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THE 


ZOOLOGICAL 
JOURNAL. 


VOL. II. 


FROM JANUARY, 1825, TO APRIL, 189%. 


CONDUCTED BY 


THOMAS BELL, Ese. F.L.S. 
JOHN GEORGE CHILDREN, Esa. F.R. & LS. 
JAMES DE CARLE SOWERBY, Ese. F.L.S. 


AND 


G. B. SOWERBY, F.L.S. 


London ; 
PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY W. PHILLIPS, GEORGE YARD, LOMBARD STREET; 
SOLD ALSO BY G. B. SOWERBY, 156, REGENT STREET; 
w. & C. TAIT, EDINBURGH; 
AND A. A. ROYER, AU JARDIN DES PLANTES A PARIS. 


1826. 


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CONTRIBUTORS TO 'THE SECOND VOLUME 
OF THE ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL. 


THOMAS BELL, ESQ. F.L.S. 
E. T. BENNETT, F.L.S. 


E. W. BRAYLEY, JUN. A.L.S. 


W. J. BRODERIP, ESQ. SEC. G.S., F.L.S. &c. 
REV. JAMES BULWER, F.L.S. &c. 

H. T. DE LA BECHE, ESQ. F.R.S. ec. 
JOHN OLIVER FRENCH, ESQ. 

E. S.. GEORGE, ESQ. F.L.S. 


JJHN EDWARD GRAY, ESQ. F.G.S. 


REV. LANSDOWN GUILDING, B.A. F..S. F.G.S. M.W.S. 
THOMAS HORSFIELD, M.D. F.L.S., F.G.S. 

REV. WILLIAM KIRBY, M.A. F.R.S. F.L.S. 
WILLIAM ELFORD LEACH, M.D. F.R.S. F.L.S. &c. 
R. T. LOWE, ESQ. 

P. J. SELBY, ESQ. F.L.S., M.W.S. 

J. DE CARLE SOWERBY, ESQ. F.L.S. 

G. B. SOWERBY, F.L.S. 

GEORGE SUCH, MD., F.L.S. 

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

DR. TURTON. 

N. A. VIGORS, JUN. ESQ. F.R.S. F.LS. F.G.S. 


eaten sox ana 


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CONTENTS. 


No. V. April, 1825. 


Art. I. Inrnopvucrory Apvpress, explanatory of the 
views of the ZootogicaL Cxuvues, delivered at its founda- 
tion, November 29, 1823, by the Chairman, the Rev. 
Wiritram Kinsey, M.A. FR. & B.S... cece eens 

Art. II. Some further Remarks on the Nomenclature of 
Orthoptera, with a detailed Description of the genus Sca- 
phura. By the Rev. Wittiam Kirsy, F.R. & LS. &c. 

Arr. III. Observations on the Structure of the Throat in 
the genus Anolis. By Tuomas Bert, Esq. F.L.S... 

Art. 1V. On the utility of preserving facts relative to the 
habits of Animals, with additions to two Memoirs in 
“ White’s Natural History of Selborne.’” By W.J. 
Bronnnin, Hage EVs Bliss on wie alsf> mavens omens = 

Art. V. Additional Observations upon a Fossil found in 
Coal Shale, and the description of a Palate found in 
Coal, near Leeds. By J. DC. Sowersy, F.L.S. and 
BD SG HORGE. Tigges FD Secesc acnden Aas ombeievese2 

Art. VI. Notice of the Occurrence of some rare British 
Birds. By Wititam Varrew1, Esq. ........-.-> 

Art. VII. Descriptions of some new and rare Volutes. By 
W. J. Broverirp, Esq. F.L.S. &. 6. ecrecscnscce’ 

Art. VIII. Sketches in Ornithology; or Observations on 
the leading Affinities of some of the more extensive groups 
of Birds. By N. A. Vicors, jun. Esq. M.A. F.L.S.. 

Art. IX. A brief Description of a pair of remarkable 
horned mandibles of an Insect. By the Rev. Wiit14Mm 
Mp Y SE leh lasSe Sela 5 «> CREME e's siaresninore Sais 


Page 


11 


14 


22 


24%. 


27 


3 To, 


70 


CONTENTS. 
Page 
Art. X. An inquiry into the true nature of Instinct, and of 
the Mental Distinction between Brute Animals and Man. 
Essay III. On the Specific Constitution of the Brute 
Mind, and its modifications under Human Influence: 
including an analysis of the theory of Brute Action con- 
tained in Dr. Hancock’s “ Essay on Instinct, and its 
Physical and Moral Relations.” By Joun Oxrrer 
Frencu, Esq. .... 2.07% wigs e-okapn aia tmalie ies eames ares 71 
Art. XI. The characters and descriptions of several Birds 
belonging to the genus Thamnophilus. By Wiriram 
Swinson, Esq. PRA ESE 6. eee ee. one 84 
Art. XII. Descriptions of some Shells, belonging principally 
to the genus Chiton, observed on the Coast of Argyleshire 
in the Summer of 1824. By R. T. Lows, Esq....... 93 
Arr. XII. A List of the Species of Vespertilionide found 
in Great Britain. By Jounn Epwarpv Gray, Esq. 
SG GETS: Dieries erate tene raters Ae imrenmiee edi apictl- 108 
Art. XIV. Descriptions of some hitherto uncharacterized 
. Brazilian Birds. By Groree Sucn, M.D. F.L.S... 110 
Art. XV. Analytical Notices of Books :— 
Annales du Museum @ Histoire Naturelle. 1824. Parts 


Simiarum et Vespertilionum Brasiliensium Species Nove ; 
ou Histoire Naturalle des Singes, &c. Publiée par 
Jean de Spix. Munich, 1823. Atlas folio. pp. viii. 


and 72: tab. SXRMIM. . se oi sietelsiee 2 Sipe aie ale aires ota 121 
Philosophical Transactions for the Year 1824. Part 2.. 126 
Curtis’s British Entomology ...... Biercsnl cide atgrote's Sarat 128 


Sowerby’s (G. B.) Genera of Recent and Fossil Shells 129 
Arr. XVI. Proceedings of Learned Societies :— 


Fepual Sactety. OS ae. Se es is ee nie aole sigan en 
‘Linnean Sotietay 2 io 2e8 nice oe Sade wie are aterets aioe, eae 
Loological Club of the Linnean Society.........+++++ tbid. 
Grealozical SOCIAY SS. ol ee een tee Si s.d% se cere 137 
Portsmouth and Portsea Literary and Philosophical 
Es 1) RAS SER Po eset hi pteaatn vicki Su he 141 


Royal Academy of Sciences of Paris..... see. ereevees 142 


EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 


PAGE 
Prarey I.—Iigures 1 to 5, in illustration of the charac- 

ters of the genus Scaphura ............-. 9 

Fig. 6. Scaphura Vigorsii............ cores ee 


Fig. 7. Pair of horned mandibles ofan Insect 70 


Pratre Il.—Figures 1, in illustration of the structure of 


the Throat in the genus OG Ne a odasd leon 13 

Fig. 2, Fossil Palate of POISED: ie, Sina, ’a's ical aol 23 

Ew aee 1 NVoleta ratilae ss. sins Soke ok es ee os 30 
Prate [V.—Gubernetes Cunninghami ........... acto BAS 
PaoavecW——Pie. 1. Chiten levier (0.00 ek ee 97 
2) a ruber os ee ee woes e@oeanvrereere 101 

3. 3b, 4. — WNGEEOHR tac atsl oe pysiens ero = etaye 102 

5. ——— Asseloides ..........-2005- 103 

6, re — latus e@reereseneeovrere eer eeee & 103 

8.95.96. Terepratule enstata: <0... ese «se o.: 105 

TO. 31, bb. 'Tarbe margarita PT. es. cae es 107 

12,13, 136. Tarboeameus yes foes ees, < 0c ches 107 


Erratum in reference to Plate in P.24: for Plate L. fig. 7, 
read Plate Il. fig. 2. 


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CONTENTS. 


No. VI. July, 1825. 


Art. XVII. On iwo new Genera of Birds, Formicivora 
and Drymophila, with Descriptions of several species. 
By Wiittam Swainson, Esy. F.R. & L.S., &e.... 
Art. XVIII. Description of anew Genus of Mammifer- 
ous Quadrupeds of the Order Edentata. By Ricnarv 
Haruan, M.D. Professor of Comparative Anatomy 
to the Philadelphia Museum, Member of the Am. Phil. 
PSIG, 5 PECs OCS. « 5 Sigs Were a neat a ee SI et che 
Art. XIX. An Inquiry into the true nature of Instinct, and of 
the Mental Distinction between Brute Animals and Man. 
Essuy ILI. On the Specific Constitution of the Brute 
Mind, and its modifications under Human Influence: 
including an analysis of the theory of Brute Action con- 
tained in Dr. Hancock’s “ Essay on Instinct, and its 
Physical and Moral Relations.’ By Jounw Oxrrer 
Wagey Cir. UE Sg... Ben sinning on, 0 ire Reale EG aients Sela cate 
Art. XX. Sketches in Ornithology; or Observations on 
the leading Affinities of some of the more. extensive groups 
of Birds. By N. A. Vieors, jun. Esq. M.A. F.LS.. 
Art. XXI. Some account of two new Species of Shells from 
the Mauritius. By W. J. Broverip, Esq. F.L.S., §¢. 
Art. XXII. On anew Genus of Iguanide. By Tuomas 


US Yay or ea OR: Aan Ae! St eR EER eee ros Se aera 2 


Art. XXIII. A Tubular view of the Genera composing 
the Class Cirripedes, with Descriptions of the Species of 
Otion, Cineras, and Clyptra. By Wittram Exrorp 
Leracu, M.D. FLR. & LS, S60 ccc ene e cee eee eens 


Page 


, 145 a 


154 


CONTENTS. 


Page 
Art. XXIV. Some Account of the Mode in which the Boa 
Constrictor takes its Prey, and of the adaptation of its 
organization to its Habits. By W.J. Bropverip, Esq. 
PDBu, SC2alts Le aha shes booted a ¢ re 
Arr. XXV. Description of the Lelarctos Euryspilus ; ex- 
hibiting in the Bear from the Island of Borneo, the type 
of a Subgenus of Ursus. By THomas HorsFiELp, 
MDB Es & Got enc: seins bce then eo a eee 221 
rT. XXVI. Descriptions of some rare, interesting, or 
hitherto uncharacterized Subjects in Zoology. By N. A. 
Vicors, jun. Esq. M.A. F.L.S.; with Figures by 
ISDE SOR ERE Ys D8 Pdi oc c's 5 ois ied sean 234 
Art: XXVII. An Attempt at a division of the Family 
Vespertilionide into groups. By Jonn Epwarb Gray, 
Esq: CGawe et ae a pias, © e/a) 8 e's, st sete ieee eee 242 
Arr. XXVIII. On anew Genus of Cirripedes. By G. B. 
Soweney, Ts. PeLides Ge. ce we tna ls ieia wee a te 244 
Arr. XXIXK. Analytical Notices of Books :— 
Animalia Nova, sive Species Nove Testudinum et Ra- 
narum quas in itinere per Brasitams Oe. oo» «0 < ak 246 
Serpentum Brasiliensium Species Nove..........-.++ 247 
Tableau des Corps Organisés Fossiles, &c. .......++- 249 
Icones Fossilium Sectiles. Centuria Prima ......... 251 
Annales des Sciences Naturcllest . o... sasus os senna 252 
AROSE FODARICE. ye os a sig Unis ecsiala ms Goleue. = Sint os eee 258 
Transactions of the Linnean Society of London. Vol. 
SAVE PETE CE OER: fe anata ens a= loge fo! ates Scareeeaiae 262 
Cartis’s British’ Entomology... ces. «ots os ae wane “271 
Ant. XXX. | Proceedings of Learned Societies :— 
TRO QUES OCICEO area! S'5 000. 2 tn erate ams o dee ater hee 272 
Einsietn Sdciety boo es roc tees hee cle scam eee 277 
<oological Club of the Linnean Society.......0.+006+ 279 
Grectogteal SOCtety eos. 6 Oe ee a ea ie ree 283 
The New Soological Institution... 0.00.0... ee eeeee 284 


EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 


PAGE 

Prare VI.—Chlamyphorus truncatus ...........+.6+: 154 

Prare WVIT.—Helarctos euryspilus ...... Re cleo 221 
Prare VilI.—Anthropoides Stanleyanus .........+---- 234 

Puave IX.—WFig, 1, Cetonia Cortisii ............---- 937 

2. — Haass eae alg megeleieys ib. 

3. — albo-guttata ......2..... 238 

4, —-—— arborescens .......++24-- ib. 

5. Joamia SCU Sern. icc) 5 oye ssa f a)= ele 239 

G.— Viti ae nbs «asm sic, = so mye ib. 

7. Adlarmus,Corallinus: «2.6/0 42 «ses <,s 240 

8. Cassida smaragdina ..........-. ib. 

9. ——— metallica.........-...08% ib. 

10. ——-— roseo-cincta ............- 241 

DL. cChythra: gi Dowa.5 esi ci c'ofe aaa ib 


¥*.* Piate VII. being erroneously referred to in the paper it 
illustrates, p. 234, as Tab. Supp. XI. readers are requested to 
correct that reference in their respective copies. 


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CONTENTS. 


No. VII. ‘October, 1825. 


> 
Page 


Art. XXXI. Descriptions of Thirteen Species of Formica, 
and Three Species of Culex, found in the Environs of 
Nice. By Witiram Exrorp Leacn, M.D. F.R.S., 
HCP OTR a Hat PRS SONS EO ta eM ae rardeate Ss - 289 
Art. XXXII. ad new genus of Mammalia proposed, and a 
Description of the Species upon which it is founded. By 
MrT Sa¥; and Mr GORD 6 02 BRS oe 293 
Art. XXXIII. Description of a new species of Mammalia, 
whereon a genus is proposed to be founded. By Mr. T. 
Sav;.and Mr: GOR ree 8 OS VAs 296 
Art. XXXIV. A Monograph of the Tortoises having a 
moveable Sternum, with Remarks on their Arrangement 


and Affinities. By Tuomas Bett, Esq. F.LS...... 299 
Art. XXXV. On two Genera and several Species of 
Crinoidea. By Tuomas Say, Esq..... 2... sc00ce-. Sil 


Art. XXXVI. Note on the foregoing Paper, together with 
a Description of a new Species of Pentremites. By G. B. 
Sor En BY MESS POL Sp Gen Le SON IDs SI 316 
Art. XXXVII. Notice of «a Fossil belonging to the Class 
Radiaria, found by Dr. Bigsby in Canada. By G. B. 
Sowersy, Esq. F.L.S., &c..... a aia eine gas Se eco 318 
Art. XXXVIII. Descriptions of two new Species of the 
Genus Orbicula. By G. B.Sowersy, Esq. F.L.S., &c. 320 
Ant. XXXIX. On Leptophina, a group cf Serpents com- 
prising the Genus Dryinus of Merrem, and a newly 
formed Genus proposed to be named Leptophis. By 
Pagar as Pree ie Bisgs We Bie ils oO <u mle lev she bine he 322 


CONTENTS. 
Page 
Art. XL. The generic and specific Characters, &c. of 
Ophidian, Chelonian, and Batrachian Reptilia, disco- 
vered by M. Sp1x in Brazil ..... Biers) sierra teeeees Soda: 329 
wonar. XLI. On the Genus Psaris of M. Cuvier, with an 
; Account of two new Species. By Wittr4m Swainson, 


Bisgy TR, OF EAD tori tiatee Sant utnaaeemeane Soe eee 354 
Arr. XLIT. On the Isocardia Cor of the Irish Seas. By 
the Rev. James Butwer, F.L.S., &c. ........+--- 357 


Arr. XLII. Description of some new British Shells ; 
accompanied by Figures from the original Specimens. 
Bot Die DER com ty se ¥iee Gs bo ates ante: REI 361 
Art. XLIV. Sketches in Ornithology ; or, Observations on 
the leading Affinities of some of the more extensive groups 


of Birds. By N. A..Vicors, jun. Esq. M.A. F.L.S.. 368 


On the Groups of the Vulturide....... 000... .0e. 368 

On anew Genus of Falconide .......... witepenghd, Se 

On a new Genus of Psittacide ...... ..0.00 c. eth See 

_ On the Arrangement of the Genera of Birds..... ». 391 

Art. XLV. Analytical Notices of Books :— 

Cuvier’s Animal Kingdom by Griffith 6... 00.404. oe. 406 

Curtis’s British Entomology 0... cscs ae ence ceeees 408 
Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Phila- 

déetphia’, woah. ee Gowk eae Male of areisists wa te tin 410 

Histoire Naturelle des Mammiféres, &¢...0.++00.405- A415 

Memoires du Muséum @ Histoire Naturelle.......... 424 


M. Latreille’s Familles Naturelles du Regne Animal .. 427 

Mannerheim’s Monograph of the Genus Eucnemis .... 430 

Meigen’s Systematic Description of the known Dipterous 
Ingecin of: Hurapes Man. ts te shu. AIM de 431 


EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 


PAGE 
Pate X.—Neotoma Floridana ........ SAO ay 
Upper figure, and figs. 1 to 4. 
Sigmodon hispidum. ...........++ alee) eau 
Figs. 5 to 8. 

Prare XI.—Fig. 1. Caryocrinites ornatus........ 311, 320 
2. Pentremites florealis ........ 313, 320 
3. Pentremites Derbiensis...... 317, 320 
4. Pentremites elliptica........ 317, 320 

5. Fossil Animal belonging to the 
family of Asteriade........-... 318 
6. Orbicula cancellata...........+... 321 
7. Orbicula reflexa ..........+. waleid Ae De 
Prate XII. PYRYINUS  BUPAMUS. wee ci 2 2:5 9 5.0 =, 0 aes 325 
Prare XIII].—Fig. 1. Galeomma Turtoni ...........-- 361 
B. Etna FENeRayiaiio eo Mals: aterein: Shiela a 362 
3. Physa alba ...c..eeceeececcesne 363 
4. Bulimus tuberculatus .........-.- 363 
5. Crepidula sinuosa ........-. 00. 364 
RY ET ACS Se I ee s.. 364 
7. Tritonia varicosa.......-.> dinjacese OS 
Ge Purparal pacha hs... «3/5. dafe! open! <(siace'y ib. 
9. Buccinum Ovum........-+--2+0- 366 
TO: ‘Turbo falas’. s.0 wine e aisysate> ib. 
11. Phasianella stylifera ...........- 367 


*.* The drawing of Isocardia Cor referred to in p. 359, will 
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CONTENTS. 


No. VIII. January—April, 1826. 


Ant. XLVI. On. the small horny appendage to the upper 
mandible in very young Chickens. By Wixiiiam 
Varner ty Leg BulaB.ihies ccttige's eid s ick ei ea 433 ~~. 

Arr. XLVII. Mollusca Caribbeana. By the Rev. Lans- 
pown Guixpine, B.A. F.L. & GS. M.W.S., &c..... 437 

Ant. XLVIII. On the Stirpes and Genera composing the 
Family Pselaphide ; with Descriptions of some new 
Species. By Witt1am Exrorp Leacu, M.D. F.R.S., 

Paetsch ckcnrctn Sic Sieh sie oR canto i<lanis gta ne se ha atys 445 

Art. XLIX. has of the various Birds which at pre- 
sent inhabit or resort to the Farn Islands, with Observa- 
tions on their habits, &c. By P.J. Sexrey, Esq. 
Nee LEY oe a 3 ae ait Sigae a a 61 we Vig: SIs w/e meas A454... 

Arr. L. Sketches in Ornithology ; or, Observations on the 

| leading Affinities of some of the more extensive groups of 
Birds. By N. A. Vicors, jun. Esq. A.M. F.L.& GS. 466... 
On sume species of the Ramphastide........+... ab. 

Art. LI. An Account of a new or fifth Species of the 
Genus Psaris, Cuv. By P. J. Sexrey, Esq. F.L.S., 
MPV Sig Fe ORLY oa SPOIL RTA a BITS 483-— 

Ant. LIT. Description of a new Species of Terrapene ; 
with further Observations on T. Carolina and T. macu- 
lata. By Tuomas Bert, Esq. F.LS.......6..... '. 484 

Ant. LITT. On Insects which affect Oaks and Cherry 
Trees. By the late Professor W. D. Pack .....++.. 487 


CONTENTS.~ 


Page 
Pinan LIV. Notice of the occurrence of a species of Duck 


# new to the British Fauna. By Wiit1am Yarre tt, 
Bigq., FOES. 05:0) aghast tele oie A. mds to tata deeds -. 492 


Art. LV. Description of anew Species of Astacus found 
in a Fossil State at Lyme Regis, in Dorsetshire, com- 
municated by H. T. De ta Becue, Esq. FRS., &c. 
By G. BeSowenny, FLSiy GG. occa dae sen ann eee 


Art. LVI. Descriptions of two new Species of Cyprea, 
principally extracted from “ A Catalogue of the Shells 
in the Collection of the late Earl of Tankerville.’” By 
G.. B. Sow BERRY 5) Fe Le Seg. & Con, 54 =:s\ers 5,5 a ene eae. 408 
Art. LVII. On certain Organs. of the Helicide usually 
regarded. as their Eyes: with a summary of evidence 
in support of Aristotle’s assertion that the Testa- 
ceous Mollusca are devoid of Visual Organs. By 
EW Bravcery jun cA Ls ois OR band Bee 497 


Art. LVIIL. Descriptions of some rare, interesting, or 

. hitherto uncharacterized Subjects in Zoology. By 
N. A. Vicors, jun. Esq. M.A, F.R., L., & G.S.; with 
Figures by J. De Carre Sowersy, Esq. F.LS..... 510 

Art. LIX. A Description of two new species of Coleop- 
terous Insects belonging to the genera Cremastocheilus 


and Priocera. By the Rev. Witt1am Krrsy, F.R.S. 


Of Hoe Gs: ty uicaleieerin ee hig satiate salle, aa baat cay ape ae 516 
_-Art. LX. Additions and Corrections to Mr. Vicors’s 
Sketches in Zoology .......+. UESE ers swinteae arise 


Arr. LXI. Analytical Notices of Books :— 

Histoire Naturelle des Mammiferes, &.....60000004. 522 

Temminck’s Monographies de Mammalogie ..... nL. S26 

Memoires de la Societé d’ Histoire Naturelle de Paris.. 534 

Klug’s Entomologische Monographien 

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of 
London... For:the year U825eiaietiss ses seo vee. 

Sowerby’s Genera of Recent and Fossil Shells........ 543 


CONTENTS. 


Ant. LXII. Proceedings of Learned Societies :— 


Royal Society i... 0.8 oc ee 


Linnean Society ...,.22.+0+ 


eeseeoeveeesesneeeaeeen 


Zoological Club of the Linnean Society......000.0005 
Geological Society ......+++++ aie Cp afl Wieie Maleate winded 
Royal Academy of Sciences of Paris ....c0s0.sss000 


Art. LXIII. Scientific Notices :— 


Conchological Notices by Dr. Turton ......ccsecee+e 
On Terebratula costata and Turbo carneus .....2++.. 


METIUOSOUTUS Soo os wc cess 
Public Instruction in Zoology. . 


eooceoeeeeere eee eee ee ee 


The Wild Cat and the Domestic Cat:—The Lynx ... 


Index to Vol. 11. § 0.0, o.0.«9 a high eid afin 


eeeeeeeeeaeeereeeeene 


EXPLANATION OF PLATES. 


hae PAGE 
Puare. XIV. Peripatus Juliformis.......... Swett cdests 44 


Prare XV. Ramphastos Ariel..........+++,0++- 466, 478 
Pratt XVI.  Terrapene bicolor.......... covecccensee 404 


Poate XVII. Fig. 1, 2.—Astacus longimanus.......... 493 
Fig. 3, 4.—Tentacula and ocular pointsof the * 


Garden Snailic fo. ss ais tecciaeure 498, 499 

Puare XVII Figs 1, 2,5 Cypreea cuttata.. 26. Giese A96 
Fig. 3, 4, Cyprza melanostoma......-... 495 

Prare XIX. Fig. 1.—Anamnesis MacLeayii.......... 512 
Fig. 2.—Cetonia Stephensii............-- 513 

Fig. 3.—Buprestis Lyonii .......0+.-0+.- 514 


Fig. 4.—Dorysthenes rostratus........ ae See 


\ 


THE 
ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL. 
April, 1825. 


Ant. I, Inrropuctory Appress, explanatory of the 
views of the ZooLoaicaL Cuus, delivered at its founda- 
tion, November 29, 1823, by the Chairman, the Rev. 
Wiuuiam Kirsy, M.A. F.R. & £.S8.* 


GENTLEMEN, 


Brrore we proceed to business, permit me to address a few 
words to you; upon what appear to me to be the principal objects 
of our association, and upon the best methods of carrying them 
into effect. I see many Gentlemen here present who, from their 
more extended knowledge of every branch of the science from 
which we take our name, are much more competent than myself 
to perform this task to your satisfaction, and upon some one of 
them I could wish it had devolved: but as your kindness has 
placed me in this chair, I will endeavour to fulfil this part of my 
official duty to the best of my abilities. I must previously state, 
however, that particular circumstances and engagements have un- 
avoidably prevented my putting my thoughts together till after 
my arrival in town, They have, in consequence, been arranged 
more hastily than I could have wished, and without the aid of 
books. I must therefore solicit your indulgence for any imper- 
fections of style or matter that may strike you in this address. 

Zoology may be regarded as including several provinces, in 
every one of which our knowledge is at present very imperfect ; 
and therefore contributions upon every subject which they in« 


* See Zoological Journal, Vol. I. p. 132. 
Vox. IT, A 


2 Mr. Kirby’s Address at the 


clude, as your taste and turn of mind may lead you, provided 
there is no waste of time and talent upon what is trivial and un- 
interesting, or has been already thoroughly investigated, will be 
acceptable and valuable. 

There is one of these provinces that I think ought to stand high 
in the esteem of every patriot Zoologist—I mean the study of the 
animals that are natives or periodical visitants of his own country. 
An indigenous Fauna is the first desideratum in our science ; and 
could a work of this kind be accomplished in every country, re- 
gard being had to natural boundaries, we might hope to become 
acquainted with all the principal groups of animals, and get a 
much more correct idea; than with our present imperfect know- 
ledge we can attain to, of the genuine Systema Animalium, with 
all its affinities and analogies as concatenated and contrasted by its 
Great Author. 

With respect to Great Britain, in our sister science of Botany | 
a vast deal more has been effected than in Zoology. Our indi- 
genous Floras, if we may form a judgment from the very few new 
plants, that after a very general investigation of the three king- 
doms have been discovered, contain nearly a complete list of its 
phenogamous vegetable productions. In the cryptogamous de- 
partment more numerous discoveries may be expected; but still 
even here the Botanist is before the Zoologist, at least with re- 
gard to invertebrate animals. The Vertebrata indeed of our 
islands, with the exception perhaps of those that inhabit our seas, 
are already, for the most part, well known and described; and 
all that seems to be wanted here isa more perfect acquaintance 
with their manners and economy, and with the varying appear 
ances put on by some of them,—I speak particularly of the Birds, 
in different periods of their growth. But undescribed British in- 
vertebrate animals daily flow in upon us in shoals; and perhaps it 
would not be speaking too largely were I to assert, that, except- 
ing the Lepidoptera order in insects (for a more complete know- 
ledge of which we are indebted to a gentleman near me*) not one 
in ten, and in some orders not one in twenty,—I speak this with 
regard to insects, and under the eye of a friend + who can correct 

* Mr. Haworth. t+ Mr. Stephens. 


Foundation of the Zoological Club. 3 


me if Ihave made an overcharged statement,—have been de-' 
scribed ‘as British. What is the cause of this difference between’ 
the two sister sciences? It has happened, because perhaps the’ 
beauties with which Flora ailures us, are more open to general 
view and require less investigation, that Botany has the advantage 
of first attracting the regards of the admirers of nature; and as 
she started first, so of course she has made the greatest progress.” 
But Zoology is now marching after her with rapid strides, and I 
trust will in time overtake her, so that the sisters may run the 
remainder of their race, as they should do, hand in hand together.’ 
Another cause is the infinite number, even of indigenous species, 
of the invertebrate animals, so that it should seem that a complete 
Fauna, if undertaken by a single individual, must be left as a. 
legacy to a successor for completion. Vita brevis, Ars longa, is 
a most discouraging apophthegm to the general zoologist, who 
without Herculean stamina undertakes the labours of a Hercules: 
but Vis unita fortior, what one man cannot hope to accomplish in 
the usual term of human life, may easily and well be done where 
many unite their forces for that purpose. Did a number of in- 
dividuals, sufficiently conversant with their science, combine to 
produce a British Fauna, each undertaking a separate department 
suited to his talents and previous pursuits, the grand desideratum 
might at length be effected. It strikes me that this object might 
be put in train by the means and under the patronage of the Zoo- 
logical Club. I see now around me a number of Gentlemen suffi- 
ciently learned in nature, and several who have drunk deeply at 
her well-spring of knowledge, who, if once they undertook the 
task, would accomplish it with the highest credit to themselves 
and to the great advantage of the science they cultivate. Let the 
members of our new-born institution, amongst other subjects, dis- 
cuss this point amongst themselves at their meetings—weigh the 
difficulties—investigate the means—consider the proper persons— 
apportion the work—set their shoulders to the wheel, and the 
thing will be half cone ; for most true is that aphorism— 
Dimidium facti, qui bene cepit, habet. 
But let me not be misunderstood on this subject ; I do not mean 
that such a work should be read at our meetings, or appear in the 
A 2 


4 Mr. Kirby’s Address at the 


Transactions of our venerable Parent Society. This would be 
inconsistent with the nature of a Fauna, which ought to be pub- 
lished in a different form, and appeal more directly to the public 
for support on the ground of its own merits. 

Another important object of our association with regard to in~ 
digenous Zoology is this—That insulated observations made by’ 
individuals upon the habits and economy of animals may not be 
lost. Few persons have an opportunity of tracing the whole pro- 
ceedings and life of any species of animal; but almost every one 
has it in his power to relate some interesting trait, to record some 
illustrative anecdote, of the beings that he beholds moving around 
him in every direction. None of these fragments should be lost, 
since each may lead to important conclusions; and the whole con- 
centrated may often form a tolerable comment, and throw great 
light on some perplexing text of nature. Under this head I may 
observe, that peculiar care and caution are requisite in noting the 
habitats and food of animals, particularly insects; since great 
mistakes have arisen, and been propagated by high authority*, 
from collectors being too hasty in forming their opinions om 
this subject. 

Bare catalogues of the animals of a district, as such, are of little 
interest or utility ; but when the localities of the Animalia ra- 
riora are given, ora district catalogue is worked into a catalogue 
raisonnée, and includes facts before unknown with regard to the 
animals it registers, it becomes a useful document. To note the soil,. 
the kind of country and atmosphere that particular animals affect, 
makes such a catalogue more interesting. The relative propor- 
tion, where glimpses of it can be obtained, that different species 
bear to each other, or their numerical distribution in any given 
district, is a speculation worthy of the attention of the zoologist 5 
and likewise to obtain as full an account as possible of those 
which are particularly detrimental to us either in the garden, the 
orchard, the forest, or the field. 

* For sratiouet Curculio Alliarie L. (Rynchites Herbst) really feeds upon the 
hawthorn, from which it may readily be conceived to drop frequently upon 
Erysimum Allaria, which always grows in hedges; and Rynchenus Fragarie 


FE. (Orchestes Oliv.) feeds upon the beech, from which it may have dropped. 
upon the strawberry. 


Foundation of the Zoological Ciub. 5 


No papers will be more interesting than those which pursue the 

history of an individual through its different states; and nothing 
is more important for the satisfactory elucidation of natural groups 
of insects, and in many cases to prove the distinction of kindred 
‘species, than the knowledge of their larve. 
.. The above, and many others that [ might name did the time 
permit, appear to be legitimate objects of a Zoological Society 
with respect to our indigenous animal productions. What further 
observations I have to submit to your consideration will relate to 
Zoology in general, Noone who wishes to be at home on the sub- 
ject will confine his attention to the animals of his own country, 
Doing this, he will acquire only shreds and patches of knowledge, 
and see nothing in its real station. 

When we consider the infinite number of nondescript animals, 
especially of insects, with which our cabinets swarm—the hosts 
of new forms that meet our eyes in every collection—the zoolo- 
gical treasures that our ships, whose sails over-shadow every na+ 
vigable sea, are daily bringing into our ports, we cannot help 
lamenting that these, for the most part, must remain 

sine nomine turba. 

But let us flatter ourselves that the society, whose birth we may 
date from this auspicious day,* will be the instrument of bringing 
to light and knowledge many a curious ard interesting group, 
which would otherwise have remained unknown. Nomina si pe- 
reunt, perit et cognitio rerum, says Linné. Names are the foun- 
dation of knowledge; and unless they have “ a name” as well as 
“a local habitation” with us, the zoological treasures that we so 
highly prize might almost as well have been left to perish in their 
native deserts or forests, as have grown mouldy in our drawers or 
repositories. But when once an animal subject is named and de- 
scribed, it becomes a xrnua es a1, a possession for ever, and the 
value of every individual specimen of it, even in a mercantile 
view, is enhanced. 

It is extremely desirable, when gentlemen, moved by such con- 
siderations, set about naming and describing the animals, hitherto 
not so distinguished, which their cabinets contain, that they 

* November 29, the birth-day of Ray. 


6 Mr. Kirby’s Address at the 


should copy the example of a learned friend near me,* who has . 
done this in a style of superior excellence, and endeavour to elu-. 
cidate natural groups; as this will, more than any other method, 
tend to set wide the limits of our knowledge in this department : 
put at any rate we ought to avoid giving insulated descriptions of 
a single species, unless it be remarkable either for its economy or 
structure; or belongs to a genus containing few known species ; 
or fills a gap in any group, With regard to indigenous animals, 
it seems more important that new species should be described as 
they are discovered, this being a piece of domestic intelligence, 
which always comes home to us. 

- When we are engaged in the study of animals, and more espe- 
cially of groups of them, it is of the first importance, if we would 
avoid mistakes, that our attention should be kept alive to what 
the friend lately alluded to has said on the subject of affinity and 
analogy. By his judicious observations on this subject he has 
opened a new door into the temple of nature, and taught us to 
explore her mystic labyrinths, guided by a safer clue than we 
were wont to follow. And whoever casts even a cursory glance 
over her three kingdoms will every where be struck by resem- 
blances between objects that have no real relation to each other. 
He will see on one side dendritic minerals, on another zoomor- 
phous plants, on a third phytomorphous animals; and amongst 
animals themselves he will see numberless instances of this simu- 
jation of affinity where the reality of it does not exist. From this 
part of the plan of the Creator we may gather, I think, that every 
thing has its meaning as well as its use; and that probably to the 
first pair the Creation was a book of symbols, a sacred language 5 
of which they possessed the key, and which it was their delight 
to study and decypher. 

But to return from this digression.—Every circumstance con- 
nected with the geographical distribution of animals is extremely 
interesting and important, and merits our full attention. There 
is often something very remarkable in the range of particular 
tribes and genera. Some animals, for instance, are common both 


* Mr. W. S. MacLeay. 


Foundation of the Zoological Club. 7 


-to-the Old World-and the New, while others occupy a more 
dimited station; some have as it were their metropolis, from 
which as they recede, they become gradually less numerous, 
Some again that are found inhabiting the plains of a cold country, 
take their station on the mountaims of a warmer one. Every 
quarter or principal district of the globe has likewise its peculiar 
types, so that a practised zoologist can often lay his finger. upon 
an animal that he never saw before, and say confidently, This is 
of Asiatic origin—this of African—this of American—this ° of 
Australasian: and even in cases where creatures from these 
countries are apparently synonymous with those of Europe, there 
is, not unfrequently, a note of difference, that speaks their exotic 
birth. As the importance of assigning their genuine country te 
our animal specimens is now universally acknowledged, it would 
be a very useful labour, and form a very valuable communication, 
would any gentleman, properly qualified, undertake the correction 
of some of the numerous errors, with regard to their real habdtat, 
that zoologists have propagated concerning the animals they have 
described, 

I must not pass without netice another branch of our science, 
of the deepest interest and highest importance, and more particu~ 
larly as we have to lament that hitherto it has been very imper- 
fectly cultivated, especially with regard to invertebrate animals, 
in these islands,—I mean the Comparative Anatomy of animals. 
France, in which this science has attained to its acme, can boast 
of her Cuvier, Savigny, Marcel de Serres, De Blainville, Chabrier, 
and others; Germany of her Blumenbach, Ramdohr, Treviranus, 
Herold, and a host besides ; Italy of her Malpighi, Spallanzani, 
Scarpa, and Poli; Holland of her Swammerdam and Lyonnet: 
but the only boast of Britain, an illustrious one indeed, nec plu- 
ribus impar, in this department, is her Hunter; and even he, if 
my recollection does not fail me, employed his scalpel chiefly on 
the higher orders of animals. Medical gentlemen who cultivate 
this province have usually, perhaps, the human subject too much 
in their view, ana do not always recollect, that to compare one of 
the lower animals with this, without making a gradual approach 
to it by the study of the structure of the intervening groups, mus¢ 


8 Mr. Kirby’s Address to the Zoological Club. 


inevitably lead them to erroneous conclusions. When it is recol- 
lected that some of the most eminent comparative anatomists have 
not been professional men, I trust it will stimulate zoologists in 
general to labour in this field. I beg not to be misunderstood in 
what I have here stated. I have the highest possible opinion of 
the medical gentlemen of my country in every branch of their 
profession ; I venerate their skill and science: but the most im- 
portant duties of their station imperatively call on them to look 
principally at the human subject: it is not wonderful, therefore, 
that they should feel disposed to refer all minor forms immediately 
to that standard. 

The zoologist has still other objects, and those of no common 
interest, that merit his attention. ‘The busy world of animals 
that move around him, does not include the whole circle of his 
science; there are others that call to him from the dust, victims 
of that mighty catastrophe that once overwhelmed our globe and 
its inhabitants,—antique forms that have not yet been met with 
by those ‘* that run to and fro to increase knowledge.” These 
also, from the giant Mammoth and Megatherium to the most 
minute grain of an Oolithe, afford a legitimate subject to the zoo- 
logist; and amongst our members we number some who mays 
highly distinguished themselves in this vast arena. 

To conclude. There is one other and great object which ought 
to stand first with every Naturalist or Association of Naturalists, 
the mention of which cannot with any propriety be omitted by 
me, especially upon the natal day of that illustrious Englishman, 
the father and founder of Natural History in this our country, 
whose delight it was to celebrate ‘$ the Wisdom of God in the 
Creation :’—that great object is the Glory of the Omnipotent 
Creator. “‘ Finis creationis telluris,’ says the immortal Swede, 
“ est gloria Dei ex opere nature per hominem solum.’? We fulfil - 
this great end when we ascribe to him the glory of his works; and 
more especially when, setting aside, as much as possible, every 
false bias, our great aim is to discover the ¢ruth of things, their 
real nature and relations. And may we all with patient assiduity 
walk in this path, and proving all things, may we rats holy 
fast that which is good !” 


Mr. Kirby’s Remarks on Orthoptera. 9 


Art. II. Some further Remarks on the ‘Nomenclature of 
Orthoptera, with a detailed Description of the genus Sca- 
phura. By the Rev.Wituiam Kirpy, F.R.& L.S,. &c. 


GENTLEMEN, 


As you were desirous of receiving my remarks on Entomological 
Nomenclature in time for the last number of your useful Journal, 
I drew them up in rather more haste than I wished, and the con- 
Sequence has been that I have fallen into a few errors, which I 
now take an opportunity of setting right. In the first place, in- 
stead of Mr. MacLeay’s tribe of Gryllina, I ought to have written 
Locustina. I did not also recollect, not findiag it in my Hederic, 
that there was such a Greek word as Tetrix, but I have since 
met with it in Aristotle, who gives it as the name of a bird: ** 
M. Latreille more than once has applied Aristotle’s names of 
birds certainly improperly, to insects, for instance Corydalis, 
Oenas, &c. wane! 
~ It did not occur to me when I alluded to the technical language 
of anatomy, but I ought certainly to have noticed with honour, 
Dr. Barclay’s New Anatomical Nomenclature, in which as far as’ 
he has gone he has introduced considerable improvement, and it 
is to be lamented that his avocations have not permitted him to 
finish what-was so well begun. 


I beg leave to add a description more in detail of the characters 
of the genus Scaphura, 


Scarnura K. 
. Labrum orbiculatum.* 

Mandibule cornex, valide, subtrigonz, dorso rotundate, apice. 
dentatz : dentibus tribus primis laniaribus,+ intermedio incisive 
emarginato,{ intimo submolari. || 

Mazille \obo superiori coriaceo, lineari, apice incurvo;§ in- 
feriori apice trispinoso ; 1 spina inferiori longiori. . 

*% Hist. Animal. }. vi. c. 1. 


* Plate L. Fig. lec: + Ibid. Fig. 2.a.  $ Ibid. b. || Ibid.c.  § Ibid 
Fig. 3.a. 1 Ibid. b. | 


10 _ Mr. Kirby oz the genus Scaphura. 


Labium coriaceum apice bipartitum: lobis oblongis.** 
Palpi filiformes. 
labiales triarticulati: articulo primo sequentibus, inter- 
medio extimo brevioribus.t+ + 
- maxillares quadriarticulati: articulo secundo et extimo 
reliquis longioribus, extimo apice incrassato.{} 

Antenne multiarticulate, basi filiformes apice setacez. 

Ovipositor cymbiformis asper. 

Corrts oblongum compressum. 

Carut triangulare. Palpi hirti. Antenne interoculares, cor- 
pore longiores? articulo primo reliquis crassiori, sequentibus no- 
vem crassitudine fere equalibus sed longitudine variantibus, hirtis ; 
tribus proximis sensim tenuioribus, reliquis fere capillaceis. Oculi 
in capitis angulo postico insertis subovalibus prominentibus, Stem- 
mata tria opaca, unico ante et duobus pone antennas positis, 
Nasus subtriangulus : angulo verticis rotundato,|||| rhinario §§ nari- 
formi utrinque terminatus. 

Truncvus. Prothorax inequalis, compressus, trilobus: lobis 
rotundatis; . intermedio horizontali: lateralibus verticalibus. 
Tegmina \ineari-oblonga. Pedes quatuor posteriores angulati ; 
JSemoribus posticis fere claviformibus basi admodum incrassatis, 
apice valde attenuatis, vix loricatis, tibiis posticis extus lon- 
gitudinaliter spinosis, intus longitudinaliter calcaratis ;11 ¢arsés, 
omnibus quadriarticulatis : articulo penultimo bilobo; articulo 
primo subtus pulvillo duplici, sequentibus duobus unico. 

ABDOMEN femineum undecim constans segmentis; ovipositori 
cymbiformi punctis elevatis acutis aspero. 


This genus is distinguished from Acrida, not only by its ane 
tenne, filiform at the base, and capillary at the apex, and by its 
rough cymbiform ovipositer, but in the number of teeth that arm 
its mandibles, in wanting the remarkable elevation between the 
antenne, in having eyes less prominent and of a different shape, 


** Plate l. Fig. 5.a. +t Ibid.b. ff Ibid. Fig. 4. — |||| Ibid. Fig. 1. a, 
§§ Ibid. bb. . 

I By a loricate thigh is meant one in which there is an appearance of 
seales, as in certain kinds of armour. I call those spines that are fied, and 
those that are moveable, spurs. 


Mr. Kirby on the genus Scaphura. 11 


and three distinct, though opaque, stemmata. It approaches near 
to Pierophylla K. the ovipositor being very similar in shape,. but 
much rougher: but its antenne afford a sufficient diagnostic from 
that and any existing genus of Locustina, MacLeay. It appears 
to form an osculant group between this tribe as explained above, 
and the Grylli of Fabricius. 


Vigorsiz. 
Long. corp. lin. 14. 


Hab. in Brasilia. D. Hancock. 

Descr. Corpus nigrum subpubescens. 
Caput. Mandibule fascia rufescenti-pallida. Palpé arti- 
culo penultimo, et extimo basi, subtus pallidis. Antenne 
ubi filiformes sunt nigre hirte, apice nude pallide lutez. 
Elytra apice pallescentia. Femora postica fascia media 
albida. Abdomen cerulescens. 


Tab. I. fig. 6. 


- In honorem D. Vigors, in Entomologia docto, in Ornithologia 
doctissimo nomen imposut. 


Art. III. Observations on the Structure of the throat in 
the genus Anolis. By Tuomas Bex, Esq. F.L.S. 


Tue peculiar structure of the throat in the genus Anolis, the 
anatomical details of which I propose in this Notice to demon- 
strate, has long been observed by naturalists, as far as regards the 
external and obvious circumstances connected with it, but has. 
never, that I have been able to ascertain, been examined by dis- 
section; nor has the mechanism been pointed out, by which so 
curious an effect is produced, as that which they have described. ~ 


12 Mr. Bell on the Structure 


This genus comprehends such of the Linnean Lacerte, as have 
long, unequal toes, the penultimate phalanges of which are di- 
lated in such a manner, as to allow of’ their running with facility 
upon perpendicular surfaces, by means of a mechanism similar to 
that which Sir Everard Home has demonstrated as belonging to 
the foot of the Gecko, and of the Window Fly: namely by the 
production of a vacuum beneath the foot.* But the peculiarity 
which forms the subject of this paper consists in the skin of the 
throat being more or less pendulous, and capable of great expan- 
sion, so as to form at the will of the animal, an enormous protube- 
rance, reaching in many species from the anterior part of the 
lower jaw to nearly the middle of the belly. 

This dilatation takes place when the animal is excited by anger 
or desire. “It has been taken for granted by naturalists, judging 
from mere external appearances, that this remarkable enlargement 
is produced by inflation, and hence various.authors who have taken 
this circumstance as a character of the genus, have adopted terms 
expressive of such an opinion.t ‘Thus Cuvier says, ‘la plupart por- 
tent un fanon, ou un Goitre sous la gorge, qwils enfient.” Mer- 
rem also gives as one of his characters, “* Corpus inflabile,” ob~ 
serving, ‘* Sie konnen den Rumpf aufblasen.” ‘ They have the 
power of inflating the belly.” Having lately received numerous 
specimens of this genus from Madeira, and from the West Indies, 
T have had an opportunity of making repeated dissections of this 
part in several species, and of ascertaining the precise mode in 
which this presumed inflation is produced. 

The frame work of this structure consists of a remarkable de= 
velopement of the os hyoides, or bone of the tongue. This bone 


* A similar structure has been demonstrated in the flippers of the Walrus 
by thé same eminent comparative anatomist; of which an account is given in’ 
the present Number of this Journal. 

+ It is the more remarkable that this error should have obtained, as it is 
well known that the protuberance beneath the throat in the different species of 
Fguana, is supported by a cartilaginous process of the os hyotdes; and this is 
one only of many interesting affinities between these two groups, which I ie 
to take an early opportunity of illustrating. . on 


of the Throat in the genus Anolis. — 13 


1) 


is situated immediately under the Jarynx.* It has two long, 
slender, bony processes on each side, which for the sake of dis- 
tinction, I shall term the atterior + and posterior { lateral pro- 
cesses,—a small one,§ which is filiform, given off from the ante- 
rior part of the bone, and closely connected with the under part 
of the tongue,—and a very long, delicate, and elastic cartilage, |f 
extending from the body of the bone nearly to the middle of the 
abdomen, immediately beneath the skin, to the internal surface of 
which it is attached by condensed cellular tissue. In its form it 
is slightly flattened and tapering to its extremity, where it is ex- 
tremely slight and flexible. 
The anterior lateral process extends backwards to the angle of 
the lower jaw, over the muscles of which it is curved upwards. 
The posterior lateral process is placed in a similar direction, but 
does not take the same curve over the edge of the jaw. These 
two processes run parailel to each other through almost their 
whole length, but at a small distance apart. 
- There are several pairs of muscles attached to these little bones, 
by the action of which the phenomena are produced which it is 
my object to explain. Of these the following are the principal. 
A broad strong muscle arises from the whole edge of the posterior 
lateral process, and is inserted into the clavicle. It is conse- 
quently of considerable length ; and by its contraction the whole 
bony frame-work is drawn back and a little downwards, so that 
the distance between the two extremities of the long elastic car- 
tilage being diminished, this organ is thrown into a curve, and the 
skin of the throat and belly is stretched upon it, exactly asthe 
silk is strained upon the whalebone ribs of an opened umbrella. 
The parts are restored to their natural state by the action of the 
following muscles, Frem the edge of the anterior lateral process 
arises a muscle which is inserted into nearly the whole length of 
the base of the lower jaw,—and another taking its origin from the 
anterior part of the body of the os hyotdes, is inserted into the. 
symphysis of the jaw or chin. It is obvious that the contraction. 
of these muscles will draw the whole of the little bony frame for- 
wards, and thus restore the whole structure to its usual quiescent 


"* PLIE Fig. loa + Fig. 1b. t Fig. dic. § Fig. Id. |] Fig. lee. 


14 Mr. Broderip on the importance of Facts 


state. These actions are assisted by other muscles of secondary 
importance, and less readily demonstrated and described; and 
there are muscular fibres passing from one of the lateral processes 
to the other through nearly the whole length, which keep them in 
their proper relative position, and assist in both the actions which 
I have just described. 

I have made the most careful dissections of eight or ten differ- 
ent individuals of various species, but have never been able to 
discover the slightest ground for supposing that these animals can 
possibly possess the power of inflating the pouch; nor is there in 
any part of it the smallest opening through which air could pass. 

As my opportunities of observing these lizards have been con- 
fined to dead specimens, I am restricted to mere anatomical de- 
tails: I would however mention that the skin of this part of the 
throat is always more brightly coloured than that of the rest of the 
body, and that it is said to be more susceptible of those chamele- 
on-like changes, which many species of this group are capable of 
assuming, and which are always more vivid during. any kind of 


excitement. 


Plate II. fig. 1. Under view of the os hyoides in Anolis lineatus. 
. 2. Side view with the cartilaginous process strait. 
3. The same curved. 


Art. IV. On the utility of preserving facts relative to the 
habits of Animals, with additions to two Memoirs in 
“<< White's Natural History of Selborne.” By W. J. 
BroperipP, Esq. F.L.S, &c. 


TueEre are few facts, however isolated, however trivial they 
may respectively appear to be, more conducive to the illustration 
of the history of animals, than those which relate to their habits ; 
and yet there is scarcely any information which is treated in a 
more careless style. Whether our amour propre tempts us to feel © 
that it is beneath us to be the biographers of “‘ rats and mice and’ 
such small deer ;” or whether the anecdotes which we pick up at 


relative.to the Habits of Animals. 15 


intervals are thrown aside. as crude and unconnected materials, 
the loss is the same. True it is ‘* non omnes arbusta juvant hu~ 
milesque myrice:” but, if we really have the advancement of 
natural history at heart, we must, some of us at least, be content 
to descend from the ‘¢ majora”’ to more humble details. 

It is not one of the least advantages of the periodical publica~- 
tious which are now open to every department of science, that. 
matters, which would scarcely find room elsewhere, and which 
would, in the absence of some such asylum, be probably lost, are 
contributed to the general stock of materials. If any one be in- 
clined to keep back his alms from the supposed poverty of the 
offering, let him remember the widow’s mite: the truth is, that, 
no information which throws light on the habits of any animal, 
however apparently low in the scale of creation, is valueless 5. 
while it may be highly important, even when considered with a 
view to utility, and the effect that such animal may have upon the: 
luxuries, the comforts, nay the very necessaries of life. 

In the last number of this Journal is recorded the destruction: 
which an army of mice dealt upon whole forests: in their van. 
were the saplings which would ‘have formed the future navies of 
Great Britain; they marched on, and behind them was desola- 
tion.* While one insect defaces the beauty of our parks and 
woodlands in the South, another lays low the pine plantations of 

* The following extract stating the ravages of rats, is taken from a book 
lately published on Jamaica. As it does not appear that any attempt has yet 
been made to extirpate these nuisances by the means recommended in the late 
Lord Glenbervie’s paper above alluded to, would it not be worth the Planter’s 
while to resort to'the method of digging holes as therein described; taking 
care to increase their dimensions in proportion to the size of the quadruped’ 
whose destruction is intended? In the case mentioned by Lord Glenbervie, 
‘the success of this plan, after the failure of every other, appears to have been 
complete; and W. S. MacLeay, Esq. in the next article (on Hylobius Abietis ) 
mentions it as the only means that seemed to answer towards the extirpation of 
swarms of mice which infested the neighbourhood of Strasburg a few years ago. 

‘«In no country is there a creature so destructive of property as the rat is in 
Jamaica; their ravages are inconceivable. One year with another, it is sup- 
posed that they destroy at least about a twentieth part of the sugar canes throughout 
the island, amounting to little short of £200,000 currency per annum. 'The sugar 
cane is their favourite food; but they also prey upon the Indian corn, on all 
the fruits that are accessible to: them, and on’many ofthe roots. Some idea 


16 Mr. Broderip on the importance of Facts 


the North.* If, after these records, any one should be disposed 
to sneer at communications such as those, the utility of which I 
am attempting to advocate, I would say to that man, “if such a 
man there be’”—Read the excellent chapters on the direct and in- 
direct injuries caused by insects, in that storehouse of entomolo- 
gical knowledge the “ Introduction,” as it is modestly called, 
of Kirby and Spence ;—watch the flight of the Locust and the 
Hessian Fly, with plenty before them, and famine in their rear ;— 
take, I say, these two plagues alone out of scores of others, and 
then declare whether a knowledge of their habits, which might 
teach us to prevent the visitation or stop it in its course, is to be 
despised. 

But there is yet another view of the subject, which a knowledge 
of the habits of animals most strongly illuminates ; a view which 
will never be deemed unworthy of the attention of philosophical 
minds. Anenquiry into the proper place which different forms 
hold in the scale of animated beings, can never be prosecuted 
with success without the aid of light derived from the observations 
of practical Zoologists. 

Few have turned their thoughts to the minutie of animal 
habits with such devoted attention as distinguished the late ami- 
able author of ** The Natural History of Selborne ;” few have 
watched nature with greater humility and accuracy ; and none 
have recorded their observations in a more perfect style of classi- 
cal simplicity. He did not think it beneath the dignity of a 
scholar and divine to be the historian of the habits of the meanest 


will be formed. of the immense swarms of these destructive animals that infest 
this island, from the fact that, ona single plantation, thirty thousand were 
destroyed in one year. Traps of various kinds are set to catch them, poison is 
resorted to, and terriers and sometimes ferrets are employed, to explore their 
haunts and root them out; still however their numbers remain undiminished, 
as far at least as can be judged from the ravages they commit. They are of a’ 
much larger size than the European rat, especially that kind of them called by 
the negroes racoons. On the experiment being tried of putting one of these and 
a cat together, the latter declined attacking it.””—Stewart’s Jamaica, page 57; 
et seq.” 

* See the valuable papers on Scolytus destructor and Hylobius -Abietis, by 
W, S.,MacLeay, Esq. the first in the 11th vol. of the Edinburgh Philosophical 
Journals; the second in the first vol. of this Journal. 


relative to the Habits of Animals. 17 


creature; and, fortunately for us; the naturalists of the day™ 
to whom he communicated the results of his labours, valued his 
letters as they deserved. Actuated by the same spirit, Wilson 
sought the savannahs, the swamps, and the forests of America, 
while Le Vaillant penetrated into the deserts of Africa. The 
former, inspired by the same muse who shed a grace over the 
narrative of White, has left, in the sweetness of his style, and in 
the accuracy of his details, a monument which increases the grief 
always felt at the premature death of a man of genius. The 
latter, full of years, is gone to “¢ that undiscovered country from 
whose bourne no traveller returns,” leaving to posterity a legacy, 
which, while it insures their lasting gratitude, gives to him an 
imperishable name. These men did not content themselves with 
fireside speculations ; they did not conceive that an acquaintance 
with the treasures cf museums would alone enable them to enter 
the adytum of the temple of nature: No, they sought the goddess 
in her own woods, and were rewarded with such revelations as no 
other mode of devotion could have elicited from her. Ask the 
Zoologist of the present day to whom, of the last generation, he 
owes the progress which he is making in science, and he will say, 
without undervaluing the labours of authors of systems, that 
writers such as these were the spirits who have rendered the veil 
less impenetrable, ‘* quique sui memores alios fecere merendo.” 

After the mention of these great names, it may appear pre- 
sumption in me to venture to contribute any thing in addition to 
that which one of them has recorded: but, in the hope that vthers 
may be induced to throw such observations as they have made 
into the common stock, I, without further apology, proceed to 
call the attention of the reader to two letters of Mr. White, 
forming a part of his “ Natural History of Selborne,” and to give 
the additional information which chance or the kindness of friends 
has thrown in my way. 


In a letter to Pennant, dated “+ Selborne, 22d Feb, 1770,” will 
be found the following extract. 


** Hedge-hogs abound in my gardens and fields. The manner in 
which they eat the roots of the plantain in my grass-walk is very curious. 


Vo.. II. B 


‘18 Mr. Broderip on the importance of Facts 


With their upper mandible, which is much longer than their lower, 
they bore under the plant, and so eat the root off upwards, leaving the 
tuft of leaves untouched. In this respect they are serviceable, as they 
destroy a very troublesome weed; but they deface the walks in some 
measure by digging little round holes. It appears, by the dung that 
they drop upon the turf, that beetles are no inconsiderable part of their 
food. In June last I procured a litter of four or five young hedge-hogs, 
which appeared to be about five or six days old; they, I find, like 
puppies, are born blind, and could not see when they came to my hands. 
No doubt their spines are soft and flexible at the time of their birth, or 
else the poor dam would have had but a bad time of it in the critical 
moment of parturition: but it is plain that they soon harden; for these 
little pigs had such stiff prickles on their backs and sides, as would 
easily have fetched blood, had they not been handled with caution. 
Their spines are quite white at this age; and they have little hanging 
ears, which I do not remember to be discernible in the old ones. They 
can, in part, at this age, draw their skin down over their faces; but are 
not able to contract themselves into a ball, as they do for the sake of 
defence when full grown. The reason, I suppose, is, because the cu- 
rious muscle that enables the creature to roll itself up in a ball was not 
then arrived at its full tone and firmness. Hedge-hogs make a deep 
and warm hybernaculum with leaves and moss, in which they conceal 
themselves for the winter: but I never could find that they stored in 
any wiiter provision, as some quadrupeds certainly do.” 


So far Mr. White. It is, now, well known, that these ani- 
mals eat not only beetles but other insects: many are brought to 
London by the country people and market gardeners; and pur- 
chased for the purpose of destroying the hordes of Blatta Orien- 
tis (common cock-roach) which swarm in the kitchens of the 
city. They are fed occasionally in this their domesticated state 
with milk, of which they are very fond, but not so unsparingly as 
to blunt the edge of their appetite for those pests, of which they 
are the Thalabas. Cuvier, too, who has placed them as the first 
genus of his twelfth family of Carnassiers (Les Insectivores) con- 
firms the suspicion of White as to their insectivorous habits ; for 
he says of the common hedge-hog (Erinaceus Europeus) “ aux 
insectes qui font son regime ordinaire, il méle les fruits qui lui 
usent a un certain Age les pointes de ses dents.* ” 


* Régne Animal, tom. I. p. 132. 


relative to the Habits of Animals. - 19 


But it is not so well known that, like the Peccaries (Sus 
Tajacu. Lin. Dicotyles. Cuv.) these *¢ hedge-pigs” will devour 
serpents. That they will do so appears from the following inter- 
esting communication, for which I am obliged to my friend the 
Rev. William Buckland, Professor of Geology in the University 
of Oxford, and President of the Geological Society. 

Having occasion to suspect that Hedge-hogs, occasionally at 
least, preyed on Snakes, the Professor procured a common snake 
(coluber natrix) and also a hedge-hog which had lived in an un- 
domesticated state some time in the Botanic garden at Oxford, 
where it was not likely to have seen snakes, and put the animals 
into a box together. The hedge-hog was rolled up at their first 
meeting: but the snake was in continual motion, creeping round the 
box as if in order to make its escape. Whether or not it recognized 
its enemy was uot apparent; it did not dart from the hedge-hog, 
but kept creeping gently round the box; the hedge-hog remained 
rolled up and did not appear to see the snake. The Professor then 
aid the hedge-hog on the body of the snake, with that part of the 
ball where the head and tail meet downwards, and touching it. 
The snake proceeded to crawl,—the hedge-hog started, opened 
slightly—and, seeing what was under it, gave the snake a hard 
bite, and instantly rolled itself up again. It soon opened a se- 
cond time, repeated the bite, then closed as if for defence ; 
opened carefully a third time, and then inflicted a third bite, by 
which the back of the snake was broken. This done, the hedge- 
hog stood by thé snake’s side, and passed the whole body of the 
snake successively through its jaws, cracking it, and breaking the 
bones at intervals of half an inch or more; by which operation 
the snake was rendered entirely motionless. The hedge-hog 
then placed itself at the tip of the snake’s tail, and began to eat 
upwards, as one would eat a radish, without intermission, but 
slowly, till half of the snake was devoured, when the hedge-hog 
ceased from mere repletion. During the following night the an- 
terior half of the snake was also completely eaten up. 

Here we have evidence that the hedge-hog feeds on roots, fruits, 
insects, and snakes : in fact, that it is an omnivorous animal. - 

The next memoir which I shall notice, is contained in a letter 

B2 


20 Mr. Broderip on the importance of Facts 


to the Honourable Daines Barrington, dated ‘ Selborne, May 9, 
1776; and proceeds thus : 


‘*My friend had a little helpless leveret brought to him, which the 
servants fed with milk in a spoon, and about the same time his cat 
kittened, and the young were dispatched and buried. The hare was 
soon lost, and supposed to be gone the way of most fondlings, to be 
killed by some dog or cat. However, in about a fortnight, as the 
master was sitting in his garden in the dusk of the evening, he observed 
his cat, with tail erect, trotting towards him, and calling with little 
short inward notes of complaceny, such as they use towards their kit- 
tens, and something gamboling after, which proved to be the leveret, 
that the cat had supported with her milk, and continued to support 
with great affection. at 

“© Thus was a graminivorous animal nurtured by a carnivorous and 
predaceous one! 

‘‘ Why so cruel and sanguinary a beast as a cat, of the ferocious 
genus of Felis, the muriwm leo, as Linneus calls it, should be affected 
with any tenderness towards an animal which is its natural prey, is not 
so easy to determine. 

‘* This strange affection was probably occasioned by that desiderium, 
those tender maternal feelings, which the loss of her kittens had a- 
wakened in her breast; and by the complacency and ease she derived 
to herself from the procuring her teats to be drawn, which were too 
much distended with milk, till, from habit, she became as much de- 
lighted with this foundling as if it had been her real offspring. 

** This incident is no bad solution of that strange circumstance which 
grave historians as well as the poets assert, of exposed children being 
sometimes nurtured by female wild beasts that probably had lost their 
young. For it is not one whit more marvellous that Romulus and 
Remus, in their infant state, should be nursed by a she wolf, than that 
a poor little sucking leveret should be fostered and cherished by a 
bloody grimalkin— 


-- © viridi foetam Mavortis in antro 
Procubuisse lupam: geminos huic ubera circum 
Ludere pendentes pueros, et lambere matrem 
Impavidos: illam tereti cervice reflexam 
Mulcere alternos, et corpora fingere lingua.” 


Thus far Mr. White.—On the 27th of April, 1820, I saw a Cat 
giving suck to five young Rats and a Kitten: the rats were about 


relative to the Habits of Animals. 21 


one third grown. It was diverting to observe the complacency 
with which the young creatures sucked in the liberal stream which 
the teats of their foster-mother supplied ; and curious to see the 
prey cherished by the milk of the destroyer. The cat paid the 
same maternal attentions to the young rats, in licking them and 
dressing their fur, as she did to her kitten, notwithstanding the 
great disparity of size. The man who exhibited this phenomenon 
in the Strand, near Essex Street, said, that the cat had kittened 
thirteen days, and, at that time, had three kittens at her teats, 
when he found this nest of young rats, which seemed a few days 
old, and turned them in, at night, to the cat for her prey: in the 
morning he found the kittens sharing the milk of their mother 
with the rats. Two of the kittens were afterwards destroyed, for 
fear of exhausting the cat by so numerous a family. The man 
said the cat was a good mouser ; but admitted that he had taught 
her to abstain from white mice, which he had been in the habit 
of keeping. 

This is a much stronger case than that mentioned by Mr. 
White ; for, here, the cat had kittens on which to exercise her 
maternal tenderness, and which must have sucked sufficiently to 
prevent any thing like bodily inconvenience. It is hard to ac- 
count for this perversion of instinct. Is it that, at such times, 
the all-powerful and uncontroulable soeyn is exercised indiscrimi- 
nately upon every young living creature which is thrown upon 
the mercy of the new mother for protection and nourishment, and 
is capable of enjoying her care? The cases of the Hedge-Spar- 
row or Wagtail and the young Cuckoo, of young Ducks which 
are hatched by Hens, and even substituted for their own broods 
on their loss or failure,—nay, the very assiduity with which a hen 
will sit upon a ball or two of whitening,—would all seem to point 
this way ; but I may weary my readers with fruitless conjectures, 
and cannot conclude better than in the words of Mr. White, who 
says, at the end of another letter dated March 26, 1773, ‘* Why 
the parental feelings of brutes, that usually flow in one most uni- 
form tenor, should sometimes be so extravagantly diverted, [ 
Jeaye to abler philosophers than myself to determine.” 


22 Mr: J. D C. Sowerby and Mr. George 


Art. V. Additional Observations upon a Fossil found in 
Coal Shale, and the description of a Palate found in 
Coal, near Leeds. By J.D C.Sowersy, Esq. F.L.S. 
and E. J. Gzoree, Esq. F.L.S. 


In the second number of this Journal,* a figure was given of a 
Bone, found in Felling Colliery; we were not then aware that a 
portion of the same fossil had been figured by David Ure, in 
his history of Rutherglen and Kilbride,+ from a specimen found 
in coal at Stonelaw ; he had well observed its vascular structure, 
and finding it different from that of wood, was induced to say, 
*¢ From the structure this petrifaction would appear to belong to 
the Cane, rather than to the Pine.” (p. 304). Mr. Parkes has 
been so fortunate as to become possessed of the specimen figured 
by Ure, and has kindly submitted it to our inspection ; the ap- 
pearance of its section confirms us more strongly in our opinion 
that it is bone, an opinion supported by that of Mr. De la Beche, 
in the Geological Transactions,{ where he considers the some- 
what similar bones we have alluded to as found in the Lias, ‘+ to 
have been the external defensive radii of some fish, and to have 
been used in the same manner with similar bones of the Balistes 
tribe.” In a theoretical point of view it is a matter of consider- 
able importance to prove that bones are found imbedded in any 
of the coal measures: they are certainly very rare; in a practical 
light they may be esteemed as of still greater consequence, for 
they will probably serve to identify particular strata of coal at 
very remote places. From analogy we are led to suppose that 
these bones belong to marine fishes; we are already acquainted 
with marine shells (Ammonites Listeri and Pecten papyraceus) ; 
it has also been a general opinion that freshwater (perhaps lake) 
shells are not uncommon in the same formation, such as Uniones 
and Anodontes ; but independently of the difficulty often ex- 
perienced in ascertaining the genera of shells from their fossil 


WIVOl. Top. ae. te Wille fe O 
+ Plate XIE. f. 6. 
t Second series, Vol. I. p. 43. with a figure. 


on some Fossils from the Coal Measures. 23 


remains, a doubt has been thrown upon this opinion by the recent 
discovery of an Ammonite, several Pectens, and one or two other 
unquestionably marine shells in a nodule of iron stone, containing 
also what has hitherto been considered an Anodon 3 it was found 
in the Hayne Moor bed of coal, in the Waterloo Colliery, near 
Leeds, by E. J. George, Esq. F.L.S. The near situation to each 
other of these marine bones and shells and of the land vegetables, 
is a very curious fact. 

We have now, by permission of the Philosophical and Literary 
Society of Leeds (to whom the specimen was given by John Field, 
Esq. of the Low Moor iron works) the pleasure of presenting a 
figure of a remarkable bony Plate, perhaps a Palate, also found in 
coal. It is probably only half of the entire bone, for its thickest 
edge, which measures about one quarter of an inch, presents a 
fractured surface; this surface shews a cellular structure, cha- 
‘racteristic of the soft parts of bones attached to the Palates, 
Fauces, or Stomachs of Fishes ; the tuberculated surface is po- 
lished almost like the enamel of teeth, and finishes in a rounded 
edge, beyond which there is a thin expansion of bone, that served 
to steady the entire plate in the soft parts into which we may 
suppose it was once inserted. It is of a dark brown colour, and 
was imbedded in the pure part of the coal. 

We are indebted to E. J. George, Esq. of Leeds, for the fol- 
lowing account of its locality. JD Co's, 


Tue fossil above described is from the thick coal at Tong, 
near Leeds, a coal known throughout the northern part of the 
Yorkshire coal-field as the Beeston Seam. It is a seam of variable 
thickness, being at Garforth, where it is covered by the uncon- 
formable magnesian limestone, 6 feet ; at Beeston, 9 feet ; and at 
Tong from 6 to 7 feet. 

The seam is divided by partings of white earth (indurated shale) 
into beds; those at Beeston are three, at Tong two; it is probable 
that the decrease in thickness from Beeston to Tong, is occa-~ 
sioned by the separation of the lower bed ; this has been ascer- 
tained to be the case at Churwell, where the lower bed is parted. 
from the upper nine yards. 


24 Mr. Yarrell’s Account of 


The distance from this coal to the flagstone which it overlays 
is about 220 yards ; between them are the coals worked at Low 
Moor, near Bradford, which are accompanied by a great variety 
of spendid specimens of Lepidodendra, of which the Leeds’ Philo- 
sophical Society possesses mauy fine specimens. 

The respective distance of these coals above the flagstone, are, 
from the flagstone to the Low Moor lower Seam 100 yards, above 
which the next coal is the Low Moor upper Seam (there called 
the Black Bed) 40 yards, which is succeeded by the Beeston 
Seam, at 80 yards ; above the Beeston Seam, the next workable 
coal is the Middleton Lower Seam, at 90 yards. 

The fossils contained in the strata of the Beeston Seam are. sat 
much known, since from the thickness of the coal the shale is not 


worked. E. J. Georee. 


Description of the Figure. Plate I. fig. 7 


a.a. The enamel-like surface. Var 
b.b. The fractured edge, with some slight signs of a suture. 
c.c. Bony expansion as thin as card-paper. 


Art. VI. Notice of the Occurrence of some rare British 
Birds. By Wiuciam YarRRrew., Esq. 


[To the Conductors of the Zoological Journal. } 
GENTLEMEN, 


Suoutp you consider the following account of the occurrence 
of some rare British Birds sufficiently interesting to be worthy of 
insertion in your valuable Journal, it is much at your service. 
The circumstances stated have come within my own knowledge, 
and many of the specimens referred to are in my possession. 

1823. January. A female of the Little Bustard (Otis tetrax ) 
was shot near Harwich. The stomach contained parts of leaves 
of the white turnip, lungwort, dandelion and a few blades of 


rare British Birds. - 25 


grass.’ The flesh had not the delicacy of appearance-or flavour 
which it is described by some authors to possess. . 

November. -A specimen of the Petrel, named after Dr. Leach, 
(Procellaria Leachii,) was brought to the London market alive ; 
it died on the evening of the same day. The month of December 
following produced two other specimens, one killed in Devonshire, 
the second in Hertfordshire. 

1824. July. A female of the Long-legged Plover (Charadrius 
himantopus,) was sent to the London market from Lincolnshire ; 
and about the same time, a very fine male bird was shot in Nor- 
folk ; in the intestines of this male bird was a species of tape 
worm, six inches in length, broad, flat and jointed. 

A male and female of the Pigmy Curlew ( Numenius pygmeus) 
were shot in Norfolk, exhibiting the perfect summer plumage. 

1824. August. A very fine old male of the Pigmy Curlew with 
two young birds of the year, was shot in Huntingdonshire. 

September. A young Arctic Gull ( Lestris parasiticus ) was shot 
on the Thames near Battersea. 

November. During the first week of this month a beautiful 
specimen of the Grey Phalarope ( Phalaropus lobatus,) was shot 
while swimming on the Thames near Battersea. It proved to be 
an old female having nearly completed its winter plumage, but 
still bearing sufficient marks of its summer dress to form an inte- 
resting state of change. The contents of the. stomach were too 
far digested to ascertain the quality. 

More than a dozen Stormy Petrels ( Procelluria pelagica) were 
procured, on the Eastern Coast principally, during the remark- 
able windy weather that occurred this month. One bird was shot 
from a coal barge while flying about over the Thames between the 
bridges of Blackfriars and Westminster. 

Two Pigmy Curlews, birds of the year, and several Sanderlings 
(Charadrius calidris,) in complete winter plumage, were brought 
to London market. The Rough-legged Falcon ( Falco lagopus, L.) 
occurred three or four times in this month, one of which, a female, 
was shot in the Isle of Wight: a second, a female also, was caught 
-by atrap in Gloucestershire. The bony ring in which the orb of the 


26 Mr. Yarrell’s Account of rare British Birds. 


eye is suspended in this species is particularly large and strong. 
This flexible ring formed bya number of small bones was cunsidered 
to be peculiar only to the diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey; the 
increased power of vision, at very different distances, depending 
on minute muscular and mechanical arrangements, assisting them 
in their search for objects of food : but in occasional examinations 
of birds, I have found these bony rings in the Green Woodpecker, 
the Great Plover, the Grey Phalarope and the Northern Diver, 
as well as in many other birds equally varied in form and habits, 
The most remarkable of the bony rings I have yet seen is in the 
Wood Owl (Strix Stridula) corresponding very closely in form 
to the watchmaker’s eye-glass. 

The Osprey (Falco Haliwetus, ) occurred twice in this month ; 
one, a very fine male, was shot near Petersfield, Hants, the other, 
a female, in Hertfordshire. 

A female of the Skua Gull (Lestris Catarractes,) was killed 
in Somersetshire. 

December. Two specimens of the Northern Diver (Colymbus 
glacialis, ) both young birds, were shot on the Norfolk coast. The 
London market produced four spotted Redshanks, (the Scolopax 
Totanus of Gmelin, the Totanus fuscus of Leister); these birds 
were in perfect winter plumage, and considered rare. The figure 
in Bewick’s beautiful engravings is an exact representation of a 
young bird of the year. 

1825. January. Three or four specimens of the Ash-coloured 
Shrike (Lanius Excubitor,) occurred this month; one was shot 
in Hampshire, a second in Bedfordshire, and a third was taken in 
a clap-net, near London, by a bird-catcher, in the act of striking 
at his decoy linnet. This bird fed wellin confinement several days, 
taking small birds or raw meat from the hand, but was very eagerly 
parted with by his new master, on finding that the note of the 
Shrike, once heard, had stopped the songs of all his wild birds, 

The Hawfinch ( Loxia Coccothraustes, L.) was shot near Notting 
Hill on the Uxbridge Road, and two others were taken by a party 
Batfowling. 

February. The Little Auk (Alca Alle, L.) was shot on the coast 
of Sussex. 


Mr. Broderip ox Volute. 27 


_- March. The Little Stint (Zringa pusilla,) was shot near St. 
Ives, in Huntingdonshire. 
I have the honor to be, 
| Gentlemen, 
Ryder Street, St. James’s, Your obedient Servant, 
12th Marcu, 1825. Wittram YARRELL. 


Art. VII. Descriptions of some new and rare Volutes. 
By W. J. Broverir, Esq. F.L.8. &c. 


In the fifth number of the Westminster Review, the writer, 
while administering a course of castigation in the case of the Rev. 
T. F. Dibdin and others, who are affected by Bibliomania, takes 
occasion, en passant, to give a coup de patte to collectors in 
general, ‘* We are always doubtful and suspicious,” says the re- 
viewer, ‘¢ of the real information possessed by collectors of books, 
minerals, shells, or any other materials and sources of science ; 
and we have uniformly found that, in proportion as the rage for 
collecting gained strength, the inclination and subsequently, as 
well as consequently, the ability to profit by what was collected, 
diminished.” 

I have not a word to say with regard to the noblemen and gen- 
tlemen of the Roxburghe Club. They would hardly accept of a 
precarious defence from one of the uninitiated ; and there is 
more than one of their own body well qualified to lead a battle 
of the books. Confining myself, therefore, almost exclusively, 
to British collectors of Zoological subjects, and leaving all other 
collectors of all other materials to be their own champions, I shall 
refer to a few names of the present day, which the omniscience of 
the reviewer seems to have overlooked. 

The authors of Hore Entomologice and Reliquie Diluviane, 
books containing the results of more industry of research and 
depth of thought than most works hitherto published on the sub-~ 
ject of Natural History, are most ardent collectors; and they con- 
tinue almost daily to give us the practical and philosophical bene- 


28 Mr. Broderip’s descriptions 


fits of their zealous labours. A host of others who have made 
and are making rapid strides into the inmost recesses of the animal 
kingdom, or have contributed from their stores materials which 
shed an additional light on the path of their fellow labourers, 
will be found in the list of collectors.* For the best natural 
arrangement of shells hitherto published we must look abroad : 
but we shall find that we owe this arrangement to a collector; 
and, whenever we come to any very rare or interesting species in 
the pages of Lamarck, we are almost sure to find thereunder 
written ** mon cabinet.” ; 

It would. be idle to waste time in multiplying instances: in- 
deed, if we consider fora moment, we shail not find it extra- 
ordinary that so large a catalogue of names can be readily quoted 
against the reviewer. What is it that spurs on the man employed 
in zoological pursuits to make a collection of the objects of his 
study, objects which, in many cases, are the fruit either of pain- 
ful and patient research, or costly price? The many will answer 
—vanity. ‘Is it answered?’ I say nay. Such a collector may, 
indeed, be proud of the museum which his zeal and activity have 
succeeded in forming, and justly ; but vanity is not the motive 
which incites him to collect. What then is the motive ?—It is 
necessity : he cannot report progress without having materials for 
study. In the existing state of the public zoological collections 
of England, he cannot calculate upon their never-failing resources : 
and, though a spirit is abroad which leads the naturalist, whether 
in the metropolis or in the great country towns, to hope that 
future students will begin their labours with a prospect of better 
days, he must, at present, either stand still, or trust to his own 
collections and those of his friends. 

There is, however, it must be coufessed, a species of collector, 


* The following names, together with many others of merit, will occur-to 
almost every one conversant with Zoology. Bell; Bennett, Brookes, Burchell, 
Children, Clift, Conybeare,.Curtis, De la Beche, Dillwyn, Donovan, Fleming, 
Goodall, Gray, Hardwicke, Haworth, Home, Horsfield, Humphrey, King, 
Kirby, Konig, Laskey, Latham, Leach, MacLeay, Maton, Mawe, Miller, 
Rackett, Raffles, Sabine, Samouelle, Selby, Sowerby, Spence, Stanley, 
Stephens, Stokes, Such, Swainson, Traill, Turton, Vigors. 


of new and rare Volute. 29. 


now become very rare, the only species with which the reviewer 
appears to have come in contact, deserving of all his ‘* doubts.” 
Such is the mere hoarder who spreads his hidden treasures before 
him solely for the pleasure of his eye, or the gratification of his 
vanity ; whose pursuit, even if his avarice of natural productions 
can be pronounced quite harmless, is about as intellectual and use- 
ful as that of the northern prince, who used to amuse himself with 
arranging his jewels on a table covered with black velvet, in every 
figure which his second childishness could suggest. 

It is the bounden duty of the collector of shells more especially, 
to put off these childish things. In conchology, although such men 
as Adanson, Poli, Cuvier, and Lamarck have lent their aid to the 
science, there is more to be done than there is in any other depart- 
ment. The Ornithologist and Entomologist have, in almost all 
cases, a complete form to deal with, combined, generally, with a 
knowledge of the habits of the animals, which form the subjects 
of their studies. The Conchologist is surrounded by difficulties. 
The animals, with which he should be conversant, reside, in the 
majority of instances, in the bosom of the great deep; and the 
shells, which come to his hands ninety-nine times out of a hun- 
dred without the inhabitants, are mere exuviz, whose purposes 
in the animal economy he is left to conjecture. Too many of the 
writers on this subject have never bestowed a thought on the 
matter, and consequently we are presented with the most un- 

_ natural arrangements, the result of. placing the testacea solely ac- 
cording to.the form of this part of their organization, without 
considering the probable structure of the more vital parts of the 
animal and their relation to the figure of the shell; ‘¢ for we have 
annulose animals united to true mollusca, merely because they 
have shells, and true mollusca separated from this division, merely 
because they have no shells.”’* 

With such obstacles in the way of our progress, it is almost 
unpardonable if we do not avail ourselves of the contents of our 
collections to aid the fund of scanty materials with which we 


* Hore Entomologice, p. 242. The shell collector will find many useful 
hints in the neigbourhood of the passage quoted. 


30 Mr. Broderip’s descriptions 


have to toil on towards a natural arrangement. And let us not 
be discouraged because we cannot afford the most satisfactory 
details. Till we can obtain a more complete knowledge of the 
inhabiting animals, we may contribute such information as is to 
be derived from a careful examination of their exuvie with a 
view to their probable structure; in the hope that every addition 
may, at least, assist the Geologist, and perhaps form a step, how- 
ever small, for the advance of natural science. 

Under the impression that no communication of this kind will 
be considered devoid of interest, and anxious to contribute any 
aid however feeble, which my own stores enable me to offer, I 
proceed to give the following descriptions. 


Voxuta rutitA.— Red-banded Volute. 


V. testa ovato-oblonga, rufescente, maculis subtrigonis, con- 
fluentibus, croceo-rubris varia; spira brevi, sutura simplici; apice 
papillari, subgranulato: anfractu basali tuberculis elongatis ar- 
mato fasciisque 2 latis, interruptis, rutilis, ornato; columella 
4-plicata. 

var. Anfractu basali inermi. 

Mus. nost. Habitat in Ocean. Austral ? 

Icon. Tab. III. 


Shell ovate-oblong, reddish or flesh-coloured, covered thickly 
with confluent, subtrigonal reticulations of a saffron red. The 
spire short, its suture unarmed, the apex papillary and slightly 
granulated or beaded. The body-whorl armed with elongated 
tubercles, ornamented with two broad interrupted bands of a 
deeper and more vivid red, and with oblique irregular stripes of 
the same colour, extending from the suture to the tubercles in the 
tuberculated variety, and from the suture to the shoulder of the 
body whorl in the smooth variety. Pillar four-plaited, the two 
lowest plaits rather largest. Length about three inches. 

This beautiful volute was received from a South Sea whaler by 
Mrs. Mawe, who could not learn from the possessor of it the 
name of the place where it was found. ‘There were brought at 
the same time and by the same hand three others; but they had 


of new and rare Volute. 31° 


all suffered so much by the auto da fé which they had undergone 
for the purpose of roasting the inhabiting animals, that the greater 
part of each shell was fairly burnt into lime. My specimen with 
the tuberculated body-whorl has suffered but very little; and, 
with the exception of a paleness where it has come in contact 
with the fire, is brilliant in colour. The beauty of the specimen 
with the smooth body-whorl has entirely yielded to the unmerci- 
ful calcination bestowed on it; but fortunately, no injury has been 
done to the spire or to the form of the shell. 

The case of a variety with a smooth body-whorl is by no means 
uncommon among the tuberculated Volute. I have very striking: 
examples of it in V. nivosa and V. Lapponica, as well as in V. 
rutila ;—to say nothing of V. vespertilio, Lin. 

V. rutila appears to me to form an addition to that small natural 
group of Volutes which have the last turns, forming the papillary 
summit of their spire, beaded with a series of regular, minute 
granulations or pustules. This group contains, together with V. 
rutila and V.pulchra, V. magnifica, Chemn. and Lam.; the bats 
CV. vespertilio, Lin. and Lam.; V. pellis serpentis, V. mitis, and 
V. serpentina, Lam.);* and V. nivosa. The granulations are 
most developed in V. vespertilio and V. nivosa; and are least 
perceptible in V. magnifica. It may be worthy of notice that all 
these shells have four plaits on the pillar, and that Lamarck 
records the South Seas as the habitat, though not exclusively, of 
the last six, with the exception of his V. pellis serpentis, and 
V. serpentina, to which he gives as a locality ‘“¢ L’Ocean des 
Grandes Indes.” I strongly suspect that these last are also 
natives of the South Seas; and, indeed, I have some strong 
evidence towards the confirmation of these suspicions: but the 
locality of Testacea, or indeed of any animals or natural pro- 
ductions, is a point of such high importance, as connected with 
their geographical distribution, that the utmost caution should be 
used before we come to a conclusion on this head. 


* After a careful examination of a connecting series of specimens, I am un- 
able to discover any satisfactory specific distinction either in V. pellis serpentis, 
in V. mitis, or V. serpentina, Lam.: nor doI think that any sufficient cause 
exists for removing them from the situation which they formerly occypied as 
varieties of V. vespertilio, Lin. 


32° Mr. Broderip’s descriptions 


As soon as I became possessed of my specimens of V. rutila, I 
carried the tuberculated variety to Mr. George Humphrey. It is 
well known that this patriarch of collectors has been most assi- 
duous and accurate in noting down localities. When he saw the 
shell, he pronounced it undescribed and not the V. aulica of - 
Solander ; and an examination of the MSS. of that eminent natur-- 
alist will prove the correctness of Mr. Humphrey’s assertion.* He - 
said that it was extremely rare, that he had a small one in his own 
collection, and that, from the place whence he received it, he 
called it the Red Music of New Zealand. This specimen, which 
is of the tuberculated variety, has now passed, together with the: 
rest of the collection accumulated by Mr. Humphrey, during a life 
already extended beyond the ordinary bounds allotted to man, 
into the hands of Mr. G. B. Sowerby. 


Voxuta putcura.—The Beauty Volute. 

V. testa oblongo-ovata, subfusiformi, levi, nitida, carnea, albido- 
maculata, maculis spadiceis triseriatim irregulariter dispositis, 
ornata; anfractibus superné adpressis, tuberculis acutiusculis, 
sub-compressis, coronatis: apertura superné acuta, columella 
4-plicata. Long. 2 4. lat. 4, unc. Sowerby in T. C. 

V. testa oblongo-ovata, subfusiformi, levi, carnea, niveo-macu- 
lata ; anfractu basali maculis fusco-spadiceis, sparsis, trifasciato ; 
anfractibus angulatis, tuberculisque elongatis, anticé acutiusculis, 
frequentibus, coronatis ; spira mediocri, apice sub-papillari, sub- 
granulato; columella 4-plicata. 

Mus. nost. 

Habitat. 

Yoon.” TSC) taps. t2- 


Shell ovate-oblong, subfusiform, smooth, of a flesh-colour spot- 
ted ‘with snowy. white; the whorls angulated and armed with 
elongated tubercles nearly sharp at the anterior extremity, where 
they are so much elevated as to make an almost abrupt descent to 
the suture; the body-whorl ornamented with three bands of ir- 
regular dark-chesnut spots on a ground somewhat darker than the 


* See next page. 


~ of new and rare Volute. 83 


rest of the shell,—the uppermost of these bands wreaths the coro- 
net of tubercles; spire moderate, the apex sub-papillary and 
somewhat granulated; pillar 4-plaited. Length 2 inches 4 
tenths. é 

This elegant shell, one of the gems of the Tankerville collec- 
tion, in the catalogue of which it is first named and described by 
Mr. G. B. Sowerby, is the most slender which I have yet seen 
with the granulated apex. The tuberculated whorls gradually 
lose themselves in granulations, and these last terminate in the 
subgranulations of the apex, which, though still papillary, is much 
more acuminated than in any other species composing the group. 

Its colouring, particularly in its snow-spots, reminds us of V. 
nivosa; while its form, as Mr. Sowerby observes, approaches that 
of some of the elongated varieties of V. vespertilio. It appears 
to me with its sub-granulated apex, tuberculated whorls, sub- 
fusiform shape, and somewhat produced spire, to lead us towards 
those fusiform Volutes which have the spire very much produced, 
such, for instance, as V. Pacifica (Chemn.), and V. gracilis (Swain- 
son), while the granulations are strongly marked on their attenu- 
ated spire, even up to the papilla or apex, which, however, is 
quite smooth. 
_ If my recollection is right I have seen a second specimen of 
this shell in the collection of Mr. Spurrett. I never saw or heard 
of any others. Of its locality I am ignorant: my strong suspi- 
cions point to the South Seas. 


Vouvura Avuiica.—Courtier or Ruddy-cloud Volute. 
(Spira apice mamillari). 

Voluta emarginata oblonga inermis albo luteoyue nebulosa, 
spira conica : anfractibus oblique planis : mamilla levi ; columella 
quadriplicata.—Solander’s MSS. . 

V. testa oblonga, inermi, albo luteoque nebulosa ; spira conica, 
brevi, apice mamillari, levi; columella 4-plicata ; labii exterio- 
ris margine in spire anfractum ultimum ascendente. 

Mus. vost. 

Habitat.—? 

Icon. T. C, tab. 6. 

Vou. il. c 


34 Mr. Broderip’s description of 


Shell oblong, unarmed, beautifully clouded with white, yel- 
lowish red and flesh colour; spire conical, short, the mamillary 
apex smooth; pillar 4-plaited ; the middle of the basal belt, 
arising between the two upper parts of the pillar, marked by an 
elevated somewhat granulated line, which becomes depressed as 
it approaches externally the great basal notch; * margin of the 
exterior lip ascending upon the last whorl of the spire. Length 
about 4 inches. 

Through the kindness of Mr. Brown, I was enabled to com~ 
municate to Mr. G. B. Sowerby, Dr. Solander’s description of this 
beautiful shell ; and it is, accordingly, published in the catalogue 
of the Tankerville collection, of which Thesaurus conchylio- 
rum V. aulica formed one of the brightest ornaments. The 
Doctor’s manuscript has at the bottom ** Habitat in Oceano I.” 
but the last initial is written with apparent hesitation, and so as 
to be hardly legible. Ido not, therefore, feel warranted in giv- 
ing the Indian Ocean as its locality, more especially when this 
uncertainty is connected with what follows. In the margin of 
the M.S. will be found the initials M.C.P. being Dr. Solander’s 
reference to the Portland Museum, in the formation of the cata~ 
logue of which he is known to have materially assisted. At lot 
4021 of the catalogue will be found the following description— 
«¢ A very fine specimen of Voluta Aulica, §., a beautiful red 
clouded species of the Wild Music kind, its country unknown, 
unique.’ This lot is referred to in the catalogue of Monsieur de 
Calonne’s museum, drawn up by Mr. G. Humphrey, thus ‘* 273. 
Aulica—Le Courtisan ou le nuage rouge—Courtier or red-clouded — 
—Voluta Aulica Soland., This beautiful shell is unique. Its 
country is unknown, but presumed to be from some newly-dis- 
covered island in the South-seas. M.P. 4021.” 


* The line is so distinct in this rare shell that it was thought advise- 
able not to omit the mention of it. But we must be careful not to rely on it 
as a specific character; for its presence or absence in different subjects 
of the same species of Volutes, seems to be almost matter of accident. 
That this belt is divided in many species by a line sometimes elevated, some- 
times depressed, and sometimes nearly obsolete, will be seen by every accu- 
rate observer. There must be, therefore, some corresponding formation in 
the molluscum. 


of new and rare Volute. 35 


The shell mentioned in these catalogues, I believe, with Mr. 
Sowerby, to be the identical specimen which furnishes our des- 
cription. . 

It appears to me to have for its congeners those volutes among 
which the mamilla of the spire and the columellar plaits are most 
strongly developed, the former being well fashioned, smooth, and 
comparatively broad and flat at the apex, and the latter particu- 
larly well defined and highly raised from the pillar. These shells, 
too, have the basal belt very strongly marked, and generally 
taking its rise, in the best developed forms, between the first two 
plaits of the pillar, which plaits form the boundary of its width at 
its origin. V. scapha will readily occur to every collector, as an 
example of these volutes. 

The basal belt seems to be of some consequence in the animal 
economy, and it may, therefore, occasionally furnish us with some 
useful hints. It is continued from the point of its origin on the 
pillar, gradually increasing in width as it advances, till it arrives 
at the great basal notch which it receives, and is evidently formed 
by a succession of growths, each of which in its time appears to 
have terminated in the basal notch. In the group containing 
V. vespertilio, this belt, which is least developed in V. pulchra, 
will be found also to take its rise between the two first plaits of 
the columella. In V. magnifica it is very much developed, while 
the granulations of the well formed mamillary spire of that shell 
are becoming indistinct. In V. audica the belt is very remarkable, 
while the well formed mamilla is quite smooth. 

I cannot help thinking, upon the whole, that when we have 
full materials for a natural arrangement, V. aulica will be found 
to approach the granulated group by a near vicinity to V. magni- 


Jica. 


Vouvuta Furerrrum.—Lightning-flash Volute. 

V. testa oblonga, levi, spira acuminata, apice papillosa, levi; 
pallide carnea, spadiceo anguloso-striata (quasi fulgurata), anfractu 
ultimo ventricoso, superné subangulato ; apertura oblonga superné 
acuta, labio columellari tenui, expansissimo; columella tripli- 
cata. Long. 6. lat. 3. unc.— Sowerby, in T.C. 

V. testa oblonga, ventricosd, levi, inermi, pallidé carned, strigis 


Ci 


36 Mr. Broderip on rare and new Volute. 


flammiferis, enormiter angulosis, fusco-spadiceis, ornata ; anfractu 
basali superné angulato, ceteris gibbis; spira productiori, apice 
truncato-papilloso ; columella triplicaté ; labio exteriore sub«re= 
flexo. . 

Mus. nost. 

Habitat.—: 

Icon. T.C. tab. 4 & 5. 


Shell oblong, ventricose, smooth, unarmed, pale flesh-colour,. 
painted with wildly irregular angulose flamy stripes of dark ches- 
nut 3 body whorl angulated above, the other whorls gibbous 5. 
spire rather produced, its apex truncato-papillose ; pillar with 
three plaits; margin of the outer lip somewhat reflected. Length, 
about six inches. 

This very fine and extraordinary volute, first described and, 
figured in the Tankerville Catalogue, strikes us at once by the 
singularity of its form and. the boldness of its colouring. The 
apex of the spire, fashioned after the same manner as that of 
V. papillosa (Swainson), in which shell this peculiar structure is: 
most strongly developed, gives us the idea of a papillary apex 
which has been rubbed or cut down, or abruptly terminated be- 
fore the papilla was complete. To designate this kind of apex I 
have used the term “ truncato-papillose.” The same formation,. 
but upon a smaller scale, will be found in the apex of V. fusi- ; 
formis (Swainson). All these shells have three plaits on the 
pillar, and the outer lip more or less reflected. 

I have no direct evidence of its locality, but its congeners were 
found in the Southern Ocean ; and I suspect that our shell, the 
only specimen which I have seen or heard of, is a native of the 
the same seas.* 


-* I take this opportunity of announcing my intention to attempt a mono= 
graph of the genus Voluta of Lamarck. 


Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 37 


‘Art. VIII. Sketches in Ornithology ; or Observations on 
the leading Affinities of some of the more extensive groups 


of Birds. By N. A. Vicors, jun. Esq. M.A. F.L.S, 


[Continued from Vol. I, p. 446.] 


ON A GROUP OF PSITTACIDH KNOWN TO THE ANCIENTS, 


AxLtuHoueH, in a scientifick point of view, the value of any sub- 
ject of Natural History is little enhanced by the consideration of 
its having been known to the ancients, yet the researches which 
have tended to elucidate such groups of Nature as have met with 
their regard or attention have not been altogether unproductive of 

-advantage. We cannot expect, it is true, that ancient science, li- 
-mited as were the means of investigation which it possessed, and 
scanty as are the relicks relating to it which have survived the rav- 
‘ages of time, can add much to the stock of modern information 
on such subjects; yet on the other hand, the application of 
modern science to classical literature amply coufers that benefit 
which it may not derive in return, in bringing to light many 
“beauties, and clearing up many obscurities in the pages of anti- 
quity. 

But there is another point of view in which the interest of such 

-researches is strongly apparent. In general we are acquainted 
_with the ancients chiefly through the records of their most splen- 
did actions. The dignity of history and the elevation of poetry 
‘to which we are almost exclusively indebted for our knowledge of 
ancient manners, confine the representations which are transmitted 
to us of them, for the most part, to those which are most important 
and heroick. We are presented with little beyond the atchieve- 
ments or the apothegms of the warriour, the statesman, or the 
philosopher. All the minour occurrences of domestick life, all 
the more endearing traits of private feeling, are cast into the 
shade. We see the ancients almost always in full dress, almost 
always in the stately attitudes, and on the exalted pedestals of 
life. It is only by scattered references that we are enabled to 
enter into their homes and their bosoms, and investigate the 


38 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


most attractive of all subjects, the windings and variations of the 
human heart. Natural History affords us an occasional insight 
into feelings of this nature. Through its means we possess a 
subject of common interest, by which we find ourselves, as it 
were, on familiar terms with those who are removed from us not 
merely by time, but by that imposing dignity which time never fails 
to confer. When our feelings are called forth in admiration of a 
bird or an insect, which is known to have equally excited the 
admiration of an Alexander or an Aristotle, we become almost 
unconscious of the lapse of time, which has separated us from 
such characters; we feel ourselves attracted to them bya com- 
munity of sentiment; and rejoice in that sympathy which brings 
us in contact with the patron of science and the man of genius of 
the days that have gone by. Science, it is said, levels all distinc- 
tions of rank and station, and unites all the adventitious differ- 
ences in society under the powerful influence of genius and of 
knowledge : but science goes still farther in the present case, for 
it appears to level all the distinctions of time and space. In 
pursuing such researches into antiquity we find not merely that 
external nature was the same two thousand years ago as it is at 
present, but that human nature itself has undergone but little 
variation. I scarcely know a description on which we can dwell 
with sentiments of more unalloyed satisfaction,—not merely from 
its intrinsick beauty, but from the exhibition of genuine tender- 
ness of heart, which is thus proved to be the property of no time 
or climate, but to be common to all,—than the recognition of his 
master by the faithful Argus, in the following passage of the 
** Odyssey,” and the depth of feeling betrayed on the occasion 
by the ‘* much-enduring” prince. 


66 Ay Os xuwy xEDaAnY TE nat OVATE HEIMEVOS ETIEV 
Agyos Oduecinos TaAuciPeovos, oy ex Mor avTos 
Ogee ev, 0vd’ aorovnto" 


Evda xvwy xiir” Agyos, 
e 

An rote y’, ws evoncey Odvocen eyyus tovTa, 

Oven atv @” oY? sonvey nat ovara naPParey a pu® 


> 
Aggov S’oun ex emeita Suvyouro 610 avaxTos 


On a group of Psitiacide known to the Ancients. 39 


EASeuev" avrap o NOZ®IN IANN ATIOMOPZATO AAKPY, 
PEIA AA@OQN Evpany.— 


Agyov Yau xara qoip’ edaGev weravos SavaTo10, 
Aut? ovr’ Odvonx semoorw eviecutw.”* 


Odyss. XVII. 292—337. 


Nor can I conceive any representation touched with more 
genuine delicacy and truth of feeling than the poet’s description 
of Lesbia’s favourite bird, and lamentation for its Joss; a picture, 


which he brings home to our eyes, and identifies with the scenes 
that every day pass around us. 


‘«¢ Passer, delicie mez puelle, 
Quicum ludere, quem in sinu tenere, 
Quoi primum digitum dare adpetenii, 
Et acris solet incitare morsus ;— 
Passer mortuus est mee puelle :— 
Quem plus illa oculis suis ameabat : 
Nam mellitus erat, suamque norat 
Ipsam tam bene, quam puella matrem ; 
Nec sese a gremio illius movebat ; 


* « Thus near the gates conferring as they drew, 
Argus, the dog, bis ancient master knew ; 
He, not unconscious of his voice and tread, 
Lifts to the sound his ear, and rears his head; 
Bred by Ulysses, nourished at his board ; 
But, ah! not fated long to please his lord!— 
Now left to man’s ingratitude he lay, 
Unhoused, neglected in the publick way.— 

He knew his lord; he knew, and strove to meet; 
In vain he strove to crawl, and kiss his feet 5 
Yet—all he could—his tail, his ears, his eyes, 
Salute his master, and confess his joys. 

Soft pity touched the mighty master’s soul ; 
Adown his cheek a tear unbidden stole, 
Stole unperceived ; he turned his head, and dried 
The drop humane.— 
The dog, whom fate had granted to behold 
His lord, when twenty tedious years had rolled, 
Takes a last look, and having seen him, dies.—” 
Pope. Odyss. B. 17. v. 345—398. 


40 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology: 


Sed circumsiliens modo huc, modo illuc, 
Ad solam dominam usque pipilabat.”’* 


Catull. Carm. UF,—IIT, 
While the tears and swoln eyes of its mistress— 
“© Flendo turgiduli rubent ocelli—” 


pear testimony that the female heart was not made of “ sterner 
stuff” in the days of old than in the present, but that equally sus- 
‘ceptible of regard for the little favourites that looked up to it for 
‘support and protection, as in the most refined of modern times, 
it could equally lament hi 


‘* The squirrel missing, or the sparrow flown.” 


Among the subjects connected with Natural History, which, 
like the preceding, are either incidentally referred to by the 
classick writers, or expressly described, I have been particularly 
attracted by a group which claimed a high regard with antiquity, 
—the Parrots of the ancients. Those who are conversant with 
the better times of Greece and Rome, or rather of the latter 
empire, for it was at alate period of the Grecian annals that 
Parrots became known, are aware that these birds, from 
their beauty, their docile manners, and the imitative powers t 


* The beauty of these verses of Catullus seems not to have been lost on the 
Romans themselves, They appear to have been popular among them, and to 
have been referred to as we would allude to our Shakespeare or peg See 
particularly Martial. Lib. I. Epig. de Catellé Publi. 


« Issa est passere nequior. Catulli, 
Issa est purior osculo coltumbe.” 


+ The powers of voice and of imitation belonging to these birds could not be 
passed over by those to whom they appear to have been so familiar. Aristotle 
accounts for these powers as the consequence of the formation of their tongue 
which approaches that of man. ‘* OAws de yaprlwvyc TavTa PeareaynAd 
Hal TAaTUYAWT Ta nal lnTina® nat yap To IyOrmoy oeveovy » iTTaxn To 
Atyolntvoy avIewmoyAor Tov, TowouToverts.” Hist. Anim. VIII. 14. 6. Solinus 
apparently following Aristotle makes the same allusion—* lingua lata, mul- 
toque latior quam ceteris avibus. Unde perficitur ut articvlata verba penitus 
eiequatur. Quod ingenium ita Romane delitie mirate sunt, ut Barbari 


On a group of Psittacide known to the Ancients. 41 


of their voice, were in general request and estimation : — that 
they were the favourites of some of the highest personages of 


Psittacos mercem fecerint.”’ Polyhist. c. 23. p. 121. Ed. Ald. 1518. Apuleius 
refers to the same formation of the tongue as the cause of the same powers of 
speech. ‘ Verum ad disciplinam humani sermonis facilior est psittacus, 
glande qui vescitur;—illud omnibus proprium, quo eis lingua latior, quam 
czteris avibus, eo facilius verba hominis articulantur patentiore plectro et 
palato. Id vero quod dicit, ita similiter nobis canit, vel potius eloquitur, ut 
vocem si audias, hominem putes.” Florid. Lib. II. p. 137. Ed. Ald. 1521. 
In fact these birds are seldom mentioned by classick writers without a refer- 
ence to their voice. Arrian expressly alludes to it. “ Newexos adnysetai— 
omotos OEVIS ETT O OITTANOS, HAL omws Quvny tex avdewmivny.” Hist. Ind. c. xv- 
Plutarch, in one of those treatises which prove him to have been no ordinary 
observer of nature, (see particularly his Treatises ‘* De Amore Prolis,” and 
*¢ De Solertia Animalium,” Vol. VII. and X.) equally refers to the powers 
of voice which these birds possess in common with the Stares, and Pies. 
SC apes De nat noganes nat Pirranc: wavdavoyres iaAsyerSas, nat To THs 
Dwvns wvEevne% Tols dacnec evTAacroy eTw xa [ALLANAOY eLaciduery nae 
eudpurCewv TaEKOVTES, e401 SonEat Tpodinéiv nat cuynyoeély Tos adAois Ewous 
By TH pwarraven, TeoToy Tive OiacnKoVTES NHS, OTE HHL TeoPoens Aoys naz 
Quvns evaedes uetertiv aveois.” De Solertié Anim. Opera. Vol. X. p. 5!. 
‘Ed. Reiske. The poets abound in passages equally descriptive of their 
powers of speech. 
<¢ Quid tamen ista fides? quid rari forma coloris? 
Quid vox mutandis ingeniosa sonis ?— 
Non fuit in terris vocum simulacior ales 3 
Reddebas blzso tam bene verba sono.— 
Occidit ille loquax, humane vocis imago, 
Psittacus, extremo munus ab orbe datum.” 
Ovid. Amor. L. If, El. VI. 


“ Psittace dux volucrum, domini facunda voluptas, 
Humane solers imitator Psittace lingua ;— 

lile salutator rezum, nomenque locutus 

Cwxsareum, et queruli quondam vice functus amici, 

Nunc conviva levis, monstrataque reddere verba 

Tam facilis: quo tu, Melior dilecte, recluso 

Nunquam solus eras,”’ Stat. Syl. L. Il. 


The name of Cesar seems to have been the favourite word, which was 
taught to these ‘* salutatores rezum,” and in former times to have occupied tie 
place of those trivial and unmeaning phrases which are in the mouths of our 
modern Parrots. The delicate flattery of tie Roman epigrammatist is conspi- 


cuous in the following lines. 


AQ Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


those times,* were honoured by the attention of some of the chief 
men of science, and were immortalized by the genius of some of 


“¢ Psittacus a vobis aliorum nomina discam, 
Hoc didici per me dicere, Cesar ave.” 
Martial. Epig. Lib. X1V. 


We may adduce the following passage from the * Anthology” as illustrative 
of the lessons which were given to these birds. 


* Wieranos 0 Beoroyneus aQers AvyoTsuyEx KUETOV, 
Havdey sus devjous aytogues BTECVYl. 
Avi enpsrerav aomacwact Kairaea xAzivov, 
Oud’ xv ven AnSny nryaryev Bvoeros. 
Edexpe 0° wxudidaxros amas o1wvos, eeiCuy 
Tis PSinvar Suvaras Sayrove dre” evewesy. 
Oegeus Sieas emicev ev ecco, es 0 of Kéizae 
Nouv axeAsvoros amas ogvis avaneener at.” 
Anthol, Lib. I. p. 84. Ed. Hen, Steph. 1566. 


It is to this mode of salutation that Persius alludes in the Prologue to his 
Satires, when he speaks of that necessity which forced him to become a poet, 
as it forced the Parrots and Pies to talk. 


‘© Quis expedivit Psittacosuum X/pe? 
Picasque docuit nostra verba conari? 
Magister artis ingenique largitor 
Venter, negatas artifex sequi voces.” 


* The fame of Augustus’s and Vespasian’s Parrots is well known. In later 
times a bird of this description acted an even still more conspicuous part in 
an equally imperial house. Basil, the Macedonian, after having ascended the 
throne of Constantinople, imprisoned his son Leo upon some false accusation 3 
and continued his anger towards him, without regard to the lamentations of 
his family and their intreaties for his freedom. Moved however by the pitiful 
tones of one of these birds, which had learned to imitate the lamentations of 
the household, and to repeat the name of Leo in accents of commiseration, he 
consented to liberate him; fearing, as the Annalist infers, that his own heart 
should appear more insensible to the feelings of nature, than that of a bird,— 


& Hy nde oTEoUdiOV [ABOIKOY EXEL KATH TOY OLKOY, 
EvSa mingos odoPuepros nas yoos EN XEITOs 
Omep anodoy swexws Quvwy SenynTnetwys 


On a group of Psittacide known to the Ancients. 43 


the most eminent poets. The well known Philippick of the elder 
Cato against the luxury cf his times, in which he particularly 
declaims against the custom of carrying about these birds in pub- 
lick, evinces the general favour in which they were held; while 
the high prices at which they were sometimes purchased, and the 
costly materials of which their places of confinement were com- 
posed,* demonstrate the high value which was set upon them. 
It is not perhaps equally well known that the group, thus favoured 
by antiquity, forms a detached division in the modern family of 
Psittactde ; and that any species belonging to it may at once be 
detected in the largest assemblage of these birds, and distinguished 
by strong generick characters from all the numerous species that 
have been discovered in. modern days. In the present sketch I 
shall endeavour to point out these generick characters, the geo- 
graphical limits of the group, and the situation which it appears 
to hold in the family. 


Ka: ras Gous exdiday Sev TUS YOECuS EXEWAS, 
LovavwAroruCev auras Teer Ts VEQYIB, 

Kas weouPece Tov Arovra, nas ou denver EWHELe 

Tere wore BaciAtios aneous TS oressis 

Aadeytos, “at Tov Asovra Decovtos ava oro.%,— 
——_——— —— aehacorra THs onAneoyywpoavyys 5 
Awespevos, “ws EOIKE, LNT WS Taen Thy Duciv 
Agunmadeorseos avTe Paiwero TE oTesdie.” 


Const. Manass. Compend. Chron. p. 108. Ed. Paris. 1665. 


The word oresvos was originally used fora sparrow; but oreediov was chiefly 
synomymous with avicula as the diminutive or familiar name of a pet bird of 
any kind: and there can be but little doubt that the oreesioy Esoinoy of the 
imperial palace was a Parrot. 


* We may form an idea of the splendour of their cages from the description 
given of one by Statius. 


“ At tibi quanta domns, rutila testudine fulgens, 
Connexusque ebori virgarum argenteus ordo, 

Argutumque tuo stridentia limina cornu, 

Et querule jam sponte fores: vacat ille beatus 

Carcer.—” sylv. L. I. 


Ad Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


The ancient writers are unanimous in informing us that the 
Parrots known to their times came exclusively from India.* 
In that country these birds were ever held in the highest honour. 
We are informed by A‘lian + that they were the favourite inmates 
of the palaces of the princes; and were looked up to as objects of 
sacred reverence by the religious feelings of the people. From 
thence'they were introduced into Europe at the time of the Mace- 
donian conquest ; and the specifick name of Alexandri, applied 
by modern science to the type of the group, in honour of the first 
‘European discoverer of it, serves to perpetuate the name of a 
warriour, who is said to have valued the conquests that extended 
the boundaries of his empire, chiefly as they served to extend the 
boundaries of science. It was not until the times of Nero that 
the Parrots of Africa became known to the Romans.{ Some of 


* Aristotle calls the Pséttacus ** ro Ivdsxoy ogveoy.” Hist. Anim. VIII. 146, 
and Arrian in his Indian History makes it a native of the East, $6 eyiyverant 
zv rn Ivdwy yn.” Hist. Ind. cap. XV. Pausanias says it exclusively belongs 
to that country, ** *xea de Iydav povwy adda ve nose cet xat oeudes oe 
Wirraxos.” Lib. IL. cap. 28. p. 175. ed. Kuhnii. Solinus assigns it the same 
exclusive locality :—‘‘ Sola India mittit Psittacum avem.” Polyhist. c. 53. 
p- 120. Ed. Ald. 1518. Ovid and Statius also unite in giving this bird an 
Eastern origin. 

“ Psittacus, Eois imitatrix ales ab Indis.” 
Amor. II. 6. 


‘¢ Psittacus, ille plage viridis regnator Eox.” 
Sylv. Lib. Il. 
See also Aiutan. De Nat. Animal. XVI. 2. and XVI. 15. 


+ De Nat. Anim, XIII. 18. See also SrRAzo. Geograph. Lib. XV. p. 718. 
Ed. Casaub. 1620. 


t See Pirvy. Nat. Hist. Lib. VI. c. 29. Diodorus Siculus says that Parrots 
were found in Syria. 66% A, Se rns Lueias Exar ins Wirraxe xak TroeQuerwyas 
xab pcAcayeloas, Hak aAAwY Cawy Wias Quzeis roIs KOWALT! HAL ToimirAus 
ovyxercess.” Biblioth. Hist. Lib. II. c. 53. p. 165. Ed. Wesselingii. It is not 
however likely that these birds were natives of a country, so far north of 
their usual habitation, and so near to Europe as to render it improbable that 
they should not have been known earlier than the Macedonian conquest. It is 
more probable that the birds alluded to by Diodorus were merely articles of 


On a group of Psittacide known to the Ancients. 45 


these birds were among the discoveries made in the course of aw 
expedition sent out by that prince. They came apparently from 
the neighbourhood of the Red Sea. And it is probable that as 
that country became more known, numbers of the same race 
were imported from it into Rome, and formed the chief part of 
those victims of the Parrof tribes, which in after times are said 
to have supplied the inordinate luxury and wantonness of Helio- 
gabalus.* 

The Indian group thus familiar to the ancients, may be identi- 
fied with those beautiful birds, equally the favourites of our mo- 
dern times, which are brought to us from the same country, and 
which are distinguished by the rose coloured collar round their 
neck, the brilliant emerald of their body, and the deep ruby of 
their bill. Pliny points out distinctly the former characters. 
‘6 India hanc avem mittit, sittacen vocat, virzdem toto corpore, 
torque tantum miniato in cervice distinctam.” + Solinus, in gene- 
ral the servile copier of Pliny, confirms this description, though 


commerce brought from India by the inhabitants of Syria, and being trans- 
ported from thence to. Romie were mistaken for natives of that province. 
Bochart coincides in this opinion, who thinks that the Psittacus was unknown 
to the Jewish writers. See Hierozoic. Pars. 2% p. 342. 


* The following Bill of Fare which furnished the table of the above em- 
perour may be of some novelty and interest to the bon vivant, if not to the 
naturalist. ‘* Comedit sepius ad imitationem Apicii caleanea camelorum, et 
cristas vivis gallinaceis demptas, linguas pavonum et lusciniarum: quod qui 
ederet ab epilepsia tutus diceretur. Exhibuit et palatinis ingentes dapes extis 
mullorum refertas, et cerebellis pheenicopterum, et perdicum ovis, et cerebellis 
turdorum, et capitibus psittacorum, et fasianorum, et pavonum.” Nor did he 
reserve such delicacies merely for his own table. ‘* Misit et uwvas apamenas in 
presepia equis suis: et psittacis atque fasianis leones pavit et alia animalia.” 
Aus Lamerip. Vit. Heliog. Script. Hist. Rom. Min. Tom. II. p. 965. 
Ed. Hen. Steph.-1568. Numbers however of these birds must have been im- 
ported into Rome at a much earlier period, for Apicius himself must haye 
feasted upon no small proportion ofthem. It is also probable that Parrots were 
among the number of those vocal birds which the elder Aesopus, the tragedian, 
is said to have sacrificed to his extravagance. ‘‘ Huic nimirum magis Aeso- 
pus » quem constat cantu commendabiles aviculas, immanibus emptas pre- 
tiis, pro ficedulis ponere.”? War. Max. Lib. IX. c. 1.2. 

t+ Lib. x. e, 42, 


AG Mr. Vigors’s: Sketches in Ornithology. 


with a slight variation as to colour. ‘* Sola India mittit Psittacum 
avem, colore viridi, torque puniceo.”* Apuleius again alludes to 
the same characters, but more immediately and forcibly distin- 
guishes the varying tints of. the collar round the neck. ‘ Color 
Psittaco viridis, et intimis plumulis et extimis palmulis, nisi quod 
sola cervice distinguitur. Enimvero cervicula ejus circulo mineo 
velut aured torqui pari fulgoris circumactu cingitur et coronatur.” + 
Oppian gives the bird an epithet { which precisely represents the 
colour of the modern group to which I allude; 


Yirranos avTé, Avanos TE, suv aAAnAoIss veLovTor, 
Assi yxp govees: Avnos TIOEZLIXPOON opyty. 


De Venat. Lib. II. v. 488. 


While Ovid, in like manner, particularizes both the emerald 
plumage and the deep red bill. 


Tu poteras fragiles plumis hebetare smaragdos, 
Tincta gerens rubro Punica rostra croco. 


Amor. Lib. II. El. V1. 


It generally, indeed as I apprehend, invariably happens, that 
when groups are separated from all others of the same family by 
characters of colouring thus decisively marking, and are at the same 
time confined within certain geographical limits to the exclusion 
of all the other conterminous groups of the same family, such 
groups are set apart also by generick characters equally distin- 
guishing. This at least is the case in the assemblance of birds now 
before us, which I shall proceed to characterize under the gene- 
rick name of 

PALZoRNIS. 

Rostrum subcrassum; mandibula superiore dilataté culmine 
rotundo, inferiore lata, brevi, emarginata. 

Ale mediocres ; remigibus tribus extimis fere seialileae lon- 


* Polyhist. c. 23. + Florid. Lib. Il. 


} The epithet avSogues applied to the wing of this bird, in the passage lately 
quoted from the * Anthologia,” (p. 42. Note), seems to refer to the same co- 
lour, or may perhaps allude to the rose-like spot upon the wing. 

Yee poe, 8 


On a group of Psittacide known to the Ancients. 47 


gissimis;' secunde tertie et quarte pogoniis externis in medio 


gradatim latioribus. 
Cauda gradata; rectricibus duabus mediis gracillimis cxteras 


longitudine magnopere excedentibus. 

Pedes; tarsis brevibus, debilibus ; unguibus mediocribus, sub- 
gracilibus, falcatis. 

Corpus gracile, concinnum. 

Typus genericus. Ps. Alexandri. Linn. 


The birds that compose this genus are at first sight distinguished 
by their superiour elegance and gracefulness of form. This cha- 
racter is considerably increased by the construction of the tail, 
the two middle feathers of which far exceed the rest in length. 
This is a form which decidedly separates the present division of 
Parrots from all the other known species of the family; and 
which has caused M. Le Vaillant to designate by the name of 
Perroquets a queue en fléche those species of the group which he has 
figured. The billis much dilated above, and rounded like that 
of Platycercus,* but it is somewhat more elongated: the under 
mandible also, like that of Platycercus, is short and bent in- 
wards, but it is not so much bentas in the latter genus, and conse- 
quently has not so strong an emargination. ‘The wings are of 
moderate length, the three outward quill feathers being the long~ 
est, and nearly equal in length. The outer webs of the second, 
third, and fourth of these feathers are much dilated in the centre, 
becoming gradually narrower towards the apex ; in this construc- 
tion differing from most of the conterminous genera, in which the 
same webs are either abruptly emarginated as in Platycercus and 
Pezoporus, or entire as in many of the neighbouring long tailed 
groups. The ¢arsi are short, and partially covered by the feathers 
of the thighs, and the conformation of the legs and feet in general 
denotes considerable weakness. 

The similarity of colouring that prevails among all the birds of 
this group, has given rise to much confusion in regulating the 
species, the greater part of which have been until lately con- 
sidered varieties of two or three species. Great praise is due to the 


* See Zool. Journ. Vol. I. p. 527. 


AS Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


late M. Kuhl, for his exertions in unravelling the intricacies of 
this subject: and in characterizing the species of Paleornis, little 
more is necessary than a reference to the birds belonging to that 
group as described in his Monograph * of the family. In mention- 
ing that work, I cannot allow myself to pass it over with mere 
simple approbation. It has the merit of being the first instance ir 
which the principles, so successfully developed in the ** Hore 
Entomologice ” in reference to some departments of the Annulosa, 
were applied to a group of the Vertebrated Animals: and where 
the circular disposition in which the groups of nature return into 
themselves, and the uninterrupted series of affinities by which 
they are connected together, have been asserted and satisfactorily 
demonstrated. Whether the views which M. Kuhl unfolded in 
his Monograph were the result of his own observations on nature, 
or whether he was originally indebted for them to the ** Hore 
Entomologice,” it is now impossible to determine. Certain it is 
that he spent some time in this country in the year 1819, when 
the work referred to had just been published, and when the prin- 
ciples illustrated in it formed a topick of general conversation and 
of peculiar interest among men of science. This period was im- 
mediately previous to the appearance of the Monograph on the 
Psittacide, which was published in 1820. Whatever may be our 
opinions on this point, the work itself affords a superiour example 
of an attempt at a natural arrangement. The leading divisions, 
with some slight modification, t will be found to accord with those 


* See “ Conspectus Psittacorum, ab H. Kuan, Ph. Dr. &c.” printed in 
the “‘Nova Acta Physico-Medica Academie Cesaree Leopoldino-Caroline 
Nature curiosorum.” Vol. 10. p. I. Bonne, 1820. 


+ M. Kuhl’s grand divisions of the family amount to six: but they will be 
seen, if accurately examined, to compose but five of equal degree. His sixth 
division, which unites the Cockatoos and Maccaws, is composed only of the two 
species which form the genus Microglossum, Geof. St. Hil., or those which M. Le 
Vaillant denominates Aras a trompe. This group, though generically distinct 
from the other species of the Cockatoos, more particularly by the form of the 
tongue, accords with them so closely in the general characters of the section 
or subfamily, as to cause an unnatural break if we separate it from them. The 
only material deviation which it exhibits from the Cockatoos is the nakedness 
of the face: but this deviation merely places it-at the extreme of that sec- 


On a group of Psittacide known to the Ancients. 49 


more comprehensive and philosophick views, which, from accurate 
observation of nature, are now almost universally allowed to offer 
the most faithful interpretation of her laws. And although the 
minour subdivisions are founded on the geographical limits of the 
species, a foundation, which if universally adopted would be 
both arbitrary and insufficient; yet in the present instance this 
arrangement of the groups before us may be considered as afford- 
ing, with some slight and partial.deviations, the nearest approach 
to their separation by strict generick characters; so closely are 
their natural peculiarities in unison with their geographical distri- 
bution. It is to be regretted that M. Kuhl did not characterize * 
the divisions which he has formed. Had he added this necessary 
finish to his groups, little more would have been left to succeeding 
naturalists, than to subjoin to his subdivisions those species with 
which subsequent discoveries encrease the numbers of the family. 

Following then M. Kuhl as my chief guide, and assisted also 
by the splendid illustrations and scientifick notices which M. Le 
Vaillant has left us of this family, I proceed to point out the 
species of Palwornis now known to vs. 


* Mandidula inferiore brevi. 


1. Avexanpri. Linn. P. viridis, torque miniaceo, guld teni- 
aque interoculari nigris, macula alarum purpureo-rubra. 


Psittacus torquatus macrourus Antiquorum. Aldrov. Aves. Vol. 
1. p. 678. Icon p. 679. 
Psittacus Alexandri. Linn. Syst. I. p. 141, No, 34. 


tion, where it joins the succeeding section of the Maccaws, in which the cha- 
racter of the naked face prevails. We might equally separate many other 
groups as M. Kuhl has separated this, and call them sections or subfamilies ; 
but they could not stand as separate divisions of the same rank as the rest, 
not being of equal degree with them in point of distinction or importance. 


* M. Kuhl has affixed characters to the leading divisions, and also assigned 
them names, These latter however he does not use; and the characters 
themselves extend no further than to the length or evenness of the tail, the 
nakedness or covering of the cheeks, and the size of the bird itself. He makes 
little use of the various modifications of the bill; tarsi, or wings, or of the tail 
with the exception of its being even or graduated. 


Vou. Ik D 


50: Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology: 


Psittacus Alexandri. Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 97. No. 46. 

Psittacus Alexandri. Kuhl. Nova Acta, &c. No. 35. 

Grande Perruche 4 collier rouge vif. Buff. Tom. VI. p. 14f.. 

Perruche a collier des Isles Maldives. Pi. Enl. 642. 

La grande Perruche a collier. Le Vaill. pl. 30. 

Alexandrine Parrot. Lath. Syn. Vol. I. p. 234. No. 37.—Vol. II. 
69. Ed, 2%. 

Ring Parrakeet.. Edw. pl. 292. 

Alexandrine Parrakeet. Shaw. Gen. Zool. Vol. VIII. p. 423. 


Bjun. Absque torque. 

Psittacus Eupatria. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p. 140. 

Psittaca Ginginiana. Briss. Vol. IV. p. 343. tab. 29. f. I. 

Psittacus Eupatria. Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 85. No. 11. 

La grande Perruche 4 ailes rougeatres. Buff. Tom. VI. p. 156. 

Perruche de Gingi. Pl. Enl. 239. 

Perruche a epaulettes rouges. Le Vaill. pl. 73. 

Gingi Parrot. Lath. Syn. Vol. I. p. 209. No. 10.—Vol. II..p. 
113. No, 14, Ed..2™. 

Gingi Parrakeet. Shaw. Gen.. Zool. Vol. VIII. p..438. 


Habitat in Zeylona. 
This species differs from the following chiefly by the greater 
size of tlie bill, and the dark red spot on the shoulders. It ap- 


pears to extend over some parts of the continent of India, but its 
chief habitat is Ceylon. 


2. Torquatus. Auct. P. viridis, torque miniaceo, gula tenidque 
interoculari nigris, macula alarum nulla. 


Psittaca torquata Briss. Vol. IV. p. 323. No. 55. 

Psittacus Alexandri. var. 8. Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 98. 

Psittacus torquatus. Kuhl. Nova Acta, &c. No. 34. 

Perruche a collier couleur de Rose. Buff. Tom. VI. p. 152. 

La Perruche a collier. Pl. Enl. 551. 

Perruche a collier rose. Le Vaill. pl. 22. 23. 

Alexandrine Parrakeet.. Lath. Syn. Vol. I. p. 235. No.37. var. A. 
Rose-ringed Parrakeet. 


On a group of Psittacide known to the Ancients. ‘51 


Rose-ringed Parrakeet. Lath. Syn. Vol. II. p. 160. No. 70. 
Ed. 2%. 
Rose-ringed Parrakeet. Shaw. Gen. Zool. Vol. VIII. p. 425. 


B. var. flav. 
Perruche souffré. Le Vaill. pl. 43. 
Sulphur Parrakeet. Shaw. Gen. Zool. Vol. VIII. p. 428. 


Habitat in India, Africaque. 


It is said that this species is abundant on the African Continent, 
and is found as far westward as Senegal. M. Brisson has asserted 
that it is a native of America (Vol. IV. p. 326), led into this 
errour most probably from his having received specimens from that 
country which had been previously imported into it from India. 
It is not often that we haye to notice an inaccuracy of this kind 
in the works of that naturalist, which may be consulted with 
much advantage, both for the sake of the information they contain 
and their scientifick views. - : 


3. Fraviroraquis. Shaw. P. viridis, subtus subflavescens, torque 
Jlavo, capite, collo postico, rectricibusque mediis ceruleis, his 
apice albidis, 


Psittacus flavitorquis. Shaw. Gen. Zool. Vol. I. p. 439. 

Psittacus annulatus. Bechst. 

Baeieistem sie! © s2ey5< Kuhl. Nova Acta. &c. No. 36. 

Perruche a collier jaune. Le Vaill. pl. 75, 76. 

Yellow-collared Parrakeet. Lath. Syn. Vol. II. p. 166. No. 
75. Ed. ea, 


Habitat in India. 


4, Brrorquatus. Kuhl. P. viridis, torque duplici, superiore ce- 
ruleo, inferiore rubro, gula nigra. 


Psittaca Borbonica torquata. Briss. Vol. IV. p. 328. No. 57. 
t.27.f. 1. | 
Psittacus bitorquatus. Kuhl. Nova Acta, &c. No. 168. 
Psittacus Alexandri. var. 3. Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 98. 
D2 


52 ~My. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


Perruche a double collier. Buff. Vol. VI. p. 143. 

Perruche 4 collier de l’Isle de Bourbon. Pl. Enl. 215. 

Perruche a double collier. Le Vaill. pl. 39. 

Alexandrine Parrakeet. Lath. Syn. Vol. I. p. 236. No. 37. 
var. C. Double-ringed Parrakeet.—Vol. II. p. 161. No, 70. 
var. B. Ed. 2%. 


Habitat ? 

M. Le Vaillant saw two of these birds alive, from which he 
took his description. Their habitat, according to M. Kuhl, is 
unknown. Dr. Latham, however, who has described the bird as 
a variety of the Alexandrine Parrakeet, makes it a native of the 
Isle of Bourbon. 


5. Xantunosomus. Bechst. P. leté viridis, capite, cauda, remi- 
gibusque cerulescentibus, tectricibus intermediis citrinis. 


Psittacus xanthosomus. Bechst. 
Psittacus xanthosomus. Kuhl. Nova Acta, &c. No. 42. 
Perruche a epaulette jaune. Le Vaill. pl. 61. 


Habitat in Ternate. 

This species rests also on the authority of that accurate observer 
and naturalist, M. Le Vaillant, who saw a specimen of this bird 
alive. 


6. Maraccensis. P. viridis, capite, pileo excepto, colloque postico 
' vinaceo-rubris, guld, mystacibus, teniaque interocularé nigris. 


Psittacus Malaccensis. Gmel. Vol. 1. p. 325. No. 74. 
Psittacus Ginginianus. var. 3. Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 100. No. 50. 
Psittacus erubescens. Shaw. Gen. Zool. Vol. VIII. p. 437. 
Psittacus barbatulatus. Bechst. 

aM! Yr Coes ke Kuhl. Nova Acta, &c. No. 38. 
La grande Perruche a longs brins. Buff. Tom. VI. p. 155, 
Perruche de Malac. Pl. Enl. 887. 

Perruche 4 nuque et joues rouges. Le Vaill. pl. 72. 


On a group of Psittacide known to the Ancients. 53 


Blossom-headed Parrakeet. Lath. Syn. Vol. I. p. 24. No. 39. 
var. C. Malacca Parrakeet.—Vol. IT. p. 164. No. 74. var. C. 
, Ed. oer i . 


Habitat in Malacca, Sumatra, &c. 

I have seen several specimens of this beautiful species, which 
have been lately brought to this country from Sumatra, by Sir 
Stamford Raffles. M. Bechstein has altered the original name of 
this bird into that of barbatulatus, in consequence of the term 
Malaccensis having been also applied to another species of Par- 
rot. But the latter bird belongs to a totally distinct subfamily 
from that before us; and, thus disposed in different generick 
groups, they may each possess the same specifick name without 
interfering with each other. 


7. Ervturoceruarus. Gmel. P. viridis, subtus flavescenti-viridis, 
capite roseo posticé violaceo, torque nuchali guldque nigris, 
macula humerali rufa, rectricibus cerulescentibus. 


Psittacus erythrocephalus. Gmel. Vol.:I. p. 325. 

Psittaca Ginginiana erythrocephalos. Briss. Vol. IV. p. 346. 
pl: 29,.f. 2. 

Psittacus Ginginianus. Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 99. No. 50, 

Psittacus erythrocephalus. Kuhl. Nova Acta, &c. No. 37. 

Perruche a tete rouge. Buff. Tom. VI. p. 144. 

Perruche a téte rouge de Gingi. Pl. Enl. 264. 

Rose-headed ring Parrakeet. Edw. Glean. t. 233. 

Blossom-headed Parrakeet.—Lath. Gen. Syn. Vol. I. p. 239. 
No. 39.—Vol. II. p. 164. No. 74. Hd. Qaa, 

Perruche a collier noir, Le Vaill. pl. 45. 


Habitat 
I have never had an opportunity of examining a specimen of 


? 


this bird, and accurately observing the difference between it and 
the next species, which is not uncommon: but from the figures 
of both, given in the above quoted plates, and from the observa- 
tions of M. Kuhl, who seems to have investigated the point with 
much attention, they appear to be decidedly distinct. 


54 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology: »° ~ 


8. Bencaxensis. Briss. P. viridis subtus virescenti«flavus, capite 
Perper gucnbew hg posticé lilacino, tenia nigra cincto, gula 
nigra, macula humerali purpurascenti-brunnea, rectricibus 
mediis ceruleis apice albis. 


Psittaca Bengalensis. Briss. Tom. IV. p. 348. 
Psittacus Ginginianus. var. 6. Lath. Ind, Orn. p. 100. 
- Psittacus rodocephalus. Shaw. Gen. Zool. Vol. VILI. p. 434. 
_. Mus. Lev. p. 83.—Vivarium Nat. Vol. 21. p. 877. 
_ Psittacus Bengalensis. Kuhl. Nova Acta, &c. No. 39. 
La Perruche a téte rouge de |’Isle de Lucon. Sonn. Voy. p. 79. 
t. 42. ; 
La petite Perruche a téte couleur de rose a long brins, Buff. 
Tom. VI. p. 154. 
Perruche de Mahé. PI. Enl. 888. 
Perruche fridytutah, Le Vaill. p. 74. 
Parrakeet from Bengal. Albin. Vol. III. t. 14. 
Blossom-headed Parrakeet. Lath. Gen. Syn, Vol. 1. p. 239. No. © 
39. var. A. Rose-headed Ring Parrakeet. wes IT. p. 164. 
No. 74. var. A. Ed. 2”. 


9. Ponpicertanus. Gmel. P. viridis, capite pallidé cwrulescenti- 
cano, guld mystacibus fasciaque frontali nigris, alis mediis 
JSiavicantibus, pectore abdomineque superiore roseis. 


Psittacus Pondicerianus. Gmel. Vol. 1. p. 325. No. 75. 

Psittacus Pondicerianus. Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 99. No. 48. 

Psittacus Pondicerianus. Kuhl. Nova Acta, &c. No. 48. 

Psittacus mystaceus. Shaw. Gen. Zool. Vol. VIII. p. 436. 
pl. 63. 

Psittacus barbatus. Gmel. Vol. 1. p. 325. ai 73. B. 

La Perruche 4 moustaches. Buff. Tom. Vol. VI. p. 149. 

Perruche de Pondichery. PI. Enl. 517. 

Perruche a poitrine rose. Le Vaill. pl. 31. 

Mustachoe Parrot. Lath. Gen. Syn. Vol. 1. p. 238. No. 38.— 
Vol. 11. p. 162. No. 72. Ed. 2*. 

Psittacus bimaculatus. Sparm. Mus. Cars, F. IL. t. 30. 


On a group of Psittacide known to the Ancients. 55 


Psittacus bimaculatus. Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 90, No. 49. 
Bimaculated Parrakeet. Lath. Gen. Syn. Vol. II. p. 163, No, 37. 
Ed. 2". 

Bimaculated Parrakeet. Shaw. Gen. Zool, Vol. VIII. p. 457. 

Psittacus Javanicus. Osbeck. t. I. 101. 

Psittacus. Javanicus. Gmel. Vol. I. p. 321. 

Psittacus Osbeckii. Lath. Ind. Orn. p, 87. No. 16. 

Psittacus Osbeckii. Horsf. Linn. Trans. Vol. XIII. p. 182. 

Alexandrine Parrakeet. Lath. Gen. Syn. Vol. 1. p. 237. No. 37. 

var. E. Javan Parrakeet. 

