  pi.  xlviii. 

Above,  uniform  deep  yellowish  umber-brown,  darker  on  the 
w.  and  t.,  showing  yellowish  lights ;  coronal  patch,  reaching  to 
the  line  of  the  eyes,  imbricated,  deep  green,  posterior  row  of 
feathers  violet. — Below,  dark  umber-brown,  with  purple  lights ; 
chin  velvet-black ;  gular  patch  yellowish  green,  bordered  by  a 
maxillary  stripe  of  deep  green,  extends  to  the  upper  part  of 

tie  breast,  and  has  the  last  row  of  feathers  deep  steel-blue 

Ipped  with  scarlet,  appearing  like  a  terminating  scarlet  thread ; 

ill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  black. — Length,  5  in. ;  bill  to  forehead, 

£-10ths  ;  wing  to  long,  quill,  2  hi.  6-10ths. 
Hob.  Niger. — Note.  Only  specimen  in  possession  of  Mr.  AVa- 

/erhouse,  procured  by  Dr.  Stanger.  Differs  from  preceding  in 
Bolour  of  coronal  and  gular  patches ;  no  colour  on  lesser  w.- 
eovers ;  want  of  axillary  tufts. 

N.  ADELBERTI,  Gervais,  1834. 

Cinnyris  Eloensis,  Thompson,  MSS.,  M.  141,  F.  140.— « 
Souimanga  d'Adelbert,  Cimiyris  Adelberti,  Gervais,  Mag. 
de  Zool.  iii.  pi.  2.  —  Nectarinia  Adelberti,  Nat.  Lib. 
vol.  xxxvi.  pi.  iii.  p.  244 ;  Jard.  and  Selby,  Illust.  <fi 
Orn.,  N.  S.,  pi.  49,  M.  and  F. 

B 


258  SYNOPSIS. 

<J  Above,  uniform  yellowish  uinber-brown,  slightly  darker  on 
the  w.  and  t. ;  coronal  patch  passing  the  line  of  the  eyes,  im- 
bricated, deep  green. — Below,  chin  velvet-black,  bordered  by  a 
maxillary  stripe  of  deep  green ;  fore  part  of  the  neck  and  up- 
per breast  straw-yellow,  bordered  on  the  lower  edge  by  dark 
umber-brown ;  lower  breast,  belly,  and  sides,  pale  chestnut- 
brown  ;  und.  t.-covers  dark  umber-brown  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet, 
black.— Length,  4  In.  8-10ths;  bill  to  forehead,  7-10ths;  w.to 
long,  quill,  2  in.  4-10ths. 

2  Above,  dark  hair- brown,  on  the  quills  andt.  nearly  umber- 
brown. — Underneath,  pale  yellowish  grey,  clearest  in  the  middle 
of  the  belly ;  the  feathers  darker  along  the  centre  of  each ;  bill, 
legs,  and  tarsi,  dark  umber  brown. — Length,  4  in.  G-lOths. 

Hob.  Senegal,  Gervais.     Eboe  on  the  Niger,  Thompson. 

N.  VIOLACEA,  Linnaeus,  1766. 

Certhia  lonyicauda  minor  C.  B.  Spei.  Briss.  Oftiithol.  iii. 
p.  649,  pi.  xxxiii.  fig.  6  ;  8vo.  ii.  p.  15,  1763.— Certhia 
riolacea,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  i.  p.  188,  1766  ;  .Linn.  Man- 
tissa, p.  525,  1771 ;  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  i.  p.  288,  1790 

Le  Souimanga  a  capuchon  violet,  "  C.  violaceus"  Vieill. 
Enc.  Method,  p.  598. — Le  Sucrier  orcunga,  Le  Vaill.  vi. 
p.  152,  pi.  292. 

£  Above,  crown,  back  and  sides  of  the  neck,  upper  part  of 
the  back,  .and  bend  of  the  w.,  dark  golden-green,  varied  with 
bronze  and  purple  ;  back,  rump,  up.  t.-covers,  edges  of  the 
feathers  of  the  w.  and  t.,  yellowish  green ;  w.  and  t.  pale  um- 
ber-brown.— Beloiv,  chin  and  throat  dark  golden-green  ;  centre 
of  the  breast,  and  nearly  bordering  the  green  of  the  sides  as  & 
narrow  crescent,  violet  purple ;  lower  part  and  centre  of  the 
breast  and  belly,  deep  reddish  orange,  shading  into  gamboge- 
yellow  on  the  flanks  and  und.  t.-covers ;  axillary  tufts  pale  king's- 
yellow ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  black.— Length,  6  in.  ;  of  bill  to 
forehead,  9-10ths  ;  of  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  2-lOths. 

Hob.  Vicinity  of  Cape  of  Good  Hope,  Le  Vaill. — Note.  Center 
t. -feathers  exceed  the  others  by  9-10ths  or  1  in. ;  t.  gra- 
duated. 


SYNOPSIS.  259 

N.  FAMOSA,  Linnaeus,  1766. 

Certhia  famosa,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  i.  p.  187,  1766. — Certhia 
longicauda,  C.  B.  Spei.  Briss.  Ornithol.  4to.  iii.  p.  647, 
pi.  xxxiv.  fig.  1  ;  8vo.  ii.  p.  14. — Souimanga  Malachite, 
C.  famosus,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method,  p.  592. — Le  Sucrier 
Malachite,  Le  Vaill.  Ois.  d'Afr.  p.  143,  pis.  289,  299.— 
Le  grande  Souimanga  a  longue  queue,  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor. 
pis.  xxxvii.,  xxxviii. — Famous  Creeper,  Lath.  Gen.  Hist, 
iv.  p.  214. — Shining  Creeper,  C.  famosa,  Shaw,  Gen. 
Zool.  viii.  p.  212,  pi.  31. — Grimpereau  a  longue.  queue 
du  C.  de  B.  esperance,  Buff.  PI.  Enl.  83,  fig.  1." 
J  Above,  including  less,  w.-covers  and  scapulars,  malachite- 
green,  on  the  head  and  neck  with  a  play  of  green  and  reddish 
bronze ;  w.  black,  on  the  secondaries  tinted  with  violet ;  t. 
square,  centre  feathers  much  elongated,  black,  the  latter  at 
their  base  edged  with  malachite-green. — Below,  chin  in  some 
lights  appearing  black  ;  throat  and  neck  generally  of  a  goldea 
bronzed  green ;  breast,  belly,  and  vent,  malachite  green,  on  the 
latter  and  und.  t.-covers  intermixed  with  black ;  axillary  tufts 
gamboge-yellow ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  black. — Length,  9  in.  to 
94  in. ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  1  in.  3-10ths  ;  of  w.  to  long,  quill, 
3  in.  2-10ths  ;  long,  t.-feathers  exceed  the  square  t.  from  2^  in. 
to  3  in.  1-lOth. 

Hob.  S.  Africa,  vicinity  of  the  C.  of  G.  Hope,  Le  Vaill,  &c. 