Alexandrine Parrakeet. Shaw. Gen. Zool. Vol. VIII. p. 426. 

var. Javan Parrakeet. 

To these may I think be also added the following synonyms: 
‘the rose colour of the breast seeming to identify the birds des- 
-cribed with the species before us, rather than with any other. 

Psittacus Alexandri. Amenit. Academ. Tom. IV. p. 236. 

Psittacus Alexandri. var. Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 98. No. 37. 

Bracelet Parrakeet from the East Indies. Albin. Vol. II. pl. 18. 

La Perruche a collier des Indes. Briss, Tom. IV. p. 326. No. 56. 

Alexandrine Parrakeet. Lath. Gen. Syn. Vol. I. p. 236. No. 37. 

var. B. Purple-ringed Parrakeet. 

Alexandrine Parrakeet. Shaw. Gen. Zool. Vol. VIII. p. 426. 

var. Purple-ringed Parrakeet. 


Habitat in regione Pondiceriana, Java, &c. 
' I have included the above various synonyms under one name, 
in deference to the opinions of some of our best modern ornitho-= 
ogists, whose authority, from. their having devoted much atten- 
tion to the present subject, must have considerable weight upon 
this point. I have however some doubts whether the Javanese 
birds, first described by M. Osbeck as Pst. Javanicus, and after- 
wards by Dr. Latham as Psit. Osbeckii, be not distinct from the 
continental species. In .all the birds of the group which I have 
ascertained to come from Java, I have observed some devia~ 
tion in their colours and in the distribution of them, from those 
birds which have been described under the name of Pondicerianus ; 
while at the same time the former birds exhibited little variety 


56. Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology, » 


among themselves. In this country, however, we want data suffi- 
cient to determine this point. ‘We have abundance of specimens 
from Java, but few which can be ascertained to have come from 
Pondichery. In my doubts on this subject I find myself associat- 
ed with Dr. Horsfield,, who -had every opportunity of observing 
these birds in Java, where they were excessively common ; and 
who has retained to his Javanese specimens the name of Osbeckit. 


10. Barrasanni. P. viridis, sincipite gulaque aureo- sflavis, JSas- 
cid eeegyae maculisque femoralibus rubris. 


Psittacus Barrabandi. Swains. Zool. Ilust. Vol. I. pl. 59.. 
Scarlet-breasted Parrot. Lath. Gen. Syn. Vol. II. p. 121. No. 
24. Ed. 2°. 


Habitat in Nova Hollandia. 

This bird beautifully connects the Parrots of New Holland 
with the Indian species of Palwornis, The name of Barrabandi 
has been already applied to another species of the family, but a ' 
species belonging to a different generick group ; it may therefore 
remain attached to the present species, 


** Mandibuld inferiore elongata. 


11. Paruensis. Gmel. P. sanguineo-coccineus, sriheretagnalee alis 
rectricibusque viridibus, fascia nuchali alterdque interoculari 
nigris, hac azureo-marginatd. 

> 


Psittacus Papuensis. Gmel. Vol. 1. p. 317. 
. Psittacus Papuensis, Lath. Ind. Orn. p. 88. No. 20. 
Psittacus Papuensis. Kuhl. Nova Acta, &c. No. 40. 
Petit Lori Papou. Sonn. Voy. p. 175. t. III. 
Perruche Lori-papou. Le Vaill. pl. 77. 
Papuan Lory. Lath. Gen. Syn. Vol. I. p. 215. No. 17.—Vol, 
JI. p. 125,, No,:28,.Ed. 2"... © 
Papuan Parrakeet. Shaw. Gen. Zool. Vol. VIII. p. 440. pl. 64, 


Habitat in Papua. 


~ Were we enabled to decide the generick station of any bird by 
an inspection merely of a figure, without having seen the bird 


On a group of Psittacide known to the Ancients. 57 


itself, we might venture to subjoin another species of Dr. Latham, 
his Psit. Narcissus, or Jonquil Parrakeet,* to the foregoing list of 
species. Whether that bird be a distinct species, or merely a 
variety of some other, the representation of it exhibits all the 
striking characters both in form and colour of the genus before 
us; the compact head, the slender, delicate, and graceful body ; 
the elongated tail, the collar that encircles the neck, the dark red 
spot on the shoulder—in short all the exteriour indications of this 
beautiful group. Dr. Latham described his species from a single 
specimen which was alive in the neighbourhood of London: of 
this unfortunately all trace, as far as I can understand, is now 
lost,,and no second specimen has appeared to throw light upon 
the subject. It strikes me that the bird was a variety of one of 
the species enumerated above, most probably of the Pal. erythro- 
cephalus or Bengalensis, with both of which birds it closely ac- 
cords in the general disposition of the colouring. M. Le Vaillant 
has well observed, that, in those accidental variations of colour 
that take place occasionally in the feathered tribes, as well as in 
the usual changes that accrue in the vegetable world, where black 
or the other darker colours become white, green invariably changes 
into yellow. This he infers to be the case in his Perruche souffré, 
which he considers a variety of his Perruche a collier rose, our 
Pal. torquatus. Ihave myself had an opportunity of observing 
the uniformity of this mode of variation in a few instances among 
the Psittacide ; but more particularly in a specimen of the Pla- 
tycercus scapulatus, or King’s Parrakeet, of New Holland, which 
was for some time alive in this country. ‘The whole of this bird 
was yellow, with the exception of the head and under body, and 
the scapular fascia, the former‘of which retained their red, and 
the latter its ultramarine colour. while the original green had be- 
come a decided yellow. If we examine Paleornis erythrocepha- 
lus or Bengalensis, and imagine to ourselves the mode in which 
either would be likely to vary, we can easily conceive that the green 
colouring of the wings, body, and tail, may fade into a lemon on 
jonguil yellow, the black colour round the neck become white, 
according to the general law of variation, while the roseate crim- 
* Gen. Syu. Sup. IL. p. 83. tab. 123.—Vol. Il. p. 143, tab. 23. Ed. 2%. 


58 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


son of the head and of the spot on the shoulders will still retain 
their original strength of colouring. If we make allowances for 
these usual changes in either of the above mentioned species, 
we shall have before us the Psit. Narcissus of Dr, Latham. 

The station which the group of Palwornis appears to hold 
among the Psittacide seems to be nearly typical, if not entirely 
so, in that primary section, or subfamily, which is familiarly 
known to us by the title of long-tailed Parrakeets, and to the 
French naturalists by the name of Perruches; and which has 
been separated by M. Kuhl from the other subdivisions of the 
family under the sectional name of Conurus. Among the groups 
of that subfamily the genus before us exhibits the greatest de- 
velopement of its leading character, in the superiour length of the 
tail; a peculiarity, which is rendered strikingly conspicuous by 
the prolongation of the two middle tail feathers beyond the rest. 
In the length of the bill also it seems to hold a central situation 
in the same subfamily, between the extremes on each side. The 
corresponding subdivisions of the Psittacide which adjoin the 
present subdivision of Conurus, are, on one side, the genus Macro- 
cercus of M. Vieillot, or the group which we call Maccaws ; and, 
on the other, that group of short-tailed Parrakeets, which M. 
Brisson denominates Psttéacula. The former of these, or the 
Maccaws, are noted for the shortness of their bill, that member 
although strong being considerably abbreviated in comparison to 
the size of the bird, more particularly the under mandible, which 
is bent inwards, and almost appears at times to lie concealed 
within the feathers of the jaws. On the other hand the short or 
even-tailed tribes, which seem to form the typical groups of the 
Psittactde in general, have their bill, comparatively speaking, 
Jengthened; the under mandible in particular being much exe 
tended, and in some instances having the upper margin nearly 
straight. Now on examining the subfamily to which Palwornis 
belongs, we shall find that it consists of a series of groups, distin- 
guished from each other by strong generick peculiarities, but fol- 
Jowing each other by a gradual and perceptible prolongation of — 
the bill which unites the abbreviated bill of the Maccaws to the 
more lengthened bill of the typical Psétéactde ; and at the same 


On a group of Psittacide known to the Ancients, 59) 


time exhibiting a gradual abbreviation of the tail as the bill be- 
comes prolonged. The following outline of the succession of these 
different groups, which it is my intention at an early period to 
characterize more fully, and distinguish into generick divisions, 
will afford some idea of the relative situation which Palornis 
holds among them. 

Closely allied to the Maccaws, or the 4dras of the French Orni- 
thologists, by their general form, is a group which is represented 
by the Psit. Guianensis of Linneus, or the species which M. 
Buffon, with a happy adaptation of name to character, has distin- 
guished as the Perruche Ara. Here the naked cheeks of the 
preceding subfamily is lost: but a naked space, still retained 
about the eye, exhibits the rudiments of that character, and evinces 
the unbroken chain of affinity that unites the two groups. These 
Parrakeet-Maccaws form a somewhat considerable genus, con- 
fined chiefly to the New World, the native place also of the pre- 
ceding subfamily. They are immediately met by two New Hol- 
land groups, in which the shortened bill of the Maccaws is still 
strongly conspicuous ; one, a group including some of the most 
diminutive and delicately formed species of the family, such as 
Psit. discolor, Lath., pulchellus, Shaw, venustus, Temm., and 
undulatus, Shaw, and which may be said in their general struc- 
ture to exhibit the appearance of pigmy Maccaws; the second, a 
group, which forms the genus Platycercus, as characterized in the 
last volume of this Journal.* This genus, it may be remembered, 
is distinguished by its broad and depressed tail, and its lengthened 
darsi. In the latter of these characters it intimately accords with 
Pezoporus Ill.; but the breadth of the tail is lost in that genus, 
which partially assumes somewhat of the lengthened and arrow- 
shaped form of the taii of Palwornis. In a species of this last 
group, belonging to New Holland, P. Barra>andi, the full charac- 
ters of the tail and of the other distinguishing peculiarities of 
Palwornis are discernible, with the exception of the ¢arsé being 
considerably longer than in the Indian species. Here then we 
have a beautiful connection between the ambulating Paurrakeets of 
Australasia, and the weaker and shorter legged groups of India. 

Vol. Ie p.\o2t- 


60. Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


Arriving now at Paleornis, we may perceive that this group in 
general still retains the abbreviated under mandible ; but in some 
of the extreme species, more particularly Pal. Pondicerianus, we 
may detect an increasing length in that member which indicates 
an approach to the longer billed tribes. In the species just men- 
tioned also we may perceive a gradual decrease in the length of 
the tail, the two middle feathers, which in the typical species 
generally exceed the others by three inches or more, in this 
species scarcely exceeding them by an inch anda half. In the 
Pal. Papuensis again, and other species which holds an aberrant 
station in the genus, we equally recognize a recession from the 
typical birds, in its partially changing the emerald green colour 
that characterizes the present group for the deep red which now 
begins to predominate in the groups which succeed. We have 
already observed the striking deviation in the form of the bill 
of that species. The next division of Parrakeets, which, by 
their lengthening bill and decreasing tail, as well as by other 
less striking characters, appear to follow Palwornis, is one of 
peculiar interest. The representative of it is the Psit. hema- 
todus of Linnaeus, a bird which was first discovered in the Mo- 
lucca Islands, but which has since been found * in considerable 
abundance in New Holland, where it is known by the name 
of the Blue Mountain Lory. In the latter country also two or 
three additional species of the same group are to be met with 
which have hitherto escaped observation, or have been considered 
mere varieties of Psit. hematodus. Of this latter bird I had fre- 
quently heard from several visitors of New Holland, that its mode 
of feeding was partially different from that of the generality of 
Parrots, and that it occasionally lived. by suction, or at least 
by using the tongue as the vehicle of its food. As I was aware 
that the birds of that extraordinary division of the globe evince 


* It has been supposed by some authours, that the Molucca and the New 
Wolland birds are distinct species; and they are always retained as different 
varieties of the P. hematodus even by those who consider them the same. 
It is most probable that they form two species. But I have been enabled to 
examine too few specimens of the Molucca birds to have it in my power to 
form any decided opinion. 


On a group of Psittacide known to the Ancients. 61 


a tendency to a suctorial mode of feeding, I felt much anxiety 
to ascertain this point: but although the Blue Mountain Lory 
has frequently been brought alive to this country, it has not been 
until lately that I have been enabled to examine the structure 
of the tongue. By the kindness of a gentleman,* whose ex- 
tensive anatomical preparations of birds, executed with an 
accuracy and elegance hitherto unparalleled, and whose acute 
observations on the structure of their principal organs which 
have come before him in the course of such interesting labours 
promise the most beneficial results to science, I have at length 
had an opportunity of seeing the tongue of a recent specimen. 
I have thus ascertained that this member in the species in ques- 
tion is totally different from the tongues of Parrots in general, 
which it may be recollected bear a considerable resemblance to 
that of man,—so much so as to have caused Aristotle to call these 
birds indiscriminately Jurraxq and avSewmoydorrov, and to have oc 
casioned the epigrammatist in the foregoing quotation + from the 
*¢ Anthologia” to invest the group with the epithet of Bgoroyneus; 
—the structure of it in fact is decidedly brushlike or tubular, 
Besides Psit. hamatodus this genus contains two species hitherto 
confounded with that bird, and also Psit. concinnus, Shaw, and 
pusillus, Lath.t This group however belongs to the Ornithology of 
New Holland ; and as Dr. Horsfield and myself are engaged in in- 
vestigating that subject with a reference to the extensive Australa- 


* Tam indebted to Mr. Yarrell of St. James’s for the opportunity of ex- 
aminine the tongue of this bird, and of exhihiting it at a Meeting of the Zoo-~ 
logical Club of the Linnean Society [April 12th, 1824]; as well as for much 
valuable information respecting the internal anatomy of birds, which has 
thrown censiderable light upon my researches into their affinities. A vast 
fund of truly scientifick information may be deduced from the researches which 
that gentleman has pursued with much assiduity and success. 

‘+ See p. 42. 

t{ I am informed by Mr. Caley, the founder of the valuable Australasian 
collection belonging to the Linnean Society, that the above little species Psit. 
pusillus feeds occasionally by suction. He has himself supplied that bird with 
honey, and moistened sugar, which it imbibed with ease and seeming delight. 
The brushlike structure of the tongue in this species is mentioned also I find 
by Dr. Shaw [Gen. Zool. Vol. VIII. p. 471.] and Dr. Latham [Syn. Vol. Uk 
p+ 194. Ed. 242] 


o2 - Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


sian collection belonging to the Linnean Society, I refrain from say= 
ing more on these interesting birds at present, than that while they 
retain their affinity to Paleornis, by still showing the rudiments of 
a collar round the neck, they exhibit in the deep red and blue 
colours that partially contrast themselves with the green, a near 
approach to the true Indian Lories. A beautiful species, the 
Psit. ornatus of Linneus, or Perruche Lori of M. Buffon, a name 
most significant of the affinities of the bird, immediately unites 
the two groups. In that species we may observe an exact similar- 
ity of colours, and the same disposition of them as prevails in 
Psit. hematodus ; this is so strongly the case as to render it 
difficult at first sight to distinguish the former bird from the sup- 
posed female of the latter. The tail, however, considerably 
shorter than in hamatodus, and nearly approaching the short tail 
of the Lories, points out a distinguishing character, and evinces 
the central and connecting position of this species between the 
two genera. We have now entered fully among the Indian Lories, 
the genus Lorius of M. Brisson, a distinguished group, known by 
their brilliant red, and deep amethystine plumage, and familiar 
to all whose thoughts and feelings are associated with the Kast. 
In some of the species, as for instance L. domicella, the vestiges 
of the collar round the neck are still discernible. The chief 
character of the group is the form of the tail, which is as short as 
in the typical, or even-tailed Parrots, but which retain the cune- 
ated form of the long-tailed subfamilies. In this peculiarity it 
appears to stand at that point in the present circle of long-tailed 
Parrakeets, which immediately touches the neighbouring circle 
composed of the short and even-tailed birds. In the bill also, 
which we have seen in the preceding groups te desert the abbre- 
viated form of the bill of the Maccaws, and to become gradually 
longer, the genus Lorius is allied to the typical subfamilies, 
where the under mandible presents the greatest length that is 
found among the Psittactdae. We have still a strong peculiarity to 
notice in these Lories: their tongues also, in addition to that of 
P. hematodus, partake of a singular construction. I am informed 
by Sir Stamford Raffles that all these birds have an apparently 
tubular or brushlike tongue, which he has been frequently in- 


On a group of Psittacide known to the Ancients. 63 


duced to notice in consequence of the rough feel which that 
member possesses when applied to the skin. How different this 
roughness is from the soft touch of the Parrots’ tongues in general, 
may be decided by those who are accustomed to the familiar 
habits of these birds, one of the most usual of which is the playful 
mode of passing their tongue over the hands and face of those to 
whom they are attached. The singular anomaly presented by this 
unusual structure of the tongue, in the birds already mentioned, 
to which may be added the equally singular conformation ex- 
hibited in the tongue of Microglossum, affords scope for various 
and interesting conjectures. And it is to be hoped that means 
may be taken to ascertain more in detail the nature of the mem- 
ber itself, as well as the use to which it is applied, by those. who 
have the opportunity of observing the manners of these birds to 
any extent. But to return to our series of affinities. A strong 
affinity to the genus Lorius may be traced in an assemblage of 
small Parrakeets apparently peculiar to the Indian Ocean, of 
which Psit. pyrrhopterus Lath., described in the last volume of 
this Journal, Psit. Sparmanni Le Vaill., and Pstt. fringillaceus 
Gmel., may be adduced as examples. In all the birds of this 
group the bill has much of the form of that of Lorzus, while in. 
many of them the deep red and blue colours still prevail ; but the 
tail gradually increases in length, and becoming more cuneiform, 
indicates a return to the long-tailed tribes from which we com- 
menced. A group of South America seems immediately to meet 
them, of which I woula seiect Psit. aureus Gmel., and viridisstmus 
Temm. et Kuhl, as the representatives ; and these birds in con- 
junction with Psit. Carolinensis Linn., and others where the bill 
becomes stouter, and the tail still longer. complete the circle of 
this subfamily by uniting themselves with the Parrakeet-Mac- 
caws which claimed our earliest notice as we entered it. The 
limits of the groups which I have last particularized, as well as of 
many of the remaining Psittacide are difficult to be determined, 
while the materials to which we have access in this country are so: 
scanty. We may seize upon the prominent forms and detect the 
great outlines of the groups of nature; but to fill up the sketch in 


64 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. \ 


detail and complete the picture is not permitted us amidst the; 
poverty of our resources. For that purpose it is necessary to have 
recourse to the foreign storehouses of nature, which, to the: 
shame of this nation be it spoken, overflow with the treasures of 
those countries which England might once have considered ex- 
clusively at her command. : 

It is not easy to decide, although we may form a probable con- 
jecture on the subject, how many, and which of the. foregoing 
species of Palwornis were known to the ancients. Aélian ex~ 
pressly tells us that they were acquainted with three species.* 
But as some of the more common species approach each other 
most closely in their specifick characters, it is not improbable, 
that the differences between them might have been passed over 
by observers who were so little accustomed, and had so little 
occasion, to pay attention to minute distinctions, and that four or 
five species at least were familiar to antiquity. The birds that 
come from the remoter Indian islands, P. Papuensis, Malaccensis, 
and xanthosomus, in particular, are in all likelihood among the 
number of those which have been only known in recent times. 
To these may of course be added the newly characterized 
species from New Holland, the P. Barrabandi. The beautiful 
blossom-headed species also, P. erythrocephalus and Benga- 
lensis, which are even now more rarely met with than the 
neighbouring species, most probably did not come under the 
observations of the ancients; for it is improbable that they should 
have passed over without notice the lovely and changeable roseate 
colour of the head, which casts into the shade even the collar 
round the neck so frequently alluded to by them, if either of 
those birds had been before them. The poets, at least, would 
have seized upon a character which involved so truly poetick an 
image, and Ovid or Statius would have woven it up among the most 
conspicuous wreaths of their beautiful elegiack garlands. P. détor- 
quatus, the locality of which is unknown, is at present of rare — 


* Ey Woes wove orranes oevis yivesdaty—Tevn Tem avTwy aneu* 
e oe : 
O: mravres Of Bro UadoVTES, ws THES, BTW nat aVTOL ywovTa! AaAor, Kau 
Preyyovr as DSeyuce avSewminoy. De Nat. Anim. Lib. XVI. c. 2. 


On anew genus of Falconide. 65 


oceurrence ; but it formerly might have been more generally dis- 
tributed. The species which we can imagine to have been best 
known to former times are the P. Pondicerianus and flavitorquis, 
which are diffused over the whole of the Indian continent: the 
former species more particularly, which is now also found to be 
dispersed over a great extent of the Eastern Archipelago. P. 
Alexandri appears to have been the bird sent from Ceylon to the 
Macedonian warriour from whom it derives its specifick name ; 
Ceylon, or the antient Tabrobana, being the principal resort, 
even down to the present moment, of that species. And it is 
probable also that the Romans, particularly in later times, re- 
ceived a great number of the same species from that island, with 
which they maintained an extensive and regular commercial in- 
tercourse after its discovery under Claudius. [f to these birds we 
add the P. torquatus, which is the species that agrees most in- 
timately with the descriptions of Pliny, and after him of Apu- 
leius, and which is generally scattered over the Indian, as well as 
the African continent on the eastern side, we shall probably have 
before us all the species known to the ancients of this classical 


group. 
ON A NEW GENUS OF FALCONIDA. 


THOSE inquirers into nature who have been accustomed to con- 
sult her works with a view to the affinities by which they are 
connected together, cannot fail to have remarked, that, in groups 
which are denominated osculant, or, in other words, which form 
the passage between neighbouring groups of a higher degree 
and denomination than themselves, a greater diversity of form, 
and a more frequent interchange of character is discernible, 
than in groups more strictly typical, and more distant from the 
point of junction. In passing from one leading form to another, 
nature seems to advance with greater caution and a slower pace 
than usual: she appears to fluctuate between a manifest reluctance 
to relinquish the tracts which she has left behind and an anxiety 
to anticipate those upon which she is about to enter; alternately 
retracing or advancing her steps, and nearing with somewhat of 
an apparently wayward indecision the different points of each. 

Vox, IT. E 


66 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


But when once she has cleared the narrow windings of these inter- 
vening passages, and has ascended the typical heights, she seems 
to have gained, as it were, a table land, where she can expatiate 
with a wider range, and indulge herself with more excursive 
freedom: In the slight sketch of the family of Falconide, which 
I drew out in the last volume of this Journal, this singular pro- 
pensity is strongly exemplified. Among those groups of short- 
winged Eagles which intervene in affinity between the more 
typical Eagles and the Hawks, as also among those groups which 
form the connecting bond between the Hawks and the true 
Falcons, we may have noticed a considerable number of forms, 
somewhat abruptly interchanging the respective characters of 
both the neighbouring groups, among a rather inconsiderable 
number of species. While on the other hand, when we examine 
the typical groups both of the Hawks and the genuine Falcons, 
we are struck by the disproportioned multitude of species which 
exhibit the typical characters of these groups with little deviation, 
except in those extreme species which partially blend into the 
conterminous subdivisions. Observing this peculiarity to prevail 
so generally in the groups which have already come under our 
observation, we need not be surprised at finding, that, among the 
numerous additions which are every day accruing to our stock in 
Zoology, we should have frequent opportunities of again discern- 
ing a variety of new forms in such osculant and intervening assem- 
blages; but forms, chiefly confined to one, or at least to a very 
limited number of species. 

When we are presented with any subjects of Zoology thus pe- 
culiarly circumstanced,—or to recapitulate more particularly the 
case in question, when we have three or four or more species 
before us, which, taken together, constitute an intermediate pas- 
sage between leading groups, but which, separately considered, 
are endowed with forms differing from each other, and partially 
partaking of the characters of these conterminous leading groups 
on each side,—it becomes a question whether we should characterize 
each species. as a separate genus, or unite all into one connecting 
group. The answer to this question depends upon the nature of 
the. characters that mark these forms. If these are striking, 


On a new genus of Falconide. 67 


essential, and permanent, or if they exhibit any peculiarity im 
the mode in which they are combined or interchanged with each 
other, there seems to be no reason why here, as well as in everv 
other similar instance of distinction in form, the groups, in which 
such characters predominate, should not be distinguished by a 
separate name. Natural science has now arrived at such a com- 
parative state of perfection, and the materials that supply it with 
subjects for speculation have become so far multiplied, that the 
naturalist no longer investigates new subjects for the purpose of 
discovering new species, but with the view of detecting new forms : 
and to point out these forms by the most distinguishing means in 
his power, and thus mark the grander modifications by which 
nature varies her operations, has become one of the higher objects 
to which he aspires in his philosophick researches. In multiply- 
ing the names of groups he subjects himself, it is true, to the ob- 
jections of those who, in opposition to the modern views of the 
science, contend that the imposition of names is but an imposition 
of difficulties. But even if we were gratuitously to concede for 
a moment that a new name creates a new difficulty, that very 
difficulty itself would bring with it its own justification. It would 
cause the student to pause in his career: it would force him to 
dwell more intently upon the important object thus strongly 
pointed out to him; it would enchain his attention to one of those 
more impressive facts that expand the mind as they open to it a 
view of the sublimer principles which regulate the wonders of the 
creation. The check which he receives would be a spur to his 
observation, and impose an additional retainer on his memory. 
The present however are not the times in which science is to be 
arrested in its march by objections such as these. New names 
impose new difficulties !—The influx of new species is as little to 
be desired by such objectors as that of new forms or new genera ; 
for species as well as groups must have their names. If we deny 
the naturalist the privilege of affixing them in one case, we must 
debar him from it in the other. If we are to be frightened by 
Names, we must explore the fields of science no further, but tread 
over in dull repetition our old beaten tracks. And with what a 
terra incognita would such narrow restrictions obscure our map 
: E2 


68 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


of nature! We must remain content with the little that we already 
know: we must close the volume at the page where our indolence 
hints to us that we have read enough, and exactly at that page 
where the true interest of the subject matter begins to unfold it- 
self. We must admit no novelty that requires to be named; no- 
thing from those untrodden and boundless regions whence the 
inquiring mind already thirsts in imagination for new springs of 
knowledge—from the heart of Africa—from the hitherto inacces- 
sible empires of the East—from the exhaustless recesses of Aus- - 
tralasia and the New World; nothing of all the * countless my- 
riads” of extinct forms that lie still uncharacterized in the bosom of 
the earth, or of the living forms that wait’for time to bring them to 
light from the depths of the ocean. All these must be hid for ever 
from the eye of science, because the knowledge of each would 
necessarily bring with it the imposition of aname. But the force 
of such objections is dying away daily. In declaring my own in- 
tention that whenever I find a new form I shall unhesitatingly 
characterize it with anew name, I apprehend that I utter but the 
feeble echo of the voice in which every superiour naturalist speaks 
who trusts to nature alone as a guide to his investigations: and 
that I pursue a plan which has not only been followed with 
success by the greater part of the most enlightened foreign 
naturalists, but which has been almost universally adopted in this 
country in every branch of Natural History, with the exception,— 
and why there should be that exception I know not,—of the 
hitherto circumscribed department of Ornithology. 

A small and beautiful Hawk, which has been kindly submitted 
to my inspection by Mr. Swainson, one of the fruits of that gentle- 
man’s extensive researches in Brazil, affords me an opportunity 
of putting my resolution into practice. This bird decidedly be- 
longs to the Accipitrine subfamily of the Falconzde ; but it is 
placed at that remote extremity of it, where the species, gradually 
approaching the J’alcons, partially assume some of their leading 
characters. It possesses the bill of the Hawks, and also the 

_shortness of wing which so strongly characterizes them: but the 
structure of the wing itself is the same as in Falco, the second 
quill feather being the longest, and the first and second of these 


Onanew genus of Faleonide. 69 


feathers being marked on the inner web by an abrupt emargina- 
tion near the apex: while the tarsi also display the character of 
the same group in having the acrotarsia reticulated. The bird thas 
exhibits a striking modification of form, at once partaking of 
the chief of the respective characters of both the Hawks and. 
Falcons ; with the former of which it may in addition be observed 
that it agrees in its general form, and with some of the latter, 
particularly the beautiful group of [erax cerulescens, in its colours, 
and in the general distribution of them. To the latter group 
indeed it has a striking resemblance, and might perhaps be re- 
ferred unconditionally to it, could we pass over the important 
character of the untoothed bill. In characterizing new forms, 
I wish to perpetuate those names, as far as they are applicable, 
which are preserved in classical writers. These of course should 
be affixed to groups, to which they may be supposed to have 
formerly applied. But there are cases where we can not hope to 
find new forms suited to ola names ; as for instance among the 
Falconide, where it is not likely that we shall meet with an 
European new form’to suit an ancient unappropriated raptorial 
epithet. Here it is allowable I presume to look beyond the 
ancient boundaries for an appropriate subject; and the bird 
before us, although a New World species, I shall invest with an 
Old World name. 
GAMPSONYX. 


Rostrum breve ; mandibulis integris ; naribus rotundatis. 

Ale breves; remige secunda longissima, tertia secunde feré ° 
zquali; prime et secund# pogonio interno fortiter prope apicem. 
emarginato. 

Cauda mediocris, equalis. 

Pedes mediocres; tarsis reticulatis, acrotarsiis infra genu usque 
_ ad medium plumatis. 


Swarnsonir. G, superné cineraceo-niger, subtus albus; fronte, 
genis, abdominis lateribus, plumisque femoralibus aurantiacis, 
macula pectorali utrinque nigra. 

Rostrum nigrum. Dorst plume, scapularesque cineraceo- 
nigre, ferrugineo-maculate. Latus inferius ¢orquesque nuchalis 


70 Mr. Kirby on a pair of horned mandibles of an Insect. 


albi, parcé aurantiaco-variegati. Remiges nigrescentes, interné 
ad apicem albo-marginat#, secundarie parcé ferrugineo-sparse, 
subtus albe. Rectrices cineraceo-nigre, interné, mediis exceptis, 
albo-marginate, subtus alba. Pedes flavi, unguibus nigris. Lon- 
gitudo corporis, 92unc.; ale a carpo ad remigem 2°", 6 3,; man- 
dibule superioris, ad ceram 34, ad rictum ~%,; inferioris 13; 
tarst, 1 3. 

Habitat in Brasilia. 

D™ Swainson, nature indagatoris seduli, acutississimi, felicis- 
simi, hec avis, ab illo primum detecta, merito nomen ferat. 


The following MS. note was appended to this bird in Mr. 
Swainson’s hand writing. ‘ The only individual of this species 
Tever met with was shot on the Table Land, about 10 leagues 
in the interiour of Bahia in a direction W.S. W. from the Bay of 
St. Salvador. It was perched on the trunk of a withered tree, 
apparently watching some small birds. The ¢arsi are bright and 


the zrédes hazel,” 
[ T'o be continued. | 


Art. IX. A brief Description of a pair of remarkable 
horned mandibles of an Insect. By the Rev. WitLiam 
Kirsy, F.R. & L.S., &c. ee 


Turse mandibles * were taken from a string of green beads 
and other trinkets brought from New Zealand, formerly in the 
collection of Mr, G. Humphreys, and now in that of R, D. Alex- 
ander, Esq. F. L.S. of Ispwich. They appear to have belonged 
either to a Lucanus or a Prionus, and consist of the mandible it- 
self, which is trigonal, very strong, and armed internally with five 
short teeth, that of the base being a molary one,—and of a horn 
nearly an inch and half long, incurved at the apex, armed with 
an obtuse tooth below the middle, above. which it is transversely 
sulcated ; the sulci being separated ‘by tubercles alternately ele- 
vated and depressed. ‘This gives the horn, which rises from the 
base of the mandible and forms an acute angle with it, the ap- 
pearance in some measure of that of an Antelope. The animal, 
whatever it turns up, might be distinguished by. the trivial aps 


pellation of Antilope. 
* Plate I, fig. 7. 


Mr. French on the nature of Instinct. 1 


Art. X. An inquiry into the true nature of Instinct, and of 
the Mental Distinction between Brute Animals and Man. 
Essay III. On the Specific Constitution of the Brute 
Mind, and its modifications under Human Influence: in- 
cluding an analysis of the theory of Brute Action contained 
in Dr. Hancock’s ** Essay on Instinct, and its Physical 
and Moral Relations.” By Joun OuIveR Frencn, Esq. 


When we consider the influence which operates the guidance 
of beings forming the lower degrees in the scale of animal exist- 
ence, we are struck with the varied manifestations of an intelligent 
cause: upon the subjects of this influence, the mind dwells with 
an unembarrassed delight, in great measure arising from the clear 
view which is afforded us of their definite station in the mental 
universe, as the humble agents of a Wisdom not theirown. The 
other portion of the sphere of Brute action claims, however, as 
strong, though less placid, an interest, and invites: our powers of 
investigation, as presenting a more perfect analogy to the un- 
shackled intelligence of the human mind. An important elucida- 
tion is here as it were spontaneously aimed at; and the question 
arises, how far the nature of the Brute is in reality assimilated to 
our own. The conduct of animals in a state of intercourse with 
Man, presents, therefore, an apparent point of contact with him, 
which is peculiarly deserving of attention. Forif the Brute really 
be susceptible of education by the same Free Principle as Man, 
the inference is, that, like Man, he is a rational agent; but if the 
contrary, he is then, notwithstanding appearances, only a subject 
in nature fitted to receive peculiar influences of a moral and 
rational order: some of which may be impressed by the imme- 
diate agency of man, according to a certain law of permission : 
and thus he forms but a part of that mirror in which man’s reason 
is reflected. 

To attempt some illustrations of this point, will form the main 
object of the present Essay:—but as a work, written by Dr. 
Hancock, professedly upon the subject of Instinct, has recently 
made its appearance, and as this work necessarily enters into the 


72 Mr. French oz the nature of Instinct. 


discussion of principles which affect the present investigation, I 
shall offer, without the etiquette of an apology, an incidental 
sketch of the general views it developes, so far as these respect the 
mental faculties of animals; in doing which, I shall also take the 
liberty of discussing the author’s opinions, so far.as they affect the 
general inquiry proposed in my-previous essays, and with a view 
to the more immediate point of investigation proposed in the ‘pre- 
sent paper :—namely, the nature of the positive influence of the 
human mind, upon the mind of the brute subject. 

It is proper here to premise, that the work in question includes 
a general theory of the human mind, in connexion with pure 
Theology, which the author indeed states to be the ultimate ob- 
ject of his labours. Any remarks upon this (no inconsiderable) 
portion of the book, would here be out of place; the observations 
which close the present paper, and which were written antece- 
dently to my perusal of Dr. Hancock’s work, will however, I trust, 
go to shew, by their coincidence with the author’s sentiments on 
the subject they advert to, that whatever views I may take of his 
reasonings on the capacities of the Brute, are stated in candons) 
and are not the mere effusions of a cavilling spirit. ) 

I may here briefly remark that the author’s opinions relative to 
the nature of the operation of a First Cause in the universal sphere 
of Creation, although not new, are highly illustrative of the sub- 
ject. Dr. Hancock devotes a considerable portion of his book to 
support the conclusion, that Man is continually in the reception of a — 
Superior Principle, from which the elements of all his knowledge 
are deducible, and quotes a numerous list of eminent authorities, 
ancient and modern, in the support of this particular view— 
namely, That First Principles are intuitively received by Man, 
and that the reasoning or discursive faculty proceeds or is derived 
from them, and operates upon the outward perceptions, which the 
mind forms by means of the senses. 

With whatever supposable facility then, we may define the 
boundary of human rationality, it is confessedly no easy matter to 
mark, in language, the limit of the operation of the influential power 
on the one hand, and of the sobordinate non-rational freedom, 
on the other, which, taken together, present a general view of the 


Analysis.of Dr. Hancock’s theory. 73 


principles of brute action. That a remote freedom of this kind is 
possessed even by the vegetable subject is evident. It cannot be 
supposed, for instance, that the lines in which the fibres of the 
roots extend themselves from the trunk are predetermined and 
geometrically directed in their course ; although there is an influ- 
ence which unquestionably directs their multiplication and exten- 
sion in the quarter to insure sustenance or security: there seems 
therefore to be a remote degree of subordinate freedom proper to 
the plant, by which it shoots out its roots according to a law of 
regulation, and, at the same time, a law of permission.* In the 
actions of Animals, their subordinate freedom will be increased 
in its perfection to the degree in which we observe it; and in 
many of the actions of the higher classes among them, this freedom 
will form the most prominent, because the most apparent feature : 
such for instance as in that of a cur worrying a harnessed horse in 
his progress, and all the more ordinary and indifferent actions of 
animals. This subordinate freedom must, however, have its limit ; 
and Dr. Hancock has endeavoured to assign this limit, as respects 
animals, by restricting the use of the term Reason to signify 
what metaphysicians have termed the “ Discursive Faculty,” or 
power of ratiocination and comparison, considered abstractedly 
from those Superior Principles which he includes in the “ enlarged 
use” of the term Reason, and which he considers as belonging ex- 
clusively to Man. 

Now although a distinction, in terms, respecting those indiffer- 
ent actions to which I have just adverted, might perhaps be made, 
the adoption of the term reason would be evidently, in this case, 
improper; since this term, by common consent, includes higher. 
principles: thus'the actions which Dr. Hancock has taken as types 
of the operations of this ‘¢ Discursive Faculty,” or ‘¢ Reason,” 


* « When two trees of the same kind are planted,” says Dr. Fleming, “ the 
one in a sheltered, the other in an exposed situation, we witness the display of 
this faculty (instinct) in a very remarkable degree. The former pushes forth 
its roots in all directions, more especially where there is the greatest supply of 
nourishment, and the highest temperature; ‘while the latter, which, were it to 
actin the same manner, would be speedily overturned, multiplies its roots in 
the direction of the strongest blasts, and these, acting like the stays of a ship’s 
mast, preserve the drunk in.its vertical position. Phil. of Zool. vol. 1. p. 18. 


74 Mr. French on the nature of Instinct. 


require, in order to their accomplishment, something more than is 
included in his restricted definitions of this faculty—they require 
something which essentially belongs to those Superior Principles 
which are elsewhere included by the author in what he terms the 
‘¢ enlarged use” of the term Reason,—something which, as to its 
nature, is above the contemplation of the Brute, and which, if it 
be not within the consciousness, must operate above it, as in the 
case of Direct Instinct it confessedly does. 

_ Treating of the “ Enlarged use of the word Reason,” and speak- 
ing of Dugald Stewart, Dr. H. observes—** He is therefore desirous 
not to confound our rational powers in general, in which he includes 
the elements of Reasoning itself, in other words, the fundamental 
laws of human belief, with that particular branch of them, known 
among logicians by the name of the Discurstve Faculty. And he 
says, ‘ the remark of Dr. Campbell, that without the aid of some 
other mental power than the discursive faculty, we could never 
attain a notion of what is good, is undoubtedly true, and may be 
applied to all those systems which ascribe to Reason the origin of 
our moral ideas, if the expressions Reason and Discursive Faculty 
be used as synonymous.’ ”—“ But though he (Dugald Stewart) 
does not ‘ call in question the accuracy of those who have as- 
cribed to it the function of distinguishing right from wrong,’ 
he does not himself assign to Reason this function.” 

«¢ Some authors,”’ observes Dr. Hancock, “ are quoted by this 
writer to shew the enlarged acceptation in which the word has 
been used. ‘ Reason (says Hooker) is the director of man’s will, 
discovering in action what is good ; for the laws of well-doing are 
the dictates of right reason.’ ” 

At page 253, when treating of the Elements of Moral Feeling, 
Dr. H. observes, ‘* There appears to me to be great propriety 
in the following remarks from Dr. Beattie. ‘ Truth is something 
fixed and determinate, depending not upon man, but upon the 
Author of Nature. ‘The fundamental principles of truth must 
therefore rest upon their own evidence, perceived intuitively by 
the understanding.’ 

‘ Why should not our judgments concerning Truth be ac- 
knowledged to result from a dies impressed upon the mind by its 


Analysis of Dr. Hancock’s theory. 75 


Creator, as well as our desire of self-preservation, our love of so- 
ciety, &c.? If those judgments be not instinctive, I should be 
glad to know how they become universal :—If those judgments be 
not instinctive, I should be glad to know how men find it so 
difficult, or rather impossible, to lay them aside.’-—* Morality is 
founded on certain first principles.,—‘* I do not say,’ observes 
Beattie in another place, ‘that any particular moral principle is 
innate, or that an infant brings it into the world with him: this 
would be as absurd as to say that an infant brings the multiplica- 
tion table into the world with him. But, I say that the moral 
faculty which dictates moral principles, and the intellectual fa- 
culty which ascertains proportions of quantity and number, are 
original parts of man’s nature; which, though they appear not at 
his birth, nor for some time after, even as the ear of corn is not 
seen till long after the blade is sprung up, fail not, however, pro- 
vided outward circumstances be favourable, to disclose themselves 
in due season.’ ”’ 

And at the commencement of his work, Dr. Hancock has the 
following definitions. 

“Tt is proper, for me here to remark,” he says, ‘* that the 
word Reason is used in senses which are extremely different ; 
sometimes to express the whole of those powers which elevate man 
above the brutes, and constitute what is called his rational nature ; 
more especially, perhaps, his intellectual powers; and sometimes 
to express the power of deduction or argumentation. The former 
is the sense in which the word is used in common discourse. It is 
in the latter restricted sense, that I wish the word Reason to be 
understood, wherever it occurs in this Essay, viz. the discursive 
faculty, wholly depending on outward evidence for its conclu- 
sions. Hence, if there be any actions which are performed with 
every indication of design, forethought, and wisdom, which are 
not the result of instruction nor of individual experience, but of a 
power operating above the consciousness of the creature, and di- 
recting it with unerring certainty to some specific ends, by means 
far beyond its comprehension, whether in man or in the brute; 
these actions are instinctive. And on the other hand, if there be 
any actions, which evidently result from observation and instruce 


76 Mr. French on the nature of Instinct. 


tion, indicating an intelligent power of combining means and adap- 
ting them to. ends of which the creature is conscious ; these actions 
come within the province of Reason.” | 

I,must here remark that these definitions appear but ill to har- 
monize with the author’s general views before stated. For, it 
may be asked, does not “ an intelligent power,” in the case of 
Brutes, ‘* combining means and adapting them to ends of which 
the, creature is conscious,” presuppose some of that intuitive light © 
which the author considers “instinctive?” In this view it is 
difficult to separate, in a practical sense, the two definitions, 
Besides what is zntudtive inMan is not instinctive in the sense that 
intuition is instinct in the Brute; for the former surveys and is 
conscious of this light of intuition or intelligence within, whereas 
the latter is not; this intuition in the latter is therefore intellec- 
tually blind, however exalted the actions be which it enables him 
to effect. 

To proceed however with the Theory before us. Reason, ex- 
cluding any conscious superior light, and limited to signify the 
“ Discursive Faculty”? before mentioned, is considered by the 
author as a principle common to Man and Brute, and is treated of 
in the early part of the volume, as to its being an attribute of the 
latter, in the Section (p. 77) “ On the power of Reasoning, or 
drawing inferences in Animals.”” The Chapter commences thus : 
—‘+ If we come to consider the instances of attachment, cunning, 
fidelity, sagacity, gratitude, &c. in many of the lower animals, as 
well as the difference between old and young in point of experi- 
ence and usefulness, we cannot refer them to Instinct as above 
explained. For we find them so,numerous and well authenticated, 
and these individual actions so diversified and adapted to times 
and circumstances, that if man is beholden to Reason for this 
power.of adaptation, we must also admit that the brutes are like- 
wise possessed of a degree of rationality.. For as far as we are 
enabled to judge of the uniformity of Instinct, and of the power 
of the natural senses, these instances of sagacity belong neither to 
- one nor the other. Consequently they must belong to Reason, 
or that intermediate power which compares and combines, adap- 
ting means to ends, and varying these means according to emer- 


Analysis of Dr. Hancock’s theory. ay 


igencies. For supposing the higher orders of brutes are conscious 
of the acts, they can be classed with no other operations of mind 
' with which we are acquainted.” This is however qualified by 
the following --“* Yet it would appear, that all the acts of apparent 
reasoning in the lower animals have reference to some immediate 
object of perception, or depend on the faculty of memory. As 
they seem to be nearly incapable of forming any abstract notions 
or speculations apart from sensible objects; and the want of arti- 
culate language must ever oppose an insurmountable barrier to 
their progress in acquired knowledge, beyond the’ merest indivi- 
dual experience.” 

The author then proceeds to examples, from which I select the 
following as typical of the class. 

‘¢ Dr. Abell, in one of his Lectures on pinche related a 
very striking anecdote of a Newfoundland dog in Cork. This 
dog was of a noble and generous disposition ; and when he left 
his master’s house was often assailed by’ a number of little noisy 
dogs in the street. He usually passed them with apparent un- 
concern, as if they were beneath his notice. But one little cur 
was particularly troublesome, and at length carried his petulance 
so far as to bite the Newfoundland dog in the back of the: foot. 
This proved to be.a step in wanton abuse and insult béyond what 
was to be patiently endured ; and he instantly turned round, ran 
after the offender, and seized him by the skin of the back. In 
this way he carried him in his mouth to the quay, and holding 
him for some time over the water, at length dropped him into it. 
He did not seem, however, to design that the culprit should be 
punished capitally, and he waited a little while till the poor 
‘animal, who was unused to that element, was not only ‘well 
ducked, but near sinking, when he plunged in, and brought him 
out safe to land.” 

Now when actions like these are adduced as illustrations of the 
conscious reasoning powers in Animals, we must surely ascribe ta 
them something more than a mere ratiocinating faculty, as limited 
‘by Dr. Hancock’s theory :—in the present case a moral princi- 
ple, regulating the extent of punishment by the extent of crime. 
Accordingly, in an implied agreement with this sentiment, Di. 


73 Mr. French onthe nature of Instinet. , 


Hancock remarks in allusion to this fact, “ It would be difficult 
to conceive any punishment more aptly contrived, or more com- 
pletely in character. Indeed, if it were fully analysed, an ample 
commentary might be written, in order to shew what a variety of 
comparisons, and motives, and generous feelings, entered into the 
composition of this act. It supplies at least a good moral lesson. 
It shows the difference between magnanimity and meanness, and 
by what lawful means the former may correct the latter,” At 
page 98, we read as follows: ‘* Many animals, when domesti- 
cated or trained to useful purposes, and associated with civilized 
man, display signs of affection, gratitude, and ingenuity, with 
other noble and excellent traits of character, which, considering 
they are not bound by the obligation of any moral duties, are 
truly wonderful.”—“ It would be easy to add anecdotes of many 
other animals to those I have collected: and I would just repeat 
the observation, that in contemplating the acts in question, there 
is every reason to think, the animals are in a good degree consci- 
_ous of the end and design of such acts, perhaps as much so as 
many of our fellow creatures are when lending their assistance to 
_us in the same way. . But this cannot be proved: nor can it ever 
amount.to more than a high degree of probability ; for the want 
of artificial signs; without dobut very wisely, prevents all mental 
intercourse between man and the brute. So that we can never 
understand to what degree they are conscious agents, beyond the 
outward evidence of natural language. If it should be thought by 
some a mark of the zrrational or brute nature not to comprehend 
the connextion of means and ends, and to be unconscious of design, 
it is on the other hand sufficiently clear. that like the lower animals 
in many instances, multitudes of our fellow creatures suffer them- 
selves to be employed in various operations, and frequently act 
without having any clear knowledge of the complicated means or 
end which the superior understanding, whatever it is, to which 
they submit themselves, has in view.” 

Upon this passage, I would remark, that if these displays of 
affection, gratitude, and ingenuity,” with other * noble and ex- 
cellent traits of character,” are observed in brutes, and if “ there 
_is every reason tothink the animals are in @ good degree conscious 


: Analysis of Dr. Hancock's theory. 79 


of the end and design of such acts, perhaps as much so as many. of 
our fellow-creatures are, when lending their assistance to us in the 
same way,”—and if at the same time ‘ they are not bound by the 
obligation of any moral duties,”—it is evident they must be the 
conscious subjects of that superior principle of rational intuition by 
which the author distinguishes man, with this incompatible addi- 
tion, that they are not accountable agents.—Is not this (contrary — 
no doubt to the author’s intention) confounding the nature of Man 
and Brute? According to these principles the dog who plunges 
into the water and rescues a poor human being from death, has a 
consciousness of the act, the same in kind with that of the savage, 
who performs a similar action ; and who, although, if brought into 
civilized society, he may ‘* frequently act without having any clear 
knowledge of the complicated means or end, which the superior 
understanding, whatever it is, to which he submits himself, has in 
view,” is yet capable of acquiring such knowledge and superior 
understanding ; while the brute under similar circumstances re- 
mains fixed in the station which he previously occupied. 

The conclusions then, drawn by Dr. Hancock, respecting the 
conscious principles which actuate Brutes in instances like the 
foregoing being the same which actuate human beings themselves, 
shews that he considers the consciousness of both to be the same 
in kind under similar circumstances. But the ambiguity and con- 
fusion which such an opinion involves, may be seen in the following 
paragraph, which leaves the mind in doubt and distraction as to 
the limit it essays to define. 

At page 96, we read :—* Ona taking a review of most, if 
not all, the actions of the lower animals we have been last con- 
sidering, I think it must be obvious, that whether we allow them 
reasou or not, the actions themselves comprehend those elements of 
Reason, ¢f I may so speak, which we commonly refer to rational 
beings. So that if the same actions had been done by our fellow- 
creatures, we should have ascribed them without hesitation to 
motives and feelings worthy of a rational nature. It is certain 
that most of these animals in their several rational acts (if I may 
call them such) show every outward sign of consciousness or know- 
ledge of the end of their actions—a consciousness, too, immediately 


70 Mr. French on the nature of Instinct. 


directed to the welfare of man; not like the fixed and uniform 
operations of Instinct, which pays no regard to Man, but, when 
acting in the Brutes, is wholly employed in their self-preservation, 
or in providing for their young.” 

*¢ As no man then, can clearly point out, by what delicate and 
hidden steps, even the human mind is conducted in passing from 
premises to conclusion ; as he cannot trace what animal propensi- 
ties and feelings of his sensitive nature, and prejudices, and moral 
principles govern and influence his various decisions, constituting 
what he calls an act of human reason, farther than the end can be 
accounted for by the means; so neither can he comprehend the 
impelling motives of the brute, except by their visible actions. If 
these visible actions, therefore, correspond with his own ideas of 
what is excellent in feeling and judgment, they must either pro-~ 
ceed from faculties like those of that part of human nature to 
which the brute is clearly allied, or from a much higher source. 
But as they do not appear to belong to Instinct, or anecessary and 
unavoidable impulse compelling them to act, nor yet to those more 
dignified principles of the human character, of which the brute 
shows no signs; they may be considered analogous to those prin- 
ciples which govern human beings themselves under corresponding 
circumstances; and consequently presuppose a limited degree of 
rationality, as we strictly apply the term.* . 

What, it may be here asked, are we to understand by ** motives 
and feelings worthy of a rational nature,” if this rational nature is 
to be confined to Dr. Hancock’s previous limitation ; and is not 
made to include a superior consciousness arising from that superior 
rational intuition elsewhere ascribed by the author exclusively to 
Man? “Affection, gratitude and ingenuity,” with other “* noble and 
excellent traits of character,” are certainly observable in brutes ; 
but the latter are, I conceive, in no degree conscious of the nature 
of affection, gratitude, or ingenuity, and are therefore not ration- 
ally (in the enlarged sense of the term,which is here implied) affec- 
tionate, rationally grateful, or rationally ingenuous ; but instinct 


* By “analogous,” Dr. H. here evidently means “in affinity with,” or 
“ the same in kind.” 


Analysis of Dr. Hancock's theory. 81 


tvely,—so in other words, they are the intellectually unconscious 
subjects of that moral and rational intuition of which Man is the 
intellectually conscious subject,—the free possessor. What in man 
is moral or rational perception, becomes in the brute mere natural 
perception,—something which he is led to be delighted with, (but 
merely as his eye is delighted with the light that surrounds him,) 
by means of the occasional illumination which flows into his animal 
consciousness, causing him to adopt the perception, and affording at « 
the same time the power ofa suitable discrimination, to be brought 
forth into action. 

This humble species of discrimination, being qualified by the 
nature of the consciousness, may, under this view, be more’ pro- 
perly designated natural discrimination, to distinguish it from 
what is essentially rational ; and thus the analogy which, in the au- 
thor’s opinion, indicates a limited rationality, may rather be taken 
to indicate a perception analogous to, but not in any continued affi- 
nity of consciousness with, that of Man. Moreover, the discursive 
faculty, as limited by Dr. Hancock, would be insufficient for 
Brutes in their intercourse with Man, in the performance of 
many of those actions in’ which Reason is supposed to be the 
agent; as may be gathered from the examples which I shall 
presently give of their actions, many of which are performed 
from an impulse antecedent to that experience which is necessary 
for ratiocination; in the same manner that many actions are 
rationally performed by human intelligence without recourse to 
any mediate analysis : a quick intuitive perception must in many 
cases be necessary to aid them in the performance of contingent 
actions, involving a moral and intellectual power ;—and to this 
perception operating with more or less activity and intensity, we 
may, I think, with propriety refer all such actions as those of which 
the following is another example taken from Dr. Hancock’s cata- 
logue. 

“In ¢ Instinct Displayed,’ an anecdote is related of a Cat, which 
by giving timely warning in the best way she could to the Parent 
ofa Child in extreme danger, was the means of saving it from 
drowning.” * 

* See ‘ Instinct Displayed,’ Letter 13. 


Vor. II. F 


e 


82 My. French on the nature of Instinct. 


To me therefore, it appears, that such examples as those ad- 
duced, prove much more than can be included in the limitation, 
which the theory adopted by Dr. Hancock respecting the reason- 
ing power of Brutes prescribes ; they prove, for instance, that 
Brutes as well as Man are in the conscious possession of ‘* primitive 
ideas and rules of true and false,” ** common sense,” and lastly, 
** moral sentiment,” or the emotions which give rise to the know- 
ledge of right and wrong, good and evil—all which are included in 
the most enlarged sense of the term Reason, as defined by the au- 
thor in page 226. 

In treating of ** Education,” Dr. Hancock justly says, (p. 292.) 
¢ Whatever [impression | is received from without, must have a 
connatural affinity with some primary taste, capacity, or feeling 
within.””—“ Every internal power has also its object in its external 
relations, and external impressions can never produce a practical 
effect further than they quicken, rouse, and animate the internal 
power ¢o which they are appropriate and upon which they act.” Now 
if this be true of Man it is also true of Brutes, if a rational con- 
sciousness be connected with their acts; and if the internal prin- 
ciples necessary to such acts be thus rational in the enlarged sense 
of the term Reason, the consciousness of the agent must be in a 
like degree rational. This, however, would be to humanize the 
Brute, and raise him from that station which is inevitably assigned 
to him. 

Are actions of the nature of the above-mentioned to be referred 


to that class, of which the author in his definition says—“ if there 


be any actions which are performed with every indication of de- 
sign, forethought, and wisdom, which are not the result of instruc- 
tion, nor of individual experience, but of a power acting above the 
consciousness of the creature, and directing it with unerring cer- 
tainty to some specific ends, by means far above its comprehension, 
whether in Man or in Brute; these actions are instinctive ”’?. 

Or are those and similar acts, forming as Dr. Hancock observes, 
not rare exceptions, or anomalous occurrences, but matters of 
course,—to be referred to that class to which he refers them 
when he says, “ they do not belong to Instinct,’? and of which he 
observes in his definition—* If there be any actions, which evi~ 


Analysis of Dr. Hancock’s theory. 83 


dently result from observation and instruction, indicating an intel- 
ligent power of combining means, and adapting them to ends 
of which the creature is conscious; these actions come within the 
province of Reason”? If the latter, then the distinction between 
Reason defined as a mere discriminating power, and Reason defined 
as including a superior principle, appears to be lost :—if the former, 
there is then an end of Brute Reason. 

At page 100, it is observed that ‘ there is no more ground for 
making an essential distinction between those outward faculties in 
man and the brute, which compare ideas in order to draw simple 
inferences, than for making a distinction in kind between their 
respective powers of remembering. So that if the Brute can re- 
member by his creaturely or animal nature, so may he reason, as 
far as his limited capacity will enable him to do so, by the same 
animal nature.” But if it can be shown that the inferences in- 
cluded in the foregoing examples of brute reason are not simple ; 
but moral, complex, and ingenious ; it will follow that they require 
a suitable reasoning power to produce them,—a capacity far trans- 
cending that which is impliedly assigned to their “ animal nature,” 
at the close of the above paragraph. Such actions cannot therefore 
proceed from the conscious reason of the agent, unless this be 
allowed to be a principle superior to that which is defined by the 
author’s restricted application of the term Reason. 


[ To be continued.| £%. ¢.. 


84 Mr. Swainson’s descriptions 


Art. XI. The characters and descriptions of several Birds 
belonging to the genus Thamnophilus. By Witwiam 
Swainson, Esq. F.R.& LS. &c. 


Brrore entering upon the immediate object of this paper, I 
feel it necessary to acquaint the readers of the Zoological Journal, 
that I am prevented from offering to them in this, or perhaps the 
next number, the conclusion of my observations on the family of 
Laniade. Several new forms have come under my examination, 
and with others, scattered in private collections, I have yet but an 
imperfect acquaintance ; these may probably throw some addi- 
tional light upon the imperfect attempt I have made to illustrate 
this intricate subject. 

In the mean time, having the materials before me, I hope to 
interest our ornithologists by the characters and descriptions of 
several birds belonging to the American genus Thamnophilus, most 
of which I presume to be undescribed. I say presume, because 
every one who has directed his attention to the investigation of ex- 
otic birds, must be aware of the difficulty, not to say the impossibi- 
lity, in many cases, of ascertaining whether a species is or is not re= 
corded. These difficulties, as may be expected, frequently lead to 
unavoidable mistakes, particularly among our own zoologists, who 
have to contend against the many and great disadvantages arising 
from the want of zoological institutions in this country. How, it 
may be asked, are we to institute comparisons between subjects 
only to be found in the well-stored museums of the continent ? 
or how can it be expected we should be intimate with the scientific 
works there published, when they are not to be found in our 
public libraries ? The private fortune of few, if any, of those who 
devote themselves to the science, is adequate to supply these 
numerous and expensive publications. Under such disadvantages, 
accuracy on this head becomes impossible. A shade of doubt 
and uncertainty must be thrown upon every question, the bearings 
of which are not immediately within our cognizance. And al- 
though this may impress many persons with an idea that our opi- 


of American Thamnophili. 85 


nions are feeble and indecisive, still it is the wisest plan that a 
judicious writer can adopt. 

Most of the birds I am about to describe, were collected during 
my travels in Brazil, in the years 1815 and 1816. Since that 
time, I have been informed that a sumptuous work on the Zoo- 
logy of that country has been commenced under the immediate 
auspices of the Austrian government, and that several other ac- 
counts of Brazilian productions, in one form or other, have issued 
from the presses of Berlin and Vienna. None of these, as far as 
I can learn, are in this country ; so that whether they do or do not 
contain antecedent descriptions to those which follew, I am quite 
unprepared to state. 


THAMNOPHILUS. 


Rostrum validum, compressum, gonyde recurva ascendente. 
‘Vibrisse nulle. 

Ale breves, imbelles, rotundate. 

Cauda elongata, gradata vel rotundata, rectricibus fasciculatis, 
angustis. 

Tarsi robusti, squamis lateralibus frequentibus. 


General Observations. 


The habits of these birds, as well as their scientific history, * 
have already been alluded to. They may be considered as chiefly 
inhabiting the tropical regions of the new world, having a range 
to the north as far as Canada, and to the south as far as Paraguay. 
It is somewhat remarkable, that from the interior of Mexico, not 
a single species has reached this country. The immense elevation 
of the table land on the Mexican Cordilleras, where the tempera- 
ture closely assimilates to that of the south of Europe, may pro- 
bably account for this ; particularly as we find that the nearer we 
approach Equinoctial America, the more abundant are the species. 

The prevalent colours are black, grey, and rufous, variegated 
by spots and bands of white, or other light colours. The wing- 
covers are generally black, tipt by round spots of a suowy white=- 


* Zool. Journal, Vol. 1. p. 297. 


86 Mr. Swainson’s descriptions 


ness. The larger, or typical species, are remarkable for their 
long and graduated tail; while this part is usually rounded and 
much shorter in the others, which thereby assimilate to the typical 
form of the African genus Malaconotus. 

In a group like the present, where the species often bear a 
very close resembiance to each other, it becomes essentially ne- 
cessary to enter into minute details, and to institute comparative 
characters which in other cases might be thought superfluous. 

The sexes, as in the true raptorial birds, vary somewhat in their 
size, and generally in their plumage, that of the female being 
lighter; and not unfrequently rufous where the male is black. 
It would however appear that there are some exceptions to this 
rule. 

The beautiful Thamnophili described by that intelligent natu- 
ralist Dr. Such, in this Journal, seem all to belong to the typical 
or long tailed division ; while in those which form the subject of 
this paper, the tail is round. Besides these, two other species 
have been described by M. Vieillot, two by Dr. Leach, and one 
by M. Le Vaillant, making a total of nineteen: this number will 
probably be doubled when the Laniade of Dr. Latham, amount- 
ing to 122 species, are distributed under their modern genera. 


** Cauda rotundata. 
1, THamnopuitus bicolor. 
Red eyed Bush-Shrike. 


T. cristatus, supra niger, albus infra ; tectricium apicibus, remi- 
gum marginibus, caudeque fasciis interruptis albis. 

T. crested, above black, beneath white; tips of the wing covers, 
margins of the quills, and interrupted bands on the tail white. 


Black and white Shrike. Lath. Gen. Sys. 2d. ed. Vol. 2. p. 22. 


The red eyed Shrike may be considered as the best example 
of that division of the American Thamnophili, wherein the tail 
is shorter and less graduated than in the more typical species. 
Its total length is eight inches. The irides are crimson. The 


of American Thamnophili. 87 


bill is strong, cinereous-black, and considerably compressed, 
although somewhat narrowed towards its extremity. The head 
is conspicuously crested. The ground colour of all the upper 
plumage (including the ears, sides of the head, and neck), is 
deep black, and of the under parts pure white: the wings are 
black, with two bands of white across the tips of the covers; the 
quills are also margined externally with white. Spurious covers 
‘black. Tail rounded, deep black, with 4—5 interrupted and 
sometimes obsolete bands of white ; the tips of all the feathers are 
obtuse and white. Tarsi rather long and robust ; and in the live 
bird of a cinereous colour: upper tail covers banded with black 
and white. The sexes are similar. 

I discovered this bird in the interior or Catinga woods of Hu- 
mildez of the Province of Bahia; frequenting low trees in marshy 
situations, within which it seeks its food. Although common in 
that vicinity, it was.a species. (in 1817) unknown to any of the 
Brazilian zoologists. In that year I. sent two or three specimens 
to England, one of which fell into the hands of Mr. Bullock, and 
has been described by Dr. Latham, in his new edition. His ac- 

. count however is somewhat imperfect; inasmuch as he takes no 
notice of the crest, or of the white margins on the quill feathers. 
An injured specimen of this bird is also in the British Museum 
and has the tips of the wing covers yellowish, but whether this 
is natural, or the effect of time on the dried bird, it is impossible 
to say. Total length, 8 in. bill 14,. wings 3,4, tail 34. tarsi 13,. 


109 fe) 


2. THAMNOPHILUS cinnamomeus. 
Cinnamon Bush-Shrike. 
T.. cristatus, supra cinnamomeo-fuscus, albus infra ; tectricibus 
striis 2 angustis, fuscis, fasciatis. 


T. crested, above cinnamon brown; beneath white; wing 
covers with two narrow, dusky, bands. 


Like the last, this is remarkable for its simple colouring; in 
size, shape, and proportion they likewise agree, except that this, 
from the tail being more rounded or graduated, is more allied to. 


88 Mr. Swainson’s descriptions 


the first division of the group; the bill is likewise a trifle smaller, 
and is blackish brown. The Head is conspicuously crested; the’ 
whole of the upper plumage, including the wings and tail, are of 
a clear and uniform ferruginous or cinnamon colour; the wing 
covers above are marked by a narrow dusky line, close to their 
extremities, which are somewhat brighter, and the same may be 
observed on the lateral ¢ail feathers, the ends of which are some~ 
what pointed. All the under parts are white; slightly tinged 
with ferruginous on the sides. Inner web of the Quills brown. 
Tarst long, robust, and pale. 

Total length about 84, bill, 12,, wings, 33,, tail, 34,, tarsi, 
1.2. But for the circumstance of both my specimens: being Ja< 
belled males, I should have been inclined to suspect these birds 
to be the females of T. bicolor. They were however found ina 
different part of the country, and on referring to my notes, I 
observe that at Humildez, where 7’. bicolor was very common, I 
never met with cinnamomeus. 

I was never able to procure more than two specimens of this 
rare bird, both of which were males. ‘They were shot in the 
forest of Urupe, in the province of Bahia. A third specimen is in - 
the British Museum, 


3. THAMNOPHILUS fasciatus. 
Barred Bush-Shrike. 


T. supra rufus, infra nigro alboque fasciatus; vertice mauris 
nigro, femine rufo. 

T. rufous above ; beneath banded by black and white; crown 
in the male black, in the female rufous. » 


Barred Shrike. Latham, Syn. 2d Ed. Vol. 2. p. 87. 


A comparatively small species, not exceeding the size of a 
Sparrow. The bill is strong, and unusually thick; its colour is 
black with the margins pale. In the females the crown of the 
head (which is slightiy crested,) together with all the upper plu- 
mage, is of a deep and bright rufous: the wings and tail are the 
same, and unspotted ; the sides of the head are black, freckled 


of American. Thamnophili. 89 


with minute white dots. All the under plumage, from the chin 
to the vent, is crossed by numerous narrow bands of deep black 
and white, arranged alternately. In the male these bands are 
carried quite round the upper part of the neck,. but in the female 
they are, in this part, almost obsolete. The male is further dis- 
tinguished by the crown being glossy black and’ unspotted. The 
tail is moderate and rounded, but the ends of the feathers are not 
very obtuse, as in 7. bicolor. Tarst moderate, cinereous. Inner 
wing-covers fulvous, banded with black lines. 

Total length 63, bill =, wings 27, tail 3, tarsi 9. 

pis seve toe. “This seems a common bird, having been sent 
from different parts of Equinoctial Brazil. I met with it in abun- 
dance on the skirts of the forest of Urupé, frequenting low bushes 
and trees, and feeding upon coleopterous and other insects found 
among the foliage. Specimens of both sexes are in the British 
Museum. 


4. Tuamnopuitus torquatus. 
Rufous winged Bush-Shrike. 


TL. griseus, infra albescens ; jugulo pectoreque lineis nigris fasci- 
atis ; alis rufis, immaculatis ; cauda nigra, rotundatd, albo 
maculata. 


T. greyish, beneath whitish ; throat and breast banded by black 
lines ; wings rufous, immaculate, tail black, rounded, spotted 
with white. 


Habit of the Barred Shrike, but smaller, measuring only five 
inches three-quarters ; its béd/ is less, and is likewise more com- 
pressed. The crown, which is not crested, is covered by a deep 
black patch, paler in front, and extending to the hind-head.. The 
prevailing tint of the wpper plumage, and also the sides of the 
head, neck, and flanks, is cinereous grey. The wings are alone ru- 
fous, and unspotted ; the dail. is rounded, the feathers: narrow, 
slender, and obtuse at their extremities ; the middle pair wholly 
black, the rest more or less crossed by interrupted bars of white, 
and tipt with the same colour. ‘The éhroat, sides of the head, 


90 Mr. Swainson’s descriptions 


and middle of the body are whitish, and unspotted ; but round 
the breast are ten or twelve transverse bands of black lines. Tursi 
rather long and cinereous. Jrides crimson. 
Total length 5%, bill 3, wings, 24, tail, 2, tarsi, 1. 
Ossrkvations.—Found in the same situations as 7’. fasciatus, 
but infinitely more rare. I never met with the female. 


5. THAMNOPHILUS nevius, 
Spotted Bush-Shrike. 


I. supra cinereus, infra pallidior ; vertice nigro ; rectricium nigra- 
rum obtusarum apicibus albis; rectrice externé maculé albé 
marginal fasciata. — . 

T. above cinereous, beneath paler; crown black, tail feathers 
black, obtuse, tipt with white, the outer feather with a white 
marginal spot. 


Spotted Shrike. Latham. Syn. Ist Ed. 1..190. 
Lanius nevius. Gm. 308. Ind. Orn. 1. 81. 51. 

Le Tachet.—Le Vail. Ois. d’Af. 2. Pl. 77. f. 1. 
Lanius nevius. Shaw, Gen. Zool. 8.2. 325. 

Leach, Zool. Mis. tab. 17. 

Lanius punctatus. Shaw Gen. Zool. 8. P. 2. p. 327. 


This species, originally described from a specimen in the British 
Museum, requires elucidation. Dr. Latham, and after him, Dr. 
Leach, have both said that the upper plumage is black ;—this how- 
ever is an oversight, for by a reference to the Museum specimen, 
I find the ground colour of the upper parts to be dark cinereous ; 
the crown black, and a spot of the same colour on the back, 
where the concealed part of the feathers are also variegated with 
white. ‘The wings are black, the inner covers white, the lesser 
covers spotted with white, and the wnder plumage pale cinereous ; 
tail-covers black, tipt with white; the gad is rounded, the fea- 
thers obtuse, and tipt with white ; the outer feather on each side 
is alone marked by a central white spot across their exterior webs. 
In this character, as well as in the less robust form of its bill, and 
its comparatively short tarsi, it differs from 7’. pileatus, while 


of American Thamnophili. 91 


from T. ambiguus it may be also known by its shorter tarsi, and 
by not having all the tail feathers marked by a pair of white 
oblong spots. 

The Trachet of Le Vaillant seems to be, without doubt, the 
same species as the L. me@vius of Latham and Leach, the form and 
colour of the tail in both perfectly agreeing. Dr. Shaw has, 
however, made the Trachet into a distinct species, adding gratu- 
itously, that the feathers of the head are lanceolate. 

Length of the wings 24, tail 2, tarsi scarcely 2. 


Var.a? TT. ambiguus. 

I. supra cinereus, infra pallidior ; vertice nigro ; remigum nigro- 
rum margine albo ; rectrictum obtusarum apicibus fascidque 
interruptd albis. 

T. above cinereous; beneath paler; crown black, quills black 
margined with white; tail feathers obtuse, the tips anda 
central interrupted band, white. 


Two birds brought to England from Minas Geraes by Dr. Such, 
are now before me, agreeing in general disposition of colours 
with the last, yet presenting certain characters which may prove 
important. 

Their size is, in a trifling degree larger ; the quills are deep black 
margined externally, (except at their base) with white ; the tail 
is half an inch longer; but, from the length of the covers, it ap- 
pears very short ; it is black, rounded, tipt with white, and ob- 
tuse ; each feather in the middle having a pair of large snowy 
oblong spots adjoining their margins ; the ¢arsz are one-tenth of 
an inch longer, and the inner wing-covers yellowish white, spu- 
rious quills black. 

Total length about 52, bill 42, wings 2.5,, tail 21, tarsi 3. 

+ Var. 6? T. pileatus. 

T. supra cinereus, infra pallidior ; uropygio pectorisque lateribus 
Julvis ; vertice nigro ; remigum fuscorum margine testuceo ; 
rectrictum acutarum apicibus linedque marginal «lbis. 

T. above cinereous ; beneath paler; rump and sides of the breast 
fulvous, crown black, quills brown margined with fulvous ; 
tail feathers pointed, tips and marginal line white. 


92 Mr. Swainson on American Thamnophili. 


Closely allied to the last in size, and in general colouring, the 
bill however is a little shorter, and the feathers across the back 
and those on the rump are tinged with obscure falvous. The 
‘wings are brown, the greater are slightly margined with whitish, 
the latter with dull ferruginous, and the scapular quills with a 
broad base of white. The tail seems longer than the last, it is 
rounded, black, and tipt with white ; all the feathers are pointed 
at their extremities, and this in so regular a manner, as to appear 
perfectly natural ; the margin of each has a central line of white, 
longer, narrower, and less conspicuous than in the last. The 
tarsi are a trifle longer than in JT. ambiguus, and near a quarter 
of an inch longer than in nevius. 

Total length 6, bill 3, wings 24,, tail 25, tarsi .%. 

Oxservations.—Inhabits the Catinga (or interior) woods of 
Bahia: the only specimen I possess is a male. 

Two of the preceding descriptions were drawn up from single 
birds. I therefore feel much difficulty in forming an opinion 
whether they are varieties of one species, or distinct in them- 
selves. The slight variation in their colours (consisting princi- 
pally in those of the tail) is a matter, in itself, of little conse- 
quence ; but the difference in the comparative length of their 
tarsi cannot be so easily reconciled. It may also be observed, 
that the pointed form of the tail-feathers in T. péleatus, is opposed 
to the rounded form of those in nevius and ambiguus. The 
question is interesting, but cannot, I think, be decided, until 
more specimens are examined. In the mean time they can either 
be considered as varieties or species. 


6. Tuamnorutitus ferrugineus. 
Rufous crowned Bush-Shrike. 


T. ferrugineo-fuscus, infra pallide fulous ; vertice rufo; alis fus- 
cis ; maculis dorsum tectriceque ornantibus albis; rectrictum 
ruforum apicibus obtusis. 

T. ferruginous-brown, beneath pale fulvous; crown rufous; wings 
brown ; spots on the back and wing covers white: tail fea- 
thers rufous, the tips obtuse. 


Descriptions of British Chitones.._ . . 95 


Allied in habit to éorquatus, but the bill is deeper, the wings 
longer, and the tarsi shorter. The general size of the bird is also 
somewhat larger. The ground colour of the upper plumage is 
ferruginous brown, the top of the head bright rufous, and its sides 
greyish. The feathers in the middle of the back are snowy white 
towards their tips. The wing-covers are blackish brown, tipt with 
white, which colour forms two bands: the scapular quills are. 
blackish, with broad white margins: the rest of the quélls are 
brown, margined with ferruginous and whitish. All the under 
- plumage is ferruginous or fulvous white, lightest on the chin and 
in the middle of the body. The fad is short, slightly rounded, 
and dark rufous black; the lateral feathers tipt with white; the 
outer pair only having an additional white spot on their external 
margins ; the tips of all are abruptly rounded. The feathers on 
the lower part of the back are remarkably long. 

Tarsi moderate, cinereous. Jrides hazel. 

Of this species I have two specimens, from the same locality 
as the preceding. One is marked asa male bird, but with some. 
doubt : of its history, in other respects, I know nothing. 

Total length 6, bill 4, wings 23, tail 24, tarsi 42. 


Art. XII Descriptions of some Shells, belonging principally 
to the genus Chiton, observed on the Coast of Argyleshite 
in the Summer of 1824. By R. 'T. Lowe, Esq. : 


Curton, Lamarck, Sowerby. 


- Since the days of Chemnitz, little addition seems to have been 
made to the knowledge of this neglected genus, if we except the 
occasional notice of a few new and well-marked foreign species. 
In the * Animaux sans vertebres ”’ of Lamarck, only fives pecies 
are recorded, and no attempt is made towards elucidating the 
history of those that had been described by preceding authors. 
It is not therefore surprising that amongst the improvements and 
discoveries of modern science, the genus Chiton should present 
to the Conchologist a source of so much perplexity and doubt, 


94 Descriptions of British Chitones and other shells. 


that the present attempt to identify a few British speeies will, I 
fear, on my part, appear not a little presumptuous. My object 
will however be attained should I succeed in drawing to the sub- 
ject the attention of some one better qualified than myself for 
such ‘an undertaking. 

Though considerable obscurity appears to extend in some mea-- 
sure over ali the species of this intricate genus, the greatest con- 
fusion exists amongst the British species. In some instances in- 
deed, it has become almost impossible satisfactorily to reconcile 
the discordant synonymes and more discordant descriptions by 
various authors, of the same individual species. This, perhaps, 
is not so much owing to the inaccuracy of the descriptions them- 
selves, as to the insufficiency of those characters on which most 
writers have grounded their specific distinctions. Great uncer- 
tainty has also necessarily arisen from the deficiency of all the 
hitherto published figures of the less striking species of this genus ; 
—an imperfection doubtless to be attributed to the difficulty of 
expressing those minute but essentially important characters on 
which alone the permanent specific distinctions of these shells 
must rest. The figures in the work of Martini and Chemnitz, 
are certainly as characteristic in habit of the shells they are in- 
tended to represent as the nature of the work would authorise us 
to expect: but any one will be ready to acknowledge their defi- 
ciency in every particular of minute detail or delicacy of execu- 
tion. 

As far as the British species are concerned, little more can be 
said in favour of the figures in Wood, Pennant, Montague, the 
Linnean Transactions, &c. ‘The only exception to these remarks 
I have met with, is the figure of Chiton Jevis, in an unpublished 
plate engraved for Leach’s Brit. Mollus. This might indeed almost 
serve as a model for future artists ; and in accuracy and delicacy 
of delineation cannot perhaps be well exceeded. 

Under these circumstances, and without the opportunity of 
comparing my species with authentic specimens of those hitherto 
described as British in this intricate genus, I have found extreme 
difficulty in reconciling the discrepancies, and arranging under 
their proper types, the imperfect descriptions of different authors. 


General Observations. 95 


But even with this disadvantage, I have so much confidence in 
the permanency of those characters on which I propose to rest the 
distinctions of the species, that I have ventured to believe some- 
thing might be added to the present stock of conchological know- 
ledge, by the publication of the few well characterized species in 
my possession. 

The idea of dividing the Genus into sections from the charac- 
ters of the marginal ligament, has beer borrowed from the article 
on Conchology in the Suppiement to the Encyclopedia Britan- 
nica. The obvious and convenient arrangement of the species it 
affords, certainly entitles it to the highest consideration. 

The presence or absence of granulations, stria, and punctures 5 
and the different modifications and arrangment of these on the 
valves, are the most constant as well as the most obvious charac- 
ters for specific distinctions. ‘The next in importance to these I 
consider to be the general formation and number of the marginal 
teeth of the valves. On an exact coincidence in the number of 


_ these in each valve through every individual of the same species, 


I am not much inclined to rely ; nor should I feel at all disposed, 
in the absence of other characters, to consider differences of this 
nature sufficient for specific distinction. As far however as my 
observations have gone, I have constantly found a peculiar forma- 
tion of the marginal teeth accompanying other important and un- 
questionable specific characters, and remaining constant in all the 
individuals of each species in my possession. In the middle valves, 
the number and peculiarity of formation of these teeth will pro- 
bably be found more constant and regular than in the first and 
last. 

The principal objection I am aware of to the employment of 
such a character for specific distinction is this :—the marginal 
teeth being entirely concealed by the ligament, it becomes neces- 
sary to remove the latter before the species can be completely 
ascertained.* In all cases it is desirable to simplify as much as 


* In dead specimens, a few minutes immersion in warm water will render 
the marginal ligament sufficiently pliable to bear removals but care must be 
taken not to injure the teeth, which are rather brittle. The best method is at 
once to sacrifice a single specimen of each species; and, having completely 


96 Descriptions of British Chitones and other shells. 


possible, and the more obvious characters, when sufficient, ought 
always to be preferred. There is something also of an artificial 
nature in this character, which has determined me to consider it 
as subordinate to those I have just mentioned; and to exclude it 
from the specific phrase, though not absolutely from specific des- 
cription. In some instances, indeed, it will be found of the 
greatest use in confirming distinctions which might otherwise ap- 
pear mere accidental modifications. . 

All characters founded on colour have been rejected, as obvi- 
ously uncertain ; though even in this there is a peculiarity of habit 
observable in most individuals of a species. Differences in shape, 
in shells like these, so much allied in general outline, are ex- 
tremely difficult to define, and will not I fear be found to afford 
sufficiently striking peculiarities for specific character. 

The fringe, which by some writers has been relied on with so 
much confidence in the description of Chiton cinereus, is, with 
different modifications, common to all the species ; though it is cer- 
tainly much more conspicuous in that than in any of the others, 
with the exception perhaps of C. fascicularis. 

I have not yet been fortunate enough to meet with any Chito- 
nes having fewer than eight valves; but I should imagine there 
can be little hesitation in considering all such as mere accidentak 
varieties. 


* FIGAMENTO MARGINIS SPINOSO. 


1. Chiton fascicularis. 

C. testa subcarinaté; valvulis carina longitudinaliter striata, 
lateribus granulatis ; margine granuloso, subspinoso, rudi, setarum 
fasciculis utrinque. ) 

Valvuli medii dentibus 2 utrinque, primo maximo, :altero 
parvo. Valvulus 1™° dentibus 6, latioribus; ultimus utrinque 
emarginatus, interstitio fere crenulato, aliquando dentato. 

Icon. Chem. Coch. 10, t. 173. f. 1688.—Encye. Meth. pl. 163. 
f. 15.—Adans. Hist. Sen. p. 42. t.2. f. 11? 


removed the ligament, to fasten each valve separately in their proper order 
on a card, with gum, by their outside, when the teeth may be conveniently 


observed. 


Chitones. — 97 


Dorset Cat. p. 1. f. 1. (malé).—Wood’s Gen. Conch. pl. 2. f. 6. 
—Linn. Trans. VIII. p. 1. f. 1. (malé).—Mont. Test. Brit. pl. 27. 
f. 5.—Sowerb. Gen. Chiton. f.—Leach’s British Moll. (ined.) 
pl. X. f. 8. 

Linn. Syst. Ed. 12. p. 1106. No. 4.—Linn. Gmel. p. 3202. 
(fide Lion. Trans). Lamarck, Anim. 6. p. 


Shell less carinated and convex than in the next species. 
Valves with a few longitudinal striae down the middle, which are 
very often obliterated by the decortication of the valves; their 
sides coarsely granulated. The first and last valves are without 
the longitudinal strie down their centre, but are granulated all 
over. The granulations are coarse, elevated, obtuse, distinct to 
the naked eye ; larger than in any of the following species. Mar- 
gin coarsely granulated, more or less spinous, furnished with tufts 
of grey bristles rather than hairs, placed at the interstices of the 
middle valves, and also round the first and last. ‘The marginal 
teeth of the last valve are variable; sometimes there are two 
notches on each side, and the intermediate space crenulated ; and 
sometimes these crenulations are so deep that it would perhaps 
be more proper to describe the last valve as toothed in the mid-~ 
dle to within a short distance of either extremity. Colour cine- 
reous or dark olive; sometimes nearly white by decoriication. 
Fringe of the margin bristly, very distinct. Length from a quarter 
to three quarters of aninch. Breadth about half the length. 

Oban, Argyleshire ; not very common. Appin, not unfrequent. 
It is rather extraordinary there should not be a single gocd repre- 
sentation of a British specimen of this common species. The best 
is that in Leach’s British Mollusca, though the tufts on the mar- 
gin are not well expressed. 


** LIGAMENTO MARGINIS STRIATO. 


2. Chiton levis. 
C. testa carinatd, elevata, convexiore ; valvulis Jevigatis, politis 
(sub. lente) minutissimé granulatis ; margine lato expanso, exilis- 


simé reticulato. 
Vor. II. G 


° 


98 Descriptions of British Chitones and other Shells. 


Valvuli medii dentibus 4 utrinque, primo majore. 
Valvulus 1" dentibus 20, parvis. 


Icon. Tab. nost. V. f. 1.—Penn. Brit. Zool. 4. t. 36. f.3; Ed. 
1812. pl. 39. f. 3. (fide Linn. Trans. and Turton).—Leach’s 
Brit. Moll. ined. pl. X. f. 7 (optime). 

Linn. Gmel. p. 3206 (fide Linn. Trans).—Mont. Test. Brit. 
p. 2.—Lion. Trans. VIII. p. 21. No. 5.—Wood’s Gen. Conch. 
p- 22.—Turton’s Conch. Dict. p. 33. 

var? C. septemvalvis, Mont. Test. Brit. p. 3. (C. discors of 
Linn. Trans.) 


Shell raised, elevated, rather convex, keeled. Valves slightly 
beaked, to the naked eye smooth, shining, polished, with irre- 
gular strie of growth. When seen through the lens they are 
found to be distinctly and regularly, but very minutely granu- 
lated ; the granulations disposed in quincunxes. Margin very 
broad, expanded, finely and regularly reticulated ; the meshes 
of the reticulations raised and shining. Fringe very short, in- 
distinct. Colour fine deep red, or rufous brown; sometimes 
mottled with green, and often decorticated and encrusted. Margin 
often with alternate stripes or patches of red and white. Fringe 
deep red. Length from one quarter to three quarters of an inch. 
Breadth half the length. 

Found at Oban, adhering to rocks at Spring tides. Rather 
rare. 

Tt was not without much hesitation that I was at length induced 
to consider this shell as the C. levis of authors. I am now how- 
ever clearly of opinion that the granulations of the valves, from 
their minuteness, escaped the observation of the accurate author 
of the Test. Brit. and other writers. This decision is satisfacto- 
rily confirmed by the inspection of specimens in the collection of 
the Cambridge Philosophical Society, named, as I am informed 
by Professor Henslow, by Mr. Lyon of Tenby. 

If C. punctatus of Turton’s Conch. Dict. p. 34. f. 10. be really 
punctured, it must be distinct from this species; and cannot be 
the obscure C. punctatus of Linnezus, p. 1107. No. 6, which also 
is described ‘* punctis excavatis,’’ since the figure in Seba referred 


Chitones. 99 


to by Linnzus, represents a shell with a scaly margin, as I have 
myself had an opportunity of ascertaining. I am much inclined 
however to consider Turton’s shell as a more accurately observed. 
specimen of C. Jevis.. Amongst my specimens there is one which 
being a good deal decorticated in some places, shews immediately 
under the outer granulated layer an internal shelly coat of a 
porous or reticulated structure, resembling the punctured part of 
athimble.* Without further data I have not ventured to deter- 
mine this question, but trust these observations will lead to some 
elucidation of the point from others more competent to decide. 

C. septemvalvis of Montagu if not a distinct species, being des- 
cribed with a reticulated margin, ought certainly to be referred 
to this rather than to C. marginatus. 

The synonymes of this very distinct species have been united 
by Mr. Dillwyn with those of C. cinereus, of which he considers 
it merely a variety. The only way of accounting for this, is 
by supposing he mistook it for the reddish variety mentioned by 
authors of C. cinereus, or perhaps C. ruber of this paper; and 
that he was not in possession of the true C. levis. His refer- 
ence to Adanson, t.2, f. 11, p. 42, must certainly be expunged. 
The shell there represented is probably C. fascicularis. 


*** LIGAMENTO MARGINIS RUGOSO, SC. FARINOSO AUT GRANULOSO. 


3. Chiton cinereus. 
 C. ‘testa carinata, ovata; vulvulis regulariter granulatis ; mar- 
gini farinoso, distincté fimbriato. 

Vaivuli medii dentibus 2 subcequalibus utrinque. 

Valvulus primus dentibus circiter 10; ultimus 12. 


Icon. Chemn. Conch. 8. t. 96. f. 818.—Barn. Test. Mus. Coes. 
p- 5.t. 1. f. 3. (fide Chemn).—Woed’s Gen. Conch. p. 3. f. 4. 
(referred to in the text for C. marginatus).—Dorset Cat. pl. 1. 
f. 4. — Encyc. Meth. pl. 161. f. 11. (male, the valves not 
beaked). 


* I have since observed the same appearance in a very young decorticated 
specimen of C. latus. May it not be common to all the species ? 


G2 


100. Descriptions of British Chitones and other Shells. 


Linn. Syst. Ed. 12.. p. 1107. N° 9.—Barn’s Index Mus. Cees. 
p- 1 & 2. (fide Chemn.)—Mont. Test. Brit. p. 3.—Turton’s Conchs 
Dict. p. 34. 


Shell ovate, a little broader behind. Valves beaked, very dis- 
tinctly and regularly granulated. Colour generally uniform 
cinereous, sometimes dark olive, mottled or tawny yellow. Mar- 
gin powdery, generally of the same colour as the shell, but some- 
times mottled with white. Fringe very distinct, brown. The 
first and last valves are marked inside with arched or radiating 
white lines or stri#, running up from the interstices of the teeth. 
Length in general about 3 of an inch. Breadth about = the 
length. The largest specimens I have seen (in the collection of 
the Cambridge Philosophical Society) are about % of an inch long. 

Very common on stones and dead shells at Oban, Appin, &c. 
It seems particularly to abound where Patella testudinaria is most 
plentiful. I have omitted the synonyme of Fabricius referred by 
Chemnitz to this species. From the circumstance of Fabricius’ 
shell being described as “ testa Jevt; limbo subciliato, and cor- 
pore rubicundo,” I think it accords much better with the next 
species.—The true C. cinereus is described by Born as having 
“valve granulose ;” and by Linneus as “ non glabra.” I 
have never yet met with any specimens of the true C. cinereus, 
to which the phrase ‘* corpore rubicundo,” could be’ properly 
applied, but it answers very well to the following species. 


The shell described and figured under this name in the 8th Vol. 
of the Linn. Trans. is certainly not the C. cinereus of Linneus 
and Born. For exactly the same reasons as in the case of Fabri- 
cius, with the additional one of the broad margin, I have referred 
it to the following species, of which the figure is an excellent 
representation. 

The references in the text of Wood’s Gen. Conch. to fig. 4 and 
5, of pl. 3, Iam convinced have been accidentally reversed. Fig. 
4, referred to for C. marginatus, is a very good representation of 
the common sized specimens of C. cinereus, and the other presents 
something of the broad outline of my C. latus. 


‘Chitones. 101 


4. Chiton ruber. 
_ C. testa carinata ; valvulis levissimis, nitidis; margine lato, 
farinoso. ; 

Valvuli medii-dentibus 2. 

Valvulus 1™° dentibus 9; ultimus ‘10. 


- Icon, Tab. nost. V. f. 2,—Chemn. Conch. t. 96. f. 813.— 
Encyc. Meth. pl. 161. f..6.—Linn. Trans. VIII. p. 22. N°6.t. 1. 
f. 3. (C. cinereus). 

Fabr. p. 423.—Laskey in Wern. Trans, ? 


Colour bright red, or rarely tawny rufous; mottled. 

* On rocks and stones, Oban; rare. I also found two specimens 
at Filey, on the Yorkshire coast, on rocks south of the bridge, 
in the Summer of 1823. 

Shell perfectly smooth and polished, shining ; without the least 
appearance of granulations or punctures under the lens, but 
marked with irregular, faint, transverse, arched strie of growth, 
which are obsolete in their transverse, and stronger on their sides 
in their longitudinal, direction. Margin broad as in C. levis. 
Besides these essential differences, it may at once be distinguished 
from C..cinereus by its habit and colour, which in all my speci- 
mens is a bright mottled red or tawny. It is frequently partially 
encrusted with a black extraneous substance. The fringe is also 
less distinct than in C. cinereus, and is light red. From C. 
levis it is abundantly distinct, in not having the reticulated mar- - 
gin or granulated valves. 

The figures referred to by Chemnitz, and the Encyc. Meth. are 
very imperfect in detail, though there are some characteristic 
marks. ‘That of the Linn. Trans. is excellent. ‘This species has 
long been involved in much obscurity, and seems to have caused 
great confusion amongst English writers. It is probably the shell 
slightly mentioned by Capt. Laskey, and has no doubt been often 
overlooked as a variety of C. cinereus. 


5. Chiton Asellus. 

C. testa subcarinata ; valvulis longitudinaliter concatenato-gran- 
ulosis, vel striis longitudinalibus moniliformibus; margine granu- 
Jpso. 


102 Descriptions of British Chitones and other Shells. 


Valvuli omnes edentuli, sed marginibus minutissimé crenulatis. 


Icon. ‘Testa jun. tab. nost. V. fig. 3.a. Aucta. fig. 3. b\—Chemn. 
Conch. 8. t. 96. f. 814. Chiton minimus.—Icon. Testa sen+tab, 
V. nost. f. 4.—Chemn. Conch. 8. t. 96, f. 816. C. Asellus.—- 
Encyc. Meth. pl. 161. f. 12. 


_ Shell scarcely so sharply carinated as in the following species. 
Valves slightly beaked, with moniliform or chain-like granula- 
tions, disposed in longitudinal striz, giving the shell an elegant 
appearance when seen through the lens. Marginal ligament with 
black granulations like shagreen, All the valves without margi- 
nal teeth, their edges inside minutely crenulated or granulose. 
Fringe short. Ground colour of the shell light chocolate; in 
young specimens the posterior edges of the valves are dark brown 
or black, which extends over about half the valve; giving the 
shell the banded appearance represented in Chemn. fig. 814. In 
older specimens this colour becomes deeper, and extends gradu- 
ally over the whole of that part of each valve which is uncovered 
by the preceding as the shell contracts in drying. 

I have very little hesitation in uniting under this species the 
C. minimus and Asellus of Chemnitz. The peculiarity uf co- 
louring in the latter is exactly what is observable in the older 
shells of my specimens, with the exception of the yellowish spots 
on the back, which merely are not sufficient to authorize con- 
sidering it a distinct species. ‘This opinion is confirmed by the 
figure of C. Asellus in the Encyc. Meth., in which the longitu- 
dinal striz are represented, which are the distinguishing mark of 
the species. ‘These are so obscure in the very young specimens, 
(of which I have some not more than a line in length), that they 
might easily be overlooked by Chemnitz in his C. minimus. These 
have also something of the mealy appearance which he ascribes 
to that shell, though not sufficiently to warrant the character, 
“¢ sprinkled with meal in patches,” which has been formed from 
his description. 

Found at Oban and Appin, more plentifully at the latter; low 
down on the rocks at spring tides below Captain Carmichael’s 
house, where dead shells of Pecten islandicus were also abundant. 
Rare. 


Chitones. ‘ 103 


6. Chiton Aselloides. 
C. testa carinata; valvulis (sub lente) minutissime granulatis ; 
_ Margine rugoso-granulato. 


‘Valvuli medii dentibus 2 utrinque. 
Valvulus 1" & ultimus dentibus 11 aut 12. 
Icon. Tab. nost. V. f. 5. 


Shell carinated ; the valves slightly beaked, minutely, but re- 
gularly granulated over their whole surface, not at all in a beaded 
manner. Margin coarsely granulated; the granulations raised, 
black. Colour dark chocolate brown or black ; the ridges, edges, 
and interstices of the valves lighter or yellowish white. Fringe 
very short and indistinct. Length rather less than + an inch; 
breadth about half the length. 

Oban, Appin ; found with the last. Very rare. 

Though in general colour and appearance this species approaches 
near to the preceding, the dark colour even of the younger shells 
seems to be more equally diffused over the whole of each valve. 
They have net consequently in so decided a manner, that banded 
appearance which is the striking peculiarity of Chemnitz’s figure 
814. 

The presence of marginal teeth in this species is a very satis- 
factory and remarkable. confirmation of its being distinct from the 
preceding species. 


***% LIGAMENTO MARGINIS LEVIGATO. 
7. Chiton latus, 
C. test’ subovato-oblonga, até, carinataé; valvulis levigatis 
politis, (sub lente) minutissimé granulatis; margine simplicissimo, 
levi. 


Valvuli medii dentibus 2 utrinque. 
Valvulus 1" dentibus 9, latis ; ultimus 8, latis. 


Icon. Tab. nost. V.f.6 & 7. Ency. Meth. pl. 161. fig. 9 & 10, 
Wood’s Gen. Conch. pl. 3. f. 5. (excel. descrip. & synon.)? 
Mont. Test. Brit. p. 1. (C. marginatus), excel. synon. 


104 Descriptions of British Chitones and other Shells. 


Shell strong, broad, slightly ovate, rather wider behind than 
before, carinated. Valves beaked, smooth, shining ; when seen 
through the lens minutely granulated. Marginal ligament per- 
fectly smooth, simple, without the least powdery appearance or 
reticulation. Fringe very short and indistinct. In the number 
of the marginal teeth this species approaches nearest to C. ruber. 

Colour dark rufous olive, mottled ; sometimes approaching to 
a dark slate-colour ; generally with a rufous or tawny tinge. 

Length rather more than an inch; breadth about 2 of the length, 

From Oban; on the under side of loose rocks on the beach, 
(about 50 yards south of the Custom-house,) which are only un- 
covered at spring tides. Also at Appin, Captain Carmichael. 

Whether this shell is the real C. marginatus of Pennant and 
others, I have found it impossible to determine. I have little 
doubt in asserting my opinion that it is the shell described under 
that name by Montagu. His description is perfectly consistent, 
as far as it goes, with my shell; and his observation under C. levis 
of the breadth of his C. marginatus, and the remark that it wants 
the serrated edge and reflected margin of Pennant’s C. marginatus 
confirm this idea.* The latter character however has at once the 
appearance of being a very doubtful one, probably only owing to 
the contraction of the margin in dried specimens, and to be seen 
in most of my specimens of C. Jatus :—and the first of the serrated 
margin has not at all the air of a distinguishing character, at least, 
if I am right, in supposing it to mean the ligamental margin. 

The figure in Argenville t, 25. f. M. referred to by Wood for 
C. marginatus is certainly nothing but a large specimen of C. 
cinereus, and does not present any of the characters just men- 
tioned. The figure given by Wood himself for C. marginatus, I 
have referred without any hesitation to C. cinereus; and if I am 
right in supposing a mistake to exist between the two references, 
(as explained under C. cinereus,) his figure 4 will be a tolerable 
representation of my C. latus. ‘The figure of the Ency. Meth. 


* Further confirmation as to locality is to be found in an observation on 
this species in the Supplement to Test. Brit. mentioning that the separate 
valves have been found on the Scotch Coast half an inch wide (the genera} 


size of my specimens.) 


Terebratula costata. 105 


(without a name, and to which I can find no reference in any 
author), is a most excellent representation of my shell. 

Under these circumstances, I should not have hesitated in 
considering this shell the true C. marginatus of most authors, if 
it were not for the observations on the genus Chiton in the Article 
Conchology of the Supplement to the Ency. Brit., which is I 
believe from the pen of Dr. Leach. I there find a shell called 
C. marginatus placed along with C. ruber and cinereus under the 
section “* Marginal ligament rough ;” and another called C. levi- 
gatus in the section ** Marginal ligament smooth.” Now as there 
is not perhaps sufficient account of the ligament in any of the 
descriptions yet published of the true C. marginatus, and little 
dependence on the strict accuracy of application of the word 
*¢ [evi” to this part, I feel myself bound in deference to the 
accuracy and opinion of Dr. Leach, to conclude I am still not 
in possession of the true C. marginatus; and rather to consider 
my shell as identical with his C. levigatus:—though as his shell 
does not appear to have been yet published with any specific 
character, it would not certainly be advisable to adopt the same 
name. I have therefore given it one expressive of the most ob- 
vious peculiarity of its characters. Of course this name must be 
abandoned, should my shell be satisfactorily identified with the 
true C. marginatus; and the other synonymes restored,* 


ee 


TEREBRATULA, Lamarck, Sowerby. 


8. Terebratula costata. 

T. testa subtenui, lyreformi, planiuscula; costis longitudinali- 
bus rotundatis scabriusculis pectinata; margine dentato. 

Icon. Tab. nost. V.f.8&9. Aucta, fig. 9. b. 


* Since writing the above, I am more inclined to believe the preceding 
species distinct from the true C. marginatus, by finding in Lamarck no refer- 
ence under that species to the strikingly characteristic figure of my shell in 
the Eney. Meth. He adopts the original specific character of Gmelin for his 
C. marginatus, describing from a shell communicated by Dr. Leach; and only 
quotes ‘* Pennant, 4. t. 36. f. 2. and Linn. Trans, 8. p. 21, t. 1. f. 2.” for his 
synonymes, 


106 Descriptions of British Chitones and other Shells. 


Shell rather thin, semi-transparent, flattish, lyreform, narrow at 
the summit, suddenly spreading in breadth towards the outer mar- 
gin. Upper valve semi-cordate, inequilateral, flattish; the beak 
slightly produced, rounded, truncated horizontally to form the 
perforation, which is large, and completed by the point of the 
umbo of the lower valve. Lower valve rounded, flattish, slightly 
elevated in the middle. Both valves are regularly pectinated with 
longitudinal, rounded, somewhat scabrous ribs, which are inter- 
rupted by a few irregular, transverse striz of growth, giving them 
something of a vaulted or scaly appearance. Margin of both 
valves without the least sinuosity, regularly rounded and toothed. 
Colour towards the beaks an obscure reddish brown, gradually 
becoming fainter towards the margin which is yellowish white. 
Inside yellowish white. Animal bright orange-red. Pedicle orange, 
terminating in a short tuft of brown fibres by which it attaches itself 
te the rocks. Length rather more than 3, of an inch; breadth 
rather less :—that is, the shell is 4, of an inch longer than broad. 

Found by M. J. Berkeley, Esq. attached to the under side of 
a loose rock on the beach laid bare by a remarkably low spring 
tide, about 50 yards south of the Custom-house at Oban. In the 
same place I found Chiton latus, Emarginula conica in abundance, 
Fissurella greca, Voluta alba of Turton’s Conch. Dict., and a num- 
ber of other interesting shells which are only to be obtained by 
turning over the broken rocks that lie on the beach and are ex- 
posed by low spring tides. I never succeeded in obtaining a se- 
cond specimen of the Terebratula. 

This species appears to me perfectly distinct from 7. Caput- 
Serpentis of Lamarck and Chemnitz, as I have satisfactorily as- 
certained by comparison with a specimen obligingly lent me by 
Mr. G. B. Sowerby. It is distinguished by not having the slightest 
sinuosity in the front margin, or depression in the upper valve 
running from the beak to the margin; by its regular ribs instead 
of stria, and strongly toothed margin. Its general appearance 
and shape are also very different; and the perforation is perfectly 
horizontal, not oblique as in 7T'. Caput-Serpentis, though this is 
not perhaps any certain distinction. It approaches much more in 
general appearance the shell figured in the Ency. Meth. pl. 246, 


Turbo Margarita and carneus. 107 


f. 3. a. b. 5 but that shell is at once distinguished by its very small 
perforation which is not completed by the beak of the upper 


valve. 
Turso, Lamarck. 


9. Turbo margarita. 

T. test leviuscula, umbilicata, nitidd; sub lente striis circu- 
laribus tenuissimis obsoletis ; spira brevi, apice obtuso. 

Icon, Tab. nost. V.f.10 & 11. Aucta, fig.11.b. Laskey 
in Wern. Trans, I. pl. 8. f. 5. (Helix margarita.) 

Mont. Suppl. p. 147. Turton’s Conch. Dict. p. 229. 

Shell rather strong, semi-transparent, subglobular; beneath flat- 
tish, umbilicated; with four convex, rounded volutions. Spire 
short, moderately produced ; the extreme apex depressed, flat- 
tened, obtuse. Body volution beneath convex, rounded. To the 
naked eye the shell appears perfectly smooth and shining, but 
through the lens it is found to be marked with very faint, regular, 
circular, depressed ( :) striz, which are more perceptible on the 
under side. Aperture round, a little angular at the upper part 
and slightly attached to the last. volution, so that the shell does 
not appear to have any true columella as in the common Paludina 
vivipara, tentaculata and many other shells. Umbilicus moderately 
large, open, deep. Operculum horny, rounded. Margin of the 
outer lip simple, entire. Colour a sort of livid bronze, or reddish 
slate-colour, darker towards the apex. Aperture silvery within, 
The whole shell in some lights reflects metallic colours. 

At Gallanch, three miles south of Oban, rare. At Appin plen- 
tifully amongst loose rocks, uncovered at spring tides. 

Though my specimens differ in a few immaterial points from the 
descriptions in Montagu and Turton, there can be little doubt they 
belong to this species, first imperfectly figured by Laskey in the 
Wernerian Transactions. None of my specimens have the faint 
brown band mentioned by Turton. I have introduced the de- 
scription of this little known species for the sake of companion 
with the following. 


10. Turbo carneus. 
T. testa subconica umbilicata, striis elevatis regularibus sub- 
distantibus cincta; spira brevi, apice elevato acuto. 


108 Mr. Gray’s List of British Bats. 


Icon. Tab. nost. V. f.12&13. Aucta, fig. 13, b. 

Shell rather strong, semi-transparent, subglobular, flattened 
beneath, umbilicated. Body volution scarcely so much rounded 
beneath as in 7’. margarita, so that the shell has an obtusely cari- 
nated appearance. Volutions four, convex, with regular, elevated, 
rounded belts, separated by grooves, and continued almost to the 
apex; these are rendered rather rough by the faint transverse 
strie of growth, but the shell has no trace of any epidermis. 
Spire short, elevated ; the apex raised, pointed, subacute. Aper- 
ture and umbilicus exactly as in T. margarita. In my largest 
specimen, the outer lip is turned outwards at its attachment to 
the body volution, and forms a sinus; as if to afford a passage 
for some organ belonging to the animal. I regret extremely that 
particular circumstances prevented me from ascertaining the pecu- 
liarities (if any existed) of the animal, though the specimen was 
obtained alive. As it does not however occur in my other speci- 
mens, I cannot attribute it to any other cause than an accidental 
distortion. 

The whole shell is of an uniform yellowish flesh-colour, darker 
towards the spire, lighter beneath and at the apex; without any 
of the metallic lustre which is so remarkable in 7. margarita, 
Aperture silvery within. Operculum horny. 

In its youngest state this shell can readily be distinguished from 
‘T. margarita by the characters I have laid down; though it is 
certainly so nearly allied to that species that it may easily be 
supposed to have been overlooked as a variety. 


Art. XIT. A List of the Species of Vespertilionide 
found in Great Britain. By Joun Epwarp Gray, 
Eisq. M.G.S. 


Merret in his Pinaz led the way to the study of the animals 
of a peculiar country; and Linneus in his Fauna Suecica follow- 
ing up the subject, shewed the manner in which it ought to be 
treated. But this kind of study, whick since the time.of the latter 


Mr. Gray’s. List of British Bats. 109 


great naturalist, has become so fashionable, is now fortunately on 
the decline, and is giving way to the study of natural groups, or the 
monography of particular genera ; a mode of illustration which is 
much better adapted to the improvement of science. But yet.as 
it is certainly both interesting and useful to the student, to be | 
acquainted with what are the native inhabitants of his own 
country, especially when that country is such an insulated place 
as Great Britain; and as I consider that a list of the Species of a 
group from a systematic author, with a few of the principal Syno- 
nyma is as useful for that purpose as a more enlarged description ; 
Ihave drawn up such a list of the Species of Bats found in this 
country, which are preserved in the British Museum, with an 
account of their habitation when they appeared local. 


1. Vespertilio murinus. Linn. Desm. Mam.—Ency. Meth. n. 
200. 

2. Vespertilio Bechsteinsi. Leister.—Desm. Mam. n. 201. 
New Forest. Mr, Millard. 

3. Vespertilio Nattereri. Kuhl.—Desm. Mam, n. 202. 
Common about London. 

4. Vespertilio Noctula. Gmelin.—Desm. Mam. nu. 204. 
Vespertilio laicopterus. Schreb. Saught. t. 58. 

5. Vespertilio mystacinus. Leister.—Desm. Mam. n. 211. 
Vespertilio Barbastellus. Montague Mus. 
Devonshire. Montagu. 

6. Vespertilio serotinus. Gmelin.—Desm. Mam. n. 205. 
About London. 

7. Vespertilio pygmeus. Leach. Zool. Journ. i. 559. 
? Vespertilio pipistrellus.. Desm. Mam. n. 209. 
Dartmoor. Dr. Leach. 

8. Plecotus auritus. Geoff. 
Vespertilio auritus. Linn.—Desm. Mam.n. 223. 
Common. London. 

9. Rhinolophus unihastatus. Geoffi—Desm. Mam. n. 184. 
Vespertilio ferrum Equinum. Linn. 

10. Rhinolophus bihastatus. Geoff.—Desm. Mam, n. 185. 
Vespertilio ferram Equinum. ~. Gmelin. 


110 Dr.Such’s Descriptions of new Brasilian Birds. 


Vespertilio Hipposideros. Bechstein. 
Vespertilio minutus. Montague.—Linn. Trans. ix. 163. 
Devonshire. Montague. 


There are two other species described as British which are not — 
' in the British collection of the Museum. 

Vespertilio emarginatus. Geoff.—Desm. Mam. n. 210; which 
. was discovered by M. Alexander Brongniart at Dover, and which 
Dr. Fleming also states he has found in Fifeshire. 

Colonel Montague, and Dr. Fleming, most probably from him, 
have included Vespertilio Barbastellus. Linn. (Desm. Mam. 
n. 224.) among the native Bats of Great Britain ; but the speci- 
men at present in the Museum, which was in Colonel Montague’s 
collection under that name, is V. mystacinus of Leister, and is 
exceedingly different from V. Barbastellus, so that it is doubtful 
whether that species is a native of these islands. Dr. Kuhl in 
his Work on the Bats of Holland observes that it is rare in that 
country. 

This list enumerates nearly twice as many species as have been 
hitherto considered as British: but most probably when more 
attention has been paid to the subject many more may be dis= 
covered, as there are six or seven distinct species, besides what 
are here enumerated, which are found in Holland, and other 
neighbouring parts of the continent. 


Ant. XIV. Descriptions of some hitherto uncharacterized 
Brazilian Birds. By George Sucu, M.D. F.L.S. 


[To the Conductors of the Zoological Journal. ] 


GENTLEMEN, 


Business of importance having occurred to call me away from 
this country at an earlier period than I had anticipated, when I 
addressed the former observations to you on Brazilian Ornitho- 
logy to which you were so kind as to give a place in your Journal, 
I have been prevented from continuing those observations to as 


Dr. Such’s Descriptions of new Brazilian Birds. 111 


great an extent as I had purposed. Before I take my departure, 
however, I beg leave to add to the descriptions which I have 
already submitted to you, those of a few more of the birds which 
were the fruit of my late researches in Brazil, and which appear 
to me to be as yet uncharacterized. I do not find any of them 
referred to in the popular works in Ornithology in this country. 
But as many Brazilian species have lately been described on the 
continent, in works which are not to be met with in any of the 
public libraries in this metropolis, and which from my short stay 
in England, and my abrupt departure, I have myself not had an 
opportunity of procuring from abroad, I cannot be certain that 
I may not have been anticipated by foreign naturalists in some of 
my descriptions. The birds, however, I must observe, come from 
a district, which had never, until lately, been explored by any 
collector of Natural History, and which at the same time, as I 
formerly mentioned, presents a character peculiarly distinguishing, 
and favourable both to the constant and occasional assemblage of 
numbers of the feathered tribes.* And there is therefore some 
reason to suppose that many of the birds belonging to it are new 
to science. Asa corroboration of the justness of this inference I 
shall adduce the fact, that of a single genus, (Thamnophilus, 
Vieill.) I procured six uncharacterized species in the district to 
which I allude, which were entirely unknown to Mr. Swainson, 
whose ornithological researches in Brazil, as is well known, were 
carried to a considerable extent; while, on the other hand, of the 
numerous species of the same genus which were collected by that 
gentleman in various parts of the same empire, not one occurred 
to me in the course of my investigations. 

I beg leave to add, that although at present debarred from con- 
tinuing my observations in your Journal, I hope that I may not be 
altogether useless to science. The avocations which recall me to 
Brazil will afford me, I expect, an opportunity of again obtaining 
information in a field, on which I can scarcely say that I had 
more than entered during my former residence in South America. 
I now hope to recommence my labours in that quarter with more 
extensive informatiun, and more ardent zeal. The knowledge, 


Sec Zoological Journal, Vol. I. p. 553. 


112 Dr. Such’s Descriptions of new Brazilian Birds: 


limited as it is, which I have had the good fortune to obtain 
during my short stay in England, will point out to me some of the 
chief points in Natural History to which I ought more particularly 
to direct my attention. While the comprehensive views which 
have lately been introduced into science in this country, so 
exalted above those which I had an opportunity of studying in 
my earlier acquaintance with Zoology, inspire me with additional 
ardour to extend my researches in a pursuit so truly intellectual 
and productive of delight. 


I have the honour to be, 
Gentlemen, 
Your obedient Servant, 


Berners Street, Grorce Sucn. 
Fesruary Ist, 1825. 


Ordo. InsessorEs. Vigors. 
Fam. Hatcyonipa. Id. 
Genus. Garsuta. Briss. 


Ceycorprs.. G. supra viridi-atra subtus alba, capite, gulaque 
nigro-brunneis ochraceo-lineatis, abdominis lateribus cris- 
soque nigro-fuscis ; pedibus tridactylis. 


Caput nigro-brunneum ; frontis plumis ochraceis, verticts gena- 
rumque nigro-brunneis in medio ochraceo-lineatis, gula@ ochraceo 
brunneoque lineatis. Remiges virescenti-fusce subtus pallidi- 
ores, pogoniis internis ad basin albidis. Rectrices viridi-atre, 
subtus fusce, ad apicem tenia rufa perangusta marginate. Ros- 
trum, pedesque nigri. Longitudo corporis a fronte ad apicem 
caude, 5 3 poll. ; ale a carpo ad remigem 4", 2 3,; caude, 3 355 
rostri ad frontem 1 4, ad rictum 2; tarsi, 4,; digiti medii, un- 
gue incluso, %. 

The Jacamars were originally placed by Linnezus among the 
Kingsfishers, to which -in their general characters and habits 


Dr. Such’s Descriptions of new Brazilian Birds. 118 


they bear a close affinity; differing from them chiefly in their 
food, which consists of insects, and in their mode of feeding, 
which is for the most part confined to spearing their prey by their 
sharp and pointed bills. M. Brisson, on the other hand, removed 
them from this their natural situation, on account of the zygo- 
dactyle structure of their feet, and associated them with the true 
scansorial birds, between Picus and Bacco. [Vol. IV. p. 85. Ord. 
XIII. Gen. 48.] In this arrangement he has been followed by 
succeeding Ornithologists until the present day. The bird before 
us however evinces the insufficiency of the character of the zygo- 
dactyle disposition of the toes asa general ground-work of divi- 
sion ; as it intimately unites the genus Galbula with the three toed 
Haleyonide or the genus Ceyx of M. Lacepede. In fact the chief 
character of the group of Jacamars, as regards their legs, is not 
the disposition of the toes, but the extreme weakness of the members 
themselves. The strength of these is transferred to the wings, and 
indicates the station of the bird in nature to be among the groups 
which chiefly feed upon the wing. I am happy to have had 
an opportunity of exhibiting this bird to my friend Mr. Vigors, 
and confirming the justness of his views as to the propriety of 
restoring the Jacamars to their criginal situation among the Hal- 
cyonide, in which family he has included them in his Paper on 
the “ Affinities of Birds” lately read before the Linnean Society, 
and now printed in the forthcoming Number of the Transactions. 
There are, it is true, tridactyle birds among the genuine Pici; 
but these possess a strength in their toes, and particularly in the 
solitary hind one, which furnishes them with the powers of climb- 
ing, and which is totally denied to the air-feeding bird before 
us. It is pleasing to observe how much more in unison with 
nature are the views of Linneus, who founded his leading groups 
on their natural affinities, and then drew his characters from them, 
than those of his successors. who first formed their artificial sys- 
stems on minute and inconsequential characters, without regard 
to natural affinities, and then accommodated their groups to these 
characters, 


Vox. IT. II 


114 Dr. Such’s Descriptions of new Brazilian Birds. 


Fam. Lantana. Vigors. 
Genus. Gusernetes. Mihi. 


Generis Characteres. 


Rostrum crassum, subdepressum, basi sublatum, culmine rotun- 
dato; mandibula superiore apice leviter emarginata; mnaribus 
rotundis ; rictiis vibrissis confertis, rigidis. 


ma 


Ale mediocres ; remigibus 1™ ad 5°” feré equalibus, prima 
brevissima, secunda longissima, pogoniis externis, prime pogonio 
excepto, in medio emarginatis, internis integris. 

Pedes ; tarsis mediocribus ; acrotarsiis paratarsiisque scutella- 
tis; plantis reticulatis, squamis ovalibus. 


Cauda longissima, forficata. 


Cunninecuami. G. cineraceus, longitudinaliter fusco-lineatus, 
guld crissoque albis, fascia lunulari pectorali purpurascenti- 
brunned, alis cauddque brunnescenti-nigris ; remigibus lon- 
gitudinaliter ferrugineo-fasciatis. 


Tab. iv. 

‘Capitis, dorsi, abdominisque plumarum rhaches fusci. Tectrices 
inferiores albe. Remiges brunnescenti-nigre primz pogonio ex- 
terno albo, 3t@ ad 7mam pogoniis externis in medio ferrugineis, 
internis ad basin albidis. Rectricium rhaches superneé nigri sub- 
tus albi, prime pogonio externo ad basin albo. Rostrum brun- 
neum. Pedes nigri. Longitudo corporis, rostro caudaque in- 
clusis, 15 2; ale acarpoad remigem 2dam, ~°. ; rectricis 1m@ 10 £, 
qde 7 1, ake 49 fo» Ate 33, 51®@ 37, 6te 25 rostriad frontem 
47, ad rictum, 1 5 


qi tarst, 1 5. 


This bird appears to have a considerable affinity to the genus 
Psaris of M. Cuvier in the structure of its bill and wings, but it 
differs from it by other such essential characters as to have in- 
duced me to place it in a separate genus. Besides the difference in 
the structure of the tail, an important character in the present 
group of birds, which still retain some of the powers of flight 
belonging to the Fissirostres, the following differences may be 
noticed between the two forms. The rictal bristles of my bird 


Dr. Such’s Descriptions of new Brazilian Birds. 115 


are strong and numerous, while in Psaris they are. scarcely per- 

ceptible. The ¢urst though somewhat longer than those of Psaris 
_are in a slight degree weaker, while the. toes are longer and 
stronger. The lateral scales of the ¢arsé are square and far asun- 
der, while in Psuris they are rounded and numerous. The hinder 
scales also are less rounded, less close, and less conspicuous than 
in the latter genus. 

I have named this species in honour of my friend, Colonel 
Cunninghame, of Rio Janeiro; happy in having it in my power 
to make some slight return for the numerous and liberal attentions 
I have received from him, and to offer this public acknowledge- 
ment of the value in which I hold his friendship. 


Fam. Cerrtuiapa. Vigors. 
Genus. Denprocorartes. Ill. 


Crasstrostris. D. fusco-rufus, subtus pallidior fusco-fasciatus; 
capite nigrescente, collo pectoreque albo-lineatis; gula albd ; 
remigibus uropygio rectricibusque rufis; rostro nigre, 
crasso, longo, paululum incurvato. i 


Capitis plume nigrescentes in medio albo-lineatez, regione paro~ 
tica albida, macula sub rictu nigra albo-notata. Remiges rufe 
apice fusco, subtus pallidiores. Tectrices inferiores albide fusco- 
fasciate. Abdominis latera fusco-rufa. Rostrum pedesque nigri. 
Longitudo corporis a fronte ad caudam, 10; al@ a carpo ad re- 
migem 4, 5 3; caude, 51; rostri ad frontem, 1 9, ad rictum, 
2753 tarst, 14; digiti medii, ungue incluso, 1 4, interni, 43; 
hallucis, 42. 


Forrinostris. D. fusco-rufus, subtus pallidior fusco-fasciatus ; 
capite, dorso, ptilisque albo-lineatis; guld albida fusco-varie- 
gata; remigibus, uropysgio, rectricibusque rufis ; rostro nigro, 
Sorti, sublongo, paululum incurvato. 


Capitis plume nigrescentes in medio albo-lineate, stria super- 
ciliari angusta alba, regione paroticd nigra albo-lineataé. Gula 
albida prope pectus maculis fuscis parcé notata. Remiges rufe, 

H 2 


116 Dr. Such’s Descriptions of new Brazilian Birds. 


-apice fusce. Tectrices inferiores albido-rufe fysco-fasciate. 
* Abdominis latera parcé albido-lineata. Rostrum nigrum, pedes 
graciliores subpallidi. Longitudo corporis, 8 2,; ale a carpo ad 
‘remigem 4°", 4.42; caude, 57,3 rostri ad frontem,-1 4, ad 
rictum, 1 3%,; tarsi, 14,3; digitti medii, 42; interni, 13; hal- 
ducis, 4. 


I find no description of either of the foregoing species in M. 
‘Lichtenstein’s Monograph* on the genus Dendrocolaptes. The 
‘first of my species seems to come nearest the description of D. 
tongirostris, I\l., but the white mandibles of that bird (rostro 
compresso albo; p.200,) seem at once to distinguish it from my 
bird in which the bill is black ; the colour of the bill, as well as 
its form, being considered as affording a strong specific character 
in this genus. My D. crassirostris bears some resemblance also 
to D. scandens, or the Gracula scandens, Lath., the Picucule de . 
Cayenne of the “ Planches Enluminés”t But the ‘transverse 
dusky stripes on the back at once distinguish the latter bird from 
mine. The birds of thissgenus exhibit agreat similarity of colour- 
ing among themselves, so. much so as\to render it difficult to dis- 

tinguish the species, unless by the structure of the bill. This is 
so far the case in the two species above described, as to have in- 
duced me to suppose when I first met with them, that they were 
varieties of one species. But the shorter bill and more slender 
legs and feet of D. fortirostris point out a sufficient ground of 
distinction, as well as some minute characters in the colouring of 
the two species, which are particularized in the foregoing descrip- 
tion of them. These differences I found to be constant between 
the two species, having had an opportunity of examining a number 
of specimens of each, among the birds collected by me in the 
sequestered part of Brazil, which I have already mentioned as the 
scene of my zoological researches, and where they were by no 
Means uncommon. 


* Berlin Transactions for 1818—1819. p. 197. + Pl. 621. 


Dr. Such’s Descriptions of new Brazilian Birds. V7 


Ord. Grauuarores. Ill. 
Fam. <Anprtpm. Leach. 
Gen. Arpea. Linn. 


Fascrata. A. brunnescenti-nigra, ferruginee-fasciata, capitis 
vertice, caudd, remigibusque nigris, his apice albis, guld 
linedque pectorali albis, hac ferrugineo-variegatd, abdomine 
rufa. 

Alula, pteromataque nigro-fusce, apice fascia angusta alba 
marginate. Tectrices inferiores alba, fusce-variegatw. MRectrices 
supra nigre, subtus fusca, duabus mediis apice albo-maculatis, 
ceteris apice fascia perangusta alba marginatis. /bdominis latera, 
uropygium, crissumque cineraceo-fusca, hoc albo-variegato. Ros- 
trum nigrum. ‘Pedes subflavescentes. Longitudo corporis, 2 
Pedes, 4 4 Unc.; rostriad frontem, 3'3,; ad rictum, 455 ale 
a carpo ad remigem 3°", 124; caudw, 5; tarsi, 34; digiti 
medii, 2 4. 


From the confusion which has hitherto existed in the extensive 
Linnean group of Ardea in consequence of the great variation 
that takes place in the birds of that genus during their different 
stages of growth, I cannot speak with confidence as to this bird 
being a distinct species from some of those already described. 
It comes in among the group which is familiarly known by the 
denomination of Tiger Bitterns, all of which are assimilated by 
the markings of their plumage, which bear a general resemblance 
to the spots and strie of the animal whence they derive their trivial 
name: and it may possibly prove to be but a variety of a known 
species in a group where all are so much alike. E find however 
no description or representation which exactly corresponds with 
it; the black head in particular and rufous abdomen offering very 
distinguishing characters. I consider myself therefore justified 
in keeping it apart, and designating it as a.distinct species, at 
least until the whole group is. more accurately defined. I hope to 
make some decisive observations on these Tiger Bitterns during 
my ensuing researches in Brazil, which seems to be the chief 
habitat of these birds. Hitherto I have seer but. one specimen 
of the bird before us. 


118 Analytical Notices of Books. 


Art. XV. Analytical Notices of Books. 


Annales du Muséum d’ Histoire Naturelle. 1824. Parts 4 and 5. 


Of the Zoological contents of these parts the most important is 
the * Description of anew genus of carnivorous Mammalia,” by 
M. Isidore Geoffroy St. Hilaire. MM. F. Cuvier, Desmarest, and: ' 
Geoffroy St. Hilaire, had already given the principal characters: 
of this very interesting animal, which was brought from the Cape 
of Good Hope by the unfortunate Delalande; and G. Cuvier had 
assigned to it provisionally the name of Civette, or Genette, hye-. 
noide, thus pointing out its close affinity with the Civets and the © 
Hyeznas. The external resemblance which it bears to the latter 
group, and particularly to the Hyena of the East, is eminently 
striking ; it possesses the same ground of colouring, and the same 
system of transverse rays ; it exhibits also a similar mane, and an 
equally evident shortness of the hinder members. But it deviates 
from them in the characters of its physiognomy, which bring it 
nearer to the former group, and even to the animals of the genus 
Canis. Instead of the obtuse and apparently truncated snout 
terminating the broad and compact head of the Hyena, this animal 
possesses a rather slender and elongated one, terminating a head 
of elegant proportions, approaching more nearly to that of the 
Foxes; a difference which is principally produced by the zygo- 
matic arch being less distant from the cranium. From this organi- 
zation it results that the mass of the muscles of the lower jaw is 
less than in the Hyena, and that the cerebral cavity and conse- 
quently the brain is increased ; a fundamental distinction, which 
produces the necessity of forming a new genus to receive it, and 
to which M. Isidore St. Hilaire has given the name of Proteles, 
changing the trivial name of M. Cuvier into Lalandiz. ‘The new 
generic appellation is intended to point out a very striking pecu- 
liarity of this animal, implying, on a principle previously adopted 
py Geoffroy St. Hilaire, its perfectness with respect to the number 
of toes of the anterior feet, which are five, in opposition to those 


Annales du Muséum d’ Histoire Naturelle. 119 


of the Hyzna, which are only tetradactyles ; a character though 
not of primary importance, yet very easy to seize, and strongly 
' distinctive. No dentary characters can yet be assigned, as the 
only three individuals hitherto discovered are so young as. not to 
have acquired their permanent teeth. 

In the detailed examination of the Osteology of the Prothiee 
Lalandii, M. Isidore St. Hilaire points out its very striking resem- 
blance in many particulars to that of the Hyena. With this it 
perfectly agrees in its vertebral column, in the pelvis, the whole 
posterior extremity, the scapula, the bones of the leg and of the 
carpus, and in the four external toes. It differs however in pos- 
sessing a slender additional toe, but the rudiments of this are 
also to be found in the Hyena; in the number of ribs, which is 
intermediate between the Civets and the Hyznas ; and especially, 
as has been already noticed, in the cranium. 

The nocturnal habits of the Proteles add still more ntasily to 
the striking similarity which it bears to the Hyena. Like this 
Jatter animal it also possesses a great facility in digging; but 
while this faculty is employed by the Hyzna to disinter carcases, 
it is chiefly made use of by the Proteles to form burrows similar 
to those of the Fox. In one of these, at the extremity of Caffra- 
ria, the three individuals killed by Delalande lived together : 
their rarity appears to be extreme, since it is even said that they 
were unknown to the natives. 

The “ Description of the Polyprion Cernium,” by M. Valen- 
ciennes, recalls the attention to the very curious fact that several 
species of fishes inhabit equally the Mediterranean and the Seas 
of the Cape of Good Hope. ‘The P. Cernium however has not 
only been found in both these localities, but also in the seas of 
America, and has therefore been described by Schneider as the 
Amphiprion Americanus. It is also the A. australe of the same 
author, the Scorpena Massiliensis of Risso, and probably the 
S. Americana of Gmelin. The possession of several individuals, 
as well from the Cape as from the neighbourhood of Nice, has en- 
abled M. Valenciennes to determine their specific identity, and 
to furnish a description of the species in its various stages of 


120 Analytical Notices of Books. 


growth, together with some account of its anatomy. Its specific 
character is as follows, 

P. Cernium. P. corpore griseo toto squamoso; capite magno 
subcomplanato, sulcis radiantibus exarate ; maxilla inferiore longi-, 
ore. 


Br. 7 D. 414 P..18. V. 5. A. 5. C. 17. 

A “ Notice on an Hymenopterous Insect of the family of the 
Diplopteris, known in certain parts of Brazil and of Paraguay 
under the name of Lecheguana, and collecting honey,” by M. 
Latreille, refers to a very interesting fact, and one which might, 
but for the repeated confirmation of it by succeeding travellers, 
have been regarded as doubtful. The insect is referable to M. 
Latreille’s first section of the genus Polistes ; and he assigns to it 
the trivial name of Lecheguana. Its characters are ‘* body black, 
rather silky, and punctured ; scutellum prominent; head, tho- 
rax, and feet without spots ; metathorax unidentate on each side ; 
hinder margin of the five first segments of the abdomen yellow ; 
under wings clouded at their base.”” Only neuters have yet been 
seen of this interesting insect, which presents an exception to the 
rule hitherto generally received, that Bees alone were possessed 
of the means of making honey. The honey of the Lecheguana 
has been examined by M. Lassaigne, who has ascertained that it 
differs considerably from that of the bee; the former being en- 
tirely soluble in alkohol, while the latter treated with the same 
solvent, leaves a saccharine, solid, and cristallizable mass. 

The article by M. Geoffroy St. Hilaire, ‘‘ On the nature, 
formation, and uses of the Stones found in the auditory cells 
of Fish,” is adapted to destroy the theory advanced by Camper, 
that these parts constituted an essential portion of the organ of 
hearing. The attention of the sagacious author of this paper was 
first directed to the subject by the consideration that if these 
were really bones, they would offer a very decided deviation from 
all the analogies which he had previously observed ; and the result 
of his enquiries has been to establish the fact that they are merely 
to be regarded as calculi formed in a cavity which has no commu- 
nication with the external air. The most important objection 
that can be urged against this explanation appears to be derived 


Stmiarum et Vespertilionum Brasili. Species Nove. 121 


from the determinate forms which they retain in the respective. 
species ; but this is readily to be accounted for as depending on 
the shape of the cavities in which they are deposited, and the 
markings on their surfaces as imprinted by the nervous filaments 
surrounding them. We cannot but regret that we are restricted 
from entering into the very curious and satisfactory details that 
are given in illustration of this article; the same cause will also 
confine our notice of the only remaining one, ‘¢ On a singular 
alteration of certain human heads,” by G. Cuvier. The subject 
of this latter is however rather geological than zoological, refer-, 
ring to certain monstrously enlarged crania, which have been re- 
peatedly adduced as proving the existence of a distinct antediluvian 
race of men. In reply to this assumption M. Cuvier distinctly 
establishes, that one of the crania in question is recent; that the 
whole which he has seen belong to children who had not yet 
obtained their permanent teeth; and that they are the result of a 
disease which, fortunately for humanity, is exceedingly rare. 


Simiarum et Vespertilionum Brasiliensium Species Nove; ou 
Histoire Naturelle des Singes &c. Publiée par Jean de Spix. 
Munich, 1823. Atlus folio. pp. viii and 72. tub. xxxviii. 


A more striking illustration of the limited extent of our ac- 
quaintance with the treasures of nature can scarcely be adduced, 
than that which is exhibited by the present splendid and valuable 
publication. That two travelling naturalists, wandering through 
the interior of a single country, during the space of little more 
than three years, should collect upwards of thirty animals, entirely 
new to science, in a group of primary importance, would appear 
extraordinary ; but it becomes still more so when we reflect that 
this new acquisition is nearly equal in number to the one half of 
those which were previously known. What may be the extent of 
the collection in the other families of Mammalia, it is at present 
impossible to ascertain, but if this noble commencement is to be 
assumed as a specimen of the whole, it must indeed be immense, 
and almost unlimited in richness and extent; and natural history 
will have to enumerate among its most important acquisitions the 


122 Analytical Notices of Books. 


results of the travels of M. Spix and Dr. Martius. The magnifi- 
cent style in which the present portion is executed, is fully equal 
to the important nature of the undertaking, though too expensive 
for private libraries in general. Considered however as a national 
work, in which light it is probably regarded by the King of Baya- 
ria under whose auspices it is published, this luxury of execution 
is less to be regretted, and may in fact rather be viewed as a tri- 
bute of respect to the science which it is designed to promote. 
The Monkeys cf America are readily distinguished from those 
of the old continent by several very prominent characters. In the 
former the dissepiment of the nostrils is thicker, and these open- 
ings are directed laterally, while in the latter the dissepiment is 
thin, and the nostrils are oblong and situated in front ; the for- 
mer are also entirely destitute of the cheek-pouches so frequently 
met with in the Asiatic and African species, and none of them 
possess callous nates, the only approach to this conformation being 
in the greater or less baldness of these parts in Brachyteles, 
Ateles, and Mycetes. The number of the molar teeth affords ano- 
ther strong distinguishing character, being limited in the monkeys 
of the old world to five at the utmost, while the whole of the 
American ones, excepting Jacchus and Midas, have six on each 
side. Each of these grand divisions of the globe possesses also in 
addition to these leading distinciions between the groups, some 
forms peculiar to itself, and to which there have not hitherto been 
discovered analogous ones in the other. In America no species 
has been found entirely without a tail, similar to the Orang of the 
old continent; nor does the latter exhibit one possessing only 
four fingers and no thumb, as the Afeles of Brazil, or any fur- 
nished with the vesicular larynx of Mycetes, which fills the woods 
of America with its bellowing. The Monkeys of America appear 
in fact to belong to a higher race; they are less ferocious, and 
more easily tamed, are less voracious, and especially less carnivo- 
rous, more frequently employ their members as hands than as feet, 
and possess a cranium more developed in its cerebral capacity, 
and with more approximate orbits. In these latter particulars 
they are only exceeded by the Orang, next to which they would 


Simiarum et Vespertilionum Brasili. Species Nove. 123 


seem naturally to rank, and to’ be succeeded by the other Mon- 
keys of the old continent, by the Baboons, &c. 

In describing these very interesting animals, M. Spix has found 
it necessary to introduce several new genera, the -affinities of 
which will be best understood by the following table, in which 
we have referred the several new species to their proper positions. 


TRICHIURI 


Cauda apice subtus pilosa. 
Cauda volubili, apice intorta. 
1. Cebus. C. macrocephalus, libidinosus, xanthoce- 


phalus, unicolor, gracilis, cucullatus. 
Cauda non volubili 
abbreviata. 


2. Brachyurus. B. Israelita, Ouakary. 


villos&. 


3. Pithecia. P. hirsuta, inusta, capillamentosa. 
comosa, subtenui. Diurna. 


4. Callithrix. _C. personata, cinerascens, nigrifrons, 
Gigot, cuprea. 


laxa, subtenui. Nocturna. 


5. Nyctipithecus, N. felinus, vulpinus. 


gracili, elongata, non annulata. 


6. Midas. M. fuscicollis, nigricollis, mystax, bicolor. 
gracili, elongata annulata. 


7. Jacchus. J. pygmeus, albicollis, penicillatus. 


GYMNURI. 


Cauda apice subtus calv4 prehensili. 


Tetradactylus, longimanus, larynge subtuberoso. 


8. Ateles. 
Subpentadactylus, longimanus, larynge non tuberoso. 
9. Brachyteles. B. macrotarsus. 3 


Pentadactylus, sublongimanus, larynge non tuberoso. 


10, Gastrimargus. G. olivaceus, infumatus. 


Pentadactylus, stentor, larynge maxime tuberoso, 


11. Mycetes. M. fuscus, stramineus, barbatus, dis- 
color, 


124 Analytical Notices of Books. 


The names of the second, fifth, ninth and tenth of these genera 
are new to science; it is however necessary to offer a few remarks. 
as to the novelty of the groups to which they are applied. The 
first of them, Brachyurus, appears to be perfectly new, and deserv- 
ing of the distinction applied to it: the second, Nyctipithecus, 
is given to a nocturnal group, to one of which most probably, 
Humboldt, and subsequently Geoffroy, had given the generic 
name of Aotus; but as the whole of M. Spix’s species possess 
visible ears, this latter name becomes inapplicable, and the cha- 
racters also require alteration: the third, Brachyteles, is formed 
to receive the Ateles hypoxanthus of the Prince de Neuwied, 
(the Lagothrix Humboldtii, Geoffroy), a necessary correction, as 
the animal possesses a short thumb : and the last is probably syno- 
nymous with the Lagothrix of Geoffroy, except that is more re- 
stricted in its characters. ‘The Stentor of the latter author is 
also in the preceding list exchanged for the earlier name of 
Mycetes. 

Of the whole of the species enumerated above, as well as of 
three others not previously figured, very detailed descriptions are 
given in Latin, with observations in French on their respective 
habits, and on their affinities. Each of them is also figured ona 
separate plate, and coloured from nature. 

To distinguish the Bats of Brasil, which constitute the second 
portion of the work, from those of the old continent, is more 
difficult, since unlike the Monkeys, they do not form a separate 
family at once recognisable by strong and peculiar characters. 
Many of the genera of Bats are in fact common to both conti- 
nents, and the only character pointed out by Geoffroy as distinc- 
tive in one Brasilian genus, Phyllostoma, that it possessed an ad- 
ditional or fourth phalanx to the middle finger, is controverted 
by M. Spix; who states that the same may be found, although 
very small, not only in all the other fingers in that genus, but also 
in all other bats. The Brasilian bats are more frequently fur- 
nished with membranaceous crests upon the nose than those of the 
old continent, but as. the whole of them do not possess this cha~ 
racter, and as one African and one European genus, Megaderma 


Simiarum et Vespertilionum Brasil. Species Nove. 125 


and Rhinolophus, are equally provided with it, it cannot be re- 
garded as affording any really distinguishing mark. 

The following is the arrangement of the genera given by M. 
Spix, in which we have enumerated as before the species now 
first described. 


ANISTIOPHORI. 
Naso non perfoliato 
porrecto; labio superiore leporinos cauda vix exserté, membrana 
interfemorali pedibusque perbreviori : 
1. Noctilio. N. rufus, albiventer. 
Subporrecto-obtuso; auriculis obtusis, supra, fere confluentibus ; 
cauda longissima membranam interfemoralem exsuperante : 
2. Molossus. M. ursinus, nasutus, fumarius. 
pollice manus infra patella armato: 
3. Thyroptera. TT. tricolor. 
prolongato, acuminato: 
4. Proboscidea. P. saxatilis, rivalis. 
subporrecto, subacuto; cauda longissima membranam interfemora- 
lem non nihil exsuperante; dentibus incisivis inferioribus 6, supe- 
rioribus 4, lobatis: 
5. Vespertilio. V. Brasiliensis. 


IstT1oPHORI 


Naso perfoliato 
unifoliato 
ore verrucoso, obtuso; labio superiore et inferiore integro; cauda 
nulla: 
6. Vampyrus. V. cirrhosus, bidens. 
ore verrucoso, obtuso; labio superiore et inferiore integro; cauda 
brevi: 
7. Phyllostoma. P. planirostre. 
ore non verrucoso; labio inferiore subfisso; lingua elongata, setis 
hispida: 
8. Glossophaga. 
bifoliato; cauda et membrané interfemorali nullis: 


9. Diphylla. D. ecaudata. 


Of these genera the third, fourth, sixth, and ninth are new; 
the latter being particularly worthy of attention from the. total 


126 02—-——ts:s Analytical Notices of Books. 


absence of tail, as well as of interfemoral membrane. The whole 
of the species in this department also are figured, with the ex- 
ception of the Proboscidea rivalis, differing from the P. saxatilis 
only in size and colour; and descriptions and figures are given 
of two other species, which although not new, appeared to re- 
quire elucidation ; the Noctélio soricinus, which is neither ecau- 
date nor referable to the genus Glossophaga, as stated by Geoffroy, 
and the Glossophaga amplewicaudata, inaccurately represented in 
the work of that great and philosophic naturalist. The Vesper- 
tilio Brasiliensis of M. Spix does not correspond with the species 
described under the same name by M. Desmarest, neither is it 
the V. Hilarit of M. Isidore Geofiroy St. Hilaire. 

The two concluding plates are filled with Crania, illustrative 
of the relative proportions borne by those of the several genera of 
Monkeys to each other, and to that of a native Indian, 


Philosophical Transactions for the Year 1824. Part 2. 


THE present part contains only three Papers which properly 
come under our consideration. Two of these are from the pen of 
Sir Everard Home, and relate to several interesting points of com- 
parative Anatomy, and the third consists of a Communication from 
Mr. Dillwyn in continuation of his Observations on Fossil Shells, 
noticed at p. 120 of our former volume. 

The “ curious facts” in the Anatomy of the Walrus and the 
Seal, pointed out by the first of these gentlemen, were derived 
from the examination of specimens brought to this country by 
the late Arctic Expeditions: the following are briefly the results : 
Ist, That the hinder flipper or foot of the Walrus possesses a 
structure perfectly analogous to, or rather identical with, that of 
the apparatus by means of which the Fly supports itself in a per- 
pendicular or dependent position. 2nd, That the duodenum of 
this Animal does not receive the bile through a common duct, 
formed by the union of those of the Liver and Gall Bladder; but 
that this latter organ, which lies behind the duodenum in the 
form of a large cylindrical hard body, receives the bile laterally 


Philosophical Transactions for 1824. 127 


by asingle duct from the Liver, and“ pours it immediately into 
the intestine by means of an opening projecting in the manner of 
an os tince. This structure differs entirely from any that has 
hitherto been observed, and it is worthy of remark that the food, 
with which the Stomach of this animal has been found filled, con- 
sisted wholly of the Fucus digitatus, which Sir E. Home appears 
to consider peculiar to it. 3rd, That in the placenta of the Seal, 
the trunks of the vessels of which the funis is composed, are not 
twisted upon each other, and that at about a third part of their 
length from the placenta they subdivide into branches, which 
freely anastomose together, and are connected to the placenta 
itself by membranous folds, between which the blood vessels are 
conveyed to its substance, on which they ramify with great mi- 
nuteness; a structure that will obviously give greater facility to 
the circulation, and renders it an object of interest to ascertain 
whether the same peculiarities are to be found in other marine 
animals. 

The other paper by Sir Everard Home, presents ** An Account 
of the Organs of Generation of the Mexican Proteus, called by 
the natives Axolotl.” He considers that Cuvier has positively 
established the fact that the Proteus of Germany, as well as that 
of Carolina, are actually animals in a perfect state, and not larve. 
The discovery that the vertebre of the Mexican Proteus were 
cupped in the same manner as those of the two other species, had 
already convinced him that it also belonged to the same tribe, 
and was consequently an animal in a perfect state. To place this 
question, however, beyond all doubt, he obtained from Mr. 
Bullock several specimens, brought from a Lake three miles 
from the City of Mexico, where they are so abundant in the 
month of June, as to forma principal part of the food of the 
peasantry. ‘Two of these specimens, the male and female, are 
here represented, together with dissections of their viscera, which 
bear a close resemblance to those of the Aquatic Salamanders. 
The female organs in their developed state are beautifully shewn, 
and there is every probability, from the appearance of the ova 
contained within them, that they pass out singly. 


128 | Analytical Notices of Books. 


The leading’ features of Mr. Dillwyn’s Observations on the 
Fossil Shells of the different strata, tend more especially to esta- 
blish the hypothesis, ‘* that the Shells of unknown families are 
confined to the beds below the lower oolite. In all the upper 
formations a relationship is completed between fossil and recent 
‘shells, in the following regularly approximating series. In the 
secondary strata above the lias as to Natural Orders, in the 
London Clay as to genera, and partially as to species in the Crag, 
‘in which alone any fossil can be completely identified with a 
living species.” 


— —_—_— 


‘British Entomology; or Ilustrations and Descriptions of the 
Genera of Insects, &c. By Joun Curtis, F.L.S., Nos. xiii.—xvi. 


Tne first of these numbers contains 1. Platypus cylindrus, a 
‘Bostricidous insect, which has occurred only once in this country, 
but at that time in the greatest profusion; discovered by Mr. 
‘Bydder in the New Forest: 2. Onthophagus Taurus, from the 
same locality ; a very common continental species, but of which 
-the specimen figured, taken in October last, is the only one 
‘hitherto discovered in Britain: 3. A’ geria ichneumoniformis, a 
very rare species, the Sphinx vespiformis of Haworth’s Lepidoptera 
Britannica: and 4. Lophyrus Pini. 

The fourteenth number comprises 1. Melasis buprestoides: 2. 
Eulepia Cribrum, a new genus formed to include this species, 
which is new to Britain, and the Bombyx grammicus, and dis- 
tinguished chiefly from the Arctiade by its oblong, incumbent, 
and convolute wings, the inferior ones being much folded: 3. 
Leptocerus ochraceus; a new species of a Phryganeous genus 
established by Dr. Leach: 4. Cryptus pallipes, Leach, Zool. 
‘Misc. 

In the fifteenth number we have figures of 1. Cossonus Tardit, 
anew species of considerable size discovered by the gentleman 
after whom it is named, under the bark of decayed hollies in the 
County of Wicklow: 2. Cossus Ligniperda, a very beautiful 
variety of thefemale: 3. Anthidium manicatum, Lin. and Kirby 
Mon. Ap. Ang. **c, 2. 6.: 4. Dolichopeza sylvicola, a new 


Sowerby’s Genera of Shells. 129 


species of a new Tipulidous genus, differing from Tzpula in having 
only twelve joints in the antenne and a few scattered bristles 
upon them, instead of thirteen joints ornamented with whorls of 
hair; from Limnobia in the very great length of the terminal joint 
of the palpi and the long cylindric joints of the antenne; and from 
both in the absence of the third discoidal cell, and in the extra- 
ordinary length of the basal joints of the tarsi, which are all very 
much longer than the tibia. 

The sixteenth number contains 1. Acilius cinereus, now first 
noticed as British, and distinguished from the common 4. sul- 
catus, by being smaller and darker, with the hinder thighs en- 
tirely pale and not black at their base: 2. Eupithecia linarzata, 
the beautiful pug of the collectors, a new genus comprising the 
species of Mr. Haworth’s section, Abbreviate: 3. Hylotoma 
Stephensii, Leach: and 4. Helcomyza ustulata, Meigen, MSS., a 
genus nearly allied to Scatophaga, from which it may however be 
ai once distinguished by the tibie being only woolly without any 
bristles, and by the basal joint of the posterior tarsus not being 
longer than the second, rather compressed, and a little bent. 


ee 


The Genera of Recent and Fossil Shells. By G. B. Sowersy, 
F.L.S. with original Plates, by J. D C. Sowerny, F.L.S. 
No. XXV. 


Tur Genera illustrated in this number are five; Sanguinolaria, 
Coronula, Suxicava, Buccinum, and Nassa. The former of these 
does not correspond precisely with the genus as established by 
Lamarck, the S. occidens and rugosa of that great Conchologist, 
being regarded as referable rather to Psammobia, while his Sole- 
nes, violaceus and rostratus, are included in the present Sanguino- 
laria, of which S. rosea may be taken as the type. The species 
figured are S. rosea and S. Déphos, the latter being the Solen 
Diphos of Chemnitz, and Solen rostratus of Lamarck. The genus 
Sawvicava is particularly deserving of attention from the extremely 
variable appearance of its typical species, which is at once the Solen 
minutus of Chemnitz and Montagu, Hiatella arctica of Daudin, 

Vox. II. I 


130 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


Cardita arctica of Bruguiere, Byssomya of Cuvier, Saxicava ru- 
gosa of Lamarck and Turton, and Pholeobius of Leach; the same 
shell having thus in its different stages of growth, and in its nu- 
merous irregularities of form, been referred to no less than six 
genera. Buccinum, adopting as its type the common B. undatum, 
is confined to those species in which the canal is straight ; it is 
consequently much more limited than the corresponding genus of 
Lamarck. The fossil species are few in number, and it is re 
marked by Mr. Sowerby, that the B. stromboides approaches very 
nearly to the Cymbia, being distinguished chiefly from that sub- 
genus of Volutide by the absence of folds on the columella. But 
while the genus Buccinum is thus restricted, Nassa becomes pro-= 
portionally extended, as it is made to include not only those 
species which possess a thickened and callous inner lip, but also 
those in which the short canal is reflected. In this point of view 
it exhibits a very striking affinity with Cassis, one of the species 
figured, the N. globosa, being scarcely distinguishable from that 
genus. It also includes the Buccinum reticulatum, B. Macula, 
and several other species common on the British Coasts. 


Art. XVI. Proceedings of Learned Societies on subjects 
connected with Zoology. 


ROYAL SOCIETY. 


January 27, 1825. ‘The reading was commenced of a paper 
On the Anatomy of the Mole=Cricket ; by John Kidd, M.D. F.R.S. 

February 3.—The reading of Dr..Kidd’s paper was concluded ; 
and an Appendix to the Croonian Lecture, by Sir E. Home, Bart. 
V.P.R.S. read, announcing the simultaneous discovery by himself 
and-Mr. Bauer, of nerves in the human navel-string and placenta ; 
drawings of which by Mr. B. were annexed to the paper. 

February 10.—A paper was read of which the following is a 
brief abstract :— 

Notice of the Iguanodon, a Fossil Herbivorous Reptile, found 
in the sandstone of Tilgute Forest; by Gideon Mantell, F.LS., 
communicated by Davies Gilbert, Esq. V.P.R.S. 


Royal Society. — 131 


In the sandstone of Tilgate Forest, near Cuckfield, in Sussex, 
which belongs to the iron-sand formation, and forms part of a 
chain of hills extending from Hastings to Horsham, are found the 
teeth and a few of the bones of the subject of this paper, together 
with those of a gigantic species of crocodile, of the megalosaurus 
and the plesiosaurus, and the remains of turtles, birds, and vege- 
tables. The author, some time since, sent specimens of the teeth to 
various naturalists; in particular to M. le Baron Cuvier, whose 
opinion of them coincided with his own, that they belonged to anex- 
tinct herbivorous reptile hitherto undescribed. With the assistance 
of Mr. Clift, he had subsequently compared them with those of a 
skeleton of the recent Iguana of the West Indiés, in the museum 
of the Royal College of Surgeons, with which he found them to 
possess a close affinity, and he details, in this notice, the particu- 
lar results of the comparison; adverting, also, to the probable 
station of the extinct animal in the order of Saurians. From the 
affinity just mentioned, and at the suggestion of the Rev. W. D. 
Conybeare, he had given it the name of [gwanodon. On the 
supposition that the proportions of the parts in the extinct ani- 
mal were the same as in the recent, Mr. Mantell infers that the 
Iguanodon must have exceeded in size even the megalosaurus, and 
have been upwards of sixty feet in length. From the fossils asso- 
ciated with its remains, he concludes, that if an amphibious, it 
was not a marine reptile, but inhabited rivers and freshwater 
lakes. Drawings of the teeth and bones of the I[guanodon were 
annexed to this communication. 

February 24.—The reading was commenced of a paper On the 
Maternal-Fetal Circulation; by David Williams, M.D., com- 
municated by Dr. Thomas Thomson, F.R.S. 

March 3.—The reading of Dr. Williams’s paper was resumed 
and concluded. This essay gave an account of the different spe- 
culations entertained on the nature of the medium circulating be- 
tween the uterine and umbilical vessels, atd considered the evi- 
dence brought forward in their support to be unsatisfactory. It 
then stated, that it had occurred to the author that it might be 
practicable to arrive at more satisfactory proofs in favour of ove 
or the other of these speculations, by observing the phenomena 
which would present themselves in the foetal vessels on injecting 

12 


132 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


oil into the maternal vessels, while their irritability was yet active. 
Experiments were consequently instituted. From their result 
Dr. W. is disposed to conclude that the maternal and fcetal sys- 
tems in the canine species, are parts only of a common uninter- 
rupted sanguiferous system. From analogy, Dr. W. also infers 
the communication between parent and fcetus to be similar in all 
viviparous animals ; and remarks that if his conclusion and infer- 
ence can be admitted, we shall have reason to doubt the validity 
of the doctrine of the maternal-fcetal circulation as taught by Dr. 
Harvey, together with its modern superstructure. For that if his, 
Dr. W’s, experiments and deductions be correct, we can no longer 
subscribe to the hypothesis of there being two independent san- 
guiferous circulations in the impregnated state, nor to that of the 
placenta being an organ of respiration or aération. 

Dr. J. R. Johnson, F.R.S. communicated Some further obser- 
vations on the genus Planaria; in which he stated that Mr. 
Dalyell of Edinburgh, in a work on the Planaria, having asserted 
that an individual of P. cornuta accidentally wounded near the 
head, produced a new head from the incision, he conceived that 
the verification of so curious a fact would be interesting to the 
Royal Society; and accordingly took one hundred of the animals, 
and made an incision in the side of cach; but one of them how- 
ever produced the new head: in the greater number the wound 
healed, and in some, preternatural excrescences only were pro- 
duced. Dr. J. proceeded to detail some further remarks on the 
reproductive faculties of the Planariw, and to describe P. nigra, 
of which a drawing was annexed. It has the abdominal probos- 
cis like the others. 

March 10.—J. H. Green, Esq. Professor of Comparative Anatomy 
to the Royal College of Surgeons of London, was admitted a Fel- 
low of the Society. 

March 17.—The name of Dr. J. Richardson was canine to be 
inserted in the printed lists of the Royal Society; and the Society 
for promoting Animal Chemistry communicated a paper by Sir E. 
Home, V.P.R.S. entitled Observations on the Influence of the 
Nerves and Ganglions in producing Animal Heat. 

March 24.—Major C, Hamilton Smith, A.L.S. was admitted 
a Fellow of the Society. 


Linnean Society,— Zoological Club. 133 


In consequence of the approaching fast and festival, the Society 
then adjourned over two Thursdays to meet again on April 14. 

April 14, 21, & 28,—These three meetings were occupied by 
the reading of Monograph on Egyptian Mummies, with Obser- 
vations on the Art of Embalming among the Ancient Egyptians ; 
by A. B. Granville, M.D. F.R.S, 


— 


LINNEAN SOCIETY, 


January 18, 1825.—A portion of the Rev. Messrs. Sheppard’s 
and Whitear’s Catalogue of the Birds of Norfolk and Suffolk 
was read. 

February 1.—A paper was read, On the structure of the Tarsus 
in the Tetramerous and Trimerous Coleoptera of the French 
Entomologists ; by W.S. MacLeay, Esq. M.A. F.L.S. 

February 15; and March 1 & 15.—The reading of Messrs, 
Sheppard’s and Whitear’s Catalogue was continued. 


ZOOLOGICAL CLUB OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY. 


January 11, 1825.—Mr. Vigors exhibited to the Meeting some 
species of the Australasian genus Platycercus, belonging to the 
family of Psittactde, which he had lately characterized : and he 
pointed out the distinguishing peculiarities of the genus, the num- 
ber of known species contained in it, and its geographical limits. 
He thence took the opportunity of adverting to the importance of 
the characters by which modern ornithologists are guided in 
separating the groups of birds; dwelling on the present occasion 
more particularly on the points of distinction afforded by the dif- 
ferent structure of the wing. These characters he asserted to be of 
essential consequence, not only as being subject to no variation, 
but as being derived from that part of the structure of Birds 
which separates them from the other Vertebrated Animals, and, 
as such, being most conducive to the knowledge of their peculiar 
economy. He illustrated the difference in these characters of the 
wing in many of the leading groups of Ornithology; and he pointed 
‘out the adaptation of such characters to the habits of life, and the 


134 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


natural station of the birds in which they are found. In the course 
of these observations he adverted to the importance of the modern 
generic characters in leading to a just discrimination even of 
species ; and he brought forward some instances, where different 
species, bearing a general resemblance to each other in colour 
aud external appearance, have been confounded together in con- 
sequence of a want of attention to minute but essential generic 
characters. 

In the discussion which ensued, Mr. W. S. Macleay mentioned 
in illustration of the importance which is to be attached to minute 
generic characters as affecting the distinction of species, the fact, 
that Linneus, having the two insects before him, confounded 
together under the name of Scarabeus pilularius an American and 
an European insect. ‘These, although analogically so like as to be 
scarcely distinguishable as species in a rudely constructed genus, 
are evidently, on the examination of the characters which modern 
naturalists have considered sufficient to distinguish genera, refer- 
able to distinct groups; one of them being Ateuchus volvens, 
MaclL., and the other Gymnopleurus pilularius, Ill. 

Mr. Gray being referred to by the Secretary, adduced another 
instance in illustration of the same fact, in the circumstance of the 
Ursus Arctos, Linn., and the Ursus ferox, Lew. and Clarke, 
having been confounded together; an error which has been re- 
tained even in the publication of M. Desmarest. These animals, 
however, although apparently agreeing in general points of resem~ 
blance, differ in the structure of their claws, which evinces an im- 
portant difference in their economy; the claws of one being 
adapted to climbing trees, whilst those of the other are designed 
for burrowing. 

Dr. Such, in like manner, added his testimony in corroboration 
of the importance of generic characters as serving to distinguish 
species. He observed, that in endeavouring to ascertain the names 
of several species of the Columbide, which he had lately brought 
from Brazil, he found considerable difficulty in distinguishing 
them, in consequence of the similarity that prevails among the 
specific descriptions hitherto given by naturalists : and that he was 
ultimately led to the knowledge of these species by attending to 

some minute generic characters which were subsequently pointed 


Zoological Club. 135 


out to him as distinguishing the subordinate groups of that exten- 
sive family. 

January 25.—A paper entitled ‘* Observations on the structure 
of the ¢arsus in the Tetramerous and Trimerous Insects of the 
French Entomologists,” was read by W. S. Macleay, Esq. M.A. 
F.LS. 

February 3.—Mr. Bicheno exhibited a specimen of Procellaria 
pelagica, Linn., which had been shot in the neighbourhood of 
Newbury, in Berkshire, in November last. This is one of the 
rare instances in which this oceanic bird has been met with so far 
inland. 

Mr. Vigors exhibited a diagram representing the five orders of 
Ornithology, and the circular series in which they return into 
themselves, according to the views which he had represented in 
a paper “ On the Affinities of Birds,” laid before the Club on the 
9th of December, 1823, and subsequently read before the Lin- 
nean Society during the course of the last year. He explained 
the nature of the typical characters by which these five orders 
are separated from each other, and at the same time the affinities 
by which they are connected together. He signified his intention 
of occasionally illustrating this subject both in the more com- 
prehensive and more minute groups of Ornithology, according 
as the leisure of the Club will permit, by exhibiting specimens of 
those birds in which the distinguishing characters as well as the 
connecting affinities are most fully developed. 

February 22.—Capt. King, R.N. F.R. & LS, exhibited speci- 
mens of several subjects of Zoology collected in the Indian ocean, 
between the Island of Mauritius and New Holland, in the year 
1822. Among them were specimens of the following genera ; 
Hyalea, Clio, Spirula and Pentalasmis, with an undescribed 
species of Achatina, found upon Bald Head, King George’s Sound, 
S. W. Coast of New Holland; of Cilicia, Idotea, with Alima 
vitrea, (Cancer vitreus of Banks and Solander); Porpita, and 
several Zoophytes. Specimens were also exhibited by Captain 
King of several species of Fishes, among others a species of Ba» 
listes, two of Lophius, one of which appears to be the Cheiro- 
nectes tuberosus of M. Cuvier, and a specimen of Gasterosleug 

ductor. 


. 


136 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


The Secretary exhibited a specimen of the genus Anus of Lin- 
neus which had been taken alive ina decoy near Yarmouth, in 
Norfolk, and which had been communicated by Mr. Weighton for 
the information of the Club. It appeared to be a variety of the 
Anas boschas, Linn. ; but as it deviated from that species m 
several characters, more particularly in the structure of the tail, 
the Secretary proposed to give the bird a further examination and 
to detail the results of it to the Club. 

Mr. W. S. MacLeay entered into a dissertation on the Affinities 
and Analogies which connect together the principal subdivisions 
of the Linnean genus Scarabeus, all of which he illustrated by a 
reference to the figures of the different parts of the structure of 
the insects of that genus, and also to the insects bhemeeines which 
he exhibited to the Meeting. 

March 8.—Captain King exhibited specimens of the following 
New Holland Birds which he stated his intention of presenting to 
the Linnean Society: viz. Halcyon sacra; Barita tibicen adult and 
young ; some species of Meliphaga; an undescribed Hamatopus ; 
Rallus torquatus, Aptenodytes minor, Tachypetes aquilus; an un- 
described species of Larus shot in King George’s Sound, which he 
denominated L. Georgii, and two undescribed species of Sterna. 

In the course of some observations which followed on the sub- 
ject of New Holland Birds, it was stated that the original English 
name of Mr. Lewin’s Meliphaga chrysocephala, (Sericulus chry- 
socephalus, Swains., Oriolus regens, Temm.) was King’s Oriole 
or LHoneysucker, so called after Governor King, who first dis- 
y covered the bird and sent it to England. The original specimen 
\ sent home by him is at present preserved in the collection of his 
family. It was also observed that the well known species of 
Parrot, the Platycercus scapulatus, commonly called the King 
Parrot, was also originally called King’s Parrot after the same 
gentleman. 

A “ Notice on a peculiar property of a species of Echinus,” by 
Mr. KE. T. Bennett, was read by the author. 

March 22.—Mr. Broderip exhibited a portion of a decayed 
Elm, which he had received from H. Bright, Esq. M.P., and 
requested information as to the cause of the decay, and whether 
it originated in the ravages of an Insect. As however the only 


Geological Society. 137 


larva which could be detected in it was that of a dipterous insect, 
Mr. W.S. MacLeay stated it as his opinion, that this could not 
be the cause of the damage ; but that the injury having been pro- 
duced by some coleopterous larva, or other cause, the juices of the 
tree had flowed through the wound, and become putrescent, thus 
affording a nidus for the dipterous larva discovered. 

A portion of a “ Catalogue of the New Holland Birds in the 
collection of the Linnean Society,” by Thomas Horsfield, M. D. 
¥.L.S., &c. and N. A. Vigors, Esq. M.A. F.L.S. was read by 
Mr. W. S. MacLeay. 


GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


January 21, 1825.—A paper was concluded, entitled, On a 
recent formation of fresh-water Rock Marl in Scotland, with re- 
marks on Shell Marl and on the Analogy between the ancient and 
modern fresh-water formations, by Charles Lyell, Esq. Sec. G.S. 

The rock marl described in this communication is an extremely 
compact limestone, in part of a crystalline structure, and traversed 
by numerous irregular tubes or cavities. 

As a principal part of its geological interest is derived from its 
recent origin, the author has drawn a brief sketch of the physical 
structure of the county of Forfar, in order to explain distinctly its 
position. 

Those strata are also enumerated in which limestone is found, 
and its remarkable scarcity in Forfarshire pointed out. 

The districts to which shell marl is confined are next considered, 
and it appears that deposits of this nature are accumulated only 
in lakes in two formations ; viz. the inferior or transition sand- 
stone, and the old red sandstone. 

The Bakie Loch, in which the rock marl occurs, lies in a hollow 
in sand and gravel. This gravel consists of the broken and rounded 
masses of the primitive rocks of the Grampians, which are heaped 
in large quantities upon the old red sandstone in the valley of 
Strathmore. 

The succession of the deposits of sand, shell marl, and rock 
marl, in the lake of the Bakie now drained, is then described. 
The shells and plants enclosed in the rock are the same as those 


138 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


in the soft shell marl, and are all still living in the waters on the 
spot. Among the plants are the stems and seed vessels of Chara, 
the latter being fossilized in such a manner as to present a perfect 
analogy to the Gyrogonite of the ancient fresh-water formations. 

‘Mr, Lyell then considers the probable origin of the rock marl, 
which appears to be derived from subjacent shell marl, through 
which springs ascend, charged with carbonic acid. 

Some remarks are next offered on the shell marl of Forfarshire, 
and some which the author has examined near Romsey, in Hamp- 
shire, is described. The subjects of chief interest with regard to the 
shell marl are, its slow growth, the small proportion of full grown 
shells which are found in it in Forfarshire, the greater rapidity. 
of its growth in the vicinity of springs, its abundance in a part of 
Scotland in which limestone is very rare, and its scarcity in the 
calcareous districts of England. | | 

The question is then considered whether the shell marl be ex- 
clusively derived from the exuvie of testacea, and the various 
arguments for and against this hypothesis are entered into. 

- In conclusion Mr. Lyell takes a general view of the analogy 
between the ancient and modern fresh-water formations. 

Both of these may be described, generally, as consisting of thin 
beds of calcareous, argillaceous, and arenaceous marls, together 
with strata of sand and clay, to which the consolidated beds bear 
upon the whole but a small proportion. 

The shells and plants contained in both are referable to the 
same genera. 

The bones and skeletons ef quadrupeds are found buried at 
various depths in the marls of Forfarshire, as they occur in the 
dower fresh-water formation of Paris. 

Of the four desiderata mentioned by Messrs. Cuvier and Brong- 
niart, (Ess. on the Env. of Paris, p. 56.) as being requisite to 
complete the analogy between the deposits of lakes now existing 
and those of a former world, three are supplied by the lakes in 
Forfarshire, viz. 1. a compact limestone ; 2. vegetables converted 
into the substance of their calcareous matrix; 3. large beds of 
yellowish white calcareous marl. 

The rock marl of Forfarshire closely resembles the Travertino 
of Italy, part of which is a recent formation, but part has been 


Geological Society. 139 


proved by M. Brongniart to be of a date probably as ancient as 
‘the upper fresh-water strata at Paris. 

The only difference remaining between the ancient and the 
modern fresh-water formations is, 1. the absence in the latter of 
silica, which is only known as a modern deposit from water con- 
necled with volcanic agency ; and 2. the small scale on which the 
recent accumulations proceed. 

If these differences are ascribable to a higher temperature pre- 
vailing where the ancient fresh-water rocks were formed, they 
may perhaps disappear when the hitherto unexplored tropical 
regions of the globe are fully investigated. 

A paper was also read, entitled, On the Fresh-water forma- 
tions recently discovered in the environs of Sete (Cette), ata 
short distance from the Mediterranean, and below the level of 
the Sea; by M. Marcel de Serres, Prof. of Min. & Geol. to the 
Faculty of Sciences of Montpellier. 

The fresh-water formations described in this communication 

“have been examined by means of several wells sunk at about the 
distance of three-quarters of a mile, and a mile and a half, from 
the Mediterranean, near Sete, in the South of France. 

A detailed account is given of the several strata passed through 
in the three different wells, and of the organic remains which they 
contained. 

The strata are for the most part parallel and nearly horizontal. 

From the sections it appears that there are two fresh- water forma- 
tions with an intervening formation of marine origin. The strata 
of the upper fresh-water were found to vary from about 30 to 40 
feet in thickness, those of the lower from 13 to 28 feet, the latter 
being sometimes lower than the present level of the Mediterranean. 

The marine beds which are interposed are from 10 to 11 feet 
thick. | 

The fresh-water strata are composed of numerous alternating 
calcareous and argillaceous marls, and compact limestones; and 
their organic remains consist of a few bones of land quadrupeds 
much decayed, a variety of fresh-water and terrestial shells, the 
latter in the greatest abundance; the shells differing in species 
but not in genera from the present inhabitants of the same country ; 
and lastly some traces of vegetables, chicfly reeds. 


140 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


The marine formations contain ostree, cerithew, &c.: a complete 
list is added of the organic remains; and from the state of pre- 
servation in which the fresh-water shells are found, M. Marcel 
de Serres infers that they lived and were deposited where they 
are now found; and from the resemblance of those occurring in 
the upper and lower fresh-water beds, he concludes that the 
periods at which these two formations were deposited were not 
very remote from each other. 

The author considers all these formations to be more recent 
than the Calcaire Grossiere, and ascribes the alternations of 
marine and fresh-water strata to a return of the sea, such a sup- 
position being rendered the more probable hy the neighbourhood 
of the Mediterranean, where similar returns are still known to 
take place. 

February 4.--On this day, being the Anniversary of the So- 
ciety, the following gentlemen were chosen as Officers and Council 
for the year ensuing : President,—Rev. William Buckland, F.R.S, 
Prof. Geol. & Min. Oxford. Vice-Presidents,—Sir Alexander 
Crichton, M.D. F.R. & L.S. Hon. Memb. Imp. Acad. St. Peters- 
burgh; William Henry Fitton, M.D. F.R.S.; Charles Stokes, Esq, 
F.R.A, & L.S.; Henry Warburton, Esq. F.R.S. Secretaries,— 
Charles Lyell, Esq. F.L.S.; George Poulett Scrope, Esq. ; 
Thomas Webster, Esq. Foreign Secretary,—Henry Heuland, 
Esq. Treasurer,—John Taylor, Esq. Council,—Hon. Henry 
Grey Bennet, M.P. F.R.S. & H.S.; Richard Bright, M.D. F.R.S.; 
Sir Henry Bunbury Bart.; Henry Burton, Esq.; William Clift, 
Esq. F.R.S.; Henry Thomas Colebrooke, Esq. F.R.S. L. & E. 
F.L. & Asiat. Soc. ; George Bellas Greenough, Esq. F.R. & L.S.; 
Thomas Horsfield, M.D. F.L.S.; Gideon Mantell, Esq. F.L.S.; 
Hugh Duke of Northumberland, K.G. F.H.S.; William Hasel- 
dine Pepys, Esq. F.R.S. L.S. & H.S.; John Vetch, M.D. 

March 4.—A notice was read On the Bones of several Ani- 
mals found in Peat, near Romsey, in Hampshire; extracted from 
a letter from Charles Daman, Esq. to the Rev. W. Buckland, 
P.G.S, 

Mr. Daman mentions that the skulls of several beavers, as well 
as the bones of oxen, swine, stags and roebucks, have been dug 
out of the peat near Romsey, and out of the shell marl, provin- 


Portsmouth Literary and Philosophical Society. 141 


cially termed ‘* malen,” which occurs in the same alluvial tract. 
In one place several human skeletons have been taken out of the 
marl. 

April 15.—An extract of a letter was read from Jeremiah Van 
Rensselaer, Esq. on the discovery of the skeleton of a mastodon 
at New York ;’ and of the tertiary formation in New Jersey. 

In this letter Mr. Rensselaer mentions that in a late expedition 
which he had made with some friends to examine the geology of 
the state of New Jersey, they had discovered, disinterred, and 
afterwards brought to New York, the skeleton of a mastodon 
very nearly perfect. They also satisfied themselves that much of 
the region which lies between the Atlantic and the range of primi- 
tive mountains was referable to the tertiary formations, and that 
the secondary do not make their appearance for some hundreds 
of miles. 

A paper was also read, entitled, Account of a Fossil Crocodile 
recently discovered in the Alum-Shale, near Whitby; by the 
Rev. George Young. _ 

Mr. Young describes the osteology of this fossil animal, which 
has been deposited in the Museum at Whitby, and of which a 
drawing accompanied this communication ; its length exceeds 14 
feet, and when perfect must have reached 18. 

The author mentions that these are not the only remains of the 
crocodile which have been discovered near Whitby, although they 
had been generally confounded with those of the Plestosaurus; 
of which animal, however, as well as of three or four species of 


the Icthyosaurus, undoubted remains occur in the alum-shale of 
Whitby. 


PORTSMOUTH AND PORTSEA LITERARY AND PHILOSOPHICAL 
SOCIETY. 


We have much pleasure in noticing the progress of this associa- 
tion, as detailed in the report of its proceedings during the Session 
of 1823-4. By this report it appears that the Society has been 
rapidly advancing in improvement as it regards the number of 
its members, the increasing interest of the lectures and papers 
which have been read at the meetings, and the numerous addi- 


142 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


tions which have been made to the library, the laboratory, and 
the museum. We are gratified to observe that considerable atten- 
tion has been paid by the members to indigenous Zoology. This 
subject would receive the greatest improvement from the labours 
of such local societies as this, established in different parts of the 
country, from the opportunities both of obseiving the habits of 
native animals, and of ascertaining and registering the distribution 
of rare or local species. ‘ 

The society consists at present of 158 members, James Cull, 
Esq. being the President. , 


—— 


ROYAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF PARIS. 


November 2, 1824.—M. Majendie read a continuation of his me- 
moir on the fifth pair of nerves.—M. Loiseleur des Longchamps 
read a memoir on the means of obtaining several crops of silk in 
a year, succeeded by some observations relative to the history 
of silk-worms. 

November 15.—M.M. Duméril, Cuvier, and Majendie delivered 
a report on M. Lauth’s memoir respecting the lymphatic system in 
birds. 

November 22.—M. Huzard, Junr. and M. Pelletier presented 
their work on the genus Hirudo.—M. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire pre- 
sented his Synoptic Tables, explaining the composition of the skull 
in man and in animals.—M. Latreille communicated an Analytical 
Table of the natural families of the animals constituting M. Cuvier’s 
second division of the Animal Kingdom, the Mollusca. 

November 29.—M. Laurencet read a memoir on the structure 
of the brain. 

December 13.—M. de Ferrussac read a memoir on the Geo- 
graphy of the Mollusca. 

December 20.—M. Desmoulins communicated the results of 
his observations on the nervous system of two species of Petromy- 
zon.—M. Majendie read a memoir on a fluid which is found in 
the cavity of the vertebral canal and in part of the cranium in 
man, and in the mammifera generally ; and on 

December 27, he communicated verbally some new details on 
_the subject: on opening the body of a man soon after death, he 


Royal Academy of Sciences of Paris. 143 


found the vertebral canal entirely filled with the fluid, which sur- 
rounded the anterior nerves of th2 interiors, and equally separated 
the fibres of the nerves of sensation and of motion. It appeared, he 
stated, to be more abundant in man than in the other mammij ra. 
—M. Flourens read a memoir on the brain of Fishes. 

January 3, 1825.—M. Poisson was elected Vice-President for 
1825; and M. Chaptal the Vice-President during 1824, entered 
upon his office as President for this year—M.M. Duméril and 
Latreille presented a report on a memoir on Leeches, by M. M. 
Huzard aud Pelletier. 

The authors of this memoir had been commissioned to obtain 
information for the civil authorities, relative to the means to be 
employed for terminating the complaints often made to them 
respecting the bad quality of the Leeches used in medicine. The 
chief points they proposed to examine were, first, the causes 
which in certain cases render the little wounds made by these 
animals difficult to cure; and secondly, the circumstances under 
which certain Leeches do not penetrate the skin to which they 
are applied. On the first point, M. M. Huzard and Pelletier 
agree with physicians in acknowledging that the inconveniences 
ascribed to Leeches, should in most cases be attributed to the 
temperament of the patient, the nature of the malady, the means 
employed to detach them from the wound, or the foreign sub- 
stances used to stop the bleeding and close the wound. With 
regard to the second point of inquiry, the authors of the memoir 
have ascertained that species of Leech are offered for sale which 
at first sight entirely resemble medicinal Leeches; but which 
differ from them in not having the serrated jaws proper for mak- 
ing the incisions in the skin from which the animal sucks, as 
well as in the conformation of the stomach and intestinal canal. 
They cannot be employed in medicine, for they do not bite. 
M. Dutrochet has already described the species of the Annulosa 
brought forward as new by M. Huzard and his Colleague, but 
various errors respecting it which occur in his work they have 
been enabled to correct, having made it an object of particular 
examination for the space of a twelyvemonth. 


144 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


M. Duméril made a report on M. de Ferrusac’s Memoir on the 
animal of the genus Argonauta. 

January 17,—M. Majendie announced that he had ascertained _ 
the insensibility of the retina, in a female on whom he operated 
for cataract ; the contact of an instrument with that organ did not 
produce any appreciable sensation: the patient recovered her 
sight immediately after the operation. 

M. de Basterot read his geological description of the tertiary 
district of the south-west of France, comprising some general 
remarks on fossil Mollusca. 

M. Fodera announced that he should shortly communicate the 
results of his researches on muscular contraction, on the action of 
various agents on the nervous system and on muscular fibre, and 
on the formation of white globules analagous to the white globules. 
of the blood. M. Giron de Buzareingue read the first part of a 
Memoir on the Generation of Animals. 

January 24.—M. Gaymard read some observations on the 
Biplores and Beroes. M. Latreille communicated a notice re- 
specting an insect of the genus Brachycerus, which is considered 
as a talisman by the females of the kingdom of Berta. 

January 31.—Professor Briot, of Besancon, communicated a 
memoir entitled, Considerations on the Lachrymal Ducts, their 
disorders, and the means of curing them. M. Delapylaie com- 
menced the reading of a Memoir on the Encornet of the French 
fishermen.—M. Majendie communicated an observation confirm- 
ing his view respecting the so-called olfactory nerve, that it is 
not the nerve of smell: this was, that a man in whom the anterior 
part of the brain and the olfactory nerve had been altered or 
destroyed, still retained the sense of smell. 

February 14.—M. Bailly communicated several results of an 
investigation in which he is engaged for the purpose of deter- 
mining whether the births of males and females indicate any 
appreciable coincidence with physical causes: he announced a 
detailed memoir on the subject. 

February 28.—M. Geoffroy St.-Hilaire read a memoir on the 
Natural Affinities of the Fossil Crocodile of Caen, and on the 
formation of a new genus from it, denominated Teleosaurus. 


THE 


ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL. 
July, 1825. 


Art. XVH. On two new Genera of Birds, Formicivora 
and Drymophila, with Descriptions of several species. 
By Wituiam Swainson, Esq. F.R. & L.S., Sc. 


In the first part of my paper on the family of Laniade, printed 
in this Journal (Vol. I. p. 290,) I have proposed to detach from 
the genus Myothera of Illiger, certain birds which have been 
associated. with it by modern Ornithologists. Part of these, form- 
ing the genera Formicivora and Drymophila, were then but slightly 
noticed. It is therefore the object of this paper to explain the 
generic distinctions of these groups more fully; and to describe 
several species which belong to them. Both these genera will 
doubtless receive large additions, when all the American Four- 
miliers.of Buffon are better known, or more accurately described. 
But the Fourmiliers of M. Le Vaillant, (judging from the species 
discovered in Africa by my friend Mr. Burchell,) belong entirely 
to a distinct family ; and by their depressed bill, shew a close 
affinity. to the Saxicole or Stone-Chats. 


FORMICIVORA. 


Rostrum mediocre, subcylindraceum, gonyde recta; vibrisse 
nulle. 

Ale breves,.rotundate, remige Ata vel 5ta longissima. 

Cauda gradata. 

Tarst mediocres, graciles ; squamis lateralibus frequentibus. 


Vor. II. K 


146 = Mr. Swainson on two new Genera of Birds. 


The Formicivore or Ant-Wrens, are all of them very small ; 
and in an artificial arrangement might very well be associated 
with the Warblers. In all but their slender bill, they present a 
perfect miniature resemblance to the true Thamnophili, even to 
the lateral scales of their tarsi, which are small and numerous. 
They differ from the Drymophile by their comparatively short 
legs, which are obviously not intended for walking. We know 
little of their natural economy, further than that they frequent 
bushes and the low branches of trees,which they probably cleanse of 
those small insects, passed over by their more powerful brethren. 

I should have had some hesitation in placing this group of little 
birds, so near to that which comprises the powerful Thammnophiit, 
but for the figure and description of the Fourmilier tachet, given 
in the Planches Coloriees, Pl. 179, f. 1.2. It will be perceived 
that in the series of Thamnophili described in the last number of 
this Journal, the species are characterized by a shorter and more 
rounded tail, and that they gradually diminish in size until we 
reach 7’. ferrugineus, which is less than a Sparrow. The Four- 
milier tachet is even smaller; yet, in its strong and compressed 
bill, and short rounded tail, it exhibits the two most prominent 
characters of the lesser Thamnophili. 'To that group it may, there- 
fore, safely be referred. 

On the same plate is figured another bird, (also referred to the: 
genus Myothera,) by the name of Fourmilier gorgeret. It is of 
the same size as the last, but with a bill much more slender, and, 
to all appearance, perfectly agreeing with that of Formicivora. 
Here then we may fairly presume that the passage from one 
group to the other takes place. 

We cannot be sufficiently thankful to M. Temminck, pairs 
the above inference may militate against his own particular views) 
for having furnished us with the means of tracing one of those 
beautiful gradations, by which natural groups are insensibly 
united. 

The short tailed Thamnophili may perhaps hereafter be found 
sufficiently numerous to constitute a separate genus; but in our — 
present state of knowledge, they may be considered as forming 
only a sectional division. : 


Formicwora. 147 
1. Formictvora maculata. 
White spotted Ant-Wren. 


F. supra atra maculis albis frequentibus interstincta, infra cinerea 
nigro varia ; secundariis apice fulvo ; caudé gradatd. 

Above black with numerous white spots, beneath cinereous white 
varied with black, lesser quills tipt with fulvous, tail gra- 


duated. 
Description. 


In the general cast of its plumage this little bird presents a 
miniature resemblance to Thamnophilus maculatus. It is about 
the size of the Wood-Wren, having the upper mandible of the bill 
black, and the under horn colour. The wing covers and all the 
upper plumage is deep black, variegated by numerous tear-shaped 
spots of pure white. On the head these spots are so disposed, as 
to form macular bands over the eyes, leaving the middle of the 
crown anda stripe above the’ ears, entirely black. The under 
plumage is cinereous white, with the middle of the feathers 
black, particularly on the breast and body, where this black 
colour forms spots. The quill feathers are brownish, margined 
by light grey; and each of the Jesser quills is tipt by a round 
spot of fulvous white. Tal rather lengthened, much graduated, 
the feathers being moderately pointed; their colour is black tipt 
with white, and crossed by three interrupted white bands. Tarsi 
rather short, weak, and pale. 

Total length 5 inches ; bill, 5; wings, 2; tail, 21; tarsi, 6. 

My specimen of this bird was sent me by Dr. Langsdorff, from 

the Mining District of Brazil. It has all the indications, in the 
distribution of its colours, of being a male. 


2. Formictyora nigricollis. 
Black throated Ant-Wren. 


xX ° . ° . . . 
F. supra griseo-fusca, jugulo pectore abdomineque nigris » lateri- 
* A er . . * 
bus strigdque oculari niveis; cauda elongata, gradata, nigra, 
apice albo. : 


K 2 


1448 =©Mr. Swainson on two new Genera of Birds. 


Male. Above greyish brown; throat, breast, and middle of the 
body black; sides and eye-stripe snowy; tail graduated, 
black, tipt with white. 

Female. Ferruginous brown above; sides of the body testaceous ; 
middle tail feathers brown. 


Description. 


Size of the Wood-Wren. Bill black. The general tint of the 
upper plumage in the male is grey; but in the female it is ferru- 
ginous 5 more particularly on the lower part of the back; the 
margins of the quill feathers are the same, the quélls themselves 
being brown. ‘The sides of the head, ears, and fore part of the 
neck, and dreast and body, are covered by a large patch of black 
which extends to the vent; and is margined on each side by a 
white line, which passes over the eyes and ears, becomes wider 
on the sides of the breast and body, leaving the flanks and belly 
in the male pure white, but tinged with ferruginous in the female. 
The zings are very short, the covers are all black, marked by 
snow white spots; spurious quills the same. Tél lengthened and 
cuneated ; the middle pair being more than an inch longer than 
the outer pair; those which intervene are progressively graduated ; 
they are all black, with obtuse white tips, except the middle pair, 
which are greyish towards their base. Tarsi moderate, slate 

eoloured. 

Total length, 4 3 inches; sind qoi Wings not quite 2; tail, 275 
tarsi, 3. 

Obs. I met with both sexes of this species in the Catinga woods 
of Humildez. A specimen of the male is in the Cabinet of Mr. 
Vigors. 


3. Formicivora brevicauda. 


Short tailed Ant-Wren. 


F. cinerea; jugulo pectoreque nigris ; scapulis isc tick a tectrices 
ornantibus albis ; caudd brevissima. 

Cinereous, middle of the throat and breast black, shoulders and 
spots on the wing covers white ; tail very short. 


Drymophila. 149 


Description. 

This diminutive bird does not exceed in size the Golden-crested 
Wren. It is remarkable for its short fail; which, from being 
more than half concealed by the long and lax plumage of the 
back, appears still shorter. ‘The ground colour both of the upper 
and under plumage is pure cinereous or slate grey. From the 
chin to the middle of the body runs a narrow stripe of black, 
which widens on the breast ; the shoulder covers are pure white, 
and the greater and lesser wing covers deep black, tipt by white 
spots. The fail is rounded, fasciculated, and only extends half 
an inch beyond its covers; the feathers are black, tipt with white, 
particularly the outer pair. The farsi are short, aud only half an 
inch long; like most of the American Thamnophili they are na- 
turally blueish black.* 

Total length, 34 inches; bill, $3 wings, 23 tail, 14; 
tarsi, 4. 

Found in the same place as the preceding. I have but one 
specimen, and that is a male. 


ee 


DRYMOPHILA. 
(See Zool. Journal, Vol. I. p. 302.) 


Rostrum mediocre, subcylindraceum, gonyde recta; vibrisse 
nulle. 

Ale mediocres, rotundate, remige quinté longissimd. 

Cauda rotundata. 

Tarsi elongati, subgraciles, squamis lateralibus integris. 


There is reason to believe that a considerable number of birds 
arranged by Dr. Latham among the Thrushes, will hereafter be 


* It will be observed that in these descriptions, I have paid little attention 
to the colours either of the bill or the tarsi, as seen in the dried specimens. 
From the chanyes these parts undergo after death, such characters can very 
seldom be depended upon. I have seen the same organ, in two different speci- 
mens, dry of different colours; and it will generally be found that the bill of a 
young bird, is much lighter than that of an adult. 


150 Mr. Swainson on two new Genera of Birds. 


removed into this group. Indeed, their general habit seems inter- 
mediate between the Thrushes and the Warodlers of : Linnzus. 
Like the Thamnophili they are only found in the hotter parts 
of America: from those birds they are readily distinguished by 
their more slender and somewhat rounded bill; and by the length 
of their tarsi, the lateral scales of which are in one entire piece. 
The little that I was able to learn of their economy, leads me to 
suppose they principally search for food upon the ground ; their 
legs are consequently long, and, in some species, rather strong. 
They seem to prefer the deep and secluded recesses of the virgin 
forests; and in all probability derive their chief sustenance from 
the myriads of Ants which there abound. 


1. Drymornita Leucopus. 
White legged Ant-Thrush. 


D. rufo-fusca ; corpore infra albente ; crisso, strigd oculari ma- 
culisque tectrices nigras ornantibus fulvis ; torque pectoral 
oblecto, nigro ; tarsis albentibus. 

Mas mento nigro; jugulo maculisque scapulares ornantibus, 
niveis. 

Femina mento juguloque fulvis. 

Rufous brown, body beneath whitish ; vent, eye-stripe, and spots 
on the black wing covers, fulvous ; breast with a concealed 
black collar; legs whitish. 

Male. Chin black; throat and spots on the shoulder covers 
snowy. 

Female. Chin and throat fulvous. 


Description. 

This is certainly the most elegant bird of this group we are yet 
acquainted with. The two sexes differ so much, that their de- 
scriptions, in some measure, must be distinct; while those charac- 
ters common to both, are at once seen in the specific character. 
Male. Size rather less than the Robin. The dzld is black, and 
but little compressed. The ground colour of the upper plumage, 


—Drymophila.. - 151 


including the quills and tail, is ferruginous brown, darkest on the 
head; the feathers on the back, when raised, are seen to be pure 
white for about half their length ; they are then obliquely banded 
by black, while their remaining or external portion is of the same 
colour as the parts adjacent: the white colour of course is entirely 
concealed, so also, in part, are the black hands ; the feathers on 
the rump are remarkably long. From the nostrils commences a 
broad band (which at first is white, but gradually becomes ful- 
vous,) passing over the eyes and half way déwn the neck, leaving 
the ears and the sides of the head and neck deep black; the chin, 
in this sex, is also black, and the throat pure white : across the 
upper part of the dreast isa half concealed collar of black, the 
margins of the feathers being white, but those on each side the 
breast tinged with cinereous; the middle of the body is white ; 
the flanks light ferruginous, and the under tail covers fulvous or 
deep buff colour. ‘The wing covers are deep black, those on the 
shoulder, and the lesser series, are each tipt with a snow white 
spot; while the greater covers and the spurious quills are spotted 
with buff. aid moderate and graduated, the outer feathers being 
only half the length of those in the middle. Tarsz rather length- 
ened ; claws moderate. Ina preserved state these parts are yellow, 
but in the recent bird they, as well as the irides, are almost white. 
Wings short and feeble. 

Female. This sex ‘differs in the following particulars.. The 
under mandible of the bill is pale. The concealed white spot oa 
the back is less: the line above the eye, as well as all the round 
spots on the wing covers, are entirely buff: and the whole of the 
chin and throat is buff coloured yellow. The sides of the breast 
are dusky brown, without any mixture of cinereous ; and the black 
collar round the ¢hroat is nearly obsolete. 

Total length, 5 3 inches; bill, 4; wings, 2 4; tail, 24; tarsi, 
” aia § : | 
Obs. My hunters were fortunate in procuring two pair of these 
beautiful little birds, in the forests of Pitangua near Bahia, I had 
therefore full proof of their identity as one species. 


152. =Mr. Swainson on two new Genera of Birds. 


2. Drymoruita longipes. 
Long legged Ant-Thrush. 


D. supra rufa; genis cinereis ; jugulo pectoreque nigris ; corpore 
albo; tarsis longis, pallidis. 

Above rufous ; sides of the crown cinereous; throat and breast 
black; body white; legs elongated, pale. 


Description, 


Rather larger in size than a Lark. Bill black. The whole of 
the upper plumage, including the wings and tail, is bright rufous ; 
but the crown is more dusky, and is margined above the eyes and 
ears by a broad and clear cinereous stripe. The front is of an ob- 
scure cinereous, with the shafts of the feathers black, rigid, and 
shining. The throat and breast are deep black, and this colour 
spreads over the sides of the head and the ear feathers; the rest 
of the under plumage is white, but the flanks and under tail 
covers are ferruginous. The wings are short, feeble, and much 
rounded ; the ¢ail also is rounded, rather short, and the feathers 
narrow, the colour of both is rufous. Tarsi pale, and very long. 

Total length, 6 35 bill, 3,; wings,24; tail,2+4; (the outer 
feather ,6, shorter,) tarsi, 1 ,2;. 

Obs. I have never seen more than one specimen of this ex- 
tremely rare species. It was brought from some part of Brazil, 
(I was told from Rio de Janeiro,) and is now in my collection, 


3. Drymoruita trifasciata. 
White shouldered Ant-Thrush. 


D. «tra; scapularibus, interscapularibus, tectriciumque fasciis 2 
niveis. 
Black ; shoulder covers, interscapulars, and two bands on the 


wing Covers snowy. 
Description. 


Somewhat larger than the last ; but the d¢// is a tenth of an inch 
shorter. The ground colour of the whole plumage, both above and 
beneath, is deep and uniform black. A broad band of snowy white 


Drymophila, 153 


passes over the shoulder covers, and two other bands, much nare 
rower, are formed by the white tips of the greater and lesser 
wing covers. The feathers in the middle of the back are also 
pure white, banded with black across their extremities; so that 
when undisturbed, the white portion is almost hid. The wings, 
although rounded, are longer and more robust than those of the 
two preceding species; the same may be said of the ¢ail, the fea- 
thers of which are broad and obtuse. Tursi rather strong and 
black. 

Total length 7 inches; bill, 2,3; wings, 3 3, ; tail, 3; tarsi, 
14. 

Obs. My specimen is a male, and was sent me from Southern 
Brazil. Dr. Such has also met with this species in the same part, 
to which it is, in all probability, chiefly confined. 


4. Drymornita atra. 
Black Ant-Thrush. 


D. atra; interscapulariarum basi margineque niveis. 
Black, base and margins of the interscapulary feathers snowy. 


Description. 


‘This is closely allied to the last, in every thing but the white 
bands on the wings, which are altogether wanting. The bill also 
is longer. The whole plumage is deep and uniform black. Like 
the last species, this also has aconcealed spot of white on the 
back; but instead of the feathers being banded with black at their 
tips, they have a tear-shaped spot of that colour, so that the 
white margin appears externally when the feathers are smooth. 
The wings are shorter, and the tail, although similar in form, is 
more graduated than in D, trifasciata. The irides are large, and 
bright crimson. 

Total length, 7 inches ; bill, 9,; wings, 3; tail, 3; tarsi 1 45. 

Obs. I shot three or four individuals of this species, (all of 
which were males,) in the woods of Pitangua, in the province of 
Bahia. They were generally seen upon the ground, searching 


154 Dr. Harlan 0” a new Genus of Edentata. 


apparently after: Ants and other terrestrial insects: The females 
both of this, and the last species, when known, will probably be 
found to differ remarkably in colour from the other sex. 

N. B.. Another species, which may prove to be undescribed, is 
in the cabinet of Mr. Vigors. 


Art. XVIII. Description of anew Genus of Mammifer- 
ous Quadrupeds of the Order Edentata. By Ricuarp 
Haruan, M.D. Professor of Comparative Anatomy 
to the Philadelphia Museum, Member of the Am. Phil. 
Aa, Toe Ra tg 


On the 18th of December, 1824, Mr. William Colesberry of 
Philadelphia, presented to the Philadelphia Museum of Natural 
History the interesting animal which forms the subject of the 
following pages. Mr. C. gave the following statement to Mr. 
Franklin Peale :—“ The animal is a native of Mendoza, and in 
the Indian language is named ¢ Pichiciugo. Mendoza is situated 
in the interior of Chili, on the east of the Cordilleras, in lat. 33° 
25’ and long. 69° 47, in the province of Cuyo. It had been ob- 
tained on the spot, in a living state, but it continued to live in 
confinement only afew days. Its habits resemble those of the 
mole, living for the most part under ground ; and is reputed to 
carry its young beneath the scaly cloak with which it is covered ; 
and that the tai! possessed little or no motion.” 

It is'to be regretted that the viscera and the greater portion of 
the skeleton of this animal had been removed before it came into my 
possession ; and the gentleman who presented the same, having 
left the city, precludes the possibility of receiving, at present, 
any further particulars relative to its habits ; but the observations > 
which I have been able to make from the examination of its ex- 
terior, together with the skull ‘and teeth, all of which are in 
nearly a perfect state of preservation, establish the characters 
of the animal on the most solid foundation. 

‘# From the Annals of the New York Lyceum of Natural History, Vol. I. 


Chlamyphorus truneatus.. 155 


Cuvier, that justly celebrated naturalist, remarks: “In zoo- 
logy, when the teeth and jaws of an animal are given, the re- 
maining structure may be readily determined ; at least as far as 
_ relates to essential characters.””. The form of the tooth determines 
that of the condyle ; the form of the scapula, that of the nails ; 
_ just as the equation of a curve indicates all its properties ; as in 
taking each property separately for the basis of a particular equa- 
tion, we might arrive, not only at the ordinary equation, but at 
all the other properties ; so the nail, the scapula, the maxillary 
condyle, the femur, and all the other bones, taken ‘separately, 
would indicate each other reciprocally ; and beginning with either 
separately, we might, according to the rational laws of the organic 
economy, construct the whole animal.” 

It is thus, by a perfect knowledge of the laws of co-existence, 
to which the combinations of animals are subjected, the skull 
alone of the animal under consideration would have enabled us to 
determine that it belonged to a new, and nondescript genus. 

The varied, magnificent, and multiplied collection of natural 
objects, in the Philadelphia Museum, drawn from every depart- 
ment of nature, displays in the strongest light the wonderful 
results to be obtained, by the talent, industry, perseverance, and 
zeal, of an individual. The venerable, octo-genarian fownder still 
lives, to contemplate with sentiments of pride and delight the 
colossal monument which has risen at -his-command; which will 
perpetuate the fame, and hand down the name of Charles Wilson 
Peale to the latest posterity. 

On the present occasion, as on many others, I have been in- 
debted to the Philadelphia Museum, for the opportunity of mak- 
ing the clearest illustration of the subject of investigation. I 
shave also to congratulate myself in the aquaintance of Mr. William 
W. Wood, a young, but zealous naturalist, whose talents as a 
faithful delineator of nature, have only to be known, to. be duly 
estimated. | 

The order Edentata includes quadrupeds destitute of incisor 
teeth, forming the last order of Cuvier’s clawed animals. Al- 
theugh united only by a negative character, there exist some 
positive relations between them, particularly the large nails which 


156 Dr. Harlan on a new Genws of Edentata. 


embrace the extremity of the fingers, and resemble more or less 
the nature of hoofs. 


CHLAMYPHORUS TRUNCATUS. 


Corpore, supra testa coriacea, postice truncata, squamis rhom- 
boideis, lineis transversis dispositis, conflata, subtus capillis 
albis, sericeis, obtecto; capite supra squamis testa dorsalé 
continuis, adoperto; palmis, plantisque pentadactylis ; un- 
guibus anterioribus longissimis, compressis; marginibus ex- 
ternis, mucronibusque acutis; caudé rigidd, sub abdomine 


inflexd. 
Tab. vi. 
DIMENSIONS. 
Inches 

Total length ose 2900 cacnied adie der ousswiewsienenrensgaep tam 
Lengih of the head... itor Micha ncn rai ta Si ovis tian bint aie 
Breadth between the edly - eo 
Depth of the posterior aneated narhion of the shell 1°3 
Greatest breadit Of the SaMIe | 34 9:0 454s000 ease = ene 1°8 
Girth posterior to the shoulders . ee ee 
Length of the sole of the foot, shetlndtig the itll 1*2 
Breadth of the foot... SPS, SS sO eee 0°3 
Length of the saddest Ube Thee obits on tameetlls Geld a0 ene 
Length of the hand). 2.1. so siviiee isso bdete cts stestsawbiew) be 
Breadth Of dit€0 ss. e640 o5 oo ovine weiednnd ee deremense OVA 
Length of the longest nail ceil ads 0°74 
Length of that portion of the tail abi: is ae yet 

curved beneath the body . egies anni ae ase, a 


The shell which covers the body is of a consistence somewhat 
more dense and inflexible than sole leather of equal thickness. 
It is composed of a series of plates of a square, rhomboidal, or 
cubical form; each row separated by an epidermal or membra~ 
nous production, which is reflected above and beneath, over the 
plates; the rows include from fifteen to twenty-two plates; the 
shell being broadest at its posterior half, extending about one 
half round the body ; this covering is loose throughout, excepting 
along the spine of the back and top of the head; being attached 
to the back immediately above the spine, by a loose cuticular 


Chlamyphorus truncatus. 157 


production, and by two remarkable bony processes (to be de- 
scribed hereafter) on the top of the os frontis, by means of two 
large plates, which are nearly incorporated with the bone be- 
neath ; but for this attachment, and the tail being firmly curved 
beneath the belly, the covering would be very easily detached. 
The number of rows of plates on the back, counting from the 
vertex, (where they commence) is twenty-four ; at the twenty- 
fourth the shell curves suddenly downwards, so as to form a right 
angle with the body ; this truncated surface is composed of plates 
nearly similar to those of the back; they are disposed in semi- 
circular rows, five in number: the lower margin somewhat ellip- 
tical, presents a notch in its centre, in which is attached the free 
portion of tail, which makes an abrupt curvature, and runs be- 
neath the belly parallel to the axis of the body; the free portion 
of tail consists of fourteen caudal vertebra, surrounded by as 
many plates, similar to those of the body ; the extremity of the 
tail being depressed, so as to form a paddle; the rest of the tail 
compressed, The caudal vertebre extend up to the top of the 
back, beneath the truncated surface, where the sacrum is bent to 
meet the tail. The superior semicircular margin of the truncated 
surface, together with the lateral margins of the shell, are beauti- 
fully fringed with silky hair. 

Head: posterior half, broad, anterior half, before the eyes, 
tapering ; the occiput is covered by the five first rows of the back 
plates with which they are continuous; the occiput not distir- 
guishable externally. The anterior half of the top of the head, 
is,covered, first, by a row of large plates, five in number, which 
are firmly attached to the bone beneath; particularly the two 
euter ;—secondly, by a smaller row, six in number, anterior to 
which,.that is to say, the top of the snout, is covered with smaller 
plates irregularly disposed. . 

External ear, consists of a circular, somewhat patulous opening, 
directly posterior to the eye, surrounded with an elevated mar- 
gin, and communicating with a bony canal, to be more fully de~ 
scribed hereafter. Eye, minute, totally black ; and, like the ear, 
nearly hidden by long silky hair. ; 

Mouth, the rictus small. Nose; the extremity of the snout is 


158 ~- Dr. Harlan ona new Genus of Edentata. 


furnished with an enlarged cartilage, as in the hog; the anterior 
nares opening downwards at the inferior border. 

The whole surface of the body covered with fine silk-like hair, 
longer and finer than that of the mole, but not so thick set.’ The 
anterior of the chest is large, full, and strong; the anterior ex- 
tremities, short, clumsy, and. powerful; the hair is continued for 
some distance on the palm—the phalanges of the hand united ; 
five powerful nails rising gradually one above the other; the ex- 
ternal shortest and broadest ; the whole so arranged as to form @ 
sharp cutting instrument, somewhat scooped; very convenient for ~ 
progression under ground ; and such as must very much impede 
motion on the surface. Hind legs weak and short—feet long and 
narrow ;. the sole resembles considerably the human foot, having — 
a well defined heel, which rests flat upon the ground, and being © 
arched in the middle ; toes separate, nails flattened horizontally. 

Skull, At first view, the bones of the cranium and face would — 
appear to constitute one solid case, the remnants of sutures are © 
indistinctly visible in some parts only. The cavity of the cranium ~ 
is capacious ; the greatest breadth, which is from ear to ear, is 
one inch; the greatest depth five-tenths; length of the cavity, 
seven-tenths. One of the most remarkable peculiarities of this 
skull, consists in the two processes of bone above alluded to, 
which project obliquely, forward, upward, and outward; from the - 
os frontis, anterior to the cavity of the cranium, and directly above 
the malar bone ; giving to the front of the skull an aspect totally 
unique ; these prominences are hollow, communicating with the 
frontal sinuses, and must contribute in a great measure to enlarge 
the organ of smell: there exists a considerable concavity between’ * 
them, which in the recent state, was filled with an adipose, gristly 
mass, which served to unite the skull to the plates above.. The 
snout commences anteriorly to these processes, and is rapidly atten- 
uated and depressed. The ossa nasi are broad and strong, slightly 
arched transversely, extending anteriorly beyond the os incisivum, 
as does, likewise the osseous septum narium. The zygomatic pro- 
cesses are laterally arched; a small pointed process, descending: | 
near the malar bone (somewhat like that in the sloth); the zygo- 
matic fosse are large, diiyt ‘ ube oti i 


Chlamyphorus truncatus. 159 


~ The labyrinth is protuberant and occupies the usual situation 
at the base of the skull; joined to which is the tympanum ;—to 
the last is attached a bony cylinder stretching first upwards be- 
hind the zygomatic process of the temporal bone, around which 
it makes a sudden curve, and runs forward and upwards to ter- 
minate at the external ear. 

Lowerjaw. Anterior portion shaped like that of the elephant, 
much elongated ; the general form and proportion resembles very 
closely the lower jaw of the sheep, the base being considerably 
arched, and the curve at the posterior part, forming with the base 
nearly a right angle, projecting obliquely outwards ; the base is 
marked by eight slightly elevated protuberances, occasioned by 
the roots of the teeth; the condyloid process is longer than the 
coronoid ; in the sheep this is reversed: the articulation at the 
glenoid cavity as such as to admit of great freedom of motion. 
Length of the base of the lower jaw one inch; length of the 
angle five-tenths ; greatest width two and a half tenths; width 
of the angle three-tenths. 

Teeth. Incisors, none in either jaw; molars, eight in number, 
on either side of the upper end lower jaws, all approximate; dis- 
posed in separate alveoli; the crowns of the two first only, ap- 
proach to a point, and thus much resemble canine teeth; the six 
‘remaining are all nearly flat on the crowns; their structure is 
simple; a cylinder of enamel, of equal thickness throughout, 
surrounds a central pillar of bone; there being no division into 
body and root; the lower half is hollow, the cavity representing 
an elongated cone. In the lower jaw, the teeth penetrate its 
whole ‘depth ;--Jength of the teeth, about three-tenths of an 
inch: ‘two-tenths of which are buried in the sockets—diameter, 
about one-tenth. They are somewhat flattened on the sides, and 
in a slight degree curved externally, to be adapted to the shape of 
the jaw. The teeth of the inferior maxilla are directed forwards 
and upwards; those of the superior maxilla are directly reversed 
in their direction, so that the crowns meet each other obliquely ; 
and the posterior margin of the lower teeth, and the anterior mar- 
gin of the upper, present their angles to the object of mastication. 

The remainder of the skeleton, with the viscera, having been 


160 Dr. Harlan on a. new Genus of Edentata. 


removed previous to my obtaining a view of the animal, I am un- 
able to give any further detail of the internal organization. It is 
fortunate that I have been enabled to make so complete a pre- 
paration of the skull; this, with the external organization, which 
is well preserved, will enable me to establish its generic charace 
ters on the firmest foundation. 

To such as have made comparative anatomy the subject of their 
investigation, the above minute detail of this very extraordinary 
individual will enable them, in some measure, to anticipate the 
observations which follow; they will perceive at first view, that 
the animal before us unites in its external configuration traits 
peculiar to the genera Dasypus, Tulpa, and Bradypus ; yet a 
very superficial observation will unfold characters generically dis- 
tinct from either. It will be observed, that though this singular 
being is clothed with a coat (or rather cloak) of mail, in a slight 
degree resembling the armadillo, yet it differs remarkably in its 
texture, form, situation, arrangement, and mode of attachment to’ 
the body. In the armadillo, the body is covered with a hard, 
scaly shell, and consists,—lIst, In a plate upon the forehead. 
2nd, A vast shield situate upon the shoulders, and formed of 
small rectangular compartments, disposed in transverse bands. 
3rd, In bands of similar plates, but moveable and varying in num- 
ber, from three to twelve more or less, according to the species. 
4th, In a shield upon the rump, very similar to that on the 
shoulders. 5th, In rings more or less numerous on the tail; five 
toes behind ; before sometimes five, at others four; hairs sparse. 
The whole shell is covered by a thin transparent epidermis, which 
is joined to the skin of the belly, which gives to the shell a)shin- 
ing aspect, as if it were varnished; the extremities are entirely 
covered with strong scales. The armadillo burrows in the earth ; 
is sufficiently quick in its motions ; is capable of rolling its. body 
into the form of a ball; and is omnivorous. The external ear is 
sometimes large, and always very apparent. 

From. this statement, we are convinced that there exists only 
the most distant analogy in the external covering of the Dasypus 
with that of the new genus ; other analogies, which are found in 
the. comparison of the skulls, will be referred to hereafter. 


Chlamyphorus truncatus. 161 


\ The lower portions of our animal, as well as that beneath the 
scales, will bear a pretty close comparison with the same parts of 
the mole, (Talpa Europea, Lin. white variety.) The hair is'finer 
and longer than in the mole, and at'a distance resembles long 
staple cotton in appearance. The eye is small; the neck, breast, 
and shoulders, are very powerful; the posterior extremities are 
short and weak; the anterior, short and strong, and furnished 
with large claws, as in the mole; but in the form of the head, in 
the structure and form of the claws, in the external ear, which is 
apparent when the hair is separated, our animal is totally dissimi- 
lar to the mole. The claws bear some analogy to the ‘sloth, 
(Bradypus, Lin.), but are articulated to the last phalanx, as in 
the mole. Like the last named animal, the organs of generation 
must have opened anterior to the pubis, and at a great distance 
from the sacrum, viz. before the inferior margin of the truncated 
portion of the shell, near the middle of the caudal vertebra, 
which, as I have remarked above, are continued, within the trun- 
cated plate, to near the top of the back. Thus far, like the 
mole, our animal is eminently constructed for subterranean pro- 
gression ; and here, in all probability, any strict analogy with that 
animal ceases. 

In the examination of the skull, we are struck with its many 
peculiarities, and great dissimilarity to that of the mole, to which 
it is so nearly allied in its subterranean habits. The skull of the 
latter animal is long and narrow, flattened vertically ; the jaws 
are furnished with four large canine teeth, separated from each 
other; having between them six incisors above and eight below, 
seven molars on each side of the upper jaw, six on each side 
below, the crowns of which are furnished with sharp points ; in 
all of which our animal differs entirely. Like the mole, the 
extremity of the snout is furnished with a sort of button, but of 
much firmer consistence ; in the form of the snout, and posterior 
part of the skull, as well as in the effaced appearance of the 
sutures, some slight resemblance is visible. ‘The palm of the 
hand is directed rather inwards, in our new genus; whereas in 
the mole it is directed outwards, and the nails are destitute of 
the cutting edge, so remarkable in the former. On comparing 

Vor. IT. L 


162 Dr. Harlan on a new Genus of Edentata. 


the skull of our animal with that of the armadillo, (Dasypus 
sexcinctus, Lin.) a few traits of similarity of typification are 
visible : both these animals being equally destitute of incisor and 
canine teeth in either jaw; in both, a considerable space inter- 
venes between the anterior margin of the os intermazillare and 
the commencement of the teeth; and in both the number of molar 
teeth is the same, viz. eight on each side of both jaws—thirty-two 
in all. Here all further analogy with the Dasypus is at an end. 

In the last named animal, the crowns of the teeth terminate in 
two points; and, together with the bodies, are completely en- 
veloped in enamel ; they are so far separated from each other, 
that when the jaws are closed, those of the lower jaw pass be- 
tween those of the upper; furthermore, the teeth are proportion~ 
ally much shorter, neither sinking so deep into the jaw, nor rising 
so high above the alveoli. ‘Fhe whole form of the head, and of 
the. jaws, particularly the inferior, will admit of no comparison in 
the two animals; lateral motion being almost entirely forbidden 
in the armadillo, and the greatest freedom in this respect existing 
in the new genus: in which, the condyloid extends above the 
coronoid process. 

The teeth in structure are most nearly allied to these of the 
sloth, (Bradypus tridactylus, Lin.) that is to say, they consist of 
asimple cylinder of bone, surrounded with enamel, except the 
crowns, which are destitute of enamel in the centre; the roots, 
(or rather that portion buried in the jaw) of both these animals, 
are hollow. In these particulars, together with the short pro- 
cess descending from the zygomatic arch, which has been alluded 
to before, as well as in the form of the fore-claws, there is con- 
siderable analogy; but in all other points of organization these 
two genera are most widely separated. 

As far as the nature of the subject will admit, I have now gone 
through with the detail of the organization of this most singular 
quadruped. During the investigation, I have had frequent occa- 
sion to admire those laws of co-existence which regulate the 
stracture of organized beings; Nature, true to herself in this as 
in all other instances, has pursued an undeviating course. We 
have been presented in the subject before us with a new form: 


Chlamyphorus truncatus. 163 


fn animal combining in its external configuration a mechanical 
arrangement of parts which characterizes, respectively, the arma- 
dillo, the sloth, and the mole ; constituting in themselves, indivi- 
dually and separately, of all other quadrupeds, those which offer 
the most remarkable anatomical characters. Pursuing the in- 
vestigation step by step, with the skeletons of the above-named 
animals before me, it was not until after I had completely finished 
every point of observation, that I perceived in the skull alone, of 
the new animal, a reunion, more or less complete, of all those 
remarkable traits that an external view of the animal had offered 
for contemplation ; which, taken collectively, furnishes us with 
an example of organic structure, if not unparalleled, at least not 
surpassed in the history of animals. 

The most peculiar and unique characters consist,—First, In the 
general contour of the animal, Secondly, In the form, texture, 
and disposition of its scaly cloak, which would very much confine 
the power of flexion and extension of the body, and nearly al- 
together impede lateral motion; the greatest freedom of motion 
would consist in the éxtension of the head on the body. Third- 
ly, In the position of the organs of generation. Fourthly, In the 
form, structure, position, and use of the tail. Fifthly, In the 
peculiar and complicated structure of the feet and claws. Sixth- 
ly, In the structure of the organ of hearing. Seventhly, In the 
bony protuberances on the os frontis. Eighthly, In the disposition 
of the teeth; and Ninthly, In the form of the lower jaw, which 
separates the animal, in this respect, from the order Edentata, 
and approximates it to the Ruminantia and Pachydermata. 


164 Mr. French on the nature of Instinct. 


Art. XIX. An Inquiry inio the true nature of Instinct, 
and of the Mental Distinction between Brute Animals 
and Man. Essay III. On the Specific Constitution of 
the Brute Mind, and its modifications under Human In- 
fluence : including an analysis of the theory of Brute 
Action contained in Dr. Hancock’s “ Essay on Instinct, 


and its Physical and Moral Relations.” By Joun 
Ouiver Frencn, Esq. 


[ Continued from page 83. ] 


There are, however, other considerations which enter into this 
portion of the subject. It would appear from the passage last 
quoted, as well as from his general views, that the author considers 
the Ideas and Memory of the Brute Animal as being altogether 
similar in their nature to the Ideas and Memory of Man: but he 
no where specifically discusses this point. I am, however, in- 
clined to think that, in this respect, Brutes live ina mental world 
of their own, modified by their peculiar consciousness. But as the 
inquiry is connected with that of the supposed capability in brutes 
of a rational understanding of language ; I shall consider these in- 
quiries together, in adverting to the nature of the impressions 
produced by man upon domesticated animals. 

_ The philosophy of the most barbarous language is formed :— 
1. Upon the consciousness of our own identity or individual exist- 
ence. 2. Uponthe consciousness of the existence of the exter- 
nal world around us. 3. Upon the consciousness of action or 
cause ;—hence of a first or primary cause.—If I am not capable of 
a consciousness of the first, in an objective form ; thus, if the con- 
stitution of my being is such that I cannot ever say to myself, “ I 
am ;’’ in this case, I cannot possess the capability of ever becoming 
conscious of the second; or of saying to myself, with respect to the 
external world—* that is.” If I possess the capability of becom- 
ing conscious of the first and second 3 or of saying to myself, “ 1 
am,” and “ that is,”—I am obviously capable of becoming con- 
scious of the third, or of saying to myself, ‘‘ Whence am I,” and 


Analysis of Dr. Hancock’s Theory. 165 


“¢ Whence is that? From this it follows, that .<o reason implies 
superior intelligence and the power of attaining to the knowledge 
of a First Cause,—or it implies a faculty which potentially includes 
this knowledge :—hence the universality of human belief in a Su- 
perior Power;—and hence, if brutes could reason at all, they also 
would know and contemplate a First Cause—or a God!—for if 
‘they possessed the faculty potentially, it would be developed ac- 
tually, as in the case of man ;—hence also it follows, conversely, 
that if they understood human language, or any language that can 
properly be considered a language, they would be men in na- 
ture though beasts in form. It may thus be deduced, that what 
are Moral and Rational Perceptions in Man, must be merely Na- 
tural or Instinctive Perceptions in the Brute :—and it would be 
equally philosophical to suppose the Beaver saying to himself, * I 
must build a house to live in, near the water, and lay up a store of 
twigs,” as to suppose the Dog to say to himself, “I am going a 
hunting to-day.” Ina word, if the ideas of brutes be the same in 
kind with those of man, they must be embodied in a tacit but real 
language,—a language as real as that of man himself. For it 
appears certain that a creature capable of regarding an external 
object, and of saying, or what amounts to the same, of thinking 
of such object—* that is,” would also be capable of saying 
or thinking further respecting such object—* that is blue,” or, 
that is green ;” and the forms of language thus employed in tacit 
thought being essential to such perceptions, their possessor must be 
supposed capable of affixing signs to ideas; and hence, if gifted 
with the means of articulation, as some animals are, it requires no 
stretch of the imagination to suppose him reasoning outright ; or 
for example’s sake, taking up, with a slight variation in language, 
the theme of the disputants on the colours of the Chameleon, and 
saying to a companion equally well versed in vocables—— 


I see it, Sir, as well as you, 
And must again affirm it blue. 


And upon these principles, indeed, we might yield credence to the 
story told by Locke, and apparently believed by Prince Maurice, 


166 Mr. French on the nature of Instinct. 


of the Parrot who spoke Portuguese from his own proper ra-< 
tionality. 

It appears evident then, that a rational acquaintance with the 
qualities of things, supposes the being of whom it is affirmed, to be 
endowed with a species of thought the same as that developed 
audibly by articulate language ; since this thought forms the basis 
of rational ideas. If therefore Brutes do not possess this species of 
thought, their conscious ideas of objects must be non-rational, and 
must consist of peculiar modifications of impressions received from 
the senses, and differing in their nature from the ideas taken up 
by the human mind through the same medium. In my first Essay 
I observed,—* although man possesses a lower or animal mind, 
similar, as considered distinctly and by itself, to the brute mind, 
and which inferior mind or region he looks down upon from an in- 
tellectual eminence, it is evident that his consciousness respecting 
even the things of this inferior region, is illumined by the glorious 
light of intellect and rationality which is proper tohim.” If this 
be true, the converse must also be true as applied to the Brute ; 
and hence must arise @ distinction between the nature of the Ideas 
and Memory of Brutes, and the Ideas and Memory of Man. 
With this view, the modifications of Memory which I for- 
merly considered as proper to Brutes, and which, as then men- 
tioned, [ found corroborated in a work by Mr. Forsyth, will be 
seen to accord, and also to be in harmony with the course of brute 
action in general ; agreeing with the unconscious intelligence dis- 
played therein, in a mnnner which I cannot perceive possible by 
adopting any system or theory which ascribes to brutes a voluntary 
power of thought and memory. 

Mr. Forsyth observes—“ By means of involuntary memory, an 
inferior animal may be taught to expect particular events. If the 
same word is repeated to a Dog every time he is fed, the sound of 
the word will become inyoluntarily associated in his memory with 
the pleasure of eating, and he will acquire the habit of coming to 
the person who pronounces this word ; but he can never make use 
of this or of any other word himself, because he cannot voluntarily: 
recollect or recall it to his memory. When he sees an object, he 


Analysis of Dr. Hancock’s Theory. 167 


cannot intentionally recollect its name; and when he hears the 
name he cannot recall the absent object : though, by the effect of 
association, he may feel pleasure when a name is repeated, or 
acquire the habit of performing certain motions in obedience to it. 

‘¢ Some of the inferior animals possess organs sufficiently fitted 
for uttering articulate sounds; and accordingly they can easily be 
taught to pronounce words; butte these words they do not affix 
any meaning. Other animals cannot be taught to utter words, 
though they seem to understand many words when spoken by man. 
But no animal possesses the power of speaking and of understand- 
ing its own speech at the sametime. The reason is this. 

‘¢ Animals possess sensation, involuntary memory, and a percep- 
tive faculty ; they also possess voluntary power over their limbs 
and organs of sense: but the defect or inferiority of their intellec- 
tual nature consists of this,—that they possess no voluntary power 
over their memory, and therefore cannot intentionally recollect any 
thing. When they see one object, they cannot, by an act of will, 
arrest the train of their ideas, and call up the remembrance or idea 
of another that resembles it; and hence they cannot arrange or 
form classes of objects.”* 

The Dog is evidently one of the most sagacious of brutes, often 
an inhabitant of our dwellings, and were he capable of a rational 
survey of objects, and a rational apprehension of human language, 
he would, thus circumstanced, acquire with the children of the 
family, human ideas and human knowledge. No such thing, how- 
ever, takes place: he is, and ever must be, non-rational, in the 
strict and proper sense of this term; and there is no point of 
comparison, in the nature of affinity, between the perceptions of 
the most tutored animal and the earliest dawnings of rationality in 
the infant mind. 

The Dog, it is true, has a perception, such as it is, of the mean- 
ing of the words “¢ come here,” and of all others that are necessary 
to the economy of his proceedings with man; but it is surely too 
much to affirm him capable of the thought—‘¢ when my master 


* Principles of Moral Science, by Robert Forsyth, Esq. Edinb. 1805. ‘Sect. 
On the difference between the Human and Brute Mind. 


168 Mr. French on the nature of Instinet. 


says ‘ come here,’ he means that I am to move from where I am, 
and go to the spot where he is,””—as included in the proposition, 
“come here”’; which however would be the case were he capable 
of a rational understanding of these words. The perception of 
the animal may be accounted for from other principles, which will 
be adverted to as we proceed. 

Let us now, for the sake of illustration, concede to Brutes a 
supposed power of reasoning, and a memory similar in all respects 
to that of Man, and endeavour to trace from these premises, what, 
in such cases, must be the nature of their ideas; and if it 
should appear, upon this mode of investigation, that these are 
such as cannot with propriety be ascribed to brutes, it will follow 
that there are grounds to conclude, that both their ideas and 
discrimination of objects must be different as to consciousness from 
the ideas and discriminations of Man. 

Dr. Hancock does, indeed, very consistently, allow to Brutes 
the power of abstraction. In page 110, he observes, ‘¢ Locke is 
not disposed to allow them the power of abstraction. It is how- 
ever well observed by the writer of the article Instinct, in Rees’ 
Cyclopedia, that ‘ there are many facts from which it is evident, 
that brutes on some occasions exhibit proofs of this faculty.’ And 
to this opinion (says Dr. Hancock) I assent.” And with this 
consequence I myself also agree, namely, that if they reason at 
all, they must reason abstractedly ; or, in other words, they must 
possess a knowledge of the qualities of things whereon to exercise 
their reasoning. How, for instance, can a brute reason upon the 
nature of any object before him, and not be at the same time able 
to perceive its relations of length, breadth, thickness, or colour, 
with respect to other objects? and how can he reason upon a par- 
ticular sound, without perceiving the relation of its key or pitch 
in comparison with the key or pitch of other sounds? Jf he pro- 
ceeds by reason, in the formation of his knowledge, these relations 
are necessary to him. The merest savage is acquainted with 
them,—reusonably so,—and is capable of extending his rational 
knowledge upon such subjects to all the Laws of Geometry, 
’ of Light, and-of Sound. 


Admit that animals possess this reasoning power, and a volun- 


Analysis of Dr. Hancock's Theory. 169 


tary memory, and let us suppose them to exercise their ideas upon 
distance,—and there is no more absurdity in this, than in the 
supposition that they regard from reason the relations necessary to 
the acts enumerated in Dr. Hancock’s examples :—let them then 
reason upon distance,—a rational idea of which is one of the most 
obvious they could entertain,—and a conception of the relative 
distance of objects being thus supposed possible to them, the idea 
of measurement will also be possible ; or a capability of attaining 
it will in such case exist. If we suppose them to perceive, 
in a rational manner, the difference between a right and a 
curved line, a difference which affects every object they can 
behold,—they would be enabled to draw from this source ideas of 
form, founded on the rational perception of such difference ; this 
they must do if their perceptions of objects zm these respects were 
rational in their nature. Hence it is evident they must, supposing 
them rational in any degree, or in their perceptions of the most 
obvious and common properties of external objects, possess a capa- 
bility to attain ideas of measurement and form, as such, or objec- 
tive ideas of measurement and form. But it would be absurd 
to. suppose the Brute capable, in common with the savage or 
uncivilized man, of a knowledge of measurement, as such; and 
as this knowledge is essential to a rational apprehension of these 
qualities, it is plain the brute cannot be endowed with human 
rational ideas or discriminations upon these subjects, and that his 
ideas and discriminations must consist of modifications peculiar to 
him; although, if we judged from the actions of the latter, alone 
considered, the contrary might well be inferred. 

|. The Brute therefore, it appears to me, has no idea of distance, 
‘measurement, or form, as such: and in like manner he has no 
idea of the difference between any two objects,—between a Yew 
tree and an Oak,—by any rational knowledge of them: these 
objects make two different impressions on him, through the organ 
of sight, and he may exhibit an intuitive preference, or be led by 
some association to prefer one of them; but he cannot rationally 
compare them, and therefore has noessential knowledge concerning 
-them :—he is just in the same predicament with respect to these, 


170°. Mr. French on the nature of Instinct. 


as with respect to the square and the circle. Under the influence 
of a particular perception or instinctive impulse, he may indeed 
discriminate acutely between either; but his distinctions vanish 
with the occasion. Thus, with respect to difference of colour, 
he compares not between a red object and a blue, as being either 
ved or blue, and if he has a preference, it is instinctive ; he has 
no notion of colour, as such; or, in other words, the idea of 
colour does not become objective to his mind, because this pos- 
sesses no ability to recognise the differences or relations of objects, 
with respect to their colour,—by any proper conscious power. 
If Brutes are thus incapable of a rational apprehension of qua- 
lity, their ideas must be extremely simple in their nature,—the 
results of a peculiar species of perception adapted to the station 
they are designed to fill in creation; their discrimiuations being 
exercised on such simple modes of perception, must also, as to 
their consciousness, partake of this simple character, notwith- 
standing they may be vivid and strong. Their impressions, though 
distinctly enough perceived, must be to themselves intellectually 
obscure, or rather, dark :—thus their idea of a man, a tree, or 
other objects, will differ from that of man himself, by being non- 
rational in its nature. No one, for instance, who carefully weighs 
ihe matter, will suppose that a Dog, who recognises his master 
with more precision thaa is evinced by a rational acquaintance, . 
has any human idea of his master as a Man; or that he has any 
other than a vague perception concerning him, as of a being 
whom he finds himself constrained to love and obey.—And in 
this it is clear he is led by an influence which he can neither un- 
derstand nor controul. And hence it appears—That any rational 
perceptions of the differences in objects must be effected by a 
species of acquaintance with their qualities of which brutes are in- 
capable ; and that without such acquaintance with their qualities, 
they can have no rational apprehension concerning the things them- 
‘ selves :—thus that the conscious impressions or ideas which are 
conceived from the action of the senses upon external objects in a 
being incapable of reflecting upon the qualities of such objects, 
must necessarily be of a nature different from the conscious im- 


Influence of the Human Mind upon Brutes.” 171 


pressions of a rational and intelligent mind exercised upon the 
qualities, and determining the intrinsic relations of the objects 
presented to it. 

The practical illustrations which I am about to offer will, I 
drust, place this inference in a less dubious light than that of 
mere hypothesis. 

If then the supposed reasoning faculty in animals be incapable 
of regarding objectively the most obvious natural properties of 
external objects, much less can animals be considered capable of 
viewing objectively the properties or qualities of actions either 
in themselves or man. We are therefore led to ask—to what 
principle are we to refer those actions, apparently rational, 
which are performed by Brutes in their state of intercourse with 
Man. The answer to this question has, I trust, in some measure 
been anticipated, but I proceed to a specific consideration of it. 

If brute creatures have, in any instance, perceptions imparted 
to them according to the peculiar affections of which they are 
made susceptible, there can be no reason why the perceptions so 
imparted should not be of a kind suited to the nature of the 
circumstances in one case, as well as in another; thus we are 
warranted in assuming that in the intercourse of brutes with man 
(which, by the way, appears to be regulated according to pecu- 
liar laws of permission) there can be no reason why a knowledge 
especially fitted to the nature of such intercourse should not be 
imparted as an accommodated instinct, through the medium of 
man, or otherwise,—in the present case as well as in that of 
the intercourse between brute and brute. An accommodating 
Power in Instinct, or a variation of Perception not ascribable 
to any reasoning process, is admitted ;* why then, if instinctive 
perception varies under other circumstances, should it not vary 
for the purposes of intercourse between the Brute and Man? and 
why should we seek to superadd the Principle of Reason, as pos- 
sessed by the latter? Dr. Hancock observes, that in the actions 
he enumerates of animals under the sphere of human influence, 
the elements of reason are comprehended; and we have seen 
that they are not less so, in the operations of direct instinct ¢ 


* Hancock on Instinct—p. 102. 


172 Mr. French on the nature of Instinct: 


nothing essentially irrational is to be found in the latter. The 
sole question is, in either case, how much of this intelligence, 
or whether any of it, essentially belongs to the conscious nature 
of the agent. . 

That the sphere of human beings exerts an influence of an 
occult and most wonderful nature on the mental constitution of 
animals without even any direct communication taking place be- 
tween them,—thus that an influence is felt by them in consequence 
of their remote relations with Man, is strikingly proved by the 
circumstance, alluded to in a former Essay, of the young Foxes 
mentioned by Mons. F. Cuvier, which when cubbed in the vicinity 
of human abodes are known, even from the litter, and prior to 
all experience, to display a sharpened sagacity, compared with 
those which are born in wild and unfrequented regions. . This 
affords a strong inference respecting the nature of human influence 
operating tacitly. After this, can we wonder that all the sur- 
prising acts of imitation which we observe in tutored animals 
should be effected by the same tacit agency, acting by or through 
the human mind more directly upon the brute,—by an instinctive 
impulse from whence may arise those modifications of perception 
and action which present us with an image of freedom and ration- 
ality in a non-rational subject. 

For if brutes possess no proper objective knowledge of quality 
and relation, no essential power of arriving at true ideas of the 
nature of things or actions; how but by an influence connected 
with the tacit agency of Superior Intelligences, operating upon 
them, can we account for the moral and intellectual qualities in 
their actions! From what other cause can arise the exhibition of 
such feelings and perceptions as are indicated in the actions of 
animals more immediately within the sphere of human minds, 
while we are withheld by the entire condition of their nature, and 
even by appearances themselves, as well as by the absurd results 
that would follow the admission, from supposing these inferior 
beings capable of any rational contemplation of such feelings and 
perceptions—and, by consequence, from supposing them capable 
of consciously originating them in themselves. 

Whence does the gorgeous War-Horse outstrip his rider in the 


Influence of the Human Mind upon Brutes. 173 


majestic peering of his deportment! whence does he surrender 
his vast ‘powers, and adapt them so admirably for war? Surely 
not from any reasonable intelligence concerning them, and con- 
sequent application of them on his part: all that can be here said 
of him is, that he is formed to be susceptible of influences the true 
nature ‘of which he is himself ignorant, and from which his 
actions clothe themselves, if I may so speak, with an apparent 
rationality. 

Whence can it arise that animals in a state of domestication are 
capable of obeying the words addressed to them, while yet they 
have no essential knowledge of them,—whence but from a col- 
lateral instinctive influence received from man, and suited to affect 
a mental organization formed with a capacity to be so affected ? 
—the reality of this source of instinct, wonderful as it appears, is 
not on that account less entitled to credit and belief than that of 
instinct in general, provided it can be shewn that there are suffi- 
cient grounds for admitting it: the fitness of the brute mind to 
receive peculiar impressions of a high order, while their degraded 
station indicative of a low species of consciousness, marks them to 
be no partakers in reality, although they are so in appearance, of 
those qualities which constitute Humanity ; these are the circum- 
stances that, taken in connection with the positive and manifest 
influence exercised by man over animals,—and without which it 
would be impossible for man to ‘tame any wild animal whatever, 
unless the latter could be reasoned with,—form the grounds for 
admitting this particular source ofa collateral instinct, or at least, 
of a modification of the general instinct by which the brute king- 
dom is directed. —T his explains why the Dog, who has no essential 
knowledge of the words ‘‘ come here,” nevertheless obeys them 
so readily ;—why he understands even the looks and gestures, the 
smiles and frowns of his master, although he knows not what is a 
smile or a frown ;—why his perception is positive with respect to the 
influence of these things upon him, As well, however, might we 
dignify by the name of Reason, the perceptions of the Cricket, 
who directs her motions by the call of her mate, as ascribe it in this 
case tothe Dog. The perceptions of the latter are more varied and 
perfect in degree, but equally remote as to kind from human per- 


174 Mr. French on thé nature of Instinct. 


ceptions, as respects consciousness ; and it is this which must deter- 
mine all the claims of the brute to rationality.* 

I proceed now to some practical examples. It is related in a 
communication, from M. de Tolstoy, of particulars of a Survey of 
the North Coast of Siberia, undertaken by Messrs. Wranguel, 
Anjou, and Matuchkin, that—‘* To cross the sea, in other words 
the ice, they made use ofa sort of carriage, called narta, drawn by 
12 or 13 dogs. These animals were extremely serviceable to them, 
as wellin defending them from the black and white bears and the 
wolves, as by their astonishing intelligence ; their instinct always 
guided them in the best track; and when the travellers thought 
they had gone astray, the dogs led them again into the right course- 
The sagacity of the dogs was so great, that when they happened 
to trace aroad in the form of an angle, they made a diagonal line 
[or took the direction of the hypothenuse instead of the sides] in 
returning. The travellers passed severat weeks on the ice, be~ 
tween the sea and the land, sometimes upon enormous masses of 
ice, covered with thick beds of grey snow, sometimes upon small 
sheets, which often sank down and detached themselves from the 
material of congelation, so that they were carried away by the 
current and beaten about by the waves. On all these occasions 
the dogs rendered them innumerable services: In the places 
where the ice was thick and without danger, they ran rapidly upon 
the snow, barked, bit each other, and appeared indocile; but the 
moment the track became dangerous, they were gentle, cautious, 
docile, walking frequently with the greatest precaution upon 
pieces of ice not more than half an inch thick, and seeming to 
advance by the order of the individual seated in the sledge.” 

In the instance above quoted it seems clear that the perception 
of the difference of distance between the line of the hypothenuse 
and that of the sides of the angular route, as also the ideas of form 


* When we consider the principle which actuates the motion of the Polypus, 
we are led to reflect how much inferior the consciousness of the animal must 
really be, compared with that which it might well be conceived to possess 
when regarded with relation to the functions performed’ by its tentacula, its 
locomotion, &c.—a species of consciousness it must indeed have, but one, as to 
its importance, bearing no adequate relation to the acts it performs. 


Anecdotes of Human Influence upon Brutes. 175 


which it implies, were all purely instinctive : draw a diagram be- 
fore the identical dogs who performed the journey, and they 
would have just as much idea of the difference of distance, or 
of the form thus presented to them, as if they had never exer- 
cised a preference respecting it. ‘The other circumstances of 
the narration mark the presence of an intelligent influence, 
more or less in activity; according to the contingent require- 
ments of the peculiar situation of themselves and their masters. 
Upon these, however, after what has been advanced, I need not 
stop to offer any comment. 

The foregoing example, when contrasted with the following inci- 
dents, place in a most striking light the difference between Man and 
Brute, in the exercise by the former of the rational power on the 
most familiar qualities of objects. In the eases of two individuals 
who recovered their sight,—the first under the care of Sir Everard 
Home, the second under that of Mr. James Ware,—it is related of 
the first, that ‘‘ different coloured pieces of card were separately 
placed before his eye, and so little had he gained in thirteen days, 
that he could not, without counting their corners, one by one, tell 
their shape. This he did with great facility, running his eye 
quickly along the outline, so that it was evident he was still learn- 
ing, just as a child learns to read.”*—Of the second it is said, 
‘¢ Master W. knew and described a letter, not only as white, but 
also as square, because it had corners ; and an oval silver box, not 
only as shining but also as round, because it had not corners: he 
likewise knew, and called by its name; a white stone mug, on the 
first day he obtained his sight, distinguishing it from a bason, be- 
cause it hada handle.”+ Is it not to be inferred that the Brute 
would act thus respecting the properties of objects, if he possessed 
any power properly rational? and thus that in the case of the Dogs 
above recited, when led to the choice of a particular line of direc- 
tion, this circumstance would lay the groundwork in the animal 
mind, of a rational knowledge, to be improved upon, hereafter, 
respecting the figure and form thus thrust upon its attention ? 


* Nicholson’s Phil. Jour. Vol. 28, No. 3. 
+ Ibid, Phil. Trans. 1801, p. 382, 


176 Mr: French on the nature of Instinct. 


. An influence, and that a powerful one, certainly appears to act 
variously upon Brutes as a collateral or contingent Instinct ;. in 
other words, this influence appears to modify their perception and 
discrimination ; particularly in those cases where utility is con- 
cerned ;—by operating in concert with the general Instinct of 
their nature. Remarkable instances are not wanting to demon- 
strate the extent and peculiarity of the modifications thus pro- 
duced ; among which the following may be ranked, as curious and 
original——and is one which serves to exemplify the fact, that some 
individuals of the human race possess a greater degree of this in- 
fluence over animals than others; a circumstance which throws 
considerable light upon the whole subject. We have already 
seen that a positive general influence is effected on the nature 
of animals by the mere proximity of human beings; .and the 
instance about to be recited fairly leads to the inference that a 
human mind peculiarly constituted, may possess a peculiar and 
uncommon share in the production of such influence, and may 
effect by his superior power in this respect, over animals brought 
under his more immediate personal sphere, what another indi- 
vidual would fail in accomplishing. _I am indebted for this anec- 
dote to the kindness of my friend Dr. Spurgin, and I shall give 
it in his own words. 

« A gentleman rented a small farm in the county of Essex some 
years ago, where he had not resided long, before a number of 
Rooks came and built their nests upon the trees immediately sur- 
rounding the premises; they multiplied in the course of three or 
four years, so as to form a considerable Rookery, which was much 
prized: about this time, however, the farmer was induced to hire 
a larger farm, which obliged him to change his residence and for- 
sake his Rooks; but to his great surprize and pleasure the whole 
Rookery manifested such an attachment towards him as led them 
to desert their former habitation and accompany him to his new 
abode, which was about three quarters of a mile off. Here they 
have continued to flourish, and to offer their salutations every night 
and morning without intermission to their kind friend and pro- 
tector. 

“¢ It may be well to add that this gentleman is strongly at- 


Anecdotes of Human Influence upon Brutes. 1TT 


tached to all animals whatsoever, that may come under his care ; 
and that he always experiences a striking return of affection, even 
from the least docile of them.” 

To the above [ shall add the following anecdotes, related by 
Mr. Burchell, as occurring during his travels in the desert plains 
of Africa; as this relation beautifully depicts the nature of Intu- 
itive Perception, blending itself with subordinate freedom of 
action, in the service of Man. The Dog, which, as the author 
himself infers, appears to be expressly organized for the display 
of the wonderful actions which characterise his economy under 
human influence, is the subject. 

*¢ In the middle of the night I was awakened by the barking 
of some of our dogs, which continued for a considerable time : 
thinking it might be occasioned by the approach of hostile Bush- 
men, I arose and woke some of the people, that they might keep 
watch against danger; but we should have spared ourselves the 
trouble, if we had not neglected to attend to the various tones of 
barking which. dogs assume on different occasions; and should 
have known that it was not men at which they were so much en- 
raged. For in the morning one of the Hottentots found at some 
distance from our station, the remains of a Raama or Hartebeest, 
which had been devoured by a Lion; and this it was which the 
dogs either heard or scented, although none of us were able to 
distinguish the slightest sound. - 

*© A leg of this Hartebeest was brought home and broiled for 
breakfast. One pack of dogs consisted of about five and twenty, 
of various sorts and sizes. This variety, though not altogether 
intentional, as I was obliged to take any that could be procured, 
was of the greatest service on such an expedition, as I observed 
that some gave notice of danger in one way, and others in another. 
Some were more disposed to watch against men, and others against 
wild beasts; some discovered an enemy by their quickness of 
hearing, others by that of scent; some were useful only for their 
vigilance and barking; some for speed in pursuing game; and 
others for courage in holding ferocious animals at bay. So large 
a pack was not indeed maintained without adding greatly to our 
care and trouble, in supplying them with meat and water; for 

Vot. II. M 


178 Mr. French on the nature of Instinct. >. 


it was sometimes difficult to procure for them enough of the 
latter ; but their services were invaluable, often contributing to. 
our safety, and always to our ease by their constant vigilance ; 
as we felt a confidence that no danger could approach us at night 
without being announced by their barking. 

«¢ No circumstance could render the value and fidelity of these 
animals.so conspicuous and sensible, as a journey through regions 
which, abounding in wild beasts of almost every class, gave con- 
tinual opportunities of witnessing the strong contrast in their 
habits, between the ferocious beasts of prey, which fly at the ap- 
proach of man, and these kind, but too often injured, companions 
of the human race. Many times when we have been travelling 
over plains where those have fled the moment we appeared in 
sight, have I turned my eyes towards my dogs, to admire their 
attachment, and have felt a grateful affection towards them 
for preferring our society to the wild liberty of other quadrupeds. 
Often, in the middle of the night, when all my people have been’ 
fast asleep around the fire, have I stood to contemplate those 
faithful animals lying by their side, and have learned to esteem 
them for their social inclination to mankind. When wandering 
over pathless deserts, oppressed with vexation and distress at the 
conduct of my own men, I have turned to these, as my only 
friends, and felt how much inferior to them was man when actu-: 
ated only by selfish views. rs 

*¢ The familiarity which subsists between this animal and our 
own race, is so common to almost every country of the globe, 
that any remark upon it must seem superfluous; but I cannot 
avoid believing that it is the universality of the fact which pre- 
vents the greater part of mankind from reflecting duly on the 
subject. While almost every other quadruped fears man as its 
most formidable enemy, here is one which regards him as his‘com- 
panion, and follows him as his friend. We must not mistake the 
nature of the case: dt is not because we train him to our use, and. 
have made choice of him in preference to other animals; but be~ 
cause this particular species feels a natural desire to be useful to- 
man, and from spontaneous impulse attaches itself to him. Were 
it not so, we should see in various countries an equal familiarity 


Influence of the Human Mind upon Brutes. 179 


with various other quadrupeds ; according to the habits, the taste, 
or the caprice of different nations. But every where it is the dog 
only, which takes delight in associating with us, in sharing our 
abode, and is even jealous that our attention should be bestowed on 
him alone: it is he who knows us personally, watches for us and 
warns us of danger. It is impossible for the naturalist, when 
taking a survey of the whole animal creation, not to feel a convicts 
tion that the friendship between two creatures so different from 
each other, must be the result of the laws of Nature; nor can the 
humane and feeling mind avoid the belief that kindness to those 
animals from which he derives continued and essential assistance, 
is part of his moral duty. To me, during my travels, the horse 
and the ox were scarcely less the objects of my admiration and 
gratitude; and his patient performance of his unceasing and daily 
labours, strongly attached the latter to me.” * 

. It may be inferred from these observations of Mr. Burchell, 
that the conduct of these animals, which he so beautifully eulo- 
gizes, must be the result of a perception effected by the society 
and influence of Man; not by an engagement rational in its 
nature, as regards the animals, but agreeably to certain laws which 
render inferior beings instrumental to human intentions; thus the 
Ox, in like manner, whose utility this gentleman also alludes to, 
is capable of acting, under certain limitations, by intuition from 
human reason, and submits himself to the yoke with patient per- 
severance, 

If, indeed, brutes carried on their intercourse with man by a 
really rational perception of things, it is presumable they would. 
possess an articulate language : otherwise we must suppose them 
undergoing a perpetual and painful distraction, and condemned to 
a silence which they are gifted with the ability to appreciate, and 
therefore to deplore. Creatures so circumstanced, capable of 
thought, the same in kind with human thought, and at the 
same time destitute of speech; created with rational powers, 
and yet deprived of the necessary external organs for making 
use of them, would, like Eagles without wings, be but half 
formed beings, left to grovel on the earth when they should soar 

_ * Burchell’s Travels in Africa. Vol. II. p. 244 et seq, 
mM 2 


180 Mr. French on the nature of Instinct. 


in the sky :—a nation of dumb-rationals,—reasoning lookers-on, 
presenting a mysterious anomaly in the works of Creation. 

From the views here submitted, may be dedueed the impossi- 
bility of any practical separation between Reason, and a conscious 
Intelligence of a superior order, like that of Man. We may, 
indeed, distinguish between them in the abstract; but we cannot 
separate them in the conscious nature of the creature. And this 
consideration, if it be founded in truth, is of itself alone sufficient 
‘to account for the perplexity which has involved the views of 
Philosophers, upon the subject of Instinct. 

I have, in the course of these remarks, occasionally distin- 
guished between Intelligence considered potentially, and actually ; 
or between capability of developement, and actuality ; because it 
may be said that the human infant does not reason: but there is 
in every human mind potentially the faculty which enables it to 
reason, whether in a state of developement or not; and if the 
brute is not in like manner possesed of it potentially, he can 
never be capable of reasoning upon any thing—all his percep- 
tions must differ zx kind from those of Man. What the conse- 
quences would be, if the brute possessed such a faculty, I have 
on a former occasion endeavoured to trace. 

There is then, I conceive, an influence proceeding from the 
human mind, which affects a collateral contingent Instinct in the 
Brute, limited however in its extent and power by final causes; 
which collateral Instinct acting upon a mental organization fitted 
to receive its operation, renders the Brute, in a certain degree, 
the Agent of Human Rationality :—and to this collateral Instinct 
may be referred the whole of the phenomena of the particular 
class of actions we have now been considering. The truth of 
this conclusion is confirmed by the stationary consciousness of 
Brutes in the scale of Being; it is accordant with the actual 
phenomena, and is plainly deducible from them. It by no 
means militates against the known capacity in animals for edu- 
cation or instruction, such as this education end instruction really 
is: and finally, it is quite compatible with their improvement by 
‘means of experience :—for that the strength and perfection of the 
same perceptions and discriminations, when excited successively, 


Essential and Distinctive Attribuies of Man. 181 


may continue to be improved, from whatever cause they are sup- 
posed to arise, is agreeable to the analogy of hadit in man, and is 
probably governed by the same or similar laws: even the vege- 
table kingdom is subject to an analogous law of improvement. | 

It is impossible to coutemplate a God without regarding Crea- 
tion as a medium in which he is continually operating. Man in 
common with the Brute is a subject of Creation; he is therefore 
a continual recipient of Divine Influence, but in a mode differing, 
not in degree only, but in kind, as respects his conscious life. 
The difference between created beings does not, therefore, consist 
in their existing independently ; but in the quality and nature of 
their consciousness with respect to the modlifications of life they 
continually receive. It is in this respect that Man differs from 
the Brute :-—not that the high powers he possesses are his own in 
such a sense as not to be derived momentarily from a First Cause; 
but that he is so constituted as to be blessed with freedom in their 
exercise, accompanied with such a consciousness as would arise 
from their being actually self-derived ;—such consciousness being 
‘an essential part of his nature as a free Agent ;—although a sense 
of dependance ona Superior Power, for every moment’s exercise 
and possession of his endowments, is ever pressing upon his con- 
viction : —this it is that leads him to regard himself as the subject 
of a higher Intelligence than what he calls his own; and to feel, 
while he traverses the works of Creation, that he is more imme- 
diately allied to its Author. There can be no doubt, that, in 
this sense, the Deity is more immediately present in the Human 
sphere of existence than in that of the Brute ; and hence it would 
seem that the Divine Influence must pervade all lower modes of 
existence, in relative succession, or, more or less mediately: from 
which circumstance we may account for the various and beaatiful 
analogies with which Creation is filled, and which though as yet 
but imperfectly recognized, continue to present themselves. 

Intelligence operating in modes analagous must pervade the 
course of nature, giving birth to principles of Life and Motion: 
Nature would otherwise become a chaos.— Without it not a plant 
could flourish, nor a crystal be formed.—And as it must embrace 
Moral and Rational as well as Natural Ends, it would appear 


182 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


that the difference of Created Beings must consist in the mode of 
their reception of this Intelligence ; as modified in Principles like 
those of Instinct, Sensation, and Power of Organization ;—and 
with respect to Man, as modified in the Powers of Rationality. — 
Man alone appears to receive it in freedom. 


Ant. XX. Sketches in Ornithology : or Observations on 
the leading A ffinities of some of the more extensive groups 
of Birds. By N. A. Vicors, jun. Esq. A.M. F.L.S, 


{ Continued from p. 70. | 


ON THE GENUs I1cTERUS, Briss. 


Wuen we consider the comprehensive nature of the views by 
which Linnezus was guided in his arrangement of Ornithology, 
and the limited information that existed respecting the habits and. 
manners of the extra-European forms which were known to his 
times, we ought not to feel surprise, but rather should conceive it 
to be the necessary result of his undertaking, were we to find 
that many subordinate errours had crept into his primary divi- 
sions, with regard to the affinities of the species which composed 
them. In an infant state of science an analogical resemblance 
may easily be mistaken for an indication of affinity; and many 
species may thus be at first sight admitted into the same group, 
in consequence of a partial similarity of character, which may 
afterwards be discovered, by the prevalence of some less couspi- 
cuous but still essential peculiarities, to occupy different stations 
in nature. Every day’s observation, even in the present compa- 
ratively advanced state of Ornithology, convinces us of this fact. 
Such errours however, although we might reasonably be prepared 
to meet with them, are seldom observable in the works of Lin- 
nzus. So eminent was the insight of that great man into uatural 
affinities, that, with one or two exceptions, his leading divisions 
have stood the test of examination; and modern science, with 
all its superiour advantages of experience and observation, has 


On. the genus Icterus of M. Brisson. 183 


been abie to detect but few deviations from nature in the are 
rangement of those primary groups. 

_ The most striking perhaps of these alleged deviations of Lin- 
nzxus is observable in the construction of his genus Oriolus. That 
group embraces species which are now considered to exhibit two 
distinct types of form, and to occupy two separate stations in na- 
ture: the one, composing the genuine Orioli. of the Old World, 
and the second the Icteri of M.. Brisson or the Cassiques of the. 
French Ornithologists, which belong to the New; the first of. 
these being birds which approach most closely tothe Thrushes by 
their general habits, and the construction of their bill, which is 
arched aud dentated ; the latter, birds which are equally allied 
to the Scares by their gregarious and pradacious habits, and their 
sharp, straight, conical and entire bills. A general resemblance 
which, at first sight, may he observed between the two groups, 
accounts for their being placed in one continuous assemblage by 
Lioneus. A similarity of colouring prevails throughout the spe- 
cies of both, so strong as to have suggested the greater part of the 
different names assigned to them ;* a partial approximation of 
habits appears to bring them in contact; together with a very 
striking correspondence in the manner of building their nests, 
which are generally suspensile, and for the most part woven to-, 
gether with unusual ingenuity and elegance. These relations, 
however, between the two groups are considered by modern sci- 

‘ence to be merely analogical : while the stronger relations, which 
unite the true Orioli to the Merulide, and the Icteri to the Stur- 
nide, are conceived to be those of affinity. The Orioles conse-~ 
quently have of late been placed with the Thrushes in M. Cuvier’s 
tribe of Dentirostres, and the Icteri with the Stares in his adjoining 
tribe of Conirostres. How far the above relations of analogy that 
exist between the two groups may still be preserved, and how far 
they may still form a bond of connexion between them in the 
general arrangement of the order to which they belong, is a point 
which I have attempted to explain in some observations on the ge- 
neral affinities of Ornithology lately published inthe Linnean Trans- 
actions.+ And I have felt considerable satisfaction in being thus 


* Such as Oriolus, Icterus, Xanthornus, + Vol. XIV. p, 471, 


184 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


able to reconcile the disposition of Linnzus with the modern 
principles of science, and thus to harmonize the partially correct, 
although apparently different views of naturalists, by one com- 
prehensive mode of interpreting the laws of nature. 

M. Brisson was the first who made a separation in the Linnean’ 
genus Oriolus, and leaving the original name to the typical species 
of that group, brought together the Conirostral birds of the New 
World belonging to it under the generick title of Icferus. An 
increasing number of species, and a corresponding increase in the 
modifications of their characters soon called for a still further sub- 
division of this latter group; and succeeding ornithologists have 
considered it’necessary to separate it into several distinct genera. 
It is my intention in the present sketch to endeavour to ascertain 
the typical characters of each of these subdivisions as they have 
been established by modern authours, and to add two new species 
which have lately been brought to me from Brazil, one of which 
will afford me an opportunity of characterizing a hitherto un- 
noticed modification of form. 

The whole of the group of Icterus, Briss., which nearly corres- 
ponds with the Cassiques of M. Cuvier, appears to form a fifth, 
and very conspicuous subdivision, of the family of Sturnide. 
The species are united by their manners, and by a general con- 
formity in external characters. These characters and the station 
which the subfamily holds in the Class may be stated as follows. 


Ordo. _INSESSORES. 
Tribus. Conirostres. Cuv. 
Fam. Srurnip#&. 
Subfam. Icrerina. 


Rostrum elongatum, acutum, conicum; mandibulz superioris 
basi inter frontis plumas retrorsum extendente: mandibularum 
marginibus introrsuin inclinantibus. 

Ale mediocres, ad caude medium extendentes ; remigum 24= 
ad 4tam inclusam pogoniis externis medium versus emarginatis. 

Pedes mediocres ; acrotarsiis scutellatis in squamas sex divisis ; 
paratarsiis integris. 

Cauda mediocris. 


On the genus Icterus of M. Brisson. 185 


Although M. Brisson united all the birds of this subfamily 
into one genus, he was aware of the partial differences that ex- 
isted in their characters, and he distinguished his species accord- 
ingly by the trivial names of Cassiques, Troupiales, and Carouges. 
He even went so far as to designate these assemblages respectively 
by the more scientifick appellations of Cassicus, Icterus, and 
Xanthornus. But he subjoined no distinguishing characters to 
the species which he thus denominated ; and it is not easy to 
determine the limits by which he meant to circumscribe these 
minour groups. The task of characterizing them has been effected 
by later ornithologists, but M. Brisson’s names, having the advan- 
tage of priority, have been with justice retained to the modern 
genera. 

The whole of the subfamily may be observed to have a striking 
peculiarity in common, namely, the base of the upper mandible 
passing backwards to some extent on the front of the head. In 
some birds, however, of the group, the portion of the mandible 
which thus extends among the plumes of the forehead is broad 
and rounded: while in others it is narrowed, sharp, and angu- 
Jated. This strongly marked difference induced M. Daudin to 
separate the former birds into a genus under M. Brisson’s old 
name of Cassicus:* but he still left all the remaining birds undi- 
vided in one group under the original name of Icterus. His genus 
which will be seen to be distinguished by other characters besides 
the breadth and roundness of the base of the upper mandible, 
may be described as follows. 


Cassicus. Daud. 


Rostrum crassum, rectum; mandibule superioris basi lata, de- 
pressa, rotundata: naribus ovalibus nudis. 

Ale subrotundate ; remige 3tia et 4t4 equalibus, longissimis ; 
1mé et 6t4, 2d4 et 5ta feré equalibus. 


* M. Daudin has written this word Cacieus, instead of adopting M. Brisson’s 
mode of orthography. M. Illiger restores the old name with great propriety. 
«* Cassicus a maxille basi, cassidis seu galez instar frontem tegente, vocatus 

_est: hine Cacicus falso scribitur.’ Prod. Mam. et Av. p. 214, 


186 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


_, Cauda precipué subequaiis. 
Pedes fortes. 


The following species, which consist of some of the largest and 
most powerful birds of the subfamily, may be selected as the re- 
presentatives of this genus. 


* Cauda feré xquali. 


Oriolus niger. Gmel. Syst. I. p. 393. sp. 45. Cacique noir. 
Daud. Tom. II. p. 329, sp. VI. Troupiale noir. Pl. Ent. 534. 
Briss. Tom. II. p. 103. sp. 15. t. 10. f. 1. Black Oriole. Arct. 
Sool. Vol. II. p. 259. sp. 144. 

Oriolus Persicus. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p. 161. sp. 7. Le Cas- 
sique jaune. Briss. Tom. II. p. 100. sp. 14. t. 9. f. 1. 
Pl. Enl, 184. Jupujuba. Will. Orn. pl. 23. Black and 
Yellow Daw of Brasil. Edw. t. 319. Cacique cul-jaune ou 
Yapou. Daud. Tom. II. p. 327. sp. 3. pl. XXV. 

Oriolus hemorrhous. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p. 161. sp. 6. Le Cas- 
sique rouge. Bris. Tom. II. p. 98. sp. 13. t. 8. f. 2. Pl. Ent. 
482. Cacique cul-rouge. Daud. Tom. II. p. 328. sp. IV. 


** Cauda rotundata. 

Oriolus cristatus. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 387. sp. 33. Xanthornus max- 
imus. Pall. Spic. Fasc. VI. p. 3. t. 1. Cassique huppeé de Cay- 
enne. Pl. Enl. 344.  Cassique vert de Cayenne. Pl. Enl. 
328. 


This last species has the tail more graduated than the other 
species of the genus, in which respect it evinces an approach to 
the succeeding groups which now come before us, in which the 
Jateral tail feathers are much shorter than the middle. 

The second portion of M. Brisson’s Icteri, or those which have 
the base of the upper mandible narrow and angulated, and which 
compose M. Daudin’s genus Icterus, are again diviseable into 
two departments which M. Cuvier has formed into genera.* In 


* It appears to me that we must altogether reject the names which M. 
Vieillot has assigned to the genera into which he has separated the Icterus’of 
M. Daudin. In these genera he has merely adopted the divisions which M. 
Brisson has in some measure pointed out, by the trivial titles of Carouges, 


On the genis- Icterus of M. Brisson. 187 


one of these departments the bill- is somewhat arched ; in the’se- 
cond it is perfectly straight. To the former M. Cuvier retains 
the original name of Icterus; while for the latter he has revived 
the old.title of. Xanthornus. He has added however to his ‘genus 
Icterus some species of the Linnean Gracula, which though 
nearly allied to his Icteri by their general habits and charac- 
ters, are yet distinguishable from them by the strength of their 
bills and the boatlike structure of their tails. These birds 
M. Vieillot had: previously formed into a genus by the name of 
Quiscalus. They seem to be intermediate between Cassicus and 
M. Cuvier’s Icterus ; being allied to the former by the strength of 
their bills, and approaching the latter by the curvature of those 
members and the angulated base of the upper mandible. They 
‘differ from the whole subfamily by the singular form of their tail, 
which has a square or rather angular apex, instead of an even 
or rounded one, and which is capable of being laterally compres- 
sed, so as to beara keel-like appearance. ‘They may be charac- 
terized as follows. __ 
QuiscaLus. Vieill. 


Rostrum forte, subcurvatum, culmine convexo: mandibulz 
superioris basi angusto, angulato ; naribus ovalibus partim mem- 
brano tectis. 

_ Ale subrotundate ; 1m4 et 5ta remige equalibus, ze suid et 
44 feré equalibus longissimis. | 

Cauda gradata, apice angulata, lateraliter complicabilis, cymbi- 
formis, 
Pedes fortes. 


The following Linnean birds form the typical species os this 
genus. 


Baltimores, and Troupiales, to which he himself assigns the names respectively 

of Pendulinus, Yphantes, and Agelaius, without any reference to the original 
‘scientifick names which M. Brisson gave to the same groups, and which M. 
Cuvier afterwards restored. ‘ It sometimes occurs that M. Vieillot exhibits too 
much haste in giving names of his own to groups which have already been 
‘distinguished by established and popular titles. . But we owe too much to 
that gentleman’s labours in Ornithology, not to be willing to pass over a few 
inaccuracies, and few they certainly are, of so minour a nature. 


138 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornitholgy. 


Gracula quiscala. Linn, Syst. Vol. 1. p. 165. sp. 7. Pica Jamai- 
censis. Briss. Tom. II. p. 41. sp. 3. Purple Grakle. <Arct. 
xool, Vol. II. p. 263. N°. 153. Lath. Syn. Vol. II. p. 462. 
sp. 6.—Vol. III. p. 174. sp. 35. Ed. 2%. Wils. Am. Orn. Vol. 
III. p. 44. pl. 21. f. 4. 

Gracula barita. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p, 165. sp. 4. Sloane Jam. 
p- 299. t. 257. f. 2. Boat-tailed Grakle. Arct. Zool. Vol. II. 
p- 264. No. 154. Lath. Gen. Syn. Vol. II. p. 460. sp. 5. 
t. 18.—Vol. III. p. 179. sp. 33. pl. XLIV. 


The species that remain of M. Cuvier’s Icterus are distin- 
guished by a somewhat slender and arched bill, and a graduated 
tail ; in both of these latter particulars approaching the preceding 
genus Quiscalus more closely than any other group of the sub- 
family. The following appear to be their characters. 


Icterus. Cuvier. 


Rostrum subgracile, subelongatum, subarcuatum ; naribus 
ovalibus partim membrano tectis. 

Ale subrotundate : remigibus 244, 3tid, 4t4, et 5t4 feré equali- 
bus longissimis. 

Cauda gradata, rotundata. 

Pedes subfortes. 


The following birds may be selected as the typical spacick of 
this genus, and those of the most common occurrence. 


Oriolus Bonana. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p. 162. sp. 12. Le 
Carouge. Briss. Tom. II. p. 115. sp. 22. t. 12. f. 2. 
Pi. Enl. 535. f. 1. Icterus minor nidum suspendens. Sloane 
Jam. p. 229. sp. 16. t. 257. f. 1. Bonana Oriole. Lath. Syn. 
Vol. II. p. 436. sp. 22. 

Oriolus chrysocephalus. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p. 164. sp. 20. 
Le Carouge a teste jaune d’Amerique. Briss. Sup. p. 38. sp. 
32. t.2. f. 2. Gold-headed Oriole, Lath. Syn. Vol. II. p. 
442. sp. 32. 

Oriolus Cayanensis. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p. 163. sp. 15. Le 
Carouge de Cayenne. Briss. Vol, II. p. 123. sp. 26. t. 9. f. 2. 


On the genus Icterus of M. Brisson. 189 


Carouge de Visle St. Thomas. Pl. Enl. 535. f. 2. Yellow- 
winged Pye. Edw. t. 322. 


The remaining species of M. Daudin’s Icter?, which M. Cuvier 
has characterized as his genus Xanthornus, although closely 
allied to the group which we have quitted, are separated from it 
by their straighter bills. The margin of the mandibles also is angu- 
lated near the gape, while in the genuine Icteré it forms an unin- 
terrupted curve. Their tails again are less graduated than those 
of the Icteri, and in some instances may be observed to be nearly 
equal. The genus appears to be thus characterized. 


Xantuornus. Cuv. 


Rostrum subgracile, rectum, acutissimum : mandibularum mar- 
gine basin versus angulum formante: naribus ovalibus membrano 
partim tectis. 

Ale subrotundate : remige 1m4 et 6t4, 244 et 5t4, 3tid et 41a 
feré xqualibus, his lengissimis. 

Cauda subequalis. 

Pedes subgraciles. 


“In this genus may be included the following well-known spe- 
cies, which appear to exhibit the typical characters of the group. 


Oriolus Mexicanus. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p. 162. sp. 13. Oriolus 
Xanthornus. Gmel. Syst. Vol. 1. p. 391. sp. 13. Le Carouge 
de Mexique. Briss. Tom. II. p. 118. sp. 23. pl. 12. f. 2. 

Pl. Enl. 5. f.1. Lesser Bonana Bird. Edw. t. 243. Shaw. 
Nat. Misc. pl. 243. 


- Oriolus icterocephalus. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p. 163. sp. 16. 
Le Carouge a teste jaune de Cayenne. Briss. Tom. II. p. 124. 
sp. 27. pl. 12. f. 4. Carouge de Cayenne. Pl. Enl. 343. 
Yellow-headed Starling. Edw. t. 323. 


Oriolus Baltimore. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p. 162. sp. 10. Le 
Baltimore. Briss. Tom. II. p. 109. sp. 19. pl. 12. f. 1. 
Pl. Enl, 506. f. 1. Baltimore Bird. Arct. Zool. Vol. II. 


190. Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology: 


wo p. 257. .t..12.. Cat. Car. 1. t. 48.. Wils. Am: Orn. Vol. I. 
p- 23. pl. 1. f. 3. pl. 53. f. 4. ; ‘ 
Prialas, minor. Gmel. Syst. Vol. I. p. 394. sp. 46. Lesser 
' Black Oriole. ‘Lath. Gen. Syn: Vol. IL. p. 446. sp. 38. ‘ 
Oriolus varius. Gmel. Syst. Vol. I. p. 390. sp. 38. Le Carouge 
de Cayenne. ‘Pl. Enl. 607. f. 1. Bastard Baltimore. fem. 
Cai. Car. Vol. I, t. 49. f. inf. Chesnut and black oriole. 
Lath. Gen. Syn. Vol. I. p. 437. sp. 24.—Vol. IIL, p. 119. 
“sp. Ed. 2%. Oriolus mutatus, or Orchard Oriole. Wils. Am. 
~ Orn. Vol... p. 64. pl. 4. f. 1, 2, 3, 4. 


The latter species seems to stand at the extremity of this group 
where it joins Icterus ; the bill being slightly curved, and the tail 
somewhat more graduated than in the adjoining species. 


The following bird, which I do not find any where described, 
may be added to the typical species of this genus. 


Crxysorrervs. X. niger, capite subcristato, plilis uropygioque 

Jlavis. 

Tab. Sup. 9. 

Capitis frontis verticisque plume paululum elongate, cristam 
parvam formantes. Remiges rectricesque subtus subfuscz. Ros- 
trum pallidum. Pedes nigri. Longitudo corporis, 623 ale a 
carpo ad remigem 3°", 4; caude, 333 tars?, 1ya3 3 rostri ad fron- 
tem;'-?;. . 

Habitat in Brasilia. 

From the foregoing genus inhbrtiuks as it was ab fied by 
M. Cuvier, another type of form may still be separated. All his 
Xanthorni possess a straight and conical bill, the margin. of the 
lower mandible of which forms an angle, as has been observed, 
near the gape. But in some species of the group thus distin- 
guished, the bill is much stronger than in the others, and possesses 
considerably more’ breadth and depth at the base. In this res- 
pect the species to which I allude stand intermediate between 
Xanthornus and Cassicus, the first group which J particularized 
in the subfamily. They are equally distinguished from Xanthor- 
nus by the structure of their wings, of which the first four tail 


On the genus Icterus of M. Brisson. 19) 


feathers are nearly of an equal length; and by their tail being in 
general even. A singular peculiarity is also observable in the 
same member; the shafts of the feathers being for the most part 
prolonged beyond the webs, and the webs themselves being 
pointed instead of being rounded as in the other groups of the’ 
subfamily. Their farsi again evince a considerable decrease of 
strength. All these characters present indications of a different 
mode of life, and a different station in nature ; and they require 
that the species in which they are found should be pointed out by 
a separate name. I shall group these species together by the 
following characters under the generick name of 


LeEistEs. 
Rostrum crassum, rectum, basi altum, mandibulz inferioris 
margine angulato ; naribus rotundatis membrano partim tectis. 
Ale ; remigibus 4" extimis feré equalibus longissimis. 
Cauda xqualis, rectricum apice angulato, rhachibus plerumque 
prolongatis, nudis. 
Pedes mediocres, tarSis gracilibus. 


The following birds may be referred to this group, the Oriolus 
Americanus, Gmel. being taken as the type. 


Oriolus pheeniceus. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p. 161. sp. 5. Icterus 
pteropheeniceus. Briss. Orn. Tom. I. p. 97. sp. 12. Le 
Commandeur. Buff. Ois. Tom. III. p.214. Le Troupiale a 
ailes rouges. Pl. Eni. 402. Red winged Starling. Cat. Car. 
Vol. I. t.13. Alb. Vol. I. t. 38. Sturnus predatorius. MWils. 
Am. Orn. Vol. 4. p. 30. pl. 30. f. 1, 2. 

Oriolus Americanus. Gmel. Syst. Vol. I. p. 386. sp. 29. ‘Trou- 
piale de Cayenne. Pl. Enl.236. f.2. Red breasted Oriole. 
Lath. Gen. Syn. Vol. I. p. 430. sp. 14.—Vol. III. p. 129. 
sp. 43. Ed. 2%. 

Fem. 

Oriclus Guianensis. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p. 162. sp. 9. Icterus 
Guianensis, Briss. Orn. Tom. Il. p. 107. sp. 18. t. 11. f. 2. 
Troupiale de la Guiane, Pl. Enl. 536. 


The following bird which has heen lately brought to this country 


192 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


from Brazil, may be also added to the typical species of this 
genus; evincing however a slight deviation from them in the 
length of the bill. 


Sucnit. L. olivaceo-brunneus ; pectore abdomine ptilis tectricibus 
' inferioribus uropygioque flavis, rostro paululum elongato. 


Tab. Sup. 10. 


Rostrum pedesque uigri. Remiges rectricesque subtus fusce. 
Crissi plumx olivaceo-brunnee flavo-marginate. | Longitudo 
corporis, 9.3,; rostri ad frontem, 1,3,, ad rictum, 145; ale a 
carpo ad remigem 1""" 424; caude, 3,3 tarsi, 1,5. 

-Habitat io Brasilia. 

Amici mei Georgii Such, Medicine Doctoris, Societatis Linne- 
anz Socii, scientia Ornithologice studiossimi, hec species, inter 
complures alias adhuc ineditas, a se in Brasilia detecta, nomine 


distinguatur. 


There are several other species which have been hitherto indis- 
criminately scattered in different genera of the Linnean system, 
which by their habits and manners, and a general conformity in 
external character, are closely allied to the present group, if not 
at once referable to it.* Among these are the following birds 
which accord with the essential characters of Lezstes, although 
in some minute points they evince a partial deviation from the 
typical species. Their bills are in a slight degree shorter, and 
seem to approach more closely to those of the Emberize and 
Fringille ; and their wings partially differ in structure, the first 
quill feather being somewhat shorter than the second. They ap- 
pear to form the extreme groups of the present family of Sturnide, 
and to unite it with the neighbouring Fringillide. ) 


* The geuus Ploceus of M. Cuvier is intimately allied also to the genus 
Leistes, and most probably will be found to come into the present subfamily 
among those birds which exhibit the same modification of form as that genus. 
But the characters of Ploceus unite it also so closely to some of the Fringillide, 
that I cannot say whether it may not belong to that family, and be the bond 
of connection between it and the present group of Sturnide. I shall only 
therefore at present refer to the affinity between these two genera. 


On the Genus Icterus of M. Brisson. 193 


Tanagra Bonariensis. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 898. sp. 38. Le Tan- 
gavio. Pl. Enl. 710. Violet Tanager. Lath. Gen. Syn. Vol. 
IIT. p. 222. sp. 9.—Vol. VI. p. 29. sp. 34. Ed. 2". 

Fringilla pecoris. Gmel. Syst. Vol. I. p. 910. sp. 52. Lath. 
Ind. Orn. p. 443. sp. 28, Emberiza pecoris. Wils. Am. 
Orn, Vol. II. p. 145. pl. 18. f. 1, 2, 3. Le Pinson de Vir- 
ginie. Briss. Orn. Tom. III. p. 165. sp. 41. Le Brunet. 
Buff. Tom. LV. p. 138. Troupiale de la Caroline. Pl. Eni. 
606. f. 1. Cowpen Bird. Cat. Car. Vol. I. pl. 34. Cowpen 
Finch. Lath. Vol. III. p. 269. sp. 24. 