L.  PULCHELLA,  Linnaeus,  1766. 

Certhia  pulcMla,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  i.  p.  187,  1766 ;  Gm. 
Linn.  p.  481. — Certhia  longicauda  Senegalensis,  Briss. 
Ornithol.  4to.  iii.  p.  645,  pi.  xxxiv.  fig.  3  ;  8vo.  ii.  p.  14. 
Le  Suwier  cossu,  Le  Vaill.  Ois.  d'Afr.  vi.  p.  1M,  pi.  293, 
fig.  1. — Cinnyiis  caudatus,  Vieill.  Enc.  MfcL  ...^d.  p.  595, 
1823.-— Grimpereau  a  longue  queue  du  Sen egalf  Buff.  PI. 
Enl.  670  ;  auct.  Le  Vaill.— Beautiful  Creeper,  Lath.  Gen. 
Hist.  iv.  p.  217. — Le  petit  Souimanga  a  longue  queue, 
Vieill.  Ois.  Dor.  pi.  40  ;  Swain.  Birds  of  W.  Africa. 

£  Above,  including  less,  w.-covers  and  edges  of  the  w.  to 
base  of  1  st  quill,  golden-green  ;  w.  brownish  black  ;  tail,  square 
Centre- feathers  only  elongated,  black, — the  latter  at  their  base 


260  SYNOPSIS. 

edged  with  green.  —  Below,  throat,  fore  part  of  neck,  and  upper 
breast,  intense  emerald-green;  lower  breast  with  a  collar  of 
yellowish  carmine-red,  shading  upon  the  belly  into  gamboge- 
yellow,  and  running  to  a  point  along  the  centre  ;  sides  of  the 
belly  golden-green  ;  flanks,  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers,  black,  — 
the  latter  tipped  with  bluish:green  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  black. 
Length,  6  in.  2-10ths  ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  6-10ths  ;  of  long,  quill, 
2  in.  3-10ths  ;  long,  t.-feathers  exceed  the  square  tail  2-10ths. 
Hah.  S.  Africa,  but  not  within  the  Great  River  hi  the  Kafir 
country.  Senegal,  Le  Vaill.,  Sw.  Sierra  Leone,  D+  W.  Fer- 


N.  PLATURA,  Vieillot,  1823. 

Le  Souimanfja  figuier,  Cin.  platwrus,  Vieill.  Enc.  Meth. 

Orn.  p.  589,  1823.  —  Le  Sucrwr  figuier,  Le  Vaill.  Ois. 

d'Afr.  vi,  p.  157,  pi.  293.  —  The  Saccharine  Creeper, 

Lath.   Gen.  Hist.  iv.  p.  225.  —  Nect.  sylviella,  Temm. 

PL  Col.  Note  to  pi.  347,  and  Ind. 

5  Above,  head,  neck,  back,  scapulars,  and  w.-covers  green  with 
bronze  and  purple  lustre  ;  rump  and  t.-covers,  violet-purple  ; 
w.  brownish  black  ;  tail  square,  centre  feathers  only  elongated, 
black,  —  the  latter  broadly  edged  with  violet-purple,  at  the  tips 
slightly  spatulate  —  Below,  throat,  fore  part  of  neck  and  upper 
breast,  duck-green  ;  lower  breast,  belly,  vent,  and  und.  t-  covers, 
saffron-yellow  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  black.  —  Length,  6£  in.  ; 
of  bill  to  forehead,  4-10ths;  of  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  2  or 
3-lOths  ;  long,  feathers  exceed  the  square  tail  2  in.  6  or  7-10ths. 
Hob.  Forests  of  the  Great  Namaquois,  Le  Vaill.  Sierra 
Leone,  Dr.  W.  Fergusson  __  Note.  Specimens  vary  in  the  pro- 
portion of  the  purple  reflection  on  the  upper  plumage,  and  in 
the  depth  of  the  yellow  below.  Those  from  W.  Africa  show 
greatest  degree  of  purple  and  deeper  yellow. 

N.  METALLICA,  Lichtenstem,  18  —  . 

Nectarinia  metallica,  Schilleruder  Honigsauger,  Cretz. 
Rupp.  At.  zu  der  Reise  in  Nord.  Af.  Vog.  10.  Taf.  7, 
1826  ;  Hemp.  &  Ehrenb.  Symb.Phys.  av.  pi.  1.—  Soui- 
vianya  inetallique,  N.  metallica^  Temm.  PL  Col.  347, 
figs.  1,  2. 


SYNOPSIS.  261 

<J  Above,  head,  neck,  back  and  less,  w.-covers,  blackish 
green,  with  purple  lustre ;  rump  and  up.  t.-covers  steel-blue ; 
w.  brownish  black ;  t.  nearly  square,  centre  feathers  only  elon- 
gated, black, — the  latter  narrowly  edged  with  violet,  slightly 
spatulate  at  the  tips. — Below,  throat,  fore  part  of  the  neck,  and 
upper  breast,  blackish  green,  bordered  with  a  distinct  collar  of 
clear  blue ;  lower  breast,  belly,  and  vent,  pale  kingVyellow ; 
und.  t.-covers  yellowish  white,  tipped  with  yellow ;  bill,  tarsi, 
and  feet,  black. — Length,  6  in. ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  4-10ths  ; 
of  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  1-1  Oth;  long  feathers  exceed  the 
square  tail  2  in. 

Hal.  N.  E.  Africa,  south  of  Suchet,  Riippell.  Southern 
Arabia,  Dongola,  Abyssinia,  Ehrenb.  Nubia,  Dongola,  Temm. 

N.  ZEYLONICA,  Linnaeus,  1766. 

Certhia  zeylonica,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  i.  p.  1 88  (syn.  exc.)  ; 
Gm.  Syst.  i.  p.  482  (syn.  exc.) ;  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  i. 
p.  285  (syn.  exc.) — Ceylonese  Creeper,  Lath.  Gen.  Hist, 
iv.  p.  227  (syn.  exc.) — Cinnyris  sola,  Jerd.  in  Madras 
Journ.  ii.  p.  128. — Souimanga  a  ceintwe  maroon,  Vieill- 
Ois.  Dor.  p.  37,  pi.  xvi.  (syn.  exc.). 

£  Above,  crown  extending  to  the  occiput,  deep  olive-green, 
with  green  and  purple  reflections  ;  less,  w.-covers  similar,  with  a 
much  greater  tint  of  purple ;  cheeks  and  auriculars,  deep  um- 
ber-brown ;  back  and  sides  of  the  neck,  back,  and  scapulars,  pur- 
plish brown ;  lower  back  and  up.  t.-covers,  amethystine-purple  ; 
w.  umber-brown,  edges  of  the  feathers  paler ;  t.  nearly  black, 
exterior  feathers  tipped  with  grey,  on  the  outer  for  a  third  of 
its  length. — Below,  chin,  throat,  and  fore  part  of  the  neck, 
amethystine  purple,  the  breast  crossed  by  a  bar  of  purplish 
red,  continued  from  the  brown  colour  of  the  upper  parts; 
lower  breast  and  belly  kingVyellow,  shaded  to  a  paler  tint 
on  the  flanks,  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet, 
dark  brownish  black. — Length,  4  hi.  to  4  in.  2-10ths ;  of  bill 
to  forehead,  6-10ths;  of  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  2-10ths. 