Emberiza oryzivora. Linn. Syst. Vol. I. p. 311. sp. 16. Lath. 
Ind. Orn, p. 408. sp. 30. Wils. Am. Orn. Vol. IL. p. 48 
pl. 12. f. 1,2. L’Ortolan de La Caroline. Briss. Tom. III. 
pl. 15. f. 3. L’Agripenne, ou l’Ortolan de riz. Buff. Tom. 
VII. p. 357. Ortolan de la Caroline. Pl. Enl. 388. f. 1. 
Rice Bunting. Cat. Car. Vol. I. t.14. Reed Bird. Edw. 
t. 291. f. sup. 


This last bird has a peculiarity in the shafts of its tail feathers, 
which, being stronger than usual, and prolonged beyond the 
webs, seem to carry to the extreme a character which is obser- 
vable in some of the species of Lezstes. The birds of this species 
use their tails * after the manner of the Woodpeckers, in assisting 


* See Witson. Am. Orn. Vol. I. p. 54. There is a species which has 
been deseribed by Gmelin, under the name of Oriolus caudacutus, [ Syst. Voi. I. 
p. 394. sp, 49.] and figured by Dr. Latham as the Sharp-tailed Oriole, [ Gen. 
Syn. Vol. Il. pl. 17.] which from the description and figure given of it ap- 
pears at first sight to be nearly connected with the Emberiza Oryzivora, and 
to be referable to the same group. But this species proves on more intimate 
knowledge to be the Fringilla caudacuta, or Sharp-tailed Finch, of the <‘ Ameri- 
can Ornithology,” and to occupy a very distinct station among the Conz- 
rostres, in the family of Fringillide, where in conjunction with another species 
described in the same work, the Fringilla maritima, Wils., it offers very dis- 
tinguishing generick peculiarities, both in its habits and external characters. 
The relation however between the Emberiza oryzivora, Linn., and these last 
mentioned birds is strongly analogical ; as may be seen by a reference to Mr. 
Wilson’s account of the climbing manners of these birds. [See.dm. Orn. ubi sup. 
and Vol. IV. pp.68.70.] Itake this opportunity of observing that there aremany 
other species referred by systematick writers to the Linnean genus Oriolus, which 
neither accord with the true Orioles, nor with the Icteri of M. Brisson which 


Vor. II, N 


194 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


them when climbing up the stalks of the rice and ,other plants, 
from which they derive a great portion of their food. And it 
is more than probable that the conterminous species of LeZstes, 
which possess somewhat of a similar construction of tail, employ 
that member to a similar purpose, though perhaps less frequently 
and to less extent. This striking character added to that of the 
shortness and encreased strength of their bills, seems to indicate 
their being more granivorous than the birds of the other subdivi- 
sions of the present subfamily. There is a general conformity in 
the habits and mode of feeding of all the groups contained in the 
present sketch, as also it may be added among the Sturnide in 
general. But many minute differences will be found, I am con- 
vinced, to exist among them, when their habits become more 
intimately enquired into; many of which indeed have already 
been partially noticed. These differences, I feel equal conviction, 
will be found to correspond with the differences in their external 
characters, as pointed out in the foregoing observations. 

There are a considerable number of species belonging to the 
present subfamily,-which have been described by different writers, 
and many of them even figured, but which I refrain at present 
from referring to any of the above subdivisions of this group. 
The birds themselves are not within the reach of examination ; 
and as the descriptions given of them are chiefly confined to the 
specifick marks of colour and size, little knowledge can be at- 
tained respecting the important characters which are necessary, in 
the present state of science, to ascertain the exact station of each. ° 
Even the figures generally given of birds afford but slight assis- 
tance in these particulars. Little attention has hitherto ‘been 
paid to the minuter points of structure ; and even in that valuable 
work, the “* Planches Enluminées,” great inaccuracy has crept 


have been separated from them. Among these may be mentioned some species 
‘of the Old World, such as QO. textor, Gmel. O. Capensis, Gmel., &c. which 
belong to M. Cuvier’s genus Ploceus; the Oriolus leucopterus, Gmel., figured 
in the ‘¢General Synopsis,’ [ Vol. II. t. in tit.] which is allied to the group 
of Tanugers, and at present forms the type of M. Vieillot’s genus Tachyphonus 5 
the Oriolus Picus, Gmel. or climbing Oriole of Dr. Latham, [ Gen. Syn. Vol. II. 
p. 453. sp. 45.] which belongs to the family of Certhiada: and to the genus 
‘Dendrocolaptes, Wlig., &e. &e, 


On the Genus Icterus of M. Brisson. 195 


into the details of many of the subjects represented in it, with 
respect to the characters of the bill, legs, wings, &c.; so much so 
as to have caused numerous errours on the part of those syste- 
matick writers who have trusted to the plates only of the birds as 
guides to their arrangement. I have moreover to add that I have 
at present before me specimens of some birds, the plumage of 
which is wholly black, and which evidently belong to the 
latter groups of the subfamily before us. These for similar con- 
siderations to those stated above, I equally refrain from referring 
to their respective stations. Where the colouring only of birds 
is described, and that colouring as in the present case, is common 
to many birds, it is impossible to determine with accuracy, or 
without much labour, what bird is alluded to in such descriptions. 
The characters of ‘* atra nitens, dorso subviolaceo,” or * atro- 
violacea, alis caudique viridi-nitentibus,”’ will apply with equal 
precision to twenty birds, differing not merely as species, but by 
strong generick peculiarities. Fearing therefore I should only 
_ add to the number of the synonyms of these birds, or encrease 
the confusion already existing among them, were I to attempt to 
describe them myself, or to refer them to descriptions already 
given, [ shall pass them over in the present sketch, which is 
merely intended to point out the different modifications of form 
exhibited in the genus Icterus, Briss., and the typical representa- 
tives of each. I hope hereafter to complete the group. 

On looking back then to the different groups which have come 
before us, we may perceive that the present subfamily Icterina 
embraces five prominent types of form, which, although sufficiently 
distinct, are yet found to pass into each other, and to exhibit a 
series of affinities returning into itself, Beginning with the genus 
Cassicus, we may perceive that.it is separated from the remaining 
groups by the rounded base of the bill as it passes backwards 
over the front of the head; and yet that it accords with the suc- 
ceeding genus Quiscalus, by the strength of the same bill, by the 
structure of the wings, and the encreasing graduation of the tail 
exhibited in some of its extreme species, more particularly in the 
Cassicus cristatus. The group of Quizscalus again shows a devia- 
tion from the preceding group in the partial curvature of the bill, 

N2 


196 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


and from those which succeed by the strength of that member ; 
while it differs from all in the keel-like construction of the tail. 
By the curvature of the bill it accords with the succeeding genus 
Icterus, a group also which of all the subfamily most nearly ap- 
proaches it in the lengthened and graduated form of the tail. 
The strength of the bill is now lost in the groups on which we 
next enter, and the weakness of that member becomes the predo- 
minant character. This character is conspicuous in Icterus, and 
is carried on to the following group of Xanthornus, uniting the two 
genera together, and distinguishing them from all the others. 
The curvature of the bill however which united Quiscalus with Icte- 
rus, is lost in Xanthornus, where the straight bill is again resumed. 
The lengthened and graduated tail of Jcterus is also superseded by 
the slightly rounded tail of Xanthornus. The straightness of the bill 
now predominates, and unites this last mentioned group to Lezstes: 
while the tail also slightly rounded in Xanthornus accords with 
the nearly even tail of Lezstes. In the latter genus however the 
bill again becomes strong: and a different construction of the | 
wing separates the group from the rest of the subfamily, the four 
first. quill feathers being the longest, and all nearly of equal 
length. The strength and straightness of the bill of Lezstes in the 
last place brings us round again to the group of Cassicus, which, 
as has been already observed, exhibits a sufficiently distinct pecu- 
liarity of character in the rounded form of the base of the bill. 
The typical species of Cassicus also differ from those of Leistes 
in the shape of the wing, But an extreme species of Cassicus, 
the C. niger, intimately according with the type of itsown group 
in every other particular, deviates from it in this latter character, 
and assumes the wing of Lezstes, the four first quill. feathers: 
being nearly even in length, and longer than the rest. A beau- 
tiful interchange and gradation of character is thus conspicuous 
throughout the subfamily; where the typical species of each 
group exhibit a decided difference in character, and yet where 
the extreme species of all approach so closely to each other, as 
scarcely to admit of our drawing a line of demarcation between, 
them, ; 

I haye not as yet had sufficient leisure or opportunity to exa-. 


On the Genus Icterus of M. Brisson. 197 


mine in detail the remaining subfamilies of the Sturnide, which 
seem, as far at least as my present views extend, to be repre- 
sented by the genera Pastor, Temm., Lumprotornis, Temm., 
Buphaga, Briss. and Sturnus, Auct. I cannot therefore say with 
accuracy what are the normal and aberrant groups of the present 
subfamily. Such groups can never be decidedly recognised in any 
assemblage of natural objects until the characters of the adjoining 
assemblages are equally determined. The characters of all must 
be compared together in order to decide which of the groups 
in the assemblage under consideration are most distinguished from 
the adjoining assemblages, or in other words which are most nor- 
mal in their own; -and which of them on the other hand ‘most 
nearly approach the same neighbouring assemblages, or, scienti- 
’ fically speaking, which are most aberrant. I shall draw out how- 
ever the following table of the groups which have come before us 
in the present sketch, in order to point out at one view the mode 
in which their characters vary, and yet pass gradually into each 
other. And at the same time I shall suggest, although with a mark 
of doubt, the normal and aberrant sub-divisions ; the predominant 
characters of the present subfamily appearing to me, as far as I 
can judge from a primary view of the group, to consist in the 
strength, straightness, and conical form of the bill, as exhibited in 
Leistes and Cassicus; while the character of the base of the bill 
passing backwards over the front of the head, being carried appa- 
rently to the extreme in Cassicus, seéms to point out that genus 
as the most normal or typical of all. 


( Rostro recto, basi angulato,. LEisTEs. 
Normal group 2 | Cauda feré equali. 
Rostro crasso, recto, Rostro recto, basi rotundato, Cassicus. 
Cauda subeequali. 
{ Rostro crasso, curvato, basi QUISCALUS. 
angulato. Cauda gradata, 
Aberrant group ? © sean nininec: 
d Rostro curvato, debili, basi IcTERUS, 
Rostro aut crasso at cur- angulato. Cauda gradata, 
vato, aut debili. rotundata. 
Rostro debili, recto, basi an- XANTHORNUS, 


gulato, Cauda subrotundata, 


[ To be continued, | 


198 Mr. Broderip on two new Shells from the Mauritius. 


Art. XXI.° Some account of two new Species of Shells 
from the Mauritius. By W.J.Bronertip, Esq. F.L.S. 
&e. 


Weare living at a period, when a new impulse seems to be 
given to the whole range of science and art; not only in the 
abstract, but also in their application to the wants, the comforts, 
and the luxuries of life. Inventions, matty of which will immortalize 
their authors as the benefactors of mankind, rise upon us with 
unprecedented rapidity ; and natural history lends its light to the 
schemes of the capitalist as well as to the views of the philosopher. 
Companies are formed for ransacking the mines of distant regions, _ 
nor does the spirit which has been spreading itself over the land, 
stop there; for it has already invaded the sea. Whether the Me- 
leagrina of the Gulf of Mexico and the Bay of Panama will 
produce such beautiful pearls as the Meleagrina of the Persian 
Gulf and the coasts of Ceylon, is a problem which will be soon 
solved. An examination of the bivalve of the west and its pearls, 
leads one to fear, that, however great their quantity may be, the 
average quality will be inferior to that of the produce of the 
Oriental shell ; and it.may be, perhaps, matter of surprise among 
those acquainted with the marine zoology of the respective coun- 
tries, that, in this age of speculation, British capital and British 
machinery have not yet found their way to the well stored seas of 
the East, where Pearls of princely size and beauty are painfully 
fished up by the naked diver, under all the horrors of encounter- 
ing the deadly ground shark. 

I have been led to advert to this line of speculation, because in 
many of the seas where pearls are found, the most costly shells 
occur; and those who would be at the pains of using their oppor- 
tunity for collecting them, would find that the labour‘of their 
search, if directed by competent knowledge, would not be ill 
rewarded even in a pecuniary point of view, more especially if 
they would take particular care not to break or clean the shells, 
and would also preserve afew of each species, with the animals, in 
spirits. 


Mr. Broderip on two new Shells from the Mauritius. 199° 


In the Mauritius, it is the amusement of the place to’ watch over’ 
the trim apparatus of lines hung over some sand-bank to tempt® 
the various brilliant species of Oliva which there abound, or to: 
wait for the more rare approach of the Harp Shell, till the rich 
hues of its inhabitant are seen glowing through the clear blue 
water, in the rays of a Tropical rising sun.* 

Many boxes, the produce of ne very long residence at the 
island, have of late been sold at high prices; and, although there” 
has been no want of fishing there, two new species, hitherto un+ 
published, (unless one of them has been confounded by Lamarck: 
with his Ranel/a crumena) have lately come to my hands. 

I proceed to describe these shells, and hope that the fishers of’ 
the Mauritius will proceed to:still farther discoveries, 


RANELLA FouiATA. Foliated Frog. 


R, testa ovato-conica, ventricosd, transversim subgranuloso- 
sulcata, interstitiis longitudinaliter striatis, albente vel sub-rosea ; 
anfractibus tuberculorum acutiusculorum (mediis longissimis) 
serie unico armatis; anfracttis basalis sulcis ceteris hinc et hinc 
obsoleté tuberculatis; labio columellari expanso, foliato; labii- 


* My friend Lieutenant Harford, who was some time on the island, and who 
brought home some very fine Mauritian shells, informed me that the fishery 
for Olives (Oliva, Lam. Voluta oliva, etc., Lin.) is carried on by means of a 
line running parallel with the bottom of the sea, to which line small nooses, 
each containing a piece of the arms of a cuttle fish (Sepia) are appended, so 
that the bait touches the bottom. To one end of the principal line a chain- 
shot is attached by way of mooring: over this is a buoy and a flag. The 
other end of the principal line swings with the tide, and this end is marked 
also by a buoy, surmounted by a small flag. The fishery is carried on in 
very deep water over sand-banks, and the best times are morning and even- 
ing. The apparatus is occasionally drawn up with caution, and the Olives, 
which are found adhering to the bait, taken into the boat. My friend also 
informed me that the animal of the Harp-shell (Harpa, Lam. Buccinum 
Harpa, &c. Lin.) is of a rich vermillion red. The Harps are taken on sand- 
banks with a small rake to which a net is attached, when it is low water, at 
night and at sun-rise; and he conjectured that they were, at those times, out 
upon their feed. ‘They have, as he said, been known to take the bait laid 
for the Olives. 


200 Mr. Broderip on two new Shells from ihe Mauritius. 


exterioris margine expanso, tenui; apertura ovata, valde sulcata, 
aurantiacd, superné in sinu alto, foliato, varicem pratereunte 
desinente. 

Habitat in Mauritio ? 

Mus. Farquhar, Goodall. Nost. 

Icon. ‘Tab. Supp. XI. fig. 1. 

Shell ovate-conical, ventricose, not compressed, of a flesh or 
pale rose colour; with frequent, transverse, subgranulated, low 
ridges, the interstices between which are longitudinally striated ; 
the whorls armed with one row of sharp tubercles, the middle of 
which are the longest, the other ridges of the body whorl obso- 
letely tuberculated here and there; the columellar lip expansive 
and foliated, and the margin of the outer lip expanded and thin ; 
the aperture ovate, very strongly and thickly furrowed, of a rich 
orange colour, and terminating above in a deep foliated sinus, 
which extends beyond the varix. 

I haye been more than usually minute in giving the specific 
character of this shell, in order to shew upon a comparison with 
Lamarck’s description of Ranella crumena, that the latter is a 
totally different species. ‘The Ranella crumena is thus described 
in the Syst. des animaux sans vertebres, vol. 7, p. 151, No. 5. 


*¢ Ranelle grenouille.’ Ranella crumena. 

R. testa ovato-acutd, ventricosd, tuberculato - muricatd, 
transverse sulcata aut striato-granulosa, albido-rufescente; 
tuberculis longiusculis acutis, fusco maculatis; apertura 
aurantio-rubra, albo-sulcata. 


Murex rana. Lin. Gmel. p. 3531. No. 23. 
Lister, Conch. t. 995. f. 58. 
Bonanni, Recr. 3. f. 182. 
Rumph. Mus. t. 24. f. G. 

- Petiv. Gaz. t. 100. f. 12. et Amb. t. 11. f. 15. 
Gualt. Test. t. 49. f. L. 
Seba, Mus. 3. t. 60. f. 13. et 15—18. 
Knorr, Vergn. 2. t. 13. f. 6. 7. 
Favanne, Conch. 4. t. 133. f. 1270. 1271. 
Ranella crumena. Encyclop. pl. 412. f. 3. 


Mr. Broderip on two new Shells fromthe Mauritius. 201 


Habite les mers de Inde. Mon cabinet. Le dernier tour a 
trois rangées de tubercules pointus; les autres n’en ont qu’ une. 
Longueur, 3 pouces. Vulg. la bourse.” 

Now there would be no doubt as to this being the description 
of the common Frog or Murex rana, Lin.,* were it not for the 
account of the aperture ‘‘ apertura aurantio-rubra, albo sulcata ;” 
and I certainly have never seen a specimen of that shell, the 
aperture of which justified the epithet of “ orange-red furrowed 

with white.” On the contrary, all the specimens which I have 
seen (and there is more than one variety) have been extremely 
pallid in the aperture, which is almost entirely white, with a few 
dashes of pale yellow or chesnut about the borders, and sometimes 
without any. Lamarck’s description of the aperture seems, how- 
ever, to have weighed with Mr. Sowerby, who has named the 
specimen which was in the Tankerville collection, R. crumena, 
and the description ‘certainly i is very strong. 

On the other hand, we must recollect that Lamarck’s R. cru- 
mena is the Murex rana, Lin. ; and, on referring to the figures, 
we shall find that there is not one which can be well mistaken for 
R. foliata. If we strike out Lamarck’s description of the aper- 
ture, nothing will remain to designate any other shell than the 
common Frog, or, as he says, * vulg. la bourse ;” and, when we 
remeinber the painful visitation which compelled this great man 
to use the eyes of others, we may. cease to wonder at so highly 
coloured a description. Ranella crumena is a very common shell 
and is widely spread over the Indian seas. Ranella foliata is 
very scarce, and the only specimens which have come tomy knew- 
ledge (with the exception of that in the Tankerville collection, 
which I am unable to trace) have been undoubtedly received from 
the Mauritius, which place I have little hesitation in giving as its 
locality. The finest of those known in England, is, I am told, in 
the cabinet of Lady Farquhar, the Tankerville shell is in the ex- 
tensive cabinet of the Provost of Eten, one was sold a short time 
ago by Mr. Thomas, in King-street, and I have heard from Mr. 
Gray that there is a specimen with the foliations much injured, in 
the collection of Mr, Sowerby at Lambeth. RK. foliata, like many 

* Tab. Supp. XI. fig. 2. 


202° Mr: Broderip on two new Shells fromthe Mauritius. 


other species of the genus, varies much in size: the general length 
is about 21 or 3 inches, but Lady Farquhar’s shell is much larger 
R. foliata appears to approach the genus Triton very nearly > ‘ 
and I cannot help thinking that a comparative examination of our 
shell with the shells of that genus, will lead us to place Triton 
next to Ranella, instead of separating them from each other by 
the genus Murex, Lam., as is now done in the Systéme des ani- 
maux saus vertebres. 


MuREx SAXICOLA. 


M. testa ovato-globosa, angulata, transversim striata, octofariam 
frondosa, fusca, fasciis 2 niveis interrupta ; anfractis basalis fron- 
dibus frequentibus, laciniatis, canaliculatis, recurvis, primis penul- 
timisque longissimis ; spira brevi, conica, pallidiori ; fauce alba ; 
dente labiali mediocri; umbilico aperto; rostro mediocri, sub- 
recurvo. 
~ Var. Septemfariam frondosa, anfractu basali fusco. 

Habitat‘in Mauritio. 
~ Mus. Nost. 

- Icon. Tab. Supp. XI. fig. 3:—An Martini tab. 107. f. 1006. 
male ? ; 

’ Shell ovate-globose, very much angulated on the shoulder of 
the body whorl, transversely striated, and ridged with eight 
longitudinal rows of foliations; the body whorl chesnut brown, 
interrupted by two snow-white bands, and its foliations, (of which 
the first on the angle of the body whorl, and those towards the 
canal or beak, are the longest) frequent, laciniated, canaliculated, 
and recurved ; the spire short, conical, and paler in colour; the 
aperture white ; labial tooth moderate ; umbilicus open; canal 
or beak moderate, recurved. 

Var. with seven rows of foliations, and the body whorl entirely 
brown, except towards the suture, where it is white. 

Length 3 4 inches. 

These beautiful’ Murices were, as I am informed, found at the 
Mauritius in a cleft of rock, into which the sea flowed ; and the 
person who took them was obliged to break away the stone before 
he could secure the prize. The only shells to which they bear 


Mr. Broderip on two new Shells from the Mauritius. 203 


resemblance are some of those to which various authors have given 
the name of saxatilis, under. which, name more than one or two 
species, as I am inclined to think, have been confounded. Our 
shell, however, differs from all these, not only in the number of 
the varices (which, I am aware, form rather a precarious specific 
character in the genus Murex of Lamarck) but also in. form and 
habit. From the Murex saxatilis, Lam. it differs entirely. 


Lamarck’s description is as follows. (Syst. p. 167. No. 34.) 


“ Rocher feuille de scarole. Murex sazxatilis. 

M. testa subfusiformi, valdé ventricosa, sexfariam frondosa, 
transversim rugosa& et striata, alba, roseo aut purpureo 
sonata ; frondibus simplicibus, erectis, foliaceis, complicato- 
canaliculatis ; cauda umbilicatad, compressa ; fauce roseo- 
purpurascente. 


Murex saxatilis. Lin. Gmel. p. 3529. No. 15. 

Rumph. Mus. t. 26. f. 2. 

Regenf. Conch. 1. t. 9. f. 26. 

Martini, Conch. 3. t. 108. f. 1011—1014. 

Habite l’Ocean des grandes Indes, etc. Mon cabinet. C’est 
peut-étre la plus grande des espéces parmi les rochers a six rangs 
de franges. Ses varices sont formées par des rangées de James 
foliacées, en general assez droites, canaliculées, non laciniées, et 
un peu pointues 4 leur sommet. Ouverture grande, vivemént 
colorée de rose. Longueur. 7 pouces 4 lignes. Vulg. la pourpre- 
de-Gorée. Cette coquille est d’un roux brun dans sa jeunesse.” 

Our shells are full grown, and a comparison of. Lamarck’s de- 
scription and Martini’s figures with our’s, will at once point out 
the wide distinction between M, saxicola and M. saxatilis.. 

It may not be impertinent to say a.word about the confusion 
which envelopes the M. saxatilis of authors. Almost every refer- 
ence presents us with the figure of a different shell. Gmelin, 
and after him, Turton, refer to two whole plates of Martini (107, 
108, with the exception of one figure) for M. savatilis. The 
reference consists of no less than eleven figures, four of which only 
(in pl. 108) are referred to by Lamarck for the young and old 
state of his M, saxaiilis, and indeed the rest not only. differ from. 


204 Mr. Bell on a new Genus of Touanide. 


these four, but, for the most part, from each other. Dillwyn 
seéms to have been perfectly aware of this confusion, but, gene- 
rally useful as his catalogue is, a resort to his numerous references 
in’ this instance, will soon prove to the student whether he has 
added tothe obscurity or diminished it. It is to be hoped that 
some one qualified for the task will undertake a monograph of the 
genus. Lamarck has done a great deal; but a great deal remains 
to be done. 

I am not aware that any one has observed the labial tooth 
which projects from the external lip of many of the Murices. It 
is very much developed in ‘perfect specimens of M. radix, more 
especially in these which come from Panama. I have seen it also 
very much exserted in M. ramosus and other species. It may be 
traced at each stage of growth when it is well developed. M. 
saxicola has it, but not so strongly marked as the shells above 
mentioned. Its use, in our present state of ignorance of the habits 
of the animal, we are left to conjecture. 


Art. XXII. Ona new Genus of Iguanide. By Tuomas 
Betz, Esq. F.L.S. 


Tue multitude of new forms which are daily presenting them~- 
selves to the observation of the Zoologist, and the consequently 
improved knowledge we. obtain of the affinities by which the 
various groups of animals are connected, have gone far to establish 
principles of classification, probably approaching to the grand 
plan upon which the animated world was created. Still however 
our knowledge of the natural arrangement must be confessed 
to be as yet confined to a feeble glimmering of light, the first 
bright line, as it were, of dawn, but gradually widening and 
brightening, and rendering the prospect more and more distinct 
and clear, with every additional ray that is poured upon it. Al- 
though therefore numbers of those links which entered into the 
construction of the original chain of nature, have doubtless been 
irremediably lost, there is yet reason {o anticipate that the 


Mr. Bell on a new Genus of Iguanide. 205 


gradually encreasing knowledge of those which yet remain, may 
at length be sufficient to indicate to us the harmony and perfec- 
tion with which the grand whole was conceived and produced. 

It is only however by carefully examining and accurately re- 
cording every isolated individual that may be discovered in our 
researches, that any steps can be taken towards the attainment of 
this, the grand object of every true Naturalist ; and in this point 
of view every newly discovered species is of importance, especi- 
ally when appearing in a form differing essentially from any 
hitherto observed, although its immediate relations may not be 
at once accurately defined or understood. There are in fact 
occasionally seen certain deviations from any known groups of 
animals, and from any forms with which we were before ac- 
quainted, which claim even for a single species, a distinct place 
in our attempts at arrangement: and if this separation be made 
upon sufficient grounds, and with scientific views, it generally 
happens that subsequent discoveries, by filling up the hiatus, 
tend to establish such a distribution. It is with this impression 
that I feel myself called upon to consider the subject of this 
paper, as belonging to a separate type in point of structure, from 
those with which, according to the strict rules, not of Linnzus, 
but of Linneans, it would have been more closely associated. It 
is not my intention to occupy a moment in endeavouring to esta- 
blish the necessity of applying new generic terms to designate 
those minor groups, or those new and distinct forms, which, in 
the present state of zoological knowledge, crowd upon us at every 
step: this has been already so well and so unanswerably done 
with regard to ornithology by my friend Mr. Vigors, one of the 
most enlightened zoologists in this country, as to render any farther 
attempts unnecessary ; as the same arguments which he has ad- 
duced, in his own favourite department, are equally available in 
every other. I would only observe, that, if there be in the whole 
range of Zoological Science one department which requires this 
kind of reform more than another, it is that to which my present 
subject belongs, the Amphibia, namely, of Linneus. 

Although therefore the species | am now about to describe 
must be considered as belonging to the family of Iguanide, a 


206 Mr. Bell on a new Genus of Iguanide. 


natural and most important group amongst the Saurian reptiles, its 
structure is such as to demand for it a more distinct place, than 
that ofamere species of the typical genus; and this will be 
readily conceded when the structure of the head is particularly 
remarked, which differs so totally from that of any other in- 
dividual of the family, as to point out some important deviation 
in its food. | 


Familia. Icuantp®. Mihi. 
Genus. AMBLYRHYNCHUS. 


Char. Gen. 


Caput breve, truncatum, supra tuberculutum. 
Gula edentula. 

Cervix, dorsum atque cauda, denticulato-cristate. 
Digiti s¢mplices. 


Head short, truncated, tuberculated above. 
“Throat without spines. 


Neck, back, and tail with a spiny crest. 
Toes simple. 


AMBLYRHYNCHUS cristatus. 
Habitat in Mexico. 
Mus. nostr. 
Icon. Tab. Supp. XII. 


Sent from Mexico by Mr. Bullock, junior. 


DESCRIPTION. 


The head is very short and truncated. It is covered above 
with large, subacute, and prominent tubercles, somewhat, sym- 
metrically arranged, of which those just anterior to the vertex 
are the longest. The vertical scale is depressed and flat, sur-) 
rounded by a circle of small tubercles. The muzzle is rounded, 
and so obtuse that the outline of the whole head in front, from 
ear to ear, forms little more than a semicircle, and is about as 
high as it is long and wide. The teeth are numerous, and in- 
stead of being minutely serrated at the edges as in the true 


Mr. Bell on a new Genus of Iguanide. 207 


Iguanas, they are distinctly trilobate.* The nostrils which are 
oval and somewhat projecting, are placed immediately in front, 
about half an inch above the mouth. The eyes are situated 
about the same distance behind the nostrils. The ears are 
small, and the membrana tympani, as in the rest of the family, 
quite superficial. The throat does not appear to have any consi- 
derable pouch, but my specimen is so badly stuffed that it is im- 
possible to ascertain the exact natural size and figure of this part. 
The body is covered with small scales, which are rather larger 
upon the back, and of a pointed conical form, so as to render 
the surface scabrous. Immediately behind the occiput, com- 
mences the cervical crest, consisting of a series of about twenty 
spines, closely arranged, of which the central ones are very long 
and large, but those beyond the first ten becoming suddenly 
smaller, and terminating almost insensibly in the commencement 
of the dorsal crest, which consists of similar spines ; those of the 
anterior part being long, rounded and straight, but becoming re- 
gularly shorter, flatter, and more curved backwards, to the middle 
of the tail, where they gradually encrease a little in length and 
breadth, and then again diminish to the termination. They are 
about 120 in number, exclusive of the cervical, of which 80 may 
be considered as belonging to the back. The legs are strong and 
Jarge, and the toes differ from those of any others of the family 
in being nearly of equal length. The claws are remarkably 
‘strong, and much hooked. There are 24 femoral pores on each 
side. The tail is round, except towards the extremity, where it 
is flattened at the sides. It is covered with scales of considerable 
size arranged in rings; those of the upper part being the largest. 
The general aspect of the animal gives the idea of great 
strength. The only specimen I have seen, and which is in my 
collection, has become so faded, that little can be said about its 
natural: colour, except that here and there indications may be 
perceived of the usual mottled appearance of the Iguanas. 


* Supp, Pl. XIV. a, 


208 Dr. Leach on Cirripedes. 


DIMENSIONS, 
feet. in. lines. 

Polal leet, o.cieies meine ve pe etn eee 
Length of the head ........— 1 7 
Breadth of the head ........ — 2 — 
Length of the body ......... 1 1 — 
—————tail........... 1 6 5 

foreleg & foot — 5 5 
——. hind leg & foot — 8 — 

longest claw... — — 6 


On a comparison of this animal with the true Iguanas, the 
most striking and important discrepancy is in the form of the 
head. Instead of the long, pointed, narrow muzzle of those 
species, we have here a short, obtusely truncated head, not so 
long as it is broad, the mouth consequently only capable of being 
opened to a very short space. These circumstances, with the 
shortness and equality of the toes, and the strength and curva- 
ture of the claws, evidently indicate some striking peculiarity in 
its food and general habits, on which however, in the absence of 
all certain information, I shall abstain from offering any conjec- 
ture. 


Art. XXIII. A Tabular view of the Genera composing 
the Class Cirripedes, with Descriptions of the Species of 
Otion, Cineras, and Clyptra. By WiuL1aM Exrorp 
Leacnu, M.D. F.R.S. L.S., &c. 


Classis 1. Crrrirepes. 
Ordo 1. CampyzLosomatTa. 


Corporis basis pedunculiformis, tendinosa, flexilis; pars superior 
valvis testaceis 4 aut 5 instructa, anticé ad trausitum pedum 
longitudinaliter incisa, 


Familia 1. Crytrape. 
Corpus supra nonnihil compressum, squamis quinque parvis pler- 
umque linearibus instructum. 


Ordines Campylosomata et Acamptosomata. — 209 


Corpus supra processibus duobus cylindricis membranaceis 
instructum ........ Stile Set diavavana ASIA E Ree 1 Otion. 


Familia 2.. Potticrpepip”. 


Corpus supra, sepius valde compressum, pedunculus squamis 


tectus. 
( quatuor, pedunculus nudus....... o.oo Olypbras 
|’ quinque, pedunculus nudus.......... 4 Pentalasmis. 
| pedanculus nudus.......5 Smilium. 
Sadan : tredécim Sedancala squamis imbri- 
catistectnsrs 430 52d. 6 Scalpellum. 
pedunculus squamis imbri- 
Barta ; COLIS LOCEHS no wads» ep 7 Pollicipes. 
pedunculus nudus.......8 Absia. 


Familia 3. Isrtap#. 


Corpus teretiusculum, supra 4-squamosum....... 9 Ibla. 


Ordo 2. AcAmPpTosoMATA. 


Corpus testa indivisa, aut multipartita defensum, supra operculo 
clausa, pedes sub aut inter operculi valvas exeuntes. 
>] 


Familia 1. CoronuLanpa. 


Operculum carnosum, exsertum, valvis testaceis 4, circulum fere 
delinientidus, instructum. Testa basi aperta. 


( subcylindrica, basi paululum angustior, 
Testa < valvis operculi equalibus ...........1 Tubicinella. 
basi latior, operculi §duabus, equalibus.2 Coronula. 
Valvis ...+..504 gee equalibus.3 Chelonobia. 


Familia 2. BALANIpDz. 


Operculum testaceum, bivalve,* compressum. Teste basis 
testacea. 


*:Plerumque 4-partium. — Ep. 


Vou, UU: i) 


210 Dr. Leach on Cirripedes. 


* Basis cyathiformis aut infundibuliformis. 
( immersa,valve indivise.4 Savignium. 
| immersa,valvz bipartite, 
indivisa: basis angulares..........5 Pyrgoma. 
immersa, valve Balani.6 Megatrema. 
exserta, valve Balani..7 Adna. 


i 
Testa < a x 

| 4-partita, valve Balani............... 8 Creusia. 

| spinose,versus apertu- 

. dix partite: vale ettts hiantes......9 Acasta. 

simplices, ad apertu- 

a ram attingentes ..10 Messula. 

** Basis polymorpha. 
S€xpartitag. .¢¢. 552. o(s.q'd ald’ le sch. sare ks Re 

Testa cellulosa., 5/5/55 - «6h ..12 Conia. 


adripartit § 
quadripartita solida...... we ceeeeekS Elminius. 


Familia 3. CuxistApz. 


* Operculum testaceum, univalve, anticé elevans. 
Testa quadripartita, solida; operculum bipartitum.14 Clisia. 


x 


Genus OTION. 


Species 1. O. Betiranus. 


O. squamis inferis arcuatis, infra angustioribus: posticd infra 
acuminata ; appendicibus auriformibus mediocribus, purpu- 
rascente maculatis; corpore super pedunculum utrinque 
vittis tribus purpurascentibus, exteriore obliqua, posterioribus 
rectis. 

+ Hab. in Mare Hispanico ad Barcelone littora. 

Mus. nost. in Mus. Brit. communicavit mihi amicus carissimus 
Thomas Bell, Arm. 

Description.—The lower valves of this Otion are arched and narrow 
at the lower part; the posterior valve acuminated, auriform 
appendages ‘of moderate size, spotted with purplish, the body 
above the peduncle with three purplish stripes on each side, 
the outer of which is oblique and the posterior ones straight. 


Genus Otion. — . a1 


Species 2. O. BuainviriAnus. 


O. squamig inferis subrectis ; infra acuminatis ; posticd lineari ; 
appendicibus auriformibus violascente maculatis ; corpore 
violascente fasciato, fasciis e punctis effectis. : 

_ Lepas cornuta, Mont. Trans. Linn. Soc. XI. 179. t. XII. f. 1. 
~ Otion Blainyillii, Leach, Journ.de Phys. LXXXV. (1817.) 67. 
——— Encycl. Brit. Suppl. If. 170. t. LVI. 
f. dextra. | 
Mus. Mont. in Mus. Brit. 

Description.—Lower valves nearly straight, acuminated below; 
posterior valve linear; auriform appendages spotted with 
‘violet ; body with violet bands composed of dots. Montagu 
found this species on the planks ae a Transport, wrecked 
on the coast of Devonshire. 


Species 3. CuviERIANvs. 


O. squamis inferis subarcuatis, infra acuminatis, postic’ puncti- 
forme, appendicibus auriformibus mediocribus; colore tes- 
taceo. ) 

Otion Cuvieri, Leach, Journ. de Phys. \xxxv. (1817), 67. 
— Encycl. Brit, Suppl. iii. 171. t. Iii. 
f. centralis. 
Lepas aurita, Wood Gen. Conch. i. 70. pl. 4. (pessima). 
Habitat 
Mus. D. Cuvier. 

Description.—Lower valves rather arched, acuminated below ; 
posterior valve dot-shaped: auriform appendages of yen 
size ; colour testaceous. 


Species 4. O. DumEniLuianus. . 


O. squamis inferis angulatis, infra acuminatis; posticd obsoleta ; 
appendicibus auriformibus violascente maculatis; -corpore 
supra pedunculum violascente vittato. 

Mus. nost. in Mus. Brit. 

Description. Lower valves angular, pcqaaiiated below; posterior 
valve obsolete 5; auriform appendages spotted with violet : 
body above the peduncle with violet stripes. I received this 

o 2 


212 Dr. Leach on Cirripedes. 


species from my liberal friend Professor Dumeril, who found 
it on the bottom of a vessel lately returned from the Isle of 
France. 

Species 5. O. Rissoanvus. 

O. squamis inferis convexiusculis, geniculatis, (genu rotundato) 
posticé supra truncatis, infra gradatim acuminatis ; corpore, 
pedunculoque purpurascentibus$ appendicibus auriformibus 
intensé purpureis. 

Mus. D. Risso. 
Hab. in Mari Mediterraneo. 

Description.— Lower valves rather convex, geniculated ; (the knee 
rounded) the upper part truncated behind and the lower part 
gradually acuminated ; body and peduncle purplish, auriform 
appendages deep purple. 


Oe eee ee 


Genus CINERAS. 


Species 1. C. CHELONOPHILUS. - 
C. corpore lanceolato ; pedunculo abrupto ; squamis superioribus 
minutis, posticé acuminatis ; squama postica recta, lineart. 
Hab. in corpora Cheloniorum ; observat Dom. J. Cranch, in 
lat. bor. 36° et long. occid. 16°—32°. 
In Museo Britannico. 
Description.—Body lanceolate, peduncle abrupt; + upper valves 
minute, acuminated behind ; posterior valve straight, linear. 


Species 2, C. CrANcHIANUS. 

C. corpore, supra obliqué truncato; pedunculo subabrupto ; squa- 
mis superioribus linearibus, utrinque obtusis ; squama postica 
ad apicem gibbosa ; squamis -anticis processii postico, brevi, 
obtuso. : F 

Hab. in Mari Atlantico Australi. Observat D. Cranch. . 
In Mus. Brit. . 

Description.—Body above obliquely truncated; peduncle rather 
abrupt; upper valves linear, obtuse on.each side ; posterior 
valve gibbous at the apex ; anterior valyes with a short, ob- 
tuse, process behind. , 


° Genus Cineras. 213 


Species 3. C. MrcGAuepis. 


C. pedunculo subabrupto ; squamis superioribus linearibus, utrin- 
que obtusis ; squama postica in medium gibbosa; squamis 
anticis process postico subelongato. 
Hab. in Mari Mediterraneo littoribus Barcelonez. 
Mus. nostr. in Mus. Brit. Communicavit amicus meus carissi- 
_ mus Thomas Bell, Arm. _ pas 
Description —Peduncle rather abrupt; superior valves linear, ob- 
tuse on each side; posterior valve gibbous in the middle; an- 
terior valves with a rather elongated posterior process. 


Species 4. C. Monragut. 


C. corpore gradatim clavato, elongato, supra obtuso; squamis 
superioribus linearibus ; squama postica medium versus sub- 
geniculata, aut gibbosa; squamis anticis processi postico 
brévi, obtuso. 

Lepas membranacea. Mont. Test. Brit. ii. 

— Trans. Linn. Soc. xi. 

Cineras vittata. Leach, Encycl. Brit. Suppl. iii. 170. t. vii. 
f. dextra superior. 

Lepas vittata. Wood Gen. Conch. i. 69. pl. xii. f. 2. 3. 

Hab. in Oceano Europeo et Mari Mediterraneo. 

Description.—Body gradually clavate, elongated, obtuse above ; 
upper valves linear; posterior valve rather geniculated or 


gibbous near the middle; anterior valves with a short pos- 
terior process, 


Species 5. C. OLFERsIANUS. 


C. corpure supra acumivato ; squamis superioribus utrinque, pos- 
tice presertim, acuminatis ; squama-postica in-medium ‘sub- 
geniculata. 

Hab. in Fucum ratantem in Mari Atlantico Australi ;.detexit 
Dom. J. Cranch. 
Mus, Brit. 

Description. Body above acuminated ; upper valves acuminated 
at both ends, particularly behind; posterior valve: rather 
geniculated in'the centre. 


214 Dr. Leach ox Cirripedes. 


Species.6._ C. Rassoanus. 
C. corpore supra trigono, squama posticd medium versus genicu» 
_ lata ; squamis anticis processi postico brevi. Risso MS. 
Color griseo-ccerulescens, lineis atris flexuosis, longitudinalibus 
notatus. 
Lepas cinerea. | Polit, vi. 20? 
Cineras cinerea. Risso MS. 
Hab. in Mari Mediterraneo, prope Nice, scopulis adherens. 
Deseriahionc «Bucs above triangular, posterior valve geniculated 
near the middle ; anterior valves with a short posterior pro- 
cess. Colour bluish grey, marked with flexuous longitudinal 
black lines. ) 


Genus CLYPTRA. 


Species 1. C. Cancrorum. 


C. corpore azureo pallido; squamis violascentibus ; anticis acuté 
. angulatis, posticis arcuatis. 
Clyptra Cancrorum, Savigny MS. 
Mus. J. C. de Savigny. 
Hab. in Mari rubro. Corporis altitudo 2 unc. 
Description.—Body pale azure colour; valves violaceous : anterior 
valves acutely angulated ; posterior valves arched. . 


Gems SCALPELLUM. 


Species 1. Sc. VULGARE. 


Sc. Jamellis superioribus obliqué striatis; postica longitudinaliter 
striata ; inferioribus concentricé striolatis. 
Scalpellum vulgare. Leach, Encycl. Brit. Suppl. t. \vii. f. 
secunda sinistra. 
Hab. in Mari Atlantico, Britannico et Mediterraneo, Fucis 
adherens. ORG 
Description—Upper yalves obliquely striated ; posterior valves 
Jongitudinally and inferior valves concentrically, striated. 


Mr. Broderip on the Boa Constrictor. 215 


Species 2. Sc. LzVE. 


Sc. valvis omnibus glaberrimis, levibus : superioribus obliqué stri- 
olatis ; postica longitudinaliter striolata ; inferioribus striolis 
angustissimis sculptis. 

Scalpellum leve. Risso MS. 
Hab. in Mari Mediterraneo prope Nice, scopulis adherens. 

Description.— Valves all very even and smooth ; upper ones ob- 
liquely, posterior one longitudinally, striolated : lower valves 
marked with very fine narrow striz. 


Art. XXIV. Some Account of the Mode in which the 
Boa Constrictor takes its Prey, and of the adaptation of 
its organization to its Habits. By W.J. Broverip, 
Esq. F.L.S., &c. 


Few persons are unacquainted with Mr. M‘Leod’s book ;* and 
none, who have read that very interesting narrative, will forget 
the admirable though painful description of the mode, in which 
the serpent, taken on board the Cesar at Batavia, dealt with his 
prey. Two points in that description, however, always struck me 
forcibly; the one as being contrary to the probable structure of 
the animal, the other as being contrary to my own observations, 
It will be necessary for me to premise that I have not a single 
doubt of the correctness of Mr. M‘Leod’s statement as far as it 
goes; and, having said thus much, I proceed to notice the two 
points on which it is my intention to offer a few observations. 

Mr. M‘Leod says, (p. 260.) with much appearance of reason, 
<¢ with all this he (the serpent) must be so formed as to be able 
to suspend, for a time, his respiration, for it is impossible to con- 
ceive that the process of breathing could be carried on while the 
mouth and throat were so completely stuffed and expanded by the 
body of the goat, and the Jungs themselves (admitting the trachea 


* «© Narrative of a Voyage in his Majesty’s late ship Alceste, by John 
-M’Leod, Surgeon of the Alceste.”—Murray.— 1817. . 


216 . Mr. Broderip on the Mode in which 


to be ever so hard) compressed as they must have been by its 
passage downwards.” 

At p..257, he notices the agony and distress of the prey in 
terms so lively, that it is impossible not to sympathize with ‘ the 
poor goat” and to feel “ all the horrors of its perilous situation.” 

I will take these two points.in the order in which they are 
quoted: but, -before I arrive at them, it may not be thought im- 
pertinent if I state that the serpent which was shipped at Batavia 
was probably not a Boa but. a Python, (all the species of the 
former genus yet discovered being natives of the New World;) 
and, if I give some account of the manner in which the Boa Con- 
strictor takes its prey in this country. 

In March last Mr. Cop of the Lion Office, in the Tower, sent 
to inform me that one of these reptiles had just cast his skin, at 
which period, they, in common with other serpents, are most 
active and eager for prey. » Accordingly I repaired with some 
friends to the Tower, where we found a spacious cage, the floor 
of which consisted of a tin case covered with red baize and filled 
with warm water so as to produce a proper temperature.—T here 
was the snake ‘ positis novus exuviis,” gracefully examining the 
height and extent of his prison, as he raised, without any apparent 
effort, his towering head to the roof and upper parts of it, full of 
life, and brandishing his tongue. 

A large buck rabbit was introduced into the cage. The snake 
was down and motionless ina moment. There he lay like a log 
without one symptom of life, save that which glared in the small 
bright eye twinkling in his depressed head. The rabbit appeared 
to take no notice of him, but presently began to walk about the 
cage. The snake suddenly, but almost imperceptibly, turned his 
head according to the rabbit’s movements, as if to keep the object 
within the range of his eye. At length the rabbit, totally un- 
conscious of his situation, approached the ambushed head. The 
snake dashed at him like lightning.—There was a blow—a scream 
—and, instantly, the victim was locked in the coils of the serpent. 
This was done almost too rapidly for the eye to follow: at one 
instant the snake was motionless ;—-in the next he was one con- 
geries of coils round his prey. He had seized the rabbit by the 


the Boa Constrictor takes its Prey. 217 


neck just under the ear, and was evidently exerting the strongest 
pressure round the thorax of the quadruped ; thereby preventing 
the expansion of the chest, and, at the same time, depriving the 
anterior extremities of motion. The rabbit never cried after the 
first seizure :—he lay with his hind legs stretched out, still breath- 
ing with difficulty, as could be seen by the motion of his flanks. 
Presently, he made one desperate struggle with his hind legs; but 
the snake cautiously applied another coil with such dexterity as 
completely to manacle the lower extremities, and, in about eight 
minutes, the rabbit was quite dead. The snake then gradually 
and carefully uncoiled himself and finding that his victim moved 
not, opened his mouth, let go his hold and placed his head oppo- 
site to the fore part of the rabbit. The Boa generally, I have 
observed, begins with the head; but, in this instance, the ser- 
pent, having begun with the fore-legs, was longer in gorging his 
prey than usual, and, in consequence of the difficulty presented 
by the awkward position of the rabbit, the dilatation and secre- 
tion of lubricating mucus was excessive. The serpent first got 
the fore-legs into his mouth; he then coiled himself round the 
rabbit and appeared to draw out the dead body through his folds ; 
he then began to dilate his jaws, and, holding the rabbit firmly in 
a coil as a point of resistance, appeared to exercise, at intervals, 
the whole of his anterior muscles in protruding his stretched jaws 
and lubricated mouth and throat at first against, and soon after, 
gradually upon and over his prey. The curious mechanism in the 
jaws of serpents which enables them to swallow bodies so dispro- 
portioned to their apparent bulk is too well known to need des- 
cription; but it may be as well to state that the symphysis of the 
under jaw was separated in this case, and in others which I have 
had an opportunity of observing. When the prey was completely 
ingulphed, the serpent lay for a few moments with his dislocated 
jaws still dropping with the mucus, which had lubricated the 
parts; and, at this time, he looked quite sufficiently disgusting. 
He then stretched out his neck, and, at the same moment, the 
muscles seemed to push the prey further downwards. After a 
few efforts to replace the parts, the jaws appeared much the same 
as they did previous to the monstrous repast. 


218. Mr. Broderip on the Mode in which 


I now proceed to the first of the two points above alluded to, 
and have to state my opinion, that the Boa Constrictor does re- 
spire *¢ when his head and neck has no other appearance than that 
of.a serpent’s skin stuffed almost to bursting ;”* and I think that, 
upon a more close examination, the same phwnomenon would 
have been observable in the serpent shipped at Batavia. It is to 
be regretted that the dissection of that serpent appears to have 
been confined to the stomach: at least nothing is said of any other 
part of the animal, I have never had an opportunity of dissect- 
ing the pulmonary system of a Boa,t or of satisfying myself as to 
the structure of the extremely long trachea,{ which must be very 
firm to resist such an immense pressure ; but I believe, from a 
near. and accurate inspection, in company with others, that 
respiration goes on during the period of the greatest dilatation. 
While these serpents are in the act of constringiog or of swallow- 
ing their prey, they appear to be so entirely pervaded by the 
oeszis which then governs them, that I am convinced they would 
suffer themselves to be cut in pieces before they would relinquish 
their victim. Ihave assisted in taking them up and removing 
them with their prey in their coils, without their appearing to be 
in the least disturbed by the motion, excepting that if, after the 
victim is no more and the constriction is somewhat relaxed, an 
artificial motion be given to the dead body, they instantly renew 
the constriction. When thus employed they may be approached 
closely and with perfect security for the reason above stated, and 
I have uniformly found that the’larynx is, during the operation 
of swallowing, protruded sometimes as much as a quarter of an 


* M‘Leod’s Narrative, p. 260. 

+ Speaking of the lungs of the reptiles Cuvier says, ‘* I] n’y en a qu’un seul, 
dans les ophidiens, extrémement long, et se prolongeant au-dessus de l’ceso- 
phage, de l’estomac et du foie, jusqu’ au-dela de ces derniers. Cette situation 
fait qwil doit etre comprimé toutes les fois que animal avale une proie d’un 
certain volume; ce qui géne sans doute alors la circulation pulmonaire, et 
contribue probablement a4 l’engourdissement qu’éprouvent les serpens aprés 
qwils ont fait un repas copieux.” Legons d’Anatomie comparée. Tom. 4. 
p- 347. 

{ Speaking of ‘* Serpens proprement dits,” Cuvier says, ‘ leur machen 
ariére est trés-longue.” Reégne Animal. Tom 2. p. 64. 


the Boa Constrictor takes its Prey. ° 219 


inch beyond the edge of the dilated lower jaw. -I have seen in 
company with others, the valves of the glottis open and shut, and 
the dead rabbit’s fur immediately before the aperture stirred, 
apparently by the serpent’s breath, when his jaws and throat 
were stuffed and stretched to excess. In the case above mentioned, 
where the prey was taken very awkwardly, and the dilatation 
was consequently much greater than usual, I saw this wonderful 
adaptation of means to the exigencies of the animal much more 
clearly than I had ever seen it before. 

With regard to the next point, it is more difficult to account 
for the variance between the agony of antipathy shewn by the 
goat as described by Mr. M‘Leod, and the indifference which I 
have uniformly observed in the fall grown fowls and rabbits pre- 
sented to these serpents for prey. Immediately after our Boa 
had swallowed his first rabbit, a second was introduced; but the 
serpent now exhibited a very different appearance. The left side 
of his lower jaw was hardly in its place, and he moved about the 
cage instead of lying in wait as on the former occasion. As for 
the rabbit, after he had been incarcerated a little while, he treated 
the snake with the utmost contempt, biting it when in his way 
and moving it aside with his head. The snake, not having his 
tackle in order, for his jaw was not yet quite right, appeared 
anxious to avoid the rabbit, which at last stumbled upon the 
snake’s head in his walks and began to treat it so roughly, that the 
rabbit was withdrawn for fear of his injuring the snake. This 
treatment of the snake by the rabbit did not appear to be the 
effect of anger or hatred, but to be adopted merely as a mode of 
removing something, which he did not appear to understand, out 
of his way. I have seen many rabbits and fowls presented to 
different specimens of Boa for prey, and | never saw the least 
symptom of uneasiness either in the birds or quadrupeds. They 
appear at first to take no notice of the serpent, large as it is, and 
when they do discover it they do not start but seem to treat it 
with the greatest indifference. I remember one evening going up 
into the room where one of these snakes was kept at Exeter 
Change, and seeing the hen, which was‘destined for the prey of 
the Boa, very comfortably at roost upon the serpent. The keeper 


220 —S Mr. Broderip on the Boa Constrictor. 


took the hen in his hands and held it opposite to the head of the 
snake without succeeding in inducing him to take the bird, which, 
when let out of the keeper’s hands, again settled herself down 
upon the serpent for the night. 

The only solution, which I can offer, of the difference between 
Mr. M‘Leod’s description and my experience, is one which I do 
not propose as absolutely satisfactory, but which may, neverthe-~ 
Jess, be found to approach the truth. The goats put on board at 
Batavia for the serpent, which, it appears, was brought from 
Borneo, were in all probability, natives of Java, and, if so, they 
would, according to the wonderful instinct which nature has im- 
planted in animals for their preservation, be likely to have a 
violent antipathy to large serpents, such as those which there lurk 
for their prey. The great Python is a native of Java, and, if 
these goats were wild, or originally from the wild stock of the 
island, their instinctive horror at the sight of the destroyer may 
be thus accounted for. But our domestic fowls and rabbits (the 
stock of the latter most probably indigenous, and that of the for- 
mer of such remote importation, and so much changed by descent 
as to be almost on the same footing,) having no such natural enemy 
as a large serpent on which it is necessary for them to be on their 
guard, are entirely without this instinct, although it is strong 
enough in the case of their ordinary enemies, such as hawks, 
dogs and cats, and they consequently view the Boa which is about 
to dash at them with the same indifference as if he were a log 
of wood. 

It may not be amiss to give persons who have the care of these 
reptiles a hint, not to expose their hands too much in holding 
fowls, &c. to the head of a Boa when near shedding its skin, and, 
consequently, nearly blind (for the skin of the eye is changed 
with the rest) in order to induce it to take its prey. Mr. Cop, 
the keeper of the Lion Office, was, afew weeks ago, holding a 
fowl to the head of the largest of the five snakes which are there 
kept, when the serpent was in this condition. ‘The snake darted 
at the bird, missed it, but seized the keeper by the left thumb, 
and was coiled round his arm and neck in a moment. Mr. Cop, 

‘who was alone, did not lose -his presence of mind, and, immedi- 


Dr. Horsfield on the Helarctos Euryspilus. 221. 


ately, attempted to relieve himself from the powerful constriction 
by getting at the snake’s head. But the serpent had so knotted 
himself upon his own head, that Mr. Cop could not reach it, and 
had thrown himself on the floor in order to grapple with a better 
chance of success, when two other keepers coming in, broke the 
teeth of the serpent, and, with some difficulty, relieved Mr. Cop 
from the fate of Laocoon, which might otherwise shave been his 
portion. Two broken teeth were extracted from the thump, 
which soon healed; and no inconvenience of any consequence 
was the result of this perilous adventure. 


Note.—Although it is quite unnecessary to add any attestation to the ac- 
curacy of Mr. Broderip’s interesting account, yet as that gentleman has par- 
ticularly requested me to do so, I beg to state that my own observations, and 
they have not been unfrequent, have on every point been completely confir- 
matory of those recorded in the preceding paper. shee 


Art. XXV. Description of the HELARCTOS EURY- 
SPILUS; exhibiting in the Bear from the Island of 
Borneo, the type of a Subgenus of URSUS. By 
Tuomas Horsrietp, M.D. FLL. & G.S., &c. 


Ir will appear even to a superficial observer, that the animal 
which in the following communication has been named Hel- 
arctos euryspilus, and defined as the type of a subgenus of Mrsus, 
is very nearly related to the Ursus Malayanus which was de- 
scribed in the Zoological Researches in Java. The characters 
which in my opinion mark it as a distinct species, will with more 
propriety be detailed after the following description; but a few 
introductory remarks are required, both regarding the scientific 
history of the Malayan Bear and the occasion of the following 
account of the Bear from Borneo. 

When about three years ago, I gave a concise description of 
the Ursus Malayanus, as it is found in Sumatra, my chief object 
was to bring before the public, at an early season, all the infor- 
mation afforded by the materials which had been forwarded to 


299° ~—s Dr. Horsfield on the Ffelarctos Euryspilus, 


the East India Company by Sir Stamford Raffles. Whatever was’ 
then communicated was derived from these materials, and from 
the catalogues which accompanied them. I could not at that time 
anticipate that an opportunity would soon be afforded of examin- 
ing in a living state, an animal belonging to the same subdivision 
of the genus Ursus, (to which I have applied the name of Het- 
arctos from £» calor solaris and, wexros ursus,) brought from the 
Island of Borneo, which is so nearly allied to the Malayan Bear, 
that its true specific distinction may in the opinion of many per- 
sons require further confirmation. But as the opportunity oc- 
curred it became incumbent on me, not only to review my former 
description and to compare it with the living animal, but, if 
possible, to communicate to the public, the result of my later 
observations. . 
Regarding the history of the Malayan Bear, I have to observe, 
that as far as I have been able to discover, this animal is not 
mentioned by any systematic writer previous to the publication of 
the 13th Volume of the Tranactions of the Linnean Society in 
1821; and Mr. Marsden doubtless deserves the credit of having 
first described it as a native of Sumatra, and of having commu- 
nicated some information concerning its manners. The knowledge 
of the existence of a species of Bear in Borneo, has long been 
familiar to naturalists who have visited the Eastern Archipelago ; 
but the indications of it which are supposed to be contained in 
some of the Oriental voyages and travels have hitherto escaped 
my research. The Malayan Bear is mentioned by M. Cuvier in 
the enumeration of living Bears contained in the 4th Volume 
of his ‘“¢ Recherches sur les Ossemens Fossiles,”? where the name 
of Ursus Malayanus receives his sanction, and M. Frederic 
Cuvier, in the 41st Number of the “ Histoire Naturelle des Mam- 
miféres,” which contains a figure of cur animal, has likewise 
adopted this name. In the year 1819, a specimen of the Malayan 
Bear, obtained at Bencoolen, was brought to England in the Ship 
William Pitt, and presented to Lady Banks. This, I have been 
informed, was examined and described by Dr. Leach, but we have 
to regret that the result of his researches on this subject, has been 
lost to the scientific world. The prepared specimen is now de- 


the type of a Subgenus of Ursus. 993 


posited in the British Museum. The animal which has served for 
the following description, now forms part of the Menagerie in the 
‘Tower of London. It was brought from Borneo, but the history 
of its introduction will be adverted to in the sequel. I proceed 
to the description. 

The Helarctos euryspilus exhibits the most distinguishing charac- 
ter in the form of its head. The cranium is in comparison with other 
Ursi, of extraordinary size. Its contour above is nearly hemispheri- 
cal, and laterally it expands in an oblique direction outwards. The 
forehead rises in an arch immediately behind the nose. The eyes 
are situated anteriorly, near this organ, the ears on the contrary 
are removed to the posterior extremity of the skull, and the 
space between both is very great. Immediately before the eyes 
the skull is abruptly contracted and passes into an’obtuse very 
gradually attenuated rostrum. The nose is large and considerably 
elevated, it passes with uniform breadth to the extremity, which 
is somewhat obliquely truncated. It has a lateral notch which 
communicates with the nostrils, and which the animal can greatly 
expand by a voluntary effort. ‘I'he nostrils have oblong apertures 
which are directed forward and divided by a very narrow septum. 
It may be remarked, regarding the nose, that it is less developed 
than in the Ursus labiatus of Blainville, but more than in the 
common Bear: by drying its form is considerably changed, as 
appears in the figure formerly published ; the covering of the nos- 
trils which is observed in this figure, is formed by the contraction 
of the fleshy extremity. The upper lip is lax and fleshy and in some 
degree pendulous; the animal has the power of contracting it 
lateraJly and of thrusting it forward as a short trunk or proboscis. 
The lower lip is small, compressed and partially concealed by 
the upper. Both lips are covered interiorly by transverse fleshy 
rugosities and warts. Numereus straggling hairs about an inch 
in length and of a gray colour, are scattered along the borders of 
the upper lip, but our animal is devoid of stiff projecting vibrisse. 
The eyes, which are situated at the union of the rostrum with the 
‘skull, are small and without vivacity; the irides are violet with 
a vitreous, opaline cast, and the pupils are very minute. The 
ears are short, oblong, obtuse and directed backwards; thick 


224. Dr. Horsfield on the Helarctos Euryspilus, 


tufts of short hairs are placed, near the base of the auricles above 
and underneath, but along the border the hairs are very short 
and of a lighter colour, in consequence of which, the ears appear, 
as in the Malayan Bear, cropped by art. The meatus auditorius 
externus is concealed by a tuft of short hairs. The gape of the 
mouth. is considerable, and the animal has the habit of opening 
its jaws widely, as if yawning, and of thrusting out its tongue, 
which next to the extreme size of the head, constitutes its most 
distinguishing character. It is long, narrow, slender and very 
extensile. The animal after expanding its jaws, as described, 
projects it forward nearly one foot, and then curves it inwards in 
a spiral manner. The tongue then appears nearly smooth and 
even from the middle to the point, but covered at the base with 
numerous compressed papilie of a round or oblong form. The 
teeth, as far as I have been able to ascertain from the subject, 
agree generally with the character of Ursus. I have only to offer 
the following remarks. The anterior or false grinders in the upper 
jaw are minute and in close contact with the canine teeth; two 
only were distinctly apparent; the third, between the two former, 
which exists in the prepared skull described and figured by M. 
Cuvier in his notices on the Malayan Bear, was not observed in 
the examination which I had an opportunity of making, in the 
living subject: the two posterior grinders are very large, tuber- 
culated, and compressed. In the lower jaw the false grinders are 
somewhat larger than above ; the posterior teeth are narrow, and 
have a long strongly compressed crown. Of the front teeth, the 
two exterior in the upper jaw are somewhat obliquely diverging, 
the four intermediate teeth present nothing remarkable. In the 
lower jaw the two exterior teeth are broad and notched, the two 
next project at the base farther into the mouth than the inter- 
mediate teeth; of these one only is remaining in the specimen 
exhibited in the Tower. The canine teeth are robust and of 
great length. 

In the neck, body, and extremities, our animal agrees, in gene- 
ral, with the genus Ursus. It is perhaps somewhat shorter in its 
proportions, somewhat more contracted (ramassé), and the great 
proportional breadth of the head, extends also to the neck and 


© 


the type of a Subgenus of Ursus. #25 


body. These parts, above, are broader than in the true Urs¢. 
The neck is short and thick, the body cylindrical but gross and 
heavy; at the rump it is rather abruptly rounded towards the 
thighs, which are stout and short. The anterior extremities are 
somewhat longer and more slender than the posterior. The feet 
are strictly plantigrade, but their naked callous portion is shorter 
in the Bornean as well as in the Malayan Bear, than in other 
species of the genus Ursus. Fach foot has five toes which are 
Narrow, compressed, and fitted for a slight independent motion, 
by which our animal is enabled, in some degree, to seize hold of 
objects. All the toes of the hind foot and four toes of the an- 
terior foot are disposed in the same line; the thumb only of this 
foot admits of a lateral motion, which is however not sufficient to 
constitute a hand. The three intermediate toes are nearly of 
equal length, the exterior toe is slightly and the interior one or 
the thumb, more abruptly abbreviated. The claws are very long, 
strongly arched, compressed, somewhat grooved underneath, 
rounded above, narrow at the base and very gradually attenuated 
to the point, which is transversely truncated and chiefly fitted for 
digging the earth. Our animal however, as far as appears from 
the analogous habits of the Malayan Bear, may be supposed to 
climb with great agility. As far as I am enabled to determine 
from the examination of a single specimen, the claws of the Hel- 
arctos euryspilus are smaller than those of the H. Malayanus: 
in the latter the claw of the middle toe measures along the cur- 
vature, three inches; but the great length of these, which ap- 
pears in the specimens preserved in various collections in London, 
may in some measure be owing to the contraction of the fleshy 
parts by drying. The tail measures about two inches in length ; 
but one half of this consists in a tuft of rigid hairs extending be- 
yond the vertebre. ‘There are two pectoral and two ventral 
mamme; the latter are so indistinct that they had hitherto 
escaped the notice of the keeper. The fur is short and glisten- 
ing ; the separate hairs are scantily supplied with down at the 
base, somewhat rigid, but closely applied to the skin and smooth 
to the touch. On the forehead they are very short; hence they 
Vox. II. P | 


$26 Dr. Horsfield on the Heélarctds Euryspilus, 


Brddually rise to the crown of the head, on which they are densely 
disposed, nearly erect, and very soft to the touch. 

“The Helarctos from Borneo has the pure, saturated jet-black 
tiit: which is observed in the Malayan Bear, on the body, head, 
and extremities. The muzzle including the region of the eyes, 
has a yellowish brown colour; the mark on the anterior part of 
the neck is more vivid and nearly orange ; this differs in form from 
that of the Malayan Bear and constitutes the chief distinction of 
the Bornean species. It is a large, broad mark of an irregular 
quadrangular form, occupying a considerable portion of the neck, 
anferiorly. Underneath or posteriorly it is very slightly emargi- 
nate, but above it has a deep notch, gradually contracted at 
the base, with regularly defined sides, from which the points 
are very gradually diverging. The contour of the mark is very 
slightly curved laterally. A transverse band of a gray co- 
lour is formed on the feet by tufts of long bristly hairs arising 
&t the insertion of the claws; its value asa specific distinction 
remains to be determined by future comparisons. 

The Helarctos from Borneo, now exhibited in the Tower, mea- 
sures along the back from the muzzle to the tail three feet nine 
inches. In an erect posture it frequently raises itself to four feet. 
In its usual attitude the height at the rump is eighteen inches. 
The length of the anterior extremities is one foot seven, and of the 
posterior one foot five inches. ‘The circumference of the head is 
one foot ten, and of the body two feet five inches. The measure 
across the head from ear to ear is about nine, and the length of 
the middle toe and claw of the fore foot four and a half inches. 
Judging from these dimensions, our animal is somewhat smaller 
than the Malayan Bear: the largest prepared specimen of this 
which I have examined measures along the back four feet six 
inches. An 
~ The Helarctos euryspilus which is now described, was brought 
to this country above two years ago, and miay therefore be sup- 
posed to have acquired its full size. The keeper has not per- 
ceived any increase in its dimensions for a considerable time. “Our 
animal forms at present one of the most attractive and interesting 
spectacles among the animals cohfined in the Royal Menigetie. 


' the type of a Subgenus of Ursus. 227 


T shall not attempt.a detail of all the modifications of its man- 
ners, or to follow it through all the minutie of character which 
it exhibits in confinement: these are now subjects of daily ob- 
servation. My only object is to give a concise view of the most 
prominent traits which are more immediately connected with its 
organization. Our animal has been shewn to be completely 
plantigrade : it rests with facility on the posterior feet, and its 
robust thighs not only support it while sitting, but even enable 
it to raise itself without difficulty to a nearly erect posture. 
But it is more generally seen in a sitting attitude, at the door of 
its apartment, eagerly surveying the visitors and attracting their 
notice by the uncouthness of its form or the singularity of its mo- 
tions. Although it appears heavy and stupid, most of its senses, 
particularly those of sight and smelling, are very acute. ‘The 
keeper has frequently observed that it attentively regards, what- 
ever passes before it in the court. But the olfactory orgaus are 
peculiarly strong, and appear to be in a state of constant ex~- 
citement. The Helarctos‘has considerable command over the 
fleshy extremity of its nose, and the parts adjacent, which it 
often displays in a very ludicrous manner, particularly when 
a morsel of bread or cake is held at a small distance beyond 
its reach. It expands the lateral aperture of the nostrils, pro- 
trudes its upper lip by a strong effort, thrusting it forward as a 
proboscis, while it employs its paws to seize the object. After 
obtaining it and filling the mouth, it places the remainder with 
great calmness on the posterior feet, bringing it in successive 
portions to its mouth. It often voluntarily places itself in an im- 
ploring attitude, turning the head in different directions, earnestly 
‘regarding the spectators and extending the paws. The Helarctos 
readily distinguishes the keeper, and evinces an attachment to 
“him. On his approach it employs all its efforts to obtain food, 
‘seconding them by emitting a coarse, but not unpleasant, whining 
sound. ‘This it continues while it consumes its food, alternately 
with a low grunting noise ; but if teased at this time, it suddenly 
raises its voice and emits at intervals harsh and grating sounds. 
Our animal is excessively voracious, and appears to be disposed. 
to eat almost without cessation. When in a good*humour it often 
P2 


228 Dr. Horsfield on the Helarctos Euryspilus, 


amuses the spectators in a different manner. Calmly seated in 
its apartment, it expands the jaws and protrudes its long and 
slender tongue as above described. It displays on many occa~ 
sions not only much gentleness of disposition, but likewise a 
considerable degree of sagacity. It appears conscious of the kind 
treatment it receives from the keeper. On seeing him, it often 
places itself in a variety of attitudes, to court his attention and 
caresses, extending its nose and anterior feet, or suddeuly turning 
round exposing the back, and waiting for several minutes in this 
attitude, with the head placed on the ground. It delights in being 
patted and rubbed, and even allows strangers to do so, but it 
violently resents abuse and ill treatment, and having been irri- 
tated, refuses to be courted while the offending person remains in 
sight. 

The Helarctos now in the Royal Menagerie was obtained, in 
Borneo, when very young, and brought to this country by the 
commander of a vessel, about two years ago. During the voyage 
it was the constant associate of a Monkey and of several other 
young animals; it was thus domesticated in early life, and its 
manners in confinement greatly resemble those of the Malayan 
Bear observed by Sir Stamford Raffles. But we are as yet perfectly 
unacquainted with the habits of the Bear from Borneo in its 
native state, It is probably not inferior to the Malayan Bear in 
sagacity and intellect. 

I have now to state the grounds on which the Bornean and Ma~ 
layan Bears have been defined as a subgenus of Ursus, and to 
give the discriminating subgeneric characters. On a transient 
view this separation may perhaps appear unnecessary. It may 
even appear inadmissible to apply so rigorous and minute a sub- 
division to the genus Ursus. But a similar method has lately 
been applied to many genera, and I need only refer to the sub- 
divisions which have been established by M. Frederic Cuvier 
and others in various Linnean genera, as Viverra, Mus, &c. 
These cases are familiar to every person who has attended to the 
subject. It is true that all the individuals of the genus Ursus 
taken comprehensively, or as a ‘* Grand genre” par excellence, 
according to the views of Cuvier, have a very striking family 


- the type of a Subgenus of Ursus. 229 


resemblance, and even the distinction of species has till very 
lately been difficult and vague. In proof of this it is only neces- 
sary to refer to the earlier editions of the Systema nature. Here 
the true Ursi are united in one species. But: at. present: fen 
species are clearly defined, and. among these striking differences 
of character are observed. It is foreign to my purpose to go into 
an examination of all these species, or to attempt a subdivision of 
the whoie genus; my present object is to compare the Helarctos 
with those typical forms to which it is most nearly related, or 
from which it differs most widely. To this comparison it is how~ 
ever necessary to premise a general list of the species at present 
distinctly known and described. They are the following : 1. Ursus 
arctos, Lion. This will probably be found to comprise two species, 
for the indications of which I refer to Cuvier’s Ossemens fossiles. 
2. Ursus JSerox, Lewis and Clark, Ursus cinereus, Encycl. 3. 
Ursus americanus, Pallas Spic. Zool. fasc. XIV. 4. Ursus mari- 
timus, Pallas Spic. Zool. XIV. tab.. 1. 5. Ursus labiatus, 
Blainville, nouv. Bulletin de la Soc. Philom, 1817. Bradypus 
ursinus, Shaw, Gen. Zool. tom. 1. part 1. pl. 47. Prochilus, Illiger 
Prod. p. 109. 6. * Ursus Malayanus, Raffles, Tr. Linn. Soc. 
XIII. p. 254.. 7.. Ursus Thibetanus, Cuv. Ossem. foss. 4. p- 


* M. Cuvier, in adopting the specific name of Malayanus asa systematic 
denomination, employs in his Ossemens fossiles the French name of ‘* Ours 
de Java.” But it appears very clearly that he has been led into a mistake 
regarding the native country of the Malayan bear, by having the skull of it 
forwarded to him from Java. The Malayan bear had not been discovered 
in Java at my departure from that Island in 1819. And I have not been in- 
formed that the Dutch naturalists have since found this animal. It is there- 
fore highly probable that the skull described by M. Cuvier was derived from 
Sumatra, where it is very abundant, although he received it by way of Java. 
This is a case therefore in which a topical name is erroneously applied and 
cannot be retained. 

The employment of names taken from the countries where animals are 
found, or have been discovered, is a constant theme of discussion and declam- 
ation with Continental naturalists; and it has been applied very recently with 
- little ‘* consideration”’ to myself. M. Temminck, in the 4° Liv, of his ** Mono- 

graphies de Mammalogie,” in describing a species of Felis, expresses himself 
thus: “ Si j’ ’ai donné un autre noma ce Chat que celui de Felis javenensis, 
sous lequel M. Horsfield en a publié la description, c’est que, de nos jours, 
ilne convient plus de suivre cette maniére excessivement vicicuse que les ng- 


230 Dr. Horsfield on the Helarctos Euryspilus, 


325. 8. Ursus collaris, Ours de Sibérie, Fréd. Cuv: Hist 
Nat: des Mammiféres, 42° Liv. 9. Ours des Asturies, Fréd. 
Cuv: Hist: Nat: des Mammif. &c. 44. Livr. 10. Ours noir du 
Chili, indicated by name in the same place. 

I proceed to a few comparative remarks on two subdivisions of 
the genus Ursus. The Helarctos has one strong point of resemblance, 
in the olfactory organs, to the Ursus labiatus of Blainville. This 
animal, to which Illiger applied the name of Prochilus, exhibits 
one strongly characterized type of the subdivisions of the genus Ur- 
sus. Although Illiger’s materials were imperfect, and his descrip- 
tion, founded on a mutilated specimen, erroneous, yet his generic 
name Prochilus (Jabrosus) is correctly applied, and should be pre- 
served. I regret that I have not the means of extending the com- 
parison of Prochilus and Helarctos to all parts of their structure. In 
their external character however a resemblance exists which shows 
itself in an emarginate mark on the throat, having a tendency to 
assume the form of the letter V. In subjecting the Helarctos to a 
further examination with the (/rsi above enumerated, it will be 
found that this subgenus differs most widely from the Ursus mariti- 
mus or Polar Bear. I have been led to assume that this animal 
had already been separated from the other Ursi as a type of a 
sub-genus, by Dr. Leach; but my inquiries have afforded me no 


turalistes anciens nous ont transmise, d’emprunter pour dénomination des 
animaux, les noms de pays, d’iles ou de contrées, puisqu’ il est rare qu'une 
espéce se trouve confinée dans les limites de nos divisions géographiques.” 
To this I shall oppose the following passage from the 42d Livraison of the 
“¢ Histoire Naturelle des Mammiféres, &c.”” by M. M. Geoffroy St. Hilaire & 
Frédéric Cuvier. ‘‘ On a critiqué, avec une apparence de raison, les noms de 
pays donnés aux objets que peuvent exister naturellement dans des contrées 
fort éloignées l’une de autre; mais si l’on considére, qui ces noms ne sont 
imposés qu’a des étres qui sont tout-a fait nouveaux, et dont on ignore V’ex- 
istence partout ailleurs que dans le pays qui les fait connaftre, on leur trou- 
vera l’avantage de conserver la trace de l’origine de ces étres pour nous; ét 
comme tout le monde sait, comme i! est facile de convenir que ces désignations 
n’ont rien d’absolu, on reconnaitra que de tous les noms qui ont une signifi- 
cation, ce sont ceux des pays qui presentent peut-étre les moins d’inconyé- 
niens.” 


the type of a Subgenus of Ursus: 231 


es 


satisfactory result. I:can therefore only suggest, on this head, the 
propriety of applying a name from its geographical situation, so as 
to oppose it in this point of view to the Equinoctial Bear. In 
the Ursus maritimus the skull has an oblong form; and is greatly 
lengthened and depressed, but comparatively narrow in its late~ 
ral dimensions; M. Cuvier’s remarks on it, as far as regards 
this character, are so full and comprehensive, thai I refer to 
them, and only extract the following details. ‘‘ Le crane, bien 
loin de s’élever au-dessus de la face, semble au contraire s’abais~ 
ser.— -—— en un mot, cette téte est plus cylindrigque, plus ap-~ 
prochante de la forme de celle de la marte au du putois,. que de 
celle des ours ordinaires.”” Ossem. fossiles 1V. p. 327. The figure 
of Pallas likewise exhibits this character in a striking manper. 
The skull of the Helarctos on the contrary, as appears from the 
preceding description, is almost globular, and its breadth is 
nearly equal to its length. M. Cuvier equally illustrates this 
character of our sub-genus. ‘“ L’ours de Java, est singulierment 
| remarquable par la saillie du crane ........ la plus grande con~ 
vexité du crane y est autrement placée et beaucoup en arriére 
sur ses parictaux, ot le crane est aussi beaucoup plus large, en 
sorte que son cerveau est plus globuleux.”’ The relative length 
of the soles of the feet_in the Polar and Equinoctial Bears affords 
a further strikingly distinctive character. In the former it a- 
mounts to one sixth part of the entire length of the animal; in 
the latter it constitutes about one tenth part in the hind foot, 
and somewhat less in the anterior one. The Polar Bear is re- 
markable on account of the length of the body, and the compa- 
tative smallness of the claws: in the Helarctos the body is stout 
and well proportioned, the legs are short, but the claws are of 
excessive length. 
Among the characters which distinguish the Helarctos not only 
from the Polar Bear but from all other Ursz hitherto discovered, 
are to be mentioned the shortness and smoothness of the fur, the 
length of the tongue, and the disposition of the teeth. In con- 
firmation of what I have said already of the latter, I shall give the 
following extract from M,. Cuvier’s remarks. Speaking of the 
grinders of the Bears in-general, he says, “‘ Par une. disposition 


232 Dr. Horsfield on the Helarctos Euryspilus, 


toute contraire je trouve que dans |’ours de Java les grosses mo- 
laires se rapprochent tellement de Ja canine qu’il n’y a point d’ 
espace vide; celle qui est la premiére des quatre en série s’ y 
trouve méme extrémement petite a la machoire supérieure, tant 
elle y est comprimée entre celle de derriere la canine ét la car- 
nassiére.” But the Polar Bear and the Helarctos are as much 
distinguished by their manners and disposition as by their organ- 
ization. It is not however my intention to contrast them at pre- 
sent in all points of view; to exhibit fully the peculiarities of 
each would afford matter for very ample details. The Polar Bear 
lives in the most distant regions of the North, near the ocean, 
among ice and tempests. Its food is exclusively of an animal na- 
ture, and is supplied by fishes, seals, and the carcasses of whales. 
It passes more than half the year in a torpid state, and when it 
awakes exhibits an unconquerable ferocity of disposition. Al- 
though repeatedly taken in a young state, no individual has ever 
been even partially domesticated. The voyages to the Northern 
regions abound with accounts of its courage and fierceness. It 
has often been. found a dangerous and destructive enemy to man. 
The Helarctos on the contrary, inhabits the most delightful and 
fertile regions of the globe. The range both of the Malayan and 
Bornean species appears to he limited to within a few degrees of 
the equator, and it is therefore with propriety designated as the 
Equinoctial Bear. Its food is almost exclusively vegetable, and 
it is often attracted to the society of man, by its fondness for the 
young protruding summits of the cocoanut trees. It appears there- 
fore not unfrequently at the villages, and has in many instances 
been taken and made to submit to the confinement of a domes- 
tic life. Whenever in the countries which it inhabits the natives 
change their residence, the cocoanut trees become the prize of 
the Helarctos. In one of his excursions through the Passumah 
district of Sumatra, Sir Stamford Raffles found the cocoanut trees 
of deserted villages destroyed by the Malayan Bear. It is well 
known to be fond of delicacies. In its native forests, its length- 
ened tongue fits it peculiarly for feeding on honey, which is abun- 
dantly supplied by various indigenous species of Bees. The sa- 
gacity it displays in confinement, shews that its manners in a 


the type of a Subgenus of Ursus. 233 


state of nature would afford a subject for much interesting obser- 
vation. 


Ihave only to add the following characters of the subgenus 
and of the species : 


Cur. Suscen.—Dentes primores et laniarii iidem qui aliis hujus 
generis speciebus. 


Nota! Nomen Ursus genus omne designat, in quo Cel. Cuvieridis- 
crimine, varie structura forme complectuntur ; in illis forme 
Hevarcros typum exhibet. 


Molares supra utrinsecus quinque: tres anteriores unicuspides ; 
primus majusculus laniariis approximatus, secundus minimus 
occultatus, tertius mediocris; quartus et quintus tritorii, 
coronidibus oblongis compressis tuberculatis, magnitudine 
reliquis hujus generis speciebus vix equantibus. Infra utrin- 
secus quinque ; anteriores tres unicuspides, duo posteriores 
tuberculati, oblongi, magni. 


Caput calvaria dilatato-globosa, tumida, parietibus lateralibus 
patentibus, subdivergentibus, fronte subobliquo, vertice an- 
tice arcuato, rotundato, summo lato. Vultus orbiculatus, 
amplus, pilis rarioribus adspersus. Rostrum breve, capite 
abrupte appositum. 

Nasus oblongus, mediocris ; rhinario alto cartilagineo, elongato, 
oblique truncato, submobili, utrinque rima laterali basali. 
Nares ovate, antice spectantes, septo compresso divise, late- 
ribus rima laterali rhinarii patule. Labrum laxum, amplum, 
protensile, intus rugosissimum. Labium breve subcoarcta- 
tum, labro absconditum. Oculi parvi, antice prope basin 
rostri siti. Aures in calvaria parte posteriore disposite, 
parve, postice spectantes, basi pilis densis obsite, margine 
nudiusculo, pilis sericeis discoloribus cincto ; ab oculis inter- 
vallo maximo distantes. Lingua gracilis, longissima, exten- 
silis basi papillis planis compressis obsita, apice leva. 

Corpus cylindraceum obesum, nucha dorsoque latissimis ;. vellere 
brevissimo, nitido, molliusculo. Cauda brevissima.. Mamme 
aperte quatuor, duo pectorales duo ventrales. 


234 Mr. Vigors on some uew subjects in Zoology. 


Pedes validi, Digiti compressissimi, Planta breves, callose, 
Ungues falculares, graciles, fortiter arcuati, transverse trun- 
cati, antici validiores longiores, Incessus plantigradus, pedi- 
bus anterioribus introrsum versis. 


Spec. I. Hetarctos Marayanus. 


H. ater, pectore macula semilunari alba. 

Bruang of the Malays. 

Ursus Malayanus, Raffles, Trans Linn. Soc. 

Ursus Malayanus, Horsf. Sool. Researches, ; 

Ours des Malais, Fréd. Cuz, Hist, Nat. des Mammiféres, 
Lior. 47. 


Spec. II. Hernarcros EuRYSPILUS. 


H. ater, pectore plaga ampla aurantia superne profundé emar- 
ginata, pedibus fascia transversa cinerea. 


Tab. Sepp 2 VT/ , 
- London, June, 1825. 


Art, XXVI. Descriptions of some rare, interesting, 
or hitherto uncharacterized Subjects in Zoology. By 
N. A. Vicors, jun. Esq. M.A. F.L.S.; with Figures 
by J. De Carut Sowersy, Esq. FL.S. 


{Continued from Vol. I. p. 542.] 


Subreg. VERTEBRATA. Auct. 
Classis. Aves. Auct. 

Ordo. GrAuuatores. Ill. 
Fam. GruIDz. 

Genus. AntHRopoipes. Vieill. 


SranteyAnus. A. ceruleo-griseus, vertice albido, tenia posto- 
culari fusca, pteromatibus, remigum sie big Ld 
fusco-nigris. 


Tab, VALE. oe yay ahaa 


- Anthropoides Stanleyanus. 235 


Rostrum pallidé rubrum. Caput tumidum, plumis mollibus. 
Caude, remigum, scapularium, pectorisque plume apice acuto, 
hujus Jonge dependentes. Remiges secundaria longissima. Irides 
eastaneo-nigre. Longitude corporis ab apice rostri ad apicem cau- 
dz, 3 Ped., 6; ale a carpo ad remigem 3°", 1 Pes, 9; cauda,; 
9; rostri, 4; tarsi, 8. 

Habitat in India Orientali. 


Viri Ilustrissimi Epovarp1 Baronis Srantry, Societatis Lin- 
neanz Pro-Presidis, scientie Ornithologice peritissimi, et 
Musei Zoologici longé latéque celeberrimi digni possessoris, 
hec nobilis speciosissimaque avis nomine honoretur. 


The genus Anthropoides of M. Vieillot, hitherto limited to the 
two Linnean species of Ardea, the A. pavonina, and A. Virgo, 
receives a signal addition in this noble species. The bird from 
which our figure and description have been taken is now alive in the 
Menagerie at the Tower; and forms one of the most interesting 
objects of that collection, which is at present particularly rich in 
rare and valuable animals. We are indebtedor the liberty of de- 
scribing it to the kindness of Mr. Cops, the keeper of the 
collection, to whose singular attention and intelligence in per- 
forming the duties of his office, we beg leave to bear our ready 
and cordial testimony. The species is closely allied to the An- 
thropotdes Virgo, Vieill., aud by casual observers indeed has been 
considered a variety of that bird. Its general form and the dis- 
position of its colours are nearly the same. But it is much taller 
than the Demoiselle, has a different appearance about the head, 
the feathers of which are close and soft, and seem as if swelled 
cut into a kind of puff; and it is devoid of those tufts, which 
rise from each side of the head of the Numidian bird. The 
secondary quill feathers also appear considerably longer: one of 
these which I measured extended above a yard in: length, and 
must originally have been longer, as the ends of all these feathers 
were much worn and broken. ‘The same feathers in the Anth. 
Virgo, although much longer than in most birds, are not above 
one third of that length; as far at least as L can determine from 
the examination of only one specimen, which is in the British 


236 = Mr. Vigors.on some new. subjects in Soology. 


Museum. There are partial differences also in’some other mate- 
rial_ particulars, on which I do not wish at present to dwell; as 
from my-not having had the opportunity.of comparing the two 
species at once.together, I of course cannot venture to detail such 
characters with accuracy. I shall only mention the greater length 
and developement of the hallu« in Anth. Stanleyanus ; in which 
character that bird seems to be intermediate between Anth. Virgo, 
and the more typical Gruidew. Anth. pavoninus accords with-our 
bird in this particular, and by the additional character of the naked 
cheeks and caruncle under the chin seems to exhibit a still nearer 
approach to the true Grus. Anth. Virgo, on the other hand, by 
the slight developement of the Aallux appears to possess the 
nearest affinity of all the birds in the group to the three-toed 
family of Charadriade, which adjoins it in the present Order. 

In manners and gestures the Anth. Stanleyanus appears to con- 
form most intimately with the Demoiselle; displaying the same 
delicacy and elegance of attitude, and the same majesty, toge- 
ther with the same graceful playfulness in all its movements. I 
once had the good fortune to see it when released from the place 
‘of its confinement and set at liberty into an adjoining yard; and 
it was scarcely possible to witness a scene of more grace and ani- 
mation. The bird, when after a few movements it felt itself free, 
‘bounded into the air, and traversed the yard with singular velo- 
city, and a peculiarity of motion which could neither be termed 
running nor flying : with its wings expanded and its long quill fea- 
thers streaming just above the ground, it sailed and swept along 
the open space, without regard to the numerous spectators who 
watched its movements, luxuriating in all the buoyancy and ux- 
cursiveness of new-felt liberty. I understand that it is particu- 
larly eager in. its pursuit after insects which it takes when they 
are upon the wing; and that they seem to be its natural and most 
acceptable food. We may readily conceive what myriads of 
winged creatures it would encircle within its wings as it swept 
along its native marshes, in the manner observed above, and 
which it would thus bring within the compass of its prey. - 


—— 


Cetonia Curtisti, flammea. Sat 


Subreg. ANNULOsA. 

Classis. Manpisutata. MacL. 

Ordo. Coxeroprers. Linn. 

Trib. LAMELticornes. Lat. 

Stirps. Preratocera THALERopHAGA. MacL. 
Fam. Crtontapa. MaclL. 

Genus. Crronta. Fab. 


Curtisu. C. atra, thorace vitta laterali albida, scupulis ely- 
trisque rufis, his macula basali fasciaque apical irregulari- 
bus nigris. 

Tab. IX. f. 1. 

Clypeus, thorax pedesque punctis impressi; dbdominis seg- 
menta punctis lineatim dispositis impressa. Pectus, corpus supra, 
pedesque ferrugineo-pilosi. Elytra longitudinaliter obsoletissimé 
sulcata, sulcis prope basin punctis impressis. 


Long. corp. 44. Lat. 3,. 
Habitat in Africd Meridionali. 
In Mus. Dom. Curtis, Bennett, nost. 


Domino Joanni Curtis, Societatis Linneane Socio, Insularum 
Britannicarum Entomologiz assiduo indagatori, eximioque 
illustratori, hanc speciem, quam, inter plures alias Africa 
meridionali proprias, liberalitati ejus debeo, grato animo 
dedicavi. 

This insect accords very closely with Olivier’s description of 
C. equinoctialis, which is a Senegal species: but it differs from it 
in having no white point near the apex of the elytra, a distin- 
guishing character in the latter insect. 


Frammea. C. atra, scapulis elytrisque flummeo-rubris, his fascia 
apicali nigra, fasciisque humerali medidque interruptis nigro- 
brunneis. 

Tab. IX. f. 2. 

Thorax, pectus, clypeus, pedesque punctis impressi. Adbdo- 
minis segmenta punctis lineatim dispositis impressa. Pedes ferru- 
gineo-pilosi. Elytra prope suturam sulcis tribus longitudinalibus 
instructa. 


938 Mr. Vigors.on some new subjects in Zoology. 


Long. corp. 3." Lat. 3: 
Habitat in Afric meridionali. - 
In Mus. Dom. Curtis, Beniiett, nost. 
An Cetonia sanguinolenta, Oliv. Ins. 1. 6. 49. 59. tab. 6. 
Pie i cia | 


Axso-euTTata. C. nivgro-viridis, ‘albo-guttata, scapulis albis, 
antennis tarsisque nigris. 


Tah. TX..f.:2. 


Clypeus punctis impressus, maculis quatuor albis notatus, an- 
terioribus oblongis, posterioribus subrotundatis. Thorax leviter 
punctis impressus, maculis decem, tribus utringue lateralibus 
subovalibus, quatuot mediis rotundis notatus.. Elytra postice 
mucrenata, in medio longitudinaliter carinata, punctis longitudi- 
naliter dispositis impressa: maculis septem albis subrotundis, 
quatuor suturalibus, tribus lateralibus notata, harum media gran- 
diori. Abdomen supra nigrum, segmento ultimo nigro-viridi, 
scabroso, maculis duabus grandibus, alterisque minimis, albis, 
notato ; subtus nitidum, parcé punctis impressum, segmento primo 
maculis tribus, secundo et tertio quinque, quarto quatuor, quinto- 
que duabus grandibus, notatis. Pectus nitidissimum parcé punctis 
impressum, maculis quatnor albis, una utrinque scapulari irregu- 
lari, duabusque mediis rotundis parvis, notatam. ‘Pedes punctis 
impressi, pilis ferrugineis confertis intus ciliati. 


Long. corp. 44 ad 7. Lat. 3, ad 34. 


Habitat in Maderaspatana. 
In Mus. Dom. MacLeay, nost. 


Anrporescens. C. atra, thorace rufo medio scutelloque nigris, 
elytris rufis, macula basali irregulari, media subrotundaté 
reniformt, linedque suturali apicalique nigris. 


Tab. IX. 'f. 4. 


Caput punctis impressum. Thorax glaber disco postico nigro. 
Elytra vix sulcata, sulcis punctis impressis; maculis lineisque 
nigris, cum elytra claudentar, arboris figuram quodammodo fin- 
gentibus. Abdomen supra nigrum, segmento ultimo fascia media 


Lamia Scutigera, Vidua. ° 239 
funwlati ‘fldvescénte notato: subtus glabrum, nitidum, segmentis 
2do ad 5tum inclusum macula flavescente utrinque notatis. Corpus 
pedesque parcé punctis impressi, ferrugineisque pilis instructi. 

Long. corp. 3. Lat. 54. 

Habitat ——? _ 
In Mus. Dom. MacLeay, nost. 


Tribus. Capricornes. Lat. 
Genus. Lamra. Fab. 


Scuticersa. LL. rufa, elytris ochraceo-brunneis, linea marginalé 
suturélique, fuscidque humerali connectente, albis, antennis 

_ nigris articulis duobus primis rufis. 

Tab. IX. f. 5. 

Corpus, elytra, pedesque tomentosi. Mandibule rufe apice 
nigro. Antennarum articuli duo primi rufi, tertius niger apice 
ufo, ceteris nigris. Thorax elytraque leviter punctati, horum 
lineis fasciisque e pilis albidis compositis, elytris clausis, Sheali- 
tudinem clypei ex vero exprimentibus, 

Long. corp. 3%. Lat. 2. 
_ Habitat in Brasilia. 

In Mus. Dom. MacLeay, nost. 

This species, with L. V notata and L. perpulchra, described 
in this Journal,* which are also Brazilian insects, form a small 
natural. group. 


Vinua. L. atra, pilis albidis variegata, elytris albidé hirsutis, 
fascias tres undulatas subinterruptas maculasque parvas in- 
terjectus curinamque mediam longitudinalem nigras exhiben- 
tibus. 

Tab. IX. f. 6. 

‘Caput atrum fronte piloso albo. Thorax vitta laterali ‘spinas 
includente, carinaque media longitudinali, nigris, sed aliter pilis 
albidis opertus. Antennarum articuli, primo excepto, ad basin 
albidé pilosi. Femora ad basin albide pilosa. T?biw medio pilis 


‘* Vol. J. pp. 417, 418. 


240 Mr. Vigors on some new subjects in Zoology. 


albidis annulate. Tarsorum articulus primus supra albide pilo- 
sus. 
Long. corp. 14, Lat. 3. 
Habitat in Brasilia. 
In Mus. nost. 
Fam. Cassipipz. MacL. 
Genus. AturNnus. Fab. 


Coratiinus. A. corallino-ruber, antennis, scutello, thoracis ab- 
dominisque infimi medio, tibiis, tarsisque nigris. 
Tab. IX. f. 7. 


Os nigrum. Thorax scabrosus, linea media longitudinali nigra. 
Elytra scabrosissima ad margines parcé ferrugineo-hirsuta.. Fe- 
mora antica in medio rubra, basi apiceque nigris: cetera basi 
rubra apice nigro. Abdomen subtus pedesque nitidi, glabri, punc- 
tis parcé impressi. T'arsi subtus APE E Be 

Long corp. 43. lat. 2 

Habitat in Brasilia. 

In Mus. nost. 

Genus. Cassipa. Linn. 


SmarAcnina. C. splendente-viridis, supra punctis profundé ime 
pressa, subtus glabra, nitida, thorace elytrisque aureo-margi- 
natis.. 

Tab. IX. f. 8. 


Elytra punctis mediis rotundis, marginalibus oblongis subo- 
valibus, supra subtusque ad marginem ae toeies impressa. 
Tarsi subtus pilis ferrugineis hirsuti. 


Long. corp. 13. Lat. $ 
Habitat in Brasilia. 
In Mus. nost., multisque aliis. 


Meratuica. C. cupreo-viridis, subgibbosa, supra punctis confertis 
profundé impressa,. subtus glabra, leviter punctata, aureo- 
splendens. 


Tab. TX. f. 9. 


Antenne, articulis sex primis nudis splendentibus, cwteris fer- 


Casstda roseo-cincta. Clythra gibbosa. 241 


rugineo-pilosis. Pedes parce hirsuti; ¢arsés pilis ferrugineis sub- 
‘tus instructis. 
Long. corp. 2; Lat. 4. 
Habitat in Brasilia. 
In Mus. Dom. MacLeay, nost. 


Rosro-cincra. C. atra, pedibus thorace elytrisque flavis, his 
roseo-marginatis, maculisque duabus medits nigris. 


Tab. IX. f. 10. 


Antenne, articulis sex primis flavis, reliquis nigris. Femora 
flava basi nigro. Thorax abdomenque glabri. Elytra punctis 
impressa. 

Long. corp. 3. Lat. ,9.. 

Habitat in Brasilia. 

In Mus. Dom. MacLeay, nost. 


Fam. Crytsripa#. Mach. 


Genus. Crytura. Fab. 


Ginsosa. C. atra, thorace elytrisque luteis nigro-maculatis, ho- 
rum lateribus paululum productis. 


Tab. IX. f. 11. 


Insectum inter Clythram et Adorium forsan ponendum. 


Antenne subpectinate, nigre, articulis 2" et 3"" luteis. Tho- 
rax fascia tridentata ad marginem posteriorem, maculisque duabus 
mediis nigris, notatus. E/ytra maculé humerali, alteraque api- 
cali, duabusque mediis snbconfluentibus nigris notata. Caput 
rugosulum. Thorax elytraque parcé punctis impressi. Corpus 
pedesque tomentosi. 

Long. corp. 2. Lat. 2. 

Habitat in Maderaspatana. 

In Mus. Dom. MacLeay, nost. 


[ To be continued]. 


Vor. II. Q 


249 Mr. Gray’s Natural Arrangement 


Art. XXVIII. An Attempt at a division of the Family 


Vespertilionide into groups. By Joun Epwarp Gray; 
Esq. F.G.S. 


Srverat celebrated zoologists have paid considerable attention 
to Bats, and have separated them into many (29) Genera; but 
they have not attempted to place these genera into natural groups, 
or to point out the affinity which exists between each of them: 
to attempt the former is the object of this paper, the latter being 
left to a future opportunity. 

Bats, or the Family Vespertilionide, may be divided into two 
sections, the former of which is the typical one, containing two, 
and the latter, the annectant, containing three groups; these, as 
they are divisions of a family, may be called subfamilies, and I 
shall adopt for them the termination which Mr. Vigors has used 
in his table of [°a/conide for similar divisions. 


I. The Bats furnished with leaf-like appendages on their noses. 
Grinding teeth acutély tubercular. Istiophori, Spizx. 


Subfam. 1. PHuytiostomina. 

The nose leaf simple, fleshy, solitary or twin; the index finger 
formed of two phalanges. 

Genera. Phyllostoma, Glossophaga, ee and Vampyrus 
of Geoffroy, Arctibeus,; Medateus, and Monophyllus, Leach, 
Diphylla, and Vampyrus of Spix; as the latter differs from 
Geoffroy’s genus of that name I propose to call it Istiophorus. 


Subfam. 2. RHINOLOPHINA. S 

The nose leaf complicated, membranous; the index finger of 
only one joint; the wings large and broad. The females have 
usually ventral as well as pectoral teats.* 

Genera. Rhinolophus, Megaderma, and perhaps Nycteris, of 


Geoffroy, and the genera Nyctophilus and Mormoops of Leach. 


II. Bats destitute of any leaf-like appendages on their nose. 
Anistiophori, Spizx. 


* IT have observed two ventral or rather pubal teats in Megaderma Lyra. 


of the Vespertilionide. AS 


Subfam. 3. VEspERTILIONINA. 

The Grinding teeth acutely tubercular; the wings large, broad, 
the index finger of only one joint. The head long, hairy; lips 
simple ; tongue short ; tail long. 

Genera. Vespertilio of Linneus, Plecotus of Geoffroy, Thy- 
roptera of Spix, and the new genus Barbastellus. 

Thyroptera is exceedingly curious, as the thumb of the wing 
is provided with a cap-shaped appendage, which is doubtless 
used for the purpose of attaching the animals by the pressure of 
the atmosphere to polished surfaces, in a similar manner to flies, 
&c. &c. although Spix does not take any notice of the subject. 

The genus Barbastellus (Vespertilio Barbastellus Linn.) is 
characterized by its teeth, and by a lozenge-shaped bald place on 
its forehead, surrounded by a membranous edge. It appears to 
unite the Pleco¢i with the former subfamily. 


Subfam. 4. Nocrirronina. 

The grinding teeth actually tubercular; the wings long, narrow ; 
the index finger of two joints; the head short, blunt; lips very 
large; tail encurved. The female often furnished with lateral 
nursing pouches formed by the wings. 

Genera. Noctilio of Linneus. Molossus, Nyctinomus, Thy- 
opterus, and perhaps Stenoderma of Geoffroy; Scotophylus, 
Celano, and Aéllo of Dr. Leach; Cheiromeles of Dr. Horsfield, 
and Proboscidea of Spix, belong to this subfamily. 


Subfam. 5. Preropina. 

The grinding teeth bluntly tubercular, the wings conical; (in- 
terfemoral membrane and tail mostly wanting). The index finger 
with three bony joints, clawed; the head long, hairy: the 
females sometimes furnished with nursing pouches. 

The Genera Pteropns and Cephalotes of Geoffroy, and Cynopte- 
rus and Macroglossus of F’. Cuvier, are referable to this subfamily, 

Macroglossus has an affinity by its tongue and habits to Glosso- 
phaga of the former groups, and Cynopterus is allied to those genera 
of the Phyllostomina, which have only operculated nostrils. Thus 
the Bats appear to assume a circular disposition, similar to that 
pointed out by Mr. Vigors in Birds, and Mr. MacLeay in lusects. 

e2 


244 Mr. G. B. Sowerby on a new Genus of Cirripedes. 


Art. XXVIII. On a new Genus of Cirripedes. By G. B. 

Sowersy, Esq. F.L.S., &c. 
OCTOMERIS. 

Testa subconica, valvis octo, inzqualibus, lateraliter conferrumi- 
natis, composita; apice pervio, basi adhwrente (valva testa- 
ced clausé 2?) Operculum bipartitum, valvis quatuor com- 
positum, anticis majoribus. 


It may, perhaps, be interesting to our readers to trace with us 
the history of our knowledge of the singular class of animals to 
which the present new Genus belongs: thus if we begin with the 
Linnean System, where the entire class forms but one Genus 
under the name of Lepas, we must be convinced of the truly 
natural character of the Genus, as well as of the finely arranged 
views of that Father of Natural History as ascience. The Lin- 
nean Lepas was by Bruguiéres divided into two genera, under the 
appellations of Balanus and Anatifa (rightly Anatifera), which 
divisions correspond exactly with those of Lamarck, which he 
designates by the terms Cirripedes sessiles et Cirripédes pédon- 
culées. We shall, however, find that our countryman, Leach, 
has been the first to define in an able manner the genera into 
which the family should be divided: having, in the first instance, 
formed the two primary divisions of sessile and pedunculated, 
under the terms Campylosomata and Acamptosomata, he divided 
the former into Balanus, Acasta, Creusia, Pyrgoma, Clitia, Tubi- 
cinella, Coronula, Chelonobia, Conia, &c.; and the latter into 
Pentalasmis (the same as Anatifa, Brug.) Pollicipes, Scal- 
pellum, Otion, Cineras, and others.* Not, however, finding these 
divisions to be sufficient, he has in manuscript, on the boards of 
the collection at the British Museum, proposed several other 
genera, which, as he has not any where given the characters of 
them, we cannot further enter upon. We would only observe, 
that M. Ranzani, in his Mem. di Storia Naturale, proposes a new 
division of the family, separating the Balanide from the Pentalas- 
midz, and giving the characters of the following genera, as form- 
ing the family of Balanide: ist. Asemus (the same as Conia of 
Leach, Polytrema, De Ferussac, and Tetraclita of Schumacher, 
according to De Ferussac.) 2nd, Ochthosia, (the same as Clitia, 

* See p. 208, of the present Number. 


Octomeris angulosa. 245. 


Leach, Verruca, Schumacher, and Creusia Verruca, Lamarck.) 
3rd, Balanus, (Balanus verus Auctorum.) 4th, Chthalamus, 
(probably the same as a part of Leach’s Coniz.) 5th, Coronula, 
(the same as Chlelonobia, Leach, and Coronula Testudinaria of 
Lamarck.) 6th, Cetopirus, (Coronula Balenaris, Lamarck.) 
7th, Diadema, (Coronula Diadema, Lamarck.) 8th, Tubicinella 
(Lamarck.) So that M. Ranzani has not actually proposed any 
new Genus, but has only elevated several Lamarckian species to the 
rank of genera. In the course of our work on the ‘* Genera of Re- 
cent and Fossil Shells,” we have established one most distinct Genus 
of the family of Pentalasmidz, namely Lithotrya, and we now pro- 
pose to establish another, and a most distinct Genus of Balanide. 
It is well known, that in the Genus Balanus of all authors, the shell 
consists of six pieces united togetlier laterally to form the cone sur- 
rounding the animal and operculum. The Genus Octomeris, how- 
ever, as its name implies, consists of e¢ght pieces united in the same 
manner, to form the surrounding cone: its resemblance to Balanus 
will render it unnecessary for us to describe anything more than the 
characters in which it differs from that Genus; which are—first, 
the character we have already mentioned ; secondly, the angular 
internal sutures of the valves; thirdly, the foliaceous structure 
of all the shelly parts; fourthly, the want of an internal plate ; 
and, lastly, a thin epidermis, which appears constantly to cover 
this shell in its natural state, though seldom observable, because 
the specimens are frequently covered with foreign substances. The 
deeply sinuated and variously figured edges of the base cannot, 
in our opinion, be considered as an essential character of the 
Genus; but we think it probable that this Genus has no shelly 
base, though we have never seen any specimen attached to the rock. 

We have given representations in our plate of the only species 
we have seen of this Genus, which we have lately received from 
the Cape of Good Hope, and named Octomeris angulosa. 


Icon. Tab. nost. Suppl. X11. 


Fig. 1. The outside. 
2. The inside, showing the eight divisions. 
3. ‘The anterior piece. 
4, The posterior piece. 
.5. to 10. The lateral pieces, three on each side. 
11, The operculum, consisting of four pieces of which the two 


anterior are the larger. 


246 Analytical Notices of Books. 


Art. XXIX. Analytical Notices of Books. 


Animalia Nova, sive Species Nove Testudinum et Ranarum quas 
in itinere per Brasiliam, &c. collegit et descripsit Dr. J. B. 
bE Spix. 4to. pp. 53. tabb. xvii. & xxii. Monachii. 1824. 


Tue number of new species of Testudinous Animals described 
in the present work amounts in the whole to eighteen, eleven of 
which are referred to the genus Emys, one to that of Chelys 
(Matamata, Merrem), two to Kinosternon N.G., and the re- 
maining four to that of Testudo. The characters of Kinosternon, 
which appears to have been formed with the view of comprehend- 
ing the Box Tortoises, the T'evrapene of Merrem, are as follows : 


Structura Emydis, pectore modo cataphracto; maxillis et capite 
supra inter oculos nudo squamosis ; rostro pernasuto ; oculis 
minus approximatis ; gula subtus multicirrhosa ; cauda apice 
unguiculata ; bracteis pectoris undecim, illis pectus inter et 
testam interjacentibus non connatis ; palpebris transversis. 


In the Frogs the number of new species collected is yet more 
considerable. They consist of eleven species of the genus Rana, 
iwenty-three of Hyla, twelve of Bufo, six of Oxyrynchus N. G., 
and one Pépa ; in all fifty-three : a most important acquisition in- 
deed, when we consider that the whole number of these animals 
described by Merrem does not exceed seventy-one. The follow- 
ing are the characters by which M. Spix distinguishes his genus 
Oxyrynchus. 


Corpore bufonino, non verrucoso sed granuloso; capite brevi, 
acuté rostrato; maxilla superiore poné angulato-clevata ; 
femoribus cum lumbis connatis; parotidibus exiguis, vix 
conspicuis. 


a 


Reptilium Brasiliensium Species Nova. 247 


Serpentum Brasiliensium Species Nove ; ou Histoire Naturelle 
des Espéces nouvelles de Serpens recueillies, &c. Publiée par 
Jean pESprx. Ecrite d’apres les Notes du Voyageur, par Jean 
Wacter. Munich. 1824, 4to. pp. viii. & 75. tabb. xxvi. 
Tue laudable zeal and activity displayed by M. Spix, in laying 

hefore the scientific world the splendid results of his very inte- 
resting travels in the interior of Brazil, are deserving of our warm- 
est thanks; and the work now under consideration is highly 
creditable to him, not merely in a scientific point of view, but 
also as evidencing his superiority to those feelings of personal 
jealousy and ambition by which naturalists, in common with other 
men, are too frequently influenced. Untainted by any such un- 
worthy motive, and anxious to gratify, as speedily as possible, 
the expectations of zoologists, M. Spix has on this occasion called 
in to his assistance the pen of M. Wagler, a gentleman of whose 
scientific acquirements the proofs furnished in this production 
are highly satisfactory. To him we are indebted for the whole 
of the descripticns and observations, with the exception of those 
relative to the habits and localities of the respective species, which 
were supplied by the distinguished traveller whose collection it is 
his object to illustrate. 

Of one hundred species of serpents collected by M. Spix during 
his journey, no less than forty-three are entirely new; and of 
these, six are referable to the genus Elaps, one to Dryinus, seven- 
teen to Natrix, three to Xiphosoma N. G., one to Ophis N. G.., 
one to Micrurus N.G., eight to Bothrops, one to Crotalus, one to 
Stenostoma, (Typhlops, Schneider) one to Leposternon N. G., 
two to Amphisbena, aud one to Cecilia. The first of these genera 
has been removed by M. Wagler from among the venomous ser- 
pents, with which it had been associated by Daudin, and subse- 
quently by Cuvier and Merrem, and placed among the innocuous 
ones in the family of Ophédii, v. Colubrini, inasmuch as on a care- 
ful examination of numerous individuals of various species, he 
discovered that they were entirely destitute of poisonous fangs. 
The E. Langsdor ffi alone is furnished with one longer tooth on 
each side of the upper jaw, which however does not appear to 
possess a poisonous character. 


248 - Analytical Notices of Books. 


The new genus Xiphosoma is divided from the true Boa, being. 
intended to comprise those species which are not furnished with a 
hook on each side the anus. It is also distinguished by its very 
compressed body, and by its large teeth slightly curved back- 
wards, three or four of which are crowded together in front on 
each side of the jaws, resembling in form the fangs of the Vipers. 
The habits of this genus are also different from those of the Boa, 
as the species live almost constantly in the water or on aquatic 
shrubs ; nor do they ever attain the immense size of those dread- 
ful serpents. 

The genus Ophis, belonging to the Viperine family, forms a 
transition from the innocuous to the poisonous serpents ; closely 
resembling the former in appearance, but distinguished from them 
by a fang on each side of the upper jaw, between which is a series 
of small imperforate teeth. The single species is named Ophis 
Merremii: it feeds on toads, and the figure given of it whimsically 
enough represents it in the act of swallowing one, the hinder feet 
of which projecting from the mouth give it a singular appearance, 
and might at first view be mistaken for a part of the serpent 
itself. 

Micrurus, a new genus forming part of the section [ydrini, has 
a very great analogy to Elaps, but is venomous. Its characters are 
“¢ Tail very short, rather acute at the apex ; scuta of the tail be- 
neath partly entire and partly divided; head indistinct, obtuse, 
with nine scuta above.” 

The remaining genus established by M. Wagler, Leposternon, 
is extremely interesting as presenting a connecting or osculant. 
group between the two grand divisions of Reptiles proposed by 
Merrem, the Pholidota and the Batrachia. In every respect it 
coincides with the serpentine group of the latter, except in its 
sternum being covered with scuta, a structure which closely con- 
nects it with the true serpents included in the former section. 
The only species, Leposternon microcephalum, is described after. 
a single specimen found iu the neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro. 
Its appearance and habits are very similar to those of the Am- 
phisbene. | 


Defrance’s Tableau des Corps Organisés Fossiles. 249 


Tableau des Corps Organisés Fossiles &c. A Table of Fossil 
Organic Bodies, preceded by Remarks on their Petrifaction. 
By M. Derrance. Paris, 1824. 8vo. pp. xvi & 136. 


Tue splendid collection of fossils possessed by M. Defrance, 
has long been acknowledged to be unrivalled in richness and ex- 
tent, and hopes have been repeatedly expressed that the vast 
body of information contained in its ample stores would be laid 
before the scientific-world by its liberal owner. Though repeated- 
ly urged, however, by his friends, to publish a scientific catalogue 
of the numerous organic remains which it embraces, no attempt of 
this nature has been made, until the appearance of the present 
brochure, which we are desirous of hailing as the forerunner of a 
more important work, (although no such hint is contained in it,) 
to which it would form an excellent introduction. The ‘¢ Remarks 
on Petrifaction ” consist of a series of geological axioms, develop- 
ing numerous novel and important facts, many of which will be 
found extremely interesting to the geologist. Among these may 
be mentioned the curious circumstance that the shells of certain 
families of Mollusca, the Ostracew for instance, never disappear in 
a fossil state, while those of others, as the Volute, Cyprea, &c. 
are scarcely ever to be met with, casts or moulds of these alone 
being in general found. A striking distinction would thus seem 
to be drawn between the loose and foliated texture of the former 
and the more compact one of the latter, which is singularly sup- 
ported by what takes place with respect to fossil shells of the 
genus Hipponyx. When these are fossilized in those strata in 
which the shelly matter generally disappears, their upper or patel- 
liform part is always lost, nothing remaining but its mould, while 
their support, the structure of which is foliated, remains un- 
touched, except in the point of attachment of the adductor mus- 
cle, which being equally compact with the upper portion of the 
shell, disappears in a similar manner. 

The ‘** Table” which occupies twenty eight pages, is so ar- 
ranged as to present at one view the whole of the genera of Inver- 
tebrated Animals poscessing or secreting calcareous matter: distin- 
guishing those the species of which are found only in the living 


250 Analytical Notices of Books. 


state, both living and fossil, and fossil alone; and pointing out the 
strata in which the fossils are met with, whether anterior to chalk, 
in chalk, or posterior to it. Other columns enumerate the num- 
ber of living, aud of fossil species, respectively, of each genus ; 
and notices are appended where any of these are either identical, 
analogous, or subanalogous. In the Vertebrata, only those genera 
are referred to which contain fossil species; and the same plan is 
pursued in Insects and in Vegetables. From these tables many 
curious results may be deduced, as well with respect to the rela- 
tive proportion of the number of fossil to that of living species, 
as to that which exists between the remains of various families to 
be met with in the different strata. Thus of Mammalia, none 
have yet been discovered except in formations later than chalk 5 
while Reptiles and Fish are found not only in these, but also in 
chalk, and in strata anterior to it. The number of species of 
shells existing in the living state is enumerated at 3080, while 
that of the fossil ones amounts to 2776; 64 of which only are 
referred to as identical, and 236 as analogous. The number of 
living univalves exceeds considerably that of the fossil, and these 
are chiefly to be met with in the later formations; a disposition 
which is reversed in the bivalves, where the fossil species are in 
greater number than the living, and a very large proportion are 
found in the earlier strata. These are also numerous in the chalk 
formations, which contain species of 25 genera of bivalves ; while 
only four species of univalves have hitherto been discovered in 
them ; a discrepancy which seems worthy of particular remark. 

To enter at any length into the numerous other points comprised 
in this very interesting publication, would lead us into a detail 
unfitted for our more immediate province. Enough however has 
been stated in touching even thus slightly on a few of them, to 
induce all who feel an interest in its subject to desire a more inti- 
mate acquaintance with its contents. To say that these are 
worthy of the pen of its enlightened author, is at once to charac- 
terize them sufficiently. 


Teones Fossilium Sectiles. 251 


Icones Fossilium Sectiles. Centuria Prima. fol. London. 1825. 


For this excellent commencement of an attempt to delineate, 
in a cheap but not inelegant form, the whole of the species of 
erganic fossil remains, we are indebted to a gentleman whose 
name does not appear in the title, but whose extensive acquire- 
ments in this department of science are devoted with zeal and 
perseverance to the investigation of the important national collec- 
tion committed to his charge. His statements are consequently 
entitled to be received with much greater deference than might 
seem to be claimed by the unassuming nature of the publication, 
and will doubtless be authenticated with his name as soon as the 
work shall have enlarged into a volume ; a step which is neces- 
sary not only to give authority to the various new genera and 
species contained in it, but also to secure to himself the just 
credit which will attach to his labours. He proposes to copy with 
accuracy, and in a style fully sufficient for scientific purposes, the 
best figures which have already been given, and to furnish original 
ones of such subjects as are hitherto unpublished. The number 
of these latter will consequently be very considerable, and if this 
first century can be take as a specimen, will bear a very large 
proportion to the whole, as there are included in it no less than 
forty-three new species, for several of which it has been necessary 
to establish genera, to which characters are assigned. It is indeed 
to be regretted that characters have not been given in every in- 
stance, as well generic as specific, and especially to those species 
which are now for the first time made public; a deficiency which 
we hope to see supplied in the succeeding centuries, and that it 
will not be necessary to wait for the requisite infornration on these 
points until the appearauce of the other work, which the author 
hints at his intention of publishing. It would also be well to add 
to those figures that are copied a reference to the works from 
whence they are taken. ,In the location of the figures, which 
comprehend examples both of animal and vegetable fossils, no 
system is followed, as they are designed to be subsequently cut 
out and arranged in the most convenient method. 

The number of new genera is nine, including two which arise 


252 Analytical Notices of Books. 


from the dismemberment of the extensive group of Terebratula. 
They consist of one of Fishes under the name of Teratichthys, 
but the characters of this are not yet sufficiently recovered to 
establish the genus with accuracy: four of Mollusca, 1. Phare- 
trium, probably belonging to the Pteropoda, described as a * tes- 
taceous body, composed of two conical sheaths, one external, the 
other internal and perforated at its apex, united together near the 
margin of the mouth; ” 2. Leucopthalmus, a genus of Ascidia, 
with the ‘* body globose, coriaceous, pedicelled : apertures two, 
pentagonal, five-rayed ;” 3. Trigonotreta, and 4. Trigonosemus, 
separated from Terebratula ; a division necessitating the reforma- 
tion of the characters of the latter genus, which is therefore con- 
fined to those species in which the rostrum of the produced valve 
is emarginate or subcanaliculate, and perforated at the apex; while 
in Trigonotreta this part is perforated, flattened, and subtriangu- 
lar internally, and is also internally flattened in Trigonosemus, 
the flattened surface having a triangular mark, and the perforation 
being at the apex: a new genus of those very interesting fossils 
the Tri/obites, Homalonotus, a name indicating its most distin- 
guishing characteristic, the flatness of the back : and two genera 
of Polypi, 1. Aspidiscus, “* orbicular, convex above, furnished 
with crenulate, unequal, decussating crests; beneath flat and 
marked with circular. concentric striz ;’’ and 2. Blumenbachium, 
“¢ globose, externally beset in every direction with stellula, 
which are prominent, generally four-rayed, frequently confluent, 
punctate - porous; internally cavernous, its substance fibrous- 
cellular.” Qne other genus, Spongus, requires also to be men- 
tioned, since the family of which it forms a part is generally 
admitted into the animal kingdom. It differs chiefly from Spongia 
in its texture, before it became fossilized, having been much more 
Jax; in its more regular form; and in the evident traces which re- 
main of its having possessed an evanescent epidermis. 


Annales des Sciences Naturelles. Nos. xi. and xii. 
In noticing briefly the leading zoological facts contained in the 
present numbers of this valuable periodical, an arrangement of the 


papers will be pursued corresponding with the location of their 


Annales des Sciences Naturelles. 953 


subjects in the scale of animated nature. Commencing therefore 
with the Vertebrata, the first article which falls under our obser- 
vation is ‘* On the Vespertiliones of Brazil; by Isidore Geoffroy 
St. Hilaire ;” and, singular to relate, the four species described in 
it appear all to be entirely distinct from any of the new Bats col- 
lected in the same country by the zealous traveller Spix, whose 
excellent work on this subject we have recently referred to.* 
Of these four species, three appertain to the genus Vespertilio, 
and the remaining one is referable to that of Plecotus. To the 
former are assigned the following characters. 

V. Hilarit. Ears small, triangular, almost as broad as long, 
slightly notched at their external margin: body rather longer 
than the arm and fore-arm ; tail as long only as the fore-arm ; 
interfemoral membrane naked; sides of the face naked. 

V. Polythrix. Ears rather small, longer than broad, notched 
at their external margin ; body about as long as the arm and fore- 
arm ; tail as long only as the fore-arm; interfemoral membrane 
covered in its upper part with scattered hairs; face almost entirely 
hairy. 

V. levis. Ears long; body not so long as the arm and fore- 
arm ; tail as long as the body ; a few hairs on the interfemoral 


membrane ; face partly naked. 
Distance 
between the 
Length of the Length of Length of the extremities 


head and body. the tail. fore-arm. of the wings. 
Eng. Inches. Eng. Inch. Eng. Inches. Eng. Inches. 
V. Hilarii.... 2.633 1°925 1-729 12°733 
VP. Polythrix -s 2200 1‘572 1:493 9:982 
| Gd (2) a 1-572 1-572 1°493 9-982 


The first of these closely resembles the V. Brasiliensis of Des- 
marest, and is probably identical with that species; and the se- 
cond appears to be that which has been termed the Brasilian 
Pipistrelle. The new species of Plecotus, P. velatus, is brown or 
chesnut coloured above, and brown with more or less of a greyish 
cast beneath; the length of its head and body is 2-986 English 
Inches, of the tail 1:925, of the fore-arm 1.729, and the distance 


* See our last Number, p. 121. 


954 Analytical Notices of Books. 


between the extremities of the wings 12-733. It is chiefly remark - 
able inasmuch as its ears are incumbent on the face, an arrange- 
ment also met with in the Nyctinomi and Molossi, to which it 
approaches also in other respects. In his admeasurement it will 
have been remarked that M. [. St. Hilaire refers to the length of 
the fore-arm, which he justly considers as preferable to that of 
the ears, as not being liable like the latter to variations from dry- 
ing. In this he had however been anticipated by Spix, whose 
dimensions extend also to several other parts, the relative propor- 
tions of which cannot fail to be highly serviceable in the discri- 
mination of species. 

The ‘ Remarks on certain Sea Fish, and on their Geographi- 
cal distribution, by MM. Quoy and Gaimard,” may be regarded 
as consisting of two principal portions. In the first the authors 
undertake to combat several vulgarly received opinions relative to 
the Shark (Squalus Carcharias ),a fish which they found to inhabit 
all the seas traversed in the course of their voyage. Thus it is 
erroneous to conceive that it is able to throw itself above the . 
surface of the ocean to seize its prey, since the organization of 
its Jaws and cesophagus prevents it from taking its food except 
while lying on its side or on its back. In these positions its mus- 
cular powers are quite insufficient to raise the considerable mass 
of fluid which presses not only on its body, but also on its im- 
mense pectoral fins; and this view of the subject is also confirmed 
by direct experiment, the most hungry Shark never having at- 
tempted to seize a piece of flesh presented to its. notice at six 
incbes above the surface. Neither will the authors allow it to be true 
that the Shark is able to bite off the leg of a man; against this 
‘the form and direction of the teeth militate strongly ; and those 
instances in which the scattered members have been subsequently 
found, are regarded as resulting from their having been torn 
asunder by several of these animals pulling in contrary directions. 
In the second part, which relates more particularly to the geo- 
graphical distribution of fishes, it is laid down as a general rule 
that, near the Equator, the species, in common with those of birds 
and insects, are of the most brilliant-and vivid colours, which 
gradually disappear on proceeding towards the Poles; and this 


Annales des Sciences Naturelles. 2955 


principle is followed up at some detail in the enumeration of the 
genera according to the regions in which they are found. Con- 
trary however to an opinion very frequently entertained, MM. 
Quoy and Gaimard declare that fishes do not swarm in the ocean, 
which possesses, like the land, its solitudes and deserts, inhabited 
only by those species which chiefly or entirely exist by prey. 

In the “ Sketch of a general distribution of the Mollusca, by M. 
Latreille,” we are presented wiih the first fruits of the studies of 
this well-known Entomologist in those departments of natural 
science which have devolved upon him in consequence of the 
severe afiliction of the veteran zoologist Lamarck. In this ex- 
tract from an unpublished work on the ‘* Natural Families of 
Animals,” M. Latreille, proceeding on a principle frequently 
adopted by Cuvier, divides the Mollusca into Phanerogama, in 
which a coitus is necessary, and Agama, in which the individuals 
are capable of self-fecundation. ‘The first of these is composed 
of the Pierygiens (comprehending the Cephalopoda and Ptero- 
poda), and the Apterygiens, which include the whole of the 
Gasteropoda, with the exception of the Scutibranches and the 
Cyclobranches. The principal sections of the Apterygiens are 
also formed on a principle deduced from the generative faculty, 
being either Hermaphrodite, or Dioicous ; each of which embraces 
' various orders breathing free air, or furnished with branchia. In 
the formation of these the method of Lamarck is in general fol- 
lowed, although frequent variations are introduced in the mode of 
their arrangement, which concludes with the genus Sigaretus, the 
succeeding division commencing with Haliotis. This division, or 
the Agama, also forms two sections, Exocephala, including the 
Scutibranches and. Cyclobranches, and Endocephala, which is 
composed of two classes, the Brachiopoda and the Conchifera of 
Lamarck. The sections of the latter follow the anatomical me- 
thod, and are the Patulipalla, Biforipalla, Triforipalla,and Tubt- 
palla, the three former of which correspond with those of M. 
Cuvier, whose two other families.are included in the last. 

This distribution appears in many instances to succeed in point- 
ing out affinities existing between the groups, but the principles 
on which it proceeds are too limited to lead to a truly natural 


256 Analytical Notices of Books. 


system, a desideratum only to be attained by a philosophical © 
investigation of the organs in general. 

Among the numerous researches into the Anatomy of this group 
of animals, which more enlightened views have determined to be 
essential to a correct knowledge of their distribution, it appears 
extraordinary that no dissection had been given of the Calyptrea 
sinensis, which inhabits the coasts of the very countries whose 
scientific naturalists were most deeply engaged in this pursuit. 
Such an inquiry seems indeed to have been especially called for 
since the period at which the genus was adopted by Lamarck as 
the type of a family, an eminence which it was reserved for M. 
Deshayes to prove its title to in his “* Memoir on Calyptrwa.” In 
this, after a sketch of the history of the species above referred to, 
he proceeds to furnish a detailed account of its anatomy, illus- 
trated by figures, which very nearly corresponds with that given by 
M. Cuvier of the neighbouring genus Crepidula, and sufficiently 
evinces the accuracy of its location, though previously founded 
on the characters of the shell alone. | 

Indebted as we are to the author of the preceding article for 
the information contained in it, we are sorry to have again to re- 
fer to him on the subject of his controversy with the Baron de 
Ferussac, who has observed that the Nerite and Natice are 
referable to different families. This statement was controverted 
by M. Deshayes, who declared that, on actual examination of 
several species of Natica, he had seen that their eyes were placed 
on pedicles at the base of the tentacula, as in the animals of the 
genus Nerita. ‘If this be the case,” observes M. de Ferussac, 
in his ** Notice” on the subject, it proves that M. Deshayes has 
examined Nerite alone,” since Cuvier and Adanson both declare 
that the Natice have only two tentacula, at the base of which the 
eyes are situated. | 

Of the ‘* Monograph of the genus Eucnemis, by the Baron de 
Mannerheim,” and the “ Extract from a letter to M. Henning on 
Physodactylus, by M. J. Fischer de Waldenheim,” it is only 
necessary to mention the titles, as we purpose to give those articles 
ina future number. The only other entomological article is a 
“ Report on Dalman’s Analecta Entomologica, by M. Latreille,” 


Annales des Sciences Naturelles. 257 


which enumerates the contents of that volume under the respec- 
tive heads of monographs, new genera, and new species. The 
monographs are two in number; one of Déopsis, five species 
of which are described, from Sierra Leone ; and the other of Dryi- 
-nus, comprehending fourteen species. Of new genera there are 
nine; 1. Thyrsia, a genus allied to Prionus; 2. Polytomus, sy- 
nonymous with Rhipicera of Latreille; 3. Strophorus, a Staphy- 
linidous genus previously published by Germar under the name 
of Leptochirus ; 4. Hydroptila, distinguished from Phryganea by 
its hinder wings, which are nearly linear, ciliate, and not plaited ; 
5. Xyela* ; 6. Dirrhinus, and 7. Agaon, Hymenopterous genera 
of the family of Pupivora, to the first of which Latreille also refers 
the Chalcis cornigera of Jurine ; 8. Calyphus, a singular genus of 
Muscide from the East Indies, the scutellum of which is pro- 
longed over the abdomen as in Scutellera; and 9. Chionea, an 
apterous tipulideous insect, which is found running upon the snow 
in Sweden and also in the Alps. The new species described are 
chiefly Lepidopterous and Coleopterous. Of these fifteen are 
natives of Sweden and one hundred and five exotic. 

To the remaining papers en zoological subjects it will only be 
necessary to refer, since they relate entirely to anatomical and 
physiological points, which, although of primary importance to 
the advancement of the science, are too generally unattractive to 
induce us to extend this analysis. Of these there are two from 
the pen of Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, in one of which he pursues his 
system of the formation of the Cranium into the investigation of 
that of the Crocodile, and in the other endeavours to determine 
in man the position of ‘* the Adgustal, one of the bones of the 
Arch of the Palate.” The ‘ Memoir on the Lymphatic Vessels 
of Birds, and on the method of preparing them, by M. E. A. 
Lauth,” fully demonstrates their existence, and is illustrated by 
several well executed coloured plates; appended to it is the 
*¢ Report” on its merits by Cuvier and Duméril, in which Ma- 
jendie did not join, because although he admitted that the exist- 
ence of absorbent vessels in the mesentery was demonstrated, he 
still persisted that it was by no means clear that they performed 


* Vide Zoological Journal, Vol. I. p. 570 
Vox. IT. R 


258 Analytical Notices of Books. 


the functions of lacteals. The “‘ Anatomical Researches on the 
Carabidz and other coleopterous Insects, by Leon Dufour,” are 
continued ; as are also the ‘¢ Remarks on the determination of the 
solid and nervous systems of articulated animals.” 


Annulosa Javanica, or an Attempt to illustrate the Natural A ffi- 
nities and Analogies of the fnsects collected in Java by T. 
Horsrietp, M.D. &c. By W. S. MacLray, Esg. M.A. 
F.L.S. &c. No. i. pp. xii. and 50. pl. i. 


Derry indebted as we are, in common with all who admire 
the wonders of the creation, to that profound zoologist who has 
succeeded more effectually than any of his predecessors in unra- 
velling the intricacies of the system pursued by Nature in the 
distribution of the animal kingdom, Mr. W. MacLeay has ad- 
vanced still farther claims upon our gratitude in the excellent 
and purely scientific work the title of which is quoted above. To 
the more prominent features of the method which he has followed 
it is unnecessary at this advanced period of our acquaintance with 
it to advert particularly. Developed originally in that valuable 
production, the ‘* Hora Entomologice,” of which by far the 
greater number of copies were unfortunately lost to the world, 
these were further explained in a communication to the Linnean 
Society, which has probably ere this passed through the hands of 
nearly the whole of our readers. The outlines of the system 
‘will therefore have become familiar to them, but they will have 
remarked that the attention of the expounder of these luminous 
views has hitherto been directed in general rather to the larger 
and more striking groups than to the minor divisions of families 
and genera. In the immense numerical extent of the insect tribes, 
and in the evidently inadequate acquaintance with them which 
we at present possess, suflicient reasons may at once be perceived 
to show the impossibility of immediately undertaking the stupen- 
dous task of comparing together the whole of them, and of thus 
elucidating throughout. their respective. affinities and analogies, 
‘so as to establish a completely natural system, at once perfect 


Annulosu Javanica. 959 


and coherent in all its parts. This therefore Mr. Macleay has 
refrained from attempting ; but with the laudable desire of grati- 
fying those who felt anxious to accompany him into greater detail 
than he had previously entered into, he has undertaken to des- 
cribe the insects collected in Java by Dr. Horsfield, and which 
now form part of the collection of the East India Company, em- 
ploying these as so many stations from which views may be ob- 
tained sufficieut to furnish a competent idea of the ground plan 
of the whole. 

In a masterly preface, after an exposition of the mode and the 
localities in which the collection was formed, and which render 
it a fair sample of the Entomology of Java, Mr. MacLeay pro- 
ceeds to examine the advantages and defects to the scientific as 
well as the unscientific reader, of the various plans on which a 
descriptive catalogue of subjects of natural history may be formed, 
and assigns a deserved pre-eminence to that which is designed to 
supply such information as is calculated to lead the mind to a 
philosophical investigation of the science of Nature. It is this 
principle which he proposes to pursue in the progress of his work, 
this first number of which is devoted to that group of the Coleop- 
tera which is distinguished by its chilopodiform larve. This is 
regarded as a Tribe, and the denomination of Chilopodomorpha 
is affixed to it, its characters being derived from the larva as well 
as the perfect insect, and laid down in the following terms: 
*¢ Larva chilopodomorpha plerumque carnivora, corpore processu-~ 
bus duobus posticis styliformibus dorsalibus semper instructo : 
Imago plerumque pentamera, mandibulis corneis; maxillis bipar- 
titis vel processubus duobus ; lacinia interiori in unguem corneum 
incurvum fere semper desinente ; lacinid exteriore sepius biarti- 
culata interdum palpiformi.” From this definition it will be 
perceived that the internal maxillary palpus, as it is commonly 
termed, of the Cicindelidw, Carabidae, Dytiscide, and Gyrinide, 
is regarded as an external process of the maxilla, which, being in 
these families biarticulate, assumes a palpiform appearance; a 
view which is fully borne out by the admirable comparison of the 
parts of the mouth in winged insects instituted by Savigny. © 

The Chilopodomorpha are divisible into five stirpes, two of 

R 2 


260 Analytical Notices of Books. 


which constitute a normal group, consisting of insects having 
linear or setaceous anteanz, with the exterior biarticulate process 
of the maxilla palpiform, and the other three forming an aberrant 
one, in which the antenne are clavate, or at least gradually 
thickening towards the apex, while the external lobe of the max- 
illa is not palpiform. To the former, or normal group, which 
corresponds with the Adephaga of Clairville, are assigned, 1. 
the Geodephaga, the type of which is Carabus, and 2, the Hydra- 
dephaga, having for its type Dytiscus ; while the latter, or aber- 
rant, comprises, 3. the Philhydrida, typical example Hydrophilus ; 
4. Necrophaga, having Silpha for its type; and 5. Brachelytra, 
comprehending such insects as would have been included in the 
genus Staphylinus, Lin. 

The names of the two stirpes of the normal group, Geodephaga 
and Hydradephaga, at once point out the prominent distinction 
between them, that the former is terrestrial and the latter aqua-. 
tic; a difference of habit which of course implies a variation in 
the structure of the feet as designed for the respective purposes of 
walking or of swimming. The five families which compose the 
former of these, the Geodephaga, ave the Cicindelide, Carabide, 
Harpalide, Scaritide, and Brachinide. No new form of Cicin- 
delide occurs among the fourteen Javanese species described, all 
ef which are referable to the genera Colliuris, Therates, or Cicin- 
deia. A new subgenus, Lissauchenius, is formed from one of the 
only two species of Carabide in the collection, the other being a 
Panageus ; but the deficiericy in this family is amply compen- 
sated by the richness of the succeeding one, the Harpalide, no 
iess than twenty-seven species of which are enumerated, compre- 
heuding among them twelve new forms, to which are assigned 
provisionally the ranks of genera or subgenera according to their 
appatent relative importance. The Scaritide are only three in 
number ; and the Brachinide amount-to ten species, two of which 
belong to subgenera not previously characterized, although a mere 


manuscript name had been affixed to one of them by the Baron 
Dejean. 


‘The Hydradephaga are not only less numerous than the pre- 
ceding stirps, to which they are connected by the intervention of 


Annulosa Javanica. 961 


the genus Omophron, but are also less variable in form, the tropical 
species being usually referable to the same genera as the Euro- 
pean. It has therefore been impracticable in the present state of 
entomological knowledge to exhibit clearly among them more | 
than the two families of Gyrinide and Dytiscide ; the former 
appertaining to the normal group, with long anterior legs and 
short antenne, and the latter to the aberrant, in which the ante- 
rior legs are short and the antenne setaceous. Three species of 
Gyrinide, one of which forms the new genus Dineutus, are found 
in the collection ; together with eight species of Dytiscide. 

The Philhydrida, between which and the preceding stirps au 
interesting link is supplied by Spercheus, is divided into the 
following families: normal? with the palpi shorter than the an- 
tenne, Heteroceride 2, Parnide : aberrant? palpi at least equal 
in length to the antenne, Helophoride, Hydrophilide, and 
Spheridide 2 Of the first and third of these families Dr. Hors- 
field has brought uo specimen from Java; and of the second, 
only one species, which is however valuable as an addition to the 
single example previously known of the subgenus Dryops. Of 
Hydrophilide five species are described, all of which coincide 
with well known genera ; as do also the two species of Spheridide. 
It will have been remarked that among the aquatic Coleoptera, 
only one new form has occurred in the collection. 

To the normal? group of Necrophaga, in which the club of the 
antenne is elongated, being composed of four or five joints, are 
assigned the Scaphidide and Silphide ; aud to the aberrant?, with 
the club short and formed only of two or three joints ?, the N7ti- 
dulide, EEngide, and Dermestide. The connection of this with 
the former stirps “is found between the last named family and 
the Spheridide. Of the Scaphidide no example is found in Dr, 
Horsfield’s collection, and there occurs only one of the Silphide, 
and one of the Nitidulide. In Engide it is much richer, com- 
prising fifteen species, and including two new forms, as well as 
specimens of two established groups, Hngis and Colydium, from 
which it has been found necessary to detach other genera. Of 
the Dermestide only two species are noticed, one of which, the 
Dermestes vulpinus, is remarkable for its ubiquity, and the other 


262 Analytical Notices of Books. 


is a new species of Chelonarium, a genus hitherto regarded as 
peculiar to America. 

The fifth stirps, the Brachelytra, is connected with the pre- 
ceding one through Micropeplus, (which is strongly allied to the 
Nitidulide,) and returns into the first by means of Lesteva, the 
Carabus staphylinoides of Marsham. The insects composing it are 
well known to be extremely rare in tropical climates, and we are 
therefore by no means surprised that Dr. Horsfield did not collect 
in Javaa single insect referable to it; although the existence of such 
is most probable, since they have been brought both from the Con- 
tinent of India, and from New Holland. Dr. Horsfield however 
conceives that if they had been to be found either in carrion or in 
flowers, they could scarcely have escaped his research. The ar- 
rangement of the families is nevertheless given in the following 
order: aberrant ?, head not so broad as the thorax, 5. Tachypo- 
ride, 4, Pselaphide, 3.Omalide ; normal ?, head as broad as the 
thorax, 2. Stenide, and 1. Staphylinide. 

Having thus briefly adverted to some of the leading features of 
this truly scientific production, every page of which is pregnant 
with materials for thinking, scarcely less adapted to the general 
Zoologist than to the Entomologist in particular, it is almost un- 
necessary to add that we look forward with anxiety to the ap- 
pearance of its future nnmbers. 


—_—_ — 


Transactions of the Linnean Society of London. Vol. xiv. 
Part the third. Ato. pp. 395—605. Plates x. 


Av the commencement of an analysis of this, the concluding 
portion of the fourteenth volume of the Linnean Transactions, it 
is impossible to abstain from expressing the warmest pleasure at 
the important zoological character of its contents, which afford a 
gratifying prospect of the regeneration in this country of that sci- 
ence in which England formerly ranked high above all her rivals. 
The names of Lister, Ray, and Ellis, are deservedly estimated 
among us, but to those profound students of Nature there suc- 
ceeded no one capable of maintaining the elevated station which 


Linnean Transactions. 263 


they occupied. During the latter part of the last century there 
existed indeed among us scarcely a single zoologist whose name 
will be recorded in the history of the science, as an aCtive contri- 
butor to its advancement. But when, towards the close of that 
period, the Linnean Society, of which zoology formed one of the 
leading objects, became permanently organized, it had the effect 
of stimulating to exertion numerous individuals, well qualified to 
assist in extending our acquaintance with the animal kingdom. 
Particular instances require not to be pointed out, since the 
Transactions of that body exhibit among the contributors to them 
the names of all our later countrymen who possess claims on the 
gratitude of the student in this department of Natural History. 
Numerous however as their communications have continued to be, 
and highly valuable as has been the assistance afforded by many 
of them to the science they were designed to promote, Zoology 
has never formed, in any previous publication of the Society, so 
prominent a feature as in that which we have now to notice. 
This, in fact, with the exception of a single short paper by Mr. 
D. Don, is purely zoclogical throughout, and the subjects of which 
it treats are of the highest interest and importance. It is needless 
to allude to the circumstances which have mainly contributed to 
this gratifying result ; they are too generally known to require 
enumeration ; but we hit that those who possess the ability will 
still be induced to persevere with the same activity and zeal 
which they have now displayed, and that every succeeding part 
will thus be made to equal the present in zoological value; to 
exceed it, in a corresponding number of pages, would be ex- 
tremely difficult. 

The first, in point of order and of extent, of the papers con- 
tained in the present part, is from the pen of N. A. Vigors, Esq. 
It is entitled ‘* Observations on the Natural Affinities that con- 
nect the Orders and Families of Birds ;’? and embraces an ar- 
rangement of the greater groups, together with a general view of 
the distribution of these into the minor divisions of tribes and fa- 
milies. With the outlines of the method pursued by this gentle- 
man in his ornithological studies, the readers of the Zoological 
Journal are already well acquainted, from his various contributions 


264 Analytical Notices of Books. 


to our previous numbers, and particularly from his essay *“* On the 
Groups of the Falconide.” Founded on the quinary distribu- 
tion of Nature and circular succession of affinities first pointed out 
by Mr. W. MacLeay, and illustrated by him chiefly with refer- 
ence to Insects, Mr. Vigors has carried this principle, which he here 
developes at considerable length, into the arrangement of Birds. 
Retaining four of the orders established by Linné, his Predaceous, 
Gallinaceous, Webfooted, and Wading Birds (to designate which, 
for the sake of referring to the same set of organs in the con- 
struction of the terms, as well as for uniformity of termination, 
he employs the names of Hliger, Raptores, Rasores, Natatores, 
and Grallatores,) he throws together the remaining two, the 
Pice and Passeres of the great Swede, to form a fifth, under the 
names of Insessores, or Perching Birds. In this union he is sup- 
ported by the authority of Cuvier, who has declared that he can 
discover no line of demarcation by which they can be separated 
into distinct orders. 

Having thus laid down his five leading divisions, Mr. Vigors 
next proceeds to point out the chain of affinities by which these 
are connected together. Commencing with the Raptores, he 
finds in the genus Séréx that inferior degree of organization and 
of strength which shows that it recedes farthest from the typical 
character of the order, and brings it into close approximation with 
Caprimulgus, an Insessorial genus, strikingly resembling it in 
manners, flight, and numerous other particulars. Between these 
genera a most beautiful link is supplied by the Podargus of 
Cuvier, which thus forms the immediate passage from the Rapto- 
res to the Insessores. Vo connect these latter with the Rasores, 
we have on the one hand the genera Musophaga and Corythaix, 
already pointed out by Cuvier as uniting these two orders, and 
on the other the Columbide, which are referred by modern conti- 
nental writers to the Gallinaceous Birds, although their affinity 
to the Perchers is so marked as to have induced Linné to arrange 
them among his Passeres. The passage fromthe Raseres to the 
Grallatores is formed by the Cursores of Illiger, which differ 
in fact from the Wading Birds in scarcely any other respect than 
their terrestrial habits, and which are met by the Gruide, a 


¢ 


Linnean Transactions. 265 


family closely approximating in manners and in anatomy to the 
Gallinaceous group. Between the Grallatores and the Natatores 
it is almost unnecessary to point out any connecting link, since 
they approach each other by such gradations as to render it dif_fi- 
cult to fix the exact limits of each. We may therefore pass on 
at once to the concluding link in this chain of affiaities, which is 
one that it might appear almost impossible to supply. Nothing 
indeed can be more dissimilar than the habits of the Natatores 
and those of the Raptores; yet these it becomes necessary to 
unite in order that the circle may be completed. Frequenting 
different elements, and performing totally opposite functions in 
nature, the extreme discrepancy in the structure of their feet 
renders it difficult to conjecture how any modification of it can 
bring them into contact. Such a modification is however met 
with in the genus Tachypetes, Vieill., the Pelecanus Aquilus, 
Liv. Essentially natatorial in the character of its feet, their 
organization is so weakened and modified as to deprive it of the 
power of swimming; while its surprising strength and expansion 
of wing point it out as an inhabitant of the air. Attached exclu- 
sively to the oceau, on the surface of which it is, however, in- 
capable of resting, it thus preserves some connexion with the. 
element inhabited by the other Nafatores, and is united to the 
Rapiores by the predaceous habits which it pursues at immeasu- 
rable distances from the shore. 

Into the next and most extensive portion of Mr. Vigors’ en- 
quiry, the arrangement and affinities of the minor groups of which 
his orders are composed, it would be impossible to follow him 
with sufficient detail to render our notice explanatory of his views; 
and we must therefore unwillingly confine ourselves to the mere 
enumeration of the tribes or families referable to each. The 
Raptores are perhaps less known than any other grand division 
‘of the class; the Vulturide, Falconide, and Strigide, being in 
fact the only families with which we are yet sufficiently ace 
quainted ; a fourth family will probably be supplied by the New 
World, which is known to possess Raptorial Birds that have not 
hitherto been properly described ; and the fifth may be furnished 
by the Gypogeranide. Yhe Insessores, exceeding considerably 


266 Analytical Notices of Books. 


in number and in variety of forms the other orders, embrace in 
consequence a greater number of families, which require therefore 
to be classed in the following tribes, Fissirostres, Dentirostres, 
Conirostres, Scansores, and Tenuirostres ; each again comprising 
within itself a series of families the succession of which is deve- 
loped in the clearest and most satisfactory manner. These we 
are reluctantly compelled to omit, together with the extremely 
interesting analogies deduced from them. The reader’will how- 
ever be well repaid for the most attentive perusal of the observa- 
tions by which they are illustrated, and to which Mr. Vigors 
has devoted himself with an assiduity that cannot be too highly 
praised, drawing from numerous sources, and giving prominence 
to those facts which deserve especial notice. The Rasores are 
composed of the Columbide, Phasianide, Tetraonide, Struthio- 
nide, and Cracidew ; and to the Grallatores, the families of the 
Gruide, Ardeide, Scolopacide, Rallide, and Charadriade, are 
referred. ‘The concluding order of Natatores embraces the Ana- 
tide, Colymbide, Alcade, Pelecanide, and Laride. 

In this rapid enumeration of the groups, the text of Mr. Vigors’ 
paper, in which the typical order, tribe, or family, is placed in 
the centre, has been followed for their arrangement. It may 
however be proper to add, that he has throughout appended in 
notes their distribution into normal and aberrant groups, on the 
principle more recently adopted by Mr. W. MacLeay ; and that 
he has illustrated by diagrams the general affinities of the class, 
and also those of the Insessorial order. 

In the course of his remarks on the distribution of the Halcy- 
onide, Mr. Vigors has thought it necessary to assign a separate 
station to the Ternate Kingsfisher, Alcedo Dea, Lin. This beau- 
tiful bird he has formed into a genus under the name of Tanysip- 
tera, with the following character; ‘* Rostrum sub-breve, sub- 
crassum, rectum, acutum, naribus ovalibus. Cauda gradata, rectri- 
cibus duabus longissimis.’ The wings and feet have not been 
referred to in this description, as the specimens which are brought 
to Europe are gencrally deprived of these members. He has also 
described a new species of Buceros from the interior of Africa, 
which is closely allied to B. Abyssinicus ; but differs materially 


Linnean Transactions. 267 


from that bird in the structure of its bill. [t is the Buceros 
Leadbeateri, ‘“* B. niger, remigibus primoribus albis; regione 
ophthalmica guttureque nudis coccineis, cceruleo-variegatis ; ros- 
tri dorso elevato, cultrato, compresso.”’ 

To the same zealous and scientific ornithologist we are further 
indebted for the addition to-the British Fauna of a new species of 
Scolopax, a single specimen of which was shot in the Queen’s 
County, Ireland, in August, 1822, and which has since occurred 
once in England in the neighbourhood of Rochester. In “ A 
description of a new species of Scolopax lately discovered in the 
British Islands: with cbservations on the Anas glocitans of 
Pallas, and a description of the female of that species; by N. A. 
Vigors, Esq.;” it is thus characterized; ‘* Scolopax Sabini. S. 
castaneo atroque varia, subtus pallidior, pileo humeris pteromati- 
bus remigibusque atris, rostro pedibusque fusco-atris.” It differs 
from every other European species by the total absence of white 
from its plumage, as well as of those lighter tints of ferruginous- 
yellow which extend more or less in stripes along the head and 
back of them all. It also differs from all except $. Gallinula in 
the number of its tail-feathers, which amount to twelve. The Anas 
glocitans, referred by modern zoologists to the genus Querquedula 
of Brisson, is also extremely interesting to the British ornithologist 
from its having been quoted by Pennant as synonymous with his 
Bimaculated Duck. The male of this species was first described 
in the * British Zoology,” from a specimen taken in 1771, but 
from no further account having been given of it, and as it has not 
been ascertained whether it was afterwards preserved, it has fre- 
quently been regarded as a doubtful native of our islands. Mr. 
Vigors has however in his possession specimens both of the male 
and female, which were taken in a decoy near Maldon, Essex, in 
the wiuter of 1812-13. These he has described, the latter for the 
first time, and has thus set at rest the question of the existence, as 
well as of the locality, of the species. In this, as in the former 
case, he has also pointed out the leading marks which distinguish 
it from the kindred species. 

The ‘“ Descriptions of two species of Antclope from India, by 
Major General T. Hardwicke,” are those of the Antilope Goral 


268 Analytical Notices of Books. 


and A. Chickara. The first of these is referable to the sub-genus 
Cervicapre of Desmarest, and is thus characterized ; ‘* A. corni- 
bus brevibus approximatis recurvis subulatis basi annulatis ultra 
medium levibus, corpore supra colore murino canescente subtus 
pallidiore, gula albente, cauda brevi attenuata subfloccosa, oculis 
sinubus lacrymalibus.” The second, which forms part of the 
genus Tetracerus of Leach, is also described ; ‘¢ A. cornibus qua- 
tuor, anterioribus erectis cylindricis brevibus abrupte acuminatis 
basi subapproximatis, posterioribus subelongatis subulatis levigatis 
rectis paululum divergentibus.”” An imperfect description and 
figure of this latter animal has been recently published in the 
Histoire Naturelle des Mammiferes, on the authority of M. 
Devaucel, which there are strong grounds for believing were made 
up partly from memory, although M. D. asserts that he had in 
his own possession the living animals. Figures of the male Goral, 
and of the male and female Chickara, accompany General Hard- 
wicke’s paper. 

From the same pen we are also furnished with two other 
articles; the one, a “¢ Description of a new species of Tailed Bat, 
(Taphosous, Geoff.) found in Calcutta,” and the other a ** De- 
scription of the Buceros galeatus from Malacca.” The character 
of the new Taphosous, T. longimanus, is thus given, * T. supra 
ex fusco rufescens, subtus pallidior, trago plano capitulo securi- 
formi obliquo margine crenulato, brachiis digitisque elongatis.” 
The Buceros galeatus is described as ** B. niger, abdomine albo, 
rectricibus albido-flavescentibus fascia nigra, rostro conico subflavo; 
galea subquadrato-convexa rubra fronte subflava.” Figures of © 
each of these animals are given in illustration of their descriptions. 
From the Extracts from the Minute Book given at the end of the 
Volume, we learn that the Society has also been indebted to— 
General Hardwicke for a description of the Cervus Pygargus, an 
account of the Ovis Argaii, and descriptions of the Sciurus Pe- 
taurista, the Boa Phrygia, and the Buceros undulatus. 

Iiitherto the Linnean Transactions have contained, with per- 
haps one solitary exception, no paper of the character of that by 
W.S. MacLeay, Esq. entitled ** Anatomical Observations on the 
natural Group of 'Punicata, with the Description of three Species 


Linnean Transactions. 269 


collected in Fox Channel during the late Northern Expedition.” 
Re-urging the now almost undisputed position that zoology cannot 
be satisfactorily studied without comparative anatomy being taken 
for its basis, he proceeds to apply the aids to be thence derived to 
the illustration of this osculant group, between the polype Acrita 
and the Acephalous Mollusca. It would be difficult without the 
aid of the beautiful plates appended to his descriptions to convey 
an adequate idea of the species which he has dissected, the Bol- 
tenia reniformis, Cystingia Griffithsii, and Dendrodoa glandaria : 
for this we must therefore refer to the volume itself, contenting 
ourselves with extracting such portions of his arrangement as may 
furnish to those who study these animals a general view of his 
method of distributing them. He divides the T'unicata into an 
aberrant group? Tethya, anda normal-one? Thalida. The first 
of these, in which the mantle adheres to the envelope or test only 
at its orifices, the branchial.one being surrounded by a mem- 
branaceous ring, which is in general supplied with tentacula as in 
Polypes, comprises three families: 1. Ascidide, Animals simple 
and fixed, having their orifices externally irregular; Generic 
Type, Ascidia: 2. Botryllide, Compound and fixed, having their 
orifices externally regular; Generic Type, Polyclinum: and 3. 
Lucide, Compound and floating, having their branchial cavity 
open at the two extremities; Generic Type, Pyrosoma. ‘The 
second, or normal? group, in which the mantle adheres every- 
where to the envelope, and the branchial orifice is provided 
merely with a valvule, contains only one family at present known, 
the Biphoride, of which Salpa forms the generic type ; another 
family thus remaining to be discovered, and to reward the industry 
of the assiduous and qualified collector. 

Considerable confusion having arisen in the application of the 
trivial names, pedunculata, clavata, and globifera, to the different 
species of -dscidia comprised in’ the genus Boltenia, Sav., Mr. 
MacLeay has given a synopsis of these. ‘They are three in num- 
ber, and are all peculiar to the Arctic Seas. From the synonyms 
appended to the species. it appears that the Bol/enia ovifera Sav. 
is the Ascidia globifera of Lamarck, and the A. pedunculata of 
Shaw and Bruguiéres ; that the B. fusiformis Sav. is the 4, pedun- 


270 Analytical Notices of Books. 


culata Lam., and the 4. clavate of Shaw; and that the B. reni- 
formis MacL. is the 4. globifera of Captain Sabine, and the A. 
clavata of Otho Fabricius, and also, according to him, of Miller. 

The genus Cystingia is new. It agrees with Boltenia in the 
body being affixed by a pedicle, which however is very short, and 
in the tentacula of the branchial orifice being composite; but it 
differs in the terminal position of the anal orifice, which is more- 
over irregular instead of quadrifid. It also differs in several 
anatomical characters, particularly in the indistinctness and irre- 
gularity of the reticulation of the branchial pouch. 

Dendrodoa is also new. It forms a subgenus of Ascidia, which 
completes, with the four previously described by Savigny, the cir- 
cular series of that group. It indeed beautifully connects’ to- 
gether the three aberrant subgenera of Ascidia, one of which, 
Styela, possesses at least one ovary on each side of the body; an- 
other, Pandocia, a single ovary, which is seated on the right side ; 
and the third, Dendrodoa, having also a single ovary, which how- 
ever is placed on the left. Dendrodoa also returns into one of the 
normal subgenera, Cynthia, by the nature of its branchial reticu- 
lation and of its digestive apparatus. 

It remains now to notice only one other paper, “ A Description 
‘of such Genera and Species of Insects, alluded to in the ** Intro- 
duction to Entomology” of Messrs. Kirby and Spence, as appear 
not to have been before sufficiently noticed or described: by the 
Rey. W. Kirby: Decade the first.” In this, the able and veteran 
author describes several new genera, the whole of which, with 
one exception, are referable to the grand group of Scarabeus of 
Linné. The exception is the genus Hexagenia, which is referred 
by Mr. Kirby to the Lebiade. It is founded on a species, H. ter- 
minata, of which a description is given, and which is. probably 
oriental. The genus appears to connect the Lebiad@ with the 
Galeritide. The Dynastes of MacLeay is subdivided into genera, 
for one of which that name-has been retained, Scarabeus Hercules 
L. being taken as its type; the other, Megasoma, having for its 
type the Sc. Aciwon L. These are readily distinguished from each 
other by the external characters furnished by the horns of the 
head and thorax, as well as by the organs of manducation.’ A 


Curtis’s British Entomology. 271 


third genus, Archon, is formed from the same family, its type, a 
new species under the name of 4. emarginatus, being described 
in conjunction with it. Cetonia has also furnished materials for 
the formation of three genera; 1. Genuchus, the type of which is 
the Cetonia cruenta, Oliv. ; 2. Schizorhina, type C. atropunctata, 
Kirby, Lin. Tr, xii. ; and 3. Gnathocera, the Cetonia vitticollis of 
Latreille’s MSS, being its type. This insect is described by Mr. 
Kirby, together with another species, G. immaculata. The re- 
maining species described are the Onthophagus cervicornis, and 
O. Aries ; and a new species of Mimela, M. nigricans. We regret 
that the necessity of restraining our notice from farther exceeding 
the limits to which it should be confined, compels us to omit the 
discriminating characters developed in this very valuable paper, 
from. the promised continuation of which we anticipate much im- 
portant additional information. 


British Entomology ; or Illustrations and Descriptions of the 
Genera of Insects, &c. By Joun Curtis, F.L.S. Nos. xvii and 
XViii. 


Tue first of these numbers comprises, 1. Agrilus Chryseis, a 
species new to Britain, discovered in the New Forest, and be- 
longing to a genus of Buprestide recently established by Megerle, 
of which the Buprestis viridis may be taken as the type; 2. 
4Arctia conosa, Hubn., also new to Britain, and only taken hitherto 
at Whittlesea Mere ; 3. Bracon Denigrator, the male of which 
is now for the first time figured ; and 4, Microdon apiformis, the 
Mulio apiarius, Fab., and Aphritis auro-pubescens, Lat. 

The second contains, 1. Necrophorus Germanicus, extremely 
rare as British, under which Mr. Curtis has given a synopsis of 
the species aaah in this country, a plan well adapted to 
render his work still more valuable to the collector; 2. Thya- 
tira Batis, the Peach-blossom of the Collectors; 3. Bassus 
Calculator ; and 4. Cydnus dubius, a genus established by Fabri- 
cius, but subsequently reduced by Latreille to the rank of a diyi- 
sion of his Pentatoma. 


272 soological Proceedings of Societies. 


Art. XXX. Proceedings of Learned Societies on 
subjects connected with Zoology. 


ROYAL SOCIETY. 


April 28.—The reading of Dr. Granville’s Monograph on 
Egyptian Mummies, with Observations on the Art of Embaim- 
ing among the Ancient Egyptians, was resumed and concluded. 

The principal object of this paper was to describe a Mummy 
purchased at Gournou, in Upper Kgypt, and presented to the 
author by Sir A. Edmonstone, Bart. It was in a single case, of the 
usual form, and covered with cere-cloth and bandages very neatly 
and dexterously applied, exhibiting almost every bandage and com- 
press employed in modern surgery, and among which both cotton 
and linen were recognized :—these, to the amount of 28lbs avoir- 
dupois in weight, having been removed, the body proved to be that 
of a female. The abdominal integuments were remarkably 
wrinkled, and the whole surface was of a dark brown colour and 
dry, but in many places soft to the touch, and with the exception 
of a few parts, entirely deprived of cuticle. The height of the 
Mummy, from the vertex Me the head to the inferior surface of the 
calcaneum was five feet % of an inch, and the principal dimen- 
sions of several parts hee with those which are usually 
considered as giving rise to the utmost perfection of the female 
form in the European race; thus these dimensions are precisely 
those assigned by Camper and Winkelmann to that celebrated 
statue the Medicean Venus; and no ¢rait of Ethiopian character 
was discernible in the form of the cranium: all which, Dr. Gran- 
ville observed, supports Cuvier’s opinion respecting the Caucasian 
origin of the Egyptians. 

Dr. Granville then proceeded toa inet summary of the pre- 
sent state of our information respecting Egyptian Mummies, at- 

‘tributing its scantiness and imperfection to the rarity of perfect 
specimens, nearly all the mummies hitherto described presenting 
little else than imperfect skeletons, sometimes covered by the 
dry skin, enveloped in bandages. 


Royal Society. 273 


In proceeding to examine and dissect the present specimen, 
which was effected in the presence of several medical and scien- 
tific friends of the author, the integuments and muscles of the 
abdomen were first removed, and the contents of that cavity care- 
fully inspected: they consisted of a portion of the stomach, adhering 
to the diaphragm ; the spleen, attached to the super-renal capsule 
of the left kidney ; aud the left kidney itself with the ureter de- 
scending into the bladder, which, with the uterus and its append- 
ages were observed in situ, the Jatter exhibiting marks of dis- 
ease. Mragments only of the intestinal canal were discoverable, 
and there were a few lumps of resia, and of a mixture of clay and 
bitumen, and a few pieces of myrrh. The right kidoey, the 
liver, and the minor glands were missing ; but the gall-bladder 
was detected among the loose fragments of membranes and other 
soft parts, together with remains of its own ducts. The soft parts 
of the pelvis were then particularly examined, and the perfect 
condition of the muscles, membranes, and ligaments, particularly 
noted. ‘The cavity of the thorax was next examined, by detach- 
ing the diaphragm, to which part of the pericardium adhered ; 
and the heart in a very contracted state was afterwards fouud 
suspended by its vessels and attached to the lungs, which adhered 
to the ribs. 

Upon the examination of the cranium, it was evident that the 
brain had been removed through the nostrils, from the lacerated 
condition of the inner nasal bones; the eyes appeared not to have 
been disturbed, the tongue was entire, and the teeth were white 
and perfect. 

Dr. Granville next proceeded to draw some conclusicns as to 
the age at which this mummied female died, and respecting the 
disease which destroyed her. The bones of the ilium exhibit 
that peculiar thinness of their osseous plates, which shew the in- 
dividual to have exceeded her fortieth year, and to have borne 
children ; and as there are no characters of age or of decrepitude 
about the skeleton, the author considers her to have been about 
fifty. The ovarium and broad ligament of the right side were 
enveloped in a mass of diseased structure, while the fallopian 
tube of the same side was sound, but the uterus itself was larger 


Vox, II. 8 


274 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


than natural, and the remains of a sac were found connected with 
the left ovarium, all which, in conjunction with the appearance 
of the abdominal integuments, leave no doubt of ovarian dropsy 
having been the disease under which the individual suffered. 
—Judging from the excavation out of which the Mummy was 
taken, and according to the best authorities of the present day 
on Egyptian Antiquities, the period at which the woman lived 
must have been about three thousand years ago. 

The author concludes this communication with some observa- 
tions respecting the method of embalming practised by the an- 
cient Egyptians, and the nature of the substances employed in the 
process; from the details of which, in conjunction with the re~ 
sults of his own researches and experiments, as well synthetical 
as analytical, he draws the conclusions following : 

That the abdominal viscera were more or less perfectly ab- 
stracted, either through an incision on one side of the abdomen, 
or, as in the present Mummy, through the anus. The thoracie 
cavity was not disturbed. That the contents of the cranium were 
removed ; sometimes through the nostrils, and at others through 
one of the orbits. The body was then probably covered with 
quicklime to facilitate the removal of the cuticle, the scalp and 
nails being however left untouched; after which it was immersed 
in a melted mixture of bees’-wax, resin, and bitumen, until 
thoroughly penetrated ; and, ultimately, subjected to a tanning 
liquor, probably made with the saline water of the neighbouring 
natron lakes; the bandages were then applied, with the occa- 
sional interposition of melted resin, or wax and resin, the lumps 
of resin, myrrh, &c. having been previously placed in the 
abdomen. 

In order fully to establish these conclusions respecting the 
mummifying process, Dr. Granville had prepared several imita- 
tive mummies by its means; some of which bore the closest re- 
semblance to the Egyptian, and had withstood putrefaction for 
upwards of three yeavs, though exposed to the vicissitudes of a 
variable climate without any covering, or other precautionary 
measure. None of the substances used appear to be sufficient, 
either singly or conjointly, without the wax, to preserve the body, 
or convert it into a perfect mummy: and one of the nates of the 


Royal Society. 275 


isgyptian Mummy having been wholly deprived of the wax by 
ebullition aud maceration, looked no longer like its mummified 
fellow, but resembled a preparation of a recent specimen of that 
part, and soon began to putrefy. After the reading of the paper, 
Dr. Granville exhibited the dissected Mummy and its various 
parts, together with the bandages with which it had been in- 
vested, drawings of its outer case, &c., and his own imitative pre- 
parations, in the Society’s Library; thus illustrating the details of 
his communication. 

May 19.—Professor Buckland communicated a paper, On the 
Fossil Elk of Ireland; by ‘Thomas Weaver, Esq. M.R.I.A., 
F.G;S., &c. 

During Mr. Weaver’s recent avocations in the North of Ireland, 
he had met with an opportunity of determining some facts, shew- 
ing that the remains of the gigantic Elk which have been found 
in various parts of that country, are not of antediluvian origin; 
but that the animal lived and died in the countries where its 
remains are now found. Similar facts had been ascertained in 
the West of Ireland, at about the same time, by the Rev. Mr. 
Maunsell, Archdeacon of Limerick; particulars of which had been 
communicated to the Royal Dublin Society, and would form, Mr. 
Weaver hoped, a distinct publication on the subject : but he gave 
some account of them in the present paper, because they directly 
confirmed his own deductions. 

Mr, Weaver’s researches were made in the county of Down, 
which presents hills of fren» 300 or 400 feet in height, consisting 
of alternate beds of clay-slate and fine grained greywacke, traver- 
sed by many contemporaneous veins of calcareous spar and quartz, 
and also intersected by some true metalliferous rake veins. Be- 
tween two of these hills, at about four miles distance from the 
town of Dundrum, is the bog of Kilmegan, in which the facts 
were observed. It appears to have been a lake, which has been 
gradually filled up by the growth and decay of successive races of 
aquatic plants, and the consequent formation of peat ; but on ae- 
count of the remaining water, it had never been worked as a 
peat-bog until the present Marquis of Downshire drained it by 
means of a level. The peat was found to rest upon a bed of marie, 

5 2 


~~ 


276 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


of from one to five feet in thickness, consisting of a calcareous 
base mingled with comminuted fragments of fresh-water shells, 
which it likewise contained in an entire and but slightly altered 
state ; all referable to three still-existing species, viz. Helix pu- 
tris, Linn. Turbo fontinalis, and Tellina carnea. Many bones and 
horns of the Elk had been found from time to time in this bog, 
all of which, Mr. Weaver ascertained, from the concurrent testi- 
mony of the tenantry, were found either between the peat and 
the marle, or slightly impressed in the latter. . 

“The researches of the Archdeacon of Limerick had been made 
in the peat-bog of Rathcannon in that county, where abundance 
of Elk’s bones were found under circumstances precisely similar, 
and upon marle of the same kind, as in the case examined by Mr. 
Weaver; and the circumstances were investigated before the 
bones were displaced. The Archdeacon had been enabled, with 
the assistance of Mr. Hart, M.R.C.S. to frame a gigantic and 
nearly complete skeleton, which he had presented to the Museum 
of the Royal Dublin Society. Some of the bones shewed marks 
of disease and fracture; one leg had evidently been broken and 
healed again: a rib had a perforation about one-eighth of an inch 
wide, the edges of which were depressed on the outside, and 
raised on the inside; it was such as could only have been made 
by a thin sharp instrument, which did not penetrate far enough 
to cause a mortal wound ; for, as the edges of the perforation were 
quite smooth, the animal must have survived the injury at least a 
twelvemonth. The bones seemed to retain all their principles, 
with the addition of a portion of carbonate of lime imbibed from 
the contiguous marl. A shank-bone still retained its marrow, 
which had the appearance of fresh suet, and blazed when applied 
to the flame of a candle. With them were found a pelvis, appa- 
rently belonging to a Red-Deer ; and the skull of a Dog, of about 
the size of a Water Spaniel. 

From all these ‘circumstances, which accord with those under 
which the remains of the Elk occur in the curraghs of the Isle of 
Man, as described by Professor Henslow, Mr. Weaver infers, 
that these Elks must have lived and died in the countries where 
they are now found ; that the period at which they lived must be 


Linnean Society. 277 


considered as modern in the physical history of the globe; and 
that their extinction is attributable rather to the continued perse- 
cution of their enemies, accelerated by incidental local causes, 
than to any general catastrophe that overwhelmed the surface of 
the globe ; — so that their remains are not of dilwvial, but of 
post-diluvial origin. In seeking a cause for the nearly constant 
distribution of these remains in Ireland, in swampy spots, Mr. 
W. conjectures that the animals may have fled to the lakes, which 
have since become bogs, as places of refuge from their enemies, 


and thus not unfrequently found a grave where they looked for 
protection. 


June 2.—A paper entitled Microscopical Observations on the 
Materials of the Brain, and the Ova of Animals, and the Analogy 
that exists between them, was communicated by Sir EK, Home, 
Bart. V.P.R.S. 

The author first detailed the results of some experiments, made 
with a view to ascertain whether Frogs that had been completely 
frozen, could, under any circumstances, be restored to life ; 
which he found never to be the case where the brain had been 
entirely congealed ; the substance of which, after such a process, 
never regains its former appearance, but is resolved into a watery 
fluid, mixed with some gelatinous matter. In the act of freezing, 
the human brain was found to suffer a similar decomposition. The 
molecule of the egg is also resolved, during the process of freez- 
ing, into materials corresponding with those of the brain. 

Magnified drawings, executed by Mr. Bauer, of the various 
substances described in this paper, accompanied the communica- 
tion, 


June 16.—The Society adjourned to the 17th of November 
next. 


——---— 


LINNEAN SOCIETY. 


April 5.—Captain P, Parker King, F.R. & L.S. presented 
specimens of the Birds and Fishes he had collected in his recent 
Survey of the North-west Coast of New Holland. 

April 19. —The reading vf the Rev. Messrs. R. Sheppard’s and 


278 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


W. Whitear’s Catalogue of the Birds of Norfolk and Suffolk wav 
continued. 

- May 3.—Professor F. A. Bonelli, and Mons. C. S. Kunth, were 
elected to fill the two vacancies in the List of Foreign Members 
of the Society ; and the reading of the Catalogue of Norfolk and 
Suffolk Birds was concluded. Annexed to this catalogue was 
a table of the times of migration of various Birds, as observed at 
several places in the above counties during a series of years. 

- May 24.—The Anniversary Meeting of the Society was held 
this day, at one o’clock, Sir J. E. Smith, President, in the Chair : 
when the following members were chosen Officers and Council 
for the ensuing year. President,—Sir J. E. Smith, Knt. M. D. 
F.R.S. Vice - Presidents,—Samuel, Lord Bishop of Carlisle, 
L.L.D. V.P. R.S.; A. B. Lambert, Esq. F.R.S.; W. G. Maton, 
- M.D. F.B.S.; Edward, Lord Stanley, M.P. F.H.S. Secretary,— 
J. E. Bicheno, Esq. Assistant Secretary,—Richard Taylor, Esq. 
M.A.S. Treasurer,—Edward Forster, Esq. F.R.S. Council,— 
Edward Barnard, Esq. F.H.S.; Robert Brown, Esy. F.R.S. ; 
H. T. Colebrooke, Esq. F.R.S.; Edward Horne, Esq. ; Charles 
Konig, Esq. F.R.S.; Daniel Moore, Esq. F.R.S.; Rev. T. Rackett, 
M.A. F.R.S; and J. F. Stephens, Esq. 

The Society afterwards dined at the Freemasons’ Tavern, where 
the presence of Sir J. E. Smith in improved health added much 
to the enjoyment of the day. Addresses on subjects interesting 
to the cultivators of Natural History were delivered by various 
members, and other men of science: amongst others, by the vener- 
able Bishop of Carlisle, Lord Stanley, the Rev. Dr. Fleming, and 
the respective Presidents of the Horticultural and Geological 
Societies. Numerous expressions of respect and cordial esteem 
were called forth towards the late Secretary of the Society, 
Alexander MacLeay, Esq. F.R.S., on the occasion of his quitting 
this country for a time, to occupy the important station of Colonial 
Secretary in New South Wales. 

June 7.—Lieutenant J. H. Davies and C. Willcox, Esq. com- 
municated an account of the species of Mytilus from Bombay, 
naturalized in Portsmouth Harbour, which the latter gentleman 
has already noticed in this Journal.* A paper was also read, 

*“O Nol. dsp. 290. 


soological Club. 279 


On the Crepitacula and Organs of Sound in Orthopterous Insects ; 
and particularly in the Locusta camellifolia, a description of which 
is subjoined; by the Rev. Lansdown Guilding, B.A. F.L.S. 

June 21.—The following papers were read: Catalogue of the 
New Holland Birds in the Collection of the Linneun Society; by 
Thomas Horsfield, M.D. F.L.& G.S., and N. A. Vigors, Esq. M.A, 
F.L.S.: communicated by the Zoological Club of the Linnean 
Society. In the introductory remarks to this paper the authors 
express their confident expectation that the deficiency of our 
knowledge of the habits of the Birds of Australia, will be in 
great measure supplied by the researches of Mr, A. MacLeay during 
his future residence in that interesting country.—A notice on a 
peculiar property of a species of Echinus; by E. 'T. Bennett, 
F.L.S.: communicated by the Zoological Club. 

The Society then adjourned over the long vacation, to meet 
again on the First of November next. 


ZOGLUGICAT CLUB OF THE LINNEAN SOCIETY. 


April 12.—The Secretary exhibited a specimen of the Gallinula 
Baillonit, Temm., which had been lately taken near Melbourne, 
in Cambridgeshire, and had been communicated to him by the 
Rey. Dr. Thackeray, F.L.S. Provost of King’s College, Cambridge, 
for the information of the Club. This is the first instance of this 
species, which is not uncommon in the eastern and southern parts 
of Europe, being recorded as a British Bird. 

Mr. Swainson exhibited five new species of the genus Thamno- 
philus, Vieill., which he was about to describe in the Zoological 
Journal,* as also several species which had lately been described 
in this country: and he stated that he was now acquainted with 
at least twenty-five species of that genus. He particularly dwelt 
upon this circumstance, as it illustrated the progress of science 
during the last few years, the genus T'’hamnophilus having been 
originally founded upon a single species, the Lanius doliatus, 
Linn., in the year 1816. This single genus now comprises nearly 
as many species as belonged to the whole of the genus Lanius in 
the days of Linnwus; twenty-six species only having been in- 


* See the present Volume, p. 84. 


280 Soological Proceeding's of Societies. 


cluded in the last edition of the ** Systema Nature.” He called 
the. attention of the Club to the uniformity exhibited in the dis- 
tribution of the colours throughout the genus ; the plumage of all 
the species, with one or two exceptions, being considerably va- 
riegated, either above or below, with spots or bands; while the 
colours, on the contrary, of the African genus Malaconotus, which 
immediately approaches Thamnophilus in affinity, are distributed 
in large and unbroken. masses, and no instance has hitherto oc- 
curred of an example of that genus having the body or tail spotted 
or barred. He-added that it is further worthy of remark that 
those American. Thamnophili, whose plumage is most unspotted, 
approach more closely than the rest of the genus to the African 
Mataconoti, by their robuster feet, and more rounded tail. 


Mr. Vigors exhibited several species of the genus. Palawornis, 


which he had lately instituted in the family of. Psittacide ; and 
he stated that the Parrots known to the ancients belonged eXx- 
clusively to that group. He adduced some passages from the 
classical writers to illustrate the high estimation with which these 
birds were regarded by antiquity, in consequence of their beauty, 
their docile manners, and the imitative powers of their voice; as 
aiso to point out the characters by which they were known to the 
ancients, and their geographical distribution. He next proceeded 
to explain the situation which these birds maintain in the family, 
stating that it appeared to him to be nearly typical in the fifth 
subdivision, or subfamily, which includes the birds familiarly 
known to us by the title of dong-tailed Parrakeets. He exem- 
plified the various groups that belong to this subfamily by speci- 
mews of each which he exhibited to the Club ; and he signified 
his intention of speedily characterizing all the groups of the 
Pstttacide, and \aying his general arrangement of them before 
the Club. In the course of his observations he pointed out a 
singular peculiarity in a New Holland genus of the family, of 
which the Psit. hamatodus, Linn. is the type; namely, the 
tubular or brush-like conformation of the tongue. This con- 
formation he exemplified in the tongue of one of the species of 
this genus, which was communicated to him by Mr. Yarrell for 
the information of the Club. He also mentioned that the Indian 


» 


- 


Zoological Club. 281 


group of Lories possess a similiar peculiarity iu their tongues; a 
fact, for the knowledge of which he was indebted to Sir Stamford. 
Raffles, who had frequent opportunities of observing the structure 
of the tongue of these birds during his residence in the East. It 
is to be observed that these two groups of Parrots, thus united by 
this similarity of.conformation, come next to each other in the 
general distribution of the family, by other strong and distinguish~ 
ing characters. 

April_28.—The Secretary exhibited a specimen of the Accentor 
Alpinus, Bechst., which was communicated to him by the Rev, 
Dr. Thackeray, F.L.S. for the information of the Club. This 
specimen, the first of the species which has been noticed in the 
British Isiands, was killed in the garden of King’s College, Cam- 
bridge, in the Autumn of 1822. 

Mr. Vigors exhibited a Diagram representing the Tribes and 
Families into which the order of Insessores in Ornithology ap- 
pears to be distributed ; and he pointed out the typical and dis-_ 
tinguishing characters of each of these divisional groups, and at 
the same time the affinities by which they are connected together. 
He illustrated these views by a reference to the birds themselves 
which represented the types of the different groups ; and he ex- 
plained the causes which rendered it necessary to unite the two 
Linnean Orders of Picw and Passeres into the present order of 
Insessores or Perching Birds, in order to preserve inviolate the 
series of affinity in which the various groups that compose these 
orders naturally follow each other. The discussion arising from 
this subject was postponed to a subsequent meeting. 

May 10.—Mr. Vigors read a continuation of the ‘ Catalogue 
of the New Holland Birds. in the Collection of the Linnean So- 
ciety,” by Dr. Horsfield and himself. In this portion of the 
Catalogue the Psittactde of New Holland were described; and 
the characters given of the new generic groups Nanades, Platy- 
_, cercus, Palwornis, Trichoglossus, and Calyptorynchus. The cha- 
racters of these groups were explained by a reference to the birds 
themselves in the Society’s Collection, which were exhibited to 
the meeting. , 


June 14.—Mr. Vigors resumed the subject; which he had com- 


282° Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


menced on the 28th of April, of the quinary arrangement of the 
Insessorial Birds, and the circular series of affinities by which 
the subdivisions return into themselves: and he entered upon the 
discussion of the question, arising out of the subject, which had. 
been postponed on that evening. He explained the advantages 
which the present mode of investigating nature possesses over all 
the artificial systems which have hitherto prevailed; dwelling on 
the present occasion more particularly on two points; namely,— 
First, on the advantages which a mode of arrangement founded 
upon the affinities of groups exhibits, in giving the student an 
uninterrupted view of the connecting characters of all, the know- 
ledge of one group leading immediately to the knowledge of that 
which succeeds ; whereas in the systems which have hitherto been 
applied to Natural History, and which have been exclusively 
founded on division, the student, when he quits his investigation 
of one group, has no clue to the knowledge of that which is te 
follow :—and Secondly, upon the advantages resulting from the 
same method of arrangement, as exhibiting an uniformity in the 
mode of investigating corresponding or analogous groups of nature. 
This latter principle he illustrated by pointing out the analogous 
relations which exist between the five orders of the Mammalia, 
and those of Ornithology ; and he drew the conclusion, that the 
student, having attained a knowledge of the typical characters in 
the five orders of either of these classes, is immediately led, by 
making allowances for the respective peculiarities that distinguish 
the two groups—i. e. mutatis mutandis—to a knowledge of the 
typical characters of the five orders belonging to the other classes. 
He adverted to many other corresponding analogies in the animal 
kingdom ; and, drawing the inference from the great mass of in 
formation which already corroborated these views in so many de- 
partments of nature, that similar analogies would probably be 
found to exist between other groups of equal degree not yet in- 
vestigated, he presumed that the mode of consulting Nature, 
which thus opened a passage from the knowledge of one group to 
the knowledge of all which correspond with it in equal rank, has 
a claim to be considered 4s of superior advantage and importance. 
He then took notice of some objections which had been brought 


Geological Society. 283 


against the principles which had been explained to the Club on 
this and preceding evenings; and a lengthened discussion took 
place on the subject, which was further postponed to a a 
opportunity. 

June 28.—Mr. Swainson exhibited drawings of a species of 
Bat, allied to Phyllostoma, which he had obtained during his 
residence in Brazil. The original specimens being lost, he ex- 
pressed his wish that the only vestige of the species which he now 
possessed, should be rendered available to the purposes of science ; 
and Mr. Brookes and Dr. Horsfield were therefore requested to 
direct their attention to the subject, and report thereon to the 
Club, Mr. Gray having promised to render assistance. 

Mr. Vigors exhibited to the Meeting specimens of the different 
types of form that compose M. Brisson’s generic group of Icterus. 
This group he stated to ‘compose one fifth division, or sub-family, 
of the family of Sturnide, and to consist of the five following 
genera; viz. Cassicus, Daud., Quiscalus, Vieill., Icterus, Cuv., 
Xanthornus, Cuv., and Leéstes, which he had lately characterized* 
"as a genus intervening between Xanthornus and Cassicus. He ex- 
plained the characteristic differences by which the typical species 
of these five groups are distinguished from each other, and the 
affinities by which they are at the same time connected together. 
He also exhibited specimens of two new species of the sub-family, 
the Xanthornus Chrysopterus, and Leistes Suchii, which he had 
recently described. 


GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


June 3. — A paper was read, entitled Remarks on Qua- 
drupeds imbedded in recent alluvial strata; by C. Lyell, Esq. 
Oy Ci Pan 

In a former communication to the Society, the author had stated 
that he had found it difficult to explain the circumstances under 
which the remains of Quadrupeds were very generally found im- 
bedded in the shell marle in Scotland; often at considerable 
depths, and far from the borders of those lakes in which the marle 
is accumulated. 


* See the present Number of our Journal, p. 182. 


234 Soological Proceedings of Societies. 


These animals must have been drowned when-the lakes were 
of acertain depth. Their bones are found in the marle, unaccom- 
panied by sand or gravel, or any proofs of disturbing forces. From 
the shape of the surrounding land iu some instances, it appears 
that floods could not have swept them in; and from the occasional 
absence of rivers flowing into others, they could not have been 
washed in by them. ! 

The author therefore suggests that they were Jost in attempting 
to cross the ice in winter; the water never freezing sufficiently 
hard above the springs to bear their weight, and springs abounding 
always in those lakes in Forfarshire and Perthshire, in which 
marle is deposited. 

The skeletons of some of the animals found in the shell marle 
in Forfarshire, are in a vertical position, but some are not. The 
‘same circumstance has been remarked with regard to the Elks 
occurring in the marle in the Isle of Man. Of these facts Mr. 
Lyell offers the following explanation. 

Cattle which are lost in bogs and marshes sink in, and die in an 
erect posture, and are often found with their heads only appearing © 
above the surface of the ground. When therefore a lake in which 
marle is deposited is shallow, the Quadrupeds which fall through 
the ice sink into the marle in the same manner, and perish in an 
upright posture ; but when the lake is deep, and the animals are 
dead before they reach the bottom, they become enveloped in the 
marle in any position rather than the vertical. : 

June 17.—An extract of a letter was read from John Kingdom, 
Esq. communicated by Jos. Townsend, Esq. F.G.S. 

Mr. Kingdom mentions in this letter the situation in which 
certain bones of a very large size, appearing to have belonged to a 
Whale and a Crocodile, were lately found completely imbedded 
in the Oolite Quarries, about a mile from Chipping Norton, near 
Chapel House. 


THE NEW ZOOLOGICAL INSTITUTION. 


It is with much satisfaction that we record the preliminary 
arrangements that have been made, for the establishment of a new 


The New Zoological Institution. 285 


Institution, designed for the advancement and extension, in all its 
branches, of that important and delightful science, to assist in the 
promotion of which is the object of this Journal. One of the more 
immediate and special objects of this Institution, is the application 
to the uses of civilized society of some of the innumerable subjects 
of the animal kingdom, in every class, which have either not yet 
been so applied, or from which man has not yet derived all the 
benefits they are susceptible of affording him. We understand 
the plan to have been originally suggested by Sir Stamford Rafiles, 
who appears desirous of continuing, in his native land, the honour- 
able career of usefulness and devotion to science,which he pursued, 
with so much zeal and success, during his residence in the East ; 
and we are also informed that the subject has been taken up with 
much interest and activity, by the illustrious Presideut of the 
Royal Society, who, during the few years he has occupied his 
exalted station, has uniformly exerted himself in the promotion of 
every department of natural knowledge. 

The following Prospectus, which has been extensively circulated, 
explains in detail the objects of the proposed establishment. 


** Prospectus of a Society for introducing and domesticating new 
breeds or varieties of animals, such as Quadrupeds, Birds, or 
Fishes, likely to be useful in common life ; and for forming a 
general collection in Zoology. 

“ Zoology, which exhibits the nature and properties of ani- 
mated beings, their analogies to each other, the wonderful deli- 
cacy of their structure, and the fitness of their organs to the 
peculiar purposes of their existence, must be regarded not only as 
an amusing and interesting study, but as a most important branch 
of Natural Theology, teaching by the intelligent design and won- 
derful results of organization the wisdom and power of the 
Creator. In its relation to useful and immediate economical pur- 
poses, it is no less remarkable; the different races of animals em- 
ployed in social life, for labour, cloathing, food, or amusement, 
are the direct objects of its contemplation: their improvement, 
the manner in which their number may be increased, the appli- 
cation of their produce, its connexion with various departments of 


286 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


industry and manufactures, are of great importance to man im every 
stage of his existence, but most so in proportion as he advances in 
wealth, civilization, and refinement. 

‘¢ It has long been a matter of deep regret to the cultivators of 
Natural History, that we possess no great scientific establishments 
cither for teaching or elucidating Zoology, and no public mena- 
geries or collections of living animals, where their nature, proper- 
ties, and habits, may be studied. In almost every other part of 
Europe, except in the Metropolis of the British LImpire, some- 
thing of this kind exists; but though richer than any other coun- 
try in the extent and variety of our possessions, and having more 
facilities from our colonies, our fleets, and our varied and constant 
intercourse with every quarter of the globe, for collecting dead 
specimens and introducing living animals, we have as yet attempted 
little and done almost nothing; and the student of Natural His- 
‘tory, or the philosopher who wishes to examine animated nature, 
has no other resource but that of visiting and profiting by the 
- magnificent institutions of a neighbouring and a rival country. It 
is to be hoped that this opprobrium to our age and nation may 
disappear, and there can scarcely be a better moment for an 
undertaking of this kind than the present: a state of profound 
peace, increasing prosperity, and overflowing wealth, when the 
public mind is prepared to employ its activity and direct its re- 
sources to new objects and enterprizes. 

‘¢ It is proposed to establish a Society bearing the same relation 
to Zoology, that the Horticultural does to Boiany, and upon a 
similar principle and plan. ‘The great objects should be the in- 
troduction of new varieties, breeds, and races of animals, for the 
purpose of domestication, or for stocking our farm-yards, woods, 
pleasure grounds, and wastes ; with the establishment of a general 
Zoological Collection, consisting of prepared specimens in the 
different classes and orders, so as to afford a correct view of the 
animal kingdom at large in as complete a series as may be prac- 
ticable, and at the same time point out the analogies between the 
animals already domesticated, and those which are similar in cha- 
racter upon which the first experiments were made. 

<¢ To promote these objects—Ist. A piece of ground should be 


The New Zoological Institution. 287 


provided, with abundance of water, and variety of soil and aspect, 
where covers, thickets, lakes, extensive menageries, and aviaries, 
may be formed ; and where such Quadrupeds, Birds, and lishes, as 
are imported by the Society, should be placed, for ascertaining their 
uses, their power of increase, or improvement.—2dly. Sufficient 
accommodation for the Museum should be provided in the Metro- 
polis, with a suitable establishment, so conducted as to admit of 
its extension on additional means being afforded. 

“< It is presumed that a number of persons would feel disposed 
to encourage an institution of this kind ; it is therefore proposed 
to make the annual subscription from each individual only two 
pounds, and the admission fee three pounds. The members, of 
course, will have free and constant access to the collection and 
grounds, and might, at a reasonable price, be furnished with living 
specimens, or the ova of Fishes and Birds. ; 

‘¢ When it is considered how few amongst the immense variety 
of animated beings, have been hitherto applied to the uses of man, 
and that most of those which have been domesticated or subdued, 
belong to the early periods of Society, and to the efforts of savage 
or uncultivated nations,* it is impossible not to hope for many 
new, brilliant, and useful results in the same field, by the appli- 
cation of the wealth, ingenuity, and varied resources of a civilized 
people. 

“¢ It is well known, that, with respect to most of the animal 
tribes, domestication is a process which requires time, and that 
the offspring of wild animals, raised in a domestic state, are 
more easily tamed than their parents, and in a certain number of 
generations the effect is made permanent, and connected with a 
change, not merely in the habits, but even in the nature of the 
animal. Even migration may be, in certain cases, prevented, and 
the wildest animals supplied abundantly with food, may lose the 
instinct of locomotion, and their offspring acquire new habits: 


* “ We owe the Peacock and Common Fow! to the natives of India, most of 
our races of Cattle, and Swans, Geese, Ducks, to the Aborigines of Europe; 
the Turkey to the natives of Americas the Guinea Fowl to those of Africa. 


The Pike and Carp, with some other Fishes, were probably introduced by the 
Monks.” 


288 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


and a breed, fairly domesticated, is with difficulty brought back 
to its original state. 

‘¢ Should the Society flourish and succeed, it will not only be 
useful in common life, but would likewise promote the best and 
most extensive objects of the scientific history of animated nature, 
and offer a collection of living animals, such as never yet existed 
in ancient or modern times. ‘The present menageries of Europe 
are devoted to objects of curiosity. Rome, at the period of her 
greatest splendour, brought savage monsters from every quarter of 
the world then known, to be shewn in her amphitheatres, to 
destroy or be destroyed, as spectacles of wonder to her citizens. 
It would well become Britain to offer another, and a very different 
series of exhibitions to the population of her Metropolis ;—animals 
brought from every part of the globe to be applied to some useful 
purpose as objects of scientific research, not of vulgar admiration ;— 
and upon such an institution, a Philosophy of Zoology founded, 
pointing out the Comparative Anatomy, the habits of life, the im- 
provement and the methods of multiplying those races of animals — 
which are most useful to man, and thus fixing a most beautiful 
and important branch of knowledge on the permanent ' basis of 
direct utility.” 


March 1st, 1825. 


On Wednesday, June 22d, a public meeting of the friends to 
the Institution took place at the Rooms of the Horticultural 
Society, the Earl of Darnley in the Chair; when a Committee of 
Noblemen and Gentlemen was chosen to further the objects of 
the Society, Sir Stamford Raffles being appointed the Chairman. 

Persons desirous of belonging to the Society, will signify their 
wishes, by letter, to Mr. T. Griffiths, 21, Albemarle-street, 
London. 

We hope to report the further progress of this Institution in 
our next Number. 


THE 


ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL. 
October, 1825. 


Art. XXXI. Descriptions of Thirteen Species of Formica, 
and Three Species of Culex, found in the Environs of 
Nice. By Wittiam Exrorp Leacu, M.D. F.R.S. 
&c. &c. 


1. FoRMICA RUBESCENS. 


Mas. Corpore toto nigrescente nitidissimo ; abdomine ovali elon- 
gato; organis sexualibus testaceis; femoribus nigris, apice 
extremitateque albidis; tibiis tarsisque pallidis;  squama 
crassa emarginatd ; oculis nigris. 

-Fourmis roussatre. Huser. Rec. sur les Meurs de Four. 
Indig. 327. t. ii. f. 3. 

Famina. Corpore toto intensé rubescente nitidissimo; thorace 
postice valde rotundato et projectante; squamd magna crasst 
subrotundata; abdomine ovali, bast abruptissimé coarctato ; 
oculis nigris ; alis hyalinis, pterogosteis nigrescentibus. 

Huser. Rec. sur les Meurs de Four. Indig. 327. t.2. f. 3. 
Neutrrum. Corpore toto rubescente nitidissimo; abdomine seg- 
mento anali pallidiore, oculis nigris. 
Corporis longitudo. g 00021. 2 0005. © 0004. 
Habitat in Montibus et Collibus propé Nicé sub Lapidibus vul- 
gatissima. 
2. Formica BICOLOR. 


F. 3 et 2. Corpore toto, pedibus antennisque testaceis hyalinis ; 
fronte, oculis dorsoque posticé nigrescentibus ; thorace pos- 
tice utrinque spinulé acuta armato, 
Vor. II. T 


290 Dr. Leach on Formice and Culices 


Corporis longitudo g¢ 0003. © 0002. 
Habitat in Montibus et Collibus propé Nicé ubique vulgatissima 
sub Lapidibus. 


3. FoRMICA TESTACEIPES. 


F. ©- Corpore toto fulvo-fusco, nitidissimo; thorace postice 
utrinque. spinula acuta instructo ; antennis pedibusque tes- 
ceis hyalinis ; thorace inermi. 

Corporis longitudo. © 0003. 
Habitat in Montibus et Collibus propé Nicé rarissima, sub 
Lapidibus. 
4. Formica FUuscA. 


F. g et 2. Corpore toto intensé ferrugineo; antennis pedibus- 
que pallidioribus ; thorace posticé utrinque spinula acutd in- 
structo. 

Corporis longitudo. 9 0005. © 0002. 
Habitat in Montibus et Collibus propé Nicé sub Lapidibus 
vulgatissima. 
5. Formica Arrinis. 


VF. 9 eto. Thorace, antennis, pedibus abdominisque apice et 
basi intensé testaceis ; capite, oculis dersique medio intensé 
fuscis ; thorace posticé utrinque spinuld instructo. 

Magnitudo omnino F. bicoloris. 
Habitat in Montibus et Collibus propé Nicé sub Lapidibus 
vulgatissima. 
6. FormicA CASTANIPES. 


F. 3 9 et©. Capite, thorace abdomineque glaberrimis, nitidis, 
atris; antennis pedibusque intensé castaneis ; thorace inermé ; 
alis hyalinis, plerogostets croceo-fulvis. 

Corporis longitudo. gy 0009. 9 0013. O 0607. 
Habitat in Montibus et Collibus prope Nicé sub Lapidibus 
vulgatissima. 
7. Formica Husperiana. 


F. 8 Qet©. Capite, thorace, abdomineque glabris, nitidis, 
atris ; antennis bast femoribusque fusco-nigris ; antennarum 


articulis omnibus minoribus, tibiis tarsisque fuscis, thorace 
enermé. 


of the Neighbourhood of Nice. 291 


Corporis longitudo. g¢ 00083. ¢ 0014. O 0008. 
Habitat in Helvetia Boreali rarissima. Risso, props Nicé sub 
Lapidibus vulgatissima. 


8. Formica Niczensis. 
F. 3 9 etO. Capite abdomineque fusco-nigris, glabris, nitidis ; 
antennis, thorace pedibusque croceo-fulvis. 
Corporis longitudo. g 0008. 9 00124. © 0006 et 00045. 
Habitat infra Lapidibus propé Nicé vulgatissima. 


9. ForMICA HEMATOCEPHALA. 

F. 3 Q et QO. Capite intensé sanguineo ; fronte verticeque pur- 
pureo-atris ; oculis atris; thorace intensé sanguineo, atro 
wrregulariter maculato, posticé utringae spinulaé acuta ar- 
mato ; antennis pedibusque intensé fulvo-sanguineis. 

Corporis longitudo. g 0005. 2 0009. © 00043. 
Habitat sub Lapidibus in Montibus et in Collibus vulgatissima. 


9. FoRMICA RUPESTRIS. 


F. 3. Capite brunneo-fulvo ; oculis atris ; antennis, thorace pedi- 
busque fulvis ; abdomine atro nitidissimo, segmentis omnibus 
posticée fulvo-mar ginatis ; thorace inermi. 

F. 2. Capite intense brunneo-fulvo ; oculis atris; thorace pedi- 
busque fulvis ; abdomine atro glaberrimo, nitente. 

FP. ©. Capite, thorace, abdomineque atris, glaberimis, nitentibus ; 
antennis basi, femoribus tibiisque nigris ; tarsis antennisque, 
articulis minoribus ferruginets. 

Corporis longitudo. ¢ 0010. 9 00122. © 0008. 
Habitat inter Rupium Fissuras vulgatissima. 


10. Formica RepiAna. 


F. 3,250. Antennis articulis minoribus, thorace pedibusque 
Jusco-fulvis ; thorace inermi; antennis articulo basilari fuloo- 
Jusco ; capite abdomineque piceis ; oculis atris. 

Corporis longitudo. ¢ 0007. 2 O01). O 73. 
Habitat propé Nicé vulgatissima. 
rt 2 


292 ~= Dr. Leach on. Formice and Culices of Nice. 


11. Formica MEGACEPHALA:)) «o> > 
F: 3,9, OQ.  Capite maximo, intensé ferrugineo ;' oculis atris ; 
antennis articulo basilari intense ‘ferrugineo, minoribus fer- 
rugineis ; thorace abdomineque glaberrimis nitentibus atris ; 
Semoribus intense Serrugineis ; tibiis ali JSerrug oi 
. thorace inermi. 59 < ‘ 
Corporis longitudo. & 0006. 2 0012. CG 0007. 
Habitat in Montibus et Collibus sub: Tati p ii Nice vul- 
gatissma.. | jut] 


. Formica Gicas. » 


B, 35250 Pour thoraceque atro-velutinis ; oculis aterrimis 
_ nitentibus ; antennis _articulo  basilari perfusco, , minoribus 
_ ferrugineo -fuscis; abdomine segmento primo et secundi bast 
coccineis, aliis. atris velutinis, posticé coccineo-marginatis ; 
Semoribus basi intense coccineis ; tibiis per fuscas.s tarsis og ac 
- cescentibus.. ee 
Corporis longitudo. 3 00093. Q 0015. © 0009. 


a 


‘3 iA 8 


13. Pigs: PICEA. otiend .% Jf 


Bdg 25 O. Capite, antennis,.thorace, abdomine, pedébusque 

piceis, gluber:imis, nitentibus; geniculis tarsisque Serrugineis. 
Corporis longitudo.. ¢ 00051. 2 0010. O 0005. 3 4G 4 

Habitat sub Lapidibus propé Nice rarior.. . nd 


1. Goes MERIDIONALIS. 


C. capite thorace abdomineque ‘brinneo- testaceis ; ; abdomine. seg 
mentis omnibas postice ‘griseo-murginatis ; . pédibus cineras= 
centibus ; alis hyalinis, iridescentibus, plerogostets brunneis. 

Corporis longitudo. 0006. 2. 2s +3 
Habitat propé et in Nice vulgatissimus... « ‘Oe? Saas 
2. .Cuinx Nic#ensis:: 9 oo (8-0 

C. capite, thorace abdomineque obscure brunnéeis ; abdomine seg 

mentis omnibus posticé cinereo-marginatis-; pedibus cineras- 


Messrs. Say and Ordon Neotoma Floridana. 293 
. ) centibus, griseo-annulatis ; alis: hyistinis iridescentibus, ae 
_- gosteis cinerascentibus. ; 
‘ Gale ‘Niceensis, Risso MSS. ° 
Corporis longitudo.0010. 
‘Habitat in et propé Nicé vulgatissimus.. — - 


3. CULEX MUSICUS. 


C. Capite omen abdomineque cinereis ; abdomine nigro-punc- 
tulato; segmentis omnibus postice lacteo-marginatis ; pedi- 
- . bus. brunneo-cinereis ; alts hyalinis tridescentibus, plero- 
gosteis griseis. 
» Calex musicus. Risso MSS. - 
Corporis longitudo 0011. 
» Habitat in Montibus propé Nicé rarior. 


__This species. occasionally enters the ‘houses in Nice itself}; its 
piping noise is by no means unpleasant, but: rather agreeable 
than otherwise, which entitles it to the name given to it by. ay 
kind and worthy friend Professor Risso. 


Art. XXXII. A new genus of Mammalia proposed, 
; and a Description of the. Species upon: which it ‘is 
founded. By Mr.'T. Say, and Mr. G. Orv:* 


Order. .Guires. ° 
Genus. Neortoma. 


~~ Natural Character. _ 

2 incisores 

6 molares — 

) <8 inferior 2 incisores 
; 6 molares. © 


/ (8 superior ; 
Teeth 16° 


Molares with profound radicles. 
Superior Jaw. Incisor even and slightly rounded on its ante- 
rior face : first Molar with five triangles, one of which is anterior, 
* From the Journal of the Acad. of Nat. Sc. of Philadelphia. Vol. IV. 


294 Messrs. Say and Ord on Neotoma Floridana. 


two exterior, and two interior: second Molar with four triangles, 
one anterior, two on the exterior side, and a very small one on 
the interior side: third Molar with four triangles, one anterior, 
two exterior, and a very minute one anterior. 

Inferior jaw. Incisor even, pointed at tip: first Molar with 
four divisions or triangles, one anterior a little irregular, then 
one exterior, one interior opposite, and one posterior: second 
Molar with four triangles, anterior and posterior ones nearly. 
similar in form, and intermediate one opposite to the interior 
and exterior one: third Molar with two triangles, and an addi- 
tional very small angle on the inner side of the anterior one. 

Tail hairy : fore feet four toed with an armed rudiment of a 
fifth toe : hind feet five toed. 

Oxsrrvations. The grinding surface of the molares differs 
somewhat from that of the molares of the genus Arvicola, as will be 
perceived by our figures ; but the large roots of the grinders con- 
stitute a character essentially different. The folds of the enamel 
which mark the sides of the crown, do not descend so low as the 
edge of the alveolar processes ; in consequence of this conforma- 
tion, the worn down tooth of an old individual must exhihit insu- 
lated circles of enamel on the grinding surface. 

This genus must be placed near to Arvicola, of which it is pro- 
bable some naturalists may be inclined to consider it a subgenus. 


N. Floridana. Snout elongated; eyes and ears very large ; tail ~ 


longer than the body. 

Plate X. 

Ears conspicuous, thin, subovate, clothed with such fine hair 
as to appear naked; Whiskers long, anterior ones white, the 
rest black: éai/ white beneath, dusky above ; its scales so small, 
and so well concealed with hair, as to be hardly visible : feet and 
claws white, the latter short: body and upper part of the head 
clothed in fine fur, of a lead colour, intermixed with yellowish 
and black hairs, the black predominating on the ridge of the 
back, and the top of the head,—the yellow at the sides; the 
lead coloured fur not visible externally : the border of the abdo- 


men and of the throat, buff colour: base of the claws covered 
with white hairs. 


Messrs. Say and Ord on Neotoma Floridana. 295 


Length from the tip of the snout to the anus, seven inches 
and a half: tail six inches and a quarter long. Male. 

The body has none of those long rigid hairs’ which are so 
notable in Mus decumens. The whole pelage feels velvety, par- 
ticularly the belly, which is as soft as that of the common flying 
squirrel, The testes are hardly visible externally, differing, in 
this respect, from those of the house rat, which are so conspicu- 
ous an apparatus in this unwelcome guest. 

This beautiful animal was discovered in a log granary, situated 
in a ruined and deserted plantation, in East Florida. When first: 
aroused, it ran a short distance, then returned, and stood close by 
us, allowing us to touch it with a gun before it again returned. 
It was mild, or without that suspicious and cunning air, which is 
so remarkable in the common brown rat. We have reason to 
think that the species is not uncommon in Florida, as several 
individuals were seen by Mr. Say, in an old mansion; but he 
was unprovided with the means of capturing them. 

Brought from East Florida, in the year 1818, in collection of ; 
Messrs. Maclure, Say, Ord and Peele, and deposited in the Phi- 
ladelphia Museum. 

The individual above described was the only one we were en- 
abled to procure, during our journey into Florida. It was a 
young one, and not fully. grown, as we may reasonably conjecture 
from the greater size of the old individual of the same species, 
which was procured by W. Say on the Missouri, =“ described in 
Long’s expedition to the rocky mountains, 

In the year 1818, Mr. Ord sent to the Philomatic Society of 
Paris, a short description, accompanied with a figure, of this 
animal, which was named Mus Floridanus, and the description 
in the Bulletin of the Society for December, in the same year. 
In the hurry incident to travelling, he had neglected to examine 
its teeth when recently killed ; and afterwards assuming as a fact, 
what ought not to have been assumed, that it was a true Mus, 
he did not hesitate to class it under that denomination. The na- 
turalists of Paris questioned the propriety of this nomenclature ; 
and with Mons, de Blainville, who prepared the account for the 


296° Messrs. Say and Ord on Sigmodon hispidum. 


bulletin, appeared to coincide in the opinion that the animal was 
a Myoxus, and not a Mus. 

. That it was neither a Myoxus nor a Mus, will now be evident 
from the figures of its teeth. When we first commenced an ex- 
amination of its teeth, we were astonished to find in the grinding 
surfaces of the molares, a close approximation to those of Arvi- 
cola; but the discovery of radicles, precluded our referring it to 
that genus. 

Although we are aware that the multiplication of genera has 
become an evil, yet we have ventured to found a genus on our 
animal, from our inability to class it under any of the genera of 
the systems. 


Plate X. Nerotoma Floridana. 


Fig. 1. Profile view of the Jaws, magnified. 
2. Lower Jaw left side, with the alveolar process removed, in 
order to exhibit the roots of the teeth ; natural size. 
3. Molares of the upper jaw, left side, magnified. 
' -4, Molares of the lower jaw, left side, magnified. 


Art. XXXII. Description of anew species of Mammalia, 
whereon a genus is proposed to be founded. By Mr. 
T. Say and Mr. G. Orp.* 


Order. Guires. 


‘Genus. Sigmopon. 


Essential Character. | 
Molares in each jaw six, subequal, with radicles, and with very 
profound, alternate folds towards the summit. 


Natural Character. 

2 incisores. 
6 molares, 
2 incisores, 
6 molares. 


8 superior ; 
Teeth 16 


8 inferior ; 


* From the Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phil. 


Messrs: Say and Ord on Sigmodon hispidum. 297 


, Superior jaw. Incisor slightly rounded on its anterior face, 
truncated at tip: first molar equal in width to the second, com~ 
posed of four very profound, alternate folds, two on each side, 
extending at least to the middle of the tooth: second molar 
quadrate, somewhat wider, and a little shorter than:the preceding, 
with three profound folds, extending at least to the middle, two 
of which are. on the exterior side: posterior molar .a little nar- 
rower, but not shorter than the preceding, »with. three profound. 
folds, two of which are on the exterier side, extending at. least to 
the middle, the inner fold opposite to the anterior: exterior fold, 
and not extending to the middle. : 
. Inferior jaw. Incisor obliquely truncate at tip, the acute.angle 
being on the inner side, it originates in the ascending branch of 
the maxillary bone, passing beneath the molares: molares sub- 
equal in, breadth, inclining slightly forwards ; -first molar a little 
narrower than the second, with five profound,- alternate’ folds, 
three of which are on the inner side: second molar subquadrate, 
with two alternate, profound folds, the inner one anterior; third 
molar about equal in length and breadth to the anterior one, but 
rather larger, and somewhat narrower than the second, with which 
it corresponds in the disposition of its folds, excepting that they 
are less compressed. 

Tail hairy : feet simple: fore feet four toed, with the rudiment 
of a fifth toe having a nail: hénd feet five toed. 

OsservaAtions. The enamel of the molares is thick, but on the 
anterior face of each fold, excepting the first, it is obsolete. 
From the arrangement of the folds as above described, it is ob- 
vious that the configuration of the triturating surface, (occasioned 
by the folds of enamel dipping deeply into the. body of the tooth, 
in the second and third molar of the lower jaw;) accurately re- 
presents the letter S$, which is reversed on the right side; thus 
bearing considerable resemblance to the posterior tooth of the 
genus Spalax, to which also it basa slight affinity in the truncature 
of the inferior incisores. 

_ The configuration of the intermediate molar of the upper jaw, 
may be compared to the form of the Greek letter 2, whence. our 
generic name. 


298 Messrs. Say and Ord on Sigmodon hispidum. 


In respect to its generic affinities, it is very obvious that its 
system of dentition indicates a proximity to rvicola, but the 
different arrangement of the folds, and the circumstance of the 
molares being divided into radicles, certainly exclude it from that 
genus. With respect to radicles, it resembles the genus Fiber ; 
but it is allied to this genus in no other respect. 

We may further remark, that the teeth of our specimen are 
considerably worn, a condition that materially affects the depth of 
the folds. 

S. hispidum. Head thick; snout elongated; eyes pretty 
large 5 ears large, round ; tail nearly as long as the body. 

Kars slightly clothed with hair: fore legs short: hind feet 
large and strong, their lateral toes very short, and their claws 
stout ; wpper parts and head of a pale dirty yellow ochre, mixed 
with black: dower parts cinereous ; hair of the upper parts and: 
sides, long, plentiful and coarse. 

Length from the tip of the snout to the insertion of the tail, six 
inches; tail four inches long. Female. 

In immature specimens, black is the predominating colour; in 
adults yellow predominates. 

This animal we found to be very numerous in the deserted 
plantations, lying on the river St. John, in Kast Florida, par- 
ticularly in the gardens. Its burrows are seen in every direction. 
Emigrants to that section of our country will, doubtless, find this 
species to be a great pest in rural economy, 

We brought three specimens of it from East Florida in 1818, 
and deposited them in the Philadelphia. Museum. This animal . 
appears in classification to occupy a station between the genera 
Arvicola and Mus, having the habits and some of the external 
characters of the former, with teeth remotely allied to the latter. 
After a careful perusal of those authors within our reach, who 
have laid down the characters of Mammiferous quadrupeds, par- 
ticularly Mr. F. Cuvier's recent work, entitled “* Des Dents des 
Mammijféres considérées comme characteres Soologiques,” we have 
found ourselves under the necessity of constructing a genus for it, 
it being impossible to refer it to any one of the genera, the 


Mr. Bell on the Bow Tortoisgs. 299 


teeth of which have been figured in the above mentioned useful 
work. 


Plate X, Fig. 5. Profile view of the jaws magnified. 
6, Lower jaw, natural size, left side, with the 


alveolar process removed, to exhibit the 
roots of the teeth. 


7. Molares of the upper jaw, left side, magnified. 
8. Molares of the lower jaw, left side, magnified. 


Art. XXXIV. A Monograph of the Tortoises having a 
moveable Sternum, with Remarks on their Arrangement 


and Affinities. By Tuomas Bruty, Esq. F.L.S. 


Wien, amongst a group of animals agreeing in their gencrak 
relatioos, a number of species are found to differ from the rest in 
some important character, and that character connected with an 
essential difference in anatomical structure, we are justified in 
considering those species as a distinct subordinate group, and, in a 
systematic arrangement, in applying to it a distinctive appellation. 
‘The subjects of the present memoir, were included amongst the 
Emydes of Brongniart, and in their general appearance, as well as 
in the structure of the different parts, they certainly have con- 
siderable affinity with them. But the circumstance of their hav- 
ing the sternum separated, as it were, into two or three divisions, 
moveable upon each other, led Merrem to consider them as a 
distinct genus, to which he applied the term Terrapene. Since 
his work was published, Mr. Say, the excellent American Zoolo- 
gist, who appears not to have seen Merrem’s book, has, in a paper 
on the freshwater and land Tortoises of the United States, also 
formed them into a distinct group, with the generic appellation 
Cistuda. As however the work of Merrem was published long 
before Mr. Say’s paper made its appearance, I have retained the 
former name for one of the genera into which I have considered 
it necessary to subdivide them. M. Spix has also applied the 


300 Mx, Bell on the Bow Tortoises. 


generic term Ainosternon to two ‘species, which, he’ discovered in 
Brazil. 
Like the Emydes, they may be considered as fresh ake 
Tortoises ; and the general appearance of the shell, the distinct 
and subpalmated structure of the toes, with the length and sharp- 
ness of the claws, sanction such a conclusion, even were we un- 
acquainted with their. general aquatic habits. The species hi- 
therto confounded under the term Terrapene clausa, and its 
synonymes, appear indeed at first to be exceptions to this rule, 
yet although known in America by the common name of Land 
‘Tortoise, and having in some measure the appearance and habits 
of the true Testudines, we find that their affinities to the rest of 
the .group are ‘sufficiently, numerous and important to point: out 
their natural situation amongst them. Schoepff informs us that 
the T. clausa, although sometimes found in dry situations, and 
from the convexity of the shell, &c. not well formed for swimming, 
yet loves marshy situations ; sia M. Say states that it-is fond of 
moisture.. There is in fact a natural. transition from. the Fresh- 
water. to the Land Tortoises of this'group, by means of Terrapene 
Europea. (Testudo Europea, Auct.), now first transferred to 
that genus, which, whilst it has somewhat of the flattened form, 
and spreading margin of the shell, belonging to the true fluviatile 
species, yet approaches, in its general structure, the. other species 
of Terrapene, which more nearly approximate. to the Land .Tor- 
toises : : it is also found to inhabit wet, marshy, or muddy places, 
rather than the lakes and rivers in which:the more eical F pele 
water. species delight. . ju pnizne ae sald 
The important character in which; the species of the group uow 
under consideration all agree, is the moveable: structure ‘of the 
sternum, In making a few observations upon the different modi- 
fications of this part, I shall consider the sternum in all of them, 
as. consisting of three portions or lobes, of which the posteriour 
consists of that part which is covered by the two posteriour pairs 
of plates, the middle one by the next pair, and the anteriour by 
the remaining anteriour plates, which, however, differ in number, 
according as the foremost or gular pair, are either united into one 
single plate, as in Sternothwrus odoratus, or, on the other hand, 


Mr. Bell on the Box Tortoises. ‘301 
have, interposed between them, a small supernumerary one, as in 
S. Leachianus. i 

From these observations it will be easy to understand the three 
different modifications which take place in this part. In the 
first, the genus Kinosternon, the middle lobe is quite fixed to the 
sides, the anteriour and posteriour lobes moving upon it, by means 
‘of the structure about to be described. In the second form, the 
getius Sternotherus, the middle portion is fixed as in the other, 
and the posteriour one also connected with it by continuous bony 
union ; the anteriour lobe only: being moveable. In the third, 
constituting the genus Terrapene, the middle and posteriour lobes 
are also immoveably connected together, but forming a single 
moveable valve, without any bony union with the upper shell,— 
‘the anteriour lobe. being also. moveable on. the. same axis. The 
only connection between these two valves ‘and the upper shell, is 
by means of a strong ligament, becoming cartilaginous at the axis. 

The hinge, or connection between the valves, is formed by a 
sort of articular cartilage, allowing by its elasticity, of sufficient 
motion to enable the animal to open the shell,so as to move its 
limbs without inconvenience, or, on the other hand, to bring it 
into close contact with the upper shell, and thus to enclose itself, 
particularly in the genus Terrapene, within a complete box. At 
the angles of these valves are small processes of bone, or at least 
distinct muscular impressions, to which the adductor muscles are 
fixed ; and these, im the anteriour valve of Sternotherus Leachi- 
anus form long spinous processes. It is obvious that in the genus 
Sternotherus, the hinder part of the shell cannot be closed, as that 
part of the sternum is immoveable. 

Upon the whole then, notwithstanding the affinities by which 
these animals are connected_with the Emydes of Merrem, are such 
as to forbid me to consider them as a distinct family, yee the 
structure which I have been describing is’so striking, and appears 
to me of so much-consequeice, ‘especially as requiring a consider- 
able addition’ to, or modification of, the muscular system, that I 
could not look upon it as forming a less important group than ‘a 
subfamily, particularly as it includes several subordinate divisions, 
with distinct generic characters. 


302 Mr. Bell on the Box Tortoises. 


Fam. Emypip2. 
Subfam. STERNOTHERINA. 


Digiti distincti, acuté unguiculati. 

Rostrum corneum. 

Scuta dorsalia, tredecim. 

Sternum uni-valve seu bi-valve ; valvis ligamenfo coarticulatis, 
quasi super cardinem se vertentibus; et testam subindé plus 
minusve arcté claudentibus. 


Toes distinct, with sharp claws. 

Beak horny. 

Scales of the disk thirteen. 

Breast plate consisting of one or two valves, united by a liga- 
ment moving as if on a hinge, and thus capable of partially or 
totally closing the shell. 


Testupo. Auct. 
TreRRAPENE. Merrem. 
Cistupa. Say. 


Genus I. KINOSTERNON. Spix. 


Sternum bivalve: lobus medius fixus; anterior et posterior 
mobiles, ligamentis ad lobum medium articulate. 

Breast plate, consisting of three distinct lobes, the middle one 
fixed, to which the anteriour and posteriour, which are moveable, 
are articulated by a ligament. 


Sprcirs I. 


Suavranum. K. testé elongato-ovatd, tricarinatd; scutis omnibus 
imbricatis, marginalibus 23 ; sterno postice bifido. 
Testudo Pennsylvanica var: Shaw Gen. Sool. III. par. I. p. 
61. tab. 15. 
Habitat —— ? 
Mus. nost. 


Kinosternon Shavianum. 303 


Shell elongato-ovate, tricarinated ; the plates imbricated, those 
of the margin 23 in number ; sternum bifid behind. 


Of this elegant species I have seen but a single specimen, now 

in my collection, which, as I obtained it from a dealer who had 
long possessed it, may, not improbably, be the identical one 
figured by Shaw, and stated by him to have been in the Leverian 
museum. 
_ The general form of the shell is oblong, very slightly narrowed 
behind, obtuse before, and subemarginate, but the emargination 
interrupted by the projection of the central marginal plate. It is 
gibbous, and much rounded at the sides, as high as the lateral 
carinz, between each of which and the central ridge runs a deep 
even furrow. The plates are polished, and elegantly sculptured ; 
those of the spine rather long and narrow, and of beautiful forms; 
the posteriour edge of each lying over the anteriour one of the 
next. The area or nucleus of each plate, to which the different 
layers of horny matter are added during growth, is situated at its 
posteriour angle. ‘The sternum is considerably narrower than the 
upper shell, to which the middle lobe is strongly connected by 
bony union. The anteriour and posteriour moveable valves are 
- united to the middle portion in an almost straight direction. The 
hinder part of the sternum is narrowed, and emarginate at the 
extremity. When shut, this portion does not fit the upper shell, 
so that it is never so close at that part as in many other species 
of the group. 

The general colour of the upper shell is a very deep blackish 
brown ; the s¢ernum and under part of the margin yellowish. 

As the brief account given by Dr. Shaw of this interesting 
species is extremely vague and unsatisfactory, I have thought it 
necessary to enter into a more detailed description of it; and 
have named it in honour of that naturalist. It is remarkable 
that he should for one moment have considered it as a variety of 
Testudo Pennsyloanica (Gmel.) to which it bears scarcely the 
least. general resemblance, and from which it differs in so many 


essential characters. Of the animal itself unfortunately nothing 
is known. 


304 Mr. Bell on the Box Tortoises. 
SPrcIEs 2. 
- Lonaicaupatum. K. Testé oblongd subtricurinaté; scutis dor- 


salibus striate sulcatis ; marginalibus 25; caudé elongaté 
crassa. oh 


’ 


K. longicaudatum, Spix. Test. leg Braz. p. 17. tab. XII. 
Habitat in Brazilia. : 


~ Shell oblong, slightly tricarinated ; dorsal plates” ee : 
marginal plates 25; tail long and thick. ~ 
This species is readily distinguished from the former by the 
number of marginal plates, as well as by the much slighter Sy Sire 
in which the shell is carinated. 
Species 3. 


Brevicaupatum. K. Testé ovata-subglobosd ; scutis dorsalibus 
non striatis ; marginalibus 25: cauda brevissimd. het 
K. brevicaudatum, Spix. Test. Nov. Braz. p. 18. tab. XIII. 
Habitat in Brazilia. 


Shell ovate-subglobose ; dorsal plates without ‘stria, marginal 
‘plates 25: tail very short. 

These two species form part of the rich Zoological treasures, 
which are the result of the labours of Mons. Spix in Brazil. 


Specigs 4. . 
PennsyitvAnicum. A. testé ellipticd levi; dorso planiusculo ; 
scutis marginalibus 23. THe 
Testudo Pennsylvanica, Gmel. 1042. Schoepff, p. 107. t. 24. 
fig. A. | 
Terrapene Pennsylvanica. Merrem, p. 27. 
Cistuda Pennsylvanica. Say, Journ. Ac. Sc. Phil. TV. p. 206. 
Habitat in America Septentrionali. 


Shell elliptical, smooth ; back flattened ; marginal plates 23. 
The species, called by Schcepff a variety of Testudo Pennsyl- 
vanica, with an immoveable sternum, is of course an Emys. 


Sternotherus. 305 


Species 5. 
Amsoinense. AK. testa ovali levi; scutis marginalibus 24. 
Testudo Amboinensis. Daud. IT. 309. 
Terrapene Amboinensis. Merrem, p. 28. 
Habitat in Amboina. 


Shell oval, smooth ; marginal plates 24. 


Spectts 6. 


Nigricans. . testa suborbiculatd, carinata, scutis margina- 
libus 24. 
Testudo subnigra. Latr. 1.89. Daud. I. p. 197. 
? La noiratre. Lacep. I. p. 175. t. 13. 
Habitat f 


Shell suborbicular, carinated, marginal plates 24. 


Genus II. STERNOTHARUS. Mihi. 


Sternum uni-valve : lobus anterior mobilis, lobi duo posteriores 
_connexi, immobiles. 
Breast-plate having but one moveable valve; formed of the 
anteriour lobe. The middle and posteriour lobes immoveably 
connected and fixed. 


Species 1. 


TRirasciatus. S.collo elongato: testé ovali, curinatd ; scutis vix 
imbricatis, rugoso-striatis ; marginalibus 25. 
Habitat ? 
Mus. nost. 
Tab. Supp. XIII. 


Neck very long; shell oval, carinated, slightly wrinkled ; 
plates almost imperceptibly imbricate ; marginal plates 25. 


Description. 
The head long, narrow, and somewhat depressed; of a yellow 
colour, with two deep brown bands on each side, passing from 
Vor. IT. U 


$06 Mr. Bell on the Box Tortoises. 


the nostril across the orbit to the back part of the head, where 
they unite. The nostrils anteriour, situated close together. Beak 
sub-elongate. The neck very long, cinereous above, yellow 
beneath. The fore feet have five long and sharp claws, the 
hinder ones four. Tail rather long and slender, and without any 
horny appendage at the extremity. The shell oval, broader be- 
hind, the margin slightly indented. The back carinated. The 
plates very thin, slightly wrinkled, and striated towards their 
margin. Those of the spine very slightly imbricated. The mar- 
ginal plates, which are 25 in number, are of considerable propor- 
tional size, and the posteriour angle of each a little projecting, so 
as to give an indented outline to the circumference of the shell. 
The pectoral plates are twelve in number, and nearly smooth. 
The hinder lobe of the sternum is flat, horizontal, emarginate, 
and placed with its edge so near to the upper shell as barely to 
allow of the passage of the slender tail and flattened legs. The 
anteriour valve is very entire, and capable of completely closing 
that part of the shell. The general colour is a light dull yellow, 
intermixed with reddish and black markings. The carina is black, 
and there is on each side, at the distance of about three quarters 
of an inch, a black longitudinal band running parallel with it 
down the back, which gives the shell the appearance of being 
tricarinated. The prevailing colour of the sternum is black, with 
a light edge; and towards the centre it assumes also a light 
ground, with distinct black radiations from the area of each plate. 


Species 2. . 


Leacnranus. SS. testa ovata carinata; scutis radiatim striatis, 
vertebralibus imbricatis ; marginalibus 24, sterni 13. 
Habitat —— ? 
Mus. nost. 
Tab. Supp. XIV. 
Amico meo carrissimo Dri. Leach, sit hec species dedicata. 


She]l ovate, carinated ; the plates with strie radiating from 
the area; vertebral plates imbricate ; marginal 24, pectoral 13. 


Sternotherus. i 307 


Description. 

Shell ovate, rounded: before and behind, moderately convex, 
carinated. The plates of the back much thicker than in S. 
trifasciatus, with numerous strie radiating from the area, and 
crossed at the margins by concentric ruge. The general.colour 
of the scuta of a very deep brown or rich blackish colour, the 
costal plates fulvous in the’ centre. The first vertebral plates 
quadrilateral, broad before, narrowing behind, with am elongated 
tubercle towards the posteriour part, forming as it were the com- 
mencement of the carina. The second and third hexagonal; the 
fourth subpentagonal ; the whole imbricated and carinated ; the 
carina becoming more elevated to the termination of the fourth 
plate. The fifth subhexagonal, very narrow before, very broad 
behind, slightly carinated anteriourly. Lateral plates of the disk 
with the area smooth, the margins concentrically rugose, crossed 
with numerous radiating strie. Marginal plates only 24 in num- 
ber. A small portion only of the lateral ones is seen on the upper 
surface of the shell. Sternum rounded anteriourly, bifid behind, 
having 13 plates, of which seven belong to the anteriour lobe. 
The first or single one is acutely lanceolate, the point directed 
backwards ; the next on each side very small, and subequilaterally 
triangular. The anteriour lobe or valve is united to the middle 
portion by a ligamento-cartilaginous hinge, and to the upper shell 
by.asmall membranous ligament. It is furnished internally with 
a long spinous process on each side, close to the angles, for the 
attachment of the muscles that serve to close the shell. The 
middle and posteriour portions which are fixed to the upper shell, 
are connected together by bony union. The posteriour portion is 
narrower, uni-dentated on each side, and bifid at the extremity. 
The plates are yellowish, passing at the edges into deep brown. 
They are marked with concentric and radiated strix like those 
of the back. 


SprciEs 3. 
oporatus. S. testé ovali, convexd, subcarinatd ; scutis margi- 
nalibus 24 ; sterni 11. 
Testudo odorata. Latr. Hist. Rept. 1. p.. 122. Daud, IT. 


p. F89, pl. 24. f. 3. 
u2 


308 Mr. Bell on the Box Tortoises. 


Terrapene odorata. Merrem, p. 27. 

Cistuda odorata. Say, Journ. Ac. Sc. Phil. IV. 206. 
Habitat in America Septentrionali. 

Mus. Brit. 


~ Shell oval, convex ; sternum with only eleven plates. 


Specizs 4. 
Boscu. S. testa ovaté levi ; scutis marginalibus 20, sterni 11. 
Testudo Pennsylvanica, var. 3. Daud.-II. 128. 
Terrapene Boscii. Merrem, p. 27. 
Habitat in America Septentrionali. 


Shell ovate, smooth ; marginal plates 20, pectoral 11. 

I give this species from Merrem’s description, not having seen 
aspecimen of it. It is not mentioned by Mr. Say in his account 
of the Land and Freshwater Tortoises of the United States, in the 
Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia. 


ee 


Genus III. TERRAPENE. Merrem, 
CistupA. Say. 


Sternim bivalve; valva utraque eodem axe mobilis; valva 
posterior portionum duarum posteriorum sterni sistens. 

Sternum bivalve ; the two valves moving on the same axis; the 
posteriour valve consisting of the two posteriour portions or lobes 
of the sternum. 

Species 1. 
Evrorea. T. testa ovaté planiusculé, subcarinata ; subradiatim 
punctatd. 

Testudo Europea. Schneid. Schildkr. 323. Schoepff, p.1.t. 1 
Shaw, Gen. Zool. 30. t. 5. 

T. lutaria. Linn. S. N. p. 352. 

? T. orbicularis. Linn. S. N. p. 351. 

. T. Meleagris. Shaw, Nat. Misc. 4. p. 144. 

Emys lutaria. Merrem, p. 24. 

Habitat in Europa temperata. 

Mus. Nost. 


Terrapene. i 309 


Shell ovate, flattish, subcarinated ; spotted in a radiated manner. 

On examining some time since a shell of this species, the first 
I had seen, which had lost the sternum, I was struck with the 
appearance of the articular surface from which that part had been 
removed, and immediately concluded that it must belong to the 
present group, having a moveable breast plate, notwithstanding 
Merrem, to whom belongs the credit of having separated the 
“¢ Box Tortoises” under his subgeneric division Terrapene, retains 
this species amongst his Emydes, the character of which, in con- 
tradistinction to Terrapene, is, that the sternum is entire and 
fixed. On consulting Schoepff, I found that, with his usual accu- 
racy, that authour had mentioned the moveable structure of the 
sternum, and subsequent observations have established my first 
conjecture that it belongs to this genus.* 


SPECIES 2. 
Carorina. T*. ovato-gibba, livido-fusca, luteo subconferté macu= 
lata ; scutis rugosis. Sterno postice rotundato. 

Testudo Carolina,. Linn. S. N. I. p. 352. Gmel. 1041. 
Schneid. 334. 

T.clausa. Gmel. 1042. Schoepff, p. 32. t. 7. 

Terrapene clausa. Merrem, p.27. 

Cistuda clausa. Say, Journ. Acad. Sc. Phil. TV. p. 205, 

Habitat in America, 

Mus. Nost. 


Shell ovate-gibbous, of a livid brown colour, with yellow sub- 
contiguous spots; plates wrinkled: sternum rounded behind. 


Species 3. 
mMAcuLATA. T". testé subglobosd, subcarinatd, nigra albo-macu- 
lata ; scutis distanter sulcatis. Sterno postice integro, rotuns 
dato. 
Habitat —— ? 
Mus. Nost. 


* ‘¢ Sutura sterni transversalis media laxior est reliquis, et mobilitatem 
aliquam concedit, ita ut uterque lobus, magis tamen anterior, ad superiorem 


testam nonnihil propius admoveri possit.”—Schoepff Hist. Test. p. 3, de Test. 
Europea. 


310 Mr. Bell on the Box Tortoises. 


Shell subglobose; subcarinated, black with whitish spots; 
plates sulcated, the sulci distant: sternum entire, and rounded 
behind. 


Species 4. 


NEBULOSA. T'. éesté ovatd, interrupté carinatd, fusco flavoque 
nebulosé ; scutis striatis. Sterno postice subcoarctato. 

Habitat 

Mus. Nost. 


Shell ovate, interruptedly carinated, clouded with brown and 
yellow ; plates closely striated : sternum contracted towards the 
back part. 


It is difficult to establish the synonymes of the last three spe- 
cies. ‘They have hitherto been so completely confounded, if 
indeed.they have all been described, that it is scarcely possible 
to ascertain which species is intended by any particular authour 
who has mentioned either of them. They are however suffi- 
ciently distinct, and I have endeavoured in the specific character 
given to each, to obviate as far as possible the confusion which 
has hitherto attached to them. As the term clausa is equally 
applicable to them all, and indeed to all the Tortoises capable of 
completely shutting the shell, I have omitted it wholly ; 3 and have 
retained the trivial name Cran (which was first applied by 
Linneus to the species since designated by the former term) for 
that species which in form and markings is in some measure 
intermediate between the other two. 7". nebulosa is much longer 
than the others in proportion to its breadth; the plates are more 
prominent, and finely striated. The markings, instead of being 
distinct, are clouded, and in some measure softening into each 
other. The sternum also differs remarkably in not being capable 
of entirely closing the shell, in consequence of being narrowed at 
the posteriour part. 7’. maculata differs from Carolina princi- 
pally in the want of striz on the scales, and in the line between 
the lateral and vertebral rows of dorsal scuta, which in the former 
‘is nearly straight, and in the latter is very deeply indented, in 
‘consequence of the more angular form of the scuta. 


Mr. Say on Crinoidea. Sli 


Ant. XXXV. On two Genera and several Species of 
Crinoidea. By Tuomas Say, Esq.* 


I am indebted to the politeness and liberality of Dr. J. Bigsby, 
for the opportunity of describing the very interesting Animal Re- 
mains which form the subject of the following new Genus. 


Family CrinorpEa. 
Genus CARYOCRINITES, 


Generic Character. Column cylindrical, perforated by a tubu- 
lar alimentary canal: pelvis formed of four plates; costal six, 
supporting the scapule, from which the arms proceed. 

In Miller’s arrangement this genus will occupy a station in the 
division Inarticulata, between the genera Cyathocrinites and 
Actinocrinites. It may be indicated by the following formule. 


Pelvis of four plates. 

Costal plates six. 

Column not dilated. 

Alimentary canal round. 

Articulating surface of the columnar joints radiated. 

Auxiliary side arms eylindrical and placed irregularly, Genus 
CarYocrINITEs. 

1. Two of the costals hexagonal; 1° species C. ornatus, tab. nost. 

f. 1. 
2. One of the costals hexagonal ; 2™ species C. loricatus. 


ere hae 


Species. 

1. C. ornatus. Costals, four pentagonal and two hexagonal. 

Column inserted into a cavity at the base of the pelvis: pelvis 
rather large; two of the plates quadrangular, attenuated to the 
base, where they are truncated and a little recurved at the junc- 
tion with the column ; disks, particularly towards the base, gran 
ulated, with a distinct elevated interrupted line; two remaining 
plates pentangular, attenuated to the base, where they are trun- 
cated and a little recurved at the junction with the column; disk 


* From the Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 
Vol. TV. No, 9. 


312. Mr. Say on Crinoidea: 


with elevated granules, and with two elevated interrupted lines, 
extending to the terminal angles: costals, four pentagonal and 
two hexagonal, all with elevated interrupted lines, radiating from 
the centre to the angles, with a series of truncated granules on 
each side, and afew granules in the intervening spaces; inter- 
scapulars, two hexagonal, situated immediately above the hexa- 
gonal costals: scapulars six pentagonal, the upper sides of which 
are more or less irregular by projecting a little between the sca- 
pul, all with prominent lines granulated, similar to those of the 
preceding : arms six: capital plates with a heptagonal one in the 
middle, surrounded by five heptagonal plates and two irregular 
ones at the mouth: mouth not prominent, situated on one side of 
the middle, a little within the line of the arms, closed by small 
valvular pieces, its inferior side resting on the superior angle of 
one of the scapulars. 

Longitudinal diameter from three quarters to one inch and a 
half ; transverse diameter from seven-tenths to one inch and two- 
fifths. 

2. C. loricatus. Costals, five pentagonal, and one hexagonal. 

Resembles the preceding, but there is only one hexagonal cos- 
tal plate, and one interscapular plate. 

Longitudinal diameter one inch and eleven-twentieths ; trans- 
verse diameter one inch and three-tenths. 

Dr. Bigsby obtained seven specimens of the ornatus, and one of 
the loricatus, He informs me that “ they are found loose in brown 
clay at the foot of the ravine at Lockport, in which the New 
York canal mounts the parallel ridge of Lake Ontario. They 
are extremely numerous, but almost always worn and crushed. 
They are filled with the clay in which they are imbedded. They 
are from one one-tenth to one-eighth of an inch thick in their 
parietes. The clay rests upon horizontal, black, conchiferous 
limestone, in which I found part of an encrinital stomach, bear- 
ing a close, if not perfect resemblance to the Caryocrinites de- 
scribed by Mr. Say.” 

In the second volume of Silliman’s Journal, p. 36, I instituted 
a.wew genus for the truly singular animal Rediguiwm, which Park- 
inson called Kentucky Asterial Fossil. I shall now proceed to 


Mr. Say on Crinoidea. 313. 


correct the characters of that genus agreeably to the discoveries 
of the ingenious Miller, in this family, and to identify by name 
the species which I then indicated. 


PENTREMITE. 


Column cylindrical, perforated ; segments articulating by ra- 
diated surfaces, with cylindrical side arms at irregular inter- 
vals : pelvis of three unequal pieces, two pentagonal and one 
tetragonal: scapule large, very profoundly emarginate for the 
reception of the tips of the radiating ambulacre, obliquely trun- 
cated at the extremities on each side, for the reception of one side 
of a subrhomboidal plate or interscapular: ambulacre five, radi-. 
ating from the summit and terminating at the tips of the emargi- 
nations of the scapule ; each with a longitudinal, indented line, 
and numerous transverse striae which terminate in a marginal 
series of pores, for the transmission of respiratory tubes : summit 
with five rounded openings (ovaries) and an angulated central 
one (mouth and anus.) 

This singular genus is so remotely allied to any other hitherto 
discovered, that I do not think it can with propriety, be referred 
to any family yet instituted. By its columnar support it is re- 
lated to the family Crinoidea ; but the total absence of arms and 
hands excludes it from that very natural group. The superior 
termination, in which the ambulacre, the rounded openings, and 
the central angulated one, are situated, has some affinity to the 
family Echinidea, but the columnar support shows that it cannot 
be arranged there. 

Having thus on its inferior portion a resemblance to the Cri- 
noidea, and on its superior surface a decided analogy to the 
Kchinidea, I think it may with propriety form an intermediate 
family, under the following name and characters. 


Family, BLAstoIDEA. 


Column composed of numerous articulating segments, sup- 
porting at its summit a number of plates, so united as to form a 
calyciform body containing the viscera; arms none; branchiz 
arranged in ambulacre. 


314 Mr. Say on Crinoidea. 


In a natural series these bodies constitute the link between the 
Crinoidea and the Echinidea, on the one hand, whilst on the 
other, the former is unquestionably, but not more obviously con- 
nected with the Stelleridica, by the unequivocal intervention of 
Comatula and Marsupites. Of all the genera of Crinoidea, it is 
to Platycrinites that Pentremite seems most closely related. 


Species. 


1. P. globosa. Body subglobular; sutures with parallel im- 
pressed lines. Length one inch and one-fifth ; greatest breadth 
one inch and three tenths. 

Description.—Pelvis deep saucer-shaped, convex; longitudinal 
sutures without parallel lines of increment, but these are very 
obvious at the terminal margin: scapulars with the impressed 
lines of increment very obvious at base; and near the tip each 
side: ambulacre with impressed lines equidistant between the 
central line and the lateral series of pores. 

This large and fine species belongs to the Philadelphia Museum. 
It was brought from England by Mr. Reubens Peal, who under- 
stood that it was found in the vicinity of Bath. None of this 
species, I believe ; has yet been found in America. The parallel 
lines of increment margining the sutures, distinguish this from 
the following species. 

2. P. pyriformis. Body oblong, pelvis gradually attenuated. 

Length from three-quarters to one inch and a quarter. 

This species is found in plenty in Kentucky, in the same locali- 
ties, and intimately intermixed with the succeeding species; it 
may be readily distinguished by the gradual attenuation of the 
pelvis and contiguous parts, from the tips of the emarginations of 
the scapule, to the origin of the column. The first specimen I 
saw, was dug up ina garden at Reading, and was sent to my 
brother, B. Say, under the name of “ petrified althea bud.” 

3. P. florealis, Schloth. Pelvis terminating abruptly, nearly 
horizontal. 


Length from seven-tenths to nearly half an inch. 


Mr. Say on Crinoidea. 315 


SyNOMYMEs. 


Kentucky Asterial Fossil, Park. Org. Rem. V. 2. pl. 13. 
Encrinites florealis, Schloth. petrif. (as quoted by Miller.) 

This is extremely abundant in many parts of Kentucky, and on 
the margins of the Mississippi in a few places. Near Huntswille 
they are very numerous; and on the surface of a fragment of rock, 
three inches long, by two and a quarter wide, sent to the Academy 
by Mr. Hazard of that place, I have enumerated eighteen speci- 
mens of this species more or less entire, and two specimens of 
the preceeding species. On another still smaller piece of rock 
are twenty-one specimens, all in alto relievo, two of which are of 
the preceding species. Ona third fragment of rock, thirty may 
be counted, and on a fourth upwards of fifty. 

That these animals were predunculated and fixed, there cannot 
be any doubt. We see at the base of the pelvis a small rounded 
surface, perforated in the centre for the passage of the alimentary 
canal, and on the outer margin are very short, but distinct radii 
of elevated lines, evidently intended for articulation with the 
first joint of the column. The column itself is always found in 
fragments accompanying the body of the animal, but never at- 
tached to it, 

I think it highly probable that the branchial apparatus come 
municated with the surrounding fluid through the pores of the 
ambulacre, by means of filamentous processes ; these may also 
have performed the office of tentacula in conveying the food to the 
mouth, which was, perhaps, provided with an exsertile proboscis ; 
or may we not rather suppose that the animal fed on the minute 
beings that abounded in the sea water, and that it obtained them 
in the manner of Ascidia, by taking them in with the water. 
‘The residuum of digestion appears to have been rejected through 
the mouth. 


316 Mr, Sowerby on a new 


Art. XXXVI. Note on the foregoing Paper, together 
with a Description of a new Species of Pentremites. By 
G. B. Sowerby, Esq. F.L.S., &c. 


Tur almost anomalous form and singular structure of the 
bodies distinguished by Mr. Say by the name of Pentremite 
(Pentremites) has been the cause that some attention has also 
been given to them in this country. The circumstance, however, 
of all the specimens received in this country from Kentucky, 
being changed into a sort of calcedony or chert, has perhaps not 
only prevented British Naturalists from forming a correct judg- 
ment of their natural affinities, as a family, but appears also to haye 
had the effect of preventing us from recognizing the generic re- 
semblance to the species that occur here, which, bearing so much 
greater a similarity to some of the Echinide has caused some of 
our Naturalists to class them together: for it is observable that 
_of perhaps twenty specimens of the ** Kentucky Asterial Fossil” 
that I have examined, only one individual shows the sutures that 
‘separate what Say calls the “ pelvic, scapular and interscapular” 
plates or pieces. The examination of the above mentioned in- 
‘dividual, has however suggested to me the probability that part 
of the three unequal pieces Say calls the Pelvis, may in fact prove 
to be costals, because a little protuberance, ‘¢ at the base of the 
pelvis” having, *¢ a small rounded surface” being ** perforated in 
the center for the passage of the alimentary canal,” and having 
“¢ on the outer margin, very short, but distinct radii of elevated 
lines evidently intended for articulation with the first joint of the 
“column,” is actually divided by a suture from the superior por- 
tion of what Say calls the pelvis, and in the same manner is sepa- 
rated into three, distinct, nearly equal portions, and may conse- 
quently alone form the pelvis ; thus evidencing one more circum- 
stance in which the genus is related to the Crinoidea. 

The circumstance of Say’s first species, P. globosa, having been 
brought from England, led me at first to suppose that he might 
refer to one of those species that has come into my hands; 

sis description, however, is so incomplete and the terms he has 


Species of Pentremites. 317 


used are so vague, that I have not been able to ascertain the fact, 
I think nevertheless, that ‘* Pelvis deep saucer-shaped, convex,” 
may serve to distinguish it from both. I shall now proceed to 
describe, as well as I can, the two species of this interesting 
Genus that I have met with. 


Species 4. Pentremites Derbiensis. Subglobosa, superné, latior; 
granulosa. Pelvis minimus, pentagonalis, concavus ; scapw- 
lares mediocres, subdepresse, superné latiores, emargina- 
tionis interscapularis angulo obtusissimo; interscapulares 
maximi, ad centrum superné feré attingentes; ambulacre 
lineares, angusti, prominentes, series duas confertas moni- 
lium efformantes. Long. 2. Lat. + unc. 

In general form the Pentremites Derbiensis may be described 
as subglobose, its upper extremity being rather broader; its 
pelvis is very small, pentagonal, and concave, according, how- 
ever, most strictly with the generic character ; scapulars middling 
in size, pressed down and the interscapular notch at the upper 
edge having a very obtuse angle; these are much shorter than in 
the succeeding species and much wider at the upper part than at 
the base: interscapulars very large, reaching nearly to the center 
at the upper extremity, and about three-fifths of the distance from 
the upper towards the lower, broad at their base: ambulacre 
linear, narrow, rather prominent, formed as it were by the lateral 
union of two strings of little beads. The whole surface of the 
pelvis, scapulars and interscapulars is covered with minute grains, 
and both on the scapulars and interscapulars there are horizontal 
striz, which may probably be the lines of growth. 

Two specimens of this curious fossil were sent some years ago, 
hy Mr. White Watson, to my late father, in whose collection 
they now remain: by Mr. Watson they were called Echini, he 
supposes them to be peculiar to Derbyshire, and states that they 
belong to the twenty-sixth bed of limestone. 


Species 5. -Pentremites elliptica: elliptica, infra subtruncata ; 
pelvis minimus, pentagonalis, subconcavus ; scapulares max- 
imi, superné latiores, emarginationis insterscapularis angulo 


318 Mr. Sowerby on a Fossil 


acutiusculo ; interscapulares mediocres, ad centrum superné 

fere attingentes; ambulacre angusti, sublineares, superné 

paululum expansi, sulcis longitudinalibus tribus, interstitiis 
i 4 2 

crenulatis. Long. ,4,. lat. 2, unc. 


This species of Pentremites is elliptical, subtruncate at its 
inferior extremity, where the ambulacre terminate and form five 
somewhat angular prominences ; the pelvis is very small, penta- 
gonal and rather concave; scapulars very large reaching three- 
fifths of the distance from the base towards the upper extremity, 
broader at the upper part, the interscapular notch at the upper 
edge having a rather acute angle: interscapulars of moderate 
size, nearly reaching to the center above, quadrangular, the 
upper angle being the more acute: ambulacre narrow, nearly 
linear, spreading a little at the upper end, forming three longi- 
tudinal grooves, of which the interstices are crenulated. The 
external surface of pelvis, scapulars and interscapulars is covered 
in this as well as the last species with minute grains, which are 
partly arranged in rows corresponding with the lines of growth. 

A few specimens of this singular production have been oblig- 
ingly communicated to me by Mr. Joseph Kenyon of Preston, 
Lancashire, near which place they are found. 


oa 


Art. XXXVII. Notice of a Fossil belonging to the Class 
Radiaria, found by Dr. Bigsby in Canada. By G.B. 
Sowerby, Esq. F.L.S., &c. 


Awmone the numerous and highly interesting organic remains 
discovered by the indefatigable Dr. Bigsby in Canada, the truly 
singular and new one which he has obligingly permitted us to 
describe in the present number, may perhaps, on account of its 
belonging toa family so very rarely found in a fossil state, be 
considered as one of the most interesting and valuable. 

Upon examination of this fossil we do not immediately recog- 
nize its aflinities, for it bears a near resemblance to the arms of 


belonging to the class Radiaria. 319° 


an Asterias lying on an Echinus ; we think, however, judging 
from the want of ambulacra, that it would be properly placed 
among the genera of the Astertade: at the same time its vicinity 
in general form to Say’s Family of Blastoidea renders it doubtful 
whether it ought not to be considered as a connecting link to be 
placed between the two families of Crinoidea and Blastoidea, 
and this suggestion obtains support from the apparently lateral 
situation of the mouth ; in which respect it resembles some of the 
Crinoidea. ‘This suggestion, however, involves the following 
consideration, namely, whether those rays in the Blastoidea, 
which by Say are called ambulacre (a term commonly applied to 
an apparently corresponding part in the Echinida,) really serve 
the same purpose? or whether they be not arms as in the other 
Crinoidea? and I venture to assert that there is nothing either in 
their position or form that militates against such an idea. 

I hope the following description, together with the figure by 
which it will be accompanied, (Tab XI. f. 5.) will serve to give as 
correct an idea of the fossil in question as can be conveyed with- 
out the actual examination of the specimen. 

The general form, as far as we can judge from the specimen in 
which none of the lower part is preserved, is a depressed 
spheroid ; and it does not appear to have naturally any angular 
prominences, though owing to the circumstance of its being 
divided into five sections, it might possibly be very obtusely pen- 
tagonal. It appears to have consisted of a number of irregular, 
partly imbricated, crustaceous plates, and its upper half is divided 
into five sections or compartments, by five equal arms which 
diverge from the center and are curved all in the same direction. 
The compartments are not equal in size, in the largest of them 
and near its center is placed the mouth?; which appears to have 
been surrounded by two or three rows of very minute, imbricated, 
crustaceous scales; the arms, five in number, all diminishing to 
a point at their outer extremity, and having their upper portion 
elevated above the body, seem, however, to be attached to it 
by their under side, and, indeed, partly bedded in it; each one 
is divided into two equal parts by a longitudinal groove, and each 
of these parts is again divided into a number of segments by trans- 


320 Mr. Sowerby on two new Species of Orbicula. 


verse and deep grooves, which are close set, being about half 
their length distant from each other. I cannot ascertain whether 
there is any natural opening in the center or not. The whole is 
changed into crystalline Carbonate of Lime coloured by iron 
rust; and it lies upon a mass of Limestone containing remains of 
Encrini and Madreporites ; a single spiral univalve is also to he 
observed. From the falls of the Chaudiére, on the Ottawa River 
in Lower Canada. 


we ee se ee 


Reference to the Plate. 


-Fig..1. Caryocrinites ornatus. 6. the pelvic plates; c¢. the costal 

plates. 

2. Pentremites florealis. a. natural size; b. pelvic or costal 
plates ; c. the scapular plates; d. the interscapular plates ; 
e. the ambulacre ; f. the five terminal apertures surround- 
ing the mouth; g. pelvis. r 

3. Pentremites Derbiensis. a. natural size; b. pelvic or costal 
plates ; c. the scapular plates; d. the interscapular plates ; 
e. the ambulacre ; f. the five terminal apertures surround- 
ing the mouth. 

4. Pentremites elliptica. a. natural size; 6. pelvic or costal 
plates; c. the scapular plates; d. the interscapular plates ; 
e. the ambulacre ; f. the five terminal apertures surround- 
ing the mouth. 

5. Fossil animal belonging to the family of Asteriade from 
Canada. 


Art. XXXVIII. Descriptions of two new species of the 
Genus Orpicuta. By G. B. Sowrersy, F.L.S. &c. 


Dr. Biessy’s researches in Canada have, among other novel- 
ties, produced one of the two new species of this singular genus 
here. described, and the other has been found without any locality 
among the stores so Jong preserved by Mr.G. Humphrey. I have 


Mr. Sowerby on two new Species of Orbicula. $21 


however ascertained, that it is found at Whitby, from a specimen 
sent from that place to my brother by John Hogg, Esq. Jun. of 


Leeds. 
Onsicuta. 


Sp. QO. cancellata, testa orbiculari, vertice postico, marginali; 
valvarum superficie lineis elevatis, confertis, radiantibus, 
lineis incrementi elevatis decussatis ; valve inferioris vertice 
excentrali, levi, depresso, sinu byssi parvo, brevi. 

Icon. Tab. nost. XI. f. 6. 

The general form of this shell is orbicular, and very flat, being 
more gibbous near the posterior extremity: the vertex of the 
upper valve is quite marginal, and posterior ; its surface is covered 
with close-set elevated lines, radiating from the vertex, and which 
are crossed by the elevated lines of growth, so that the entire 
surface has a finely reticulated appearance: the vertex of the 
lower valve is also nearly marginal, having at the posterior edge 
a rather deep cavity, in which the sinus (through which the disk 
of attachment passes) is placed: the surface of this valve is reti- 
culated in the same manner as in the other, except near the umbo, 
where it‘is smooth, and the lines of growth are not elevated, but 
form complete rings, partly descending into the cavity above- 
mentioned. The shell itself is extremely thin: it occurs in a 
light brownish grey limestone, containing also remains of Tere- 
bratule and Coralloids. I am indebted to Dr. Bigsby for the 
opportunity of describing this species, which he brought from 
horizontal limestone resting on Augtic trap, one mile north of 
Montreal in Lower Canada. 

Sp. O. reflera: testa subellipticd, posticé acutiuscula, polit ; 
valva superiore convexiuscula, vertice postico, submargi- 
nali; valva inferiore plana, vertice subcentrali, margine 
reflexo; sinu byssi magno, elongato. 

Icon. Tab. nost. f. 7. 

The general form of this species is rather elliptical, a little 
acuminated posteriorly—-and it is quite smooth and polished all 
over, being only marked with the lines of growth: the upper 
valve is convex, its vertex is submarginal, being placed considera- 


Vor. II. x 


322 Mr. Bell on Leptophina. 


bly nearer to the posterior than to the anterior margin : the lower 
valve is flat, its vertex placed near the center, and its margin 
very thin and reflected. The sinus through which the byssus 
passes, is large and elongated, and placed in a cavity posterior to 
the vertex of the lower valve. All the specimens I have seen 
are preserved in argillaceous iron stone nodules. 


Art. XXXIX. On Lerropuina, a group of Serpents 
comprising the Genus Dryinus of Merrem, and a newly 
formed Genus proposed to be named Leptophis. By 
Tuomas Beut, Esq. F.L.S. 


Tue genus Coluber of Linneus consists of several very dis- 
tinct subordinate groups, some of which are so obvious as to 
require merely a cursory observation to detect them, whilst others 
demand a more rigorous investigation to discover their affinities, 
and to assign their natural limits. The separation of the genus 
Elaps by Schneider, of Naia and of Dipsas by Laurenti, of 
Vipera by Daudin, of Dryinus by Merrem, &c. still leaves much 
to be done before the groups are well understood, and their 
natural arrangement ascertained. Of those which have hitherto 
been established, not one rests on a firmer basis, or is more natu- 
rally and distinctly defined than the genus Dryinus of Merrem: 
but upon an examination of several other species of Linnean 
Colubri, of similar habits and conformation, I find so many points 
of affinity as to claim for them a situation in the same superior 
group, though undoubtedly they must be considered as generically 
distinct ; and to these I propose to give the name Leptophis 
(from azrros gracilis and tgis serpens). 

The whole of the serpents composing these genera live in 
woods, entwining themselves amongst the branches of trees, and 
gliding with great rapidity and elegance from one to ancther. 
These habits, combined with the graceful slenderness of their 
form, the beautiful metallic reflection from the surface in some 
species, and the bright and changeable hues in others, place 
them amongst the most. interesting of the serpent tribe. Their 
food consists of large insects, young birds, &c. which the extra- 


Mr. Bell on Leptophina. 323 


ordinary size of the head, the width of gape, and the great dila- 
tibility of the neck and body enable them to swallow, notwith- 
standing the small size of these parts in a state of rest: ina 
specimen‘in my possession of D. awratus for instance, the length 
of which is four feet nine inches, the diameter of the neck is 
barely two lines. When the skin is distended either by food, 
er during’ inspiration, the scales are separated from each other, 
and the skin, which is of a different colour, becomes visible in 
the interstices, producing a curious reticulated appearance. ~ 

Notwithstanding the poisonous mark was affixed by Linneus 
to the only species of Dryinus known to him, (Coluber mycteri- 
zans L.), it is well ascertained that they are all of them per- 
fectly harmless, and it is asserted of that species that the chil-« 
dren are in the habit of taming and playing with them, twining 
them round their neck and arms, and that the snakes appear 
pleased at being thus caressed. 

In their general characters, the two genera composing this 
group are very Closely allied. The body is extremely long in 
proportion to its breadth,—the tail more than half, and in some 
spécies, nearly equalling the length of the body,—the head broad 
and long, covered, as in the other Colubridw, with nine scuta, 
which however do not extend so far back as in the rest of the 
family. The hinder part of the head is covered with numerous 
very small scales. The scales of the back are of an elongated 
oval form, those on the spine, in some species, broader and some- 
what rhomboidal, which is also the case with the lateral row 
immediately above the abdominal scuta. The scuta of the belly 
are almost as * long as they are broad. ‘Those of the tail nume- 
rous, closely attached, and from the attenuated form of that part, 
difficult to be distinguished. 

The principal difference between the two genera consists in 
the form of the rostrum. In Dryinus the upper jaw projects far 
beyond the lower; and is considerably attenuated towards the 
apex, which in some species is distinctly mucronate, turned up and 


* I consider the length of the scuta, their diameter from the anterior to the 
posterior margin: the breadth, across the abdomen. 
x 2 


524 Mr. Bell on Leptophina.—Dryinus. 


moveable. In Leptophis the’ rostrum is obtuse, and‘ the upper 
jaw projects but very slightly beyond the lower. 

Of the first genus there are three species now known in the 
old continent and as many in the new; for the whole of those 
inhabiting. India we are indebted to Dr. Russell, in whose work 
they are figured. Of the three American species, one was de- 
scribed by Catesby, a second has lately been discovered in 
Brazil, by that indefatigable investigator M. Spix, and the third 
I have very recently received with some other serpents from 
Mexico. 


ee 


Familia. Cotusrip2. 
? Subfam. LeproprnHina. 


Caput elongatum, anticé attenuatum, posticé latum, scutis novem 
anticé tectum. Oculi magni. Oris rictus peramplus, unda- 
tus. Dentes in maxillis et palato; tela nulla. Corpus gra- 
cillimum, subdepressum. Cauda longissima, tenuis, apicé 
acuta. Sguame dorsales ovales, elongate, laxe ; caudales 
minime, conferte. Scuta abdominalia \ongissima. Scutella 
subcaudalia parva, subindistincta. 


Head elongate, broad behind, narrowed before ; the anterior 
part covered with nine scuta. Eyes large. Gape wide, some- 
what waved. Maxillary and palatine teeth; no poisonous fangs. 
Body very slender, slightly depressed, tail very long, slender, the 
point acute. Dorsal scales oval, elongate, loose ; caudal scales 


very smalJ, closely arranged. Abdominal scuta very * long 5 sub- 
caudal scuta small, indistinct. 


Genus. Dryinus. Merrem. 
Char. Gen. Mazilla superior inferiore multé longior. Rostrum 


attenuatum, apice acuto vel subacuto, in nunnullis speciebus 
mucronato, mobili. 


Upper jaw much longer than the lower. Rostrum very narrow; 
more or less acute at the apex, which in some species is distinctly 
mucronate and moveable. 


* Vide note p. 323. 


Mr. Bell on Leptophina—Dryinus. 395 


zNEuS. Dr. supra fuscus, subtus pallidior, aureo nitens, rostro 
acuminato, mobili. 


Scuta abdominalia. 
Scutella subcaudalia. 


Spix & Wagler Serp. Nov. Braz. t. 3. p. 12. 
Habitat in Braziliz sylvis, prope fluvium Simoéns. 


Brown above, paler beneath,. shining. with a golden lustre ; 
rostrum acuminated, moveable. 


— auratus. Dr. griseo-flavescens, aureo pallidé nitens, albido nigro- 
que punctulatus ; rostro subobtuso. 


Scuta abdominalia, 196. 
Scutella subcaudalia, 160, 


- Habitat in Mexico, 
Mus. nost. 


Tab. nost. XII. 


Yellowish grey, shining with pale gold colour, dotted with 
whitish and black ; rostrum subobtuse, 


Description. 

The head is very flat, and considerably elongated, the upper 
jaw extending about a line beyond the lower; the rostrum 
straight and rather obtuse. The opening of the mouth is long and 
slightly waved. The scuta covering the head, which, as in all the 
species of the family, are nine in number, extend farther back 
than in most others of the genus. The scales of the body are 
oval, narrow, rather pointed, imbricate, very flexible, and a little 
turned up at the apex. The abdominal scuta are little less than 
two lines long, whilst their breadth is barely three lines. The 
tail is excessively slender and slightly quadrangular, the apex 
acute. 

The general colour is light grey, with a slight cast of pink, vary- 
ing with light gold colour, and of a metallic lustre. The whole 
body is spotted with minute blackish and whitish dots. It is 
paler and more uniform beneath. The upper part of the head is 
of an uniform grey. A fine black line runs from the nostrils back~ 


326 Mr. Bell on Leptophina—Dryinus. 


wards, across the lower part of the eye, to about half an inch 
beyond the head, between which and the mouth the space is 
quite white. 


DIMENSIONS. 
ft. in. lin. 
Total length w. 22. coed). evelfass 4 9 0 
Length of the head ......... 2.1... -O".L, 2 
Length of the tail............. 2 0 0 
Breadth of the head ........... 00 5 
Breadth of the neck ........... 0 0 2 
Breadth of the abdomen ....... 0 0 4 


This elegant species has considerable relation to Dr. wneus of 
Spix and Wagler; it is, however, not only of a very different 
colour, and of more slender proportions, but it is also strikingly 
distinct in the structure of the elongated rostrum, which in Dr. 
eeneus is acute, mucronated and moveable, whilst in our species it 
is obtuse, and even rather abruptly truncated. 


MYCTERIZANS. Dr. viridis, lineis plurimis lateralibus flavis ; 
dente longissimo in media maxilla superiori; rostro recurvo. 
Scutta abdominalia, 191—192. 
Scutella subcaudalia, 167-173. Merrem. 
Seba Thes. II. t. xxiii. fig. 2. 
Bluish green snake. Catesby Carol. II. t. 47. 
Coluber mycterizans. Lin. S, N. 389. Shaw Gen. Zool. III. 
pt. 2. p. 546. 
La nazique. Lacep. Serp. II. p. 277. t. 4, fig. 2. 
Natrix mycterizans. Laur. Rept. p. 79. 
? N. flagelliformis. Daur. l.c. — 
Dryinus mycterizans. Merrem Syst. Amph. p. 136. 
Habitat in Caroline Sylvis, in arboribus. 


Green, with several yellow lateral lines ; one tooth much iiss 
than the others, in the middle of the upper jaw. 


oxyruyneus. Dr. supra flavo-viridis, subtus pallide virescens, 
linea utrinque abdominali albida; rostro acuminato. 
Scuta abdominalia, 179. 
‘Scutella subcaudalia, 130—166. 


Mr. Bell on Leptophina—Dryinus. 327 


Passeriki Pam. Russell Ind. Serp. I. t. xii. p. 16. 

? Coluber mycterizans. Daud. Rept. VII. p. 9. 
Coluber mycterizans, var. Shaw III. pt. II. p. 547. 
Dryinus nasutus. Merrem Amph. p. 136. 

Habitat in India orientali. 


Yellow green above, pale greenish beneath, a whitish line along 
the abdomen on each side ; rostrum acuminated. 


nasutus. Dr. supra leté, subtus pallidé viridis, lined utrinque 
abdominali flava; rostro subacuto, non mucronato. 


Seuta abdominalia, 209. 
Scutella subcaudalia, 160. 


Seba II. t. liii. fig. 4. 

Coluber nasutus. Shaw Gen. Zool. III. pt. I. p. 548. 
Russell Ind. Serp. 11. t. xxiv. p. 28. 

Habitat in Insula Java. 


Bright green above, paler beneath, with a yellow abdominal 
line on each side ; rostrum subacute, not mucronated. 


Russevc1anus; Dr. supra glaucus, subtus pallidé rufescens, 
nigro minuté punctato ; rostro mucronato. 
Scuta abdominalia, 174. 
Scutella subcaudalia, 148. 
Botla Passeriki. Russell Ind. Serp. I. t. xiii. p. 18. 
Coluber mycterizans var. Shaw Gen. Zool. II. pt. I. p. 547. 
Dryinus nasutus var. Merrem Syst Amp. p. 136. 
Habitat in India orientali rarior. 


Glaucous green above, pale reddish beneath, minutely dotted 
with black ; rostrum mucronate. 


That these four species are distinct, the characters given of 
them by those who have seen them living, and observed their 
habits, as well as examined their structure, sufficiently prove. 
Merrem was the first to separate Dr. mycterizans from the Pas- 
seriki pam of Dr. Russell, who had considered these two species 
as identical. Merrem has however most erroneously considered 


328 Mr. Bell on Leptophina—Leptophis. 


the three Oriental species figured in the splendid work of Russell 
as one; at least the Botla Passeriki and the Passerikt pam of 
the latter author are given as synonymes to Dr. nasutus ; but as 
this last trivial name was previouly assigned to-another species by 
Dr. Shaw, I have given the name of oxyrhyncus to one, and 
Russellianus to the other species hitherto not named, and re- 
tained nasutus for that to which this name was originally given. 
*I think it necessary to mention here that the distinctive characters 
given by Merrem to his two species are perfectly nugatory. 


Genus. Lepropuis. 


PURPURASCENS. L. violaceo-virescens, aureo nitens ; linea dor- 
sali, atque utrinque laterali, pallidis ; capite obtuso. 


Scuta abdominalia, 198—201. 
Scutella subcaudalia, 145—156. 


Seba Thes. II. t. \xxxii. fig. 3. 

? Scheuchz. Phys. Sacr. t. 630. fig. A. 

Coluber purpurascens, Shaw. Gen. Zool. III. pt. 2. p. 549. 
Merrem Amph. p. 120. 

Habitat in India orientali, 


Mus. Nost. 


Violet changing to green, gilded ; a lateral and dorsal line of a 
paler hue ; head obtuse. 


Anatutia. L., viridi-ceruleus, nitidissimus, abdomine pallido, 
JSascia oculari nigra, rostro subacuto. 


Scuta abdominalia, 163. 
Scutella subcaudalia, 150. 


Seba Thes. I. t. \xxxii. fig. 1. 
' Coluber. Ahetulla, Lin. S. N. p. 387. Mus. Ad. Fr. p, 32. 
t. 22. Shaw, Gen. Sool. iI. part 2, p. 550. Merrem Amph. 
p. 121. 
_ Habitat in India orientali. coktie 
Bright blue green, iridescent, abdomen pale ; a black line across 
the eyes; rostrum subacute. 


Characters of New Brazilian Reptilia. 329% 


astivus. IL. viridi-purpurascens, abdomine virescente ; rostro 


obtuso. 
Scuta abdominalia, 155. 


Scutella subcaudalia, 144. 


Green Snake. Caterby Carol. II. p. 57. 

Coluber estivus. Lin. S. N. 387. Shaw, Gen. Sool. II. pt. 
2.p. 551. Merrem, p. 121. | 

Le verdatre Encyc. Method. 

Habitat in Carolina. 


Blue green above, greenish beneath, rostrum obtuse. 


Mancas. JL. supra glaucus, abdomine pallide luteo, lineis binis 
latis virescentibus. 
Scuta abdominalia, 186. 
Scutella subcaudalia, 153. 
Mancas. Russell Ind. Serp. II. t. 25. p. 29. 
Rooka. Ib. 
Habitat in India orientali. 
Glaucous green above, pale yellowish beneath, with two broad 
greenish lines. 


Art. XL. The generic and specific Characters &c. of 
Ophidian, Chelonian, and Batrachian Reptilia, disco- 
vered by M. Sr1x in Brazil.* 


AMPHIBIA. 
Orpvo II. Pedes nulli. 


SERPENTES. 
Trizus A. 


Serpentes innocui: Tela nulla; Dentes maxillares et palatini. 


* Extracted from the following works: 
1. Serpentum Braziliensium species nove, ou Histoire Naturelle des espé- 


330 Characters of New Brazilian Reptilia. 
Faminia II. OPHIDII. 


a. Cotusrini. Caput supra scutis octo vel novem, occipitali- 
bus magnis, superciliaribus plerumque convexis ; oris rictus, ex- 
cepto genere ExApis, amplus, ab angulo declivis ; cauwda subtus 
scutis aut omnibus aut plurimis divisis, apice conica, recta ; ingua 
valde extensilis, bifurca. 


Genus v. ELAPS. 


Scuta caude subtus omnia divisa; caput indistinctum aut sub- 
distinctum ; Oris rictus parvous, subrectus ; ¢truncus plerumque 
levissimus ; cada in plurimis teres ; ocwli rotundi, parvi. 


Species 1. ScHRANKII. 


E. albidus ; annulis seu potius fasciis latis nigris, supra in media 
sordide-fuscescentibus ; annulis caude anticis gemints, posticis 
simplicibus. , 

Species 2. Martit. 

E. supra pallide violaceo-rubicundus ; fasciis annularibus nigris, 

margaritis albis quasi marginatis, infra disjunctis. 


Species 3. TRIANGULARIS. 


E. pallide cyaneo-niger ; trunco caudaque subtriquetris ; annulis 
dilutioribus, in dorso pallide cyaneis, ad latera roseis, in abdomine 
albis. 

Species 4. VENUSTISSIMUS. 

E. cinnabarinus ; annulis nigris in medio et ad marginam albido- 
viridibus : squamis apice nigris; capite nigro, fascia supra alba, 
nigro bipunctata. 


Species 5. MELANOCEPHALUS. 


E. capite supra et nucha nigris; occipite albo-hipunctato ; cor- 


ces nouvelles de Serpens, recueillies et observées pendant le voyage dans 
Vinterieur du Brésil dans les Années 1817, 1818, 1819, 1820, exécuté par 
ordre de sa Majesté le roi de Baviére, publiée par Jean de Spix, écrite 
d’aprés les notes du voyageur par Jean Wagler. 

2. Species Nove Testudinum et Ranarum, quas in itinere per Braziliam, 
Annis 1817 1820, jussu et auspiciis Maximiliani Josephi I. Bavarie Regis 
Suscepto, collegit et descripsit Dr. J. B. de Spix. 