Hob.  Ceylon,  Linn.  Continental  India.  Carnatic,  more  than 
any  other  part  of  the  peninsula,  Jerd. — Note.  Varies  in  the  de- 
gree of  purple  on  the  coronal  patch ;  gular  patch  steel-blue ; 


262  SYNOPSIS. 

spec,  in  coll.  of  H.  Strickland,  Esq. ;  in  breadth  of  purplish  red 
pectoral  band. 

N.  AFFINIS,  Shaw,  1811. 

Souimanga  a  ywge  violctte,  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor.  pi.  32. — Red- 
Ireasted  Creeper,  var.  B.,  Lath.  Gen.  Hist.  iv.  p.  221.— 
Certhia  sperata,  var.  y,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  i.  p.  283  (syn. 
exc.). — Souimanga  a  ventre  ecarlate,  N.  coccingaster, 
Temm.  PI.  Col.  388,  fig.  3. — Certhia  afflnis,  Violet- 
throated  Creeper,  Shaw,  Gen.  Zool.  viii.  p.  208,  1811. 

<£  Above,  crown,  extending  to  the  occiput,  green  with  golden 
reflections  ;  cheeks  and  auriculars  black ;  back  and  sides  of  the 
neck,  back,  and  gr.  covers,  dark  purplish  red;  lower  back 
and  upp.  t.-covers  olive  green  with  purple  reflections ;  w.  um- 
ber-brown, edges  of  the  feathers  paler,  bend  green ;  tail  black, 
out.  edges  of  the  feathers  violet. — Below,  chin,  throat,  and  fore 
part  of  the  neck,  amethystine-purple  ;  lower  breast  and  belly 
scarlet ;  small  patch  of  metallic-green  feathers  where  the  pec- 
toral patch  terminates  ;  vent  and  und.  t.-covers  oil-green ;  bill, 
tarsi,  and  feet,  dark  umber-brown,  base  of  the  mandible  pale. 
— Length,  about  4  in. ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  6^-10ths ;  of  w.  to 
long,  quill,  2  in.  1-1  Oth. 

Hah.  Manilla,  Temm. — Note.  The  true  C.  sperata,  Linn. 
(Certhia  Philippensis  jmrpurea,  Briss.)  seems  to  differ  from 
Temminck's  bird  in  having  the  head,  throat,  and  upper  part  of 
the  neck  "  splendidissime  violacece;"  and  in  the  lesser  w.-covers, 
lower  back,  rump,  and  up.  t.-covers  "  violacea,  splendide  virid* 
colore  variantes"  "  Violet "  can  only  be  applied  to  the  gular 
patch  of  N.  affinis,  brilliant  green  with  slight  purple  reflections 
being  the  colour  of  the  other  parts.  We  suspect  that  this  is  a 
variety,  and  that  it  should  stand  as  N.  sperata,  Linn,  with  its 
synonims. 

N.  HASSBLTII,  Temminck,  18 — . 

Souimanga  de  Hasselt,  N.  Hasseltii,  Temm.  PI.  Col.  376, 
fig.  3. — Certhia  sperata,  Sir  St.  Raffles,  Trans.  Linn. 
Soc.  xiii.  p.  298,  1822. — Certhia  BraziUensis  molacea, 
Briss.  Ornithol.  ^o,  iii.  p.  662,  pi.  xxxii.  fig.  4 ;  8vo.  ii. 


SYNOPSIS.  263 

p.  19.  —  Black  and  Violet  Creeper,  Lath.  Gen.  Hist.  ir. 
p.  274. — Le  Souimanga  violet,  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor.  p.  65. — 
Oerthia  Brasiliana,  Shaw,  Gen.  Zool.  viii.  p.  257. 

(£  Above,  the  crown,  extending  upon  the  occiput  and  nape, 
golden-green  (feathers  of  a  soft  and  disunited  texture)  ;  cheeks, 
sides,  and  back  of  the  neck,  w.,  and  t.,  deep  black ;  mantle, 
lower  back,  up.  t.-covers,  less,  w.-covers,  metallic  olive-green 
varied  with  steel-blue  and  purple. — Below,  chin  nearly  black, 
bordered  by  a  maxillary  stripe,  which  with  the  neck  and  breast 
is  amethystine-purple ;  on  each  side  of  the  pectoral  patch  a 
small  spot  of  steel-blue ;  lower  breast  and  belly  purplish  red ; 
vent  and  und.  t.-covers  greyish  black;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet, 
black.— Length,  3  in.  8-10ths ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  6-10ths ;  of 
w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in. 

Hob.  Java,  Temm. 

N.  CALCOSTETHA,  Jardine,  1842. 

<J  Above,  crown,  extending  backwards  upon  the  nape,  dark 
emerald-green ;  less,  w.-covers,  lower  back,  rump,  and  up.  t.- 
covers.  metallic  olive-green  with  purple  reflections ;  w.  blackish 
brown,  great,  w.-covers  edged  with  violet ;  cheeks,  sides  of  the 
neck,  back,  and  t.  black,  feathers  of  the  latter  edged  with  steel- 
blue. — Below,  chin  black ;  maxillary  stripes  amethystine-pur- 
ple ;  fore  part  of  the  neck  and  breast  copper-red  (black  when 
not  held  in  the  light)  ;  lower  breast  and  belly  violet-purple  at 
the  sides  surrounding  the  colour  of  the  breast,  and  nearly  join- 
ing on  each  side  with  the  maxillary  stripes ;  lower  belly,  vent, 
and  und.  t.-covers,  greyish-black ;  axillary  tufts  deep  king's- 
yellow;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet  black. — Length,  Sin.  6-10ths;  of 
bill  to  forehead,  6i-10ths;  of  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  2-10ths. 

Hah.  E.  Ind.  Islands? — Note.  Nearly  allied  to  N.  aspasia, 
Less. ;  differing  from  the  figure  and  description  by  distinction 
of  colours  on  the  breast,  greyish  black  vent,  and  the  presence 
of  yellow  axillary  tufts.  (See  description  of  that  sp.  in  PL  II.) 

N.  LOTENIA,  Linnseus,  1766. 

Cetihia  lotenia,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.,  p.  188  (syn.  exc.),  1766  ; 


264  SYNOPSIS. 

Gmel.  Linn.  i.  483  (syn.  exc.). — Certhia  polita,  Latli. 
Ind.  Orn.  i.  p.  287, 1790.— Polished  Creeper,  Lath.  Gen. 
Hist.  iv.  p.  245. — Le  Souimanga  pourpre,  Vieill.  Ois. 
Dor.  ii.  pi.  xi. — Purple  Indian  Creeper,  Edw.  Glean,  ii. 
pi.  265,  up.  figure. — Cinnyris  purpurata,  Vieill.  Enc. 
Method,  p.  596,  1823;  Cinnyris  polita,  Jerd.  Madras 
Journ.  1840,  p.  127. — Purple  Creeper,  Certh.  purpurata, 
Shaw,  Gen.  Zool.  viii.  p.  201. 

(J  Above,  dark  metallic-green,  with  blue  and  purple  reflec- 
tions ;  w.  umber-brown ;  tail  bluish  black,  feathers  edged  with 
green. — Below,  chin  velvet-black  ;  neck  and  upper  parts  of  the 
breast  dark  metallic-green,  shading  at  the  lower  edge  into  steel- 
blue,  sometimes  tinted  with  violet,  lower  breast  with  a  narrow 
band  of  purplish  red ;  belly,  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers,  yellowish 
hair-brown  ;  axillary  tufts  ample,  king's-yellow ;  bill  strong  at 
the  base,  considerably  curved,  with  the  tarsi  and  feet  black. — 
Length,  5  in. ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  1  in.  to  1  in.  1-1  Oth ;  of  w. 
to  long,  quill,  2  in.  2  or  3-10ths. 

9  Above,  "  light  greenish  brown,  quills  darker,  t.  black. — 
Below,  pale  yellow ;  (differs  from  $  of  N.  mahrattensis  only  in 
darker  tint  of  plumage  above)."  Jerd. 

flab.  Ceylon,  Linn.  Carnatic,  on  the  west  coast  of  the  pe- 
ninsula, Jerd.  Continental  India. — Note.  Varies  in  the  intensity 
of  the  blue  or  purple  shade  of  the  plumage,  and  hi  the  breadth 
of  the  reddish  pectoral  bar. 

N.  MAHRATTENSIS,  Latham,  1801. 

Certhia  mahrattensis,  Lath.  Ind.  Orn.  Supp.  p.  xxxvi. 
1801  ;  Jerd.  Mad.  Journ.  1840,  p.  127.— Le  Souimanga 
dupays  des  Mahrattes,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method.  Orn.  p.  595 
— Souimanga  azure,  C.  cyaneus,  Enc.  Method,  p.  599  ? — 
Le  Souimanga  violet,  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor.  pi.  xii. — Purple 
Indian  Creeper,  Edw.  Glean,  ii.  pi.  265,  und.  figure. — 
C.  orientalis,  Franck.  Proceed.  Zool.  Journ.  1831,  p.  122. 
Eastern  Creeper,  Lath.  Gen.  Hist.  iv.  p.  232,  and  Sugar 
Creeper,  C.  asiatica,  p.  238,  seem  also  synonims  (syn. 
exc.). 


SYNOPSIS.  265 

(J  Above,  steel-blue,  varied  with  green  and  purple  reflec- 
tions ;  w.  brownish  black ;  t.  black,  feathers  edged  with  steel- 
blue. — Below,  chin,  neck,  and  upper  breast,  steel-blue,  inclining 
to  green  and  violet ;  fore  part  of  the  neck  of  a  deeper  and  more 
violet  tint,  showing  a  central  mark  running  downwards  for  the 
whole  length  of  the  gular  patch ;  across  the  lower  breast  a 
very  narrow  band  of  purplish  red  (sometimes  partial,  some- 
times entirely  wanting) ;  belly,  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers,  black, 
latter  tipped  with  steel-blue ;  axillary  tufts  king's-yellow,  over- 
laid with  orange-red  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  black. — Length,  4  in. 
1-1  Oth  to  4  in.  5-lOths ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  7-10ths  ;  of  w.  to 
long,  quill,  2  in.  1-1  Oth  to  2  in.  2-10ths. 

$  "  Above,  greenish  brown-grey,  quills  dusky,  tail  black. — 
Below,  pale  yellow,  darkest  on  the  throat."  Jerd. 

Hob.  Continental  India  and  the  Peninsula.  Summit  of  the 
Nylgherries,  Jerd.  Nipaul,  Hodg.  S.  Africa,  Col.  Sykes  (re- 
qiiiring  confirmation). — Note.  If  correct  in  N.  asiatica  for  a 
syn.,  the  bird  should  bear  that  name,  being  given  in  the  Ind. 
Orn.  hi  1790.  Varies  in  the  shade  of  steel-blue  and  purple, 
and  hi  the  distinctness  and  colour  of  the  reddish  pectoral  band. 
Differs  from  N.  lotenia  in  proportion  of  bill,  black  belly  and 
vent,  reddish  orange  on  axillary  tufts. 

N.  MINIMA,  Sykes,  1832. 

Cinnyris  minwta,   Sykes,   Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  April,  1832, 
p.  98 ;  Jerd.  Mad.  Journ,  1840,  p.  128. 

(J  Above,  crown  and  nape  metallic-olive  ,with  purple  reflec- 
tions (texture  soft) ;  sides  of  the  neck,  back,  rump,  and  up. 
t.-covers  purplish  scarlet-red,  on  the  lower  back  and  t.-covers, 
varied  with  pale  bluish  purple ;  w.  umber-brown,  t.  blackish 
brown. — Below,  neck,  throat,  and  up.  breast  amethystine-pur- 
ple ;  belly,  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers  deep  primrose-yellow ;  bill, 
tarsi,  and  feet,  wood-brown. — Length,  3  in.  6-10ths ;  of  w.  to 
long,  quill,  1  in.  8-10ths. 

9  Above,  head,  cheeks,  back  of  the  neck,  and  up.  back,  yel- 
lowish oil-green  ;  less,  w.-covers,  lower  back,  and  up.  t.-covers, 
purplish  scarlet-red,  with  a  slight  tinge  of  bluish  purple ;  w. 


266  SYNOPSIS. 

and  t.  umber-brown. — Below,  primrose-yellow,  darkest  on  the 
throat  and  breast. 

Uah.  High  forest  jungle  of  Malabar,  Jerd.  Dense  woods  of 
the  Ghauts  of  the  Deccan.  Col.  Sykes. 

N.  SOLARIS,  Temminck,  18 — ^ 

Souimanga  swici,  Ar.  Solaris,  Temm.  PI.  Col.  347,  fig.  3. 

<$  Above,  coronal  patch  green,  reaching  rather  beyond  the 
line  of  the  eyes  ;  back  of  the  neck,  back,  rump  and  up.  t.-co- 
vers,  dark  oil-green;  w.  and  t.  umber-brown. — Below,' throat, 
fore  part  of  the  neck  and  up.  breast,  very  deep  indigo 
tinted  with  violet,  shading  to  dark  metallic-green  upon  the 
edges  of  the  gular  patch ;  lower  breast,  belly,  vent,  and  und.  t.- 
covers,  brilliant  orpiment  orange,  paler  on  the  vent. — Length 
4|  in. 

Hob.  Amboyna.     Temm. 

N.  PECTORALIS,  Horsfield,  1821   * 

Nect.  pectoralis,  Horsf.  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  xiii.  1st.  p.  1C  7, 
1821. — Souimcmga  distingue,  N.  eximia,  Temm.  PI.  CoL 
138,  M.  &  F.  18— .— Certhia  Philippensis  olivacea, 
Briss.  Ornithol.  4to.  iii.  p.  623,  pi.  xxxiv.  fig.  4  ;  8vo. 
ii.  p.  7  ?  —  Grimpereau  olive  des  Philippines,  PI.  EnL 
576,  fig.  4  ? 

(J  Above,  front  in  a  line  with  the  eyes,  a  narrow  streak  over 
each  steel-blue ;  w.  umber-brown,  feathers  edged  with  oil- 
green  ;  tail  black,  feathers  (except  the  centre  pair)  tipped  with 
white,  that  on  the  outside  for  half  its  length  ;  other  upper  parts 
dark  yellowish  oil-green.  — Below,  chin,  throat,  and  breast, 
deep  steel-blue,  in  the  centre  of  the  throat  and  neck  tinted 
with  purple,  and  showing  a  defined  mark ;  belly,  vent,  and 
und.  t.-covers  king's  yellow,  axillary  tufts  of  a  deeper  shade  ; 
bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  blackish  brown. — Length,  3  in.  9-10ths  ; 
of  bill  to  forehead,  7-10ths  ;  of  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  1-1  Oth. 