Serpentes.—=Dryinus.  Natrix. 331 


pore supra brunneo ; linea longitudinali in dorso a nucha usque 

ad caude apicem obscuriore, recta, tenui; corpore et cauda 
’ > 

subtus albicanti-flavis, immaculatis. 


Species 6. Lanasporrrt. 
E. supra nigerrimus maculis minutis separatis flavidis, transver- 
sim positis ; subtus flavidis fasciis latiusculis rubris. 


Genus VII. DRYINUS. 


Scuta caude subtus omnia divisa; caput longum rostrom acutis- 
simo, mobili; ocn/z lateraliter in medio capitis ; ¢runcus gracilli- 
mus ; cauda longissima; scnta rostralia plerumque duo. 


Species 1. @NEUS. 


D. capite supra fusco; stria nigricante a naribus per oculos 
usque ultra occiput producta; labiis albis; corpore et cauda 
pallide fuscis, aureo nitentibus. 


Genus VIII. NATRIX. 


Scuta caude subtus omnia divisa; caput aut vix distinctum aut 
distinctum ; scutum rostrale convexum; oris rictus ab angulo 
declivis, amplus ; sqwamae trunci aut laeves aut carinatae. 


Species 1. CHIAMETLA,. 
N. reticulata; squamis olivaceo-virescentibus, nigro margina- 
tis ; capite, trunco et cauda subtus alboflavidis, immaculatis. 
Seba Thes. II. tab. 36. f. 4. tab. 61. f. 1. 


Coluber Chiametla Shaw. Gen. Zool. III. p. 440. Merr. Tent. 
Syst. Amph. p. 135. n. 190. 


Species 2, G. Forster. 


N. tota fuscescenti-olivacea, immaculata; squamis trunci anteri- 


oris lateraliter albo marginatis ; corpore inferiore fuscescenti-fla- 
vido, immaculato. 


532 Characters of New Brazilian Reptilia. 


Species 3. MELANOSTIGMA. 


_N. supra fuscescenti-olivacea ; subtus alba; scutis abdominali- 
bus coerulescenti-marginatis, -in’ utroque latere puncto nigro 
notatis ; cauda infra tota alba, 


. Species 4.. LACERTINA. 


N. supra olivacea squamis dorsi nonnulis intermixtis nigris, 
albido marginatis, reliquis omnibus in medio impressis; infra 
flavescenti-albicans lineolis numerosis, maculatis, longitudinali- 
bus, nigricantivirescentibus. 


Species 5. CINNAMOMEA, 


N. tota cinnamomea, immaculata ; squamis levibus. 


Species 6. OCCIPITALIS. 


N. pallide fuscescenti-albicans ; squamis apice fuscis ; vertice, 
eccipite et nucha fusco-nigris. 


Species 7. BICARINATA. 


N. fuscescenti-virescens ; dorso tenia albicante utrinque cari- 
nata; abdomine flavicanti-albo, scutis nigricanti marginatis. 


Species 8. Scurruba. 


N. supra testaceo-rufa et nigro-subviolaceo varia; dorso late- 
raliter compresso; corpore et cauda subtus testaceo-rufis, nigro 
maculatis ; capite supra nigricanti-bruneo ; fronte rufescente. 


Species 9. SULPHUREA. 


N, toto virescenti-sulphurea, immaculata; squamis dorsi cari- 
natis, medii laterum lineola vix elevata, nigricante notatis, caude 


levibus. 
Species 10. BAHIENSIS. 


N. glauco-cinerascens ; maculis in dorso nigris subrotundis, in 
linea longitudinali positis, utrinque ad trunci latera’ minoribus, 
omnibus albido marginatis; abdomine et cauda subtus albis ; 
Stria nigra transversa supra oculos et altera tenuiori supra nares. 


Species 11. CHEKSEOIDES. 
N. supra olivacea; dorso ejusque lateribus maculis nigricanti- 


Serpentes.— Natrix. 333 


bus, in dorso interdum coherentibus et subdentatis; capite 
supra lituris figurisque arcuatis notato ; abdomine et cauda sub- 
tus maculis irregularibus numerosis nigricantibus. 


Species 12. ALMADA. 


N. dorso fusces cente, lineolis transversis albicantibus, inter- 
dum medio interruptis ; trunci lateribus nigro maculatis ; abdo- 
mine albo, fasciis nigris haud raro alternantibus ; cauda subtus 
alba, immaculata. 

Species 13. OCELLATA. 


N. corpore et cauda subtus nigricanti-pallide olivaceis ; lineis 
duabus in dorso, rectis, albidis, ab occipite usque ultra caudae 
originem prolongatis ; punctis ad trunci latera obscurioribus, in 
medio albis, utrinque in linea recta positis. 


Species 14, SEMILINEATA. 


N. supra cinerascenti-cyanea; subtus flavicanti-alba; linea 
nigra, recta, tenui, lateraliter a trunco medio usque ad eius api- 
cem prolongata. 

Species 15. SEXCARINATA. 
N. supra nigro-fusca, immaculata, subtus pallidior; capite 
subtus et gula flavidis squamis laevibus ; squamarum carinatarum 
seriebus sex a dorso medio fere usque ad candz originem. 


Species 16. ASPERA. 


N. supra cinerasceati-fuscescens ; maculis in dorso obscuriori- 
bus, nigricanti marginatis, magnis, transversis, utplurimum dis- 
junctis ; lateribus trunci albido maculatis ; capite subtus et gula 
flavido-albicantibus ; corpore subtus fuscescenti-cinereo, maculis 
nigris transversis, alternantibus. 


Species 17. PUNCTATISSIMA. 


N. supra fuscescens; squamis nonnullis vix nigricanti margina- 
tis; ad latera trunci linea subobsoleta nigricante ; subtus flavido- 
albicans, lineis duabus geminis punctisque minimis, numerosis- 
simis. , 


334 Characters of New Brazilian Reptilia. 
Genus XI. XIPHOSOMA. 


Corpus quam maxime compressum, fusiforme ; dentes antice in 
utraque maxilla trini et quini maximi; caput magnum, triangu- 
lum, supra rostrum squamis magnis obtectum ; seuta abdominalia 
tenuissima ; scuta caude subtus integra; calcarza ad anum nulla. 


Species 1. ORNATUM. 
X. fuscescenti-nigricans; maculis nigerrimis, magnis, utrin- 
que ad dorsi latera, in dorso subjunctis flavidoque marginatis ; 
abdomine flavido, nigro maculato. 


Species 2. poRSUALE. 


X. cinerascenti-violaceum; maculis in dorso flavidis, acute 
angulatis, interruptis ; abdomine flavido. 


Species 3. ARARAMBOYA. 


X. supra laete viride ; striis in dorso transversis, flavidis, inter- 
dum angulatis; gula abdomineque flavidis. 


Trius B. 
Serpentes nocui: Tela. 


c Virerini. Tela, et preter ea dentes imperforati in maxilla 
superiore ; vertex scutatus, excepto genere CuErsypRI, vertice 
squamoso ; oris rictus amplus, ad angulum subdeclivis ; cauda 
subtus scutis vel integris aut divisis, vel integris et divisis ; 
corpus infra aut scutellatum, aut squamosum. 


Genus XIII. OPHIS. 


Denses imperforati parvi ante tela, pone illa nulli; scuta abdo- 
minalia lata.; scuta caudae subtus omnia divisa. 


Species 1. Merrremit. 


O. sordide fuscescens aut pallide olivaceus, immaculatus, aut 
maculis transveris obcsurioribus interdum subrhomboidalibus varie- 
gatus ; abdomine et cauda subtus sordide albicantibus aut flavican- 
tibus. 


Serpentes—Micrurus. Bothrops. 335 


d. Hyprint. Tela 1—6 in utroque latere maxille superioris ; 
dentes imperforati in palato et maxilla inferiore, in maxilla 
superiore nulli; capué supra scutatum, aut squamatum et anticé 

) scutellatum ; scuta caude subtus integra aut divisa, aut integra 
et divisa. 


Genus XVIII. MICRURUS. 


Cauda brevissima, apice acutiuscula; scuta caudae subtus in- 
3 p 2 
tegra et divisa ; caput indistinctum, obtusum, scutis supra novem. 


Species 1. Sprxrr. 


M. albido fuscescens; squamis-apice fuscis, laevibus; trunco 
caudaque nigro annulatis. 


Genus XX VI. BOTHROPS. 


Caput supra aut squamosum aut antice subscutellatum, scutis 
superciliaribus mediocribus ; fovea utrinque inter nares et oculos 
intermedia ; cauda teres, apice simplex. 


Species 1. Mecmra. 


B. supra fuscescenti-virescens, fasciis obscurioribus, utrinque 
fusco-nigro marginatis ; corpore inferiore flavido, immaculato,. 


Species 2. Furia. 


B. totus obscure fuscus ; abdomine flavido, interdum nigricanti- 
> 


submaculato. 
Species 3. Lrucostiema. 


B. capite et dorso supra fuscis ; dorso fasciis latiusculis, obscu- 
rioribus; corpore inferiore cinerascente, lateraliter albicanti- 
punctato; cauda apicem versus ochraceo-albicante. 


Species 4. TESSALLATUS. 


B. supra fuscus, fasciis obscurioribus; stria rufo-fusca pone 
oculos; abdomine albido, nigricanti-fusco tessellato. 


Species 5. T#NIATUS. 


B. supra albido-pallide virescens, in dorso fasciis binis obscurio- 


336 Characteas of New Brazilian Reptilia. 


ribus, subapproximatis; corpore inferiore sacuinean albido- 
consperso et ocellato. 


Species 6. Neuwiept1. 

B. supra dilute fuscus, maculis in dorso magnis obscurioribus 
plerumque in utroque apice sinuatis, fuscescenti-flavido margi- 
natis ; maculis ad trunci latera minoribus longiusculis ; scutis ab- 
dominalibus flayidis, transverse nigricanti nubilatis. 


Species 7. LEUCURUS. 
B. fuscescenti-cinerascens ; dorso maculis transversis, seu fasciis 
interruptis, nigricantibus; trunci Jateribus punctis maiusculis 
nigris ; abdomine albido ; cauda apice alba. 


Species 8. Surucucu. 
B. corpore toto ochraceo-stramineo; maculis in dorso rufo- 
fuscis, subrhomboidalibus; abdomine et cauda subtus immacu- 
latis. 


Curucucu Marcgrav. Brazil. pag. 241. Seba Thes. II. tab. 76. 


Jig. 1. 

Crotalus mutus Linn. Syst. Nat. 1. p. 373. Boa muta Lacep. 
Quadr. oviss. IT. p. 389. Schneid. Hist. Amph. II. 253. Scytale 
catenata. Latr. Rept. III. p. 162. Scytale Ammodytes Latr. 
l. c. p. 165. Daud. Rept. V. p. 347. Lachesis Muta Daud. 
lic. V. p. 351.2  Lachesis Atra. Daud. l.c. p. 354. Crota- 
line Boa Shaw. Gen. Zool. III. p. 352. Coluber Alecto. Shaw 
l. c.p.400. Die lange Viper. Merr. Wetterauische Annal. I. 
S.10. 7.2. Trigonocephale a losanges. Cuv. Reg. an, IT. 
p- 81. Cophias Crotalinus Merr. Syst. Amph. p. 154. n. 1. 


Genus XXVIII. CROTALUS. 


Fovea utrinque inter nares et oculos intermedia ; cauda apice 
crepitaculo, e vesiculis corneis consistente, aucta. 


Species 1. cCASCAVELLA. 


C. fuscescens; dorso maculis rhomboidalibus, fuscis, flavido 


Serpentes.—Stenostoma.—Leposternon. 337 


marginatis, ad latera in strias duas, angulatas ac divergentes 
excurrentibus. 


Famiz1aA III. HELMINTHOPHES. 


Truncus cylindricus, subnudus, et squamulis, plerumque mol- 
libus, vix conspicuis ac cuti quasi immersis, sulcisque longitudi- 
nalibus seu annularibns instructus, in solo genere STENosTOMATIS 
squamatus ; oculi minutissimi et cute communi, crassiore obtecti 
(excepta specie Stenostomatis albifrontis, cujus oculi majusculi et 
non obtecti); anus vel transversus vel rotundus, prope finem 
corporis aut in ejus apice; cauda aut brevissima, apice obtusa, 
(excepta specie Amphisbene oxyure), aut omnino nulla. 


Genus I. STENOSTOMA. 


Caput minutum, antice scutatum ; corpus, totum squamis un- 
dique zqualibus tectum ; cauda teres, brevissima, obtusa, apice 
aculeo parvo munita; oris rictus augustus; os inferum; dentes 
(an in omnibus?) nulli; Jingua longiuscula, bifurca. 


Species I. ALBIFRONS. 


St. rufo-fuscum nitidum, squamis albide submarginatis ; fronte 
caudgque apice albis. 


ee ee 


Genus II. LEPOSTERNON. 


Caput et sternum scutata; truncus et cauda annulati; oris 


rictus parvus, rectus; dentes maxillares, palatini nulli; lingua 
planiuscula, antice incisa ; port ante anum nulli. 


SpeciesI. MicroceruHatus. 
L. sordide albidum; trunco supra annulato, fusco, punctis 
elevatis minutis, fuscescentibus, in annulos positis, subtus flavido- 
albido, sutura intermedia longitudinali, lineis X-formibus exarata. 


Vou. I. - Y 


338 Characters of new Brazilian Reptilia. 
Genus IIT. AMPHISBAINA, 


Truncus et cauda annulati, reticulis impressis quadrangularibus 
obtecta; caput scutatum; dentes maxillares, palatini nulli 5 
lingua brevis, planiuscula; antice incisa; pori subelevati ante 
anum transversum. 

Species 1. oxyuURA. 

A. tota fusca; cauda apice acutiuscula. 


Species 2. VERMICULARIS. 


A. vermicularis, supra rufescenti-fuscescens, subtus subochraceo- 
albida. 


Genus IV. CASCILIA. 


Corpus nudum, ad latera caudamque rugosum, aut annulatum ; 
lingua planiuscula; denfes maxillares et palatini: cauda obtusis- 
sima vix ulla aut omnino nulla; oréfictum ani rotundum. 


Species I. ANNULATA. 
C. olivaceo-virescens ; trunco quali annulis valde impressis, 
dilutioribus 201 et 210. 


Orvo III. TESTUDINES. 


Animal testa immobili, cum costi connata obtectum, tetra- 
podum, caudatum, repens vel natans, animalculis, herbis vel fruc- 
tibus victitans, mas pene simplici instructus feminam insidento 
fecundans, fcemina ova numerosa subrotunda membranacea in 
fossa arenosa ad maris, fluvii vel lacus ripam excavata deponens, 
non incubans ; tympano aurium extus conspicuo ; maxillis corneis. 
edentatis pyxidum instar se claudentibus; digitis unguiculatis ; 
ventriculo cordis simplici bi-auriculato ; pulmonibus persistentibus, 
metamorphosi, uti in ranis, non subjectis. 


Geaus I. EMYS. 


Fluviatilis vel lacustris; desté convexo-depressa, oblonga 5 


Testudines.—Emys. | 339. 


palmis pentadactylis, plantis tetradactylis, utrisque depressis ; 
digitis elongatis semipalmatis vel palmatis, acute unguiculatis ; 
sterno immobili. 

Species1. KE. aAmAzonica. 


Maxima, magnitudine Chelonis Mydz, brunneo nigricans vel’ 
9 MAE ? 5 
grisea, subtus flavescens ; capite squamoso, depresso, antice com- 
presso, brevi, vix adunco, supra inter oculos approximatos sulcato, 
postice largissimo; scutello verticali triangulo posticé elongato ; 
gula unicirrhos’; testa ovata, immarginata ; posticé dilatata, 
planiuscula ; scutello dorsi marginali antico intermedio nullo; 
bractea pectoris versus caudam bifurcati pentagona, pone acumi-’ 
nata; pedibus squamatis, largé palmatis, squamis latis aliisque 
linearibus transversis. 
Habitat in fluvio Solimoéns et confluentibus Javary, Rio 
Branco, 
Species 2. E, virrpis. 

Mediocris, supra olivaceo, virescens, sulbus viridi-flavicans, 
bd ? ’ 5) 
testa elliptica, subzquali; scutello dorsi intermedio antico impari 

P 3 q 2 } 
sublineari, rectangulo; pectoris impari cordiformi, largissimo; 
? gulo; ) & 3 
pectore oblongo, antice largiusculo, truncaté marginato, posticé 

augustiore, bifurcato. 
Habitat in aquis lacustribus fluminis Carinhanke, confluentis 

’ 
Sti. Francisci. 
Species 3. E. pEprEssA. 


Exigua, rufescente-nigricans, capite nou squamis sed membrana. 
tecto; collo cirrhoso, exserto; testa ellipticd, posticé gibbosa, 
acuté, ad femora angulate marginata, supra dorsum subsulcata ; 
scutis dorsi reticulatis, medio nodosis, antico spinali maximo ; 
bractea marginali pectoris impari pentagona, longa; pectore 
postice subbifurcato ; cauda brevissima, vix exserta. 

Habitat in aquis paludosis provinciarum Rio de Janeiro et flu- 
minis Sti. Francisci. 


Species 4. E. MACROCEPHALA. 

Grandis, supra nigerrima, subtus nigro-rufescens ; capite cras- 
sissimo, convexo, supra nasum‘non sulcato ; collo exserto, minus 
crasso; test cylindrico-ovaté, majore quam in Emyde Tracaxa, 

x2 


340 Characters of new Brazilian Reptilia. 


antice angustiore, minus emarginata magisque elevato-convexa 5 
scutis dorsi levibus, non striatis, nigerrimis, minus sinuose emar- 
ginatis, posticis marginalibus geminis ; bractea pectoris antice 
impari pentagona, apice largiore, rectangula; pectore posticé 
testam non attingente ; unguibus depressis, validis, nigris. 

Habitat solitarié et rarissima, ab incolis Cabecudo dicta prope 
pagum Airon ad ripam fluminis Yau, confluentis Rio Negro. 


Species 5. KE. TRACAXA. 


Grandis, supra olivaceo fusca, subtus flavicans ; capite sub- 
crasso, postice convexo; testa ovato-subcylindrica, elevata, antic 
latiore ac minus sinuoso-marginata quam in Emyde Macrocephala 
scutis dorsi undulate ac radiatim striatis magisque sinuose mar- 
ginatis, postico marginali simplici ; bracteis pectoris substriatis ; 
antica impari acute rhomboidea, apice angustissima, tertia sub- 
triquetra, largiore quam in Emyde Macrocephala ; pectore postice 
testa breviore. ‘ 

Habitat solitarie et monogama ad ripam et insulas fluminis 
Solimoéns et confluentium. 


Species 6. E. ruripes. 


Mediocris, supra nigro-brunnescens, subtus flavo-ferruginea, 
capite crasso, depresso, supra scutellis, lateraliter squamulis mu- 
nito; gula bicirrhosa; testa elliptica, medio dorso longitudinaliter 
acuta; scuto dorsi marginali impari lineari, pectoris subrotundo, 
medio excavato; pedibus squamis scutelliformibus hispidis, lar- 
gissime palmatis; unguibus compressis, acutis. 

Habitat ad ripam fluminis Solimoéns. 


Species 7. E. ERYTIROCEPHALA. 


Mediocris, supra fusca, subtus flavo-albicans; capite flavo-auran- 
tio; oculis minus approximatis ; rostro infra nares subfisso; sulco 
supra inter oculos longiore quam in Emyde Amazonica ; scutello 
verticis subcordiformi, antice rotundato, postice acuto, brevi ; 
bractea pectoris marginali impari postice rotundata; pectore 
postice rotundato-excavato ; gula non cirrhosa ; scuto antico dorsi 
marginali intermedio nullo. 


Testudines.— Emys. 341 


Habitat in aquis ripariis fluminis Solimoéns, Jurura Campeva 
cognominata. 


Species 8. E. cANALICULATA. 


Exigua, fusco-nigricans ; capite plano, supra ferrugineo, subtus 
nigro; collo supra rufo, verrucoso echinato, subtus squamuloso ; 
testa nigricante, elliptica, convexo-depressa, ad marginem exter- 
num sursum revoluta, in medio dorso longitudinaliter large cana- 
liculaté ; scutello dorsi antico impari brevi, rectangulo, pectoris 
pentagono, magno;-pedibus brevibus, squamis acutis, hispidis ; 
plantis, precipue palmis subglobosis ; cauda minima, vix exserta. 

Habitat sub cognomine Japutipirema in campis paludosis juxta 
ripam fluminis Solimoéns. 


Species 9. E. nonsuatis. 


Minima, ovata, supra olivaceo-virescens, depressa, in medio 
squamoso, nigro, lateraliter flavo-lineato, scutis granulosis; brac- 
teis pectoris duodecim; pedibus squamosis, sulphureis, nigro 
lineolatis ; cauda brevissima, apice subcoruea. 

Habitat juxta flumen Solimoéns. 


10. E. svenops. 


Minima, nigerrima, planiuscula; capite supra squamulis plu- 
rimis obsito ; rostro subobtuso, inter oculos angusto; testa de- 
pressd, in medio dorso convexa ; scutis spinalibus sex, transverse 
_ elongatis, granulosis ; cauda vix exserta. 

Habitat in locis aquosis ad ripam fluminis Solimoéns. 


11. E. MARMOREA. 


Subexigua, olivaceo-brunneoque virescens, subtus flavicans, ad 
gulam non cirrhosa; capite levi, non squamoso, lineolis flavis 
insigni; maxillis pectoreque flavidis ; testa ovato-depressa, vires- 
centi-flavo nigroque variegata; scuto marginali antico impari 
‘tetragono, subbrevi; scutis flavo-marginatis, marginalibus sursum 
flavo-dentatis ; bracteis pectoris 12, cauda colloque exsertis. 


342 Characters of new Brazilian. Reptilia. 
Genus II. CHELYS. 


Capite membranaceo colloque longo depressis, planis, latis 
fimbrose-appendiculatis ; maso tenui, tubuliformi, proboscideo, 
elongato ; rostro tenui, minuto; mazxilla inferiore postice cras- 
siore, élevat’; ore rotundato; festa depressi, acute carinata, 
lateraliter acute marginata; palmis pentadactylis, plantis tetra+ 
dactylis, utrisque palmatis, depressis. ' 

Species 12. C. Maramata. 

Mediocris, aspectu horribilis, fusco-rufa; capite supra et infra 
tympanum membrana fimbriata large alato; maxilla inferiore 
infra superiorem prominente, non serrata; gula colloque appen- 
dicibus membranosis fimbriatis verrucisque obsitis; testa ovata, 
supra dorsum acute tricarinata; scutis concentrice granulatis ; 
pedibus squamosis, squamis solitariis crassis, seriatim positis. 

Habitat ad urbem Pare in aquis stagnantibus fluminis Ama- 
zonarum. , 


Genus III. KINOSTERNON. 


Structura Emydis, pectore modo cataphracto ; macxillis et capite 
supra inter oculos nudo squamosis; vostro pernasuto; oculis 
minus approximatis; gu/d@ subtus multicirrhosa; caudda apice 
unguiculata ; dracteis pectoris undecim, illis pectus inter et testam 
interjacentibus non connatis; pulpedris transversis. 


Species 13. K. LONGICAUDATUM. 

Supra rufo-nigricans, subtus nigro-rufum; testa oblonga, in 
medio dorsi subtricarinata 5 scutis striate sulcatis ; cauda elon- 
gata, crassa. 

Habitat in canis aquosis, ab incolis Mucua dicta. 


’ 


Species 14. K. BREVICAUDATUM. 
Nigro-fuscum, precedente minus, ovato-subglobosum ; pe 
brevissima, breviter unguiculata ; scutis dorsi non striatis; mar- 
ginali impari vix conspicuo, pecteris rotundato, largo; pectore 
subconvexo, apice vix furcato. 
Habitat ad ripam fiuminis Solimoéns. 


e ‘Testudines.—Testudo. 343 
~Genus IV. TESTUDO. 


Terrestris; capite subglobose-elevato; mazillis lacertinis, 
serratis; guld non cirrhosi; testa elevatd, globosi; pedibus 
squamosis, cylindricis, robustis ; palmis plantisque globoclavatis ; 
digitis brevissimis, vix distinctis, non palmatis ; wnguibus crassis, 
rectis. 


Species 15. T. Hercutes., 


Maxima, supra et subtus aurantio-flava; scutis levibus, plani- 
usculis, viridi-nigro-marginatis, spinali postico maxime gibbo 
antice acuminato, marginali antico impari nullo; testa elongata, 
elliptica, fere cylindrica, supra planiuscula, truncata, vix declivi, 
ad femora angulata et magis crassa, posticé gibba; lateraliter 
compressa, acute ovata; sterno antice angustiore, longiore, subbi- 
furcato; testam fere exsuperante; disco scutorum medio large 
ochraceo; pedibus flavicantibus; non rubro-maculatis; cauda 
testam non exsuperante. 

Habitat in sylvis.ad flumen Solimoéns, ubi incolis Japuty 
Grande audit. 


Species 16. T.scuxpra. 


Mediocris, citrino-ochracea; testa subcylindrica, globoso- 
elevata, citrino-flavescente, postice subrotundata ; scutis plani- 
usculis, medio granulatis tuberculatisque, ad margines fuscescenti- 
bus, strigilatis, strigis subrectangulis ; scutis spinalibus transverse 
oblongis, hexagonis, antico impari deficiente: pectore antice 
dentato, postice breviore quam scutum. 

Habitat in sylvis juxta flumen Amazonum, Xurubariga ab in- 


colis dicta. 


Species 17. T. CARBONARIA. 


Subgrandis, virescenti-nigra vel nigerrima; disco scutorum 
subrectangulo-pentagono, minore, aurantio; capite supra antice 
scutellato ; testa cylindrico-elevata, subquadrata, anticé et posticé 
obtusiore; in medio dorso vix convexa ; pedibus coccineo- 


maculatis. 
Habitat sub cognomine “ Capitary” (?) ad flumen Amazonum. 


S44 Characters of new Brazilian Reptilia. 


Species 18. T. Cacano. 


Mediocris, olivaceo-brunnescens, levis; testa irregulariter 
flavo-variegata, subequali, cylindrica, in medio dorso planissima ; 
scutis spinalibus, praecipue penultimo, planis, subquadratis, postico 
majore quam in testudine Carolinensi. 


Habitat sub nomine Cagado in campis et nemoribus campes- 
tribus Bahiz. 


oe ee ee eee 


Orvo lV. RANA. 


Animalia in statu embryonis apoda, caudata, branchiis respi- 
rantia, metamorphosi peracta tetrapoda, exunguiculata, ecandata, 
nudiuscula, in aqua vel locis humidis degentia, tempore matatino, 
vespertino necnon nocturno conclamitantia, pulmonibus faryn- 
geque arteria aspera destituto respirantia, mas pene non exstructus, 
foeminz crassiori insidens, ovula modo exclusa, rotunda, mollia, 
inter se conglutinata semine aspergendo fecundans ; palmis tetra, 
plantis penta-dactylis, ventriculo auriculaque cordis imparibus, 

lingua antice connata, postice sublibera. 


GenusI. RANA. 


Corpore plerumque levi; parotidibus nullis; maxilla superiore 
denticulata; pedibus longioribus ; digitis omnibus elongatis, 
cylindricis, plerumque non palmatis, apice non fimbriatis. 


Species 1. R. GAGas. 


Maxima, fusco-olivacea vel virescens, subtus et in hypochondriis 
flavicanti-maculata; ano supero; taenia utringue pone oculum 
et altera ad latera dorsi geminis, nigris, granulosis. 

Habitat in locis paludosis fluminis Amazonum. 


Species 2, R. pacnyrus. 
Chalybeo-fusca, subtus pallide flavicans ; dorso obscure sexli- 
neato, maculis oblongis nigricantibus picto; capite gibbo; maxilla 
inferiore flavo nigroque fasciata; plantis subpalmatis; humero 


Rane.—Rana. SAB 


maris intumido; rudimento digiti palme quinti interioris tuber- 
culato. 
Habitat in locis humidis Provincie Rio de Janeiro. 


Species 3. R. MysTACEA. 

Mediocris, ccerulescens ; tania per tympanum versus nares et 
ad maxillam superiorem nigra, alid utrinque intermedia alba; 
maxilla inferiore nigro-marginaté ; dorso immaculato, nigro 
bipunctato et obscure nigro alboque bilineato: ano supra et 
lateraliter albo-lineato; digito plante intermedio exteriore per- 
longiore. 

Habitat ad Bahiam in aqua fluviatili; differt ab illa prope 
flumen Solimoéns stria inter oculos, nares et tympanum magis 
coarctata, lineis dorsi anique magis obscuris, albis (An Femina ?) 
Specimina 2. 


Species 4. R. mEGAsTOMA. 


Rufo-fusco nigricans, Bufoni similis, semipalmata; capite et 
ore grandissimis; palpebris membranose cornutis; dorso medio 
pallidiore, laterali utrinque maculis, tribus, cordiformibus, echi- 
natis. 

Habitat, Cururuacu appellata, in Brasiliz sylvis sub arboribus 
cavis. 

Species 5. R. scurara. 

Olivaceo-fuscescens ; capite subgrandi, scutato, toto osseo3 


palpebris breviter cornutis; lingua rotundata; pone non excisa. 
Habitat in sylvis fluvii Solimoéns. 


Species 6. R. parmirts. 
Olivaceo-fuscescens, subtus fulvo-brunnea; digitis palmz bre- 
vibus, liberis, plante longis, largé palmatis; capite et dorso 


planis; pedibus, praecipué posterioribus fulvo nigroque mar- 
moratis. 


Habitat, Gutaca vulgo nominata, in aquis stagnantibus fluminis 
Amazonnm. 


Species 7. R. cortacea. 


Cinnamomea; membrana hypochondriorum pone crassiore, 


346 Characters of new Brazilian Reptilia. 


coriaced; digitis plante brevibus, bufoninis, liberis, ‘subtus 
tuberculatis. 
Habitat in aquis lacustribus fluvii Amazonum. 


Species 8. R. MrxrAris. 


Gracillima, supra nigricans granulis punctisque albis munita, 
subtus cineraseens, albo punctata, postice ad femora ccerulescenti- 
variegata,. 

Habitat ad ripam fluminis Amazonum. 


Species 9. R. PyG@MArA. 


Fusco-brunnea, pygmea; dorso subgibbo; femoribus crassis, 
nigro-fasciatis ; abdomine irregulariter rufo lineato. 
Habitat in Provincia Bahiz. 


Species 10. R. LABYRINTHICA. 


Olivaceo-fusca; capite pantherino; dorso nigro-pustulato et 
maculato; abdomine albo, lituris labyrinthicis, nigro-brunneis 
variegato, 

Habitat in Provincia Rio de Janeiro. 


Species 11. R. Brnovata. 


Brunneo-fusca, hyleformis, subtus cinerascens; maculis in 
medio dorso geminis, ocellatis, nigris; strid supra tympanum, 
inter oculos ac nares nigra. 


Genus II. HYLA. 


Nuda, in arbustis frequenter vivens; digitis pedum subpalmatis, 
apice depressis, fimbriatis : parotidibus nullis. 

Descriptio. Corpus depressum, nudum, non verrucosum, gra- 
cile, postice attenuatum, supra frequenter vivis latisque coloribus 
pictum ; oculi protuberantes ; maxilla superior denticulata; ¢ym- 
panum conspicuum ; lingua rotunda, antice connata, postice non 
excisa; parotides nulle; pedes longi, graciles, semipalmati ; 
digité omnes depressi, frequenter subequales, apice fimbriati. 


Rane.—Hyla. = SAT 


Species 12. H. rANorDEs, 


Exigua, fusco-nigricans ; abdomine nigro-cinereoque lineolato ; 
pedibus posterioribus supra fuscis, nigro fasciatis; digitis ranz- 
formibus, elongatis, non palmatis, apice vix fimbriatis. 

Habitat in Provincia Bahie. Specimina 3. 


Species 13. H. LaTEristrica. 


Exigua, brunnescens supra, subtus flavicans; stria inter utrum- 
que oculum transversa, nigra, alia ad latera dorsi fulva; macula 
pone tympanum nigra. 


Species 14. H. anpopuncrata. 


Exigua, supra rosea, subtus albicans; maxillis et tarso albo- 
marginatis ; femoribus postice nigris albo punctatis. 


Species 15. H. Arrrnis. 


Mediocris, supra fusco-nigricans, subtus cinerascens ; femoribus 
pone ceeruleo-oculatis ; digitis apice large fimbriatis, posterioribus 
large palmatis. 

Habitat ad ripam fluminis Amazonum. 


Species 16. H. aLBoMARGINATA. 


Subexigua, supra rufo-brunnea, nigro-punctulata, inter oculos 
‘egal’ | y) to) y] 3 
tympanum, necnon pone tarsum et anum albo-marginata, subtus 
cinereo-alba. 
Habitat in Provincia Bahie. 


Species 17. H. PAPILLARIS. 
Minor, supra cinerascenti-rosacea, albo punctulata, subtus 
nigricans, medio alba, palpebris anoque albicantibus. 
Habitat sub foliis in sylvis prope Ecgam ad flumen Solimoéns. 


Species 18. H. pARDALIS. 

Major, supra brunneo-grisea, subaspera, subtus fulvo-alba ; 
hypochondriis femoribusque nigro-fasciatis; digito minimo sive 
quinto palme pedis subconspicuo, connato. 

Habitat in Provincia Rio de Janeiro. 


348 Characters of new Brazilian Reptilia. 


Species 19. H. ctnerAscens, 


Subexigua, tota cceruleo-cinerea, immaculata. 
Habitat ad pagum Ecga prope flumen Teffe. 


Species 20. H. rrivirrata. 


Submediocris, nigerrima; teniis dorsi tribus, longitudinalibus 
aureo-flavis et post mortem cceruleo-fulvis, alia infra oculum versus 
humerum, pedibus palmatis, submaculatis, maculis supra oblongis, 
subtus rotundatis. 

Habitat in sylvis humidis juxta flumen Teffé ; mas a foemina 
vix crassiore non differt. 


Species 21. H. NigERRIMA. 
Submediocris, statura speciei praecedenti similis, tota niger- 
rima. 
Habitat gregaria sub gramine in foraminibus terrestribus juxta 
pagum Ecga. 


Species 22. H. srpunctara. 


Minor, rosea; dorso medio nigro-bipunctato; ano infra albo- 
bipunctato; linea inter oculos transversa, fuscd; tarso pone 
breviter calcarato. 

Habitat in Provincia Bahiz, fe-mina mare parum major. 


Species 23. H. VARIOLOSA. 


Submediocris, supra rosea; maculis exiguis flavo-fulvis ; dorso 
ad latera longitudinaliter fulvo-marginato ; abdomine ochraceo, 
granuloso, immaculato. 

Habitat in sylvis fluminis Amazonum. 


Species 24. H. ca@rutea. 


Submediocris, supra violacea, subtus fulva, femoribus et hypo- 
chondriis pone lineis hieroglyphicis fulvis variegatis. 
Habitat sub foliis prope pagum Ecga ad flumen Solimoéns. 


Species 25. H. steRcoracea. 


Mediocris, supra brunneo-fusca; striis dorsi lateralibus obli- 


Rane.—Hyla. | 349 


quis, albis ; femoribus albo-fasciatis ; abdomine albicante, nigro- 
variegato, 
Habitat in sylvis fluminis Teffé. 


Species 26. H. stricizata. 


Mediocris, supra brunneo-fusca ; striis dorsi lateralis obliquis, 
albis ; femoribus albo-fasciatis ; abdomine albicante, nigro-varie- 
gato. 

Habitat in Provincia Bahie. 


Species 27. H. wesutosa. 


Submediocris, brunneo-fusca ; hypochondriis nigro-maculatis 5 
femoribus cceruleo-oculatis ; abdomine pallide ochraceo. 
Habitat in sylvis prope flumen Teffe. 


Species 28. H. Grocrapuica. 


Magna, brunnescente-ochracea, subtus fulvescens, immaculata ; 
macula dorsi X-formi, nigra, larga; femoribus nigricanti-strigi- 
latis ; linea dorsi anterioris intermedia longitudinali nigra nulla. 

Habitat in sylvis prope flumen Teffé. 


Species 29. H. sEMILINEATA, sive GEOGRAPHIICA Var. 


Major, rufa, palmipes, subtus ochracea, nigro-punctulata; linea 
a rostro ad medium dorsum longitudinali, nigra; dorso nigro-bi- 
maculato, lateraliter angulato ; femoribus ponc, vigricantibus, 
Habitat in arboribus Provincia Rio de Janeiro. 


Species 30. H. X-sianara. 
Subexigua, brunnescens, subtus cinerascens; maculis dorsi dua~ 
bus fuscis, X-formibus ; pedibus fuscomaculatis. 
Habitat in Provincia Bahia. 


Species 31. H. ABBREVIATA. 


Mediocris, olivaceo-fusca, nigro-maculata ; corpore abbreviato ; 
capite crasso, alto; digitis bufoninis, non palwoiitid 
Habitat iu sylvia fluminis Amazonum. 


Species 32. H. zonara. 
Grandis, rufescens; pedibus coeralescenti-fasciatis, large pal- 


350 Characters of new Brazilian Reptilia. 


matis et fimbriatis; dorso medio longitudinaliter late cinnamo- 
meo. 
Habitat in arbustis et arboribus ad flumen Teffé. 


Species 33. H. nuronra. 


Grandis, nigro vel chalybeo-fusca, subtus fulva, granulosa ; 
digitis plante late fimbriatis ; pollice palma subcrasso, nigro. 
Habitat prope Ecga in sylvis. 


Species 34. H. Brcotor. 


Maxima, ccerulea, utrinque ad latera linea ocellisque albis mar- 
ginata, subtus fulva. 

Habitat sub nomine, “ Gutaca” prope Tonantin, flumen laterale 
fluvii Solimoéns. 


Genus III. BUFO. 


Corpore verrucoso; dentibus maxillaribus nullis; parotidibus 
extus conspicuis, crassis ; digitis apice non fimbriatis, anterioribus 
divaricatis, posterioribus abbreviatis, palmatis. 

Descriptio. Corpus obtusum, subgibbum, verrucis maculisque 
obscurioribus horridum ; caput osseum, elevatum, supra angulate 
marginatum; mazxille edentate; lingua elliptica, pone libera, 
non excisa; <ympanum conspicuum; parotides extus conspicue, 
crass ; pedes breyiores; digiti planiusculi, non lenticulati, pos- 
teriores breves, inzquales, subpalmati. 


Species 35. B. MACULIVENTRIS. 


Grandis, olivaceo flavo-virescens, subtus virescenti-flavicans, 
maculis nigris variegatus. 

Habitat, Xué cognominatus (Sapo de Boy), in sylvis et aquis 
paludosis ad ripam fluminis Solimoéns. 


Species 36. B. acua. 


Giganteus, supra olivaceo-brunneus, subtus immaculatus. 
Habitat, Xuéacu appellatus, prope Marabitannas in sylvis ad 
ripam fluvii nigri. 


Rane.— Bufo, 351 


Species 37. B. 1cTERICUS. 

Grandis, cacaotico-brunnescens, lined dorsi medii longitudi- 
nali, maculisque irregularibus albo-flavis, supra et subtus varie- 
gatus. 

Habitat in sylvis et arboribus cavis Provincia Rio de Janeiro, 
noctu voce rauca ululans. 


Species 38. B. ornAtus. 
Mediocris, olivaceo-virescens ; dorso medio longitudinaliter ful- 
vo-lineato, lateraliter nigro-maculato; pedibus palmatis. 
Habitat in Provincia Rio de Janeiro. 


Species 39. B. Lazarus. 
Grandis, olivaceo-virescens, verrucis nigro-punctulatis hispi- 
dus; digitis apice nigricantibus. 
Habitat in sylvis fluvii Amazonum. 


Species 40. B. poxsAtts. 
Mediocris, olivaceo-brunnescens ; dorso medio longitudinaliter 
fulvo-lineato, nigro non maculato. 
Habitat Bufeni scalero et ornato affinis in Provincla Rio de 
Janeiro. 
Species 41. B.srre.iatus. 
Grandis, nigricans, levis; hypochondriis femoribusque auran- 
tio-maculatis. 
Habitat in Provincia Bahiz. 


Species 42. B. Axpicans. 
Submediocris, brunnescenti-albicans ; maxillis albo-maculatis ; 
femoribus nigro brunneo-fasciatis; dorso laterali nigro-strigilato. 
Habitat ad flumen Nigrum. 


Species 43. B. scaner. 

Mediocris, fusco-ochraceus, verrucis exiguis, multiporosis, 
nigro-punctatis hispidus ; dorso non lineato, nec maculato ; fe- 
moribus postice aurantio-punctulatis. 

Habitat in Provincia Rio de Janeiro, specimini a Daudinio 
pag. 94, monstrose depicto haud dissimilis. 


352 Characters of new Brazilian Reptilia. 


Species 44. 3B, epniprium. 

Minutus, coerulescenti-ochraceus ; capite supra dorsoque medio 
nigro-fasciatis ; maxillis oculisque nigro marginatis; tympano 
nigro. 

Habitat in Provincia Bahie. 


Species 45. B. ALeirrons. 

Exiguus, leviusculus, albicans, nigro-maculatus ; fronte albi- 
cante ; macula dorsi medii alba, aliis dorsi postici geminis nigris 5 
digitis non palmatis; parotidibus vix conspicuis. . 

Habitat in Provincia Bahiz. 


Species 46. B. ctozutosus. 
Mediocris, gibboso-globulosus, supra nigro-maculatus, fusco- 
brunnescens ; pedibus brevioribus; femore cum lumbis connato. 
Habitat ad flumen Itapicuru. 


Genus IV. OXYRHYNCHUS. 


Corpore bufonino, non verrucoso sed granuloso; capite brevi, 
acute rostrato; maxilla superiore pone angulato-elevata; femori- 
bus cum lumbis connatis ; parotidibus exiguis, vix conspicuis. 


Species 47. O. Nanicus. 

Subexiguus, brunnescens ; rostro brevi, subprominulo; maxilla 
pone minus elevata; pedibus nigro-fasciatis ; abdomine pallide 
brunneo, immaculato. 

Habitat ad flumen Amazonum. 


Species 48. NASUTUS. 

Subexiguus, fusco-brunneus, granulis subhispidus; rostro acute 
prominulo; maxilla pone acute angulata et. elevata; occipite 
minus largo, lateraliter fasciato et bicristato; pedibus large nigro- 
fasciatis ; tarsis subtus nigris, lateraliter crenulatis; abdomine 
fusco-maculato sive punctato. 

Habitat ad flumen Amazonum; an Bufo nasutus Schneideri? 


Species 49. QO. sEMILINEATUS. 
Subexiguus, nigro-cinerascens; capite supra orbitam subcristato, 


Rane :—Oxyrhynchus, Pipa. 353 


supra tympanum utrinque foveato; lined dorsi posterioris medii 
longitudinali albicante ; pedibus longis, nigro-fasciatis. 
Habitat ad flumen Itapicuru. 


Species 50. O. GRANULOsUS. 


Subexiguus cinnamomeus, granulis punctisque nigris subhispi- 
dus ; pedibus nigro, abdomine rufo-fusco maculatis ; rostro mini- 
mo, acuto; maxilla pone vix elevata. 

Habitat in Provincia Bahiz. 


Species 51. O. AcuTIROsTRISs. 


Subexiguus, brunnescens, acutirostris ; dorso medio longitudi- 
naliter fulvo-lineato nigroque marmorato ; maxilla superiore pone 
elevata ; tympano supra angulato. 

Habitat ad flumen Amazonum. 


Species 52. O. pRoBoscIDEUs. 


Subexiguus, niger, rostro proboscideo, longe prominente. 
Habitat ad flumen Solimoéns. 


Genus V. PIPA. 


Corpus depressum, aculeis brevibus hispidum. Caput planum, 
vix distinctum ; mawille edentate ; lingua nulla; oculi minutis- 
simi; os amplissimum, angulatum ; tympanum parotisque extus 
non conspicua ; femora cum lumbis connata; digit? palme longi, 
epalmati, recti, apice tetracirrhosi, plant@ largissime palmati. 


Species 53. P. cururv. 


Grandis, supra echinata ; mas olivaceo-niger, subtus fulvo-ma- 
culatus ; foemina nigerrima immaculata. 

Habitat in fundo aquarum lacustrium prope Bahiam et ad 
flumen Amazonum. 


Vor. Il. Z 


354 Mr. Swainson on the Genus Psaris. 


Art. XLI. Onthe Genus Psaris of M. Cuvier, with an 
Account of two new Species. By Wiiuiam Swainson, 
kisq. FR. & LAS. 


Tue vast influx of new objects continually coming before us, 
and a better acquaintance with those already noticed by pre- 
ceding naturalists, has gradually extended the limits of many 
genera, originally supposed to consist but of one species. The 
genus Psaris of M. Cuvier remained for some years in this state ; 
being confined to.a single species—the Lanius Cayanus of Lin- 
neus ; a second was discovered by myself in Brazil, and has been 
described (under the name of P. Cuvieri,) in the first volume of 
Zoological Illustrations; I am now enabled to augment this 
group by two other species, very distinct from the preceding, 
and which seem not yet to have been recorded. 

On closely examining these birds, with the view of ascertaining 
the leading distinctions which separate Psaris from the neigh- 
bouring genus Tyrannus, I have noticed one or two peculiarities 
which appear to me sufficiently important for this purpose: the 
following generic characters for the group are therefore proposed. 


ooo 


PSARIS. 


Fam. Laniapm. Vigors. 
Subfam. ‘TyRANNINA. 


Rostrum validum, crassum, rectum, culmine rotundato, mandi- 
bulz superioris apice adunco, emarginato ; naribus rotundis, 
nudis, membrana obsoleta ; rictu inermi. 

Alz elongate, remige primo breviore, secundo tertioque longissi- 
mis; inter remigem primam et secundam penna brevis, 
angusta, spuria, interest ; pogoniis utrinque emarginatis. 

Pedes mediocres, squamis lateralibus numerosis, ovatis. 

Cauda mediocris, equalis vel rotundata. 


Psaris cristatus. 355 


Bill strong, thick, straight, culmen rounded, upper mandible 
with the tip hooked and notched ; nostrils round, naked, 
the membrane obsolete ; rictus smooth. 

Wings elongated ; the first quill rather shorter than the second 
and third which are the longest; between the first and 
second is a short narrow spurious quill; the webs on each 
side of the shafts entire. 

Feet moderate; the lateral scales numerous and oval. 

Tail moderate, even or rounded. 


Generic type, Lanius Cayanus, Lin. 


The most striking peculiarity of Psaris is in the bill; which is 
little, if at all, depressed, and by its strength and thickness is well 
calculated for the destruction of small reptiles, and those larger 
kinds of insects which these birds may probably devour; but this 
is conjecture, for their economy is at present but little known. 
The wings are long, and in three species of the group now before 
me there is a narrow spurious feather inserted between the first 
and second of the primary quills; whether this character exists 
likewise in P. Cuvier, I have no means of ascertaining ; as the 
specimen I originally examined has passed into other hands. 


Psaris cristatus. 
P. fuscus, infra pallide fulous ; alis ad basin alba macula obtecta 
notatis ; vertice nigro, subcristato. 


Brown, beneath pale fulvous, base of the wings with a concealed 
white spot; crown black, slightly crested. 


Description. 


Total length about seven inches. Bill black ; front and upper 
part of the head deep brownish black, the feathers sufficiently 
lengthened to form a crest; sides of the head and ears greyish 
brown. The whole of the upper plumage, including the wings 
and tail, is of a uniform blackish brown colour, but on raising the 
feathers on the back, there appears a large snowy spot on those 
immediately adjoining the base of the shoulder, and which are of 
a soft downy texture. The under parts are fulvous, tinged with 

z2 


356 Mr. Swainson on the Genus Psaris. 


grey on the body, and becoming almost white on the chin: inner 
wing coverts deep fulvous. Wings moderate, the first and fourth 
quills are of equal length; the second and third are the longest, 
and are also equal. The spurious quill, which seems a peculiar 
characteristic of this genus, is rather broad, except near its apex, 
where it becomes suddenly narrowed, and terminates in a point : 
the inner margins of all the quills, towards their base, are white : 
the tail, in a very slight degree, is rounded, the two exterior fea- 
thers on each side being somewhat shorter than those in the 
middle ; tarsi black. 

I received a single specimen of this bird from the southern part 
of Brazil, sometime ago ; it was stated to bea male. The patch 
of soft downy feathers on the back, a character so frequent among 
the African Malaconoti is entirely wanting in all the birds of the 
sub-family T'yrannina, which I have hitherto seen. 

Total length 7 inches; bill 1; wings 4; tail 23,5 tarsi 4. 


190? 


Psaris niger. 
P. niger, infra griseus ; caude sub-graduate, nigre, apice albo. 
Black, beneath grey; tail slightly graduated, black, tipt with 
white. 
Description. 


Nearly the size of Psaris Cuvieri. Bill blueish black, the 
nostrils are rather large, and covered by a membrane, at the ex- 
tremity of which is placed the aperture; the whole being pro- 
tected, and nearly concealed, by slightly incumbent feathers, 
intermixed with weak bristles. The front and upper part of the 
head are deep black, with a gloss of steel blue, which gradually 
disappears ; grey on the neck and middle of the back: the rump 
and upper tail coverts are dark grey; the wings are black; the 
white tips of the greater and lesser coverts forming two unequal 
bands; the margins of the scapulars and of the lesser quills are 
also white. All the under plumage is dark grey, verging towards 
black on the throat and breast. The wings are of a less pointed 
form than those of P. cristatus; the first quill is shorter than the 
fourth, and the intermediate spurious quill is abruptly emarginate 


Mr. Bulwer on the Isocardia Cor of the Irish Seas. 357 


close to its extremity. The tail is black, the four middle feathers 
are nearly of equal length, and are terminated by a small spot ; 
the next pair are rather shorter; but the two,lateral pair are con- 
siderably graduated, and broadly tipt with white; the tarsi are 
black ; and, in proportion to the size of the bird, are rather long. 

Total length, 5 <3 bill,4; wings, 3; tail, middle feathers, 235 
outer feathers, scarcely 2; tarsi, ,%. 

I am quite ignorant of the locality of this species, my specimen 
having been purchased at an auction, ina lot with other skins 
from various countries. It differs from all the Laniad@ of the 
New World, in having that peculiar kind of metallic lustre on 
some parts of its plumage, which is so general among the Drongo 
Shrikes of Africa and India; while in the graduated form of the 
tail, it resembles the American Thamnophiline, and presents a 
solitary example of such a structure among the Tyranningw. The 
membranaceous covering of the nares, and the setaceous feathers by 
which they are protected, are further deviations from the typical 
characters. Yet, setting these peculiarities aside, the more essential 
characteristics of Psaris are so well preserved iu the form of the 
bill, the sculpture of the tarsi, and the relative proportions of the 
quill-feathers, that no doubt can remain as to its connection with 
this group; aud consequently, there is every reason to believe it 
may be a native of South America. 


Art. XLII. On the Isocardia Cor of the Irish Seas. By 
the Rev. James Butwer, F.L.S., &c. 


[In a Letter addressed to G. B. Sowerby, Esq. ] 


Dear Sir, 

In the early part of last autumn (1824), I had the good 
fortune to procure a considerable number of specimens of the 
Isocardia Cor, taken by trawling in very deep water on the east 
coast of Ireland; many of the specimens were brought to me with 
the included animals alive and healthy: thus giving me an oppor- 
tunity of examining and delineating them in their native element. 


358 Mr. Bulwer on the Lsocardia Cor of the Irish Seas. 


Should the few observations I then made, and which I now 
enclose, appear to you to be worth inserting in the Zoological 
Journal, you are at liberty to give them a place whenever you 
please. 
I remain, dear Sir, 
Yours, faithfully, 
James Butwer. 


TsocaArp1a. Lamarck. 


Testa wquivalvis, cordiformis, ventricosa ; umbonibus distan- 
tibus, divaricatis, involutis. Dentes cardinales duo, compressi, 
intrantes, unus sub utroque umbone recurvus. Dens lateralis pos- 
ticus elongatus. 

Ligamentum externum, divaricatum, segmentis sub umbonibus 
decurrentibus. 

Impressiones musculares dux, laterales, distantes. Impressio 
muscularis pallii sinu nullo. 


Spec. Isvcardia Cor. Lamarck, Anim. sans vertébres. tom, vi. 
p- 31. 1. 
Chama Cor, Linn. Gmel. p. 3299. 
Montagu Test. Britannica, &c. &c. 


I. testé cordato-globosd, levi, fulvod, umbonibus albidis fusco 
Sulvoque nebulosis. 


AntmAt.—Pallium amplum, teste faciem interiorem omnino 
tegens ; externo margine duplice est ; plica exteriore anticé divisa, 
interiore fronte conjuncta utraque extremitate aperta; postice 
duobus brevibus siphonibus vel tubis ciliatis foraminibus superiori- 
bus facit ;—color flavido-albus margine aurantiaco. 

Pes valde muscularis, latus, triangularis, compressus, cuspidatus, 
aurantiacus. 

Branchie subflave, externz, inter pallio et abdomine celate. 

Corpus mole test valvis omnino inclusum. 


Characters and Habits of the Animal. 359 


AntmaL.—Mantle completely lining the shell, double at the 
outer edge: exterior fold divided in front: interior united in 
front, open at each end: at the posterior end forming two short 
siphons or tubes, ciliated at the upper orifices; colour yellowish 
white ; margin orange. 

Foot very muscular, broad, triangular, compressed, pointed, 
orange. ‘ 

Branchie, external, concealed between the mantle and the body. 

Body soft, completely included within the valves. 


On being placed in a vessel of sea water the valves of the shell 
gradually opened, to the extent represented in the drawing: the 
feelers or ciliated fringe of the upper orifice(a) of the mantle 
moved slowly, as if in search of animalcule. Having remained 
in this situation about ten minutes, water was ejected with con- 
siderable force from the lower orifice, (6) which had till now re- 
mained motionless. ‘The expulsion of the water appeared te be 
effected by a sudden contraction of the muscles, because this was 
never done without the valves nearly closing at the same iustant. 
After a few seconds the valves gradually returned to their open 
position, and remained quiescent as before, till the water was 
again ejected with a jerk; this alternating process was repeated 
at unequal intervals during the whole time my specimens were 
under examination, but at shorter intervals on receiving fresh 
supplies of sea water, when I suppose food (its quality I could 
not ascertain) was more abundant. 

The animal appears to be insensible both to sound and light, 
as the presence or absence of either did not at all interrupt its 
movements; but its sense of feeling appeared to be very delicate, 
minute substances being dropped into the orifice of the mantle 
instantly excited the animal, and a column of water strongly di- 
rected expelled them from the shell. With so much strength was 
the water in some instances ejected, that it rose above the surface 
of three inches of superincumbent fluid. Animal small in propor- 
tion to its shell, occupying when dead barely a third of the 
space enclosed in the valves. Its mantle is slightly attached to 
the shell, and to the epidermis at the margin, and appears to be 


360 Mr. Bulwer on the Isocardia Cor of the Irish Seas. 


kept distended, and in contact veel the interior of the valves, by 
the included water. 

The valves fit so closely that the animal can remain two days 
or more without permitting a single drop of fluid to escape. 

Locomotion very confined; it is capable with the assistance of 
its foot, which it uses in the same manner (but in a much more 
limited degree) as the Cardiacea, of fixing itself firmly in the sand, 
generally choosing to have the umbones covered by it, and the 
orifices of the tubes of the mantle nearly perpendicular. 

Resting in this position on the margin of a sand bank, of which 
the surrounding soil is mud, at too great a depth to be disturbed 
by storms, the Isocardia of our Irish sea patiently collects its 
food from the surrounding element, assisted in its choice by the 
current it is capable of creating by the alternate opening and 
closing of its valves. 

Some of the specimens that had been taken four or more days 
before they were brought to me, exhibited on. dissection the fol- 
lowing curious appearence :—On removing the mantle from the 
surface of the shell, a considerable quantity of shelly matter of 
the consistence of thick cream, or like moistened plaster of Paris, 
was discovered ; on a nearer inspection, the interior layers of its 
shelly covering were found to be deeply corroded in parallel 
furrows, in some spots so deeply that the brown or outer 
layers of the shell were laid bare. This shelly matter had under- 
gone no change but that of trituration. To what cause is this 
appearance to be attributed? Are the animals of this species 
when ina state of starvation, as these probably were, capable of 
absorbing a portion of their shell (the gluten), and converting it 
into nourishment? Or do the animals, when languid and un- 
healthy, secrete a menstruum that destroys the cohesion of the 
particles of which their habitations are formed? In none of the 
living specimens that I had an opportunity of examining, did I 
detect any parasite; while in nine out of ten specimens of the 
Cyprina Islandica from the same neighbourhood, I found a small 
-Hirudo \urking under the mantle of each, and in very many spe- 
cimens of a Modiola from the shallow water of the same coast, a 
small crab (Pisa) shared the habitation with the animal. 


Dr. Turton on some new British Shells. 361 


Since committing the above observations to paper, I have seen 
the costly and elaborate work of Poli; containing among other, 
investigations, an account and anatomical drawings of the animal 
of the I. Cor of the Mediterranean, On inspecting these a con- 
siderable difference between the animals of the foreign and Irish 
species is observable; but whether sufficient to authorize the 
separation of the shells I leave for abler conchologists to deter- 
mine. 

The foot of the Mediterranean species is much less pointed, 
shorter, less rugose, and of a somewhat different* and lighter 
‘colour than the same part in our animal. The margin of the 
mantle in Poli’s figure is strongly serrated, and of the same t fer- 
ruginous hue as the rest of the animal ; in ours it is plain, and in 
the healthy animal of a bright orange, while its body is of a yel- 
lowish-white. ‘The Mediterranean Molluscum belongs to Poli’s 
genus Glossus, and is thus shortly defined,— 


Glossus. Trachew { bine foraminiformes. 
Branchie ultra abdomen simui conjuncte. 
Abdomen ovato-compressum, pes linguiformis. 


The shell constitutes his genus Glossoderma (G. Cor. Poli.) 


* Pes miniaceo colore rutilans. Poli. 
+ Limbus (pallii) ferrugineo colore infectus. Poli. 
} Trachez ferrugineocolore illite. Poli. 


ee ee 


Arr. XLII. Description of some new British Shells ; 
accompanied by figures from the original Specimens. 


By Dr. Turron. 


| 1. Gareomma Turtoni. 


Char. Gen. Testa bivalvis, equivalvis, equilateralis, transversa ; 
margine antico ovato-hiante. Cardo edentulus. Ligamentum 


internum. 


| Dr. Turton had omitted to give a specific appellation to this shell, prob- 
ably supposing it to be the only species known. Mr. Sowerby however in- 


362 Dr. Turton oz some new British Shells. 


Shell bivalve, equivalve, equilateral, transverse ; with a large 
oval gape at the front margin. Hinge without teeth. Ligament 
internal. 

Length two lines and a half; breadth not quite half an inch. 

This new and very singular bivalve, we dredged up in the Eng- 
lish Channel, alive, during a gale of wind. The shell is very tumid 
in the middle, and gradually sloping to the sides, which are 
rounded and closed. The colour is of a dull milky white; and 
the surface covered with short, close-set, transverse, interrupted, 
opake lines, very irregularly disposed, and which give the margin 
a serrated appearance. The beaks are rather prominent and cen- 
tral; the cardinal margin running nearly straight ; but the front 
margin a little rounded, with a large oval eye-like transverse gape, 
extending the whole breadth. 

In the Linnean arrangement it would rank with the Mye. 
Dr. Goodall, who carefully examined our specimen, thinks he has 
somewhere seen a single valve, which from the peculiar markings 
of the surface, cannot be mistaken for any other known shell. 

Icon. tab. xiii. fig. 1. . 

Mus. nost. 

2. LIMA TENERA. 


Testa compressa, inequilaterali, utrinque hiante; latere antico 
subtrigono, peritremate intus marginato: costis 25; subun- 
datis, leviusculis ; margine serrato; cardine obliquo. 


Shell compressed, inequilateral, open on both sides; the an- 
terior side somewhat triangular, with the aperture margined in- 
ternally: ribs 25, somewhat undulated, and nearly smooth: the 
margin serrated ; and the hinge oblique. 

Length an inch; breadth five eighths of an inch. 

This shell does not seem to agree exactly with any of the 
species described by authors. It differs from the Lima Loscombi, 
our L. bullata, in being much more depressed; in having fewer 


forms us that he has two other species, one from the Mauritius aud the other 
from Van Diemen’s Land; it is therefore necessary that a specific name should 
be given to this species, and we have chosen Turtoni, in honour of the first 
describer of the genus.—Editors. 


Physa alba, Bulimus tuberculatus. 363 


ribs, without intermediate smaller ones ; in the greater angularity 
of the anterior cardinal margin ; in the wide gape on both sides; 
and in the strong internal rib round the anterior opening: and 
from LE. bullata of Sowerby, in the obliquity of the hinge. 

We dredged up half a dozen living specimens, of various sizes, 
in the British Channel. They had no byssus attached to them, 
nor has the LZ. Loscombz, when taken alive. 

Icon. tab. xiii. fig, 2. 

Mus. nost. 

3. PuysA ALBA. 


Testa sinistrorsd, ovata, ventricosa, albo-corned, pellucida ; an- 
Sractibus quatuor, tumidis, exsertis: apertura ovata. 


Shell sinistral, oval, ventricose, white horn-colour, transparent ; 
volutions four, tumid and produced. 

Length four tenths of an inch; breadth about three tenths. 

This very distinct species is found in the river Towin, in North 
Wales. In the tumidity of the volutions and the obliquity of the 
sutures, as well as in its colour, it differs from any species yet 
described. .The Ph. rivalis is oblong, of a yellow horn-colour, 
with the volutions very little raised or swollen, and the aperture 
is oblong. In fig. 2. tab. 4. of the 8th Vol. of the Linnean Trans- 
actions, Ph. rivalis is erroneously represented as a dextral shell. 

Icon. tab. xiii. fig. 3. 

Mus. nost. Blomer. 


4. BuLtmus TUBERCULATUS. 


Testa ovata-oblonga, albido-fuscd, basi lacted subumbilicatd: peri- 
tremate lacteo, subreflexo: aperturd superné uni-tuberculata. 


Shell oval-oblong, whitish-brown, white and somewhat umbi- 
licate at the base: margin of the aperture white and slightly re- 
flected, with a single tubercle at the upper and outer angle. 

Length half an inch; breadth three-tenths. 

A very beautiful species, in size between the B. montanus and 
B. obscurus, found at Pershore in Worcestershire. In colour it 
varies from milk-white to brownish-white, but the lower half of 


564 Dr. Turton on some new British Shells. 


the larger volution is always milk-white as well as the margin of 
the aperture. It has six volutions, which are flatter than in either 
of the two above mentioned ; and is remarkable in its genus for 
the white tubercle seated near the upper and outer angle of the 
aperture. 

Icon. tab. xiii. fig. 4. 

Mus. nost. Blomer. 


5. CREPIDULA SINUOSA. 
Testé orbiculo-ovata, levi, lacted, immaculatd ; margine sinuato. 


Shell roundish oval, smooth, entirely milk-white; with the 
margin sinuate. 

Length half an inch; breadth four-tenths. 

Found at Scarborough, in Yorkshire, by Mr. Bean. The outer ~ 
surface is polished, and under a glass appears to be very finely 
and irregularly striate transversely: but it has no ribs, nor 
prickles, nor colourings of any kind. 

Icon. tab, xiii. fig. 5. 

Mus. nost. Bean.* 


6. BuLLA ALBA. 


Testa ovatd-oblonga, longitudinaliter striolaté, alba, immacu- 
lata; vertice umbilicato ; extremitatibus striis transversis 
tribus punctatis. 


Shell oval-oblong, slightly striate longitudinally, entirely white ; 
crown umbilicate: at each extremity three transverse punctured 
striz. 

Length breadth 

We dredged up half a dozen of these shells in the British 
Channel, all dead. They are more elongated than the Budla 
Ampulla, and essentially differ in having only three rather remote 
transverse striz at each end, whereas on the latter shell there are 


- * We cannot agree with Dr. Turton in placing this Crepidula on the British 
List, as Mr. Bean informed us that he took it from the bottom of a ship just 
arrived from North America.— Editors. 


Tritonia varicosa, Purpura picta. 365 


seven or eight strie on the lower extremity, and none on the 
upper. 

Icon. tab. xiii. fig. 6. 

Mus. nost. 


7. TRITONIA VARICOSA. 


Testa conicd, albida rufo maculata, varicibus subtribus albis : 
anfractibus 7, planiusculis, decussatis: apertura purpured, 
utrinque dentaté ; columella extus alba. 


Shell conic, whitish with rufous marks, with two or three white 
varices : volutions seven, flattish and decussate : aperture purple, 
toothed on each side ; pillar white externally. 

Length six-tenths of an inch; breadth four-tenths. 

Our notice was first attracted to this species, by Mr. Griffith. 
They are dredged up in a particular spot in Torbay, always pre- 
serving their exact character as distinct from Tr. macula, which 
is never found withit. All the varieties of the latter species have 
the throat white, with a dark purple spot in the centre of the 
base. 

We have ventured to change the generic name of Lamarck, 
from Triton to Tritonia, the former appellation having been given 
by Linné, toa family of naked mollusca. 

Icon. tab. xiii. fig. 7. 

Mus. nost. Griffiths. 


8. Purpura PICTA. 


Testa ovato-oblonga, nitida, albidd lituris ochraceis: anfractibus 
8, decussatis: labro levi. 


Shell oval oblong, glossy, whitish with ochraceous blotches : 
volutions eight, decussate : outer lip smooth. 

Length four-tenths of an inch; breadth hardly two. 

Some of this species we dredged up in the British Channel. 
From the pointed termination of the pillar, they appear to belong 
to this genus rather than to Buccinum or to Fusus. When 


366 Dr. Turton oz some new British Shells. 


fresh, the ochraceous marks are very vivid, and mostly disposed 
in reticular masses. 
Icon. tab. xiii. fig. 8. 


Mus. nost. 
9. BucciInum ovum. 


Testa ovaté, inflaté, tenui, eburned, levi; anfractibus sex, tu- 
midis: labro tenui, levi. 


Shell oval, inflated, thin, ivory-white, smooth; volutions six, 
tumid : outer lip thin and smooth. 

Length an inch and three-quarters; breadth rather more than 
an inch. 

This very’curious shell, a duplicate of which we have never 
seen, was dredged up off Plymouth. It very much resembles the 
Buccinum novum Grenlandicum of Chemnitz, x. p. 182. tab. 152. 
f. 1448.; but that shell is represented as of a blueish colour, and 
marked with remote transverse striz: the volutions also of Chem- 
nitz’s shell appear to be not so much raised. 

Icon. tab. xiii. fig. 9. 

Mus. nost. 

10. TurBo FABALIs. 


Testa subglobosa, obtusissimd, levi; anfractibus tribus, vix pro- 
ductis ; castaned, fasciis obscuris pallidis ; columella et fauce 
castaneis. 


Shell subglobular, very obtuse, smooth, with three hardly pro- 
duced volutions ; of a chesnut colour, with obscure pale bands : 
pillar and throat chesnut. 

Diameter about a line. 

Found on the rocks at Scarborough, by Mr. Bean. It is often 
covered with a gray coat which hides its colours and marks: the 
bands are about twelve in number, apparently interrupted, so as to 
give the surface a chequered appearance ; and under a very good 
glass it seems very finely striate circularly. It is twice the size of 
T. fulgidus, and more obtuse than any of its genus. 

Icon. tab. xiii. fig. 10. 

Mus. nost. Bean. 


Phasianella stylifera. 367 


11. PHASIANELLA STYLIFERA. 


Testé ovata, lutescente-corned, pellucidé, levissimad : anfractibus 
5, duobus basdlibus ventricosis, tribus apicalibus abrupté 
minimis : operculum nullum. 


Shell oval, yellowish horn-colour, transparent, quite smooth ; 
volutions 5, the two lower ones very tumid, the three terminal ones 
abruptly minute: operculum none. 

Length a line ; breadth not so much. 

We found a dozen of these beautiful little shells alive, and at- 
tached to the spines of the Echinus esculentus, dredged up in 
Torbay. The aperture is suborbicular, with the margin disunited 
at top, and extremely thin: towards the pillar side, the colour be- 
comes more intensely rufous: and the sudden and extremely 
minute volume of the three apical volutions, in this respect re~ 
sembling the Voluta bulloides, distinguishes it from all the other 
minute turbinated shells. 

In endeavouring to apportion the British Catalogue according 
to the arrangement of Lamarck, it is no very easy matter to fix the 
genera of many of the smaller turbinated shells, without indulg- 
ing in a greater latitude of character than that author and his fol- 
lowers have as yet admitted. Sowerby confines the character to 
such only as have a calcareous operculum: Lamarck to such as 
have the operculum either calcareous or horny: to prevent the 
excessive multiplication of genera, ourselves, for the present, 
combine with the Phasianella such as otherwise answer to 
Lamarck’s character, whether they have an operculum or not: 
and such as have the margin of the aperture united all round, we 
cast into the new genus Cingulus, after Dr. Fleming. 

Icon. tab. xiii. fig. 11. 

Mus. nost. Goodall, Bingham, Lyons. 


368 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


Art. XLIV. Sketches in Ornithology ; or, Observations 
on the leading Affinities of some of the more extensive 
groups of Birds. By N. A. Vicors, jun. Esq. A.M. 
F.L.S. 

(Continued from p. 197.) 


ON THE GROUPS OF THE VULTURIDA. 


Tue mode in which Nature regulates the numbers of the animal 
kingdom according to size, restraining those of the larger subjects 
within moderate limits, and compensating by the multitude of the 
smaller for their inferiority in bulk, is too generally observable to 
need more than a mere reference to the fact. In those depart- 
ments of Zoology, it is true, which comprise the animals that are 
chiefly necessary to man’s support, such as the Herbivorous Mam- 
malia, and the Gallinuceous Birds, some modification of this 
general law takes place. Here the peculiar fecundity bestowed 
upon some species, and the facility of domestication in all, renders 
their powers of production more extensive; and although the 
wariety of forms in such groups is diminished in the inverse ratio 
of their size, yet the number of individuals may be so far multi- 
plied as to answer all the conveniences and supply all the wants of 
man. Among those animals, however, whose business it is to 
restrain the luxuriance of nature, either in the animal or vegetable 
world, and either in its living or decaying state; whose work in 
fact is a work of destruction—themselves the agents of prey, 
more than the objects of prey to others—the general law prevails 
without any reserve or modification. Thus in these predacious 
animals the variety of forms among the larger tribes is universally 
found to be limited ; the species are few ; and the individuals not 
numerous. While on the other hand where the dimensions of 
these avimals are small, the multitude of forms, of species, and of 
individuals, is without any apparent limits. By their overpower- 
ing numbers they supply the inefficiency of their individual labours ; 
in silence and in secrecy they pursue their work of destruction ; 
and their unobtrusive agency is perceptible only in the magnitude 
of the effects which they produce. 


On the groups of the Vulturide. 369 


It is evident that it is among these last mentioned groups whose 
limited size and powers admit of a greater multiplicity of form, 
that the inquirer into natural affinities will find the most favourable 
field for his researches. Here the series of affinity may justly be 
supposed to run on without any interruption, and the innumerable 
species to blend into each other without almost any perceptible 
change of character. It is this circumstance perhaps which gives 
to Entomology its peculiar interest, and confers upon the minute 
and microscopick creatures, which form the subject of that science, 
a value in the eye of the naturalist, which is denied to the more 
bulky and apparently nobler animals. In these larger sized groups 
the transition on the other hand from form to form is more abrupt, 
the interchange of character is more irregularly marked, and al- 
though the naturalist may trace out the general approximation by 
which the series of affinity is still preserved inviolate among them, 
his eye is not gratified by that immediate and perfect bond of con- 
nection which it is enabled to detect in those smaller sized tribes, 
where numbers and variety of form predominate. 

The family of Vultures comprises a group in which this law is 
strongly exemplified. Exceeding all other birds in size, unless 
perhaps we except some of the larger forms of the Struthionide, 
and surpassing all without exception in strength and powers of 
body, these ministers of rapine are necessarily restrained with- 
in such limits with regard to their numbers, as prevent their be- 
coming themselves an equal nuisance to the habitable world as 
that from which it is their business to relieve it. The species and 
the modifications of character among them are consequently few. 
These modifications however are so strongly marked as to have 
formed the foundation of a few well defined generick groups 
which have been established by some of our most distinguished 
modern naturalists. Of these groups it is my intention to exhibit 
a general sketch in the present paper; while at the same time I 
shall endeavour to point out the affinities by which they are con- 
nected together in their own circle, and the typical characters by 
a greater or less accordance with which they are respectively more 
or less remotely separated from the neighbouring families. It is 
a general outline only however that I shall attempt to give of these 

Vor. II. 2a 


370 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 

forms. The species are as yet too ill defined to enable us to ex- 
tricate them from the confusion into which our ignorance of their 
variations in plumage according to age and sex has involved them ; 
while the usual deficiency of subjects for examination which the 
British student has so frequently cause to lament, equally serves 
to exclude all pretensions to accuracy in the details of the family. 
I shall therefore only venture to point out those well known forms 
which afford us certain grounds for observation. 

It may be in general observed that in the higher latitudes, 
where an inferiour degree of heat does not demand the same rapid 
decomposition of animal substance as in the warmer climates, the 
process of destruction, as far as it involves animal agency, is com- 
paratively speaking slow and gradual, and is carried on by those 
weaker agents, who, as I before observed, by their numbers only 
counterbalance their inferiority in size. When on the other hand 
a more powerful influence of the sun calls for a more instantaneous 
removal of offensive matter, the same work is performed by agents 
of greater powers and more rapid execution. It is in such tro- 
pical climates that the Vultures are chiefly observed to exist ; 
chiefly I say, as although they are sometimes found in higher 
latitudes, and particularly some of the aberrant species of the 
family, it is within the tropicks that they abound in the fullest 
numbers, and with the most extensive powers. There they may 
be noticed as performing a conspicuous part. Their food is 
chiefly animal substance in a decaying state,* and their business 
in nature is to clear away with rapidity that mass of putrifying 
matter, which, if left to a more gradual course of decomposition, 
would be the forerunner of pestilence and death. 


* This mode of feeding draws a marked line of distinction between the pre- 
sent family and that of the Falconid@; the latter preyiag only on living ani- 
mals. These habits thus distinguishing the two groups, were not unnoticed 
by the ancients. ‘* o¢ yomes,”’ says Plutarch, ‘* em: tas osmas Tov 
SePIogor wv cwuarwy Pecovrar, Tav de natagav xa dyiavovrwy aizInoW ovX 
exg7.”” De cap. ex hostib. utilit. om. VI. p. 324. Ed. Reiske.— 
6 edevos amreras [yurl | Cavros, 2D amonriuri eurbuxov ever, ws aETO! Kae 


ec . 
LECUKES KA TH WURTWOULA XengIas OE ToIs aAACIS aMOavETW.”  Questiones 


On the groups of the Vulturide. 371 


One of the chief peculiarities conferred upon this family, in 
order to proportion their physical powers to their mode of life, 
and the nature of their food, is the exquisite perfection of their 
sense of smelling. Unlike the nobler groups of the conterminous 
family of Falconidew, which discover and pursue their prey by the 
piercing powers of their sight,* the Vulture is led to his distant 
quarry chiefly by the acuteness of his scent ;— 


nare sagaci 
Aéra non sanum, motumque cadavere, sentit.t 


Suitably to this purpose, the organs of smell in these birds are 
strongly developed. Their nares are wide and naked, and the bill is 
frequently surmounted with a fleshy caruncle, which seems to ex- 
tend the powers and increase the delicacy of these organs. The cere 
in like manner is considerably dilated. In these peculiar powers the 
family appears to retain among the Birds of Prey the same ana- 
logical relation} to the Canine race among the Mammalia, as the 
conterminous Falconide exhibit to the Feline tribes. 


Rom. Tom. VII. p. 152. See also Vit. Romuli. Vol. I. p. 35. Juvenal refers 
to the same difference in food when illustrating the influence which early 
habits and education exercise upon men, by a reference to the same influence 


upon animals. 


Vultur, jumento, et canibus, crucibusque relictis, 
Ad fetus properat, partemque cadaveris affert : 
Hic est ergo cibus magni quoque vulturis, et se 
Pascentis, propria cum jam facit arbore nidos. 

Sed leporem, aut capream famula Jovis et generos@ 
In saltu venantur aves: tunc preda cubili 

Ponitur: inde autem, cum se matura levabit 
Progenies, stimulante fame, festinat ad illam 
Quam primum rupto predam gustaverat ovo. 


Sat. XIV. v. 78. 
* << Ex sensibus ante cwtera homini tactus, deinde gustatus: reliquis supe- 


ratur a multis: aguile clarius cernunt; vultures sagacius odorantur.” PLIN. | 


Lib. X. c. 69. 
+ Lucan. Phars. VII. 829. 


} The analogy which the “ odora canum vis’ bears to the power of smell 
in the Vultures, and the similarity of habits that ensues from such -qualities, 


2 ae 


372 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


‘Another distinguishing character in this family, which equally 
corresponds with the nature of their food, is the nakedness of the 
parts about the head. We may in general observe that the effect 
upon birds of feeding upon flesh, and particularly when it is in a 
state of decay, is that of producing a falling off of the feathers, or 


have long associated these two corresponding groups together as uniting in 
their work of destruction : 


qroAAws de KYNES nas PYTIED edovrcxe 
Tewwy. 

Il. XVIII. 271. 
——— Traxx uv § KYNEE xx P'YIIEZ EdovT as 


Kescvoy. 
Il. XXII. 42. 


Tovroy qoAes THO EXKEXNEV ID ely rapw 
Mare uregi€eiv, UNTE nWXITAI Tia, 
Edy 3 aSamrov, xa: reos QINNON depas 
Ka: seos KYNO.N EXETTOV QIMIOTOV T 1OENe 
Soph. Ant. 203. 
Unguibus et rostro tardus trahet ilia vuléur 5 
Et scindent avide perfida corda canes. 
Ovid. Ibis. 169. 
Silius Italicus, in referring to an extraordinary custom prevalent in some 


nations of exposing their dead to the ravages of animals, particularizes these 
two groups as the agents of destruction. 


Tellure, ut perhibent, is mos antiquus Ibera, 
Exanima obsccenus consumit corpora vultur. 
Regia cum lucem posuerunt membra, probatum est, 
Hyrcanis adhibere canes. 
De Bell. Pun. XIII. 471. 
Lucretius also may be adduced as pointing out the corresponding mode in 
which both are led to their prey, through the medium of their organs of smell. 


per auras, 
longe ducuntur odore 

Volturii cadaveribus ; tum fissa ferarum 

Uncula quo tulerit gressum, promissa canum vis 

Ducit. 

De Rer. Nat. IV. 682. 

This connection between the two groups seems to have given rise to a sort of 
proverbial expression, ‘* Si vero naribus nidorem domesticum presentit, 
vincit idem sagacitate odorandi et Canes et Vultures. Apu. de Magia. 


On the groups of the Vulturide. 573 


at least a thinness in the plumage. This character, although of 
course not the effect of the food of the Vultures, for they exhibit 
it at all ages, is yet strongly indicative of the nature of it; and 
when we consider the ravenous and revolting manner of their feed- 
ing,* the absence of the feathers of the head and neck appears 
singularly appropriate to them. It may be noticed, in addition, 
that this nakedness is more or less extensive over these parts in 
the different groups of the family, in proportion as their food is 
more or less exclusively confined to putrid matter. 


* The following description quoted by Dr. Latham from Kolben_ will shew 
the mode in which these birds sometimes take their food. ‘ Kolben remarks 
that an hundred or sometimes more will attack an ox or cow retired from 
labour, sick, and faint; and falling all at once upon him, soon devour him: 
they begin by making a hole in the belly, and thrusting in their heads, pick 
the flesh from tie bones, still leaving the skin to cover them.”” Gen, Syn. Sup. 
p- 2. Ed. 1787. The continuator of Wilson’s Ornithology, referring to this 
account of Kolben, confirms the view he gives of the mode of feeding of the 
Vultures. ‘* These we conjecture to be Black Vultures, they being in the 
habit of mining into the bellies of dead animals to feed upon the contents.” 
Am. Orn. vol. [X. p. 101. "It was an accurate observation of such scenes in 
nature that suggested the painful picture of the Vulture preying upon Tityus, 
originally introduced by Homer, and afterwards imitated, or alluded to, by so 


many succeeding poets. 
Kau Titvov esdov, yains Ee LMUOEOS vioy 
Kescsvoy ev damedw. _—— 
Time de ww ExanTepde THENLEVD) “HIMAP EXEICOV, 


AEPTPON EZQ AYNONTES. 
Odyss. XI. 575. 


Nec non et Tityon, Terre omniparentis alumnum, 


Cernere erat, 
rostro inmanis Voliur obunco 


Immortale jecur tondens, fecundaque pcenis 
Viscera, rimaturque epulis, habitatque sub alto 


Pectore. 
/En. VI. 595. 


Viscera prebebat Tityos lanianda. 
Ovid. Met. IV. 456. 
Jugeribusque novem qui summus distat ab imo 


Visceraque assiduex debita prebet avi. 
. Id. Ibis. 181. 


Porrectusque novem Tityus per jugera terre, 


Assiduas atro viscere pascit aves, 
Tibul. Eleg. I. III. 75. 


374 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


If we fix our attention then on these two distinguishing charac- 
ters, and at the same time take into consideration the size and 
strength, and the consequent powers of body that separate the 
Vultures from all other groups in Ornithology, we may at once 
determine that the birds in which these characters are most 
strongly conspicuous, will form the typical group of the family. 
Those species therefore may be selected as forming the Normal 
Group of the Vulturide, in which the powers of the bill and 
legs are most apparent, the head and neck most devoid of fea- 
thers, and the organs of smell most fully developed. This group 
will be found chiefly to inhabit the torrid regions, and their food 
to be almost exclusively carrion, which they prey upon for the 
most part in large flocks. On the other hand, the Aberrant Group 
will comprise those birds which exhibit a comparative weakness 
in the bill and legs, a less extension of the organs of smell, and 
a smaller portion of the head and neck devoid of plumage; or, 
where although some degree of the size and strength of the more 
typical birds is preserved, the greater part of the head and neck is 
covered with feathers. This group may be observed to spread 
itself over the higher and colder latitudes more extensively than 
the typical Vultures, and to seek occasionally a living prey, which 
they frequently pursue either singly or by pairs. 


- § Normat crove. General conformation powerful; head 
and neck bare of feathers; organs of smell strongly 
developed. 


The Normal group, as it has been found to be the case in all the 
hitherto examined departments of Zoology, divides itself into 
two distinct forms, which, in addition to their differences in 
external character, are distinguished by their geographical dis- 


Nec Tityon volucres ineunt Acherunte jacentem; 
Nec, quod sub magno scrutentur pectore, &c. Xe. 
Lucret. de Rer. Nat. III. 997. 


Et Tityos 


lateris piger sulcator opaci 
Invitus trahitur lasso de pectore Vultur. 
Claudian De Rapt. Proserp. II. 338. 
See also Ciaupran. In Ruf. If. 511. Horar. Carm. I. iv. 77. Perron. 
ARB. Fragm. p. 866. Ed. Burmanni. 1743, &e. &c. 


On the groups of the Vulturide. 375 


tribution, being respectively inhabitants of the New and Old 
World. The first of these, or the genus 


Sarcorampnus, Dum., 

is known by the fleshy caruncles which are appended to nike cere. 
These appear by their connection with the nares to increase the 
delicacy of these organs, and they thus form important points 
of distinction in the distribution of the family. The nares them- 
selves are large, oval, and longitudinal; and are situated almost 
at the extremity of the cere. The third quill feather is the long- 
est. As in all the typical birds of the family, the bill and legs 
of this genus are robust and muscular, and the strength and size 
of the body indicate considerable powers. These birds belong 
exclusively to the New World, where three species of them have 
been found; the Vultur papa of Linneus, commonly known as 
the King of the Vultures; the V. gryphus of the same authour, 
or the Condor of M. de Humboldt; and the V. Califor nianus* of 
Dr. Shaw. 


* The Vultur Californianus was originally described by Dr. Shaw, and 
figured in the Naturalist’s Miscellany, [pl. 301.] f:om aspecimen presented 
to the British Museum by Mr. Menzies. He says that there are no caruncles 
on the billor head. ‘* The head is entirely void of any carunculated appearance, 
but the occiput or back part is marked by a dark patch or zone which 
seems to rise a little above the surface.” Gen. Zool. Vol. Vil. p. 11. Lhave 
examined the specimen in the British Museum, which unfortunately has lost 
the cere, and has only the bare bone of the bill remaining. It is of course 
impossible from its present appearance to determine whether the bird had 
caruncles or not. The wings and tail are also imperfect, which indeed is 
generally the case among the Vultures, who trail these parts upon the 
ground and thus damage them considerably: but its general appearance 
is that of the true Sarcoramphi, and the disposition of the nares is the 
same. It is more than probable that the specimen was perfect, at least with 
regard to its bill, when first examined by Dr. Shaw, or he would not so 
positively have assured us that it was without those appendages to the head. 
If we allow this to be the case, we may determine that the species stands at 
the extreme limits of the genus Sarcoramphus, where it joins the true Vultur. 
M. Temminck also has figured this bird, [Pl. Col. 3i.] but he has added 
nothing to our knowledge of it. His figure in fact is but a mere copy of Dr. 
Shaw’s. Like the specimen in the Museum it is without any cere on the bill. 
He has however substituted for the specifick name of Californianus, originally 
conferred on the bird by our countryman, a new one of his own, Vulturinus. 


a. 


576 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


The second form of the typical group is the true 


Vouttur, Auct., 

which is distinguished from Sarcoramphus by the absence of the 
fleshy caruncles on the head, and by the situation of the nares, 
which, although of the same form as in that genus are placed 
transversely or rather obliquely, instead of longitudinally, on 
the cere. The first quill feather is short, being of equal length 
with the sixth: and the fourth is the longest. Of this genus, 
which is confined to the Old World, the V. fulvus, Briss., and 
V. cinereus, Gmel., may be selected as types. 

To these species M. Temminck has added V. monachus, Linn., 
[Pl. Col. 13 & 222.]; V. Pondicerianus, Lath., [Pl. Col. 2.]; 
V. auricularis, Daud., [ Ois. d’Afrique pl. 9.]; V. Indicus, Lath., 
[ Pl. Col. 26.]; and V. Angolensis,Gmel. These two latter species 
he intimates as being true Vultures, but standing at the extreme 
limits of the genus. I have not had an opportunity of accurately 
examining any of these species except the last. This evidently 
presents a modification of form, which may hereafter lay the 
foundation of a new group. Its bill is that of the genuine Vul- 
tures, but the back part of the head and neck is covered with 
feathers, the under parts only being naked. It thus indicates 
the immediate passage from the present group of true Vultures to 
that of Gypaétus, upon which we are about to enter, and in 
which the head and neck will be found to be nearly entirely 
plumed. 

This genus Vultur has again been subdivided by M. Savigny 
into two departments, of which the above mentioned European 
species are respectively the representatives. ‘To the form which 
is represented by V. fulvus, and which is characterized by having 
the tongue furnished with sharp points, the mares simple or 
naked, and the tail composed of twelve feathers, he has restored 
the ancient name of Gyps: while for the second, or that which 
includes V. cinereus, and which is distinguished from the pre- 
ceding by having the tongue smooth and unarmed, the nares par- 
tially covered with a membrane, and the tail feathers increased to 
the number of fourteen, he has equally revived the old denomi- 


On the groups of the Vulturide. 377 


nation of Zgypius. These are well distinguished groups, as in- 
deed are all the divisions of the acute and learned naturalist who 
characterized them; and according as the species of the family 
become more accurately known, they must be adopted. But at 
present so much confusion exists with respect to these species, 
and so inaccurate is our knowledge of their minuter characters, 
such, for instance, as the conformation of their tongue on which 
M. Savigny with justice lays much stress as a ground of distinc- 
tion, that it would be difficult to class any of them according to 
his views, beyond the two well known species which he himself 
examined. I refer only at present therefore to these groups as 
sectional subdivisions, or more minute modifications of form of 
the great genus Vultur; it being my intention solely to give the 
outlines of the leading forms in the family, with the view of point- 
ing out the mode by which the sketch may be more easily filled 
up hereafter. 


§§ ABERRANT GRour. General conformation weaker ; head 
and neck less bare of feathers; organs of smell less 
developed. : 


On leaving the birds which display the typical characters of the 
family, we find some of these characters partially preserved, as is 
usually the case, in the form which succeeds, and the transition of 
one form into the other thus rendered less abrupt. The marked 
character of size and muscular comformation which belongs to 
the true Vultures is so far retained in the group on which we 
now enter, or the genus 

Gyrarrus, Storr, 
as almost to induce us from its great dimensions and robust ap- 
pearance to assign it a place in that subdivision of the family. 
But the neck is entirely covered with feathers, and the head is 
only partially bare; while the bill is furnished with a tuft of 
hairs which covers the nares, and which may thus be considered 
as Causing some deficiency in the acuteness of these organs. The 
bill itself is somewhat weaker than in the preceding group; and 
the farsi are short and feathered, thus also indicating a partial 
decrease in strength. The first quill feather is not much iu- 
feriour to the second and third, which are equal and the longest 


378 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


of all. The number of the tail feathers is twelve. This group 
like the last is a native of the Old World, and is represented by 
the V. barbatus of Linneus. M. Temminck arranges some extra- 
European birds in this genus, which however do not appear to 
possess the character of the bearded bill. These most probably 
will form the extreme group of this division of the family and 
connect it with the succeeding. 

In the covering of the head and neck, the birds of this genus 
may be observed to bear a considerable resemblance to the Fail- 
conide,* which they also emulate in their bold and upright ap- 
pearance; the Vultures being for the most part noted for their 
dull mien, and bending and ungainly postures. In habits also 
they approach the Falconide, preying more generally upon living 
animals than upon carrion, and not being gregarious like the 
typical Vultures, but feeding solitarily or by pairs. They thus 
form that division of the present family, which leads immediately 
to the conterminous family of Falconida, from which they may be 
said to be chiefly distinguished by thei moderately curved, and 
comparatively speaking blunted wnguwes. This forms a marked 
character for separating the two groups; the Vultures, which feed 
chiefly on dead or diseased auimals, and always on the spot + 


* This group which seems to be the ®a¥» of the ancients is generally ye- 
ferred to as bearing a resemblance to the Eagles. {ts plumed head and neck, 
and the partial approximation in manners noticed above, must have assimi- 
lated it closely in the eye of casual observers. Ailian enumerates the Duyn 
among the Accipitrine tribes. [Lib. XII. c. 1V.]: and Pliny refers to the 
bird ** quam barbatam vocant’” as an “ aquila.” [Lib. X. c. HI.] The 
Scholiast upon Homer makes the 27” nearly allied to the Eagle. ‘+ Pnyn, 


E100S eves, OfA010y wETwW” Not. in Odyss. HI. 372. And Antoninus Libe- 
ralis,,when relating the metamorphosis of Periphas into an Eagle, adds that 
his wife was changed into the @uvn in consequence of her intreaties to become 
a species corresponding in habits with the former bird. Zeus VeAdwy eis ra 
oma Te IleeiPayros,— —emoincoey ogvi ta AIETON: thy de yuvaima avre, 
Sendeiray nas avrny oeuda wemra: SYNNOMON TQ TIEPI®ANTI, evomoe 
@HNHN.” Met. VI. p. 43. Ed. Verheyk. 1774. ' 

+ This difference extends even to the mode in which both groups convey 
the support of their young ones to the nest. The Falconide bear it in their 
claws without preying upon it themselves; the Vulturide devour it, convey 
itin their craw, and disgorge it in the nest for their young. See Le VAtt. 
Ois. d’ Afr, tom. L p. 29. 


. 


On the groups of the Vulturide. 379 


where they find their quarry, not needing that sharpness and cur- 
vature of the claw which is necessary to the I*alconide in the 
seizure and transportation of their prey. 

M. Savigny has conferred the name of Phene upon this group, 
with the view of reviving its ancient classical denomination. It 
would indeed be most desirable that every group in natural his- 
tory should retain that name, as far as it can be ascertained, 
which it possessed in the earlier days of science, and with which 
most admirers of ancient literature are generally speaking fami- 
liar. But were we in the present advanced state of the science to 
adopt the alterations which the elegant and classical taste of M. 
Savigny has suggested, a complete revolution would take place 
in the nomenclature of Natural History. There is scarcely a 
group in the whole series of zoology which preserves its original 
classical name: and many indeed of the established names, which 
are derived from ancient literature, have been applied indiscri- 
nately not merely to animals different from the species which they 
represented in former times, but to animals occupying a different 
station in nature ; as for instance where the names of Birds have 
been bestowed on the groups of Entomology. Where a favour- 
able opportunity occurs, as when it is necessary to subdivide an 
old group, the classical name may with propriety be introduced : in 
the subdivision of Vultur, for example, the term Gyps or Ai gypius 
would be singularly appropriate.. But it would now be hazardous, 
indeed impracticable, to attempt any general alteration in estab- 
lished names, however improperly they may have been applied 
in the first instance. In the present case the term Gypiietus has the 
precedence over every other name bestowed by modern science 
on this group, having been applied to it many years before the 
work of M. Savigny appeared, and being in fact referred to in 
that work among the synonyms of the species ; and as it is pecu- 
liarly applicable to the genus, by pointing out its place among 
the Vultures and at the same time its vicinity to the Eagles, it 
cannot with any propriety be rejected. 

The next form that presents itself possesses somewhat of the 
character of the preceding group in having the neck covered with 
feathers. The fore part of the head however is entirely bare, and 


389. Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


the general conformation becomes more feeble. This group, which 
belongs to the Old World, forms the genus 


Neoruron, Sav., 


and is distinguished by the comparative weakness of the bill and 
legs, particularly of the former, the under mandible of which 
curves downwards, and exhibits no traces of the strong gonys 
which adds so much to the powers of the bill of the typical 
Vultures. In these respects the bill has a striking analogy to 
that of the Tuchypetes and others of the oceanick birds whose 
manners are raptorial. The nares are oval, lengthened, and 
longitudinal; the third quill feather is the longest; and the 
number of the tail feathers amounts to fourteen. The tail itself is 
nearly cuneiform. The Vultur percnopterus, Linn., known as an 
European bird, but still more familiar to us as an inhabitant of 
Egypt from the descriptions of M. Savigny and Mr. Bruce, is the 
type of this interesting form. 

There is a greater difference between the typical species of 
this last genus and the present group, than between any other di- 
visions of the family. Some species, however, which have latterly 
been added to Gypaétus, seem to fili up the interval ; being inter- 
mediate between the strength of that genus and the weaker con- 
formation of Neophron. The Falco Vulturinus, Daud., in par- 
ticular, which M. Temminck refers to Gypaétus, seems at once 
to unite the two groups: possessing, as far as can be judged from 
a figure, the plumed head and neck of theone, and the weak 
and lengthened bill of the other. The ¢arsi also, feathered half 
way down, point out the passage between the plumed and naked 
tursi that respectively characterize these genera. 

Next in affinity to Neophron is a group which seems to sapiale 
its place in the New Continent, the genus 


Carnartes, I[l].* 


which possesses a corresponding weakness of the bill and legs, 
and a similar construction of the wing. But the neck is more 


* This genus corresponds with the Catharista of M. Vieillot. I have felt 
some hesitation in preferring the name of M. Illiger to that of the latter natu- 


On the groups of the Vulturide. S81 


bare of feathers: and the bill, although weak, is rather shorter, 
and approaches more closely to the form of that of Sarcoramphus, 
the under mandible being straight, and the gonys being faintly 
apparent. The tail, consisting of 12 feathers,is even. The cere 
of these birds is much advanced in front, and the mares are situ- 
ated at the anteriour part of it. These are oval, but extremely 
elongated, and placed longitudinally. The Vudtur aura, Linn., 
the Turkey Buzzard of America, and the C. urubu, Vieill., 
[V. atratus, Wils.] nearly allied to it, but latterly separated by 
M. Vieillot, and the American ornithologists, by apparently 
good, specifick characters, are the representatives of the genus. 
This group completes the circle in which the Vulturide are in- 
cluded by leading round to Sarcoramphus, the other American 
form, with which we commenced our examination of the family. 
With that genus Cathartes possesses a near alliance with regard 
to its general characters, the fleshy caruncles on the bill of Sarco- 
ramphus being excepted ; but it differs materially in the weakness 
of all its organs, which bear no comparison with the strength and 
powerful construction exhibited in the typical Vultures. 

Such are the leading peculiarities of form in the family of Vil- 
turide, and such the mode in which they succeed each other, 
and by which they accord more or less with the typical character. 
New species may perhaps come in which may not agree in every 
particular with any of the above forms, aud a more accurate 


ralist, who certainly was the first to characterize the group as separate from 


Sarcoramphus. But although M. Illiger included the Vultur papa, the type ~ 


of Sarcoramphus, in his Cathartes, and thus rendered his genus too exten- 
sive, yet the characters he gave it are still sufficiently applicable to the species 
which remain to serve to distinguish them: and his name being prior, and 
certainly better known from having been earlier adopted, is perhaps on the 
whole to be preferred. I must here observe that the Cathartes of M. Temminck 
[ Man. p. xlviii‘and p. 7] is very different from tha* of M. Illiger. Besides the 
species included in the genus of that naturalist, M. Temminck introduces the 
Vultur percnopterus of Linneus, by which means he brings together the three 
genera of his predecessours Sarcoramphus, Dum., Cathartes, I\|., [Catharista, 
Vieill.] and Neophron, Say., without any reference to them. I scarcely know 
two forms belonging to the same family more decidedly distinct from each 
other, than those of Sarcoramphus and Neophron; as may be seen from com- 
paring their respective characters in the above sketch. 


382 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


knowledge of the species already described may bring to light 
properties not hitherto noticed among them. But these, we may 
almost venture to assert from our general knowledge of the typi- 
cal character of these birds, and of the mode in which it varies, 
founded on our observations of their habits and station in nature, 
will be found either to be partial modifications of the prominent 
forms, as in the case of M. Savigny’s genera Gyps and A gypius, 
which represent only divisions of the more extensive genus Vul- 
tur, or to exhibit a greater or less developement of the leading 
peculiarities of these forms. In some of the more numerous 
groups of Ornithology, such as the Muscicapide, Fringillide, &c., 
where a multiplicity of species and of forms tends to perplex the 
naturalist in his investigation of affinities, it may be difficult to 
decide the mode in which nature arranges them without an exten- 
‘sive knowledge of species. Here of course the paucity of mate- 
rials open to the student in this country, so often and so justly the 
subject of complaint, gives a decided disadvantage to British 
naturalists, in comparison with those of the Continent, in their 
speculations on the leading properties of such groups. But ina 
limited family like thit of the Vultures, where their purposes in 
nature are so conspicuous, and the characters depending on these 
purposes so prominent and strongly marked, there is compara- 
tively little difficulty in deciding what are the leading peculiarities 
of form among them, although we may be denied the power of 
entering into their details. 

Although I confine myself at present to the typical species of 
the preceding forms, I cannot pass over without notice two 
species described as belonging to this family, which seem to ac- 
cord with none of the groups which I have particularized. I allude 
to the New Holland Vulture of Dr. Latham, which has been 
figured in the last edition of the ** General Synopsis,” * from a 
specimen originally in the possession of General Davies; and the 
V. audaw of the same authour, said to be from the same country. 
Hitherto no Vulture has been recorded as a native of New Hol- 
jand with the exception of these reputed species ; neither has the 
genus been found in the neighbouring islands of the Indian ocean, 


’ 


* Vol. 1. p. 32. sp. 27. pl. VI. 


On the groups of the Vulturide. 383 


as far as to the Island of Java. Their place in New Holland 
seems to be supplied, as far as we can judge from the facts as yet 
before us, by the naked-cheeked Falconide, which form the 
genus Polyborus of M. Vieillot. It becomes therefore an inter- 
esting question whether the species described by Dr. Latham be- 
long to the circle of Vultures or nut. From the figure that is 
given of the former of these birds some doubts arise on this point: 
as the bill is straight and slender, and the legs and toes long, and 
the nails, particularly that of the hallux, sharp and perfectly 
straight. The figure has in fact more the appearance of a Wading 
Bird than of a Bird of Prey. We have no figure of the V. audax. 
From the known accuracy of Dr. Latham however, who des- 
cribed both birds, we may determine that they appertain, or at 
least approach, to the raptorial group in which he has placed them. 
Under these circumstances these birds become doubly interesting. 
We want a form to complete the series of affinity among the 
Raptores: these species may probably belong to the group which 
furnishes it; and thus we may have our chasm filled up by the 
productions of that extraordinary portion of the globe which has 
already supplied so many of our deficiencies. 

The following tabular view of the characters of this family and 
of the leading forms belonging to it will enable the reader to dis- 
tinguish the peculiarities of these forms as they accord with, or 
deviate from the typical family character, as well as the series of 
affinity in which they succeed each other. I introduce those 
species only which are the types of each form. 


Fam. Vutturip®. 


Caput, collumque plus minusve nuda. Rostrum precipué 
forte, ad apicem aduncum, basi laté cerigerum. Nares laterales, in 
ceromate posite, ovales, interdum elongate, plerumque aperte. 
Tarsi reticulati. Digiti externi membrano conaexi. Ungues 
validi, subacuti, subincurvi, vix retractiles. 


584 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


DIVISIO TYPICA. 
Caput collumque nuda. Rostrum pedesque fortes. 


( Vultur papa. Linn. 


Rostrum carunculatum. 
Nares longitudinales. Re- | a POS: a 
mex 3% longissima. SARCORAMPHUS.—Dum. 498. Daud ll pl 1x. 
: H Briss. 1. t- 36. Gal. des 
Habitat in Mundo Novo. ( Ois. pl. LI. 


{ *Lingud aculeata, na- 

ribus. apertis ; rectrici- 

bus 14. Gyps. Sav. 
Vultur fulvus. Briss. 


Rostrum haud caruncula- I. p. 462. 7. Pl. Enl. 
tum. Wares transverse. Re- 426. Alb. Ill. t. 1. 
mex 1™4 brevis, 6'? zqualis; ' ** Tingud mutica, na- 
4' longissima. Vu.tur.—Auct. < ribus membrano partim 

| tectis ; rectricibus 12. 
Habitat in Mundo Vetere. /EeyPtius. Sav. 


Vultur cinereus. 
Gmel. I. p. 247. 6. Pl. 
Enl. 425. Gal. des Ois. 


Lpl. L 


DIVISIO ABERRANS. 
Caput collumque minus nuda. Rostrum pedesque debiliores. 


Caput plutimum, collum- f 
que totum plumosa. fos- 
trumsubcrassum,barbatum. Rie: ae 
Nares harba setosa operte. t. 106 Fp ILt.X. 
Remiges 2% et 3" zquales, Gypaéros.—Storr. Shato. Gen. Zool. Vol. 
longissime. Tarsi breves, VIL. pl. 5-86; Gabiides 


plumosi. Rectrices EX Ois. pl. VII. 


Habitat in Mundo Vetere. 


| 
L 
Caput anterius nudum. ‘A 
Collum plumosum.  Ros- | 
| 


nine sperpraciley mandala Vultur percnopterus. 
jnferiore deorsum curvata ; : 

de nullo. Nares lon- NropHron.—Sav Tan. 1 Glee 
oe aA fis 5 ; Enl. 429. juv. 427. Gal. 
gitudinales. Remex 3" lon- 2 

ak : des Ois. pl. I. 

gissima. Rectrices 14. 
Habitat in Mundo Vetere. [ 

Caput totum collumque Vultur aura. Linn. 
partim nuda. Rostrum gra- 1. p. 122.2. Pl. Enl. 187. 
cile. Nares perelongatz, lon- Ois. d’ Am. Sept. pl. 2. 
gitudinales. Remex 3"* lon- Cataarres.—lIll. bis. Wils. dm. Ora. 
gissima. Rectrices 12. | IX. pl. 75. f. 1. Gal. 

des Ois. pl. IV. 
Habitat in Mundo Noyo. a 


On a new genus of Falconide. 385 
ON A NEW GENUS OF FALCONIDE. 


In one of the preceding numbers of this Journal,* where I at- 
tempted to give a sketch of the groups of the Falconide, I ex- 
pressed my doubts whether two species belonging to the sub- 
family of the A7tes, and nearly related to Elanus, Sav., the Falco 
Jurcatus of Linneus, and the Falco Riocourii of M. Vieillot, ex- 
actly corresponded with the characters of that genus. At the 
time when I drew up the sketch, I had not the means of making 
that accurate examination of these species which was necessary 
for determining the point. The two birds however have since 
come within my reach. Dr. Such, whose extensive researches in 
Brazil have enriched science with so many important acquisitions, 
has kindly presented me with a beautiful specimen of the F’. fur- 
catus, which he brought from that country: and I am indebted to 
Mr. Leadbeater of Brewer Street, the value of whose collections 
in Ornithology is equalled only by his liberality in opening them to 
science, for an opportunity of comparing a fine specimen of F. 
Riocourii with the conterminous species. From the examination 
which I have thus been enabled to make of these birds, it appears 
to me that they do not sufficiently accord with Elanus to be ad- 
mitted into the same genus. They have not the cylindrical 
ungues of that group; a character, which serves so much to dis- 
tinguish it among the birds of the family, and which appears to 
form a very decided ground for separation from the rarity of its 
occurrence, two groups only, Pandion and Elanus, having been 
as yet observed to possess it. The tail also of the two birds in 
question is considerably forked, while that of Elanus exhibits but 
an approximation to the same form, or rather the first deviation 
from the even tail of the preceding subfamily. Thus compared 
with Elanus they’seem to hold a distinct and a higher station in 
_ the present subfamily. And while Elanus seems to hold its sta- 
tion at the first entrance into the group, they most probably will 
be found to form the typical species of it, in consequence of the 
extreme developement of the forked tail; which, it may be re- 
membered adds strikingly to the powers of flight in the Kites, 


* Vol. I. p. 333. 
Vor. II. QR 


586 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


supporting their evolutions, and directing their progress, as they 
soar or sail through the air. From these considerations I shall 
venture to characterize the group as follows under the generick 


name of 
NaAuvcierus. 


- Rostrum subbreve, debile, compressum; naribus subovalibus, 
in ceromate, setis ad basin instructo, obliqué positis. 

Ale \longe ; remige 244 aut 3tid longissima. 

Cauda longa, maximé furcata. 

Pedes breves, debiles; tarsis reticulatis; acrotarsiis infra genu 
usyue ad medium plumosis; wnguébus haud cylindricis. 

Corpus gracile, concinnum. 


It will of course be immediately evident that the nearest affinity 
of this genus in the Miélvine subfamily is to E/anus ; with which.it 
has the characters of the bill and legs in common, the cylindrical 
ungues of the latter being excepted. There is alsoa general simi- 
larity in the colours of the two genera, and in the disposition of 
them. Nauclerus is distinguished from the true Milvus by the 
greater developement of the character of the forked tail; by the 
relative proportions of the wing feathers, the fourth being the 
longest in Milvus ; and by the reticulation of the acrotarsia, those 
of Milvus being covered with even scales or scutellated. Although 
the species known at present of this new group have been already 
well described, the following specifick characters taken immedi- 
ately from two fine and apparently adult specimens now before me 
may not be unacceptable. . 


* Remige 244 longissima. 
Riocouri. N. albus, capite colloque superné, dorso alis rectri- 
cibusque griseis, lined ante poneque oculos maculaque alarum 


nigris. 


Rostrum nigrum; cera pedesque flavi. Remiges superiores 
grisee, interne ad basin albw, tribus exterioribus exceptis, apice 
albo-marginate ; secundarie quatuor interne nigre, maculam 
longitudinalem nigram formantes: inferiores albe apice grisee ; 
ptilis inferioribus partim nigris, maculam longitudinalem nigram 


~ 


On a new genus of Psittacide. 387 


formantibus. Rectrices grisex, interné ad basin albe ; inferiores 
ad basin albe apice grisescentes. Longitudo corporis, 1 pes, 
2 func.; ale a carpo ad remigem 2dam, 92; caude, 9; mandi- 
bule superioris ad frontem, =&, ad rictum, #3 inferioris 
_ tarsi, 1 2. 

Habitat in Africa. 


pe AE 
107 


** Remige 3tid longissima. 
Forcatus. N. albus, .dorso medio, alis, rectricibusque nisris 
9 ) ’ §res, 
purpureo nitentibus. 


Rostrum nigrum: cera pedesque flavi. Ptila purpureo-atra; 
tectrices inferiores albe: remiges secundarie, pteromata, scapu- 
laresque albo-variegate. Longitudo corporis, 1 pes, 10 unc. ; 
ale a carpo ad remigem 3tiam, 1 pes, 4 unc.; caude, 1 pes, 1 
unc. ; mandibule superioris, ad frontem, 1 =4,, ad rictum, 1 }; 
tarst, 1 i. 

Habitat in Mundo Novo. 


There is a material difference in the construction of the wing 
in these two birds. In the latter or the American species the 
third quill feather is the longest, the first and second are marked 
by an abrupt emargination in the inner web, and the second 
third and fourth by a gradual decrease in breadth of the outer 
web towards the apex. On the other hand the African species 
has the second quill feather the longest, with a slight emargina- 
tion only towards the apew of the first and second feathers, while 
the outer webs of all are nearly even throughout. In consequence 
of these characters N. Riocourdi comes most nearly to the group 
of Elanus, while N. furcatus shows an approximation to the true 
Milous. 


ON A NEW GENUS OF PSITTACIDA. 


Among the primary groups or subfamilies into which the 
Parrots appear to be divided, two of the most conspicuous, as I 
have elsewhere observed, are the birds which we familiarly call 
Maccaws, and those commonly known under the name of long- 

2B2 


388 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


tailed Parrakeets. The former, or the genus Macrocercus, Vieill. 
inhabitants exclusively of the New World, are distinguished by 
the nakedness of the cheeks, and the extreme strength of the 
bill, the under mandible of which is short, bent inwards, and 
deeply emarginated. The latter, or the section Conurus of M. 
Kuhl, dispersed in various modifications of form over all the warmer 
parts of the globe, come next in affinity to the preceding group by” 
the length and graduated structure of the tail, but are separated 
from it by the cheeks being feathered. The bills also of this sub- 
family exhibit a regular gradation of form from the strong bill 
and short under mandibles of the Maccaws, to the comparatively 
feebler bill ard more elongated under mandibles of the succeeding 
subdivisions of the family. 

Between the two subfamilies thus separated from each other, 
a beautiful connection is preserved by means of a group which 
comprises the extreme species, or the earliest that present them- 
selves to us, of the second of these subdivisions. These birds, 
although their cheeks are covered with feathers and they are thus 
brought within the circle of the Parrakeets, have yet the bill of 
the Maccaws; and by a greater or less nakedness of the orbits 
round the eyes they still further assert their affinity to them. From 
their osculant situation between the two groups, thus strikingly 
apparent, the species that exhibit these characters have received 
the familiar name of Purrakeet-Maccaws in our language, and of 
Perruche-Aras among the French Ornithologists. Like the true 
Maccaws they are exclusively natives of the New World.* Two 
species, lately added to our collections in this country, and which 
appear to me to be new to science, afford me an opportunity of 
characterizing this interesting group, which from its intermediate 
station between the two subfamilies, and with a reference to the 
trivial name already bestowed upon it, I shall denominate 

PsITTACARA. 
Caput plumosum, periopthalmiis nudis. 
Rostrum crassum, subbreve ; mandibuld superiore apice sub 


* An Eastern form however nearly allied to both these groups has lately 
come to this country, which Dr. Horsfield and myself will shortly have an 


opportunity of characterizing. 


On a new genus of Psittacide. 589 


compressa, inferiore brevissima introrsum inclinante, profundé 
emarginata. 

Ale mediocres; remige 1A et 4ta equalibus, 3tid paulo lon- 
giore, 244 longissima: primz pogonio interno leviter prope me- 
dium emarginato; secundz ad quintam inclusam pogoniis externis 
in medio gradatim latioribus. 

Cauda longa, gradata. 

Pedes subfortes, tarsis brevibus. 


The Psittacus Guianensis of Linneus, the Perruche-Ara 
Pavouane of M. Le Vaillant [ Pl. 14. 15.] may be selected as the 
type of this genus. ‘lo this may be added the following species, 
which accurately accord with the general characters of the genus, 
but in which the naked space round the eye is more contracted ; 
P. squamosus, Lath., [ Nat. Misc. t. 1061]; P. versicolor, Lath., 
‘[Pl. Enl. 144. Le Vaill. pl. 16]; P. vittatus, Shaw, [Le Vaill. 
pl. 17] ; together with the P. auricapillus and P. leucotis of M. 
Lichtenstein. I have lately received the following birds from 
Brazil, which are also referable to the group, although, from the 
difference in the extent of the naked space round the eye of each, 
they appear to occupy different stations in it. 


Frontatus. Ps. viridis, capitis fronte cwruleo, humeris coccineis; 
spatio inter oculos rostrumque nudo. 


Ale caudayue supra virides, subtus flavescenti-fusce. Ptila 

inferiora coccinea. Longitudo corporis, 12} unc.; ale a carpo 

1 8 - "8 - 

ad remigem 2dam, 6£,; caude, 63, ; 
2 


frontem, 1 {4,, ad rictum, =; inferioris, ;°5; tarsi, ~,: altitudo 


mandibule superioris ad 


7 11 
rostri, 1 $4. 


As in taking a comprehensive view of the two great subdivisions 
now before us of this family, the present genus is seen to form the 
bond of connection between them; in like manner, when we de- 
scend to particulars, the species now described will be found to 
be the immediate link between the extreme species of each. On 
looking to the character of the naked cheeks of the Maccaws, we 
perceive that in the typical species of that subfamily, the naked- 
ness extends all round the eyes and over the cheeks, while in some 


390 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


of the extreme species, such as Ps. Illigeri, Temm. and Kuhl, and 
Ps. makawuanna, Gmel., a smaller portion of the cheeks is bare. 
On the other hand, in the typical species of the genus Psittacara, 
the orbits of the eyes only are naked. With reference to the 
same character the species now under consideration is precisely 
intermediate between both. While the orbits of the eyes are 
naked, but the cheeks clothed, as in Pstttacara, the space be- 
tween the eyes and bill is bare, by which means it nearly meets 
the above mentioned extreme species of the Maccaws. It is one 
of those species in fact, which may, with equal justice, be referred 
to either of the neighbouring groups which it connects, according 
to the will of the naturalist; and it is interesting as it exemplifies 
the arbitrary character of the divisions, which we are forced to 
institute for the sake of convenience, while nature herself exhibits 
no break. The exact concordance of the species with the present 
group in the structure of the wing, in which respect it slightly 
differs from the Maccaws, induces me to prefer for it the station 
which I have now assigned it. 


Licnrensteinu. Ps. viridis, capite nigrescenti-brunneo, posticé 
aureo-variegato ; fascia frontali angusta, regione parotica, 
abdomine medio, uropygio, caudaque infra castaneo-pur- 
pureis; torque nuchali pectoreque ceruleis; humeris coc- 
cinets. 


Capitis plume nigrescenti-brunnex, postice apice aureo-margi- 
nate, maculam auream utringue pone aures formantes. Kemiges, 
primarie supra cerulee, primd que est ceruleo-atra excepta, 
pogoniis internis ad basin flavo-fuscis, ad apicem atris ; secundarie 
virides, interné ad basin flavo-fusce; omnes inferiores fusce, ad 
basin interné flavo-fusco marginate. Ptila inferiora viridia; 
pteromata inferiora flavo-fusca. Longitudo corporis, 103 
a carpo ad remigem 24am, 6.3, ; caude, 54; mandibule superioris 


3 ale 
ad frontem, 42, ad rictum, 4; inferioris, 44; éarsi,2: altitudo 
rostri, 25. 

In honorem Zoologiz Professoris Berolinensis celeberrimi, 
Ornithologie peritissimi, hec avis nominatur. 


On the arrangement of the genera of Birds. 391 


ON THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE GENERA OF BIRDS. 


Havine being frequently requested by several of my Orni- 
thological friends to furnish them with a list of the genera of Birds 
as they arrange themselves under their Orders and Families, in 
consonance with the views exhibited in a paper “ On the Affi- 
nities of Birds,” lately inserted in the Linnean Transactions, [ am 
induced to draw out the following tabular sketch of the genera 
which have hitherto been published in Ornithology. It was the 
object of that Paper to give only the general view of the various 
groups of Birds as they displayed their affinities and analogies 
among themselves, without entering into the particulars of the 
minuter subdivisions. Many established genera were of conse- 
quence overlooked in it, as not bearing upon the general subject, 
which will be enumerated in the following Synopsis. Iam not in 
general friendly to sketches of the present description, in which 
the characters and affinities of groups are not explained and 
illustrated. Such skeletons of systems always begin where they 
should end ; in taking for granted, instead of attempting to prove, 
the propriety of the views which they profess to follow :—they 
assert, in fact, where they should demonstrate. The following 
sketch, however, may be considered as in some measure supplemen- 
tary to the general principles laid down in the Paper to which I 
have alluded, and must be viewed only with a reference to it. As 
such it may be useful, meagre as it is, in supplying the place, for a 
time, of a more detailed and perfect exposition of the subject. 
And [ take this opportunity of adding, that it exhibits the founda- 
tion of an elementary plan, into which it is my intention to enter 
more fully at an early period, as introductory to the study of 
Ornithology. 

I have added the characters of a few generick groups, which 
serve in some instances to fill up the series of affinity in the fami- 
lies. The experienced Ornithologist will at once perceive how 
many more are still necessary for that purpose. 


392 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


Synopsis Avium in Ordines, Familias, et Genera* secundum affi- 
nitates dispositarum. 


ORDO I. RAPTORES. Ill. [Accipitres. Linn.] 


P) 


I. Fam. 
Gypogeranus. IJ. [Serpentarius. Cuv. Ophiotheres. Vieiil.] 


II. Fam. Vuexturinz. [Gen. Vultur. Linn.] 
* 7 


Cathartes. [//. [Catharista. Vieiil.] 
HH 


Sarcoramphus. Dum. [Cathartis pars. I/. Gypagus. Vieill. | 


Gyps. Sav.—Vultur. Auct. [AZgypius. Sav. ] 
KEKE 

Gypaétus. Storr. [Phene. Sav.] 

KKK 


Neophron. Sav. [Cathartis pars. Temm.] 


II. Fam. Fatconipz. Leach. [Gen. Falco. Linn. | 

* Subfam. Aquilina. 

Ibycter. Vieill—Daptrius. Véeill.— Polyborus. Vieill. — 
Pandion. Sav.—Halieetus. Sav.— Aquila. Augt.—Har- 
pyia. Cuo.—Physeta. Vieill.— Morphnus. Cuv. [Spi- 
zaetus. Vieill.|—Cymindis. Cuv.—Asturina. Vieill. 

** Subfam. Accipitrina, 

Dedalion. Sav.—Astur. Auct. [Sparvius. Véieill.|—Acci- 
piter. Auct—Harpagus.—Gampsonyx. 

#** Subfam. Falconina. 


Hi erax.— Falco. Auct. 


* The British genera are distinguished by Italicks. Marks of doubt are 
attached to some genera, with whose situation I am not perfectly satisfied, 
either from not having had an opportunity of examining the type of the 
genus, or from our ignorance of the habits or of the internal construction of 
the birds referred to it. In most instances I shall refer to the cause of my 
doubts as the genera occur. 


On the arrangement of the genera of Birds. 393 


**** Subfam. Buteonina. 

Ictinia. Vieill.—Circus. Auct.—Pernis. Cuv.—Buteo. Auct. 
***** Subfam. Milvina. 

Elanus. Sav.—Nauclerus.—Milous. Auct. 


IV. Fam. Srricipx. Leach. [Gen. Strix. Linn. ] 
* Subfam. Noctuina. 
Surnia. Dum.—Noctua. Sav. 
** Subfam. Bubonina. 
Scops, Sav.—Bubo. Cuv. 
*** Subfam. Asionina. 
Asio. Antiqg. [Otus. Cuv.] 
**** Subfam. Strigina. 
Ulula. Cuv.—Sitrix. Auct. 
¥#*** Subfam. Syrniana. 
Syrnium. Sav. 


V. Fam. as ? 


ORDO II. INSESSORES. [Pice.—Passeres. Linn. ] 


Trisus. I. Fisstrostres. Cuv. 


I. Fam. Merorip#. [Gen. Merops. Linn. ] 
Merops. Linn. [Apiaster. Briss.] 


Il. Fam. Hirunpiniwz. [Gen. Hirundo. Linn. ] 
Cypselus. Ill. [Apus. Cuv. Micropus. Meyer. ]|—Hirundo. 
Auct. 


111. Fam. Carrmureine. [Gen. Caprimulgus. Livn.] 
Caprimulgus. Auct—Podargus. Cuv.—/gotheles.*—Stea- 
tornis.—Nyctibius. Véeill. 


IV. Fam. Tovipm. [Gen. Todus. Linn. ] ‘ 
Eurylaimus. Horsf.—Eurystomus. Vieill. [Colaris. Cuv.]-— 
Todus, <Auct. 


* This is a New Holland genus, whieh has been characterized by Dr. 
Horsfield and myself, in a paper lately read before the Linnean Society on the 
Australian Birds in the Society’s Collection. 


394 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


V. Fam. Hatcyonipe. [Gen. Alcedo. Linn.] 
Alcedo, Linn. (Ispida. Briss.|—Halcyon. Swains.—Da- 
celo. Leach. — Tanysiptera.—Galbula. . Briss.—Capito. 
Vieill. ?—Monasa. Vieill, ? 


Trisus. II. Denrirostres. Cuv. 


I. Fam. Muoscicaripm.* [Gen. Muscicapa.. Linn. } 
Platyrhynchus. Desm.—Muscicapa. Auct.—Muscipeta. Cuv. 
—Onychorhynchus. Fisch. — Vireo. Véeill. 2 — Icteria. 
Vieill. 2 


If. Fam. Laniapaz. [Gen. Lanius. Linn. ] 
* Subfam. Tyrannina. Swains. 
Tyrannus. Cuv.—Tityra.t Vieill. [Psaris. Cuv. ]|—Guber- 
netes. Such. 
*& Subfam. Dicrurina. Swains. 
Artamus. Véeill. [Ocypterus. Cuv.]—Dicrurus. Véeill. 
[Edolius. Cuv.|—Trichophorus. Temm.?—lIrena. Horsf. 


* Little has been done to subdivide and put in order this extensive family. 
The genera enumerated above, include but a’small portion of the forms that 
may be distinguished init. We have at least four very distinct New Holland 
groups now about to be characterized; and different modifications of form are 
equally apparent among the groups of America and the Old World. Iam not 
certain that the genera of M. Vieillot, marked above with a note of doubt, are 
referable to this family ; not having seen the species which he gives as types. 


+ I find much difficulty in determining the priority of the modern generick 
names among the Continental Ornithologists. If we were to judge only by the 
standard works of the chief systematick writers, such as the ** Prodromus” of 
M. llliger, the ‘ Analyse” of M. Vieillot, the ‘* Regne Aniutal” of M. Cuvier, 
and the ‘* Manuel” of M. Temminck, the task would be easy. "These works 
were respectively published in the years 1811—1816—1817—1820; and the 
priority of each name might be determined accordingly. But many of the 
genera of these naturalists have been described, as I understand, in works of 
less publicity, and in periodical journals, which are not within the reach of the 
British student; most of our publick Libraries being lamentably deficient in 
books of Natural History, and particularly in the recent continental publi- 
cations. Not having it in my power to determine the exact priority of name 
in every instance, I date each name as it appeared in the above-mentioned 
standard works, 


On the arrangement of the genera of Birds. 395 


*k* Subfam. Laniana. Swains. 

Sparactes. Id/.—Lanius. Auct.—Falcunculus. Vieill,—Cycla- 
this. Swains.—Lanio. Vieill. ? 

**** Subfam. Thamnophilina. Swains. 

Vanga. Cuv.—Thamnophilus. Veill—Malaconotus. Swains. 
-——Formicivora. Szwains.—Drymophila. Swains.—Lania- 
rius. Véeill—Prionops. Véeill. 

****#* Subfam. Campephagina. Swains. 

Graucalus. Cuo.—Campephaga. Vieill. [Ceblepyris. Cuv. | 


III. Fam. Mervuuina. [Gen. Turdus. Oriol pars. Linn. | 

* Subfam. Myiotherina. Swains. 

Urotomus. Swains.—Myiothera. [/l. [ Myrmothera. Vieill. |— 
Pitta. Vieill.—Grallaria. Vieill—Conopophaga. Vieill.— 
Cinclus. Bechst.? [Hydrohata. Viedll.|—Chamezza.* 

** Subfam. Merulina. 

Merula. Ray.—Sphecotheres. Vietll, ? 

*** Subfam. Oriolina. 

Oriolus. Auct. 

***%*® Cossyphina. 

Cossypha.t+—Timalia. Horsf. 2 


* CHAMEZA. 


Rostrum subbreve, subforte, culmine leviter arcuato; naribus basalibus, 
oblongo-ovalibus, longitudinalibus, plumis parvulis obtectis. 

Ale brevissime, rotundate; remige Ima brevi, 2da et 7ma, 3ta et 6ta 
zequalibus, 4ta et 5ta feré equalibus, longissimis; pogoniis utrinque feré 
integris. 

Pedes subgraciles ; tarsis elongatis ; acrotarsiis scutellatis, im scuta novem 
divisis; paratarsiis in scutula plurima divisis; digitis subelongatis, gracilibus, 
duobus extimis ad basin connexis, unguibus gracilibus, compressis; halluce 
subelongato, subforti, ungue subeiongato, arcuato, maximé compresso. 

Cauda brevis, rotundata, 

Obs. Genus subfamilias Ayiotherinam, Swains., et Merulinam eximié con- 
nectens. 

Merutoiwes. C. supra brunnea, subtus rufescenti-albida, nigro longitudina- 
liter maculata; guld alba; crisso, rectricumque apice rufescentibus. 

Habitat in Brasilia. 


+ I take this opportunity of characterizing one of the many forms that enter 


396 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


EREEKE 


Petrocincla.* 


IV. Fam. Sytviapm. [Gen. Motacilla. Linn.] 
* ? 


Hylophilus. Temm.—Jora. Horsf. — Accentor. Bechst.— 


Prunella. Gessn. 2 
PY 


**K 


Brachypteryx. Horsf—Curruca. Bechst.—Ficedula. Bechst. 
—Kgithina. Vieill. 2 

*** Subfam. Sylviana. 

Sylvia. Auct.—Melizophilus. Leach —Synallaxis. Vieill.— 
Malurus. Vieill—Troglodytes. Cuv.— Regulus. Cuv.— 
Tyrannulus. Vieill. 

**** Subfam. Motacillina. 


into the present subdivision of the family, for the purpose of pointing out the 
mode by which the Thrushes gradually pass into the Warblers. 


CossYPHA. 


Rostrum mediocre, subgracile, culmine leviter arcuato; naribus basalibus, 
ovalibus, longitudinalibus. 

Ale mediocres, rotundate: remige Ima brevissima, 5ta longissima, 4ta 
3tia et ,2d4 paulatim brevioribus; 4te 5te et 6te pogoniis externis leviter 
prope medium emarginatis. 

Pedes subgraciles: tarsis scutellatis, paratarsiis integris. 

Cauda mediocris, rotundata. 

Typus genericus. Yurdus vociferans. Swains. 


* This genus exhibits a form which seems to connect the preceding sub- 
family of Cossyphina with that of Myiotherina. Swains. It is characterized as 
follows. 


PETROCINCLA. 


Rostrum subforte, rectum, culmine apice arcuato: naribus basalibus, ro- 
tundis, setis partim tectis. 

Ale mediocres: remige Ima brevissima, feré spuria; 3tid longissima, 2da 
paule breviore. : 

Pedes mediocres, subfortes ; acrotarsiis paratarsiisque integris. 

Cauda brevis, xqualis. 

Typus genericus. Turdus savatilis. Linn. 


On the arrangement of the genera of Birds. 597 


Motacilla. Auct.—Budytes. Cuv.—Enicurus. Temm.—An- 
thus. Bechst.—Corydalla.*—Megalurus. Horsf. 

#kk** Subfam. Saxicolina. 

Saxicola, Bechst. [Qinanthe. Vieill.] 


V. Fam. Preripz. [Gen. Parus. Pipra. Ampelis. Linn.] 
égithalus.t—Parus. Linn. — Megistina. Veil. — Parda- 
lotus. Viei//.—Pipra. Linn. [Manacus. Briss.|—Rupicola. 
Briss. — Calyptomena.{ Raffles. — Phibalura. Vieill. — 
Bombycilla. Briss—Ampelis. Auct. [Cotinga. Briss. 
Tersa. Véeiil.|| | — Procnias. .Hoffm.—-Casmarhynchus. 


* CORYDALLA. 
Rostrum subelongatum, subforte. 
Ale caudaque ut in genere Antho. 
Pedes subgraciles; tarsis elevatis, hallucis ungue elongato, recto. 
Typus genericus. Anthus Richardi. Vieill. 


+ ALGITHALUS. 

Rostrum subelongatum, tenue, rectum, acutum, conicum, basi subtrigonum, 
culmine inter plumas capitis retrorsum extendente; naribus setis opertis. 

Ale mediocres, rotundate: remige Ima brevissima, feré spuria, 2da et 7m& 
zqualibus, &tid 4ta et 5t4 feré equalibus longissimis, 6ta paulo breviore ; 
3tiz.ad 5tam inclusam pogoniis externis prope medium |eviter emarginatis. 

Pedes mediocres; acrotarsiis scutellatis, paratarsiis integris; digitis liberis, 
halluce subforti, ungue longo forti. 

Cauda mediocris, subfurcata. 

Typus genericus. Parus pendulinus. Linn. 


¢ I have some doubts whether this genus is more nearly allied to the 
Pipride or Todide, in either of which families it may be placed according to 
its external characters. Its vegetable food [see Linn. Trans. vol. XIII. 
p- 296] however seems to place it as above with the Berry-eaters. The juxta- 
position of these two families renders it immaterial to which of them it may 
eventually be referred. 


|| I cannot exactly say whether I bave placed M. Vieillot’s genus Tersa in 
its right place as a synonym to the Ampelis. Auct. The “ Tersine’ of M. 
Buffon, to which M. Vieillot refers as the type of the genus, is supposed to 
be the female of another species, which comes into the true Ampelis. Judging 
from the characters he has given, I rather incline to think his Ampelis corres- 
ponds with M. Temminck’s Casmarhynchus, and his Tersa with the true _Ampelis 
as stated above. 


398: Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


Temm. [Ampelis. Vieill.|—Querula. Vieill. 2 — Cora- 
cina. Vieill. 2 [Cephalopterus. Geoff.]—Pachycephala. 
Swains. 


Trisus III. Conrrostrres. Cuv. 


I. Fam. Frinettrina. [Gen. Fringilla. Alauda. Emberiza. 
Tanagra. Linn. | 

* Subfam. Tanagrina? 

Euphonia. Vieill,—Nemosia. Vieill—Tachyphonus. Vieill. 
—Saltator. Vieill—Tanagra. Auct.—Pyranga. Vieill.— 
Ramphopis. Viedll.—Arremon. Vieill_—Dulus. Vieill, 2— 
Pipilo. Vieill. P 

** Subfam. Alaudina. 

Emberiza. Linn.—Passerina. Vieill.—Alauda. Auct.— 
Mirafra. Horsf. 

*** Subfam. Carduelina. 

Carduelis. Briss—Ploceus. Cuv. [Agelaii pars. Vieill.] 

**k* Subfam. Passerina. 

Fringilla. Auct.—Passer. Auct. [Pyrgita. Cuv.] 

*#**k* Subfam. Pyrrhulina ? 

Linaria. Bechst.—Vidua. Cuv.—Pyrrhula. Briss, 2 


II. Fam. Srurnipz. [Gen. Sturnus. Orioli pars. Buphaga. 
Linn. | 

* Subfam. Icterina. 

Xanthornus. Cuv. [Yphantes. Véeill.| —Icterus. Cuwv. 
[Pendulinus. Vedll.]—Sycobius. Véeill. 2 — Quiscalus. 
Vieill.—Cassicus. Daud.—Leistes. [Agelaii pars. Veeill. | 

** Subfam. Sturnina. bol $8 

Sturnella. Vieil/.—Sturnus. Linn.—Amblyramphus. Leach. 
—Dilophus. Vieill. ?* 

HK ? 

Lamprotornis. Temm.—Acridotheres. Vieill. [Gracula. 


Cuv.| 


* T know not whether the Sturnus gallinaceus. Lath., [Gracula carunculata, 
Gmel.] which forms the type of M. Vieillot’s Dilophus, comes within the pre- 
sent subfamily or not, having never seen the bird, 


On the arrangement of the genera of Birds. 399 


EK ? 


Pastor. Temm. [Psaroidos. Vieill.|—Grallina. Vieill, 2 
KEE ? 


Buphaga. Linn. 


III. Fam. Corvina. Leach. [Gen. Corvus. Coracias. Gra- 


cula. Paradisea. Linn. } 
* 2 


Cracticus. Viedll. [Barita. Cuv.|—Nucifraga, Briss. 

** Subfam. Corvina. 

Pica. Briss —Garrulus. Briss.—Corvus. Auct. 

*** Subfam. Coraciana. 

Coracias. Linn. [Galgulus. Briss.|—Gracula. Auct. [Eu- 
labes. Cuv. |—Ptilonorhynchus. Kuh/.—Glaucopis. Forst. 
[Callaas. Lath.|——Crypsirina. Vieill, [Phrenotrix. 
Horsf. | 

**** Subfam. Paradiseana. 

Astrapia. Viedll.—Parotia. Vieill.—Paradisea. Linn. [Ma- 
nucodiata. Briss: |—Lophorina. Vied//.—Cicinnurus. Vieill, 


—Epimachus. Cuv.? 
RK ? 


Fregilus. Cuo. {Coracias. Briss. |\—Pyrrhocorax. Vieill. 


IV. Fam. Bucerinoz. Leach. [Gen. Buceros. Linn. ] 
-  Buceros. Linn. [Hydrocorax. Briss.|—Momotus. Briss. 
[Prionites. [/7. Baryphonus. Vieill. 


VY. Fam. Loxrapz#. [Gen. Loxia. Linn.] 

Phytotoma. Gmel.—Coccothraustes. Briss.—Pitylus. Cuv. 
—Loxia. Briss.—Psittirostra. Temm.—Colius. Linn. ?— 
Cissopis. Viedll. [Bethylus. Cuv. |—Strobilophaga. Vieill. 
[Corythus. Cuv.] 