Hob.  Java,  Iforsf.,  Reinwardt. 

*  Pub.  1821 ;  paper  read,  1820. 


SYNOPSIS.  267 

N.  JUGULARIS,  Linnaeus,  1766. 

Certkia  jugularis,  Linn.  Syst.  Nat.  p.  ]  85. — Certhia  PJittip- 
pensis  minor,  Briss.  Ornithol.  4to.  iii.  p.  617,  pi.  xxxii. 
fig.  5. ;  8vo.  ii.  p.  5  ? — Souimanya  a  gorge  blue,  Vieill. 
Ois.  Dor.  p.  51,  pi.  xxix. 

<J  Above,  yellowish  hair-brown,  greenish  predominating  on 
the  lower  part  of  the  back  ;  w.  umber-brown ;  t.  black,  feathers 
(except  the  centre  pair)  tipped  with  white,  that  on  the  outside 
for  half  its  length. — Below,  chin,  throat,  and  up.  breast,  deep 
steel-blue,  intensely  dark  in  the  centre,  at  the  sides  a  few  dark 
brown  feathers  indicating  a  brown  terminal  band  :  belly,  vent, 
^and  und.  t.-covers  dull  king's  yellow,  paler  towards  the  vent ; 
axillary  tufts  ample,  deep  king's-yellow ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet, 
black. — Length,  Sin.  9-10ths;  of  bill  to  forehead,  7-10ths  ;  of 
w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  to  2  in.  2-10ths. 

Hob,  Philippine  Islands,  Linn.,  Briss.  Gumming  (sp.  in 
Zool.  Soc.). — Note.  The  figure  of  Brisson  is  represented  with 
the  throat  only  dark. 

N.  GOALPARIENSIS,  Royle,  18 — . 

Certhia  Goalpariensis,  Royle,  Illust.  Introd.  p.  Ixxviii.  tab. 
vii.  fig.  1,  18 — . — GoulparaJi  Creeper,  Lath.  GeiL  Hist, 
iv.  p.  221,  pi.  Ixxiv. Cinnyris  Vigor sii,  Sykes,  Pro- 
ceed. Zool.  Soc.  1832,  p.  99. 

(J  Above,  crown  golden  green  with  purple  reflections ;  nape, 
back,  and  scapulars,  deep  brownish  carmine-red,  rump  banded 
with  pale  king's  yellow,  which  can  be  concealed  by  lateral 
lengthened  feathers  of  oil-green;  w.  umber-brown,  feathers 
edged  with  oil-green  ;  up.  t.-covers  and  two  centre  t.-feathera 
deep  green,  remaining  t.  brownish  black. — Below,  chin,  throat, 
neck,  and  breast,  dazzling  scarlet-red,  on  the  maxilla  a  streak 
of  violet-purple ;  belly,  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers,  pale  clove- 
brown  ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  wood-brown,  very  pale  on  the  man- 
dible.—Length,  5  in.  4-10ths  ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  7-10ths ;  of 
w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  2-10ths;  long,  feathers  exceed  the  t. 
by  8-10ths. 


268  SYNOPSIS. 

Hob.  Continental  India,  Col.  Sykes.  Goulparah,  Lath.  North- 
ern India,  Royle.  Nipaul,  Hodg. 

N.  LATHAMI,  Jardine,  1842. 

N.  Lathami,  Jard.  Nat.  Lib.  vol.  xxxvi.  p.  233,  1842. 

£  Above,  forehead  to  the  line  of  the  eyes,  steel-blue  ;  back 
and  sides  of  the  neck,  cheeks,  back,  and  less,  w.-covers,  brown- 
ish red  ;  lower  back  and  rump  dark  gamboge-yellow,  protected 
on  the  sides  by  lengthened  plumes  of  oil-green ;  up.  t.-co- 
vers steel-blue ;  tail  black,  feathers  edged  with  steel-blue,  gra- 
duated ;  w.  umber-brown,  edges  of  the  feathers  paler. — Below, 
chin,  fore  part  of  the  neck,  and  breast,  scarlet-red ;  maxillary 
stripes  reach  to  the  sides  of  the  neck  ;  narrow  feathers  of  two 
colours,  black  and  violet,  forming  a  line  of  each,  the  black  inte- 
rior ;  belly,  vent,  and  und.  t.-covers,  dull  greyish  oil-green  ;  bill, 
tarsi,  and  feet,  umber-brown,  mandible  slightly  paler. — Length, 
4  in.  2-1  Oths;  of  bill  to  forehead,  5^-1  Oths;  of  w.  to  long, 
quill,  2  in. 

Hob.  Continental  India. — Note.  Differs  from  N.  Goalpari- 
crisis  in  the  general  tint  of  colouring,  blue  front  and  up.  t.-co- 
vers ;  t.  regularly  graduating? 

N.  EXIMIA,  Horsfield,  18—. 

N.  eximia,  Horsf.  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  vol.  xiii.  p.  181. — 
Souimanga  de  Kukl,  N.  KMii,  Temm.  PI.  CoL  376, 
figs.  1,  2. 

(J  Above,  coronal  patch  extending  to  the  occiput,  olive  with 
metallic  lustre ;  back  and  sides  of  the  neck,  back,  and  w.-covers, 
yellowish  oil-green ;  rump  pale  gamboge -yellow ;  w.  and  t.  pale 
umber-brown,  latter  graduated. — Below.  Throat,  fore  part  of  the 
neck,  and  up.  breast,  brownsih  carmine,  divided  in  the  centre 
by  an  angular  stripe  of  violet ;  belly  dark  umber-brown,  shading 
to  greenish  white  on  the  vent  and  und.  t.-covers ;  axillary  tufts 
very  ample,  white. — Length,  5  in. ;  of  bill  to  forehead,  8-1  Oths ; 
of  w.  to  long,  quill,  2  in.  2-1  Oths. 
Hab.  Java,  Horsf.,  Temm. 

Ni  NIPALENSIS,  Hodgson,  18 — . 

Cinnyris  Nipalensis,  Hodg.  Spec,  in  Coll.  of  Zool.  Soc. 


SYNOPSIS.  269 

(J  Above,  head,  cheeks,  and  nape  steel-blue ;  up.  part  of  the 
back  with  a  broad  crescented  band  of  deep  reddish  chestnut, 
extending  to  the  breast  and  pointing  upwards  on  the  sides  of 
the  neck ;  lower  back,  less,  w.-covers,  scapulars,  edges  of  the 
quills,  and  secondaries,  clear  oil-green ;  rump  gamboge  yellow ; 
tip.  t.-covers  steel-blue ;  w.  blackish-brown ;  t.  graduated,  fea- 
thers rather  accumulated  at  the  tips,  black — the  two  outer 
pairs  tipped  with  grey,  the  outer  feathers  greenish  steel-blue, 
black  at  the  base  and  tips. — Below,  gamboge-yellow,  centre  of 
the  breast  and  belly  reddish  orange,  throat  steel-blue,  inside 
of  the  w.  pale  yellowish  white ;  bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  blackish- 
brown.— Length,  5J.  in.;  of  bill  to  forehead,  7-10tbs;  of  w. 
to  long  quill,  2  in. 
Hob.  Nipaul,  Hodg. 

N.  GOULDS,  Vigors,  1831.  * 

Cinnyris  gouldice,  Vig.  Proc.  Zool.  Soc.  part  i.  1830  and 
1831,  p.  44 ;  Gould.  Cent,  of  Birds  from  Himalaya 
Mount,  pi.  Ivi. 

£  Above,  crown  extending  to  the  occiput  in  a  point,  auri- 
culars,  spot  at  insertion  of  w.,  up.  t.-covers,  metallic  blue 
with  purple  reflections ;  back  and  sides  of  the  neck,  back,  chest- 
nut red  with  a  mixture  of  carmine ;  rump  gamboge-yellow  < 
w.  umber  brown ;  t.  black,  centre  feathers  elongated,  broadly 
edged  with  steel-blue.  —  Below,  gamboge-yellow  sparingly 
dashed  with  red;  throat  steel-blue  with  purple  reflections; 
bill,  tarsi,  and  feet,  umber-brown. — Length  (equaling  N.  goalr 
pariensis). 

Hob.  Alpine  India.     Himalaya,  Gould. 

N.  HODGSONI,  Jardine,  1842. 

5  Above,  crown,  nape,  up.  t.-covers,  very  deep  blue ;  sides 
of  the  neck,  up.  back,  and  scapulars,  dark  reddish  chestnut- 
(nearly  blood-red)  ;  lower  back  black ;  neck  pale  yellow ;  w 
brownish  black;  t.  black,  centre  feathers  much  lengthened 

*  February. 


270 

edged  broadly  with  blue  at  the  centre. — Below,  chin,  fore  part 
of  the  neck,  and  breast,  deep  black ;  maxillary  stripes  long, 
deep  blue  ;  vent  and  und.  t.-covers  greenish  grey  ;  flanks  and 
under  surface  of  the  w.  yellowish  white ;  bill  brownish  black  : 
tajsi  and  feet  umber-brown. — Length,  5|  in. ;  of  bill  to  fore- 
head, 7-10ths;  of  w.  to  long  quill,  2-10ths;  centre  t.  feathers 
exceed  true  tail  1  in.  2-10ths. 

If  ah.  Nipaul,  Hodg. — Note.  Our  specimen  rather  mutilated  ; 
descript.  will  require  revision  with  a  perfect  skin. 

N.  PHJENICURA,  Jardine,  1842. 

,  Col.  Zool.  Soc.  No.  1690  (not  named). 

(J,  Above,  crown  steel-blue ;  back  and  sides  of  the  neck,  back, 
up.  t.-covers,  two  long  t.  feathers,  and  the  outer  webs  of  the 
others,  bright  orange  scarlet-red ;  rump  dull  gamboge  yellow  ; 
scapulars,  less,  w.-covers,  and  edges  of  the  quill  and  secondaries, 
oil-green;  wings  umber-brown ;  tail,  inner  webs  of  the  feathers, 
except  the  centre  pair,  umber-brown,  tips  paler, — seen  from  be- 
neath, reddish  grey. — Below,  chin  and  centre  of  the  throat  and 
neck,  deep  velvet  black,  bordered  by  maxillary  stripe  of  deep 
steel-blue  ;  breast  and  upper  belly  orange-yellow  ;  lower  belly, 
vent,  and  und.  t.-covers,  dull  gamboge-yellow ;  bill  blackish- 
brown  ;  tarsi  and  [feet  umber-brown.— Length,  exclusive  of 
out.  t.-feathers,  5  in. ;  of  wing  to  long  quill,  2  in.  2-10ths. 

9  Above,  yellowish  oil-green ;  wings  umber-brown ;  rump 
dull  gamboge-yellow ;  up.  t.-covers,  centre  feathers,  and  out. 
webs  of  others,  orange  scarlet-red  ;  throat,  fore  part  of  the  neck 
and  breast,  pale  oil-green  ;  belly,  vent,  and  und.  t.  covers,  dull 
gamboge-yellow,  darkest  in  the  centre  of  the  former ;  bill,  tarsi, 
and  feet,  brownish-black. — Length,  7  in. ;  long  feathers  exceed 
the  others  by  li  in. 

Hab.  Silhet,  Sir  F.  Egerton,  Bart.  Nipaul,  Hodg.— Note. 
The  last  bird,  described  as  9*  was  sent  to  Zool.  Soc.  by  Mr. 
Hodgson,  and  is  probably  a  young  £ .  It  is  probable  these  two 
last  species  have  been  previously  named  by  Mr.  Hodgson. 


SYNOPSIS  271 


SPECIES  NOT  EXAMINED,   BUT  WHICH  APPEAR 
TO  STAND  ON  GOOD  AUTHORITY.* 

N.  PUSILLA,  Vieillot,  1823. 

Le  Sucrier,  Le  Vaill.  Ois.  d'Af.  vi.  p.  172,  pi.  298,  M.  & 
F. — Le  Souimanga  Sucrier,  Cinnyris  pusillus,  Vieill.  Enc. 
Method,  p.  587. 

J  The  back,  back  of  the  neck,  up.  w.-covers,  scapulars,  and 
the  last  w.-feathers  near  the  back,  deep  reddish  purple  (ma- 
«x  ).  The  rump  and  up.  t.-covers  bright  violet.  Head  and 
foie  part  of  the  neck  changing  green,  with  blue  and  purple 
reflections ;  all  the  lower  parts  of  the  body,  including  the 
lower  t.-covers,  reddish  orange,  dullest  on  the  higher  parts ; 
quills  black  with  blue  reflections. — Size  of  the  common  wren. 

$?  Yellowish  olive  upon  the  head,  back  of  the  neck,  upper 
parts  of  the  body,  and  w.  ;  the  throat  and  fore  part  of  the  neck 
very  pale  yellow,  becoming  deeper  on  the  breast  and  flanks, 
and  again  changing  to  a  paler  tint  on  the  vent. 

Hob.  Forests  in  the  vicinity  of  Vanstaade  and  Loury,  Le 

Vaill Note..  Known  by  the  fig.  and  descript.  of  Le  Vaillant. 

Authority  for  above  characters :  pusilla  is  kept,  that  name  of 
Linn,  being  applied  to  a  female  or  young  of  some  species. 
Should  stand  near  A7.  colloids  or  venusfa. 

N.  RECTIROSTRIS,  Shaw,  1811. 

Le  Souimanga  a  bee  droit,  Vieill.  Ois.  Dor.  pi.  Ixxv.  p.  112. 
— Le  Souimanga  mignon,  Cinnyris  elegans,  Vieill.  Enc. 

*  Sir  W.  Jardine  will  be  obliged  for  the  use  of  any  of  the 
species  mentioned  in  this  division,  or  of  any  that  appear  to 
have  been  omitted,  so  that  a  complete  and  extended  Synopsis 
may  be  made  out ;  particularly  birds  from  Madagascar,  Ceylon, 
Borneo,  Philippine  Islands.  The  skins  transmit  safely  by  Post, 
and  will  be  carefully  returned  so  soon  as  they  have  been 
examined. 