Trisus lV. Scansores. Auct. 


J. Fam. Rampuastipz. [Gen. Ramphastos, Linn. | 
Scythrops. Lath—Ramphastos. Linn. [Tucana. Briss. ]— 
Pteroglossus. II. 


400 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


/ YI. Fam. PsirrActpx. Leach. [Gen. Psittacus. Linn. } 
* Subfam. Psittacina. 
Psittacus. Auct.—Androglossa. 
** Subfam. Plyctolophina. 
Plyctolophus. Véedd/. — Calyptorhynchus. * — Microglossum. 
Geoff. 
*** Subfam. Macrocercina. 
Macrocercus. Vieill. 
**** Subfam. Paleornina. 
Psittacara.—Nanodes.—Platycercus.—Pezoporus. Ill.—Pale- 
ornis.—Trichoglossus.— Lorius. +t —Brotogeris. { 
***** Subfam. Psittaculina. 
. Psittacula. Kuhl. 


III. Fam. Pictox. [Gen. Picus. Rucco. Yunx. Linn. | 
Pogonias. I//.— Bucco. .Auct.— Picus. Linn.—Colaptes. 
Swains.—Yunx. Linn. [Torquilla. Briss.] 


IV. Fam. Certuiapz. (Gen. Certhie pars. Upupe pars. Linn. | 
Dendrocolaptes. Herm. [Dendrocopus. Vieill.|—Certhia. 
Auct. — Climacteris. Temm. — Orthonyx. Temm.— 


* The genera Calyptorhynchus, Nanodes, aud Trichoglossus are among the New 
Holland groups lately described by Dr. Horsfield and myself: 


+ Lortus. 

Rostrum subattenuatum ; mandibuld superiore valde arcuataé, compressa, in- 
feriore elongata fere integra. 

Lingua setosa, tubulosa? 

Ale mediocres; remige 3tia longissim4, 2d et 1m& gradatim paulo brevi- 
oribus, 2de 3tiz et 4te2 pogoniis externis in médio gradatim latioribus. 

Pedes mediocres. 

Cauda subbrevis, subgradata, feré rotundata. 

Typus genericus, - Ps. domicella, Linn. 


{ Broroceris. 
Rostrum attenuatum compressum: mandibuld inferiore elongata vix emar- 
ginata. 
Ale mediocres: remigibus tribus primis fere equalibus. 
Pedes mediocres. 
Cauda subelongata, gradata. 
Typus genericus. Ps. pyrrhopterus, Lath. 


On the arrangement of the genera of Birds. 401 


Tichodroma. Jd. [Petrodroma. Vietll.|\—Upupa. Linn.— 
Sitta. Linn.— Xenops. Hoffm.—Orthotomus. Horsf.— 
Neops. Vieill.—-Mniotilta. Vieil/.—Thriothurus. Vieill.— 
Pyrrota. Vieill. ?—Opetiorhynchus, Temm. — Oxyrhyn- 
chus. Temm. 


V. Fam. Cucurina. Leach. [Gen. Cuculus. Trogon. Croto- 
phaga. Linn. ] 

Coccyzus. Vieill.— Leptosomus. Vieill—Cuculus. Auct.— 
Indicator. Vieill—Centropus. Ili, [Corydonyx. Vieill.|— 
Saurothera. Viéeill—Phenicophaus. Vieill.—Crotophaga. 
Linn.— Trogon. Linn. ?—Corythaix. IW.? [Opethus. 
Vieill.|— Musophaga. Isert. 2 


Trisus V. Tenutrostres. Cuv. 


T. Fam. Necrartniana.? [Gen. Certhie pars. Linn. ] 
Nectarinia.* Il. [Czreba. Vieill.|—Dacnis. Cuv. — Fur- 
narius. Vieill. 2 


IJ. Fam. Cinnyripa. [Gen. Certhie pars. Linn.] 
Cinnyris. Cuv. [Mellisuga. Vietd/.|—Diceum. Cuv.—Dre- 
panis. Temm. 


Il]. Fam. Trocuinipz. [Gen. Trochilus. Linn.] 
Trochilus. Auct. [Polytmus. Briss.]—Mellisuga. Briss. 
[ Orthorhynchus. Lacep. | 


IV. Fam. Promerorinpz. [Gen. Upupe pars. Linn. | 
Promerops. Briss. { Falcinellus. Viedll. | 


V. Fam. Meipnacips.t 
Meliphaga. Lewin. [Philedon. Cuv. Philemon. Véeitl.] 


* There is much intricacy with respect to the subdivision of M. Illiger’s 
genus Nectarinia. I have adopted Mr. Swainson’s suggestion of applying 
Nectarinia to the Honey-suckers of America, and Cinnyris to those of the Old 
World. This mode will answer for the present: but a complete revision 
of the group is much wanting. I do not feel quite satisfied respecting the 
situation of M. Vieillot’s genus Furnarius. 

+ This extensive and extraordinary family is at present in much confusion. 
I hope shortly with Dr. Horsfield’s assistance to place it in some order. We 
have just characterized several distinct forms belonging to it, in the Linnean 
Society’s Collection. 


Vou. II. 2c 


402 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


Melithreptus. Vieill.—Creadion. Vieill.—Mimetes. King.2 
—Sericulus. Swains.? — Ptiloris. Swains. — Pomatorhi- 


nus.* Horsf. 2—Prinia. Horsf. ? 


ORDO III. RASORES. Ji. [Galline. Linn.] 


I. Fam. Cotumsips. Leach. [Gen. Columba. Linn. ] 
Treron. Vieill. [Vinago. Cuv.|—Columba. Auct.—Ptili- 
nopus. Swains.—Lophyrus. Véeill. 


II, Fam. Puastaninz. ([Gen. Meleagris. Pavo. Phasianus. 
Numida. Liun. | . 

Meleagris. Linn. [Gallo-pavo. Briss.|—Pavo. Linn.—Di- 
plectron. Vieill. [Polyplectron. Temm.|—Gallus. Briss. 
—Monaulus. Vieil/. [Lophophorus. Temm.]— Phasianus. 
Auct. — Argus. Temm.—Numida. Linn. [ Meleagris. 
Briss. | 

III. Fam. Terraontps. Leach. [Gen. Tetrao. Linn. ]_ 

Liponyx. Viéeill. [Cryptonyx. Temm.]— Odontophorus. 
Vieill—Coturnix. Cuv.—Perdix. Briss.—Ganga. Vieill. . 
[ Pterocles. T’emm. |—Tetrao Auct.—Lagopus. Vieill.— 
Syrrhaptes. J/2. [Heteroclitus. Véeill.]— Ortygis. Jl. 
[Ortygodes Véeill. Hemipodius. Temm.|— 'Tinamus. 
Lath. [Crypturus. [d/. Cryptura. Viedll.] 

IV. Fam. Srrurnionips. [Gen. Struthio. Otis. Linn.] 

Rhea. Briss.—Struthio. Linn.—Casuarius. Briss.—Dromi- 
ceius. Vieill. — Didus. Linn. [Raphus. Briss. |] — Otis. 
Linn. 

V. Fam. Craciom. [Gen. Crax. Linn.] 

Ourax. Cuv. [Pauxi. Temm.|]—Crax. Linn.—Penelope. 

Merr. — Ortalida. Merr.— Opisthocomus. Hoffm. ? 


[Orthocorys. Véeill.|— Menura. Lath. — Megapodius. 
Temm. 


- * T feel some doubt whether the above genera Pomatorhinus and Prinia 
belong to the present family or to the Certhiade. The formation of their 


tongue and the nature of their food, at present unknown, will determine this 
po nt, 


On the arrangement of the genera of Birds. 403 


ORDO. IV. GRALLATORES. Ill. [Gralle Linn.] 


I. Fam. Gruipa. [Gen. Arde pars. Psophia. Linn. ] 
Psophia Linn.—Anthropoides. Vieil/.—Balearica. Briss.— 
Grus. Pall.—Cariama. Briss. [Dicholophus. Ill. Lopho- 
rhynchus. Vieill. Macrodactylus. Geoff. | 


IJ. Fam. Arvrrpm. Leach. [Gen. <Ardee pars. Cancroma. 
Phenicopterus. Platalea. Mycteria. Tantalus. Lion. | 
Aramus Vietll. Eurypyga. Il. [Helias. Vieill.] —Ardea. 
Auct.—Cancroma. Linn. [Cochlearius. Briss.]—Phe- 
nicopterus. Linn. — Platalea. Linn. [Platea. Briss. J— 
Ciconia. Briss —Mycteria. Linn.—Scopus. Briss.—Anas- 
tomus. J//. [Hians. Lacep.] — Tantalus. Linn. — Ibis. 
Lacep. { Falcinellus. Bechst.] | 


IIT. Fam. Scororactpaz. [Gen. Scolopax. Recurvirostra. Tringa. 


Liun.] 
Numenius. Briss.—Totanus. Bechst. { Actitis pars. [ll.]—Re- 
curvirostra. Linn. [Avocetta. Briss.] — Limosa. Briss. 


[Actitis pars. JJ. Limicula. Véedll.]—Ereunetes. I/.— 
Macroramphus. Leach. 2— Scolopax. Auct.— Rusticola. 
Vieill.— Rynchea. Cuv. [Rostratula. Viedll.] —Machetes. 
Cuv.[Actitis pars. 1U/.]—Pelidna.Cuv.—Phalaropus. Briss. 
[Crymophilus. V7eill.|—Lobipes. Cuv. [Phalaropus. Vieill. | 
—Tringa. Auct. [ Actitis pars. Il/.|—Pheopus. Cuv. 


IV. Fam. Ratuinx. Leach. [Gen. Parra. Palamedea. Rallus. 
Fulica. Linn. ] 

Parra. Linn. [Jacana. Briss.]—Palamedea. Linn. [ Anhima. 
Briss.|—Chauna. Il]. [Opistolophus. Vieill.|—Glareola. 
Briss.— Rallus. Auct.—Chionis. Forst.? [ Vaginalis G'mel. ] 
—Crex. Bechst. [Ortygometra. Steph.|—Gallinula. Briss. 
—Porphyrio. Briss.— Podoa. Ill. [Heliornis. Viéeill.]— 
Fulica. Auct. 

2c2 


AOA Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


V. Fam. Cuarapriap. Leach. [Gen. Charadrius. Hematopus. 
Linn.] : ; 
Hematopus. Linn. [Ostralega. Briss.]—Calidris. Ill. [ Are- 
naria. Briss. |—Falcinellus, Cuv.—Erolia. Vieill.?2—Curso- 
rius. Lath. [Tachydromus. Id.]—Strepsilas. [1l.—Squata- 
rola. Cuv.—Vanellus. Briss. ('Tringa. Id/.]—Pluvianus. 
Vieill —Charadrius. Auct. [Pluvialis. Briss.|—Burhious. 
Ill. 2 * — Himantopus. Briss. [Macrotarsus. Lacep.|— 
CGidicnemus. Cuv. 


er ee 


ORDO V. NATATORES. Jil. [Anseres. Linn. | 


I. Fam. Anatip. Leach. [Gen. Anas. Mergus. Linn. ] 

* Subfam. Anserina. 

Anser. Briss. — Bernicla. Steph. — Cheniscus. Brookes’s 
MMS.--Chenolopex. Steph.—Plectropterus. Leach. 

** Subfam. Cereopsina. 

Cereopsis. Lath. 

*** Subfam. Anatina, 

Tadorna. Leach.—Cairina. Flem.—Anas. Auct.—Dajila. 
Leach.— Mareca. Steph. — Querquedula. Ray. — Rhyn- 
chaspts. Leach. 

#*k** Subfam. 2+ 

Clangula. Flen.—Tfarelda. Ray.— Fuligula. Ray. —Mergus. 
Linn. [ Merganser. Briss.|—Somateria. Leach.—Oidemia. 
Flem.—Biziura. Leach. 

*k**k* Subfam. Cygnina. 


Cygnus. Meyer. 


* T have not seen the species on which this genus is founded. 

+ The above disposition of the Anatide exhibits a slight deviation from that 
drawn out in my paper on “the Affinities of Birds,” and adopted from it by 
my friend Mr. Stephens in the ‘¢ General Zoology.”’ I do not think, upon 
consideration, that the two subfamilies of the ‘* Canards proprement dits”’ of 
M. Temminck can be said to be so far separated from each other, as by the 
intervention of another subfamily: while Cygnus appears to hold a separate 
station of equal rank with the other subfamilies. The series of affinity how- 
ever remains unaltered: a partial change only takes place in the mode of 
selecting the types of each subfamily. Mergus seems to belong to the fourth 
subfamily, but to be at the extremity of it; in fact to be osculant between‘the 
families of Anatidee and Colymbide. 


On the arrangement of the genera of Birds. 405 


II. Fam. Corymsina. Leach. [Gen. Colymbus. Linn. | 
Podiceps. Lath. [Colymbus. Briss. Ill.|.—Colymbus. Auct. 
[Mergus. Briss. Eudytes. Lil. } 


II], Fam. Avcapaz. [Gen. Alca. Linn. } 
Uria. Briss.—Cephus. Cuv.?2—Mergulus. Ray.—Phaleris. 
Temm. [Alca. Vieill.|—Fratercula. Briss. [Mormon, Ii. 
Larve pars. Vieill,|—Alca. Auct. [ Larve pars. Vieill. | 
—Spheniscus. Briss.—Catarrhactes. Briss.—[ Eudyptes. 
Vieill.|—Aptenodytes. Forst. 


IV. Fam. Pevecanip#. Leach. [Gen. Pelecanus. Phaéton. Plotus. 
Linn. | 

Onocrotalus. Briss.—Phalacrocorax. Briss. [Carbo. Meyer. 

Halieus. I7. Hydrocorax. Vieill.|—Sula. Briss. [Dyspo- 

rus. Il. Morus. Vieill.|— Tachypetes. Véeill.—Phaéton. 

Linn. (Lepturus. Briss. |] — Plotus. Linn. [ Anhinga. Briss.} 


VY. Fam. Laripa. Leach. [Gen. Sterna. Rhynchops. Larus. 
Diomedea. Procellaria. Linn. | 
Sterna. Linn.—Rhynchops. Linn. [Rygchopsalia. Briss. ]— 
Larus. Auct.—Stercorarius. Briss. [ Lestris. Ill. Predatrix. 
Vicill. |\—Diomedea. Linn. [ Albatrus. Briss. |—Haladroma. 
Ull.—Procellaria. Auct.—Pachyptila. [/1.—Puffinus. Ray. 
—Thalassidroma. (*) 


* "THALASSIDROMA. 
Rostrum subbreve attenuatum, compressissimum, apice subité deorsum cur- 
wato: naribus prominentibus in tubum unum conjunctis. 
Ale \onge acuminate; remige Ima 3tia breviori, 4td longiori, 2da long- 
issima, 
Pedes subgraciles ; tarsis elevatis, acrotarsiis paratarsiisque integris. 
Typus genericus. Procellaria pelagica. Linn. 


[To be continued. | Yi, ka 


406 Analytical Notices of Books. 


Art. XLV. Analytical Notices of Books. 


The Animal Kingdom described and arranged in conformity with 
its Organization, by the Baron Cuvier. With additional 
Descriptions of all the Species hitherto named ; of many not 
before noticed; and other original matter. By Evwanp 
Grirritu, F.L.S. and others. Vol. I—III. 4to and 8vo. 
ith numerous Plates. 


A mere translation of a work so universally known as the 
Regne Animal of the Baron Cuvier, could not, however well 
executed, fall properly under our notice in this department of 
the Journal; but the publication of Mr. Griffith, as may be seen 
from its title quoted above, is of so different a character as to 
claim in the light of an original production some portion of our 
attention. ‘The translation bears in fact so small a proportion 
to the other valuable matter contained in these pages, as to 
occupy, though printed in a larger type than the remainder of 
the work, less than one-sixth of the volumes hitherto published. 
To this it is unnecessary further to advert than to assign to it its 
just praise of fidelity; and we shall therefore content ourselves 
with briefly pointing out the principal features which contribute 
to throw an air of originality over the whole undertaking. These 
consist of a biography of the principal species, of a history of the 
progress of zoological knowledge in the leading divisions, and of 
a synopsis of the characters and synonyms of all the animals 
hitherto described, which is given in portions corresponding with 
the text of the original author. 

The biographical part, which forms the bulk of the work, is 
extremely valuable and interesting. The original observations 
contained in it are, it is true, not numerous, neither is it possible 
that they should be so, in consequence of the very scanty oppor- 
tunities possessed in this country of studying the mauners of the 
living animals. Were these opportunities even more frequent 
then they are, it is moreover doubtful how far they should be 


Cuvier’s Animal Kingdom by Griffith. 407 


relied on, and to what extent they should be regarded as cap- 
able of illustrating the natural characters, habits, and instincts. 
Obtained as all information derived from such a source must be 
from observing the animals in a captive and consequently artifi- 
cial state, it is of course far inferior in value to that which is fur- 
nished by those qualified travellers who have been enabled to 
study them in the freedom of nature. Mr. Griffith has therefore 
very properly endeavoured to avail himself as far as possible of 
the observations of this latter description of persons, and has had 
recourse only in the absence of information of this more authentic 
description, to the works of those whose opportunities haye been 
limited to the animals in confinement. From both these sources 
he has drawn freely and with judgment: he has also added 
occasionally the results of his personal observations and of those of 
a few intelligent friends, and has thus brought together materials 
far superior to those which have been hitherto exhibited in works 
on animal biography. 

In the remaining portions, which are more closely connected 
with what may be stricily termed the science of Zoology, nearly 
the same plan is pursued. The works of the best writers are put 
in requisition, and the most modern among them being consulted, 
a more extensive list of species is thus supplied than any which 
had -been previously given. This is further enlarged by the 
contributions of several able naturalists, and among these of 
Major Hamilton Smith, to whom the author is indebted for 
some short but excellent Monographs, and who has moreover 
promised to furnish the species of the very interesting family of 
Antelopes, to which he has long paid particular attention, and in 
which he is better versed than any living Zoologist. In the 
Synopsis of the species the system of Cuvier is generally followed, 
the characters and synonyms being carefully selected as well from 
systematic authors, as from those who have restricted themselves 
to the elucidation of only single groups or animals, and even from 
the works of such travellers as have merely described those which 
fell under their own observation. This section of the work, which 
is separately paged for the purpose of being bound in a distinct 
form, if it should be considered desirable, will consequently proye 


408 Analytical Notices of Books. 


a valuable manual for the student of Zoology, and will, when 
finished, constitute as complete a system of the animal kingdom 
as the present state of our knowledge will furnish. 

The numerous figures of animals, with which the present 
volumes are illustrated, are executed in a superior manner. It is 
indeed sufficient to observe on this point, that many of them are 
engraved from the drawings of Major Hamilton Smith and of the 
Landseers. ‘Than this no stronger proof of their accuracy and 
spirit can be required. 

From this general notice it will be evident that the work of 
Mr. Griffith, though claiming at first view merely the character 
of atranslation of the Regne Animal, is in many respects more 
adapted than that celebrated production of the first Zoologist of 
the age to the use of the tyro. That it is well calculated to ad- 
vance: in this country the study of Zoology, is a still further re- 
commendation of it to our favour. The mass of popular and 
pleasing information which it contains is admirably qualified to 
excite in the mere reader for amusement, a desire to become 
more intimately acquainted with the beings, the biography of 
which is found to be so interesting. For the knowledge required 
for this purpose it will not now be necessary to turn to the works 
of other authors; the same volumes which contain the attraction 
supplying also that scientific view of the animal kingdom, which 
will be found amply sufficient to gratify his desires. As the work 
proceeds, it is stated that its Zoological value will also increase, 
M. Cuvier having promised to enrich it with such new facts and 
discoveries as he may consider necessary to the more complete illus- 
tration of his views. It will thus possess an additional advantage 
over its original, and a still stronger claim upon the support of 
the Zoologist and of the public. : 


British Entomology; or Illustrations of the Genera of Insects, 
&c. By Joun Curtis, F.L.S. Nos. xix.—xxi. 


Tue nineteenth number of this collection contains, 1. Licinus 
depressus. 2. Cuaricirea Delphinii, the Pease-blossom Moth 
of the collectors, an extremely rare insect, which forms the type 


Curtis’s British Entomology. 409 


of a new genus allied to Cucullia, but distinguished by its maxilla, 
wings, and abdomen being much shorter, its palpi being com- 
pletely concealed by scales, the under side of the antenne very 
hairy, and the anterior tibiz shorter than the basal joint of the 
tarsi. It is moreover peculiar in having two naked horny spines 
attached to the extremity of the anterior tibiz, a conformation 
which Mr. Curtis has never seen in any other species, 3. Mu- 
tilla Ephippium, 3 and 2, the latter being the M. rufipes of 
Fabricius. 4. Tabanus alpinus, a species new to Britain; with 
very detailed dissections of the complicated structure of the 
mouth. 

In the twentieth number we are presented with, 1. Gyrinus 
bicolor, Fab. (G. elongatus, Marsham). 2. Parnus impressus, 
anew species from the author’s cabinet. 3. Lozornora poly- 
comata, anew genus embracing the Seraphims of Collectors, the 
Phalene hexapterata, sexalisata, &c. of Haworth’s Lepidoptera 
Britannica, 4. Acrida Bingleii, a new species. 

The twenty-first number embraces, 1. Chlenius sulcicollis, new 
to this country. 2. Xanthia Centrago, the Noctua Centrago 
of the Lepidoptera Britannica. 3. Colletes fodiens ; Melitta *« 
of Kirby’s Monographia Apum Anglie. 4. Aneurus levis, a 
Cimicidous insect, separated from 4radus of Fabricius, in conse- 
quence of the second joint of its antenne being shorter than the 
two succeeding ones, the rostrum shorter than the head, scutellum 
broad and short, and the elytra destitute of nervures; the generic 
name being derived from this latter circumstance. 

In these numbers Mr. Curtis has again in many instances given 
under the respective genera their distribution into sections, to- 
gether with the names of the British species referable to each. 
He has even done more to assist the entomological student, by 
furnishing him under Parnus with a short monograph of the 
species found in this country, including two which had previously 
remained undescribed. It would be adding much to the labour 
of the author were he to continue his work on this plan, but it 
would also materially increase its utility ; every plate becoming 
in fact, with its accompanying letter-press, a sufficient monograph 
of the genus for the purposes of the British collector, 


410 Analytical Notices of Books. 


Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, 8vo. 
Vol. iv. Part i, pp. 200. Plates xiii. and Part ii. No. i. 


Hicuty creditable as have been the previous volumes of this 
Journal to the Society from which they have emanated, and to the 
authors of the Papers contained in them, the present is not inferior 
to its predecessors in value and interest. Devoted to the develop- 
ment in its various branches of the Natural History of the northern 
part especially of the vast continent of America, this object is 
pursued with a zeal which merits the warmest praise. With the 
opportunities afforded by the extensive field, hitherto only par- 
tially explored, in the cultivation of which these active naturalists 
are engaged, the result of their labours cannot fail to be extremely 
beneficial to the general advancement of the science. On the 
attention of the Zoologist in particular this publication possesses 
peculiar claims, the study of the animal kingdom appearing to 
form the favourite department of inguiry.. Ample evidence of 
this is furnished by the numerous notices contained in it, which 
embrace almost every class of animated nature. Of these we 
propose to offer a brief analysis, and to revert from time to time te 
the succeeding volumes as they continue to appear. 

The only paper relative to recent Mammalia, is the descrip- 
tion, by Dr. Poeppig of Leipzig, of a new species of Capromys, 
C. prehensilis, ** Tail elongated, cylindrical, as long as the body ; 
head, soles of the anterior and posterior feet, and claws, white.’ 
In ‘consequence of this new discovery it has become necessary to 
characterize the original species, C.pilorides, (the C. Furnieri, 
Desm. Zool. Journ. Vol. I. p. 81, and Isodon pilorides, Say, 
Ib. p. 230); which is thus done by Dr. Poeppig; “ Tail short, 
one third of the length of the body; head of the same colour ; 
soles of the anterior and posterior feet, and claws, black.” ‘The 
former of these is termed bv the Spaniards of Cuba, Agutia Cara- 
valli, from a fancied resemblance in its slothful and melancholy 
habits, its slow motions, and insatiable hunger, to the African 
tribe named Caravalli; the same principle assigning to the latter 
the denomination of Agutia Congo, from its similarity to the Congo 


Journal of the Philadelphia Academy. All 


African in its activity, its constantly lively countenance, &c. 
Both species inhabit the Island of Cuba, the C. prehensilis, which 
is rare, being found only towards the southern coasts, in an almost 
uncultivated country, covered with thick woods, as in the Partido 
de las Piedras, ad Macuriges, ad Masmariges, &c. Ti uses its 
long tail with amazing dexterity, frequently eluding the pursuit 
of the hunter by seizing with it the branch of a tree, and hiding 
itself amidst the innumerable and frequently pendulous plants 
which cover the more lofty trees of those tropical regions. In its 
manner of life and of feeding it agrees with the C. pilorides which 
is much more common, and is a stupid, nocturnal animal. From 
these characters we are inclined to suspect that Dr. P. has mis- 
applied the Spanish names by which he states the species to be 
designated. The weight of the C.prehensilis is from seven to 
nine pounds ; that of the C. pilorides being from twelve to sixteen, 
and the description of Desmarest having consequently been taken 
from a young individual. 

The body of the Capromys prehensilis is almost cylindrical, 
becoming slightly larger towards the pelvis, especially in the 
female. Colour of the back formed from a mixture of grey and 
ferruginous. Hairs black, and very soft at the base, grey in the 
middle, and ferruginous and rigid at their apices. Fur dense, 
especially on the back. Neck short, densely covered with short 
adpressed yellowish hairs. Forehead, cheeks, and throat, yel- 
lowish white. Breast and abdomen white, with an obscure stria 
on each side. Pubic region naked. Base of the tail ferraginous, 
skin griseous, the remaining portion cylindrical; naked above 
towards the apex. ‘Toes covered with rigid, hoary, shining hairs. 
Head hoary? slightly flattened on the front; ears ovate, ciliate, 
naked on the outside ; within hairy, black. Eyes oblique, aper- 
ture of the lids ovate; lids black on their margins; ciliz short 
and black. Snout acute, truncate, naked, very moveable, black. 
Nostrils forming an oblique angle with the upper jaw, linear, in 
the living animal ovate. Lips thick, white ; the upper one fur- 
rowed, and almost cleft, by a deep sulcus commencing between the 
nostrils; the lower one entire. Aperture of the mouth transverse ; 
when the jaws are extended, ovate ; in this state the molar teeth 


Al2 Analytical Notices of Books. 


are not visible. Whiskers long, patent, moveable, white, and 
shining. Neck short, strong, and muscular ; circumference of the 
head retractile between the shoulders. Length to the insertion 
of the tail twelve inches eleven lines ; of the tail, twelve inches 
three lines. 

In the department of Ornithology the paper is also single; but 
it is one which by its extent and importance leaves no deficiency 
to be regretted in this branch of our studies. The American Orni- 
thology of Wilson is a work so generally known and esteemed as 
to require from us no commendation. The production of an 
accurate and able observer, who can scarcely be surpassed in the 
skill and intelligence with which he describes the habits as well 
as the plumage of the numerous birds to which he refers, it is 
extremely desirable that it should be rendered as extensively 
available as possible to the purposes of science, by collating it 
with the productions of other and more modern writers, and thus 
establishing for it a correct synonymy. ‘This labour has been 
undertaken by Mr. Charles Bonaparte, a young ornithologist of 
considerable abilities, to whom we have already had occasion to 
refer, and who is peculiarly qualified for the task, as well by his 
acquirements as by his residence in the country in which the 
species quoted are to be found. In his observations * on the 
Nomenclature of Wilson’s American Ornithology,” he does not 
however confine himself to the mere enucleation of the synonyms, 
but offers, as the occasion presents itself, his own opinions on the 
modern subdivisions with a freedom and a judgment which induce 
us to augur well of his future exertions. Among these we are to 
anticipate a continuation of the work on the nomenclature of 
which he is at present engaged. 

Among the Repitlia, the papers are more numerous, including 
two from the pen of Mr. Say, and one from that of Dr. Harlan. 
In an account of *“‘ The Freshwater and Land Tortoises of the 
United States,” the former gentleman describes one species of 
Testudo ; nine of Emys; three of Terrapena, Merr. (Cistuda, 
Say); one of Chelonura; and one of Trionyx. The whole of 
these have been previously described, with the exception of one 
of the species of Emys, E. biguttata, “ Shell oblong oval, slightly 


Journal of the Philadelphia Academy. 413 


contracted in the middle, each side; anterior marginal scuta very 
narrow, linear; occiput with two very large fulvous spots; supe- 
rior jaw emarginate, inferior jaw acute; tail rather long, simple.’ 
The length of the shell is three inches and four-fifths ; its greatest 
breadth, two inches and four-fifths ; and its breadth in the middle, 
two inches and two-fifths. 

The other paper by Mr. Say contains ** Descriptions of three 
new species of Coluber, inhabiting the United States,” 1. C. 
amenus; * Above brown or blackish; beneath bright red ; tail 
short, with an abrupt solid conic tip.” Inhabits Pennsylvania. 
Length ten inches and three-tenths; of the tail one inchand three- 
fifths. 2. C. rigidus: ‘‘ Dark fuscous or blackish; beneath 
yellow, with two black lines.” Inhabits the Southern States. 
Length, twenty inches and three-fifths; of the tail, four inches. 
3. C. septemvittatus: ‘* Brownish, with three blackish lines; 
beneath yellow, with four blackish lines.” Inhabits Pennsylvania. 
Length, nine inches and two-tenths; of the tail, two inches and 
a half. 

In the “¢ Description of two species of the Linnean genus La- 
certa, not before described, and construction of a new genus 
Cyclura,’ Dr. Harlan points out the osculant position of these 
animals between Iguana and Stellio, and assigus to the subgenus 
which he has established to receive them, the following characters. 
“ Cycrura. Palate deprived of teeth; tongue fleshy and ex- 
tensible, cleft at the tip; skin of the throat folded transversely ; 
back furnished with a flexible crest or fringe: tail, about half the 
total length,” furnished with numerous elevated spinous rings ; 
“¢ scales which form the elevated rings separated by two or more 
rows of depressed spineless scales above.” The species described 
are both natives of America. 1. C. carinata. ‘ Crowns of the 
teeth dentated ; a row of corneous scales lining the infra-orbitar 
ridge ; dorsal crest wanting between the scapula, and also over 
the sacrum; scales of the body uniform, square, small, slightly 
imbricate, and spineless: legs and feet furnished with scales, 
having minute spines pointing downwards: tail carinated above 
and slightly compressed in the middle; spiny bands terminating 
four inches from the extremity, and separated from each other by 


Al4 Analytical Notices of Books. 


three rows of depressed scales.” Inhabits Turk’s Island. Total 
length two feet four inches; length of the tail, one foot three 
inches. 2. C. teres. ‘* Teeth small, uniform and pointed ; 
dorsal crest wanting only over the sacrum; scales on the sides, 
thighs, and legs, bristled over with minute spines; tail cylin- 
drical, tapering gradually towards the point; spiny rings en- 
circling the tail, separated by two rows of depressed scales with- 
out spines above; spines on the rings nearly equal, extending to 
the end of the tail.” From Tampico. Total length one foot 
eight inches and a half; length of the tail eleven inches. 

In Ichthyology there occur two articles; one being a * De- 
scription of a new species of Fish of the Linnean genus Perca, by 
J. Gilliams,” which he refers to the genus Scolopsis of Cuvier, and 
describes by the trivial name of Sayanus ; and the other being 
“© Descriptions of several species of the Linnean genus Raia, of 
North America, by Mr. C. A. Lesuveur.” In this latter are de- 
scribed three species of Raia, Cuv. the R. Desmarestia, R.eglan- 
tiera, and R.Chantenay: one of Trygon, Adans., the T. sabina; 
one of Myliobatis, Dum. the M. Freminvillii;. and one of 
Cephaloptera, the C. giorna. 

In recent Conchology there is only an incidental notice con- 
tained in the ‘¢ Account of some of the Fossil Shells of Maryland, 
by T. Say.” In this the industrious author points out the neces- 
sity for establishing a new genus under the name of Dispora@a, 
which is thus characterized: ‘¢ Shell univalve, conoidal, patelli- 
form, with an internal entire cup-shaped appendage, “adhering by 
its side and apex to the side of the shell.” Its type is a recent 
species from South America, described by Mr. Say as D. tubifera, 
but which appears to be identical with the cup-and-saucer limpet, 
as it is termed by the dealers, the Calyptrea auriculata, Chemn. 
and C. extinctorium ? of Sowerby’s Genera, a shell which Mr. Say 
does not seem to have been previously acquainted with. The 
other species which he refers to it are, D. grandis, fossil, ovate, 
concentrically wrinkled, and destitute of spines or processes ; and 
D. costata, previously described by him asa Calyptrea. 

The continuation by the same gentleman of his “ Descriptions 
of Coleopterons Insects collected in the late expedition to the 


Histoire Naturelle des Mammiferes. Ald 


Rocky Mountains,” is the only Entomological article. It is con- 
cluded in the present volume, and contains characters and descrip- 
tions of several hundred new species, arranged according to the 
system of M. Latreille. 

In the “ Description of several new species of Holothuria, by 
C. A. Lesueur,” that gentleman remarks that the form of the body 
of these animals, and the arrangement of the feet, which are 
adopted as leading characters by Blainville and Cuvier, are too 
variable, and frequently too indistinct from contraction in spirits, 
to afford a certain guide. He therefore divides them into sections 
according to their tentacula. Of the first of these sections, 
¢¢ With cylindrical tentacula; summit terminated by a branched, 
flat, spherical, or infundibuliform umbel,’’ four new species are 
described ; two being referred to the second, with “* arborescent 
tentacula ;” and two to the third, in which the ‘* tentacula” are 
“¢ pinnated, and the body vermiform.” 

Of geological articles, connected with Zoology, there are three, 
the “ Description of the Os Hyoides of the Mastodon, by Dr. 
Godman ;” the description of an “ extinct species of Crocodile, 
from New Jersey, by Dr. Harlan ;” anda “ Notice” by the latter 
gentleman, “‘ of the Plestosaurus and other Fossil Reliquie from 
the State of New Jersey.” 


Histoire Naturelle des Mammiféres, &c.— Natural History of the 
Mammalia, with original coloured Figures, designed after 
the living Animals, Published under the authority of tne 
Administration of the Museum ad Histoire Naturelle, by M. 
Grorrroy Sarnt-Hivaire, and M. F. Cuvirr. Elephant 
folio. Nos. XLI.—L. 


At the advanced stage of this publication at which our Notices 
commence, it is unnecessary to dilate upon the splendid style in 
which it is brought out, or on the ability and fidelity that charac- 
terise as well the figures as the descriptions contained in it, since 
these must be well known to all who have seen any of the pre- 
vious numbers. Suspended for a considerable period after the 


Al6. Analytical Notices of Books. 


termination of the first two volumes, it seemed almost as thougit 
the undertaking had proved too extensive to be continued on the 
liberal plan on which it had been commenced. About the middle 
of the last year however, the publication was resumed in a style 
fully equal to its earlier portions, and the succeeding numbers 
have since appeared with regularity. As it will doubtless form 
the standard work of reference for the Mammalia, we trust that 
such encouragement will be extended to it as will ensure its com- 
pletion. Necessarily too expensive for general circulation, public 
libraries and the collections of the rich can alone possess it; but 
to these it is almost indispensable; while the manner in which it 
is executed renders it worthy of a place by the side of their most 
costly and elegant volumes. 

It is not our intention to enter into a general account of the 
contents of these numbers, much of which is of necessity well 
known to every zoologist ; but merely to look to them occasion- 
ally for the purpose of noticing the new matter they may con- 
tain, either with reference to animals now first described, or to 
those improved views of the science which the conjoined industry 
of fellow-labourers in the same cause, though in different climates, 
may succeed in eliciting. In both these respects the present 
numbers are rich; and several of the new animals contained in 
them possess a still higher interest as tending to elucidate the 
connection between the different groups. 

The first of these which we shall notice, is an animal from the 
western coast of Africa, described under the name of Mangue, 
and belonging to the Viverrine or Marten family. In general 
appearance it approaches more nearly to the Mangoustes (Her- 
pestes, Ill.) than to any other genus of this group, but its form 
is more compact, and its head more rounded ; the snout is also 
more lengthened, in which respect, and in its perfectly planti- 
grade motion, it resembles the Suricate (Ryzana, Ill. Viverra 
tetradactyla, L.). The osculant position between the Mangoustes 
and the Suricate, indicated by these external marks is further 
confirmed by other characters. The teeth of the Mangue agree 
in number with those of the Suricate, but in form with those of 
the Mangoustes ; with the latter it corresponds moreover in its 


Histoire Naturelle des Mammiferes. AIT 


toes, claws, and genital organs; while it resembles the former 
in the extraordinary anal pouch, in consequence of which M. F. 
Cuvier has distinguished by the name of Crossarcuus the new 
genus of which it forms the type; the single species desoribed, 
and of which only one individual is known, being termed 
obscurus. 

The snout of the Mangue is very moveable, and prolonged half 
an inch beyond the jaws. It is terminated by a muzzle, on the 
margins of which the nostrils are situated, nearly as in the Dog. 
The tongue is free, and capable of considerable elongation ; in the 
middle it is armed with corneous papille, its sides being soft. 
The eyes possess a third imperfect eyelid, and their pupils are 
round. ‘The ears are small and rounded, with two very promi- 
nent lamelliform lobes placed one above the other in their con- 
cavity. The fur is composed of two kinds of hairs, both of which 
are rough. The woolly ones are numerous, but are covered 
almost entirely by the silky ones, some ef which are an inch and 
a half long; they are however very short on the head and limbs, 
and the tail appears to be furnished with them only on its upper 
and under surfaces, those of the sides inclining in these directions, 
perhaps because the animal habitually sleeps on it in such a man- 
ner as to produce this effect. The hairs of the whole body are 
not laid in similar directions and sleek, as is usually the case in 
healthy animals ; on the contrary they incline irregularly in va- 
rious directions, a deviation from general appearances, which is 
also exhibited in a minor degree by some of the Mangoustes. 
The tail is not so long as that of the Mangoustes; it is not suffered 
to drag upon the ground, neither is it carried above the back, its 
usual position being curved downwards. 

The colour of this new animal is brown throughout, being paler 
on the head, and slightly yellower on the anterior than on its 
posterior parts; an appearance which results from the hairs being 
deep brown at their base and tipped with yellow, and this latter 
portion of them being longer towards the neck and shoulders than 
on the hinder part and thighs. Length of the head, three inches 
and ahalf; of the body, eight; of the tail, seven: medium height, 
five inches. 

Vox. II. 2D 


418 - Analytical Notices of Books. 


Between the viverrine family, to which the last described ani- 
mal belengs, and that which is composed of the Racoons and 
Bears, there has hitherto existed a considerable gap, which is now 
in a great measure filled up by the newly discovered forms which 
we shall next notice; the Benturong, and the Panda. The for- 
mer of these, which has been known in Europe for several years, 
forms the type of a new genus now first described under the name 
of Icripes, a denomination affixed to it by M. Valenciennes, 
from whose pen some observations on the subject appeared in the 
Annales des Sciences Naturelles in January of the present year. - 

The external appearance of the Ictides corresponds in some 
degree with both that of the Civets and that of the Racoons; 
having the plantigrade motion of the latter and the slender snout 
of the former. But it is separated from both by its prehensile 
tail; and by its teeth, which bear some resemblance to both these 
genera. It has, like the Civets, one tubercular molar tooth in the 
lower, and two in the upper, jaw ; but these teeth, as well as all 
the other true molars, are so thickened as to approach very nearly 
to those of the Racoons. The Jctides is completely plantigrade, 

. and has on each foot five toes armed with strong compressed claws, 
apparently adapted forclimbing. Its tail, the thickness of which 
at its commencement is almost monstrous, is prehensile beneath, 
without being terminated by a naked skin like that of the Ateles, 
but resembling entirely the tail of the Sajous. The eye, like that 
of the Domestic Cat, has the pupil vertically elongated ; the habits 
of the Ictides are consequently nocturnal. The ears are small 
and rounded; and the nostrils are surrounded by a muzzle, which 
is divided into two portions by a deep sulcus. The hairs are long 
and thick ; and a peculiar character is given to the physiognomy 
by the moustaches, which are very voluminous on the lips, the 
eyes, and the cheeks, and by the pencil of long and numerous 
hairs which terminates the ears. The cry is intermediate between 
those of the Cat and of the Dog. , 

The Ictides albifrons, to which the preceding generic descrip- 
tion chiefly refers, is of the size of a very large Domestic Cat. 
The colour of its fur is generally gray, resulting from silky hairs, 
which are black at their base, and white in their extreme third. 


Histoire Naturelle des Mammiferes. 419 


The sides of the snout and of the forehead, are black, as well as 
the pencil which terminates the ears, these organs being bordered 
with white. The upper part of the snout and the forehead are 
white. Iris yellow. Belly gray, its hairs being entirely of that 
colour and shorter than those of the upper parts. In another 
specimen the sides of the snout, and the tail, its extremity ex- 
cepted, are gray. ‘This species is a native of Boutan. 

There is also a second species of Ictides described and figured, 
the I. ater, from Malacca. It differs from the preceding in size 
and colour. Its size is-that of a large Dog; and its colour is 
entirely black, with the exception of a few white hairs on the 
forehead, in the pencil of the ears, and on the feet; the upper 
part of the snout is yellowish, and the eyes brown. 
~ The Panda, which forms the other connecting link to which 
we have adverted between the Civets and the Bears, is known 
only by the skin, containing the anterior portion of the jaws and 
the feet, and by a drawing, both of which were sent from India 
by M. Duvaucel. From these it is evident that it constitutes the 
type of a new genus, termed by M. F. Cuvier, on account of its 
external resemblance to a Cat, A1Lurus, and to which only this 
one species is yet referable, the trivial name assigned to it being 
Julgens, from the brilliancy of its colours. 

The dentary system of the Ailurus is developed by M.F. Cuvier 
at considerable length. The incisors, and the canine teeth are 
those of the Carnivora; the former being six in number in each 
‘jaw, and appearing to have been lobed when young. The supe- 
rior canine teeth, instead of being curved like those of the Cats, 
the Martens, and the Dogs, are nearly straight, resembling in 
this respect those of the Racoons (Procyon, Storr.) ; they are 
trenchant posteriorly, and are marked with two longitudinal 
grooves on each of their surfaces. The lower canine are slightly 
curved, and are also longitudinally grooved. The molar teeth 
remaining in the upper jaw are threein number. ‘The first, which 
almost touches the canine, is a false normal molar; immediately 
after this comes a true molar, having onits outer part three tuber- 
cles placed in the longitudinal direction of the jaws, and separated 
from each other only by a slight depression, the middle being the 

2n2 


A20 _ Analytical. Notices of Books. 


largest, and on its inner part two tubercles, very distinct from 
each other, and much less elevated than the outer ones, the pos- 
terior being larger than the anterior; the third, is a second true 
molar, larger than the preceding one, from which it differs only in 
its two internal tubercles being of equal size; and in a third being 
developed at their base. In the lower jaw, almost adjoining the 
canine tooth, is a false normal molar; which is succeeded by a 
true molar composed of a small anterior tubercle, of a very large 
middle one, which is much thicker on the faces of the tooth than 
in its middle, and of a posterior crest, which is more elevated to- 
wards the external than the internal surface of the jaw, and forms 
_a portion of a circle. 

This dentary system appears to approach more nearly to that of 
the Racoons than to any other genus of the Mammalia. In the 
upper jaw the incisors and canine teeth of the Panda correspond 
precisely with those of the Racoons; and the first true molar 
differs only in having in the latter the anterior internal tubercle 
largest instead of the posterior. The remaining teeth are however 
very distinct. ‘The Racoon possesses three false molar teeth in- 
stead of one; and its second true molar has a totally different 
structure, its tubercles being obtuse and resembling those of the 
Bears, while in the Panda they are distant and acute, and similar 
to the true molar teeth of the insectivorous Mammalia. In the 
lower jaw the differences are analogous. The Panda possesses 
only one false molar instead of three; and its true molars can 
only be reconciled to those of the Racoons by dividing, in imagi- 
nation, the middle tubercle which is, as has been noticed, thinner 
in its central part, and also dividing the posterior crest, so as to 
form of each two tubercles. 

The jaws not being entire behind, the absolute number of mo- 
lar teeth in the Panda cannot be determined except from analogy. 
No carnivorous quadruped possesses more than three true molar 
teeth on each side; and that the Panda has this number is evi- 
dent from the remains of the roots of a third true molar in the 
lower jaw. From these it is plain that this tooth was very large, 
and the corresponding one, which is wanting in the upper jaw, 
no doubt agreed with it in size. In their tubercles these deficient 


Histoire Naturelle des Mammiferes. ; AQ] 


teeth probably differed only in size from the preceding ones, for 
it is an established fact that the posterior true tubercular molars 
in each jaw, are always formed on the same model. We are 
hence enabled to judge of the size of the snout of the Panda, 
which differs singularly from that of the other Carnivora, with 
which it appears to be most closely connected. The anterior 
part of its head cannot in fact project more than that of the Do- 
mestic Cat; and this is also shown by the drawing which M. 
Duvaucel transmitted with the skin. It is completely plantigrade, 
and there are five toes on each foot, armed with half-retractile 
claws, like those of the Martens and the Civets; the soles of the 
feet are also covered with hairs, all of which circumstances tend 
to remove still farther the Panda from the Racoons. 

The size and proportions of the Panda are those of a large Do- 
mestic Cat. Its fur is very thick. The head is white, with the 
exception of the snout and the under part of the lower jaw, | 
which are black, and of a brown spot on the cheeks. The hinder 
part of the head, the neck, and the shoulders, are of a very 
brilliant red-brown ; the remainder of the body to the origin of 
the tail is fulvous, becoming brownish behind and on the lower 
part of the thighs; the limbs, under part of the neck, chest, and 
belly are black. On the front of the anterior legs there is a brown 
spot, and all the toes have a few fulvous hairs. The tail has five 
or six fulvous and brown rings, and its extremity is brown. 

Although it is by no means our intention to notice such animals as 
appear to possess no other claim to attention than what arises from 
their not having been previously described, we cannot refrain from 
adverting to a new species of Bear from South America, which is 
peculiarly interesting as being the only one that has yet been 
discovered in the whole extent of that vast continent.~ In its fur 
it is associated with the Black Bear of North America, and with 
the Indian Bears. Like these its hairs are smooth and shining, 
and of a black tinge upon the greater part of the body. The 
snout is of a dirty fulvous hue, as are also two semicircles sur- 
rounding the upper part of the eyes, and arising from a common 
point between them. The cheeks, the lower jaw, the neck, and 
the chest, as far as between the fore legs, are white. All these 


422 Analytical Notices of Books. 


colours are produced by silky hairs ; the woolly ones, which are 
brown, being entirely hidden. The moustaches of the lips are 
black, while those of the eyes are white. The snout is short, 
and strongly separated by a depression from the cerebral portion 
of the head, which is remarkable for its capacity. The length 
from the tip of the nose to the posterior part of the body in the 
young individual described, was three and a half feet; the height 
to the shoulders being fifteen inches. It inhabits the Cordilleras 
of Chili, and has received from M. F. Cuvier the trivial name of 
ornatus. 

It is much to be regretted that the able author of this notice 
has limited his remarks to the mere colour of the hairs, without 
entering into those details which in the present advanced state of 
Zoology, are indispensable to a proper acquaintance with the 
subject. From his description it is impossible to discover to which 
of the subgenera of the Linnzan Ursus the present species should 
be referred, which is so entirely new with respect to geographical 
distribution, that doubts will naturally be excited whether it is 
not also novel in form. The somewhat projecting upper lip, 
which may be observed in the figure, appears to connect it with 
the Prochilus of Iiliger, and with the Helarctos of Dr. Horsfield, 
described in our Jast number. We trust that M. F. Cuvier will 
hereafter develope its scientific characters, and thus enable us, 
possessing as we now do Bears from almost every quarter, to fix 
upon a stable basis the subgenera of this very interesting group. 

In describing the Souslik, (Arctomys Citillus L.) M. F. Cuvier 
recurs to the fact of his having established some years since in the 
Memoires du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle, a genus under the name 
of SPERMOPHITUS, of which the present animal, the C. guttatus of 
Pallas, forms the type. It is intermediate between the Marmots 
and the Tamias, or those species of burrowing Squirrels which are 
provided with cheek pouches, and feed on seeds. With these 
latter the Spermophilus guttatus agrees in habits, and in the 
slender proportions of its head, while it approaches the Marmots 
by the thickness of its general form. With both these groups it coin- 
cides in the number of its teeth, and even in their form; except 
that the molar teeth are narrower, their first tubercle being very 


Histoire Naturelle des Mammiferes. AIS 


trifling, and the part which unites the second to the third being 
more prolonged internally ; modifications which though apparently 
slight, are sufficient to distinguish without any difficulty these 
tee.h from all others. 

At the period of proposing this genus, and even at that of 
describing the S. guttatus, M. F. Cuvier was acquainted with only 
this species. He suspected indeed that several American animals 
hitherto described as Marmots, would eventually prove to be 
Spermophili, but it was not until after publishing the Souslik that 
he was enabled, from actual observation, to establish this fact 
with respect to one species at least, the Sciurus tredecim-lineatus 
of Dr. Mitchell and Arctomys Hoodii of Mr. Sabine. The loca» 
tion of this species in the genera Sciwrus and Arctomys respec- 
tively affords a strong prima facie presumption of its osculant posi- 
tion between them, which is confirmed by its habits, and finally 
proved by actual examination. 

Such are the principal features of the present numbers of this 
valuable publication 5 but there are yet a few others to which we 
shall eursorily advert. For the Coendou, Hystrix prehensilis, L. 
M. F. Cuvier proposes to employ the generic name of Sinetherus, 
instead of the common appellation which was used for that pur- 
pose by Lacepede upwards of twenty years since; an alteration 
which appears to be quite unnecessary. Another alteration is 
proposed in the name Aofus, used to designate a genus of Ameri- 
can Monkeys, by Humboldt. This name being inapplicable to 
all the species, some of which possess very visible ears, M. F, 
Cuvier would prefer that of Nocthora. The same fact had how- 
ever been previously observed by M. Spix, and the appellation of 
Nyctipithecus, given by him, has the advantage of priority. The 
Aperea, the animal that consitutes the stock from whence the 
Guinea Pigs are derived, is distinguished by the new generic 
name of Kerodonta. 

M. F. Cuvier regards the dismemberment of the genus Phalan- 
gista, adopted by M. Temminck, in his Monographies de Mam- 
malogie, as founded on erroneous principles. ‘The modification 
of the organs of motion by the presence or absence of a flying 
-membrane, is merely a secondary character, and consequently 


AQ4 Analytical Notices of Books. 


insufficient to constitute a generic distinction. It is however 
divisible into two genera, corresponding with the two systems of 
dentition which it presents, and which agree with the two different 
structures of their crania. In each of these genera there are 
flying, and not flying, species. To the Phalangers with com- 
pound teeth he gives the generic name of Petawrus, reserving that 
of Phalangista for those the teeth of which are simple; but as he 
proposes at a future period to enter into more detail on the sub- 
ject, we shall defer our further notice, merely remarking that the 
P. Cookii, in the description of which these observations occur, 
is a Petaurus of M. F. Cuvier. 


Memoires du Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle. — Sixieme Année. 


Cahiers. vi.—x. 


Or the zoological contents of the present portions of the 
Memoirs of the Museum of Natural History, which. consist of 
papers from the pens of MM. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, Isidore 
Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, and Duponchel, there is much which is 
incapable of analysis. Of this description is the exposition by the 
former of these Zoologists of his theory with respect to the oper- 
cular or auricular fin of fishes ; a theory which in a subsequent 
number he is under the necessity of defending from the attack on 
it by M. Cuvier in the Ossemens Fossiles. Connected as it is 
with his peculiar views of the structure and composition of the 
Cranium, it is impossible to convey a correct idea of it without 
entering into much greater detail than our space will permit. 
For the same reason we must also pass by the researches of this 
philosophic Naturalist ‘‘on the organization of the Gavials,” 
(the Crocodili longirostres of the Ossemens Fossiles,) ‘ on their 
natural affinities, from which results the necessity of a new generic 
distribution, Gavialis, Teleosaurus, and Steneosaurus; and on 
the question, whether the Gavials now found in the eastern parts 
of Asia descend by a series of uninterrupted generations from the 
antediluvian Gavials, either from the fossile Gavials termed Cro- 
codiles of Caen (Tetxosaurus,) or from the fossile Gavials of 


Memoires du Muséum d’ Histoire Naturelle. 4925 


Havre and of Honfleur, (Stenrosaurus).” The solution of this 
question js not given; but as far as we can collect, M. Geoffroy 
inti is inclined to consider that the living Crocodiles are 
actuxily the descendants of those whose remains are now found 
ouly in the fossil state, notwithstanding their distinction by such 
/ characters as are sufficient on his principles to point them out as 
generically different. Another extremely curious idea incident- 
ally adduced is that of the affinity of the Crocodile to the Mam- 
malia, which is so close as to make it appear to the author of 
this memoir an amalgam of a Saurian and a Mammiferous Animal. 
This affinity, which is deduced from the division of the nasal 
cavity, the canal cranio-respiratoire, into two spaces, the upper 
being destined to the olfactory organs, and the lower to the con- 
veyance of air to and from the lungs, is especially remarkable 
between the Gavial and the Tamanoir, (Myrmecophaga jubata). 
Of the genus Steneosaurus, which by the bye ought rather to 
have been Stenosaurus, two species are noticed by the extremely 
awkward trivial names of S. rostro-major, and S. rostro-minor. 
A third paper by the same author, consists of an interesting 
anecdote of a Beaver from the Rhéne which was confined in the 
Jardin du Roi. To guard him from frost during the winter only 
an additional portion of litter was allowed him. It happened 
one night that the cold became very intense; the door of the 
cage closed badly, and the animal felt it necessary to endeavour 
to preserve himself from the rigour of the atmosphere. To occupy 
him during the night and supply him with employment for his 
gnawing propensity, a certain quantity of fresh branches were 
regularly put into his cage, together with his food, consisting of 
legumes and fruits. It had snowed, and the snow had collected 
in one corner. Such were the materials in the possession of the 
Beaver, and these he applied to the construction of a wall to 
defend him from the external air and the frost. He interwove 
the branches between the bars of his cage, in precisely the same 
manner as a basket maker would have done. In the intervals 
left between them he placed all that remained, his carrots, his 
apples, and his litter, cutting each in such a manner as to fit them 
to the spaces they were to occupy. To fill up even the chinks 


426 Analytical Notices of Books. 


he covered the whole with snow, and in this manner constructed 
a wall which occupied two thirds of the door-way. During the 
night the snow was frozen, and in the morning the results of the 
Beaver’s labours were discovered, the animal having deprived 
itself of its customary food for the purpose of. procuring itself 
shelter against the inclemency of the weather. 

The Memoir of M. Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire is, ‘* On 
Female Pheasants possessing the plumage of Males.” He recals 
the fact noticed by Vicq d’Azyr and Mauduit, of the aged fe- 
male of the common Pheasant (Phasianus Colchicus,) acquiring 
occasionally a plumage differing from that of the male only in its 
colours being less vivid; and then proceeds to detail two in- 
stances of a similar kind which have fallen under his own observa- 
tion. In the first of these a female of the common Pheasant 
ceased laying eggs at the age of five years. F’rom that period her 
plumage began to change, at first on the abdomen, which be- 
came more yellow, and on the throat, the colours of which were 
more vivid, and shortly after on the whole of the body. In the 
following year the tints of the plumage assumed still more the 
brilliancy of that of the male; and these became so decided in 
the third year that it was almost impossible, by the mere inspec 
tion of its colours, not to be mistaken in its sex. Her habits 
changed with her plumage ; she became careless of the society of 
the males, to whom she was equally an object of indifference. 
At this epoch she died. In the second instance the resemblance 
became still more complete. A female of the Phasianus nycthe- 
merus had ceased laying for three or four years, and had reached 
the age of eight or ten, when a mixture of white feathers among 
the usual brownish ones announced the commencement of the 
change of her plumage to the colours of the male. This change 
became more strongly marked in the next year, and in the third 
year it was complete. In the fourth, she assumed entirely the 
appearance of the male, the crest and tail becoming elongated, 
and the change thus affecting not merely the colours, but also the 
relative proportions of the feathers, In the fifth year the re« 
semblance might be termed identical ; she represented a male in 
his most brilliant state of plumage. Shortly after this period she 


M. Latreille’s Familles Naturelles du Regne Animal. 427 


ewas killed lest the beauty of her appearance should be impaired 
by disease or age. Her skin was preserved, and it is now ex- 
hibited in the Galleries of the Muséum d’Histoire Naturelle. 
The absence of the spurs, and the less degree of development of 
the red circum-orbitar membrane, are the only circumstances 
which indicate externally its real sex. 

The production of M. Duponchel is a ** Monograph,” or rather 
6¢ Species,” ‘* of the Genus Erotylus,” of which we could not avail 
ourselves otherwise than by transferring it entire to our pages. 
Some idea may be formed of the industry displayed in it by 
the number of new species described, which exceed in the pro- 
portion of nearly four to one those noticed by previous authors 
which have fallen under his observation. The total number. of 
species which he has characterized from the collections of the 
Museum, and of MM. Latreille and Dejean is ninety, eighty- 
six of these being figured in three plates. As a supplement he 
adds from the works in which they are noticed, the characters 
and descriptions of twenty-four.other species which he has not 
been enabled to see.» Of these many are, however, referable to 
other genera, to Doryphora, Helops, &c. and are consequently 
no longer to be enumerated among the Erotyli. Several of the 
true Erotyli contained in this latter list exist in the London 
Cabinets, from which source other still undescribed species 
might be added to those of M. Duponchel, who will, we trust, 
be speedily induced to illustrate other genera of Coleoptera in the 
same able manner, in which he has performed this,. which we 
believe to be his first entomological undertaking. 


ee 


Familles Naturelles du Regne Animal, exposeés succinctement 
et dans une ordre Analytique, avec Vindication de leur 
Genres. Par M. ULarreitrz, Membre de U Institut, &c. 
Paris. 8vo. pp. 570. 


WueEn noticing in our last number the arrangement of Mol- 
lusca proposed by M. Latreille we adverted briefly to the cir- 
cumstances which had rendered it necessary for that excellent 


A428 Analytical Notices of Books. 


entomologist to extend his enquiries into other departments of 
the animal kingdom. Since the misfortune which has incapaci- 
tated the venerable Lamarck from continuing his Lectures on the 
Invertebrated Animals at the Jardin des Plantes, the duty of 
delivering them has devolved on M. Latreille, who has conse- 
quently been compelled to acquire a more general acquaintance 
with the whole of this grand section of animated nature ; to the 
insect tribes of which his attention had been previously almost 
exclusively directed. In doing this, he has been induced to go 
beyond the limits prescribed by mere necessity, and to obtain 
some knowledge of the Vertebrata; and the present work is 
given to the public as the result of these studies, to which he was 
prompted by inclination as well as duty. It is, as he justly 
describes it, ‘a kind of prodromus, or general programme of 
Zoology, conducting by degrees and in an analytical manner to 
groups composed of a small number of genera, the names of 
which are given; these groups being rather less extensive than 
the genera of Linné.” 

In the formation of these groups M. Latreille has been gene- 
rally successful. That he has not been equally so in another 
branch of his undertaking, ‘* the attempt to connect them with 
each other by natural affinities,” cannot be matter of surprise, 
when, notwithstanding the vast extent of our collections, their 
insufficiency for such a purpose is daily evinced by the additional 
knowledge of new forms which continues to pour in upon us from 
all quarters. Nor in fact, even if the materials which we possess 
were amply sufficient, could they be rendered available to this 
object, unless displayed upon a general and connected system, 
adhered to and illustrated throughout the whole of the animal 
kingdom, and capable of being laid before the observer in a 
tabular form. No such system is here pursued: on the con- 
trary, so countless is the number of diverging branches spread- 
ing out on either side of the principal series which are exhibited, 
that our minds revolt from regarding them as part of Nature’s 
plan; unless indeed Nature be as bad an architect as those of 
the days of Elizabeth, and take especial delight in the construc- 
tion of “ galleries that lead to nothing.” 


M. Latreille’s Familles Naturelles du Regne Animal. 429 


Founded as these ‘¢ Natural Families of the Animal Kingdom” 
are on the labours of all his predecessors, it would have been 
impossible for a naturalist of far inferior sagacity to M. Latreille 
to have combined them together without exhibiting some novelty 
in the arrangement of so extensive a subject. It is therefore un- 
necessary to observe that the present work is consequently novel 
in numerous particulars. ‘These we shall not attempt to point 
out, as the arrangement of the Mollusca noticed before will 
furnish the reader with a specimen of the mode in which they 
~ are produced. From that he will collect, that, with some really 
new views, there is yet more of the appearance than of the 
essence of novelty; an appearance which is considerably in- 
creased by the continual introduction of new names to designate 
divisions long since established and defined. Of this the very 
first step furnishes a striking example. The animal kingdom is 
divided into three primary series; 1st. the Spini-Cerebraux, being 
the Vertebrata; 2nd, the Cephalidiens, corresponding with the 
Animaux sans vertebres sensibles of Lamarck; and 3rd, the 
Acéphales, or Animaux Apathiques of the Zoologist last quoted. 
That the distinctive characters indicated by these names are of 
primary importance it impossible to deny ; but the propriety of 
thus affixing new names to old divisions may be well doubted. If 
this plan were frequently pursued, even the first steps of the 
science would be so continually shifting as to give an appearance 
of instability to the whole; for there are few things more attrac- 
tive to an ambitious mind than to take possession of a place by 
the side of the masters of Zoology, when it may be acquired at 
so easy a price as the mere picking out from a lexicon ora diction- 
ary of a few new words. 


There is yet another character in which M. Latreille’s work is 
presented to the public; as a “¢ systematic Index to the Diction- 
naries of Natural History.” In this respect it will not be without its 
use, though inferior in its plan to the ‘¢ Tableaux Methodiques,” 
of the various classes of animals, contained in the last volume of 
the 1802 edition of the ** Nouveau Dictionnaire d’Histoire Na- 
turelle.” The addition in these tables of the characters to the 
names of the genera considerably increases their utility; but 


430 Analytical Notices of Books. 


from this addition M. Latreille has been deterred by the fear of 
enlarging his publication to too great an extent. His object ap- 
pears to have been to produce only a single volume as a kind of 
manual, analogous in some measure to the ** Extrait du Cours” 
of Lamarck, but extending over the whole of the animal kingdom. 
As this latter was subsequently improved and enlarged by its able 
author into the “* Systéme des Animaux sans Vertebres,” we trust 
that the “ Familles Naturelles” of M. Latreille is merely a fore- 
runner of a general work, in which, in imitation of his prede- 
cessor, he will dilate on those subjects especially for which his 
previous studies have peculiarly qualified him. 


—_—— 4 


Monograph of the Genus Eucnemis; by the Baron de MANNER- 
HEIM.* With Observations by M. Larreriyr.t 


Few works ona particular subject are capable of vying with 
the present, either in its descriptive part, or in the execution of 
the plates and of the typography, which proves to us that St. 
Petersburgh possesses artists of equal ability with those of Paris 
and of Loudon. In his preface, the author passes in review the 
several changes which have been effected in the genus Elater of 
Linné, of which Eucnemis formed a part ; but although he ap- 
pears to be well acquainted with the works on this subject, he is 
mistaken in attributing to Fabricius the establishment of the 
genus Melasis. Of this group the characters were first given by 
Olivier, in the second volume of his Entomology, and Fabricius 
subsequently adopted it in his Entomologia Systematica. The 
genus Eucnemis was instituted by M. Ahrens from characters 
derived from a single species, capucinus, which has however been 
since ranked among the Elaters, and even under different trivial 
names. 

This insect appears to form the transition from the preceding 
genus to those of Melasis and Throscus, but it presents peculiar 


* Eucnemis insectorum genus monographice tractatum, iconibusque illus- 
tratum, a C. G. libero Barone de Mannerheim. Petropoli, 1823. 8vo. 
+ Extracted from the Annales des Sciences Naturelles. 


Mannerheim on Eucnemis, Meigen’s Dipterous Insects. 431 


characters which are developed by Baron Mannerheim with con- 
siderable detail. Nevertheless when these are compared with 
accuracy with those of the E/aters, it is difficult to conceive in a 
sufficiently clear manner, in what respects the two genera essen- 
tially differ from each other. ‘This arises from the author of the 
Monograph having associated with the Ewcnemides, other insects 
which do not appertain to this genus, which ought to have been 
confined to his second section, omitting also the species of its 
third subdivision, the E. Filum and nigriceps. Thus modified, 
and restricted within its proper limits, the genus Eucnemis will 
form a group well distinguished from the neighbouring ones by the 
following characters; Tarsi with entire joints; hanches (lamine 
pectorales postice, Maun. meriaia, Knoch) of the two posterior 
legs closing almost entirely the hinder part of the cavity of the 
thorax, (metathorax,) fixed, forming triangular plates, capable of 
completely hiding the thighs; antenne approximated at their 
base, and lodged on each side in a groove hollowed out immedi- 
ately under the Jateral. margins of the thorax ; labrum and mandi- 
éles entirely hidden during repose by the anterior extremity of 
the sternum, prothorax, epistome or clypeus then applied over it, 
enlarged and transverse in front. 

In the Eucnemis Filum, the antenne are always free and un- 
covered. In other respects it coincides with the characters of the 
other Eucnemides; but on account of this difference, it must form 
anew genus under the name of Cryptostoma. All these groups 
cannot however be well established without a general revision of 
‘that from which they are derived, the genus Elater. 


a 


Systematische Beschreibung der bekannten Europaischen 2wei- 
SJlugeligen Insekten, &c. — Systematic Description of the 
known Dipterous Insects of Europe. By J. W. Meigen, 
Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce at Stolberg, &c. 
Vol. iv. 8vo. pp. 428. Plates ix. 


Tue study of the Diptera, to which less attention perhaps has 
been paid than to any other order of Insects, is receiving from 


A32 Analytical Notices of Books. 


the able author of this excellent work, an impulse which is 
likely to rescue it from the comparative neglect which it has 
hitherto experienced. Few, even among Entomologists, were 
probably aware, before the commencement of M. Meigen’s pub~ 
lication, of the vast numerical extent of this order, which appears 
to be little inferior to that of the Coleoptera, the Lepidoptera, or 
the Hymenoptera. Before any of these it will now rank in point 
of facility of discovering and naming the species which may be 
collected ; for none of them has yet found a historian so zealous 
and persevering as M. Meigen, in the description of those insects 
to which he has especially devoted himself. Some idea of the 
number of species already described by him may be obtained from 
those contained in the present volume, which amount to upwards 
of six hundred. In their arrangement he introduces many new 
genera, the characters of which are admirably developed, but 
for these we must refer to the work itself, in which types of 
every genus are figured, together with dissections of them, and 
with examples of each of the sections into which it is necessary 
to divide the more extensive of them. In the genus Tachina for 
instance, of which no less than three hundred and fifteen species 
are described, four principal sections are established, which are 
again divided and subdivided, so as to reduce them into small 
groups, convenient for the speedy determination of the indivi- 
‘duals. The specific characters are given in Latin, the descrip- 
tions alone being in the German language. 

It is natural to anticipate that with the assistance afforded by 
this useful production, which will probably be completed in two 
more volumes, the Diptera will form a favourite study of the 
British Entomologist. In the work of M. Meigen he will find 
described more than three-fourths of our native species, a pro- 
portion far exceeding that of any other order of Insects to be 
met with in a single publication, or even hitherto perhaps at all 
published. 


THE 


ZOOLOGICAL JOURNAL. 
January, 1826. 


a. 


Art. XLVI. On the small horny appendage to the 
upper mandible in very young Chickens. By W1LL1AM 
Yarre wz, Esq. F.L.S. 


[To the Conductors of the Zoological Journal. } 


GENTLEMEN, 

On mentioning and exhibiting to some friends in the course of 
a conversation on various ornithological peculiarities, the small 
horny appendage near the point of the upper mandible in very 
young chickens, and its use to the animal while confined within 
the shell of the egg, the subject appeared to them to be worthy 
of more particular notice. Some works on comparative anatomy 
were referred to, but without finding any mention of the point in 
question ; I have therefore ventured to make the present com- 
munication, and if to your maturer judgment and more extensive 
reading, it should appear to deserve recording, the insertion of it 
in your valuable Journal will be esteemed a favour. 

The changes the egg undergoes during incubation, chemical as 
well as organic, the origin of the bone, and the gradual develop- 
ment of the varieus important parts, are subjects that might na- 
turally be expected to engage the attention and observation of 
the most eminent anatomists, and I cannot do better than refer 
the reader to the papers of Sir Everard Home and Dr. Prout, 
published in the Philosophical Transactions for the year 1822, 
part ii. (illustrated as the former account is by a series of en- 


~ Wor 12. QR 


ASA Mr. Yarrell on the horny appendage to the 


gravings) as the most recent and complete statements of this 
interesting and beautiful part of physiology. 

It is not upon any of these particulars, already so well detailed, 
that [ am about to presume to offer any observations, but to point 
out a small horny appendage near the end of the upper mandible 
of the chicken, and describe its particular use while the young 
bird remains confined within the shell of the egg; which al- 
though not overlooked, has probably been considered of little 
consequence compared with more important objects of investiga- 
tion, but is yet adapted to perform a very necessary part ; and re- 
mains as far as I am acquainted at least, unnoticed in print. 

The. yolk of the egg is suspended within the white by its cha- 
lazes or poles, which not being inserted in the line of its axis, the 
larger portion of the yolk gravitates, and the cicatricula or mole- 
cule destined to become the chick being placed on the surface of 
the smaller portion of the yolk, will always be found uppermost 
whatever may be the position of the egg. That this peculiar 
arrangement leads to important results will be hereafter shewn, 
and I hope to be excused inserting here one note from the paper 
by Dr. Prout, in the Philosophical Tranactions before papi 
from its immediate reference to this point. 

‘“¢ An interesting circumstance may be here mentioned, which 
IT have never seen noticed by any writer on the present ‘subject. 
At the end of the process of incubation, and for some time be- 
fore, the animal is so situated in the egg, as} by its superior 
weight on one side to assume such a position that the beak shall 
be uppermost, and consequently fully exposed to the air when it 
first makes its way through the shell.” 

During the exhibition of Mr. Barlow’s ingenious apparatus for 
hatching chickens by steam, I had daily opportunities of observ- 
ing the changes that take place in the egg ;* but I shall pass over 
these, and advance to the seventeenth day, during which, pro- 


* The most curious part of this apparatus appeared to be the construction 
and adaptation of thermometrical levers, which, influenced by the internal 
degree of temperature, and acting upon certain valves, admitted or excluded 
atmospheric influence, by which the heat within the machine was kept con- 
stantly ranging within four or five degrees of the standard required. 


upper mandible in very young Chickens. 435 


vided the proper degree of heat has been uniformly applied, the 
first perforation in the egg-shell is sometimes seen, and this is 
made by the chick itself. 

To shew the manner in which this fracture of the shell is 
effected, I must refer to plate 40, figure 1, of the Philosophical 
Transactions for the year 1822, as affording an illustration of the 
particular position of the chicken in the egg. To describe this 
position it may be stated, that the legs are drawn upwards, the 
neck bent forwards and downwards, the occipital portion of the 
head being turned to the left, and pressed at the same time 
downwards and inwards, the beak will thus be turned upwards 
and outwards. Upon the curved part of the upper mandible of 
the chicken, just above the point, there will be seen a small 
horny scale, nearly circular, having at its centre a hard and sharp 
' projecting point, and by the particular position of the head thus 
referred to and described it will be found, that this sharp point 
is brought into constant contact with the inner surface of the 
shell. 

On the eighteenth day the voice of the chick may be heard, 
and motions producing certain changes of position are also evident 
from additional perforations in the shell. 

The form of the young bird being of greater length than width, 
little alteration takes place in its longitudinal situation, but partly 
by the act of the hen in occasionally changing the position of the 
ege as to its upper surface, (which was also obliged to be attended 
to with those eggs placed inthe hatching apparatus) and partly 
by the efforts of the young bird, its lateral situation is so changed, 
that this sharp prominence becomes opposed to the shell at various 
points in a line extending throughout its whole circumference, 
about one third below the Jarger end of the egg; and a series of 
perforations more or less numerous are thus effected by the in- 
creasing strength of the chick, weakening the shell in a direction 
opposed to the muscular power of the bird: it is thus ulti- 
mately enabled by its own efforts to break the walls of its prison ; 
and these attempts become more effectual from the then brittle 


state of the shell, owing to the evaporation and absorption of the 
ZE2 


A36 Mr. Yarrell on the horny appendage, &c. 


moisture,* and the partial separation of the membrane that had 
lined the interior. 

I have observed after the first or second natural perforation, on 
removing a small part of the shell to obtain a partial sight of the 
chick, that this hard point at the beak was pressed against the 
shell or through the orifice by repeated efforts, and any change 
in the position of the egg produced after a short time a new frac- 
ture in the shell, distinct from the former, depending on the 
altered situation of the bird. 

On the twenty-first day this stage of the existence of the young 
of the Common Fow] is completed, and from the particular posi- 
tion in which it is placed within the shell, it will be evident, its 
strongest efforts are exerted against each end of the egg: the legs 
are stretched out downwards, and the head and neck raised, the 
shell already partially divided, either by separate apertures or in 
a continued line, opens as it were by a hinge, and the smaller 
portion is frequently inserted or cupped within the larger. 

During the first twenty-four hours after exclusion from the 
shell, the natural warmth of the hen is all that appears necessary 
to the perfectly formed bird: the down spread over its body be- 
comes dry, the beak hardens, and the small horny protuberance 
on the point having performed the important office of dividing the 
shell, is easily separated by the edge of the thumb nail of the 
attendant, as the chicken passes by hand from the nest to the 
coop, or remains to be removed by the chicken itself in its early 
attempts to pick up food. If examined after the second or third 
day, a light coloured mark only is perceivable on the spot formerly 
occupied. 

In the young Pigeon this appendage to the beak is large and 
strong, and as these birds are seldom handled during their first 
fortnight, and are fed. by the insertion of the beak of the parent 
Pigeon, between the mandibles of the young bird, this horny 
point remains fixed much longer than in the former instance. I 
have seen it retained after ten or twelve days. 


* Eggs of the common fowl during incubation lose in weight on an average 
about eight grains per day. 


Rev. L. Guilding’s Mollusca Caribbwana. A37 


In Ducks and Geese the base of this horny protuberance is 
very broad, in accordance with the breadth of the bill in this 
tribe of birds ; it also appears to have some relation in size to the 
thickness of the shell: in apreserved specimen of the young of 
the Egyptian Goose, taken from an egg within a few days of 
being hatched, this knob is particularly prominent, hard and 
sharp. 

I have the honour to be, 
Gentlemen, 
Your obedient servant, 


Wipir1aAmM YARRELL. 
Ryder Street, St. James’s, 17th Oct. 1825. 


Art. XLVII. Mollusca Caribbwana. By the Rev. Lans- 
pown Guitpine, B.A. FLL. & G.S. M.W.S., &c. 


Havine found it impossible to draw up a satisfactory systematic 
arrangement of the animals of this Subregnum, until I shall have 
had opportunities of examining and dissecting specimens of many 
genera which are but seldom obtained, I shall for the present 
occupy myself in forwarding to the Conductors of the Zoological 
Journal, accounts of such new or interesting subjects as I have 
already met with; intending at a future period to givea tabular 
view of all our genera. 

The same difficulty exists with the 

Vertebrata, 

Annulosa, 

and 

Radiata, 
but though no good arrangement can yet be offered, my Ameni- 
tates Zoologice and Crustacea Caribea will contain from time to 
time figures and descriptions of such species as will be likely to 
interest the Zoologist of Europe: at a future day they may ap- 


Caribbeana, 


pear in a more valuable form in a Fauna of the West Indies. 


A58 Rev. L. Guilding’s Mollusca Caribbeana. 


I have commenced for the Journal the following essays 5 
Vertebrata,.. 
Mollusca, 
1. Pestes occidentales containing the < Annulosa, \Noxia: 
and 
Radiata, 
in which figures and descriptions will be given of every animal of 
the West Indies, which exercises its destructive agency in attack- 
ing the person or the property of man. 
Vertebrata, 
Mollusca, 
2. Miracula Zoologica containing the< Annulosa, Miranda: 
and 
Radiata, 
in which those species will be noticed which offer any thing 
highly remarkable or uncommon in their structure and economy. 


Vertebrata, 
Mollusca, 
3. Usus animalium containing the < Annulosa, \Pretiosa: 
and 
Radiata, 
or those which contribute directly or indirectly to our food and 
comforts. 

These essays must be extended to a considerable length, and 
will form in the annulose animals, a long commentary on that un- 
rivalled work, for which we are indebted to the industry and 
talents of Kirby and Spence. Had I deferred for a few years the 
publication of these papers, [ might have been enabled to present 
them ina better dress, arranged according to the most moderna 
systems ; but I shall perhaps render a greater service to Natural 
History, by hastening to publish the most interesting of our ani- 
mal productions in detached portions, to which a tabular view 
with additional remarks may be added hereafter. 

Such is the task I have chalked out for myself, one which will 
require for its elucidation many hundred drawings, with their 
necessary magnified details. All these I shall cheerfully prepare, 
should not the engraving and colouring of so many subjects en- 


Rev. L. Guilding’s Mollusca Caribbwana. 439 


tail too great an expense upon the Conductors of this admirable 
Joumal. The late addition of Supplementary Plates is a step 
which every one must highly applaud, and which will tend to 
render the work of the greatest possible service to the cause in 
which we are engaged. 

I may here be permitted to notice a remark in the first volume 
of the Journal, page 563, on my distribution of the genus Onchi~ 
dium. It is too true that the arrangement of the learned Dr. 
Blainville has never reached my place of exile, and that I have 
in this, as in many other instances been deprived of the advantages 
of gleaning from the labours of other men, by the vast distance by 
which I am separated from more civilized Europe, and all inter- 
course with the sciences. How many allowances should be made 

_for the Naturalist doomed to reside a thousand leagues from every 
place of learning, where no works can ever reach him, but such 
asa moderate income can procure, to satisfy his thirst for in- 
formation! I must here request that, with the exception of the 
drawings, every thing I may send to England on subjects of 
Natural History, may be examined with the greatest caution and 
suspicion. It must be remembered that without any fellows 
labourer to. guide or to instruct innumerable errors may occur. 

I cannot agree with the Conductors of the Journal, in the 
manner in which they would distribute the Onchidia. There can 
be no doubt that the generic term must, in ouradvanced know- 
ledge of these animals, be restricted to those species which most 
nearly resemble in their economy and structure, O. Typha, the 
type of this curious genus, and which with O. Sloanii, and O. oc» 
cidentale is not known to approach the water. ‘* Semi-aquatic, 
fresh-water, or maritime species,” it will doubtless be found ne- 
‘cessary to place under other genera, 


St. Vincent’s, October 24th, 1825. 


4A0 Mollusca Caribbeana. 


No. 1. THE AMENDED GENERIC CHARACTERS OF BULIMUS AND 
Succinea, &c. 


GASTEROPODA. 

PuLMONIFERA. 

Henicipz. 

Bu.imus. 
Bulimus, Scopoli, Bruguiéres, Lamarck, Cuvier, Swainson, &c. 
Bulla, Martini. 
Helix, Lin. 


Character Genericus. 


Animal terrestre, trachelipodum, oviparum, hermaphroditicum. 
Caput declive, in brachia duo semi-retractilia, os tegentia, inferné 
expansum. 

Os rotundatum, contractile, maximum, Jabiis papillosis, mandi- 
bulis validis, corneis. 

Tentacula quatuor, retractilia; duo superiora Jongiora. Capi- 
tulis oculigeris. 

Operculum nullum. 

Pes compressus latissimus, ad cervicis elongate basin. 

Pallium \atum, tenue, Jabra repentis Bulimi lambens, fora- 
mine communi perforatum. 

Penis retractilis, antrum ad radicis tentaculi majoris dextri. 

Abdomen spirale, musculo test leviter affixum. 


Testa ovalis vel oblongo-ovalis, spira elevataé, anfractu ultimo 
maximo. 

Apertura integra, subovalis, longitudinalis. 

Columella levis, sub-umbilicata, ultra medium inconspicué 
cavo-inflexa. 

Labium externum (adulti) crassum, reflexum. 


BuLimus HZMASTOMUS. 


B. olivaceo-niger, corpore corrugato, brachiis latissimis palmatis, 
crenato-lobatis, pede subtus pallioque flavescente-sordidis : 
tentaculorum superiorum capitulis obtusatis. 


Bulimus hemastomus. AAI 


Testa ovato-oblonga, ventricosa, subperforata, sordidé albido- 
flavescens; aufractibus sex obliqué plicatis,* labro colu- 
mellaque t roseis. 

Long. 3 un. 9 lin.—4 un. 3 lin. 

Exempla juniora diu tenera subdiaphana, epidermide fusca : mox 
maturescentia epidermide paulatim remota pallescunt. 

Ova pregrandia, nivea, ovali-elliptica; crust& corrosa, calcarea 
dura ; vitello vitreo ; long. 13. lin., lat. 9 lin. Animal ex- 
cluditur testa jam formata.f{ 


Bulimus hemastomus.—Lam. Syst. des Anim. sans vert. 91. 
Hist. Nat. des Anim. sans vert 6. 2. p.117.n. 2. 
Leach, Zool. Misc. p. 67. 68. t. 29. 
Guilding in Act. Soc. Lin. tom. 14. 2. p, 342. 
Scopoli, Delic. insubr. t. 25. f. 1. 2. 6. 


Bulimus oblongus.— Brug. Enc. art. Vers. No. 34. 
Bulimus roseus.—De Montfort Conch. Syst. t. 2. p. 259. 


Helix oblonga.—Mull. Ver. p. 86. n. 284. 

Lister, Conch. t. 23. f. 21. Cum ovo pulloque : 
male. 

Seba, Mus, 3. t. 71. f. 17—20. 

D? Aud. Hist. des Moll. No. 411, 

Born, Mus. t. 15. f. 21. 22. 

Favanne, Conch. t. 65. f. I. 

Gmel. p. 3637. No. 87. ejusdem Turbo hemas- 
tomus, p. 3597. No. 38. 


Bulla oblonga.—Chem. Conch. 9. t.119. f. 1022. 1023. 


Habitat in Antillarum, et Americ xquinoctialis dumetis ; satis 
frequens. 


* It is necessary to make a distinction between Stri@ engraved on the sur- 
face, and mere Plice or Ruge. 

+ A protuberance is sometimes to be seen on the columella above the um- 
bilicus, in old shells. 

+ Contrary tothe opinion maintained by that able Comparative Anato- 
mist Sir E. Home, in the Philosophical Transactions for the year 1817, 


AAD Mollusca Caribbeana. 


Succinea.* 


Succinea. Draparnaud, Cuvier, Lam. Sowerby, Guilding. 


Character Genericus. 


Tentacula quatuor retractilia, duo superiora elongato-cylindrica, 
capitulis oculiferis.+ 

Patlium \atum, pedem retractum tegens. 

Pes magnus, postice attenuatus. 

Operculum wullum. 

Animal terrestre, vix intra testam recipiendum. 


Testa ovata vel ovato-conica, aperturaé amplissima integra, 
sepius longitudinali ; 7abio externo tenui, non reflexo. 


* Were it not likely to add confusion to our delightful science, this name 
might well be changed: such generic terms as Succinea in Zoology, and Leu- 
codon in cryptogamic Botany cannot be too severely censured. 

+ Notwithstanding the curious remarks of M. Gaspard, in the second Num- 
ber of this Journal, p. 179, I think we may persist in calling the spots on the 
superior tentacula, the eyes; though they are without doubt very imperfectly 
developed. These organs, situated at the very base of the feelers of Limnea,* 
Helicina, and other genera, cannot surely be considered as ‘* organs of touch.” 
In some marine Mollusca their structure is much more perfect. 


* T take this opportunity of calling the attention of British Naturalists to the 
vast number of amphibious Mollusca, which swarm in the ditches and rivulets 
about Oxford, the shells only of which have been figured even in modern 
works. I unfortunately neglected during my residence at the University to 
draw and describe the animals; but should any one out of the small number 
‘of our members, who have had opportunities of attending to such studies 
undertake the task, his industry would doubtless be rewarded, by the dis- 
covery of many new and interesting species. I say ‘‘ small number,” but we 
may trust that the stigma we have so long borne for our neglect of Zoology, 
will soon be wiped away, and that the time is not far distant, when his 
Majesty in his paternal anxiety for the credit of the University, will found a 
Professorship of Zoology; as he has done already in Geology and Miner- 
alogy, placing it in this particular, in which alone it seems deficient, on a 
footing with those of the continent. Then may we hope to see the names of 
our Ashmole, and the laborious Lister held in respect by those to whom they 
bequeathed their treasures; and the miserable remains of their once valuable 
museum, placed under the care of some one possessing the diligence and 
ardour of Buckland, and arranged in a manner calculated to instruct and 
not to disgust the Student in Zoology. 


Succinea.—Peripatus. AAS 


Columella levi, angusta, attenuato-acuta, in peritrema sensim 
exeunte. Anfractu basilari maximo. 


SuccineEA CUuvIERII. 


S. corpore flavido-fuscescente, nigro lineato-maculato, oculis ater- 
rimis. 

Testa nitens, diaphana, pallidé succinea, immaculata, obliqué 
plicata, anfractibus duobus superioribus obsoletioribus. 

Habitat in umbrosis Sti. Vincentii sub lapidibus. Instante pluvia 
ante solis estus in dumetis cibum querit. 

Juniores sepe testam vestitu quasi stercorato tegunt, et sic hostes, 
etiam zoologicos, arte mira decipiunt. 

Huic speciei nove det nomen illustrissimus Cuvierius (summus 
Galliz), summus Europe Zoologus. 


No. 2. AN ACCOUNT OF A NEW GENUS OF MOLLUSCA. 


Subregnum Mollusca hocce genere paradoxico multum pertur- 
batur. Vermis moribus onchidio* terrestri similis, at (quod ad~ 
mirabile) polypus. Genus incerte sedis classem propriam, gas- 
steropodis aflinem reposcit, que pedibus multis lateralibus di- 
tinguitur. 


* Genus Limacidarum novum (cui nomen Herpa) sic nuper descripsi. 

Char. gen. Corpus elongatum, repens, complanatum, anticé presertim 
attenuatum, subtus planum, pede distincto nullo. 

Tentacula nuila. Brachia minuta duo? Os anticum subrotundatum supra. 
Oculi utrin.que tres, minimi, in triangulum dispositi. Anus prope caudam infra. 
Glandule ventrales plurime, unica maxima. Foramen pulmonali2? ad dex- 
trum latus. 

Unica species mihi nota (2. limacina). Hab. inter gramina St. Vincentii. 

Forté Planaria terrestris et candida Gmel, quas non vidimus, ad hocce genus 
referunde. Dies docebit. 


AA4L Mollusca Caribbawana. 


Subreg. Motuusca. 
Classis. Potyropa. Guild. 
Genus. Peripatus.* 


Character Genericus. 


Corpus molle, elongatum, contractile, subrotundatum, postice 
subattenuatum, corrugatum. 

Tentacula duo longa, semi-retractilia, sub-cylindracea. 

Os subtus longitudinale, (in quiescente) clausum ; Jabiis (dum 
extenditur) papillosis, 

Mandibule nulle. 

Oculi ad radices tentaculorum, obscuri, verrucosi. 

Clypeus nullus. 

Anus posticus, infra. 

Orificium generationis? distinctum, posticum, infra. 

Ambulacra utrinque 33, paribus alternis extenduntur. 

Ungues multifidi. 


PERIPATUS JULIFORMIS, 


P. atro-fuscus, annulosé flavido maculatus: ventri nigrescente- 
roseo ; corpore toto spinuloso-papilloso ; linea dorsali atra. 
Long. corp. 3 un. Lat. 3 lin. 

Habitat in sylvis antiquis Sti. Vincentii sepe retrogradus. Atte- 
ritus liquorem glutinosum ab ore respuit. Inter plantas a me 
lectas ad radices montis immensi ** Bon Homme” unicum exem- 
plum attonitus forté detexi. 


Explicatio Tabule X1V2. 


F.1. Animal quiescens auctum. a@ Anns. 0b Orificium genera- 
tionis? c Oculus. d Pes auctus. . 

F. 2. Caput auctum, labiis expansis et antennis truncatis, 
a Labii papillus. 


% 
* Nomen a Wee:watess ambulacrum. 


Dr, Leach on the Pselaphide. AAS 


Art. XLVIII. On the Stirpes and Genera composing the 
Family Pselaphide ; with Descriptions of some new 
Species. By Wiutiam Evrorp Lescu, M.D. F.R.S, 
&c.* 


STIRPS I. 


Corpus elongatum, depressum. Antenne undecim -articulate. 
Palpi maxillares valdé elongati. 


GENUSI. EUPLECTUS. 
EUPLECTUS, Kirsy, Leacu. 


Corpus elongatum, depressum. 
Antenne undecim-articulate, articulis primo et secundo aliis 
multo crassioribus. 
Palpi mazxillares valdé elongati; articulo ultimo conico. 
Bopy elongate, depressed. 
Antenne eleven-jointed ; their first and second joints much 
thicker than the others. 
Maxillary palpi very much elongated ; their last joint conical. 


Eup.ectus EASTERBROOKIANUS. 


E. corpore toto intensé ferrugineo; antennis palpis pedibusque 

pallidioribus ; thorace ruguloso; elytris punctulatis. 
Habitat in Danmonie Nemoribus rarissimus. 
Mus. Dom. Easterbrook. 

E. with the whole of the body dark ferruginous; the antenna, 
palpi, and feet paler; the thorax rugulose; the elytra 
punctulated. . 

This new species was discovered Jast spring in a grove near 

Ashburton by Mr. G. Easterbrook, who found the male and female 

in copulation ; these are the only specimens hitherto found. 


* Communicated by the Author, 


AAG Dr. Leach on the Pselaphide. 


Pselaphus nanus, Reichenbach, Monographia Pselaphorum, 69, 
aud two other species in my collection of insects now in the 
British Museum, are the only species that I know certainly to 
belong to this genus; but I think it probable that Pselaphus 


ambiguus, Karstenii, and signatus of Reichenbach may also belong 
to it. 


STIRPS II. 


Corpus breve, convexum. Antenne undecim-articulate. Palpi 
maxillares elongati. 


GENUS II. BYTHINUS. 
PSELAPHI. Fam.1. Reicuensaca. 
Corpus breve, depressum. 

Antenne articulo primo crasso, cylindraceo; secundo primo 
abrupte crassiore, Marts interné acuté producto; articulo 
tertio, quarto, quinto, sexto, septimo et octavo equalibus, 
lenticulatis ; nono et decimo crassioribus lenticulatis; un- 
decimo ovato, apice acutissimo. 

Palpi mazillares articulo primo filiformi apice gradatim cla- 
vato; secundo ovato; tertio ovato, scutiformi, maximo; 
basi angustissimo. 

Bopy short, depressed. 

Antenne with the first joint thick, cylindrical; the second 
abruptly thicker than the first; the third, fourth, fifth, 
sixth, seventh, and eighth equal, lenticular; the ninth and 
the tenth thicker, lenticular; the eleventh ovate with its 
extremity very acute. 

Mazillary palpi with their first joint filiform, gradually clavate 
(clubbed); the second ovate; the third ovate scutiform 
(shield-shaped) large, with its base very narrow. 


Bytuinus CurrisiaNnus. 
B. saturaté badius aut fusco-badius; ore, antennis, pedibusque 
rufo-castaneis ; thorace capite latiore ; elytris pumctatis. 
Bythinus Curtisii. Leach, Sool. Miscell. iii. 83. 


Genera Bythinus and Arcopagus. AAT 


Habitat in Norfolcia anctoritate Domini J. Curtis; apud Bexley 
propé Londinum ¢ observavit Dominus G. Samouelle. 
Mus. nostr. in Mus. Brit. ¢ et 9. 

B. dark-bay or fuscous-bay ; the mouth, antenne, and the feet 
red-chesnut; the thorax wider than the head; the elytra 
punctured. 

This species was first discovered in Norfolk by Mr. J. Curtis, 
and at Bexley near London by Mr. G. Samouelle. Both sexes 
are in my collection in the British Museum. 


GENUS Hil. ARCOPAGUS. 


PSELAPHI. Fam. 11, ReicHEenBAcu. 
Corpus breve, convexum. 

Antenne articulo primo et secundo aliis crassioribus 5 articulo 
primo elongato; secundo subgloboso primo tenuiore ; arti- 
culis tertio, quarto, quinto, sexto, septimo et octavo equali- 
bus, subglobosis ;\ nono crassiore, lenticulari-subgloboso ; de- 
cimo lenticulari-subgloboso precedente majori; undecimo 
aliis crassiore, ovato, apice acuminato. 

Palpi mazillares articulo primo filiformi, apice gradatim cla- 
vato; secundo elongato-ovato ; tertio ovato-scutiformi basi 
angustissimo. 

Bopy short, convex. 

Antenne with the first and et joints thicker than the 
others; first one elongate; the second subglobose, narrower 
than the first; the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and 
the eighth equal, subglobose ; the ninth thicker, lenticular, 
inclining slightly to globose; the tenth lenticular, inclining 
slightly to globose, larger than the preceding one ; the 
eleventh thicker than the others, ovate, acuminated at its 
extremity. 

Maxillary palpi with the first joint filiform, its extremity 
gradually clavate; the third ovate-scutiform with its base 
very narrow. 


AAS Dr. Leach on the Pselaphide. 


ARCOPAGUS RUGICOLLIS. 


A. “ corpore toto castaneo ; antennis, palpis, pedibusque pallidi- 
oribus; capite punctulato; thorace ruguloso; elytris punc~ 
tatissimis nitidis.” 

Arcopagus rugicollis. Tozzelfi mss. 

Habitat in Italie sylvis profundis. 

Mus. Dr. Tozzelfi. 

A. with the body entirely chesnut; the antenna, palpi, and the 
feet paler; the head punctulated; the thorax rugose; 
the elytra shining, and very much punctulated. 

Inhabits Italy in dark woods. This description was given me 
by Professor Tozzelfi. Pselaphus glabricollis, Reichenbach, Mo- 
nographia Pselaphorum, 43. tab. 1. f. 3. is the only other species 
that I know to belong to this genus excepting this new one. 


GENUS IV. KUNZEA. 


PSELAPHI. Fam. nm. Rercnuenpacn. 
Corpus breve, convexum. 

Antenne articulo primo et secundo aliis crassioribus ; iiticulo 
primo elongato-cylindraceo interné in ¢ et 2 abrupté dilatato ; 
secundo globosiusculo primo tenuiore; articulis tertio, quarto, 
quinto, sexto, septimo et octavo equalibus globosiusculis: nono 
crassiore lenticulari; decimo globosiusculo-lenticulari none 
majore ; undecimvy crassiore, ovato, apice acuminato. 

Palpi maxillares articulo primo filiformi, apice gradatim clavato; 
secundo elongato-ovato, tertio scutiformi, basi angustissimo. 

Bopy short, convex. 

Antenne with their first ‘and second joints thicker than the 
others; the first elongato-cylindric, internally in both sexes 
abruptly dilated ; the second minutely globose, narrower than 
the first one; the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and 
eighth equal, minutely globose ; the ninth thicker, lenticular ; 
the tenth minutely globose inclining to lenticular; the 
eleventh ovate, acuminated at its extremity. 


Genera Kunzea and Tychus. 449 


Maxillary palpi with the first joint filiform, its extremity gra- 
dually clavate (clubbed) ; the second elongate-ovate ; the 
third scutiform, with its base very narrow. 


KUNZEA NIGRICEPS. 


K. corpore toto ferrugineo ; antennis palpis pedibusque pallidio- 
ribus ; capite nigrescente. 

Habitat in Alpibus Maritimis in Sylvis pinestribus rarissima. 
Mus. Domini Doctoris Fabre ¢ et 9 in copulatione capta. 

K. with the whole of the body ferruginous; the antenna, palpi, 
and the feet paler; the head blackish. 

Inhabits the Maritime Alps, in dark pine forests, is extremely 
rare ; two specimens from which this description was taken, 
were found by Dr. Fabre in copulation ; he assured me that 
he had not seen any other in the collections of his friends or 
elsewhere. 


GENUS V.—TYCHUS. 
PSELAPHI. Fam. Pf. Reicnensacn. 


Corpus breve, convexum. 

Antenne articulis primo et secundo crassioribus subcylindraceis ; 
articulo primo secundo longiore et crassiore ; articulis tertio, 
quarto, quinto, sexto, septimo et octavo subglobosis : articulis 
primo, tertio et quarto (Maris) presertim aliis crassioribus ; 
nono et decimo globoso-lenticularis ; decimo nono majore ; 
undecimo ovato aliis crassiore apice abrupte acuminato. 

Palpios non sedulosé examinavi. 

’ Bopy short, convex. 

Antenne with the first and second joints thickest, subcylindri- 
cal; the first joint longer and thicker than the second ; the 
third, fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh subglobose ; the first, 
third, and fourth joints (especially in the MAues) thicker 
than the others; the ninth and tenth globose inclining to 
lenticular ; the tenth larger than the ninth; the eleventh 
ovate, thicker than the others, abruptly acuminated at its 
extremity. 

The maxillary palpi I have not carefully examined. 

Vor. II. eal 


450 Dr. Leach on the Pselaphide. 


TYCHUS NIGER. 


JT. Corpore toto nigro; pedibus nigrescentibus; thorace elytris- 
que punctulatis. 
Pselaphus niger. Reichenbach, Monographia Pselaphorum. 35. 
tab.i. fig. 5 3 eta &. 
Tychus niger. Leach, Sool. Miscell, iii. 184. 
R. niger; Elytris disco castaneis. 
Habitat propé Londinum, Bristol et in Provincia Norfolcia haud 
valde infrequens. 
T. with the body entirely black: the feet blackish; the thorax 
and the elytra punctulated. 
@. black, with the disc of the elytra chesnut. 
Inhabits the vicinity of London, and Bristol, and is found in 
Norfolk not unfrequently. 


GENUS VI.—BRYAXIS. 


PSELAPHI. Fam. III. Reicuensacu. 
Corrus breve, convexum., ‘Thorax foveolis sulco conjunctis 
sculptus. 

Antenne articulis primo et secundo aliis crassioribus, subcylin- 
draceis ; articulis tertio, quarto, sexto, et septimo elongatis, 
cylindraceis ; quinto longiore ; octavo subgloboso minore 5 
nono decimo et undecimo elongatis clavem gradatim forman- 
tibus ; hoc apice acuminato. . 

Palpi mavillares articulo primo clavato basi angustissimo ; se- 
cundo subgloboso; tertio conico. 

Bopy short, convex. Thorax sculptured with foveole (little pit- 
like excavations) joined by a groove. 

Antenne with their first and second joints thicker than the 
others, subcylindric ; the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and the 
seventh joints elongate, cylindric; the fifth longer; the 
eighth smaller, subglobose ; the ninth, tenth, and the eleventh 
elongate gradually forming a club; the last one with its 
apex acuminated. 

Maxillary Palpé with the first joint clavate, with its base very 
narrow ; the second subglobose ; the third conical. 


Genera Bryaxis and Reichenbachia. Ad 


SPECIES I. BRYAXIS LONGICORNIS. 


B. Corpore toto ferruginco ; antennis, palpis, pedibusque pallidio- 
ribus ; capite thorace elytrisque glaberrimis, nitidis, punctu- 
lis numerosis sculptis. 

Bryaxis longicornis. Leach, Zool. Miscell. iii. 85. 

Habitat in agris Battersea dictis prope Londinum, inter Graminum 
radices haud infrequens. 

B. with all the body ferruginous ; the antennz, palpi, and the 
feet paler; the head, thorax, and the elytra very smooth, 
shining, sculptured with numerous punctules (minute imper- 
fect dots.) 

This species is found in the Battersea fields, not unfrequently at the 
roots of grasses. 


SPECIES II. BRYAXIS SANGUINEA. 


B. Corpore toto sanguineo ; antennis, palpis, pedibusque pallidi- 
oribus ; capite, thorace, elytrisque glabris, nitidis, punctatis. 

Pselaphus sanguineus. Reich. Monog. Pselaph. 49. 

Bryaxis sanguinea. Leach, Zool. Miscell. iii. 85. 

Habitat in Norfolcia, et in agris Battersea dictis propé Londinum 
rarior. 

B. with all the body blood-red ; the antenne, palpi, and the feet 
paler; the head, thorax, and the elytra smooth; shining 
punctulated. 

Inhabits Norfolk and Battersea fields; it is rather rare. 


GENUS VII.—REICHENBACHIA. 


PSELAPHI. Fam. III. Reicuenzacnu. 
Corpus breve, convexum. ‘Thorax foveolis distinctis sculptus. 
Antenne articulis primo et secundo aliis crassioribus ; articulis 
tertio, quarto, quinto, sexto, et septimo xqualibus, brevibus ; 
octavo paululim longiore ; nono subgloboso ; decimo lenti- 
culari ; undecimo apice subobtuso. 
Palpi macillares articulo primo clavato, basi angustissimo ; se- 
cundo subgloboso ; tertio conico. 


hy 


452 Dr. Leach on the Pselaphide. 


Bopy short, convex. Thorax sculptured with distinct foveola, 
(little pit-like excavations). 

Antenne with their first and second joints thicker than the 
others; the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh equal, 
shorter; the eighth a very little longer; the ninth subglo- 
bose; the tenth lenticular; the eleventh with its apex rather 
obtuse. 

Mazillary palpi with the first joint clavate, with its base very 
narrow ; the second subglobose ; the third conical. 


REICHENBACHIA JUNCORUM. 


R. rufescente-castanea cinereo pubescens; antennis pedibusque 
dilutioribus ; thorace gibbosiuscula; foveolis lateralibus 
majoribus ; postica minima. 

Briaxis Juncorum. Leach, Zool. Miscell. iii. 86. 

Habitat in Anglia in Juncis.. In Norfolcia, Danmonia et prope 
Londinum observavi. 

B. reddish inclining to chesnut, covered with cinereous down ; 
the antenne and the feet paler; the thorax somewhat gib- 
bous; with the lateral foveole largest ; the hinder one small. 

Inhabits England in Junci. I have observed it in Norfolk, Devon- 
shire, and near London. 

The following species, described in Riechenbach’s Monograph, 
belong to this genus—Pseluphus impressus, fossulatus, and 
hematicus. 


GENUS VIII.—PSELAPHUS. 


PSELAPHUS, Hersst, &c. 
PSELAPHI. Fam. I. ReicHensacu. 
Corpus breve, convexum. 

Antenne articulis primo et secundo elongatis, subcylindraceis ; 
articulis tertio, quarto, quinto, sexto, septimo et octavo sub- 
globosis, equalibus ; novo et decimo crassioribus feré zqua- 
libus subglobosis ; undecimo, elongato-ovato aliis crassiore. 

Palpi maxiliares articulo primo filiformé apice subabrupté cla- 
vato; secundo subgloboso ; tertio filiformi apice gradatim 
clavato. 


Genera Pselaphus and Claviger. 453 


Bopy short, convex. 

Antenne with the two first joints elongate, subcylindrical ; the 
third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and the eighth joints sub- 
globose, almost equal ; the ninth and the tenth thicker, sub- 
globose; the eleventh elongato-oval thicker than the others. 

Mazillary Palpi with their first joint filiform, rather abruptly 
clavate at its apex; the second subglobose ; the third fili- 
form, gradually clavate at its apex. 


PsELAPHUS NIGRICANS. 


“¢P. Corpore toto nigrescente; antennis, palpis, pedibusque diluti- 
oribus.”’ 

Pselaphus nigricans. Tozzelfi MSS. 

Habitat in Italia propé Ferenzam. 

P. with all its body blackish; the antennz, palpi, and the feet 
paler. 

Inhabits Italy near Florence. 


STIRPS III. 


Corpus subcylindraceum. Antenne-sex articulate. Palpi maxil- 
lares brevissimi. 

Bopy subcylindric. Antenne six-jointed. Maxillary palpi very 
short. 


GENUS IX.—CLAVIGER. 


CLAVIGER, Latreinte. 
Corpus subcylindraceum. 
Antenne sex-articulate, articulis primo et secundo minoribus 
subglobosis. 
Palpi mazillares filiformes. 
Bopy subcylindric. 
Antenne six-jointed ; the first and second joints smallest, sub- 
glose. 
Maxillary palpi filiform. 
This Genus I have never seen. 


A454 Mr. Selby on the Birds of the Farn Islands. 


Art. XLIX. Catalogue of the various Birds which at 
present inhabit or resort to the Farn Islands, with Ob- 
servations on their habits, &c. By P.J.Setsy, Esq. 
F.LS. M.W.S. 


GENTLEMEN, 


Tue following catalogue of the various species of Birds which 
at present inhabit or resort to the Farn Islands, for the purpose 
of incubation, though probably uninteresting to most of the pre- 
sent readers of your Journal, may perhaps be of some value here~ 
after to the Naturalist; as it will serve to indicate whatever 
changes may take place, (and such in parallel cases are frequently 
known to occur,) either by the desertion of some of the present 
visitants, or the accession of others. I have added a few obser- 
vations illustrative of the habits and economy of the various spe- 
cies, in order if possible to do away with the tedium of a mere 
nomenclature ; though I fear my remarks will be found to possess 
little novelty, or that is not already known to most of your 
readers. 

The group of the Farn or Fairn Islands is situated upon the 
Northern coast of Northumberland, in latitude 554 N. They are 
composed of whin trap, a formation which prevails to a consider- 
able extent upon the main land opposite. From the nature of the 
rock they in general present a rugged and uneven surface, but 
some of the larger islets are covered with vegetable mould, pro- 
ducing a plentiful crop of Poa maritima and procumbens, Silene 
inflata, Statice Armeria, &c. The inner, or nearest island to the 
shore is about 24 miles distant ; this, called by way of distinction 
the greater Farn, attains a considerable elevation, and presents a 
perpendicular front to the West, of from 35 to 40 feet in height ; 
the outermost is about 8 miles from shore, and the ridge runs in a 
direction from West to North-east. Light-houses for the security 
of navigation, at all times dangerous upon this rocky coast, have 
. been erected by the corporation of the Trinity House, upon the 
nearest, and one of the farthest islands. The property is vested 


Mr. Selby on the Birds of the Farn Islands. 455 


in the Dean and Chapter of Durham, but leases are granted, re- 
newable from time to time upon payment of a fine. This lease 
has lately passed into the hands of the society above mentioned, 
and we indulge the hope that they will afford to the feathered in- 
habitants that protection which has been withheld for some years 
past, to the manifest diminution of their numbers. By so doing 
they will not only entitle themselves to the thanks of the Ornitho- 
logist, and such strangers as from curiosity annually visit these 
islands, but they will eventually render them of more intrinsic 
value by the great increase of the produce, consisting of feathers, 
eggs, and eider-down. 


Ordo. _ InsEssores. Vigors. 
Trib. Fisstrostres. Cuv. 
Fam. Huirunpinipvz. Vigors. 
Genus. Hrrunpo. Linn. 


Hirundo rustica. Linn. I. 343. Lath. Ind. 2. 272. 
Common or Chimney Swallew. Lath. Syst. Penn. &c. 


This well-known species breeds in the tower of the old light- 
house, and in the chimneys attached to the dwellings of the light- 
keepers. 


Trib. Dentirostres, Cuv. 
Fam. Syxtviap#. Vigors. 
Genus. Antuus. Bechst. 


Anthus aquaticus. Bechst. Naturg. Deut. 3. 745. 

Alauda compestris Spinoletta. Lath. Ind. 2. p. 495. sp. 12. B 
——- Petrosa. Trans. Linn. Soc. 4. p. 41. 

— Obscura. Gmel. 1. p. 801. sp. 33. Lath. 2. 494. s. 7. 
Rock Lark. Mont. Ornith. Dict. 

Rock Pipit. Selby’s Illust. Br. Ornith. 


This species is met with upon all the Islands, where it is 
a permanent resident. It breeds in the clefts and upon the shelves 
of rocks, the nest is composed of the decayed stalks of such 
grasses as.grow here. Marine insects and flies constitute its food. 


A56 = Mr. Selby on the Birds of the Farn Islands. 


Its note is very similar to that of Anthus pratensis, (Meadow 
Pipit). 

Trib. Conzrostres. Cuv. 

Fam. Corvin. Leach. 

Genus. Corvus. Linn. 


Corvus Monedula. Linn. et Auct. 
Jackdaw. Lath. Penn. &c. 


This well known bird breeds in the rabbit holes upon the 
greater Farn, as well as in the clefts of the perpendicular rocks. 


Ordo. Graxtatores. IIl. 
Fam. Scoropacipa&. Vigors. 
Genus. Trinea. Linn. 


Tringa maritima. Brunn. Orn. Boreal. No. 182. Lath. Ind. 
2. 731. 

— nigricans. Mont. Trans. Linn. Soc. 4. p. 40. t. 2. f. 2. 

Purple Sandpiper. Walc. Syn. 2. 155. 

Rock Tringa mzhz 


A few pairs of this species generally remain, and breed upon 
some of the Islets. Last season I met with a family, the young 
of which were scarce able to fly. I have not yet succeeded in 
obtaining the eggs, which remain undescribed. This bird is 
strictly confined to rocky coasts, and is never seen in company 
with those which affect sandy flat shores. The great body of the 
species retires northwards to breed early in May. It is frequently — 
found associated with the Strepsilas (Turnstone). It feeds upon 
small marine insects, but principally upon very small bivalve and 
univalve shell fish. 


Fam. Cuarapriav#. Vigors. 
Gen. Hemarorvus. Linn. 


Hematopus ostralegus Linn. 1. 257. Lath. Ind. 2. p. 725. 
L’Huiterier. Buff. ois. 8. 119. t. 9. 
Pied Oyster,Catcher, or Sea Pie. Lath. Syn. Penn, &c. 


Mr. Selby on the Birds of the Farn Islands. 457 


The Oyster Catcher breeds upon several of the Islands. It 
makes no nest, but its four eggs are deposited upon the shingle 
or gravel, to which they assimilate so much in colour, as not to be 
found without the narrowest search. The old birds shew great 
anxiety when the nest or young are approached, and fly around 
the head of the intruder with clamorous outcries. The membra- 
nous appendages which border the toes of the Hamatopus, and 
which connect it by affinity to the lobe-footed members of the 
Rallide, enable it to swim with great buoyancy and ease, but it 
seldom voluntarily resorts to the water, except when wounded, 
and endeavouring to escape its pursuer, or when feeding in pools 
left by the tide, and passing from one stone or point of rock to 
another. 

It sits three weeks. 


Genus Cuaraprivs. Linn. 


Charadrius hiaticula. Lion. 1. 253. Lath. Ind. 2. 743. sp. 8. 

Le Pluvier a collier. Buff. ois. 8. p. 90. 

Ring Plover. Lath. Syn. 5. 201. Penn. Brit. Zool. p. 129. 
Mont. &c. 


A few pairs breed upon the gravel beds which are met with in 
the creeks and bays of the Islands. Like most of the Charadri- 
ade, they lay four eggs of a cream colour blotched with black 
or deep brown. 

Ordo. Nararorts. Illig. 
Fam. Anatip#. Leach. 
Genus. Somateria. Leach. 


Somateria mollissima. Leach. 

Anas mollissima. Linn. I, 198. Lath. Ind. 2. p. 845. sp. 35. 

Oie a duvet ou Eider. Buff. ois. 9. 103. 

Eider or Cuthbert Duck. Lath. Syn. 6. 470. Penn. Brit. Zool. 
152. 


These birds if protected would soon become very numerous, 
and might be made a source of productive wealth, as they volun- 
tarily afford in great abundance that fine and elastic down known 


A58 Mr. Selby on the Birds of the Farn Islands. 


by their name, and which as an article of luxury produces an ex- 
orbitant price. This consideration however has hitherto been lost 
sight of, and the eggs of the Hider have been taken indiscrimi- 
nately with those of the Gull, t:uillemot, &c. and sold for a 
mere trifle to the inhabitants of the Main. In consequence, the 
young annually produced have been few, and those only of the 
later or second hatchings. The last.season however proved more 
fortunate to all the feathered inhabitants of the Islands, as they 
were protected from extensive depredation by the gentleman em- 
ployed as architect to erect another light-house upon one of the 
exterior and leeward rocks, to replace the one now in use, which 
is found to be situated too much in the centre of the cluster to 
answer effectually its intended purpose. A very numerous brood 
of all the species, but particularly of the Eiders, was the conse- 
quence of this care, and as the young are supposed to return with 
the old birds to the same breeding stations, a few years under simi- 
lar circumstances would encrease their numbers to a considerable 
extent. About April the Eiders are seen assembling in groups 
along the shores of the main land, from whence they cross over 
to the Islands early in May. As soon as the females begin to lay, 
which is usually about the 20th, the drakes leave them, and 
again spread themselves along the adjoining coast. The usual 
number of eggs is five, of a pale asparagus green, and not much 
inferior in size to those of a goose. The nest is composed of a few 
rents or fine sea weed, and as incubation proceeds, a lining of 
down, plucked by the bird from her own body, is added; this 
increases from day to day, and at last becomes so considerable in 
quantity, as to envelope and entirely conceal the eggs from view, 
no doubt contributing by its effect as a non-conductor of heat to 
the perfect evolution of the foetus. The young as soon as hatched 
are conducted to the water, and this in some instances must be 
effected by the parent carrying them in her bill, as I have fre- 
quently seen the nest placed in such situations as to preclude the 
possibility of its being done in any other way. Incubation lasts a 
month. The food of the Eider consists of the young of the dif- 
ferent Mytili that cover the rocks, and other species of bivalves. 
They are only to be reared with difficulty in confinement, and 


Mr. Selby on the Birds of the Farn Islands. 459 


being very bad walkers, are subject to frequent accidents in the 
poultry yard. Like all the Anatide, possessing a lobated hind. 
toe, they dive with facility, and remain submerged for a long 
time. 


Fam. Atcapa#. Vigors. 
Genus. Ura. Briss. 


Uria Troile. Lath. Ind. 2. p. 796. 1. 
Colymbus Troile. Linn. Syst. 1. 220. 2. Gmel. Syst. 1. 585. 
minor. Gmel. 1. 585. sp. 14. 
Guillemot a capuchon. Temm. Man. d’ornith. 2. 921. 
Foolish Guillemot. Lath, Syn. 6. 329. 1. Penn. Br. Zool. 2. 
No. 234. 

Lesser Guillemot. Penn. Arct. Zool. supp. 69. 

A numerous colony of this well known species breeds upon the 
summits of the Pinnacles, three fine isolated pillars, or masses of 
rock, detached about 20 yards from Staple Island. They make 
no nest, but their solitary egg, which is of a peculiar shape, being 
very narrow and pointed at one end, broad and round at the 
other, which form prevents it from rolling to any distance, is laid 
upon the bare rock. Incubation lasts for one month, and the 
birds, from their conformation, are obliged to sit in an upright 
position. The young when excluded, are covered with a close 
down, of a blackish grey above and white below. They remain 
upon the rocks till fledged, which is in about a month from the 
time of hatching. The parent birds supply them plentifully with 
Herring Sprats (Clupea Sprattus) the principal food of this as well 
as other species belonging to the dicade. The adults lose the 
black throat early in autumn, and as well as the young are then 
known as the Colymbus minor or lesser Guillemot of authors. 


Genus Auca. Linn. 


Alca torda. Linn. 1. 210. 1. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 551. Lath. Ind. 


2.793. sp. 5. 
Alca Pica. Gmel. Syst. 1. p. 551. 
Pingouin macroptére. Temm. Man. d’ornith. 2. 936. 


460 Mr. Selby on the Birds of the Farn Islands. 


Razor bill Auk. Lath. Syn. 5. 319. British Zool. 2. No. 240. 
t. 82. 


A few of this species annually breed in company with the 
Guillemots. The eggs of both are so much alike in shape, as to 
make it very difficult to distinguish them, and they are subject to 
the same variation in colour and markings. The old birds lose 
the nuptial plumage about the same time as the Guillemot, and 
in their winter dress may be recognized as the Alca Pica and 
A. minor of authors. 


Genus Mormon. Illig. 


Mormon fratercula, Temm. Man, d’ornith. 2. 933. 

Alca Arctica. Linn, 1. 211. 4. Gmel. 1. 549. Lath. 2. 792. 
Fratercula. Briss. 6. 81. 

Le Macareux. Buff. ois. 9. 358. t. 26. 

Puffin. Lath. Syn. 5. 314. 3. British Zool. 2. No. 232. &c. 


This species resorts to the Walmseys, two small Islands which 
have a covering of vegetable mould, in which they burrow and 
rear their young. The hole is generally about three feet in length, 
and runs in a horizontal direction. They lay but one egg, of an 
oval form, and yellowish white colour, which they sit upon for a 
month, The young, till fledged, are covered with a long and fine 
down, of a sooty or brownish black, which gives them a grotesque 
appearance. The bill in the young bird is but imperfectly deve- 
loped, being slender and narrow, of a black colour, and scarcely 
shewing the commencement of the furrows which distinguish the 
high compressed bill of the adults. 


Fam. Prxicanipa. Leach. 
Genus Caro. Meyer. 


Carbo Cormoranus. Meyer Tasschenb. D. 

Phalacrocorax. Briss. 1. 511. 

Pelecanus Carbo. Linn. 1.216. 3. Gmel 1. 573. Lath. 2. 88, 

_ sp. 14. 

Le Cormoran. Buff. ois. 8. 310. 26. 

The Cormorant. Lath. Syn. 6. 593. 13. British Zool. 2. No. 
291, &c. 


Mr. Selby on the Birds of the Farn Islands. 461 


For many years these birds bred upon one of the outer islands, 
called the Longstone; but having been repeatedly disturbed and 
deprived of their eggs, they removed this last season to the 
northern Walmsey. They breed in company, and their nests are 
frequently close to each other ; they are composed of a great mass 
of sea tangle, and are frequently two feet in height. They lay 
from four to six eggs, of a small size in proportion to the size of 
the bird, thickly coated with a rough, white, calcareous deposit, 
The young, when first excluded, are blind, and covered with a — 
blueish black skin; in the course of a few days they acquire a 
thick covering of black down, and are sufficiently fledged to talxe 
to the water, though still unable to fly, in the space of three 
weeks or a month. 


CaRrBo cCRISTATUS. Temm. 


Pelecanus cristatus. Lath. Ind. 2. 888. sp. 16. Gmel. i. 575. 
Crested Shag, or Green Cormorant. Arct. Zool. 583.’ British 
Zool. 2. No. 282 t. 102. Lath. Syn. 6. 600. 15. 


A few pairs ft fale breed in the clefts and upon the ledges 
of the Pinnacles, and the rock opposite to them; their eggs are 
very like that of the Great Cormorant. The large projecting 
crest upon the forehead, a distinguishing character of this species, 
is confined to the breeding season. It was long confounded with 
the Carbo Graculus (Shag) of authors. 


Fam. Larip#. Leach. 
Genus. Sterna. Linn. 


Sterna Arctica. Temm. Man. d’Ornith. b. 2. p. 724. 
Arct. Tern. mihi. 


This species which has long been confounded with Sterna 
Hirundo (the Common or Greater Tern) was first indicated and 
described as a distinct species by M. Temminck, in the 2d edit. 
of the Manuel d’Ornithologie. It differs from it in having a bill 
somewhat shorter, and generally wholly red; shorter ¢arsi, and 
the breast and under parts of as deep a grey as the back. The 
outer tail feathers are also longer, and project further beyond the 


A62 Mr. Selby on the Birds of the Farn Islands. 


closed wings. It is the most numerous of the Terns which resort 
to these Islands, and the colony occupies a considerable portion 
of Brown’s Main. The eggs are placed so near each other that 
it is almost impossible to walk upon the part they inhabit, with- 
out crushing several in making the attempt. They are laid upon 
the bare ground or gravel, and differ very much in colour and 
marking. The young when excluded are covered with a party- 
coloured down, usually of a fulvous or brown shade, with darker 
‘variegations. They fledge very rapidly, and within a month from 
te time of hatching are able to fly. Their food is the fry of the 
mmodytes Tobianus (Launce or Sand Eel) which is brought to 
™m in great abundance by their parents. They arrive towards 
middle of May, and desert their breeding station early in 
st. 


aa Dougalii. Mont. Orn. Dict. 
delle de mer Dougall. 'Temm. Man. d’Ornith. 2. 738. 
» Tern. Mont. 


.vout fourteen years ago the keeper of the outer light-house 

it noticed this as a new and distinct species. Information was 
wen me of the circumstance, and I went over to ascertain the 
act, and having killed several, found them to be the Sterna Dou- 
galii or Roseate Tern of Montagu. Since that period they have 
greatly increased, and now form a numerous colony, which occu- 
pies a large space of ground near to that occupied by the Arctic 
species, and a second station upon one of the Walmseys. Its eggs 
are rather larger than those of S. Arctica, and the young differ 
both in the early or downy, and in the feathered state. The old 
birds are easily recognised amidst hundreds of the other species, 
by their peculiar and buoyant flight, long tail, and note, which 
may be expressed by the word crake, uttered in a hoarse grating 
key. The following is the description of the young of the year 5 
bill black, orange yellow at the base; forehead and crown of a 
very pale wood-brown; region of the eyes, ear coverts, and nape 
of the neck, black, the latter barred with pale wood-brown : 
back and wing coverts blueish-grey, barred with blackish-grey, 
the feathers tipped with yellowish-white ; quills grey, the exte- 


Mr. Selby on the Birds of the Farn Islands. 463 


rior web of the first feather black ; tail grey, the exterior webs 
the darkest, the tips of the feathers white ; under parts white ; 
legs pale red. 


Sterna Cantiaca. Gmel. 1. 606. 

Sterna Boysii. Lath. Ind. 2. p. 806. sp. 10. 
- Africana. Gmel. Lath. &c. 

Greater Sea Swallow. Albin. 2. pl. 88. 
Sandwich Tern. Lath. Syn. 6. p. 356. 


This elegant species till within the last two seasons frequen‘ 
these Islands in great numbers, but the colony having been 
peatedly disturbed and shot at, and the eggs taken away ip : 
beginning of the season of 1824, they nearly all departed 
migrated to the Coquet Island, situated about 14 or 15 miles 
south of Farn. This season I found the colony reduced te, 575. 
paratively trifling number, which had selected a fresh sta’ Pyitish 
the Walmsey. The eggs of this species vary greatly 
and markings, the prevailing one is a white or cre‘... 
ground, with spots and blotches of a deep brown. Like the Iges 
tic and Roseate Terns they prey upon the Sand-Launce 2° 
young Gar-fish, which they capture by precipitating themsel’S 
upon the shoals as they rise to the surface of the water. ” 


Genus Larus. Linn. 


Larus fuscus. Linn. 1. 225. Lath. Ind. 2. p. 815. sp. 8. 
—-— flavipes. Meyer Tasschenb, 2. 469. 
Lesser black-backed Gull. Mont. Orn. Dict. 


Montagu in his Ornithological Dictionary has made a curious 
mistake, having appended the synonyms of the Herring Gull 
(Larus argentatus) to this species, and vice versa. It resorts to 
this station in great numbers, and colonizes two of the larger 
Islands, called the Walmsey and Harcus. The eggs are not easily 
distinguished from those of the Herring Gull, and the disposition 
of the colours of the young is similar, though they are darker. 
This species was long confounded with the Larus marinus (Great 
black-backed Gull) although it never attains one half its size, 


A066 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


Art. L. Sketches in Ornithology; or, Observations 
on the leading Affinities of some of the more extensive 
groups of Birds. By N. A. Vicors, jun. Esq. A.M. 


FLL. & G.S. 
(Continued from p. 405.) 


ON SOME SPECIES OF THE RAMPHASTIDA. 


Te opportunity so seldom occurs of figuring from a living 
specimen a bird of this family in which, as it is well known, 
many of the chief specifick characters are lost in death, that I am 
induced to insert a figure in this Journal of a Rhamphastos now 
alive in my possession; although in describing it I fear I shall 
rather increase than clear away the confusion that already exists 
in the nomenclature of the family. The bird in my possession 
was obligingly sent to me from Rio de Janeiro by my friend Dr. 
Such, with the observation that it was the only specimen of the 
species which he had himself met with, and that he had seen no 
description in any authour which exactly accorded with it. The 
bird however is not uncommon in our collections, although ac- 
cording to Dr. Such’s observations not usually found in the neigh- 
bourhood of Rio de Janeiro; but the remark of that gentleman 
is perfectly just, that it can be referred with certainty to no re- 
corded species. At the same time it must be observed, that we 
are not sufficiently acquainted with the variations of these birds 
as to age or sex, to authorize us to pronounce with confidence 
that the individuals which show apparent specifick distinctions 
are really distinct. In all such cases I consider it the most eligi- 
ble plan to keep every bird separate under its own name and 
description, until it has been ascertained by authentick proof to 
be identical with some previously recorded species. I shall ac- 
cordingly describe my bird; and then referring to the descrip- 
tions of the other named species of Rhamphastos, state my rea- 
sons for considering it distinct from all. 


ARIEL. — Ramph. niger, gula genis guttureque aurantiaco-luteis, 
hujus margine infertore sulphureo, regione periopthalmicé 


On some Species of the Ramphastide. A67 


nuda miniacea, fascia pectoral crisso uropygioque coccineis ; 
rostro nigro, bast sulphureo-fasctato, culmine bast ceruleo. 


Rostrum tenia nigra gracili ad basin marginatum; deinde fascia 
lata sulphurea, in mandibuld inferiore latiore, in superiore propé 
culmen strictiore, instructum ; cudmine ad basin striga longitudi- 
nali triangulari ceruled notato; foméis irregulariter leviterque 
serratis, Fascia pectoralis uncie circiter latitudinem obtinet. 
Pedes cerulei, unguibus nigris. Irides cerulee. Longitudo cor- 
poris, 18; ale a carpo ad remigem 4°", 74; caude, 71; rostré, 


1 le 7 i 
3 453 tarsi, 2 4. 


The following are the species hitherto described of the genus 
Ramphastos, Auct. from authentick sources. The ground colour 
of all, it is to be observed, is deep jet black. 

1. R. Toco. Gmel.—This appears to be a well known and well 
defined species. It has been figured by Dr. Latham in his “ Synop- 
sis,” [pl. 9. Ed. 1%, and pl. 29. Ed. 2™.] and in the 8th No. of the 
“¢ Planches Enluminées.”* The bill seems larger in proportion 
than that of any other species of the genus: it is yellowish white, 
at least in the dead bird, with a black apex to the upper mandi- 
ble: a narrow black streak is found at the basal margin of both 
mandibles; a mark, which although subject to variation as to 
breadth, seems to be common to all the species. The cheeks and 
throat together with the upper tail coverts are white; and a 
slender scarlet band extends round the margin of the throat. The 
under tail coverts are scarlet. There is some variation respecting 
the scarlet band round the throat. A specimen now before me 
does not possess it, but a few of the lower feathers of the throat 
are slightly tinged with scarlet. In other specimens I have seen 
more or less extent to these scarlet markings, which, as far as I 
could form an opinion, appeared to depend upon the age of the 
bird. In the specimens which I have examined, the serration of 
the bill is faint and irregular, as in most of the species of this 
genus. 


* Dr. Latham refers to M. Le Vaillant’s plates 7 and 8 as belonging to this 
species. They represent R. vitellinus, I\l. [See Swarns. Zool. Illust. pl. 56. ] 
R. Toco, Linn. is figured by M. Le Vaillant in the first plate of his work. 


OG ao. 


AGS Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


2. R. picotorvus. Linn.—The specifick characters given of this 
species in the *¢ Systema Natur,” are very accurate as to the 
plumage, but those of the bill are not mentioned. The characters 
are as follows; ‘¢ nigricans, pectore abdomine* crisso uropygioque 
rubris, gulé luted.” In the synonyms of this species Linnzus 
evidently refers to two distinct species. The first of these is the 
Tucana gutture luteo of M. Brisson, [ Vol. iv. p. 411. pl. xxxi. 
f. 1.] the description of which accurately agrees with the charac- 
ters of his own bird. The second is the yellow-breasted Toucan 
of Edwards, [t. 329.] and is the next succeeding species to the 
present. Besides a material difference in the bill of these two 
birds, that of Mr. Edwards has a narrow scarlet pectoral band 
instead of having nearly the whole of the abdomen scarlet as in 
M. Brisson’s bird; while the tail coverts are white instead of 
being scarlet. As of the two birds thus referred to, the species 
of M. Brisson accords most intimately with the characters in the 
<6 Systema Nature,” while that of Mr. Edwards materially dis- 
agrees with them, the former bird may justly be considered the 
true R. dicolorus of Linneus. 

The bill of the bird in M. Brisson’s figure does not exactly 
coincide with his description in the text. But if we make allow- 
ance for the different appearances of the bill in a dried and recent 
state, we may detect the traces of the characters of the true bill 
. in his figure, and in some measure reconcile it with his description. 
The same observation may be extended to the bird represented in 
the ‘* Planches Enluminées,” [269] which appears to correspond 
very exactly with that in M. Brisson’s plate. There is an ex- 
cellent figure of this bird by M. Le Vaillant in his * Histoire 
Naturelle des Toucans,” [pl]. 8.], and Mr. Swainson also has 
added an accurate and valuable representation of it in his Zoolo- 
gical Illustrations, [pl. 108.] Dr. Latham, who refers to a speci- 
men in the Leverian Museum has also accurately described the 
species. But Dr. Shaw has at once sunk + the Linnean species 


* The lower part of the abdomen and the thigh coverts are black. The 
scarlet however descends so far downwards as to give the abdomen the appear- 
ance of being generally marked with that colour. 

+ General Zoology. Vol. VIII. p. 365. 


On some Species of the Ramphastide. A69 


R. dicolorus; united into one species Linnzus’s descriptions of 
that bird and of his R. ¢tucanus, together with the birds respec- 
tively figured in the Pl. Enl. 269 and 307; and apparently with- 
out having any specimens before him, at least without referring to 
such, has created a new species under the name of 2. pectoralis. 

Of this species I have lately seen a considerable number of 
specimens, which were brought to this country by Dr. Such from 
the neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro. ‘They appeared to accord 
accurately with each other, the length only of the bill being ex- 
cepted, in which there was much difference, the bills of some 
species exceeding those of others by more than an inch. The 
little variation in colours that thus appeared among so many spe- 
cimens of this species, confirms me in my suspicions that there are 
not so many varieties in the species in general of this group as 
have been alleged. The bill of the bird may be described from 
these specimens in conjunction with the descriptions of the before- 
mentioned naturalists to be olivaceous or greenish yellow, paler 
towards the base ‘and the culmen, with a black band at the basal 
margin, broader than in most of the Ramphasti, and a narrow red 
streak along the edges of the mandibles. In most of the speci- 
mens that have come before me, both the mandibles are margined 
with red. But there appears some slight variation in this charac- 
ter, as the bird from which Mr. Swainson’took his figure had the 
upper mandible only edged with that colour. Of two specimens 
now before me, one has the bill 4 4, the other 33, inches long 
from the victus to the apex. In other specimens I have noiiced 
an apparently greater difference in length, but I did not take the 
measurement. 

3. R. carinatus. Swains.—This is the bird figured by Mr. 
Edwards in his 329th plate, and which seems to have been erro- 
neously referred to by Linnzus as identical with the preceding 
species R. dicolorus. Mr. Swainson, to whose zeal we are in- 
debted for much information on this family, has with great justice 
separated this species under the above name in the text to the 
A5th plate of his Zoological Illustrations : having previously as- 
certained the accuracy of Mr. Edwards’ description and figure of 
the bill, one of the chief characteristicks of the species, by means 


A70 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


of a perfect bill in his own possession. He also states in addition 
to this testimony that he possesses * an original sketch in oil of 
another individual, by an unknown artist, with a note stating it 
was done from the life at Exeter Change.” 

From Messrs. Edwards and Swainson’s figures and descriptions 
of this bird, it appears to have a white wropygium, and a narrow 
pectoral bar of scarlet with under tail coverts of the same colour. 
“© The bill,” in Mr. Edwards’ own words, “ is very great in pro- 
portion, compressed sideways, having a sharp ridge along its 
upper part ;—the upper mandible is green, with a long triangular 
spot * of orange colour on each side, and the ridge on the upper 
part yellow; the lower mandible is blue, with a shade of green 
in the middle, the point is red: it hath about five transverse faint 
dusky bars, which cross the joinings of the two mandibles.” 

Although Linnezus referred to this bird of Mr. Edwards as iden- 
tical with his R. dicolorus, both M. Gmelin and Dr. Latham have 
introduced it as belonging to another species of that authour, his 
R. tucanus. This errour appears still greater, when‘ we find that 
Linneus not only did not quote this 329th Plate of Mr. Edwards 
under the head of his R. tucanus, but actually quoted for that 
species a totally different figure of that authour, the figure repre- 
sented in his 238th plate. This misquotation of Linnzus’s re- 
ferences has caused considerable confusion, as many naturalists 


* Dr. Latham, in describing the bill of this bird after Mr. Edwards, says 
that it has ‘*the upper mandible green, with three long, triangular spots of 
orange on each side.” [Syn. Vol. I. p. 326. Ed. 1™—Vol. II. p. 283. 2%] 
He refers the figure to R. tucanus, Linn. 

In noticing and endeavouring to rectify these and similiar incidental errours 
which occasionally appear in the writings of some of our best Ornithologists, 
I hope I may not be suspected of wishing to impeach their general accuracy 
or acumen. Ina subject so beset with intricacy and difficulties as is the colla- 
tion of synonyms, and the identification of species, more particularly in this 
country, where so little assistance is afforded the Naturalist, in extensive na- 
tional collections or libraries of reference, it is almost impossible to steer clear 
of errours of this description. 1 think it necessary to mention such venial 
errata, wherever I detect them, assuming the office which the authours them- 
selves would undertake had they similar opportunities for correction. And I 
hope that my own mistakes may meet with equal candour and pardon in 
return ;—hanc veniam petimusque damusque Vicissim. 