272  SYNOPSIS. 

Method,  p.  393,  1823;  Vieill.  Gal.  des  Ois.  i.  p.  292, 
pi.  clxxviii. 

£  Head,  back,  rump,  and  w.-covers,  bronzed  green :  w.  and 
t.  clear  brown,  feathers  bordered  with  dull  green. — Below,  the 
chin  and  fore  part  of  the  neck  yellow,  up.  part  of  breast  bronzed 
green,  forming  a  broad  pectoral  band ;  lower  breast,  pale  red ; 
belly  and  vent  dull  yellow,  becoming  paler  on  the  und.  t.-co- 
vers  ;  bill  and  feet,  blackish. — Length,  3|  in. 

Hob.  Africa  or  India  ?  Vieill. — Note.  Descript.  aut.  Vieill. 
fig.  in  Ois.  Dor.  and  Gal. 

N.  ASPASIA,  Lesson,  1826. 

Souimanga  aspasia,  Ciwnyris  aspasia,  Less.  Voy.   de  la 
Coq.  vol.  i.  p.  676  and  Atlas,  pi.  xxx.  fig.  4. 

5  With  a  coronal  patch  of  emerald-green  extending  over 
the  crown  upon  the  occiput ;  cheeks,  sides  of  the  neck, 
back,  w.,  and  t.,  deep  velvet  black,  feathers  of  the  latter  edged 
with  green ;  covers  of  the  w.  and  their  bend,  lower  back, 
and  up.  t.- covers,  golden-green  ;  chin,  throat,  and  fore  part 
of  the  breast,  with  a  brilliant  patch  of  violet  inclining  to  steel- 
blue  ;  lower  part  of  the  breast,  belly,  and  vent,  deep  black.  — 
Length,  3  in.  6  lines. 

Hob.  Woods  around  harbour  of  Dorery,  New  Guinea,  Auct. 
Voy.  de  la  Coq — Note.  Will  stand  before  or  after  N.  cal- 
•Mttfa. 

N.  ZENOBIA,  Lesson.  1826. 

Souimcmga  zenobie,   Ciwnyris  zenobia,   Less.   Voy.  de  la 
Coq.  vol.  i.  p.  679,  and  Atlas,  pi.  xxx.  fig.  3. 

5  Head,  back,  rump,  gr.  w.-covers,  uniform  yellowish-olive  ; 
w.  brown,  feathers  edged  with  yellow ;  t.  dull  brown ;  chin, 
tliroat,  and  breast,  steel-blue;  belly  velvet-black;  vent  and 
flanks  olive  ;  axillary  tufts  ample,  orange-yellow. 

Hob.  Mountains  of  Soya,  island  of  Amboyna. — Note.  Known 
by  the  plate  in  Voy.  de  la  Coq.  ;  allied  to  the  form  of  N.  pecto- 
ralis,  Horsf. 


SYNOPSIS.  273 

N.  ?  EQUES,  Lesson,  1826. 

Souimanga  decore,  Ciwtiyris  eques,  Less.  Voy.  de  la  Coq.  i. 
p.  678,  and  Atlas,  pi.  xxxi.  fig.  1. 

£  Plumage  uniform  yellowish  umber-brown ;  fore  part  of 
the  neck,  throat,  and  breast,  with  a  gular  patch  of  bright  scar- 
let-red ;  bill  and  feet  black. — Length  4  in.  5  lines. 

Hob.  Island  of  Waigiou,  harbour  of  Dorery,  N.  Guinea. 
Lesson. — Note.  Known  by  the  plate  in  Voy.  de  la  Coq. 

N.  SIPARAJA,  Raffles,  1822. 

Certhia  siparaja,  Raff.  Trans.  Linn.  Soc.  xiii.  p.  299. — 
Cinnyris  siparaja,  Cat.  Zool.  Spec.  Mem.  Sir  St.  RafF. 
App.  p.  673. — Souimanga  moustac^  N.  mt/sticalis,  Temm. 
PI.  Col.  126,  fig.  3.— (Auct.  Cat.  Mem.  Sir  St.  Raffles, 
sup.  cit.) 

<$  Crown,  with  an  imbricated  patch  of  violet  passing 
the  line  of  the  eyes,  a  maxillary  streak,  rump,  and  t.  of  the 
same  colour ;  bax?k  of  the  neck,  back,  and  less,  w.-covers,  bril- 
liant purplish  red  ;  w.  blackish  grey ;  throat,  neck,  and  breast, 
purplish  red  (clearer  than  above)  ;  belly,  vent,  and  und. 
t.-covers,  white  ;  bill  and  feet  reddish  brown. — Length,  4  in. 

Hob.  Java,  Temm. — Note.  This  species  has  the  t. -feathers 
elongated  and  ought  to  follow  N.  goalpariensis  and  latfiami. 

N.  CARDINALINUS,  Vieillot,  1823. 

Cinnyris  cardinalinus,  Le  Souimanga  cardinalin,  Vieill. 
Enc.  Method,  p.  598. — Le  Sucrier  cardinalin,  Le  Vaill. 
vi.  p.  149,  pi.  291. 

$  Head,  neck,  back,  rump,  all  the  up.  w.-eovers,  up.  t.-co- 
vers, and  the  two  long  t.-feathers,  golden-green;  from  the 
breast,  carmine-red. 

$  With  the  under  parts  yellow,  instead  of  carmine-red. 
Hob.  Mountains  in  the  country  of  the  Great  Namaquois,  Le 
Vaill. — Note.  This  is  of  the  same  form  with  N.  pulchellus,  and 
should  stand  after  it.  Vieillot  suspects  that  it  is  that  bird  in 
mature  plumage?  Known  by  the  descript.  arid  figure  of 
Le  Vaillant. 


p.  ^er&ron^Le  Tain,  rip.: 

Head,  nooky  hade*  up.  W.-COTCTS,  nxznps,  and  up.  t.-ooTCPs, 


v.  and  t  bKniedbla^;ftY) 

tmt  of  ouve;ajdllaiy  tofts  yellow;  bill  nmch  cwwi. 

s: 
; 
Tkwtj«f  tbe  river  Sooda«,  X*  r«f/.-  JVbfc  OC  tbe 

Known  by  the  fig.  and  desalt,  of  Le  Vailbuit.  Is  this  the 
>vv.  !;>  Mte  ::.,  MM  4  A'.  :•.  Bhl,  MHMMd  V-v  Oil  Svkrt 
*s  common  to  Aftkm  and  India? 


J  down  and  nape  emenM-greeQ;  dweks,  bMk  of  the 
nock,  and  back,  TOhvt-black;  w.-oovcn  and  up.  t~<x»en, 
gim  with  poipte  nAeetian;  w,  doll  blaek,  t.  black,  edge. 

hi    On   MMM    pM%    pMMMs    chir.     thr^t.    fore    P:,rt 
Ol  OH  BMk  Mi  bnaat, 


f-X—    jfcrt-— k^ A^V      lilm  •   .    V  _M m.1 ^fc. 

•  ••-•-  BanBv  j-...^...  Hai  ;  Dva\j  MauKi  . 
with  blue;  TO^&^ari«ndLt.KX!*en,diai  black  ;  axfflaiy 
tofts  king^s  yellow;  bffl  and  feet  black.~Length  4in.  6  tinea. 

:;',-.    ;..-.-.     7          -/.     .      K-.        :-.    '  :    :1.\     f-—     .;-.-.;:,  1 
above,    The  nanw/jotorntoispiwkws^ 
-      tbat  sp.  in  Synopas. 

mmangm  mar***,  C  tftocan,  Tieffl.  BBC.  Method. 
Oia.p.595, 

£  Forehead  soMen-sw^ 

above  golden-red  ^onmto  r*bro);  w.  and  t.  bbck.— 
throat  and  fore  part  of  the  neck  green,  bordered  with  Woe 


on  the  lower  put;  breast,  belly,  and  nod.  t-corers 
bftMk 

Hob.  Congo,  VieSl—Notc.  Known  by  VxaHot's  descript. 
mp.  cef.  We  consider  the  op.  puts  will  be  meant,  as  dark 
brownish  black  with  a  yellowish  red  reflection.  It  will  stand 
near  to  A".  ttamgerL  &c, 


Zc  *o*gKimlx*do*,  YieilL  Ois.  Dor.  pL  xadL—  Z 

«oi^«NtfittMMi<i0«>  C  tqxrbu,  TieOL  Ene.  Method. 
Om.  p.  597. 

Coronal  patch  blue;  occiput,  back  of  the  neck,  back, 
and  up.  w.  and  t.-<wrers,  golden-green;  w.  and  t.  black.  — 
Throat  "violet-purple  with  green  reflections  ;  bm^  red,  sepa- 
rated  fiom  the  throat  by  a  narrow  band  of  golden-green; 
belly,  flanks,  and  and.  t-corers,  dufl  red. 

Ho*.  Congo,  Mafemba,  ?•««.—  Note.  Known  by  the  figure 
in  Ois.  Dor.  Will  stand  near  X.  qptautida  and  bifatciata* 

.-.  1   —  . 

A  .    ffabcsstHica,  Hemp,  and  Ehrenb.  Symb.  Fhys.  *T. 
pLrr. 

£  Crown,  neck,  and  back,  dark  green  with  a  bright  golden 
lustre,  forehead  and  crown  ha  ving  m  Twkt  tostre.  —  Breast  with 
a  blue  interrupted  band  ;  above,  crimson,  terminated  with 
yellowish  spots;  befly  and  vent  violet-black,  without  rastre.— 
Length,  4  in.  9-10ths  ;  of  bill,  84  in. 

2  Greyish  brown;  tail,  above,  blackish.—  Paler,  Tent  and 
oat.  tL-feathera  margined  with  white;  belly  with  a  yellow  cen- 


Hob.  Coasts  of  Abyssmia  at  Gekt,  Hemp,  and  Ekrt*b.— 
Note.  Difiers  from  X.  dbdybea  in  belly  black,  crown  with  a 
violet  rastre,  no  bine  romp;  from  X.  cklonpygia  in  violet 
crown.  Known  by  the  plate  and  descript.  in  the  Symbol* 
Pijnoe,  the  authority  **  a*"™- 

B,  Ruppefl,  18—^ 
Cou^ru  aft*,  RSpp.  N.  Wirb.  p.  87,  tat  31,  fig.  1. 


276  SYNOPSIS. 

<$  Forehead  black,  tinted  with  bluish-purple ;  crown,  back 
of  the  neck,  and  back,  golden  green  ;  rump  ultramarine-blue ; 
tail  black. — Chin  and  a  pectoral  band  black ;  throat  and 
fore  part  of  the  neck  golden-green  ;  belly  and  vent,  yellow ; 
axillary  tufts  orange. 

Hob.  Valleys  on  the  coast  of  Abyssinia,  near  Massua,  Euj>p. 
— Note.  Differs  from  N.  metallica  in  greater  length  of  bill, 
black  pectoral  band.  The  name  affinis  will  probably  remain, 
as  the  same  appellation  given  to  a  species  in  a  previous  part  of 
the  Synopsis  may  become  a  synonim  to  N.  sperata. 

N.  MADAGASCARIENSIS,  Vieillot,  1823. 

Le  Grimpereau  violet  de  Madagascar,  Briss.  Ornithol.  4to. 
iii.  pi.  xxxii.  figs.  2,  3,  p.  638. — Le  Souimanga,  Vieill. 
Ois.  Dor.  ii.  pi.  xviii. — Le  Souimanga  proprement  dit, 
C.  Madagascariensis,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method.  Ora.  p.  591. 

(J  Head,  neck,  back,  scapulary  feathers,  and  less,  w.-covers, 
brilliant  green,  with  a  shade  of  violet  in  particular  lights  ;  the 
lower  part  of  the  back,  rump,  and  up.  t.-covers,  brownish 
olive ;  w.  brown,  feathers  edged  with  olive  ;  t.  black,  bordered 
with  green.  Throat  and  neck,  brilliant  green ;  breast  brown, 
separated  from  the  colour  of  the  neck  by  two  transverse  bands, 
the  upper  violet-blue,  the  lower  purplish  brown  ;  the  belly  and 
lower  t.-covers  pale  yellow  ;  flanks  olive ;  axillary  tufts  yellow. 
• — Length,  4  in.  1  line. 

2  Olive-brown ;  w.  and  t.  as  in  <£. — Olive  yellow. 

llab.  Madagascar,  Briss. — Note.  First  known  by  descript.  of 
Brisson.  Figured  in  Ois.  Dor.  The  former  our  present  au- 
thority. 

N.  ANGLADIANUS,  Shaw,  1811. 

Le  grimpereau  verd  de  Madagascar,  Briss.  Ornithol.  4to. 

iii.  pi.  xxxiii.  figs.  4,  5,  p.  641. — L*Angla-dian.  Vieill. 

Ois.  Dor.  pis.  iii.,  iv. — Souimanga  Angla-dian.  C.  lo- 

tenia,  Vieill.  Enc.  Method.  Ora.  p.  590. 

<$  Golden-green ;  w.  and  t.  black,  feathers  bordered  with 

green ;  throat  and  neck  golden-green ;  breast,  belly,  flanks,  and 


SYNOPSIS.  277 

und.  t.-covers,  velvet-black,  these  colours  separated  on  the 
breast  by  a  narrow  transverse  band  of  brilliant  violet. — Length 
5  in.  3  lines. 

9  Green ;  w.  and  t.  blackish-brown ;  breast,  belly,  sides, 
and  und.  t.-covers,  greyish-white,  varied  with  black  spots. 

Hob.  Madagascar  Briss. — Note.  Standing  near  to  N.  splen- 
dida,  bifasciata,  &c.  Known  by  descript.  of  Brisson  and  figure 
in  Ois.  Dor.  The  former  our  present  authority. — N.  lotenia^ 
Linn,  is  frequently  quoted  erroneously  as  a  syn.  for  this  bird 
and  N.  splendida. 


THE  END. 


J.  Ogden  and  Co.,  Printers,  172,  St.  John  Street,  E.G. 


MAY  18  1977   , 


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