On some Species of the Ramphastide. AT) 


consult Gmelin’s edition of the ‘¢ Systema Nature,” taking it for 
granted that it is a faithful transcript of Linnzus’s original work, 
without consulting that work itself. Dr. Shaw goes even further 
in encreasing this confusion, for he describes this bird only as the 
R. tucanus of Linneus; and though he gives Linnzus’s character 
of that species, he alters them into totally different characters of 
his own to suit the figure which he has thus gratuitously adopted. 
He also refers to the bird figured in Petiver’s “ Gazophylacium,” 
[t. 44. f. 13. ], as identical with the species represented in this 
329th plate of Mr. Edwards, although that gentleman expressly 
stated that Mr. Petiver’s figure accorded with quite a different 
bird, the species figured in his 238th plate. 

4, R. viretxinus. [ll.—This bird is very beautifully figured 
by Mr. Swainson in the 56th plate of his Zoological Illustrations. 
It appears a distinct and well marked species. ‘To use that gentle- 
man’s words, *‘ the throat is yellowish-orange ; the sides and ears 
white ; the pectoral bar and tail coverts are red ; the bill is black, 
with a blue basal, belt, the top convex, and but slightly curved, 
the sides thickened.” I have a specimen of this species before 
me, which exactly agrees with this description, and I have noticed 
some others which equally accorded with it. 

5. R.rucanus. Linn.—-There is much confusion with respect 
to this species. The bird which Linnzus first described under 
this name, was that figured by Mr. Edwards in his 238th plate, 
under the name of Yucana rostro rubro, and which is the 
species now known as the R. erythrorhynchus, Gmel. His 
characters verify his reference. The words ** Ramphastos rostro 
rubro carind obtusé albidé” distinctly point out that species. 
This was the R. tucanus of his 10th Edition of the ‘¢ Systema.” 
In the 12th Edition of that work however, he materially alters 
his characters and his references. ‘There his specifick characters 
are ** R. nigricans, fascia abdominali crisso uropygioque flavis.”’ 
And in his further description of the bird, he adds these marks 
of distinction, “ rostrum flavescens, versus basin fascia nigrd; 
collum subtus et gene albe.” In his synonyms also of this 
‘species, he includes the ** Tucana Brasiliensis gutture luteo” of 
M. Brisson, referring at the same time to the figure of that bird, 


A72 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


[ Vol. iv. pl. 32. f. 1.], and still retaining his reference to Mr. 
Edwards’s figure. There are evidently two birds included in 
this last description. For M. Brisson’s figure not only differs 
from that of Mr. Edwards’s bird, but the difference is pointed 
out by the latter bird being also accurately figured and described 
as a distinct species in the “* Ornithologie,” [ Vol. iv. p. 416. pl. 31. 
f, 2.] under the appellation of Tucana Cayennensis gutture albo. 
Linnzus, in describing them under one name, probably considered 
them as the sexes of the same species. ° 

Of the two birds thus included by Linnzus in his description 
of R. tucanus, the first ought properly to be considered the 
original type of that species. But as that bird has long been 
known under the name of R. erythrorhynchus, Gmel., and as it 
is a very common species in our collections, much confusion might 
arise by altering the name under which it has so long been dis- 
tinguished. The second bird therefore to which Linnzus refers 
in his last edition, may be chosen as the representative of the true 
tucanus of that authour. 

I have never seen an individual that exactly accorded with 
Linneus’s specifick characters of this bird, as amended in his last 
edition, The existence however of the species has been placed 
beyond doubt by M. Le Vaillant, who obtained two specimens of 
it at Lisbon, which had been brought from the New World, and 
which he figured and described in his work * on these birds [pl. 4. ] 
One of these specimens he retained in his own cabinet : the other 
he transferred to the collection of M. Raye of Amsterdam. His 
description and figure intimately accord with Linnzus’s descrip- 
tion of the species: the yellow pectoral band, and the under and 
upper tail coverts of the same colour, answering to the “* fascia 
abdominali crisso uropygioque flavis” of the * Systema Nature.” 
The bill also generally corresponds with Linnzus’s description 
of that member. M. Brisson’s figure and description, to which 
Linneus referred, do not so closely accord with the same 


* M. Le Vaillant hesitates in referring his bird to R. ¢ucanus Linn., in 
consequence of its not agreeing with Mr. Edwards’s figure, in his 329th plate. 
But Linnezus himself did not refer to that figure for his fucanus: it was Gmelin, 
as has been before observsd, who erroneously introduced that reference. 


On some Species of the Ramphastide. AT3. 


characters. Both M. Gmelin however and Dr. Latham modify * 
these characters by stating that the yellow colour of: the pectoral 
Jascia and of the tail coverts incline in some instances to red. 
With this modification the characters of R. ¢ucanus will suffici- 
ently correspond with M. Brisson’s figure, and with the figure in 
the 307th No. of the ‘* Planches Enluminées :” they also corres- 
pond with Dr. Latham’s description of the species, if we exclude 
his reference to Mr. Edwards’s bird in the 329th plate of his 
work, which we have already seen belongs to the R. carinatus, 
Swains. Both M. Brisson and Dr. Latham refer, it is to be ob- 
served, to specimens of this bird; the first to one preserved in 
the Museum of M. Reaumur, the latter to specimens in the British 
and Leverian Museums. 

From the descriptions then of so many naturalists, and on these 
authorities, we may distinguish this Linnean species by the follow- 
ing characters. The throat and upper breast are of an orange 
colour, inclining to white on the sides. A narrow pectoral 
band, of about five lines in breadth, according to M. Brisson, 
together with the under tail coverts, are yellow inclining in some 
instances to red; while the upper tail coverts are universally 
described as yellow. / 

6. R. erytHroruyncuus. Gmel.—This is the bird figured by 
Mr. Edwards: in his 238th plate, and which was originally in- 
tended by Linnzus to represent his species ¢ucanus. It was 
first named and characterized by M. Gmelin in his edition of the 
** Systema Nature.” It has also been described and figured by 
M. Brisson [ Vol. i. p. 416. pl. 31. f. 2.] and figured in the 262nd 
plate of the ** Pl. Enlumineés.”? The figures in Borowski’s 
*¢ Naturgeschichte,” [ II. p. 97. 1. t. 6. ], and in Petiver’s ** Gazo- 
phylacium,” [t. 44. f.13.] which have been referred by Dr. Latham 
to the preceding species R. tucanus, belong to this bird. 

The characteristick marks of this species which is by no means 
uncommon in our cabinets, and an individual of which was some 
short time since alive in this country,+ may be stated to be as 
follows. The throat and upper parts of the breast are of pure 


* GEL. Syst. I. p. 355. Laru. Ind. Orn. p. 136. 
+ See Zool. Journ. Vol. I. pp. 484, 586, 591. 


474 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


white; this is margined by a scarlet fascia on the lower part. 
The under tail coverts are scarlet, and the upper sulphur yellow. 
The bill is long, marked at the base by the usual narrow black 
margin ; then by a broad yellow fascia, and on the culmen by a 
broad longitudinal yellow streak which extends the whole length 
and includes the apex: the rest of the bill is fine red, partially 
clouded with black, and verging to that colour towards the yellow 
fascia, thus forming a second transverse band of black adjoining 
and parallel to the yellow band. The base of the under mandible, 
according to Mr. Edwards, inclines to purplish and the apex to. 
black. M. Brisson says that the eyes are black, and the naked 
skin around them cerulescent. He appears to have drawn his 
description from a living bird in the collection of M. Reaumur, 
as he speaks of its omnivorous habits. 

7. R. rocarp. Vieill.—This species has been figured by M. 
Le Vaillant in his 9th plate, and given the above name by M. 
Vieillot in the “ Dictionaire d’Histoire Naturelle.’ The throat 
and upper parts of the breast are white, and the usual pectoral 
hand and upper and lower tail coverts scarlet. ‘The bill is black 
with a yellow longitudinal band running diagonally across the 
upper mandible from the base above to the lower edge which it 
meets about the distance of one third part from the apex. I 
have just observed a bird in Mr. Leadbeater’s valuable collection, 
which exactly accords with this description, with the exception of 
the upper tail coverts being yellow.* 

8. R. prscrvorus. Linn.—The existence of this species chiefly 
rests on the authority of Mr. Edwards, who figured it in his 64th 
plate, from a living specimen. From his figure and description 
‘Linneus seems to have named and characterized the species. 
‘M. Brisson has also described the bird, but it is doubtful whether 
from a specimen, or from Mr. Edwards’s description. In this in- 
stance he does not refer to any specimen, which is usually his 


* Mr. Leadbeater informs me that this bird, which appears to have been 
_set up a length of time ago, is defective in the plumage of the back; and 
that feathers have been added to supply the deficiency. It is probable that the 

yellow feathers of the wropygium have also been added from another species, 
perhaps from R. erythrorhynchus. 


On some Species of the Ramphastide. AT5 


practice, when he describes from the bird itself; at the same time 
in referring to Mr. Edwards’s plate, he terms the figure repre- 
sented in it ** tres exacte,” which would not in all likelihood have 
been the case, if he had not had a specimen before him by which 
he could determine its accuracy. Linneus refers to Ray’s Xochi- 
tenacatl tertia as a synonym of this bird, and this reference has 
been generally copied by succeeding writers when describing it: 
but Mr. Ray himself merely speaks* of the bird at second 
hand ; referring to the description of it in Fernandez, and even 
expressing his doubts whether it may not be the same as his own 
Pica Brasiliensis, the R. picatus of Linneus. The bird described 
by Mr. Bancroft + as the Toucan of Guiana, as well as the figure in 
the Pl]. Enl. 262,¢ both of which are included by Dr. Latham in 
his references of this bird, belong to R. erythrorhynchus, Gmel. 
Little light therefore is thrown upon this species by any of the 
authours who are referred to as describing it: and on the whole, 
as the fact of M. Brisson’s having seen the bird itself is some- 
what doubtful, it seems to rest on the authority solely of Mr. 
Edwards. 

From his description the species may be distinguished as 
follows. Its throat and the upper parts of its breast are white, 
or rather cream-colour, with a lunulated fascia beneath of fine 
red, which is softened both abeve and below into the adjoining 
colours; the under tail coverts are pale red, the upper white. 
‘The bill has the upper mandible of a pale yellow greenish colour, 
the lower of a fine blue colour, faint towards the head and 
stronger towards the point: the point itself of both the upper 
and lower mandibles, for above an inch deep, is of a fine scarlet 
colour ; and the sides of both, near the edges, have a long cloud 
of orange colour transversely barred with black or dusky lines, 
which pass through the divisions of the bill a little way into the 
sides of the lower mandible. 


* Syn. Meth. Av. Appendix. p. 178. 

+ Essay on the Natural History of Guiana. p. 163. 

} Dr. Latham has vectified this reference to the ** Planches Eniuminées”’ 
in his “ Index Ornithologicus,” and in the second Edition of his ‘* Synopsis.” 


476 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


9. R, ampiauus. Swains—This species stands exactly in the 
same situation as the last. It rests on the authority of a draw- 
ing to which a note was appended stating that it was taken 
“from the bird just dead.” We are indebted for the publica- 
tion of the species to the zeal of Mr. Swainson, who expresses 
his reliance on the authenticity of the figure, in consequence of 
the accurate accordance of several other drawings executed by 
the same artist, and now in his own possession, with well known 
species. I make no doubt that this and the foregoing species, 
together with many others obscurely described by early authors, 
will be brought to light, as the interiour of the vast territory of 
South America, scarcely more than the outskirts of which are 
now known to naturalists, comes to be more extensively ex- 
plored. 

Mr. Swainson has given an interesting figure of this bird,* from 
which and his description the following characters may be drawn. 
The throat and upper parts of the breast are yellow. The usual 
pectoral band, somewhat narrow, and the under tail coverts are 
scarlet: the wropygium white. The characters of the bill are in 
Mr. Swainson’s own words, as follows ;—** mandibule superioris 
pute superiore flava, transverse maculata, strigd viridi oblique 
divist: mandibula inferiore nigra.” 

10. R. ricatus. Linn.—Although I have often heard of this 
species, which is commonly known under the name of the Preacher 
Toucan, as being in different collections in this country, I never 
had an opportunity of examining a specimen. [ am inclined to 
suspect that it does not belong to the present genus, but rather to 
Pteroglossus, Il), It has the bill of that group, as far at least 
as can be judged from a single figure, the serrations of the 
edges being strongly marked and even, and the nostrils being con- 
spicuous at the upper part of the bill, at the base. The dispo- 
sition of the colours are equally indicative of its connection with 
the Pteroglosst. But the tail is represented as even in Mr. Albin’s 
figure of the bird, + the only figure I have seen of it, and des- 


* Zool. Illust. Pl. 168. 
+ Nat. Hist. of Birds. Vol. Il. No. 25. 


On some Species of the Ramphastide. ATT 


cribed also as such by M. Brisson.* If all these characters are. 
stated correctly, the species forms an interesting bond of con- 
nection between the Ramphasti and Pteroglossz. 

This bird seems to have been among the first of the family 
which were known to the early ornithologists. It appears to be 
the Pica Brasiliensis of Gessner, Aldrovandus, and Ray, and the 
Tucana of M. Brisson.. The following are the specifick charac- 
ters given by Linnzus :—R. nigricans, pectore luteo, crisso rec- 
tricumque apicibus rubris, uropygio nigro. The bill is said to be: 
yellowish clouded with dark green, the apew inclining to red. 

There are still some species described as belonging to this 
family, which cannot be referred with certainty to either of the 
two genera described in it: such as the R. torquatus, pavoninus, 
luteus, ceruleus, & dubius. Gmel. Most of these seem to have 
been characterized and named from the descriptions of some of the 
older authours, particularly Fernandez, who enumerates many 
apparently different species, in his ‘ Historia Nove Hispania.” 
The last species was described on the authority merely of a list 
of birds belonging to a collection in France. Many of these spe- 
cies will probably be hereafter recovered to science. But in the 
present state of doubt respecting their authenticity, it would be 
unsafe to exalt them to the rank of species, or notice them further 
than by a casual reference. 

I have been led into this long, and I fear tedious enumeration 
of species and synonyms, with the view of pointing out the differ- 
ence of my bird from all those which have been hitherto des- 
cribed from authentick sources. From the description given above 
of this bird, it will be evident that it can be referred with cer- 
tainty to none of the foregoing species. The species to which it 
approaches most nearly is the R. tucanus, Linn.: and ornitho- 
logists in general on a casual inspection, have assigned it that 
name. But it will be seen that it in no respect corresponds with 
Linnzus’s original description, or with the most authentick figure 
which we have of the species, that of M. Le Vaillant. It is true 
as I have before observed, that as Linnzus referred to M. Bris- 


* Ornithologie IV. p. 402. M. Vieillot makes the species a Ramphastos in 
the ‘* Dict. d’Hist. Naturelle,” 


A78 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


son’s figure as representing his own ¢ucanus, we may so far 
modify his description of the species as to make it accord with 
that of M. Brisson. And we might also modify the figure 
and description of M. Brisson’s bird, so as to make it agree in 
general with my R. Ariel. But stil! there are one or two 
particulars in which these two birds disagree, which cannot at 
once be reconciled. In my bird the throat and upper part of 
the breast are of an uniform orange buff colour, while in R. tuca- 
mus the sides are described as white: and both Linneus himself 
and M. Brisson, as well as the later writers who have described 
the latter species from actual specimens, agree in assigning it a 
yellow uropygium, while that of the bird now before us, is of a 
bright scarlet. A considerable difference may also be traced in 
the bills of these birds ; although from mine being a live bird and 
the colours of the bill consequently vivid, and the descriptions to 
which I refer being probably taken from faded specimens, no stress 
should be laid on this point. The difference in these characters 
may be said, it is true, to be the mere effect of age or accident : 
it may be equally conjectured to be the indication of a difference 
in sex. But we have hitherto no proof of such a fact: and until 
this variation has actually been ascertained to obtain in the species, 
I consider it, as I have already observed, more consistent with 
the accuracy of science, to keep the birds distinct in which so 
marked a difference is displayed.* 

With respect to the manners of my bird, I can add but little to 
the very accurate and interesting account of those of a species 
nearly allied to it, which has appeared in a preceding number of 
this Journal. t+ I have not allowed it to be indulged in that dis- 
position to animal food, which so strikingly belongs to this family. 
I find in fact that it thrives sufficiently well upon a vegetable diet, 
and I fear that if it should once be allowed any other, it would 
be difficult to restrain its inclination for it within moderate limits. 
Eggs are the only animal food with which it has been supplied 


* Since the above observations were sent to press, I have had an opportu- 
nity of inspecting M. Vieillot’s ‘‘ Galerie des Oiseaux,” in which I perceive 
my bird is figured under the name of Le Toucan du Para. 

+ Vol. 1. p. 484. 


On some Species of the Ramphastide. AT9 


since it came into my possession. Of these it is particularly fond : 
and they are generally mixed up in his ordinary food, which con- 
sists of bread, rice, potatoes, German paste, and similar sub- 
stances. He delights in fruits of all kinds. During the period 
when these were fresh, he fed almost exclusively on them; and 
even in the present winter months he exhibits great gratification , 
in being offered pieces of apples, oranges, or preserved fruits of 
any description. These he generally holds for a short time at 
the extremity of his bill, touching them with apparent delight 
with his slender and feathered tongue, and then conveying them 
by a sudden upward jerk to his throat, where they are caught and 
instantly swallowed. His natural propensity to preying upon ani- 
mals, although not indulged, is still strongly conspicuous. When 
another bird approaches his cage, or even a skin or preserved 
specimen is presented to him, he exhibits considerable excitement. 
He raises himself up, erects his feathers, and utters that “* hollow 
clattering sound,” noticed by Mr. Broderip, which seems to be 
the usual expression of delight in these birds :—the zrides of his 
eyes at the same time expand, and he seems ready to dart upon 
his prey, if the bars of his cage permitted his approach. On one 
occasion when a small bird was placed by chance over his cage at 
night, he shewed great restlessness, as if aware of the neighbour- 
hood of the bird, and he would not be composed until the cause 
of his anxiety was discovered and removed. . 

When in his cage he is peculiarly gentle and tractable, suffers 
himself to be played with, and feeds from the hand. Out of his 
cage he is wild and timid. In general he is active and lively: 
and contrary to what might be expected from the apparent dis- 
proportion of the bill, and the seemingly clumsy shape of the birds 
of this genus, as they are usually set up or represented in figures, 
his appearance is not only graceful, but his movements, as he 
glides from perch to perch, are light and sylphlike ; so much so 
as to have suggested to an intelligent friend who witnessed them, 
the specifick name which I have ventured to assign him. He 
keeps himself in beautiful plumage; his lighter colours being 
strikingly vivid, and the deep black of his upper body in particu- 
lar being always bright and glossy. For this fine condition he 


A80 Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


seems to be much indebted to his fondness for bathing. Every 
day he immerses himself in cold water with apparent pleasure 
_ even in this severe weather: and in no respect indeed does he 
appear to suffer by the transition from his.own warm climate to 
our uncongenial atmosphere. 

Besides the ‘* hollow clattering noise,” as my friend Mr. 
Broderip so expressively terms the usual sounds of these birds, he 
utters at times a hoarse and somewhat discordant cry, when he 
happens to be hungry, and to see his focd about to be presented 
to him. On such occasions he stands erect, raising his head in 
the air, and half opening his bill as he emits this cry. These 
are the only sounds I have heard him utter. And in neither can 
I say that I have detected any similarity or even approach to the 
word Toucan, as has sometimes been asserted, and from whence 
the trivial name of the genus has been supposed to originate. 
Neither have I been able to verify another observation which has 
been advanced respecting these birds,—that the bill is compressi- 
ble between the fingers in the living bird. The bill, notwith- 
standing the lightness of its substance, is firm, and capable of 
grasping an object with much strength. The mode in which Mr. 
Broderip describes his Toucan as having broken the limbs of the 
bird which he was about to devour, by “a strong lateral wrench,” 
sufficiently shows that the bill is not deficient in power. Indeed 
I generally observe that my bird takes what is offered him, rather 
by the sides than by the point of his bill: and I suspect that 
much of the powers of that member are centered in this lateral 
motion. The serration of the edges also may be supposed to tend 
to these peculiar powers. 

The manner in which he composes himself to rest is repre- 
sented in the accompanying plate. Since the cold weather has 
commenced he has been brought into a room with a fire, and the 
unusual light seems to have interfered with his general habits : 
he does not go to rest as early or as regularly as was his custom ; 
and he sometimes even feeds at alate hour. During the warmer 
months, however, when he was more free from interruption, his 
habits were singularly regular. As the dusk of the evening ap- 
proached he finished his last meal for the day, took a few turns, 


On some Species of the Ramphastide. 481 


us if for exercise after his meal, round the perches of his cage ; 
and then settled on the highest perch, disposing himself, almost 
at the moment he alighted on it, in the posture represented in 
Pl. XV. fig. 2.; his head drawn in between his shoulders and his 
tail turned vertically over his back. In this posture he generally 
remained about two hours in a state between sleeping and 
_ waking; his eyes for the most part closed, but opening on the 
slightest interruption. At such times he would allow himself to 
be handled, and would even take any favourite food that was 
offered him, without altering his posture further than by a gentle 
turn of the head. He would also suffer his tail to be replaced by 
the hand in its natural downward posture, and would then imme- 
diately return it again to its vertical position. In these move- 
ments the tail seemed to turn as if on a hinge that was operated 
upon by a spring. At the end of about two hours he began 
gradually to turn his bill over his right shoulder, and to nestle it 
among the feathers of his back, as is represented in fig. 3.; some- 
times concealing it completely within the plumage, at other times 
leaving a slight portion of the culmen exposed. At the same time 
he drooped the feathers of his wings and those of the thigh 
coverts, so as to encompass the legs and feet: and thus nearly 
assuming the appearance of an oval ball of feathers, he secured 
himself against all exposure to cold. 


Genus. Preroctossus. Ill. 


I do not find any description that exactly corresponds with the 
following bird, of which a fine specimen is in my possession. I 
obtained it some short time back at an auction of birds, without 
any notice of its locality. 


Birorevatus. Pt. olivaceo-viridis, capite nigro, gula guttureque 
castaneis, hoc subtus nigro-marginato, torque pectorali an- 
gusté abdomine crissoque sulphureis, pectore nuché uropy- 
gioque coccineis: mandibula superiore flavo-albescente, in-~ 
feriore albidé fascié obliqua apicali nigra. 


Supp. Pl. 17. 
Vo. Il, oe 


A82 My. Vigors’s Sketches in Ornithology. 


Pectoris plume basi fusca, apice sanguineo-coccinee ; superi- 
ores in medio sulphuree. . Abdominis plume basi fusce, apice 
sulphuree ; quibusdam lateralibus prope fasciam pectoralem sitis 
sanguineo-coccineo ad apicem notatis. Tectrices inferiores fusco- 
albide. Remiges supra fusce,. externé olivaceo-viridi marginate ; 
subtus fusce, ad basin interné pallidiores. Rectrices olivaceo- 
virides, subtus pallidiores. ectrices femorales pallidé olivaceo- 
virides. Rostrum margine gracili aurantiaco prominente instruc- 
tum: mandibuld superiore pallidé flavo-albida, profundé serrata, 
subtus strigd nigra serras comprehendente marginata; inferiore 
vix serrata, fascia lata nigra apicali, a basi supra obliqué descen- 
dente mandibulamque in partes zquales dividente, teniaque gracili 
nigra, marginem basalem aurantiacum attingente ornata. Longi- 
tudo corporis, 15; alwa carpoad remigem 5°", 4%; caud@, 54; 
rostri, 2 2,3 tarst, 1 5%. 

The species to which this bird bears the nearest resemblance, 
is the Pt. Azara of M. Vieillot, described in the ‘* Dictionaire 
d’Histoire Naturelle.”*. It has the same colours, and nearly the 
same distribution of them. But my bird does not possess the 
second black band that separates the scarlet of the breast from 
the yellow of the abdomen in M. Vieillot’s bird: nor has the 
latter bird the yellow collar that adjoins the black fascia on the 
breast, or the scarlet nuchal band that is found on my bird. Ina 
family like the present where the species approach each other so 
nearly in their colours, such differences as the foregoing are im- 
portant in the discrimination of species. At the same time it 
must be observed that the colours of the sexes among the Péero- 


* M. Vieillot refers to plate A. of M. Le Vaillant’s work on this family. 
The only copy that I have been able to consult of this splendid work in this 
country is in the possession of my friend Mr. Children of the British Museum, 
and this plate is by some accident wanting, I have not therefore been able to 
compare my bird with M. Le Vaillant’s figure of Pé. Azara. The want of such 
books of reference in our publick libraries is a material obstacle to the advance 
of science. I have lately however seen M. Vieillot’s own figure of this species. 
[Gal. des Ois.] The bill deviates much more from that of my bird than. I was 
led to suppose, from the description in the ‘¢ Dictionaire d’Histoire Naturelle.” 
From the inspection of this figure I am strengthened in the opinion that my 
bird is specifically distinct from Pt. Azara. 


Mr. Selby on a new Species of Psaris. 483 


glosst differ very materially. And from the general accordance 
of the bill of my bird with the description of that of M. 
Vieillot’s,—that member affording perhaps the strongest charac- 
ters for the determination of species in this group,—I should not 
feel surprised at finding that the two birds are merely sexes of 
the same species. Until this fact however is actually ascertained 
to be the case, I think it more accordant with the accuracy of 
science to keep them separate. 


[To be continued. | 


Art. LI. An Account of a new or fifth Species of the 
Genus Psaris, Cuv. By P. J. Seusy, Esq. F.L.S. 
M.W.S., &c. 


GENTLEMEN, 

On perusing Mr: Swainson’s paper, contained in the 7th Num- 
ber of your Journal, giving an account of two new species of the 
genus Psaris of M. Cuvier, I was led to refer to some notes 
relative to this genus, which I made in Autumn last, during an 
excursion to the Continent undertaken principally for the purpose 
of visiting the national Museums of Holland and France. Upon 
comparing these with Mr. Swainson’s descriptions, an additional 
species, perfectly distinct from the two he has described, was 
noticed ; and I am enabled from these notes, in conjunction with 
a drawing of the Head of the Bird, made at the time, to offer the 
following specific description. 


Fam. © Lantap#. Vigors. 
Subfam. ‘TTyrRANNINA. 
Genus: ~~ Psaris. Cuv. 


PsaRIs ERYTHROGENYS. 
P. supra griseus, genis rufis, capite alis caudaque nigris ; infra 
griseo-albidus. 
Above ashegray, cheeks red, crown, ed. and tail black ; be- 
neath grayish white. 
2un 2 


484 Mr. Bell on a new Species of Terrapene. 


Description. 

Size nearly that of Psaris Cayanus. Crown of head and napé 
pitch-black, space between the bill and eyes, and eye streak 
white, tinged with red. Cheeks and ear-coverts deep reddish 
brown. Back, rump, and wing-coverts ash-grey, the tips of some 
of the feathers black.* Wings and tail black. Breast aud belly 
greyish white, under tail-coverts white. Bill blueish black, rather 
broader than that of Psaris Cayanus. 

A specimen of this species is placed by the side of P. Cayanus 
in the Parisian Museum, but without a ticket attached to it, 
merely stating it to be from Pernambuco. In the valuable cabinet 
of the Baron Laugier is another specimen, likewise unnamed. 
This species, in its form and the distribution of its colours, is 
nearly allied to P. Cayanus. 

In the Parisian Museum Psaris cristatus of Mr. Swainson is 
placed at the extremity of the Thamnophili, and ticketed Lanius 
atricilla. Its appearance immediately arrested my attention and | 
that of a friend who accompanied me; and I find that we consi- 
dered it at the time as possessing the characters of a true Psaris. 
We afterwards found it placed among that group in the Baron 
Laugier’s collection, under the title, [ think, of P.-atricilla, 


I am, Gentlemen, 
Yours, &c. 
P. J. Sersy. 


Art. LII. Description of a new Species of TERRAPENE; 
with further Observations on 'T. Carouina and T. ma- 
cuLaTa. By Tuomas Beuu, Esq. F.L.S. 


Fam. Emypipz. 
Subfam. Srexnoru#rina. Bell. 
Genus. Terrarene. Merr. 


* The black tips probably indicate immaturity of plumage. “ 


Terrapene bicolor. 485 


picoLtor.—-7\. testa glabra tricarinatd, fusca ; sterni flavescentis 
squamis fusco unimaculatis. 


Habitat in America septentrionali. 
Mus. Nost. 
Icon. Tab. xvi. 


Description. 


This species bears considerable resemblance to J’. maculata, 
but it is distinctly tricarinated, grows to a much larger size, and 
totally differs from that species in colour. The scales of the 
back are smooth, with the area of each raised. The upper part 
of the head and neck is of a dull brown colour, as are also the 
feet, tail, and the whole of the upper shell. The under part of 
the head, with the plates of the sternum are of a pale yellowish 
colour, each of the latter havinga broad dark coloured spot at 
the area. The head is even smaller than in the other. species 
of the genus, although the animal is almost twice as large; it is 
marked with a yellow line on each side passing from the nostrils 
over the eyes to the beginning of the neck. The eyes are black 
and very small. . 


Inches. 
Length of the upper shell ......... 8..0 
ISreadtaOndutlo src. sce siciass't ce ap as) Dine D 
Length of the sternum ........... 6..5 
Breadth OLUVECO pee te cress '- ene, 
Height of the roti shed “af rest. Se 


In its habits this Tortoise is excessively timid, remaining al- 
most constantly within its shell, and if now and then it is sur- 
prized when walking, it instantly retreats within its box in which 
it afterwards remains closely concealed. In this respect it differs 
remarkably from those species which bear the nearest structural 
relation to it. Since the living specimen now in my possession 


came to my hands, my friend Mr, James de C, Sowerby has had ~ 
the kindness to present me with a shell of the same species which 
he had living some years since ; and these are the only two speci-~ 
mens I have seen or heard of. In this individual the sternum is 
very concave in the middle of the posteriour valve; a structure 


A86 Mr. Bell on a new Species of Terrapene. 


which is usually considered as characteristic of the male sex: 
but which is here proved not to be peculiar to it, at least in the 
subfamily of the box tortoises, as Mr. Sowerby informs me that 
two eggs were found in the body. 


I have great satisfaction in being able in some measure to con- 
firm the observations which I made in the last number of the 
Zoological Journal, respecting the distinct specific characters of 
the three species of Terrapene, previously confounded under the 
trivial name Clausa. I have now living a specimen of 7°. maculuta 
and one of 7’. Carolina, which, while they retain the essential dis- 
tinctions in the shell pointed out in the paper on the Box Tor- 
toises, exemplify an equal difference in the markings and colours, 
as well as even in some measure in the structure and habits of the 
animals. In TJ. maculata the head, neck, and fore feet are of a 
bright scarlet spotted with black, and it is certainly one of the 
most shewy and beautiful animals of the order. The head is 
much larger, and the upper mandible more hooked, and projects 
farther beyond the under than in JT. Carolina. The iris is of a 
brilliant scarlet with an inner rim of bright yellow, the two 
colours radiating as it were into each other; the pupil black. 

In T. Carolina on the other hand the general colour of the head 
and feet is a dull orange, obscurely marked with brown. The 
iris in this species is also scarlet, but of a deep hue and without 
the yellow ring. It is much more bold and active than the former, 
feeding readily on meat; and I have known it even in its present 
unnatural and semidomestic state, attempt to pursue a frog round 
the room ; which is quite consistent with the habits assigned to it 
by Shaw. Edwards’s description, which is very correct and com- 
plete, can only refer to this species, which leads me to believe 
that he was unacquainted with 7. maculata and T. nebulosa. 


Prof. Peck on Insects which affect Oaks & Cherry Trees. 487 


Arr. LIL. On Insects which affect Oaks and Cherry 
Trees. By the late Professor W. D. Pecx.* 


CamBrincE, U.S. Jan. 30th, 1819. 

Ir has been observed that America is ‘¢ the land of insects.” 
This observation is strikingly just as applied to the meridional 
and tropical parts of this quarter of the globe; in which these 
animals are equally remarkable for their numbers, and conspicuous 
for their magnitude ; but it may, perhaps, be as truly said of a 
great part of the northern portion of it, where, though much 
diminished in volume and often very minute, the observer will 
find them surprisingly copious. These diligent and faithful ser- 
vants of nature, as Linneus calls them, are perpetually engaged 
in destroying all that is dead, and in checking the increase of all 
that is living in the vegetable world. In the execution of the 
task assigned them, they often frustrate the designs and subvert 
the arrangements of man; thus constraining him to attend to objects 
which are generally deemed beneath his notice, and obliging him 
to feel how effective is the smallest instrument in the hand of 
Omnipotence. 

In this paper it is intended to lay before the Board of Trustees 
of the Massachusetts Agricultural Society, some notices of two 
insects, one of which inhabits the forest ; the other is injurious to 
fruit trees. 

For several years past the ground beneath the black and.white 
oaks, has been observed to be strewed with small branches of 
those trees from eighteen inches to two feet in length. Mr.Sullivan — 
assures me he has found them five feet in length, and an inch in 
diameter. The falling of these branches is occasioned by the 
larva or grub of an insect which, when its feeding or larva state 
is nearly complete, eats away the wood in a circular direction, 
leaving only the bark entire; this is broken by the first strong 
breeze, and the branch, with the larva in it, falls to the ground. 
From this effect of its labours, it may be called the Oak-pruner. 


* From the Massachusetts Agricultural Repository and Journal, Vol. V. 


488 Prof. Peck on Insects which affect Oaks & Cherry Trees. 


At the meeting of the Board of Trustees at the seat of Gorham 
Parsons, Esq., on the 23rd of July last, the Hon. Mr. Sullivan 
produced several branches of oaks which contained larve. Five 
of these I brought home, reduced them to four or five inches in 
length ; and in order to determine whether the larve descended 
into the earth, threw them into a vessel nearly filled with light 
garden mould, covering the vessel with a piece of window-glass, 
both to prevent the escape of the perfect insects, if any should 
be disclosed, and to retard the drying of the mould. 

LT imagined that as the larva is enclosed in the fallen branch 
with a sufficient supply of nutriment to carry it through the feed- 
ing state, it was intended it should enter the earth when that 
state was passed, and that it was impelled by instinct to cut off 
the branch, that it might be brought in safety to the ground before 
it was quite ready to quit the wood ; but my conjecture was erro- 
neous: there must be some other reason for this process. 

A degree of humidity is necessary to favour the development 
of the parts of the perfect insect while it is in the nympha state ; 
in the body and larger branches of trees the moisture is sufficient 
for this purpose ; but in these small branches, which are killed, 
the moisture would be exhaled by the action of the sun and wind 
if they remained on the tree, whereas, by their falling, and being’ 
thus placed nearly or quite in contact with the moist earth, their 
humidity is preserved. It was not precisely with this view, that 
the prepared branches were treated as above mentioned ; but the 
purpose was attained. The vessel was kept in a warm room, the 
wood was kept moist and one perfect insect made its appearance 
in November, another in December; but I believe they would 
not have been disclosed till the springy if the branches had re- 
mained abroad. 

The insect belongs to a tribe composed of a number of genera 
called Capricorn-Beetles and Wood-eaters. The genus of which 
it is an undescribed species, is named by Fabricius, Stenocorus, 
Linneus would have called it Cerambyx. It is of a dull brown 
colour, a little brighter on the under-side, every where dotted 
with impressed points, and sprinkled with short whitish hairs 
which lic close to the surface; these give it a grayish hue under 


Stenocorus Putator. A89 


the magnifier. "The antenne are about as long as the whole in- 
sect, tapering a little from the base to the point, and have ten 
joints, of which the second and third terminate in a small spine. 
The thorax is even, without any prominences; and the elytra or 
wing-cases have each two points at the apex. Individual insects 
differ considerably in magnitude, from four and a half to six- 
tenths of aninch in length. Their form is slender; the largest 
is only 42, of an inch in breadth at the base of the elytra. It 
may be called Stenocorus (Putator) obscuré-brunneus, albido- 
pilosus ; thorace inermi; elytris bidentatis ; antennis longitudine 


corporis, articulis 2° et 3° spinula terminatis. 

This insect is probably diffused over a large portion of the 
United States, perhaps from Maine to Georgia, wherever the oaks 
which it prefers are found. 

As the leaves are in full vigour in July, preparing the descend- 
ing sap, and as the. greatest part of the new wood is formed after 
the summer solstice, the loss of leaves at this season must diminish 
the tree’s increase in diameter, in proportion to the quantity of 
leaves taken from it. But the falling of the branches with the 
Jarva in them enables us, though we cannot destroy the species, 
to check its ravages in some degree. The branches should be 
collected from the time they begin till they cease to fall, and 
carefully burnt. 

* The upper lip is a kind of scale which covers the mandibles 
on the upper side ; this is slightiy notched, dotted, and fringed 
with hairs. The inner edge of the mandibles is curved, without 
notches, having a little within the edge a curved line set with 
short strong bristles. The maxille are divided at the outer end, 
the exterior division the largest, thin, and covered and fringed 
with hairs; the interior smaller, stronger, and terminated with 
thick-set curved bristles, forming a stiff brush at the base of the 
outer division of the maxillary palpi of four joints, the terminal 
joint largest, obliquely truncated and compressed. The lower 
lip is deeply divided into two parts, thin, rounded at the ends, 


* This paragraph is slightly altered from the original, in which a plate is 
here referred to, not sufficiently well executed, however, to allow of our 
copying it.——Eprr, ° 


490 Prof. Peck on Insects which affect Oaks & Cherry Trees. 


covered and fringed with hairs; at the base of these divisions 
are the two labial palpi of three joints, the terminal ‘one of: oe 
same shape as in the other pair, but smaller, 

The plum-trees, Prunus domestica, have for a number of years 
been disfigured with irregular swellings on the younger branches. 
The seat of this disease is in the bark. The sap is diverted from 
its regular course, and is absorbed entirely by the bark, which is 
very much increased in thickness; the cuticle bursts, the swelling 
becomes irregular, and is formed into black lumps, with a cracked, 
uneven, granulated surface. The wood, besides being deprived 
of its nutriment, is very much compressed and the branch above 
the tumour perishes. The cherry-tree is affected in a seMiler 
manner. 

When the Board of Trustees met at the seat of John Lowell, 
Esq. in Roxbury, on the 27th of June last, Mr. Pomroy took 
from acherry-tree in Mr. Lowell’s garden, a small branch dis- 
eased as above mentioned of the plum-tree. On taking off a thin 
slice of the tumour, I found it was inhabited by living larvae ; 
and flattered myself that the disease of both trees arose from the 
same insect. I brought the branch home with me, and placed it 
in alarge glass phial. On the 6th of July, [ perceived that the 
larve had left the tumour, and were uneasy in the bottom of the 
phial. A vessel of earth was immediately prepared, as mentioned 
above in the account of the Pruner; the larve when turned into 
it buried themselves instantly. On the 30th of the same 
_ month, or twenty-four days from their leaving the bark, the per- 
fect insects began to rise. They proved to be insects which I 
had long known to occasion the fall of peaches, apricots, and 
plums, by the larva eating into the kernel of those fruits long 
before they had acquired half their growth. 

This insect belongs to the same genus with the Rhynchenus 
Strobi or White Pine Weevil, described in the Massachusetts 
Agricultural Journal for January 1817, to a plate in which I 
would refer for a representation of the parts of the mouth. In 
that, the rostrum or snout is nearly straight; in the present 
species it is curved, so as to form the segment of a circle. All 
the thighs have two small obtuse points on the under side. In 


Rhynchenus Cerasi. 491 


colour it is variegated with white and red hairs; the ground 
colour of the shelly coat on which they are placed is dark brown. 
The thorax is contracted behind the head ; its surface is irregular, 
much pitted, and has a raised longitudinal line in the middle, 
with three small tubercles on each side of it, placed in a triangu- 
lar form. The elytra are marked with longitudinal ridges and on 
these are placed oblong tubercles, of which there are ten or 
twelve; four of these in the middle of the elytra are largest, 
smooth, and of a brown-black colour. On the under side the 
body is pitted, or marked, with large impressed points, like the 
top of athimble. The first pair of feet is rather the largest; the 
second the smallest, and all are sprinkled with white and bright- 
rust-coloured hairs. The points of the claws on all the feet are 
double. 

Mr. Pomroy was so obliging as to bring me three tumours cut 
from his plum-tree, later iv the season, but the larve had left 
them. Being, therefore, uncertain whether the disease of the 
plum-tree is to be attributed to this insect or to another species 
of the same genus, I would call it the Cherry Weevil. It may be 
distinguished by the specific name of Rhynchenus (Cerasi), femo- 
ribus dentatis ; fulvo alboque variegatus, elytris tuberculis pluribus 
carinatis, quatuor in medio majoribus nigris. 

Among the 272 species of this genus, mentioned by Fabricius, 
there were several found in Cayenne and Carolina, which are 
nearly allied to this ; but it differs from them all, and appears to 
be undescribed. 

The evil produced by this insect cannot be wholly remedied ; 
but something may be done to diminish the mischief by cutting 
off the diseased branches. This however must be done at the 
right season, and must be the joint care of a whole neighbourhood 
at the same time. Those insects which furnished the data above set 
down, ceased to feed on the 6th of July, rose from the earth on 
the 30th, and were soon ready to deposit their éggs in healthy 
branches ; but if the diseased branches be cut off in the last half 
of June, a great number may be destroyed, and most effectually, 
by burning the amputated parts. It is possible, that in some 
situations they may be disclosed earlier; it will therefore be 


A92 Mr. Yarrell on a British specimen of Anas rufina. 


surest to prune away the diseased parts as soon as they appear, 
cleansing the tree now of the old tumours, that new ones may be 
more readily perceived. 


Art. LIV. Notice of the occurrence of a species of Duck 
new to the British Fauna. By Wiuiiam YaRRELL, 
Esq. F.LS. 


Anas Rufina.—Pallas. 


SyNONYMES. 


The Great Red Headed Duck. ay Wallsehbas Ornithology, 
page 364. 


The Red Crested Duck.—Latham’s General Synopsis, Ist Edit. 
Vol. VI. p. 544. 


Canard Siffeur Huppé.—Temminck’s Manuel d’Ornith. 2% 
Edit. 2°° Partie. p. 864. 


A male of this beautiful species was shot near Boston, while 
feeding on fresh-water in company with some Wigeons, and sent to 
the London Market, on the 21st January, fiom whence it was 
purchased for preservation. 

- Though a well known European species, it has not hitherto 
been recorded to have been killed in England. 

As new therefore to the catalogue of British Ducks, a short 
description may be acceptable. 

In size it is nearly equal to the common Wild Duck, (Azas 
Boschas,) the irides and beak bright vermillion, the nails white, 
sides of the head and neck chesnut, but lighter in colour at the 
top of the head, where the feathers are elongated forming a crest, 
the nape and neck dark-brown, upper part of the back and scapu~- 
laries light-brown, wing coverts ash-brown, a white semilunar patch 
over each shoulder, speculum white, shaft and part of each wing 
primary white, the edges and tips dusky, front of neck and breast 
dark-brown, abdomen lighter, under surface of the wings, sides 
and flanks white, all the white parts tinged with pink, tail feathers 


Mr. G. B: Sowerby on a new fossil Astacus. 498 


ash-brown, upper and under tail coverts dark-brown, legs and 
toes orange, the webs black. 

A doubt has been expressed that the occurrence of this bird 
might not be the result of natural migration, as several had been 
brought to this country, three or four years since: it may there- 
fore be proper to state, that the plumage of the Duck now de- 
scribed did not exhibit any indication that the bird had been kept 
in confinement, and by a comparison with the plumage of the 
adult it will be found, that this is not yet arrived at maturity, 
probably in the second year, a circumstance very much in favour 
of a natural migration, our rare visitors being generally young 
birds. 

It will also be recollected that the weather for ten days pre- 
ceding its appearance was remarkable for the severity of the 
frost. Wild fowl were most abundant on our south and south- 
east coasts; young birds of all three species of the genus Colymbus 
were purchased in the London Market, and those of the genus 
Mergus in different states of plumage; British Ornithologists 
are also indebted to the pages of this Journal for the record, 
that within the last two years the Oriolus Galbula, Anthus Rich= 
ardi, Accentor Alpinus, Gallinula Baillonii and others, have been 
taken in England, all of them birds extremely rare, and, compared 
with the Duck now described, of equal extent in their western 
migration. WoW: 


Art. LV. Description of anew Species of Astacus found 
in a Fossil State at Lyme Regis, in Dorsetshire, com- 
municated by HH. 'T. De wa Becue, Esq. F.R.S., &c. 
By G. B. Sowrensy, F.L.S, &c. 


Astacus longimanus. 


A, manibus longis, centrali caude segmento utrinque subserrato. 
Icon. Tab. nost. v. ii. t. xvii. fig. 1, 2. 
A. with long hands and the central segment of the tail slightly 
serrated on each side. 


AQA Mr. G. B. Sowerby on two new species of Cyprea. 


The specimen from which our representation is taken was 
obligingly communicated by H. T. De la Beche, Esq., it is from 
the indurated nodules (called in the country ‘“* Cowstones”) con- 
tained in the lowest green sand of Lyme Regis ; 3 itis in Miss E. 
Phillpot’s collection. 

The genus Astacus being divided, according to Desmarest, into 
two sections, the species of which are respectively inhabitants | of 
the sea, (Lobsters) and rivers (Crayfish) the present species may 
be considered as belonging to the marine section. 

Both the claws are rather rough : the superior external edge of 
the left hand has a longitudinal groove and the inner edge a few 
tubercular spines: the finger as well as that part of the thumb of the 
left hand opposite to it are armed with small, regular teeth on the 
inner edge; bothare much attenuated and elongated. ‘The right 
claw is more robust than the left: the outer edge of the thumb 
has a longitudinal groove, both above and below, and the inner 
edges of the finger as well as of its thumb are armed with a few 
large tubercles. The outer edges of the central segment of the 
terminal flap of the tail are serrated with a few small sharp teeth. 
Thorax witha few small pointed spines and a deep lunulate groove 
on each side in front; smooth and finely granulated behind. 
Abdomen smooth, with minute distant punctulations on the upper 
part. Terminal flap of the tail or abdomen rather rugose. 


Art. LVI. Descriptions of two new Species of Cyprea, 
principally extracted from * A Catalogue of the Shells 
in the Collection of the late Earl of Tankerville.” By 
G. B.Sowersy, F.L.S., &c. 


Cypr#A UMBILICATA. 


C. test’ oblongo-ovata, basi acuminata, superné subrostrata, 
umbilicata; dorso ventricoso, pallido, fusco-maculato; ventre 
subrotundato, albido ; marginibus rotundatis, albidis, fusco-macu- 
latis; apertura, dentibusque subdistantibus, pallidissimé sub- 
fuscis: long. 3 4, poll. lat. 2 3 poll. 


Cyprea umbilicata and C. melanostoma. 495 


Shell oblong-ovate, acuminated at its base; upper extremity 
(of the two lips) subrostrated ; spire deeply pressed in or um- 
bilicated, volutions apparent; back ventricose, pale coloured; 
spotted with brown; under part rather rounded, whitish; mar- 
gins rounded, whitish, with brown spots; the aperture and the 
teeth, which are rather distant, very pale brownish: length 3 8, 
inches; breadth 2 3, inches. . 


Syn. Cyprea umbilicata, Sowerby, in Tankerville Catalogue, 
appendix p. xxx. No. 2260. cum Icon. 


This singular Cowry, of which I have only seen two specimens, 
one in the Tankerville Collection and one in my own, neither of 
them in good condition, appears not to have been noticed by any 
author: it is principally distinguished by a deeply umbilicated 
spire; by the upper part of the aperture being produced and 
rather reflected and by its acuminated lower extremity: in gene- 
ral form it resembles a pear and its colour and markings are like 
those of some specimens of C. Tigris, of which, however, it 
cannot be considered a variety and from which it differs not only 
in the marks above mentioned, but also in the form and position 
of the teeth. I do not know its country. 


CYPREA MELANOSTOMA. 


C. testa ovali, turgida, subfusca4, transversé obsoletissimé brun- 
neo-fasciata, guttulis elevatiusculis, niveis, conspersa ; ventre con- 
vexiusculo, extremitatibusque albidis, lateribus dorsalibus sub- 
incrassatis, utraque extremitate subfoveolatis; dentibus labii ex- 
terni mediocribus, interni minoribus, interstitiis fusco-violasces- 
centibus: long. 2 3, poll. lat. 1 4, poll. 

Shell oval, swoln, subfuscous witi rather darker transverse 
bands, sprinkled over with small, slightly elevated, snow-white 
spots; lower part slightly convex with whitish extremities ; sides 
of the back rather thickened, with several small indentations near 
each extremity: teeth of the outer lip of moderate size, those of 
the inner lip smaller, their interstices of a dark violaceous brown 
colour. Length 2 3; inches, breadth 1 ;4; inch. 


496 Mr.G.B. Sowerby on two new species of Cyprea. 


Syn. Cypraa-melanostoma, Leathes, M. S, ined. Sowerby iz 
Tankerville Catalogue, appendix p. xxxi. 
Icon. t. xviii. f. 3 et 4. 


This Cowry, which as I have been informed, is found in the 
Red Sea, does not appear to be uncommon: we do not however 
find it described either by Dillwyn, Lamarck, or Gray. It has 
been mistaken for C. Vitellus, to which it approaches nearly in 
general appearance. It has, nevertheless, been long distinguished 
from that species by the late George Humphrey and by Mrs. Mawe: 
it may be known by its want of the arenaceous transverse lines 
so characteristic of C. Vitellus; the teeth on the inner lip are 
smaller than in that species and their interstices are of a dark 
violaceous brown colour: the teeth of the outer lip are larger 
than those of the inner: “and the whole margin of the sheil is 
whitish. In an incomplete state it is destitute of the pearly white 
specks on the back. 


CypreA GUTTATA. t. xviil. f. 1 et 2. 


Two views of the only specimen of this shell known in this 
country are given in the 18th plate of the present volume of the 
Zoological Journal; the species being already described in the 
course of Mr. Gray’s paper on Cypraide, (Zool. Journ. Vol. I. 
p- 511.) no further description is necessary. The ‘figure will, 
moreover, give a very correct idea of this beautiful and valuable 
shell. I am indebted to Mr. Broderip for permission to draw it, 
and to Mr. Crouch for the execution of the whole plate, which 
he has obligingly presented to the Conductors. 


Mr. Brayley oz the ocular points of the Helicide. 497 


Ant. LVII.- On certain Organs of the Helicide usually 
regarded as their Eyes: with a summary of evidence 
in support of Aristotle’s assertion that the 'Testa- 


ceous Mollusca are devoid of Visual Organs. By 
KB. W. Braytey, jun. ALS. 


[In a Letter addressed to G, B. Sowerby, Esq. F.L.S., &c. ] 


My bear Sir, 


Tue Rev. L. Guilding in a note to his amended generic character 
of the genus Swccinea, forming a part of his Mollusca Caribbeana, 
inserted in the present number of the Zoological Journal, p. 442, 
expresses his opinion, that notwithsfanding the curious remarks 
upon the subject of M. Gaspard,* *¢ we may persist in calling the 
spots on the superior ¢entacula [of the animals constituting that 
genus | the eyes; though they are without doubt very imperfectly 
developed.” ‘* These organs,” he adds, “ situated at the very 
base of the feelers’ of Limnea, Helicina, and other genera, 
cannot surely be considered as ‘ organs of touch.’ In some marine 
Mollusca their structure is much more perfect.” 

It occurred to me on reading this note, that an account of Mr. 
Bauer’s microscopical examination of the larger ¢entacula of the 
Garden Snail, which adds much weight to M. Gaspard’s state- 
ment derived chiefly from observation of the habits of the Helices, 
would form an appropriate notice for the Journal ; and having 
been led to a cursory review of the opinions held by Naturalists 
respecting the nature of the organs in question, as possessed by 
certain groups of the Gasteropoda in general, in consequence 
of meeting with a passage bearing on the subject in the [Historia 
Animalium of Aristotle; I beg to submit the results of my in- 
quiry, through your hands, to the readers of the work. They 
may, perhaps, stimulate some student of practical Zoology, who 
is conveniently situated for the investigation, to elucidate some 
points in the physiology of the Mollusca, to which, although of 
much interest, but little attention has confessedly been directed. 


* See Zool. Journ. Vol. I, p. 179. 
Vox. II. 2 


A98 Mr. Brayley on the ocular points of the Helicide, 


And Mr. Guilding himself, probably, when he finds our present 
knowledge of the subject to be so scanty and so indecisive, may 
be induced to give it that further attention it so well deserves, 
and which he appears to be so well qualified to bestow upon it 
with success. 

Sir Everard Home’s Croonian Lecture on the Internal Struc- 
ture of the Brain, published in the Philosophical Transactions for 
1824, is illustrated, as’most of his communications to the Royal 
Society have been of late, by a series of engravings from Mr. 
Bauer’s exquisite microscopical drawings. In the present in- 
stance they represent the structure of the brain in the human 
subject, and, together with that of the nervous system, in animals 
of various classes. After considering the minute structure of the 
brain and nerves as they exist in several groups of the Vertebrata, 
the author proceeds to point cut the peculiarities of those organs 
in Insects and Worms; and whilst thus treading upon the same 
ground on which Swammerdam preceded him, he awards a just 
tribute of praise to that great man, who, in many instances, has 
left nothing for those who follow him, but to bear testimony 
to the correctness of his representations and judgment. ‘* There 
are some points however,” Sir Everard observes, ‘in which he 
gave way to public opinion, and did not disbelieve what every 
one said must be true. I allude to his attempt to represent the 
eye of the Garden Snail at the point of the horn, which does not 
exist. He found black rete mucosum, which he mistook for 
nigrum pigmentum, and a pellucid part which he took for cornea. 
To shew this fallacy, I have annexed Mr. Bauer’s representation 
of ‘these parts. Swammerdam has given a faithful representation 
of the nerve, which might have undeceived him, it having no 
resemblance to other optic nerves, but being like those commonly 
met with going to tentacula.” Accordingly, two figures by Mr. 
Bauer are given from the Garden Snail, both of which are in part 
copied in Plate xvii. On the first of these (fig. 3.) shewing the 
brain and nerves, as magnified four diameters, Sir Everard makes 
the following remarks : 

<¢ In this animal the brain is made up of two apparently equal 
portions. As the appearance at the termination of the two large 


in support of an assertion of Aristotle. A99 


horns resembles eyes, and Swammerdam has attempted to de- 
lineate the different parts of the organs, Mr. Bauer has shewn 
the two nerves in different states. ‘The medulla spinalis forms a 
larger mass than the brain, but equally made up of two distinct 
parts. From the upper edge of this mass, there is an azygos 
branch going directly upward to the muscles of the tongue, be- 
yond which are the glands of the mouth, and the esophagus cut 
through. This nerve, so similar to the recurrent in the human 
body, only differing in being single, justifies me in having given 
the name of spinal marrow to the part that gives it off.” 

Of the second figure, (PI. xvii. fig. 4.) we have this explanation : 
“¢ The point of one of the large horns, magnified fifty diameters ; 
to shew that the external point of its termination in no respect 
resembles a cornea, but consists of five bundles of nervous fila- 
ments, the terminations of the branches of the nerve.” 

I need scarcely point out the exact agreement of this state- 
ment of the nature of the extremities of the larger tentacula of 
the Snail, with that of M. Gaspard on the same subject, who, after 
recounting the experiments he instituted to ascertain the true 
nature of those organs, observes, ** In a word, I find in these pre- 
tended optical bodies, nothing more than the organs of an ex- 
quisite sense of touch, with extreme sensibility to heat, dryness, 
moisture, to the slightest shock, or the least agitation of the air; 
and this arises from a large nerve which is expanded over the 
extremity.” 

As no further account of Mr. Bauer’s figures is given in the 
Philosophical Transactions, it may be useful to say a few words 
in explanation of them. In fig. 3, one of the ¢entacula appears to 
be represented, with the black point on the extremity, having a 
pellucid centre; together with the nerve, and portions of the 
epidermis and black rete mucosum beneath it. The nerve and 
black point only of the other are shewn, the integuments having 
been dissected away. Fig. 4, represents, magnified fifty diameters, 
as above stated, the portion of rete mucosum, which, protruding 
from beneath the epidermis, forms the black point, mistaken by 
Swammerdam for nigrum pigmentum; together with the nerve 

; 212 


500 Mr. Brayley on the ocular points of the Helicide, 


rising through it, and expanding into the quinquefid pellucid ter- 
mination, which he supposed to be the cornea. 

The consideration of this curious subject brought to my 
recollection a passage I had read in some old author, in which 
Aristotle is said to affirm, that ‘‘ Testaceous animals have no 
eyes ;”” and the accuracy which several modern Naturalists of the 
highest eminence have shewn many of that philosopher’s generali- 
zations to possess, seemed to render the statement worthy of 
verification and further inquiry. And upon referring accordingly 
to his History of Animals, I found the following notices on the 
point in question. 

In Lib. I. cap. ix., where the Eyes are treated of in general, 
as they exist in man and in the lower animals, the Stagirite asserts 
that all animals have eyes, with the exception of the Testacea, and 
some other imperfect kind, and perhaps also of the Mole. ‘* Ha- 
bent profecto oculos, tum cetera animalium genera omnia, pre- 
terquam testa intecta (Oseaxodseux), et si quid imperfectum aliud 
esti:”” &c.* 

In Lib. IV. cap. i. the Oscanddegua are identified with the true 
Testaceous Mollusca, and accurately distinguished from the 
Cephalopoda on the one hand and the Crustacea on the other, 
in the following manner: “¢ Nunc ordinem auimalium, que san- 
guine carent, persequemur. Genera in hoc ordine plura sunt. 
Primum, que mollia (Maaeu«) appellavimus, hoc est que san- 
guine carent, et foris carne molli obducta, solidum intus, modo 
sanguinei generis continent: quale sepia est. Secundum, que 
crustis tenuibus (Madaxicreaxx) operiuntur, hoc est, que partem 
solidam foris, mollem carnosamque intus continent. Durum illud 
eorum tegmen, non fragile, sed collisile est: quale cancrorum 
genus et locustarum. Tertium, que silicea testa conclusa 
(Oseaxodseu«) muniuntur, hoc est quibus pars carnea intus, solida 


foris, fragilis atque ruptilis, non collisilis: quale genus concha- 
rum & ostrearum est.”+ 


* Aristotelis Opera Omnia. Gr. & Lat. cura Du Val. Tom. I. p. 769. 
Lutet. 1619. Fol. 


+ Ibid. p. 813. 


in support of an assertion of Aristotle. 501 


Cap. ive This chapter treats expressly and almost exclusively 
of the Testacea, and in it many animals of the group are men- 
tioned or alluded to; but the visual organs are not even named, 

except indeed in the description of the Kaex/vov, which, the author 
says, partakes of the nature both of the MaAaxecreaxa and the 
Oseanodseua: the eyes of this animal, which is evidently a Pagu- 
rus, he particularly mentions.* 

In the eighth chapter of the same book, occupied by an ace 
count of the senses and their organs as possessed in general by the 
various primary groups of the Animal Kingdom, the Testacea are 
adverted to in these terms: ‘** De visu et auditu quanquam nihil 
certi manifestique habemus, ungues (Zwayves) tamen ad strepitum 
se subtrahere, inferidsque subsidere cernuntur, quoties ferramen- 
tum sentiunt admoveri. Exiguo namque extant, reliquo autem 
toto corpore perinde ac in cubili, occuluntur. Pectines (Kréves) 
quoque admoto digito dehiscunt, mox comprimunt se ut cer- 
nentes.” + " 

We will now proceed to the inquiry as to how far the implied 
assertion of the Father of Zoology in the first quotation given 
above, that the T'estacea are devoid of eyes, and which the parti- 
culars respecting certain bivalves subsequently related, cannot, I 
think, be considered as contradicting, agrees with the statements 
ef modern science. 

Of the six classes into which the Mollusca have been divided by 
Cuvier, we may at once dismiss from the inquiry the first, or the 
Cephalopoda ; and that without having recourse to the distinction 
between those animals and the true Mollusca, which has been 
established by Mr. W.S. Macleay ; for we have seen that Aristotle 
himself distinguishes them from his Ospaxodepra. The animals con- 
stituting three of the remaining classes,—the Acephala, compre- 
hending the greater part of the Bivalves, the Brachtopoda, com- 
prising the remainder of them, and the Cirripeda, which in-~ 
clude the various species of Lepas, Linn.,—are all well known to 
be devoid of eyes. The only classes, then, with which we are at 
present concerned, are the Pteropoda and the Gasteropoda, 


* Ibid. p, 821, + Ibid. p. 828. 


502 Mr. Brayley on the ocular points of the Helicide, 


With respect to the first of these classes, it appears to be a 
matter of great doubt whether they possess even the minute organs, 
which, in the Gasteropoda, have usually been regarded as organs 
of sight. For Cuvier, though he states, in the first instance, that 
a part only of the Pieropoda are devoid of eyes,* yet, in his parti- 
cular description of the class, he merely says that some writers have 
assigned eyes to the animals of the genus Ciio,t and does not again 
allude to the subject. And Dr. Fleming, in his excellent Philosophy 
of Zoology, informs us, that the Péeropoda * are generally regarded 
as destitute of eyes and ears.” { Lamarck, indeed, enumerates 
“¢ oculi duo”? among the characters of his genera Cleodora and 
Cymbulia ; || but from a remark he subsequently makes, and 
which will presently be quoted, we may fairly infer, I think, that 
the organs he so denominates are similar to those of the Gastero- 
podous Mollusca; which I shall next proceed to shew, on the 
authority of Messrs. Gaspard and Bauer, as well as on that of a 
modern Zoologist of the first reputation, are to be regarded, in 
all probability, not as organs of sight, but of delicate touch. 

We see then, that, in the present state of science, the only di- 
vision of the Mollusca from which any decided instances can be 
adduced, in opposition to the statement of the Grecian naturalist, 
of testaceous animals possessing even the organs supposed to be 
eyes, is the Gasteropoda; the inquiry being thus confined with~ 
in very narrow limits. 

The minute organs, appearing to the unassisted eye merely as 
black points, which are possessed by certain groups of the Gas- 
teropodous Mollusca, ‘a class including the greater number of the 
animals that inhabit univalve shells, and which are commonly 
attached to their ¢entacula, have been conjecturally stated by 
some systematic naturalists to be organs of vision ; whilst others 
have doubted this, and considered them rather as organs of 
touch ; but none appear to have subjected the living animals or 
their supposed eyes, to a strict and decisive examination, with the 
view to determine the truth. Hence we find in the works even 


* Régne Animal, tom. II. p. 354. + Ibid. p. 379. } Phil. of Zool. 
vol. II. p. 441. |] Anim. sans Vertéb. tom. VI. p. 289, 292. 


in support of an assertion of Aristotle: 503 


of comparative anatomists, and of those naturalists who are most 
conversant with the anatomy and physiology of the Mollusca, but 
very imperfect and vague information on the subject. Thus Dr. 
Fyfe, in his Outlines of Comparative Anatomy, p. 312, remarks, 
when describing the organs in question, “it is not yet fully 
ascertained whether these parts are real organs of vision.”’? Cuvier 
seems to take it for granted they are eyes, without offering any 
evidence to verify that admission ;* and Lamarck does the same, 
but he qualifies the statement, by observing, after mentioning the 
conformity of the eyes of the Cephalopoda to those of the Verte- 
brated animals, ‘* les autres moliusques, parmi ceux qui en sont 
munis [d’yeux], ont les leurs fort imparfaits, peu propres a 
Pusage de la vue, et presque uniquement tentaculaires, c’est-a- 
dire, plus sensibles ou irritables au contact des corps concrets 
qu’a celui de la lumiére.”+ Dr. Fleming gives the following ac- 
count of the subject : “ Among the Gasteropodous Mollusca, the 
eye is too minute to admit of accurate dissection. It appears as 
a black spot, convex, however, on the surface, and furnished with 
a nerve from the cerebral portion of the brain.” Phil. of Sool. 
vol. I. p. 181.—** In a few species [of Mollusca] the eye is cone 
structed on the plan of the same organ in the vertebral animals, 
In general, however, it appears only as a black point, the peculiar 
functions of which can only be inferred from analogy.” 6. vol. II. 
p- 409. 

Mr. W.S. Macleay, indeed, as might have been expected, from 
the importance he assigns to variation of characters, in determin- 
ing the station in nature of a group of organized beings, as well as 
to the adaptation of their structure to their respective functions in 
creation, assumes a more decided tone of opinion on the subject. 
When alluding to the senses of the Mollusca, in the chapter on 
the classes of the animal kingdom, in his Hore Entomologice, 
p- 248, he observes, ** The senses of the Mollusca seem to be 
confined solely to those of taste and touch, though Cuvier sup- 
poses them to be also able to smell. The black points which 
have attained the name of eyes, seem to serve less for sight than 


* Régne Animal, tom. II. p. 382. 
t+ Anim. sans Vertéb. tom. VI. p. 272. 


504 Mr. Brayley on the ocular points of the Helicide, 


for touch; at least they display little if any sensibility of the’ 
presence of light, while their existence obviously increases the 
irritability of the tentacula as organs of touch.” And whilst ex- 
plaining the passage from the Invertebrata to the Vertebrata by 
means of the Mollusca and the Cephalopoda, in the next page, 
prior to adverting to the senses of sight and hearing as indubitably 
possessed by the latter group of animals, he makes this additional 
remark : *¢ Hitherto we have seen but few animals endowed with 
the organs of sight ; and when the eyes existed, or rather when we 
_ Supposed these organs to exist, we have found them merely black 
points, affording no trace of that peculiar organization which we 
are led from analogy to conceive necessary for the purpose of 
_vision.” In both places, however, it will be observed, (and no 
circumstance could have better shewn our deficiency in actual 
knowledge upon the subject,) that even Mr. Macleay has em~ 
ployed terms indicative rather of doubt than of certainty: but 
lest any one should imagine, on the other hand, that although 
the conflicting and vague evidence of previous writers might have 
induced some degree of hesitation in Mr. M’s mind, yet that the 
fact he records of the black points being devoid of the organiza- 
tion necessary for the purpose of vision, must have removed all 
doubts from the minds of subsequent describers of the Mollusca, 
I shall terminate my citations with an extract or two from one of 
the latest and most elaborate general works upon them; the 
“¢ Histoire Naturelle des Mollusques Terrestres et Fluviatiles,” 
by the Baron de Ferussac. 

In the Supplement to the history of the Limaces in this work, 
the author gives a minute account of the anatomy of the Vagi- 
nulus Taunaisit, communicated to him by M. De Blainville; and 
as it is manifest that the ocular (sic dicta) points of the naked and 
the testaceous Mollusca are of precisely the same nature, an ex- 
tract from this eminent comparative anatomist’s description of the 
tentacula of that animal, will serve to shew his views on the sub- 
ject immediately before us. ‘‘ Je n’ai pas fait,” he says, “ ’anatomie 
de V’ceil ou point noir qui se trouve porté a Vextrémité des tenta- 
cules postérieurs ; j’ai seulement remarqué qu’il est fort sensible, 
et qu’il est place a la face dorsale d’une sorte de petit renflement 


in support of an assertion of Aristotle. 505 


aplati et lisse qui termine ce tentacule, et non pas a sa pointe. 
Ce n’est qu’au-dela de ce renflement que commencent les plis 
transversaux du reste de cet organe.” And in the explanation of 
the accompanying plate of dissections, he calls the nerves that 
supply the extremities of the tentacula, the optic nerves, as usual. 

M. de Ferussac himself, in his general account of the Pulmoni- 
Jfera without an operculum, gives the following observations on 
the functions of the ¢entacula and eyes in the terrestrial and 
fluviatile species; from which his belief that these enigmatic 
organs are in reality Eyes, is manifest. 

*¢ Généralement les pulmonés terrestres sont pourvous de quatre 
tentacules cylindriques, renflés 4 leurs sommets, les deux supé- 
rieurs et plus longs paroissent spécialement destinés a porter les 
yeux plus ou moins en avant de la téte de Vanimal, comme deux 
sentinelles vigilantes chargées d’écJairer ses mouvements. Si l’on 
réfléchit aux habitudes, 4 la maniére de vivre de ces animaux on 
verra qu’exposés a une foule d’ennemis, 4. mille chocs, 4 beaucoup 
de mutilations accidentelles, il leur étoit plus nécessaire qu’aux 
especes. fluviatiles d’avoir des yeux trés avancés et organisés de 
maniére & pouvoir se porter de tous les cétés pour découvrir le 
danger; places an bout d’un tnbe en quelque facon comme lob- 
jectif d’une lunette, ces organes auroient été par cela méme sou- 
vent exposés a ces mutilations dont ils doivent garantir le corps, 
si le mécanisme de leur rétraction ne les en eiit préserves. 

*¢ Dans les pulmonés fluviatiles on ne trouve jamais que deux 
tentacules toujours contractiles ; ils sont subulés, linéaires, ou tri- 
angulaires et aplatis; les yeux sont situes a-.leurs bases internes 
presque toujours. Le séjour de ces mollusques dans leau, qui 
peut étre troublée par mille causes et rendre ainsi leur vue inu- 
tile, devoit naturellement nécessiter la supériorite du sens du 
tact pour préserver ces animaux; aussi celui de la vue lui paroit- 
il subordonné. Les yeux fixés sur la téte semblent plus spéciale- 
ment destinés a avertir l’animal des dangers qu’il peut courir vers 
cette partie, et des corps étrangers qui pourroient s’introduire 
entre le cou et la tunique qui tapisse le test, cette cavité n’etant 
point fermée comme dans les espéces terrestres par un collier qui 
eutoure le cou jusqu’au bord de Vouverture de la coquille. Ces 


506 Mr. Brayley ox the ocular points of the Helicide, 


tentacules trés irritables présentent une large surface ou un filet 
si délié qu’ils doivent percevoir les plus légéres impressions, mais 
toujours dirigés en avant ils ne pourroient avertir animal du 
danger qu’il coure par derriére, ot pour cette raison les yeux sont 
placés. Il n’eit pas été prudent d’ailleurs de mettre les yeux aux 
sommets des tentacules chez des mollusques, beaucoup plus ex- 
posés encore que les terrestres aux mutilations accidentelles.” 

Having now shewn the general state of opinion on this subject, 
by the foregoing quotations from the works of some of the most 
eminent naturalists, I shall hasten to conclude this article, which 
may perhaps already have appeared tedious to some of your 
readers, by the inferences I am disposed to draw from the whole 
of the evidence before us. 

The general remark of Aristotle in the passage quoted from 
lib. iv. cap. viii. of his History of Animals, respecting the senses 
of sight and hearing in the Testacea, and the account which is 
annexed to it of some of the habits of certain bivalves, must not 
be considered, I think, as in any degree contradicting his pre- 
vious statement, that those animals are destitute of Eyes. For, 
although the actions of the Bivalves alluded to might appear. to 
furnish some ground for such contradiction, (did we net certainly 
know that the classes of Mollusca which construct Bivalve shells 
are absolutely devoid of the sense of vision,) yet Aristotle refrains 
from drawing such an inference ; but seems rather to bring for- 
ward the instances as remarkable facts, connected with the sub- 
jects he is investigating, though not affording positive informa- 
tion concerning them. 

I have already observed that the Gasteropoda appear to be the 
only class of Mollusca from which even a hypothetical contra- 
diction of the Stagirite’s assertion can be derived ;—that they are 
the only true Mollusca stated to enjoy the sense of vision. But 
what do we, find to be the state of science respecting what are 
deemed their organs of sight? Why, that some naturalists, 
without giving any reasons for their belief, affirm them to be 
Eyes ; that some merely suspect them to be Eyes; that others, 
again, appear to suspect they are not Eyes: but that none have 
advanced any direct evidence on either side;—if we except Mr. 


in support of an assertion of Aristotle. © 507 


Macleay’s bare assertion, that the “ ocular points” are devoid of 
the organization requisite to produce vision. 

Now, as these organs, whatever they may be, are manifestly of 
the same nature throughout the various groups of animals posses-. 
sing them; and as we cannot, I submit, refuse to credit the con- 
joint evidence, derived from two very different modes of research, 
of M. Gaspard and Mr. Bauer, that the organs which crown the 
larger ¢entacula of the Helices are not Eyes, but organs of an 
exquisite sense of feeling ;—may we not conclude that the case 
is the same with all the Gasteropoda provided with those organs, 
placed either on their ¢entacula or directly on their heads? And 
may we not refer the assertion of the naturalist of antiquity which 
we have made the subject of inquiry, to those sagacious genera- 
lizations, for which his works are now so deservedly esteemed by 
naturalists ? 

These organs appear to supply the place of hearing as well as 
of sight to the animals, and perhaps also that of smell. The in- 
definite language which is employed by M. Lamarck, and by some 
other writers, when describing them, is unworthy of Science: they 
may, possibly, have some kind of sensibility of the action of 
light ; but if they do not possess the peculiar structure necessary 
to impart to the animals the sensations, either of the colours of 
outward objects, or of their forms, as manifested by the variations 
of light and shade, to call them Eyes is a contradiction in terms.* 


* May I be permitted to suggest a hypothetical idea or two on this subject ? 

May not these delicate nervous organs of some of the Gasteropoda and An- 
nelides correspond to the true Eyes and Ears of animals higher in the scale of 
animated nature; analogically representing both, and performing the func- 
tions of both, in the degree required by the natural exigencies of the animals? 
As M. Gaspard informs us, that, in the Snail, they have extreme sensibility of 
the least agitation of the air, is it not probable, that, though not adapted to 
convey the sensation of sound, they may carry a perception to the sensorium of 
the animal, of those vibrations of the air which impart that sensation to the more 
perfect organs of the higher animals? And, though not provided with the 
exquisite and complicated mechanism, necessary to produce the varied sensa- 
tions of light and shade, and of colour, is it unphilosophical to infer, that they 
may, in like manner, convey a perception of the undulations of the luminiferous 
ether, which, (adopting the Huygenian undulatory theory of light as revived 
and explained by Dr. T. Young), enable those animals which possess true 


508 Mr. Brayley on the ocular points of the Helicide, 


M. de Ferussac’s acute remarks on the difference of position in 
these organs, as borne by the terrestrial and the fluviatile Pul- 
monifera, will apply to them with equal truth, when they are 
considered, not as organs of sight, but as the organs of a delicate 
sense of feeling, distinct from the ordinary touch adapted to the 
examination of concrete substances. And, with this construction, 
his reasoning on the subject disarms the objection to M. Gaspard’s 
statement, which Mr. Guilding derives from the situation of the 
black points ‘‘ at the very base of the feelers of Limnea, and 
Helicina ;” with regard, at least, to the former genus, which is 
known to be an inhabitant of the waters. The marine Mollusca 
alluded to by Mr. G. are doubtless Cephalopoda, and as such the 
perfect structure of their eyes has no bearing on the subject 
before us. 

As Aristotle expressly classes the OcgaxsSseux as exsanguineous 
animals, (quast animals devoid of red blood,) it is not probable 
that he confounded with them the testaceous Annelides; but 
even if this was the case, his assertion will still hold good, for the 
latter are admitted to be devoid of sight; and the other groups 
of the same class have only the equivocal black points of the 
Gasteropoda. 

In concluding this hasty sketch of so interesting a subject, I 
must unaffectedly acknowledge my sense of its imperfect and un- 
satisfactory nature ; and this acknowledgment demands a state- 
ment of my reasons, for presenting it to the readers of this 
Journal. Those reasons were as follows: finding so important a 
part of the history of the Mollusca enveloped in an obscurity, 
which was unlikely, it. appeared, soon to be dispelled, I consi- 
dered, that-though I should be unable, from other and pressing 
avocations, to give the matter the full elucidation it deserved, 
yet, that I might, by exhibiting the present state of science re- 
garding it, contribute in some small degree to the advancement of 


Eyes to enjoy the sense of vision? To beings occupying so low a rank in. 
the Animal Kingdom as the Mollusca and the Annelides, nothing more, prob- 
ably, is requisite, than the sense of the presence of sound and of light, for their 
security or their enjoyment; which they would receive by these means as 
effectually, as if they were enabled to hear and to see. 


in support of an assertion of Aristotle. 509. 


Zoology ; by attracting to the subject the attention of those 
naturalists, who might be qualified, and at liberty, to determine 
the points at issue, by a train of exact researches. 

I wished also to be an auxiliary, in the work of rescuing the 
natural science of the Peripatetic sage, from the neglect and: 
obloquy, with which the cultivators of the Baconian philosophy, 
in their just zeal for discarding some of the forms of empirical 
ratiocination, attributed to Aristotle, have inadvertently and un- 
deservedly regarded his physical treatises. In this work, many. 
distinguished naturalists are now engaged; it has already been 
aided in the pages of the Zoological Journal ; and if in the above 
character I am allowed to serve, under the banners of a Cuvier, a 
Ferussac, and a Macleay, I shall be amply rewarded for my 
slight exertions in the cause. 

I remain, &c. 


E. W. Braytey, juno. 
70, Hatton Garden, Feb. 10th, 1826. 


P.S. On looking through a volume of the Philosophical 
Magazine, since the proof of the foregoing paper was corrected 
for the press, my eye glanced on a passage ina memoir on the 
Eyes of Insects, by M. Marcel de Serres, in which they are said 
to be “ constructed so as to receive the images of objects by the 
simple shock of the rays which these objects reflect ;” a supposition 
very similar to that which I have advanced in the note at p. 507, 
in explanation of what appears to be the analogue of sight in the 
Gasteropoda, &c.; except that M. de Serres seems to adopt, in 
this instance, the Newtonian or corpuscular theory of light. How- 
ever, after attentively perusing his elaborate memoir, and compar- 
ing it with what Swammerdam and Cuvier have detailed on the same 
subjects, I think we shall be justified in concluding, that this 
theory, as far as regards Insects, is unfounded. It also appears 
to me, that the structure of their eyes, as described by M. de 
Serres, when illustrated by the light Dr. Wollaston has recently 
thrown on the long agitated question of single vision with two 
eyes, furnishes strong grounds for believing, contrary to what has 
hitherto been supposed, that the means by which vision is effected 
in Insects, andin the Vertebrated Animals, are essentially the same. 


510 Mr. Vigors on some new subjects of Zoology. 


Whilst pursuing this subject, I have found that Messrs, Kirby 
and Spence, in one of the concluding volumes, just published, of 
their Introduction to Entomology, have expressed an idea on the 
sense of hearing, or its analogue, in Insects, identical with that 
which I have suggested on the analogue of hearing in the Gaster- 
opoda; and that they have furnished some evidence on its behalf, 
which tends also to give validity to my supposition. 

Time will not allow of my entering further into these subjects, 
at present; but I shall prepare an article on both of them, for the 
next number of the Journal. 

March 11th, 1826. E. W. B. 


Art. LVIII. | Descriptions of some rare, interesting, 
or hitherto uncharacterized: Subjects in Zoology. By 
N.A. Vieonrs, jun. Esq. M.A., E.R. L.& GS. with 
Figures by J. De Canue Sowensy, Esq. F.L.S. 


Subregnum. AnnuxosA. Mach. 


Classis. Manpisutata. Mach. 

Ordo. Coteorrera. Linn, 

Tribus. Lametiicornes. Latr. 

Stirps. Perarocera SAapropusaca. Macl. 
Fam. ScarAbaipm. Mach, 

Genus. ANAMNESIS. 


Antenne novem-articulate ; articulis, primo longissimo ad api- 
cem crassiori, secundo brevi subgloboso, tertio et quarto longiori- 
bus obconicis, quinto et sexto pateriformibus, hoc ad apicem 
latissimo, septimo octavo et nono subsimilibus capitulum ovalem 
subelongatum efformantibus. 

Clypeus rhomboideus, subtrilobus, lobo medio subobtusé biden- 
tato. 

Thorax transversus, sublunularis, posticé vix angulatus. 

Coleoptra subelongata, thorace plus quam duplo longiora, lati- 
tudinem longitudine xquante ; e/ytris clausis subcordiformibus ; 


Genus Anamnesis. 511 


marginibus externis profundé deorsum intusque inclinantibus, 
angulum acutum formantibus, abdominisque partem circumcin- 
geatibus. of; 

Pedes graciles: coxvis intermediis a se distantibus. T%bée an- 
tice extus quadridentatz, dentibus subelongatis subacutis; et 
quinque tuberculis brevibus subobtusis subdentiformibus prope 
basin extus, duobusque inter dentes primum et secundum sub- 
acutioribus, instructe ; tarsis nulliss T%biw intermedie tetra- 
gone, graciles, subarcuate, longitudine mediocres, integra, duobus 
calcaribus ad apicem instruct ; tarsis subfortibus, unguibus debili- 
oribus. Tibie postice elongate, calcare uno instructe, in cxteris 
intermediis similes, 

Corpus supra depressissimum ; abdomine subtus convexo. 

Obs. Instrumenta cibaria, individuum exemplum generis solum 
habens, haud dissecui ritéve examinavi. 


The family of Scarabwide as characterized by Mr. MacLeay 
in his “ Hore Entomologice” appears diviseable into five chief 
groups; of which the genera Scarabeus, Macl., Copris, Ill. 
Phaneus, MacL, Onthophagus, Latr., and the remaining portion 
of the genus Ateuchus, Weber, which does not possess those charac~ 
ters that have separated the true Scarabei, MacL., from that 
genus, may be selected as the representatives. ‘To this latter 
group of Afeuchus, thus curtailed, the present form appertains : 
and it may probably be found to be the typical representative of 
the group. At least it partakes to so great a degree of the charac- 
ters of each of the above well known genera Scarabeus and 
Copris, that it may be chosen as an appropriate example of the 
fifth group of the Scarabewida, Macl., intervening between and 
connecting those two groups, and of equal value with them. It 
bears an evident relation of affinity to the former genus by its 
depressed form and elongated and slender hinder. ¢ibia@, and at 
the same time asserts its affinity to the latter by the wide separa- 
tion of the medial coxa, and the double spur on the ¢ibiw of the 
middle legs. 

The group of Anamnesis is of equal value in respect to the 
larger group of Ateuchus, with that which Heliocantharus, Macl., 


512 Mr. Vigors on some new subjects of Zoology. 


Pachysoma, Kirby, Gymnopleurus, I\)., &c. bear to Scarabeus, 
MacL. These subdivisions of Scarabeus are stiled types of form 
or subgenera by Mr. MacLeay. I must confess I feel much re- 
pugnance to the interposition between genera and species, of 
any intermediate groups which are distinguished by scientifick 
characters and separate names. Considerable confusion inevitably 
arises between the generick and subgenerick name: and the great 
advantage of simplicity and uniformity in nomenclature is lost by 
a species having two separate denominations besides its own 
specifick name by which it may be indiscriminately referred to. 
The groups of Heliocantharus, Pachysoma, &c. appear to me to 
possess the rank of genera, in the usual and practical acceptation 
of tlie term; and the more extended groups of Scarabeus, Ateu- 
chus, &c. seem to demand appellations of a more comprehensive 
nature than that of genera. Such indeed is the usual and natural 
progress of our science. As forms and species encrease in number, 
the subdivisions which are made for their reception must bear a 
proportional increase in their rank and value. But this isnot the 
place to enlarge upon this subject: nor do I wish to discuss a 
point upon which I feel much diffidence in hazarding an opinion 
which is at variance with such high authority, unless { had more 
time than I can at present spare for entering fully upon the sub- 
ject. I merely refer to the subject in order to point out the 
relative importance of the group before us, which I conceive to be 
of equal rank with Mr. MacLeay’s types of form. 

I have seen but one species which accurately accords with the 
typical characters of this group, and which I received from South 
America. There are some species from the same quarter nearly 
allied to it, such as Ateuchus gibbosus, Fab., &c. but the body in 
those insects is by no means so depressed as in the present. 


MacLeayir. Anamn. ater, antennarum capitulo subtus rufescenti ; 
clypeo thoraceque punctis impressis; elytris rugis elevatis 
irregularibus inter sex sulcos feré obsoletos, carinisque dua- 
bus elevatis, alterdque subobsoleta, longitudinalibus, inter- 
ruptis, ad latera instructis. 


Tabs Xixehe oe 


Anamnesis Mac Leayii, and Cetonia Stephensii. 513 


Longitudo corp. 1 253 lat. 34. 

Habitat in Brasilia. 

In Mus. nost. 

Viri amicissimi Guiretmr SHarre MacLeay, Armigeri, Ar- 
tium Magistri, Societatis Linneanz Socii, “* Horarum Entomologi- 
carum” celeberrimi auctoris;—nunc apud Nove Orbis oras in causd 
Scientiz simul ac Humanitatis feliciter versantis, at heu! pro 
societatis amenitatibus nimis longé distantis,—hoc insectum, ad 
familiam pertinens quam ingenio summo diligentidque nunquam 
- satis laudanda illustravit, nomine designatum, amicitie tars et 
RECORDATIO fiat. 


Stirps, PrratoceraA THatreroruaca. Mach. 
Fam. Crronrap&#. Macl. 
Genus. Crtonia. Fab. 


SrerHensit. Cet. vividd viridis ; capite duubus, thorace quatuor 
lineis longitudinalibus albis ; elytris lineis duabus longitu- 
dinalibus humeralibus, sex fasciolis interruptis undulatis 
apicalibus, maculdque ad apicem suturalem, albis. 


Tab. xix. f. 2. 


Caput, thorax, elytraque punctis parcé nec profundé impressi ; 
horum punctis in lineas longitudinales subinconspicuas seriatim 
dispositis. Abdomen subtus album pilis albis aspersum, segmentis 
omnibus, primo duobusque ultimis exceptis, macula triangulari in 
medio, alteraque quadrata ad latus utrumque, viridibus notatfs : 
primo macula viridi in medio quadrata; penultimo striga media 
margineque inferiore viridi; ultimo striga latiore media margine- 
que superiore viridi, ad marginem inferiorem albo-ciliato. Abdo- 
minis superioris segmentum ultimum viride, punctis parcé im- 
pressum, strigis albis quatuor, duabus mediis alteraque utrinque 
marginali ornatum; strigd medid utraque marginalique conter- 
minali ad apicem abdominis feré confluentibus. Pectus in medio 
viride, ad latera album, pilis sublongis albis obtectum. Pedes 


punctis impressi, subtus alboeciliati: femoribus subtus albo-stris 
Vo. II, 2x 


514 = Mr. Vigors, on some new subjects of Zoology. 


gatis, pilisque albis instructis ; ¢ébiis strigd interrupta alba superné 
notatis. 
Longitudo corp. 42; lat. 4. 

Habitat in Africa meridionali. 

In Mus. Dom. Bennett, nost. 

In honorem Jacozi Francisci SteruEns, Armigeri, Societatis 
Linneanz Socii, Entomologie Britannic seduli felicissimique in- 
dagatoris, hoc perpulchrum insectum nominatur. 


Tribus. Strernoxes. Latr. 
Fam. Burrestipz. Mach. 
Genus. Buprestis. Linn. 


~“ 


Lyon. Bup. viridis aureo nitens; capite thorace elytrisque 
punctis profundé impressis, horum punctis lineatim dis- 
positis. 

Tab. XIX. f. 3. 


Elytra sulcis rugosis punctisque lineatim dispositis longitudina~ 
liter notata: marginibus subrecurvis aureo-splendentibus. Corpus 
subtus pedesque punctis irregulariter impressi, pilis ferrugineis 
parcis instructi. 

Longitudo * corp. 1 4,3 lat. 3. 
Habitat in Barbaria. 
‘In Mus. Dom. MacLeay, Kirby, Horsfield, Bennett, nost. 

Peregrinatoris indefessi, intrepidi, oculatissimi, Jacozr Lyon, 
classis regia Navarchi, qui insectis plurimis ase in Africa interiori 
collectis scientiam ditavit, hec species nomen mutuatur. 


Tribus. Caprrcornes. Latr. 
Fam. PRIONIDA. 
Genus. DorysTHENES. 


Antenne duodecim-articulate, compresse, subtus serrate: 
articulo primo elongato subcylindrico ad apicem crassiore, se- 


* This species varies considerably in its dimensions: the above is the largest 
in size that [have met with. Ihave an example in my collection measuring 
33 only of an inch in length, and -3_ in breadth. 

20 io 


Genus Dorysthenes. 515 


cundo brevissimo subhemispherico, tertio longissimo subcylin- 
drico, cxteris ad penultimam inclusam gradatim breviscentibus 
subtrigonis apice cyathiformibus, ultimo subelongato, processu 
ovali brevi, tridecimum articulum feré representante, ad apicem 
instructo. 

Mandibule graciles, porrecte, subelongate, ad basin tuberculo 
subeminenti, denteque parvo acuto instructe, per reliquam.longi- 
tudinem inermes, subtrigone, intus incisorie, compressissime, 
paululum arcuate. 

Palpi maxillares quadriarticulati ; articulis tribus primis sub- 
cylindricis subcompressis apice crassioribus, primo et tertio feré 
zqualibus subbrevibus, secundo longiori, quarta securiformi : la- 
biales triarticulati; articulis duobus primis subcylindricis sub- 
compressis apice crassioribus, primo subbrevi, secundo longiori, 
tertio subbrevi securiformi. 


Pedes mediocres, femoribus tibtisque valde compressis. 


- Corpus subelongatum, subcylindricum. Collum. productum. 
Thorax subrhomboideus, ad latera unidentatus, marginibus acutis 
compressis. Sternum forte, in spinam validam productum. 


This form stands conspicuously distinct from any other that I 
have hitherto observed in the family of Prionide. Its somewhat 
lengthened and subcylindrick body, its elongated neck, its slen- 
der porrected and unarmed mandibles, and above all its armed 
sternum, produced into a strong and acute spine, offer characters 
which call for a separate station and title in the family. The 
Prionide are at present in such confusion, little having been . 
done to subdivide or regulate the various and strongly marked 
groups which are still included in the genus Prionus, that it is 
impossible at present to point out the affinities of Dorysthenes, 
or to ascertain its relative station in the family. 

I have seen but one species that accords with the above charac- 
ters, which although a well known Fabrician species, and figured 
by Olivier, I think of sufficient interest from its peculiarity of 
form, and also its scarcity, to have figured in this journal. 


Oe 2 


516 Rev. Mr. Kirby, on Cremustocheilus and Priocera. 


Rostratus. Dor. brunneus, palpis, antennarum articulis ultimis, 


thorace, tursis, corpore pedibusque subtus rufis; capite man- 
dibulisque nigris. 


Tab. XIX. f. 4. sternum productum. 5 a. 


Prionus rostratus. Fab, Ent. Syst. I. pars 2. p. 243. 3. 
Prione a bec. Oliv. Ins. No. 3. IV. 36. No. 42. t. 10. f. 37. 


Long. corp. 1 7; lat. 3. 


Habitat in Maderaspatana; in Siam secundum clarissimum 
Fabricium. 
In Mus. Britannico, Banksiano, Dom. Haworth, nost. 


Art. LIX. A Description of two new species of Coleop- 
terous Insects belonging to the genera Cremastocheilus 
and Priocera. By the Reo. Witiiam Kirsy, F.R.S. 
& LS. &e. ; 


Ir is always a satisfactory confirmation of a genus, of which 
only a single species has hitherto been known, to discover a new 
one. As therefore I possess several insects of this description, I 
may render some service to science, if by means of the Zoological 
Journal, I make Entomologists acquainted with them. On the 
present occasion I have selected two, one belonging to a most re- 
markable genus related to Trichius F, distinguished by the very 
singular form of its Labium, and called by Knoch, who first laid 
down its characters, Cremastocheilus, and the other to a genus I 
have described in the Linnean Transactions, under the name of 
Priocera. 


Cremastocueitus Knoch, Latreille.* 


Variotosus. C. niger, obseurus,, elytris variolosis: prothorace 
toto punctato. 


* Neu Beytrag. Insect. 115. t. 3. 


Cremastochetlus variolosus and Castanee. 517 
Long. corp. Lin. 44. 


Recto. America Septentrionalis? Ex. Mus. D. Francillon. 

Descr. Labium pelviforme, subrhomboidale, postice emarginatum 
sed minus profundé. Thorax punctatus, angulis prominentibus 
tuberculiformibus levibus. E/lytra apice gibba, variolosa: 
variolis oblongis, distinctis. 


Dr. Thaddeus Harris having obligingly sent me another insect 
as the Cremastocheilus Castanee of Knoch, which differs from M. 
Latreille’s * short definition of that species in not being hairy, 
except somewhat underneath; it may be useful to give a more 
detailed description of it. 


Castanem. C. niger, nitidus, punctatus: prothorace anticé levi, 
utrinque trifoveato: elytris confluenter punctatis. 


Long. Corp. Lin. 54. z 


Reeio. America Septentrionalis. 

Dzscr. Corpus subdepressum, oblongum, nigrum vel piceo-nigrum, 
nitidum, subtus albido-subpilosuam. Caput posticé puncta- 
tum, anticé naso dilatato, reflexo. Rhinarium sub naso 
latitans fere lunatum. Labrum brevissimum, emarginatum, 
cum labio os exactissimé claudens. Labium pelviforme, sub- 
rotundum, posticé profundius emarginatum et pilis ciliatum.. 
Prothorax subquadratus angulis prominentibus tuberculiformi- 
bus, posticé punctatus antice levigatus, utrinque foveis tribus : 
primo nempe baseos magno punctato, secundo intermedio 
profundo, tertio anguli antici minori, his ultimis levigatis. 
Fasciculus pilorum albidorum prothoraceus postice utrinque 

signat. Scutellum magnum, triangulare, acuminatum, punc- 
tatum. Hlytra basi, humeris, apiceque gibbis, punctis mag- 
nitudine et forma variis confluentibus, setulis albidis decum- 
bentibus inspersa. 


Whether this specimen is rubbed I cannot say, but the two 
little bunches of hair in the thorax correspond in size and situa- 


* N. Dict. D’ Hist. Nat. viii. 420. 


518 . Priocera pusilla. 


tion with each other. Having no opportunity of consulting Knoch, 
I know not whether he has given a detailed description of his 
species, or whether it is really synonymous with this. 


Priocera. Kirby.* 


Pusiuia. P. subvillosa rufa: elytris punctato-striatis apice levi- 
bus ; utroque fascia nigricanti punctisque duobus flavis. 


Long. Corp. Lin. 23. 


Recio. America Septentrionalis? Ex Mus. D. Francillon. 

Descr. Structura et Habitus P. variegati, sed multoties minor, 
et tota rufa, capite prothoraceque rubescentibus. Elytra 
punctato-striata apice levia. Fascia irregularis nigro-picea, 
et puncta duo flava in medio obliqué ordinata elytrum utrum- 
que signant. Tarsorum pulvilli subinvoluti. 


Art. LX. Additions and Corrections to Mr. Vicors’ S 
Sketches in Zoology.  , 


Vor, I. p. 313.—“ Stirpes.” This term, which I at first used 
as designating the immediately subordinate subdivisions of a family, 
had been previously employed by Mr. MacLeay, as representing a ~ 
group of higher value than that of a family. I have consequently 
altered the term, in my subsequent sketches, into that of Sub- 
family. The Stirpes therefore of the Falconide should be con- 
sidered the subfamilies of that group. 

Vol. I. p. 327.—* Genus Harpagus.”—The general want of 
communication between the naturalists of this country and those 
of the continent, has given rise to the multiplication of synonyms, 
not merely in the case of species, but in that of groups. Em- 
ployed at the same time upon the same subjects, it is almost 
impossible that we can steer clear of each other’s researches 
in this respect: and unfortunately it is not always in our power 
to determine the priority of the names thus respectively con= _ 


* Linn. Trans. xii. 389, 392. Plate xxi. fig. 7. 


Corrections to Mr. Vigors’s Sketches in Zoology. 519 


ferred upon the same groups. In Brazilian and Javanese 
Zoology this is the case to a very great extent; more particularly 
with respect to the Zoology of the former country, from whence a 
vast accession of new subjects has lately poured into every part 
of Europe. The above Brazilian genus, which I characterized in 
the former volume of this Journal, is one of those forms which 
has been considered by continental naturalists worthy of being 
separated into a distinct group; and it forms the genus Bidens 
of Dr. Spix, as published in his splendid work on Brazilian Orni- 
thology. In this case however there can arise but little confusion 
as to the adoption of the generick name for the group; that of 
Bidens having long since been appropriated to Botany: it is 
in fact a Linnean genus. 

The same observations may be made respecting the group of 
Psittacara, characterized at. Vol. II. p. 388, of this Journal. 
The species which compose that group have been referred toa 
new genus of that gentleman, under the name of Aratinga. 
flere again we may easily reconcile the apparent clashing of these 
two names. My group extends only to the South American spe- 
cies of Parrakeets, the orbits of whose eyes and a greater or less 
extent of whose cheeks is naked: while -dratinga not only 
embraces these, but includes a considerable number of the long- 
tailed Parrakeets, which have the cheeks and orbits feathered, 
This latter group forms a very extensive division of the family, 
and is one which I had marked out for characterizing. If we 
limit the name of Aratinga to this latter group, and retain that of 
Psittacara to the true Perruche- Aras, we shall avoid all confu- 
sion in designating these divisions. 
Although some confusion may at times arise in the variety of 
names which thus may be conferred on the same forms; yet it is 
in general a gratification to naturalists to find the justness of their 
views, respecting the separation of groups, confirmed by the cor- 
responding sentiments of their fellow labourers in the same de- 
partment of science. In the present instance I myself feel much 
pleasure in observing that those above-mentioned groups are con- 
sidered by such an acute ornithologist as Dr. Spix, to be worthy 
of separation: and more particularly the former group of Har- 


520 Additions and Corrections, &c. 


pagus, which belongs to a family where already it is alleged 
that there is too much subdivision, and where the introduction 
of a new name is pronounced to be an innovation scarcely to be 
tolerated. The fact before us proves that while we are de- 
bating about the principle of separating groups, others are actually 
separating them: while we are contending about the quantum of 
names which the fastidious taste or treacherous memory of a 
Zoological student may be enabled to embrace and to retain, 
others are imposing names without limitation. We thus lose the 
opportunity of taking that stand in science to which the resources, 
the intellect, and the industry of this country give us a right to 
aspire. And what will be the consequence? In the end we shall 
be obliged, as heretofore has been the case with respect to Zoo- 
logy, to follow in the wake of our continental neighbours; we 
shall be forced, in fact, into a tardy adoption of their names and 
characters, for the very groups which our own indolence, or 
timidity, or blind adherence to a restrictive formula of nomen- 
clature, has prevented us from naming and characterizing our- 
Selves. 

Some of the Brazilian species also, described in this Journal, 
have been equally described about the same time on the continent. 
The Leistes Suchié of this work [Vol. II. p. 92. tab. sup. 10] 
is the Xanthornus Gasquet of M. M. Quoy and Gaimard [Voy. 
aut, du Monde]; the Pséttacara frontata [ Vol. II. p. 389] is the 
Arara macrognathos of Dr. Spix; and Psittacara Lichtensteini¢ 
is the Aratinga cyanogularis of the same naturalist. The latter 
bird has also been lately figured by M. Temminck, [Pl. col. 
338, | under the name of Pséttacus cruentatus. If we turn to the 
description of Psittacara froniuta in this Journal, we shall per- 
ceive the observation that the species stands at the extreme limit 
of the genus where I have placed it, and might perhaps with 
equal justice be referred to the adjoining division of Maccaws. 
Accordingly we find that M. Spix has included it among the birds 
of that group. No single fact can prove more strongly the justice 
of those views which we are endeavouring so frequently to incul- 
cate; namely, the arbitrariness of the divisions which we are 


Additions and Corrections, &c. 521 


forced to institute for the sake of convenience in our science, and 
the total want of such divisions in nature. 

Vol. I. p. 412.—“ Jerax.” — This word, although it has been 
generally used as above written, should more properly be written 
“ Hierax.’ I therefore wish to substitute the more classical, for 
the more customary, orthography. 

Vol. I. p. 412. —“ Psittacula Kuhlii.,—M. Lesson, in the 
“¢ Bulletin des Sciences Naturelles” for Nov. 1825. [p. 409], 
asserts that the above bird is “‘ simplement le Pstttacus coccineus, 
Shaw, le Phigy de Vieillot.” *—This may be the case.—But 
hitherto I have seen no proof of such a fact. The circumstances 
of there being a bird for thirty years in the Paris Museum that 
accords exactly with the description of Ps. Kuhlii, and of M. 
Lesson’s haying a bird of the same beautiful species for several 
months alive in his possession,—circumstances which that gentle- 
man advances in support of his assertion, —may be suflicient 
proofs that the species has been for some time familiar to Euro- 
peans, but none that it is identical with the Phigy of M. Le Vail- 
lant. The representation of this latter bird, given in the 64th 
plate of the “* Hist. des Perroquets,” is decidedly different to all 
appearance from the bird described in this Journal. A single 
character is sufficient to be particularized. The head of the Phigy 
is not crested ; that of Ps. Kuhlii has an elongated and conspicu- 
ous crest. No crest at least is represented in M. Le Vaillant’s 
figure, or mentioned in his description of the Phigy; neither is 
it noticed as a character of the Ps. coccineus of Dr. Shaw, who 
directly refers to the plate of M. Le Vaillant. M. Lesson adds 
that the Ps. fringillaceus, Gmel., appears to be a variety of the 
same species. This also may be the case. There is however a 
fine specimen of this species in the British Museum, with which 
I have compared the Ps. Kuhlii; and although there is a general 
similarity in the disposition of the colours of these two birds, I 
am enabled to affirm that no two birds belonging to the same 
group can be more apparently distinct as species. ‘The difference 
between them has been pointed out in the description of Ps. 
Kuhl. On the whole I feel always inclined to keep apparent 


*J take it for granted that M. Lesson means the Phigy of M. Le Vaillant. 


522 Analytical Notices of Books. 


species distinct, until they are proved to be identical. The con- 
fusion that has arisen in the very family of Pstttacide before us, 
should make us cautious of multiplying the alleged varieties of 
species. How many distinct species for instance are now dis- 
covered among the described varieties of Ps. Alexandri, Linn., 
hematodus, Linn., and Tabuensis, Lath.! I suspect that Ps. 
Amazonicus, Linn., and its endless alleged varieties will, when 
properly examined, be found equally fertile in species. 

Vol. II. p. 42.1. 9. Note—For “ay” read “ay”, 

p. 44. 1.17. Note.—For “irraxne” read “ irranss.” 

——— p. 45.1. 3. Note.—For “ Bochart coincides in this 
opinion,” read, ** Bochart coincides in the opinion that Parrots 
were not natives of Syria.” 

——— p. 376.1.12.—“ Pl. Col. 13. & 222.” dele “* & 222.” The 
bird in this latter plate appears to be a Neophron. I was led 
into the errour of placing the two birds to which I above referred, — 
together as Vultures, in consequence of the identity of the spe- 
cifick names, awkwardly assigned to two birds in so small a 
family. They thus became confounded in my notes. <A glance 


at the figures decides their difference. 

— p. 389. |. 21.—For “ Frontatus,” read ‘+ Frontata.” 
——— p. 402.1. 10. — “ Diplectron, Vietll. [Polyplectron. 

Temm. |”—The name of this genus of M. Temminck, and those of 

all the others of his Gallinaceous groups, are antecedent to the 

names of M. Vieillot for the same groups, and should he adopted 

in preference. 


Art. LXI. Analytical Notices of Books. 


Histoire Naturelle des Mammiferes, avec des Figures originales, 
coloriées, dessinées daprés des Animaux vivans; Publiée 
sous Vautorité de ? Administration du Muséum W@ Histoire 
Naturelle. Par MM. Georrroy - Saint - Hivaire, ol 
F. Cuvier. Livraison 51°. 


In the present number of this splendid and valuable publication, 
the most striking article is the description and figure of the type 


Histoire Noiurelle des Mammiferes. 523 


ofa new genus of Mammalia, to which M. F. Cuvier has assigned 
the name of Arcronyx. In habit this animal, (the Bali-Souar, 
or Sand-Hog, of the Hindoos,) may be compared to a Bear furnished 
with the snout, eyes, and tailofa Hog. Of its dentary system 
nothing is known, except that it possesses six small incisors of 
equal length, that its canine teeth are long, and that these are 
immediately succeeded by flat molar teeth, which appear to be 
larger as they are more advanced in the mouth. Its movement is 
plantigrade, and its five toes, united by a narrow membrane 
throughout their whole extent, are armed with powerful claws an 
inch in length. 

The hairs of the single species known to M. F. Cuvier, the 4. 
collaris, are rough, thickly set, and long upon the body, while 
those of the head are short and depressed. The snout, which is 
flesh-coloured, has only a few bristles on its sides; and the belly 
is almost naked. The ears are short, covered with short hairs, 
and bordered with white. The hair, which is yellowish white 
with its apex black, gives to the fur a slightly blackish cast which 
varies in an undulated manner when the animal moves. The 
throat is yellow, and the sides of the head are marked with 
two black bands, which unite towards the snout. The lower 
band, which is very narrow, borders the upper lip; the other, 
which is much broader, covers the eye, embraces the ear, descends 
on the sides of the neck, and unites itself at the bottom of the 
shoulder with the black that covers entirely the anterior mem- 
bers: hence the part in front bounded by these black bands, al- 
though nearly resembling in colour the remainder of the body, 
seems to form a distinct portion of the fur. The hinder members 
are black like the anterior ones, and the hair which covers them 
is very rough. The yellowish white predominates towards the 
posterior part of the back, and the tail is furnished with large 
rough scattered bristles. 

It is necessary to observe that this description is founded en- 
tirely on the notes of the late M. Duvaucel, who sent from India 
ihe drawing employed by M. F. Cuvier. No specimen of the ani- 
mal has yet reached France: we may however observe that it is cons 
iained in the museum of the East India Company, and that ano- 


4 
524 Analytical Notices of Books. 


ther specimen, which appears to be a distinct species, is exhibited 
in the collection of the Linnean Society. The form of this latter 
is much more elongated, and its fur, which is unfortunately con- 
siderably damaged about the head, is less bright in its colouring. 
We believe that this is about to be described by Dr. Horsfield. 

From the number and form of the toes, and the disposition of 
the teeth, the genus Arctonys evidently belong to the Carnivora, 
to the extreme of which and in close connexion with the Bears, it 
is referred by its plantigrade motion, its strong and curved claws, 
and its little inclination for flesh. Like the Bears moreover, when 
much irritated, it supports itself on its hinder feet, and exhibits 
in its arms and claws weapons equally to be dreaded with its 
teeth. In its flat and tubercular molar teeth, its preference for 
vegetables and fruits, and its snout apparently destined for dig- 
ging, it deviates considerably from the Bears, and may therefore be 
perhaps regarded as the extreme of the Carnivora, forming the con- 
necting link in the series of affinities between these and the om- 
nivorous Puchydermata; which, M. F. Cuvier remarks, are sepa- 
rated from the Elephants and Horses, by such numerous and im- 
portant characters as almost to tempt us to consider them as 
forming a distinct order, more closely allied to the Carnivora than 
they are generally assumed to be by systematic writers. 

The remaining novelties of the present number relate entirely 
to species, and consist of an Ape, a Genet, and an Agouti. The 
first of these is described and figured under the name of Simia 
Chrysopes, a trivial appellation, which ought rather to have been 
Chrysopus, as it is derived from the golden colour of the feet, 
which principally distinguishes it from the other Sapajous. It is 
a native of North America. 

The new species of Genet, Genetta afra, is a native of Barbary, 
and is noticed in Shaw’s Travels under its Moorish denomination 
of Shib-beardou. It is the third African species, differing from 
the European ones, which has been determined by M. F. Cuvier, 
who points out the distinctive characters between these new ani- 
mals. In size the Genet of Barbary is equal to that of the Cape, 
and exceeds the species which is found in Senegal. The colour, 
and even the markings of the whole are strikingly similar. They 


‘ 


Histoire Naturelle des Mammiferes. 525 


are all of a more or less deep gray, mingled with yellowish; and 
all have the extremity of the muzzle, the circumference of the 
eyes, and the upper part of the face, white; the lower jaw, the 
sides of the muzzle, and the dorsal line black ; the body spotted 
with black, excepting its inferior parts, the head, the front of the 
ears, and the Jegs: and the tail is ringed. But the longitudinal 
bands of the upper part of the neck are more regular and uniform 
in the Genet of Senegal than in the others, and are much less in- 
terrupted in that of the Barbary than in the Cape species, in 
which they are in fact composed of a series of elongated spots. 
From the back to the bottom of the flanks there are in the Genet 
of Senegal only four rows of spots, in that of Barbary there are 
five, and in that of the Cape at least six. In the first the num- 
ber of rings on the tail is at least ten, and this is terminated by 
white hairs; in the second there are only eight rings, and the 
terminal hairs are black ; in the third the terminal hairs are also 
black, but the number of rings is ten. In the colouring of the hinder 
legs they are also distinguished. On the outer part of these mem- 
bers the Genet of Senegal exhibits a black spot which terminates 
in a distinct manner above the tarsus. In the Genet of Barbary 
this spot is much less distinct, and descends on the tarsus, em- 
bracing both sides of the leg; while in the Cape species the leg 
appears to be entirely black. 

The Agouti, Cavia Aguti L., is stated by M. F. Cuvier to com- 
prehend two species which have hitherto been confounded to- 
gether. To one of these figured in an earlier number of his work, 
he gives the trivial name of awratu, distinguishing the one des- 
cribed in his present Jivraison by the denomination of cristata, 
They are readily to be distinguished at the first glance by the rich 
and brilliant colours of the former, which present a striking con- 
trast to the generally dull appearance of the latter. On further 
examination they are found to exhibit other differences. In the 
crested Agouti the upper part of the face is much more strongly 
arched than in the other species; its ears are entirely flesh-co- 
loured, and its feet tanned; the hinder parts of its body are 
deep brown with a few yellow points; and its cheeks, neck and 
shoulders, are black, the portion of the body between the 


526 Analytical Notices of Books. 


shoulders and the buttocks being brownish green. In the Golden 
Agouti on the contrary, the ear is bordered above by a broad 
black fascia, the hinder part of the body is of an extremely bril- 
liant golden yellow, and the cheeks, neck and shoulders are of the 
same green colour as the middle of the body. 

But considerable as these differences may appear, they are, as 
M. Cuvier observes, much less so when we examine their cause. 
In both these species the hairs are furnished with alternate rings 
of black and yellow. In those parts of the body in which the 
yellow and black share the visible portion of each hair, the fur 
exhibits the beautiful green tint which is seen on all the anterior 
parts of the golden Agouti. If the black slightly exceeds the 
yellow we have the colour of the middle of the body of the crested 
Agouti; if the yellow predominates considerably, it produces the 
golden hue of the hinder parts of the former animal ; if the black, 
it gives the dull colour of the shoulders or thighs of the second, 
&c. In other words the most external characters of these animals 
present a community of features, a fact which may also be ob- 
served in numerous other genera. Thus to the experienced natu- 
ralist the mere appearance of the hairs is often a certain indication 
of relations of the most important kind, which might be expected 
to manifest themselves only: in organs of a much more elevated 
order. This latter observation is well worthy of general attention, 
since, although it must have repeatedly occurred to every Zoolo- 
gist, it is seldom so much adverted to as it deserves. In every - 
department of animated nature this fact is equally to be traced ; 
in the hairs of Quadrupeds, in the feathers of Birds, in the colours — 
' of Insects, and even in the texture of the shells of Mollusca. 


Monographies de Mammalogie ; ou Descriptions de quelques 
Genres de Mammiféres dont les Espéces ont été observées 
dans les différens Musées de ? Europe. Par C, J. Temmincr, 
Livraison, 4eme. 


Among the genera of Mammalia there is none more distinctly 
circumscribed in its limits, or more uniform in its characters, than 


Temminck’s Monographies de Mammalogie. 527 


that which forms the subject of the present livraison of M. Tem- 
minck’s Monographs, the genus Felis. In the osteology of the 
numerous species comprised in it, there is little except size to 
distinguish one from another; and size and colouring are almost 
the only characters which are applicable to the discrimination of 
living specimens. Founded entirely on these accidents, the groups 
to which are occasionally applied the names of Lions, Tigers, 
Lynxes, and Cats, are not entitled in a scientific point of view to 
the rank of even subgenera. These denominations are merely a 
familiar mode of expressing certain resemblances in colour and 
in size exhibited by some of the species, which, however, blend 
together so completely, as not to admit of any decided line of 
demarcation between them. The young of the Lion presents the 
spotted and streaked fur of the Tigers; these again are merely 
enlarged representations of Cats; nor is there in the pencils of 
hairs developed on the ears of the Lynxes any determinate charac- 
ter, varying as they do according to the age and the state of the 
fur. The genus Felis is therefore regarded by M. Temminck as 
a single and indivisible group, of which he describes twenty-seven 
species, and notices eight others as either doubtful or not yet 
sufficiently known. Common to both the old and the new conti- 
nent, and presenting no distinctive mark, by which those species 
which are found in the one can be known from those of the other, 
he has nevertheless arranged them in two sections corresponding 
with their geographical distribution : but it is difficult to perceive 
what benefit is to be derived from this separation, founded on the 
mere fact of the countries which they inhabit, and supported by 
no organic difference whatever between the groups. 

Of the first section, comprising those animals of the genus Felis 
which are found in the Old Continent and its Archipelagos, eigh- 
teen species are described ; the second, or those of the new world, 
contains nine species. These we shall proceed to enumerate, in- 
terspersing the catalogue with the characters of the new species, 
and with occasional remarks, illustrative of the views entertained 
by M. Temminck on the subject. 


528 Analytical Notices of Books. 


* 


1. F. Leo, including three varieties ; the Lions of Barbary, of 
Senegal, and of Persia. 

2. F. Tigris. 

3. F’. jubata, the Hunting Leopard of Pennant, and Guepard 
of F. Cuvier; an extremely interesting species on account of its 
domestication in Hindoostan, where it is employed in the chace. 
To the Zoologist it is highly valuable, as deviating from the type 
of the genus Felis, by the non-retractility of its claws, and thus 
becoming in some measure osculant between the Feles and the 
Dogs. 

4. F. Leopardus, the Leopard. When adult smaller than the 
Lioness : tail as long as the body only, its extremity when re- 
flected reaching to the shoulders: colour of the fur light yellowish 
fulvous; that of the internal parts, and of the rose-like spots, 
deeper, or of a more lively yellow than the ground of the fur ; 
the numerous spots moderately distant from each other, the rose- 
like ones from 16 to 18 lines at the utmost in diameter: caudal 
vertebre 22. 

5. F. Pardus, the Panther. When adult less than the Leo- 
pard: tail as long as the body and the head, its extremity when 
reflected reaching to the tip of the nose: colour of the fur deep 
yellowish fulvous, its internal part being marked with rose-like 
spots of the same colour as the ground of the fur; the numerous 
spots closely approached to each other; the rose-like ones from 
12 to 14 lines at the utmost in diameter: caudal vertebra 28. 

Of these species, the synonymy of which has been beyond 
measure confused by the almost indiscriminate employment of the 
names of Leopard, Panther, Jaguar, and Ounce, the above cha- 
racters are given by M. Temminck. It appears that even our 
Parisian neighbours have not sufficiently attended to the distinc- 
tive characters laid down by Linné, there being still exhibited in 
the galleries of the Museum under the name of Panther, a speci- 
men of the Leopard. Of the true Panther there is no trace of a 
specimen having ever existed in that extensive collection. Hence 
the Panther of Cuvier, and the male Panther of Buffon and Schre- 
ber, are to be viewed as Leopards, together with the Ounce of 


Temminck’s Monographies de Mammalogie. 529 


Of the true Panther there exists no correct figure. The Leopard 
appears to be confined to the Kast, no African specimen having 
been detected by M. Temminck, in his very extensive enquiries. 

The black Tiger, F. Melas, the Rimau Kumbang of Sir Stam- 
ford Raffles, is regarded as merely a dark variety of the Leopard. 
Professor Reinwardt and M. Kuhl have stated, from the testimonies 
of the natives of Java, that there are frequently found in the dens 
of the Leopard young individuals, one of which is spotted like 
the parent, while the other is dark, corresponding with the 
"EF, melas. 

The F. Uncia L. is also to be erased from the list of species, 
as it is merely the young of the Leopard or of the Panther; to 
either of which the published figures of it may be readily re- 
ferred, by attending to the proportionate length of the tail. 

6. F. macrocelis, a new species, which has been described by 
Dr. Horsfield in the Zoological Journal, i. 542 ; and of which the 
twenty-first plate of that volume presents a figure. 

7. I’. Serval, comprehending the I’. Serval and F. Capensis of 
Linné, together with the Chat-pard of Desmarest, and the Cara- 
cal of Algiers of Bruce. 

8. I. cervaria. Size nearly that of the Wolf: tail when re- 
flected extending beyond the head. smaller at the apex than at 
the base, and terminated by a large black space: labial whiskers 
pure white throughout from the base to the point: pencils of the 
ears either very short or altogether wanting; cheek whiskers 
moderately long: nose rather elongated. 

Such are the chavacters assigned to a species which may possi- 
bly be the Kattlo of Linné and the Swedes, but of which no 
skins are contained in the cargoes that arrive from the Baltic. 
In commerce the skins of the F’. cervaria are only obtained from 
the markets of Moscow, which receive them from the provinces of 
Asia. It appears probable that this species may have been con- 
founded under the name of the Canadian Lynx, with the follow- 
ing. 
9. IF’. borealis. Size less than that of the preceding, interme- 
diate between the Fox and the Wolf: tail when reflected not ex- 
tending to the extremity of the head, obtuse and apparently 

Vor. II. 2. 


530 Analytical Notices of Books. 


truncated at its apex; the extreme point alone black: labial 
whiskers black at their base and white above: pencils of the ears 
long: cheek whiskers very long: nose very obtuse. 

This species, which comprehends the Canadian, but not the 
Mississippi, Lynx of M. Cuvier, has not hitherto been sufficiently 
distinguished from the preceding. It inhabits the Northern parts 
ef both the old and the new Continents, and its fur, which is less 
valuable in commerce. than that of the F. cervaria, is obtained 
equally from Sweden and from Hudson’s Bay. 

10. F. Lynx. Body thick, rather elevated upon the legs: 
head thick, rounded ; ears acuminated, terminated by a pencil of 
long hairs: tail when reflected reaching as far as the extremity of 
the head, its smaller half towards the apex entirely black: four 
or five small undulated black bands on the cheek : labial whiskers 
white, arranged on four or five black streaks: no small anterior, 
or false molar tooth. 

We have given the character of this well-known species for 
the purpose of discriminating between it, the two preceding, and 
the following, species; which, with the F. rufa of North Ame«# 
rica, are closely allied to each other. 

11. F. pardina. Size of the Badger, but higher upon its legs ; 
resembling in form and size the F’. rufa: tail short, but in pro« 
portion te.its size longer than in the F. Lynx: pencils of the ears 
very distinct: cheek whiskers large: nose and tail covered with 
black reticulations. 

This species, the Loup Cervier of Perrault, under which name 
several other species are comprehended by the Continental fur 
riers, is found only in the South of Europe, the true Lynx in- 
habiting the centre. 

12. F. Caracal ; the Nubian Caracal and Cat of the Deserts 
Bruce, and the Persian Cat of Pennant. 

13. I’, aurata. Rather less than the Caracal; tail only half 
the length of the body, with a brown band along its middle, and 
its extreme point black: ears short, rounded, without pencils: 
fur very short and shining. 

The country of this species is unknown, the skin from which 


Temminck’s Monographies de Mammalogie. 581 


the description is made having been purchased from a dealer in 
London. 

14. F. Chaus of Guldensted, figured by Schreber. The other 
animals described under this name are referable to the next spe- 
cies. 

. 15. F. caligata: the Booted Lynx of Bruce, F. Lybdicus of 
Olivier, and Lybian Caracal of Buffon. 
- 16. F. Catus. 

It has been generally conceived that this species is to be re- 
garded as the original stock of the domestic Cat, but M. Tem- 
minck doubts the correctness of this opinion, which appears to 
him to be contradicted by the general fact that domesticated ani- 
mals become larger than the wild stock from which the race has 
sprung. Our common Cat, which, like the Dog, is spread over 
the world wherever man inhabits, is on the contrary smaller than 
the wild one of the Northern parts of Europe. In their tails they 
also differ considerably ; that of the wild Cat being thick and 
short, equally large throughout and not reaching when reflected 
farther than the scapula; while in the domestic Cat it is longer 
and more slender, and diminishes in thickness towards its extre- 
mity. M. Temminck therefore regards the latter as being pro- 
bably descended from the succeeding species, which inhabits 
Egypt ; a fact, which, assuming that country as the centre of civi- 
lization, he holds to be strong confirmatory evidence of the cor- 
rectness of his opinion. 

17. F. maniculata, a new species sent from Nubia by M. 
Ruppel. Size one-third less than that of the F. Catus ;» propor- 
tions nearly the same as in that species, with the exception of 
the tail, which is longer and more slender: ears without pencils: 
sole of the feet, and hinder part of the mctacarpus and of the me- 
tatarsus perfectly black. 

18. F. minuta, a name, which, as applied to a species already 
well known under another denomination, cannot be adopted. It 
is the F. Javanensis of Dr. Horsfield’s Zoological Researches in 
Java, and this trivial appellation is altered by M. Temminck, on 
account of the impropriety, as he alleges, of employing names de- 
rived from the countries in which animals are first discovered. 

2L2 


532 Analytical Notices of Books. 


The conflicting opinions of Zoologists on this point we need not 
mention : that quoted from M. F. Cuvier in a note on p. 230 of the 
present volume, being diametrically opposed to M. Temminck’s. 
But the propriety or impropriety of employing such names does: - 
not fall fairly into discussion in this instance; such an enquiry, 
how indispensable soever previous to designating a species, be- 
comes too late when the name has been applied. It must then 
be of necessity retained, unless it conveys a decidedly false im- 
pression; and even in this case, considerable hesitation would 
be experienced by every naturalist, who felt unwilling to increase 
the confusion already too prevalent in synonymy. 

%* 

19. F. concolor, including the animals described by Linné 
under this name and that of F’. discolor, being those commonly 
known by the appellations of Couguar and Puma. 

20. F. Onca, the Jaguar. Buffou’s Jaguar is the F. pardalis, 
and his figure entitled the Female Panther is a representation of 
the-F. Onca. 

21. F. Jaguarondi. 

22. F. celidogaster. Size of the Fox: face broad and obtuse ; 
tail rather shorter than the half of the body and the head ; ears 
moderate: labial whiskers black, with their extremitiesewhite : 
all the under parts marked with large round spots. 

This new species, which was said to have been brought from 
the Coast of Chili or that of Peru, was exhibited at Exeter Change.. 
It afterwards formed part of Mr. Bullock’s collection, at the sale 
of which it was purchased by M. Temminck. 

23. F. rufa of Guldensted, the Bay-Cat of Pennant. With 
this species M. Temminck describes also a specimen brought 
from Mexico by Mr. Bullock, which may probably prove to be 
distinct, as it exhibits no spot or streak on any part of its fur, ex- 
cept the single broad blackish band along the middle line of the 
back; the extreme point of the tail is black, while in the F’. rufa, 
although its end is black, there are a few white hairs at the very 
apex. 7 

24. F. pardalis, the Ocelot. Size nearly that of the Lynx, 
but less elevated on its legs: tail half the length of the body and 


Temminck’s Monographies de Mammalogie. 533 


the head : with long bands on the flanks proceeding from between 
the shoulders, and terminating without interruption on the thighs. 

25. F. macroura. Size less than that of the F. pardalis, lower 

on its legs, and its body more elongated : tail as long as the body 
" and the neck, its extremity when reflected reaching to the occi- 
put: with long bands on the flanks which are more or less inter- 
rupted. 

These two species were confounded together by Linné under 
the name of F. pardalis; the latter, although specimens of it 
have been long known, having been first determined by the Prince 
de Neuwied. The Mexican Tiger of Pennant appears to be a 
representation of the I’. macroura. 

26. F. mitis, the Chati of M. F. Cuvier. Size less, more 
slender and graceful than in the preceding species: tail nearly 
half the length of the body and the head: spots not numerous, 
rose-like, small and irregular, more or less rounded, and deeper 
in colour than the ground of the fur, which is generally blond or 
very light fulvous. 

27. F. tigrina. 

_ The Tigers which M. Temminck has not seen, and which he 
has consequently been unable to describe, or to refer to their 
proper position, are eight in number; the Rimau Mangin, and 
the Rimau Chigau of Sir Stamford Raffles; the Felis Manul of 
Pallas ; the Chat Pampa, and the Eyra of D’Azzara; and three 
species sent from North America by M. Rafinesque. ‘Two other 
species described by Molina, appear scarcely to merit insertion, 
even ina catalogue of doubtful species, that author having, ac- 
cording to M. Cuvier, written from memory in Italy his natural 
history of Chili. a 

In the preceding analysis of the results of M. 'Temminck’s 
labours in this very interesting genus, we have gone into greater 
detail than usual, with a view of laying before such of our readers 
as may not see the work itself, an outline of its contents sufficient 
to convey a correct idea of them. That the subject is not yet 
exhausted, and that somewhat may still be added to it even from 
our present collections, we have no doubt. But whatever falls 
from the pen of so sedulous an enquirer, is well worthy of atten= 


534 Analytical Notices of Books. 


tion, founded as his facts universally are on the most patient and 
laboured investigation. ‘That such has been the case on the pre- 
sent occasion, is proved, by the references to the various collections 
of Europe, nearly the whole of which have been visited in thé 
progress of his work. Nor are the descriptions founded only on 
living or on set-up specimens; to trace them with more accuracy 
and to obtain a more ample view of their frequent variations, he 
has also had recourse to the warehouses of furriers in all the prin- 
cipal commercial towns, without a continual examination of which, 
he repeats again and again, no certainty can exist with respect to 
the species of Felis. All those which he has admitted appear in 
fact to be founded on numerous specimens, with two exceptions 
only; and it is well worthy of remark, that the unique skins of 
both these species were purchased in London, to adorn the museum 
of the Netherlands. On this we need offer no comment. The 
British Zoologist cannot fail to apply the fact. 


Memoires de la Societé d’ Histoire Naturelle de Paris. Tome ii. 
(Premiere Partie). Ato. pp. 248. Plates xiii. 


Or the papers contained in the present portion of a volume of 
the Transactions of the newly established Society of Natural 
History of Paris, one alone relates to recent Zoology. In this, 
a “ Notice on the animal of the genus Argonauta,” the Baron de 
Ferussac enters into the discussion of a question, the peculiar in- 
terest of which is universally acknowledged. Almost from the 
earliest period to which the records of natural history ascend, the 
relation borne to the elegant shell of the drgonauta Argo by the 
Cephalopode, which is occasionally found to inhabit it, has been 
a subject of dispute. While some have regarded the shell as being 
actually constructed by this animal, others have believed that the 
animal is merely a parasite, seizing like a Pagurus upon an empty 
shell, and having like that Crab, no share whatever in its forma- 
tion. The latter of these opinions is stated by Pliny to have been 
‘advanced by Mutian ; it has been successively adopted by a long 


Memoires de la Societé d’ Hist. Nat. de Paris. 535 


list of distinguished naturalists ; and it is still maintained by Dr. 
Leach, on the evidence of the unfortunate Cranch, by Sir Everard 
Home, and especially by M.de Blainville. On the other side, names 
of equally high authority might be advanced. In our own times 
MM. Bosc, Lamarck, and Cuvier, who in the earlier part of their 
zoological career had advocated the doctrine of the parasitic na- 
ture of the animal in question, have been converted to the oppo- 
site opinion, and have avowed their belief that the shell and the 
animal are mutually connected ab ovo, the former being entirely 
constructed by the latter. This is also the opinion of M. de 
Ferussac, who supports it by several facts observed in a small 
specimen recently sent to him in spirits, by M. Risso of Nice. 

In this specimen the shell was completely filled by the Cepha- 
lopode, which was octopodous, and corresponded with the des-~ 
cription usually given of the animal found in the drgonauta 
Argo. When thus retracted within the shell four of its arms were 
found to be bent down upon its back within the enlarged keel, in — 
such a manner, as to apply the suckers with which they are 
furnished, against thé internal surface of the keel. The remain- 
ing four arms were folded, in the opposite direction, into the spi- 
ral cavity of the shell, which they filled; the intermediate pair, 
or the palmate arms destined to support the eggs, occupyirg the 
middle, and forming a mass, over which were folded the extre- 
mities of the outer pair, these latter resting, through the greater 
part of their extent, upon the sides of the body. On breaking 
the shell, the mantle was found to correspond precisely with its 
internal surface, presenting a repetition of the sulci, of the broad 
and flat keel, and of the tubercles which are disposed along its 
sides. 

This exact accordance of the form of the animal with that of 
the shell, and its complete adaptation, when retracted, to the 
different parts of its habitation, are the only facts adduced from 
observation by the Baron de Ferussac in support of his opinion. 
His explanation of the probable arrangement and uses of the arms 
in floating, it is unnecessary to advert to, it being entirely founded 
on theory. The remainder of his paper consists of arguments drawn 
from the facts, that no other animal has been at any time found in the 


536 Analytical Notices of Books. 


shell in question, and that the same animal has never been 
fonnd apart from the shell, excepting perhaps by M. Rafinesque. 

On this latter point, and on the fact observed by Cranch, of the 
animals having quitted at pleasure the shells in which they were 
found, he justly remarks that no positive conclusion of their-para- 
-sitic nature can be founded ; it being almost certain that this 
singular faculty must be possessed by the true inhabitant of the 
Argonauta, which, on the authority of M. de Blainville, cannot 
be attached to its shell, on the internal surface of which no mus- 
cular impression whatever is to be traced. It is to this peculiar 
circumstance, which is perfectly anomalous among the Mollusca, 
that the whole of the difficulties with respect to this shell and its 
inhabitant are to be ascribed. These difficulties are not, we 
think, satisfactorily cleared up by the present notice ; for although 
its distinguished author has certainly succeeded in showing an 
intimate connexion between them, nothing less than a series of 
carefully conducted observations on numerous living specimens, 
continued through more than one generation, can finally dispose 
of the question. 

Our opinion that such a series of observations is still necessary, 
is not in the least shaken by a note appended to M. de Ferussac’s 
paper, in which it is stated on the authority of an Italian Journal, 
that the Chevalier Poli had discovered, by means of the micro- 
scope, the daily developement of the embryo, and the commence- 
ment of the formation of the shell, in the eggs of the Cephalo- 
pode, found in the Argonauta Argo. True it is, that if thorough 
reliance could be placed on this discovery, it would at once be 
‘decisive of the dispute ; if the shell be really formed in the egg, 
the animal must be the original inhabitant and constructor of it. 
But the difficulties attendant on very minute microscopical obser- 
vations are so great and obvious, that we may well be allowed to 
hesitate, before receiving them with implicit confidence. In this 
instance, we are bound to view them with peculiar distrust ; for 
the observation of the Chevalier Poli is contradicted by that of M. 
Bauer, than whom no one is better versed in the management of 
the most powerful glasses, and who has stated in the Philo- 
sophical Transactions for 1817, that what has been taken for 


Memoires de la Societé d’ Hist. Nat. de Paris. 5937 


shell is merely the vitellum of the egg. We therefore repeat, 
that individuals must be bred by some able naturalist, that 
their daily developement must be observed, that the eggs must be 
‘watched until the animals have attained their full growth, and 
that until this has been effected, doubts will still continue to 
exist. 

The remaining articles connected with Zoology which are con- 

tained in this volume, are chiefly geological, the references to the 
animal kingdom, being, with one exception, almost entirely inci- 
dental. In the “Geological Description of the Tertiary Basin 
of the South-west of France, by M. B. de Basterot,” the author 
gives the characters, descriptions, and synonyms, of three hun- 
dred and thirty species of fossil shells collected in the neigh- 
bourhood of Bourdeaux, many of which are figured in the accom- 
panying plates. Although many of them are new, they present 
too little which is of general interest to induce us to enter into 
particulars with respect to them. We shall therefore limit our 
notice of this article to a single observation advanced in it, which 
is equally applicable to the Zoology of the present age, and of 
past ages. 

It may be affirmed, says M. de Basterot, that no species of 

_Mollusca, whether inhabiting the land.or the water, is to be 
found perfectly identical in two or more. situations, which are 
considerably distant from each other, or in which there exists 
a difference in the nature of the soil or of the waters. A little 
more or less of elongation in all the parts, of prominence in the 
strie and in the tubercles, of thickness in the folds, &c. is al- 
ways to be met with, and the determination of species is thus 
rendered a very difficult task. In the examination of a long 
series of species from different localities, there appears to be a 
kind of succession of undulations around certain determinate 
forms, extending so far that the extremes of one are con- 
founded with those of another, the centres still remaining perfectly 
distinct. The great extent of these variations, is readily to be 
accounted for on the principle of Cuvier, that the differences 
which constitute varieties depend on determinate circumstances, 
_and that their developement increases, in proportion to the inten- 


538 Analytical Notices of Books. 


sity of these circumstances. More completely than any other 
class of the animal creation the Mollusca are the slaves of circum- 
stances, possessing not the power of withdrawing themselves from 
external influences ; and if the change of food and habitation has 
been sufficient to vary almost to infinity the forms of our domes- 
tic animals, and even of our cultivated plants, ought not also the 
difference of soil, of depth, of temperature, and of agitation in 
the waters in which they dwell, to produce an equal extent of 
varieties in the inhabitants of the-sea? The local varieties, 
though well known to those whose faculties have been sharp- 
ened by interest, are yet unnoticed by the naturalist. To him 
the common Oyster is the same, no matter on what shore it may 
have been taken ; but to the dealer, even of moderate experience, 
the locality from which it arrives is at once evident on mere 
inspection. 


——— 


Entomologische Monographien. — Entomological Monographs. 
By Dr. Fr. Kuve, Director of the Royal Xoologicat 
Museum, &c. &c. Berlin. 1824, 8vo. pp. 242. Coloured 
plates x. 


To the student of Entomology the name of Professor Klug is 
well known, not merely on account of his official situation in 
charge of a collection of Insects which is probably the most ex- 
tensive in the world, but also for the abilities he has displayed in 
his repeated attempts at rendering available to the purposes of 
science, the rich stores with the care of which he is entrusted. 
Engaged as his time must necessarily be, in the numerous duties 
connected with the preservation and arrangement of that im- 
mense and continually increasing cabinet, his leisure cannot be 
sufficient to enable him to prepare any very extensive work, and 
he has therefore limited himself hitherto to the descriptions of 
certain genera, or of some of the more striking insects, which he 
has given to the world, either in a detached form, or through the 
medium of the learned societies of Germany. His present work, 
contains one of these monographs, with very important additions, 
together with several others which have not before appeared ; 


Klug’s Entomologische Monographien. 559 


anid embraces Coleoptera as well as Hymenoptera, including 
several new genera in the latter order, in which the learned 
author is peculiarly versed. ‘The whole of the insects described 
are exotic, and with very few exceptions, extra-Huropean; and 
it might almost be added that the whole of them are new, for the 
number of those which had been previously described, is quite 
insignificant in proportion to the mass. <A rapid enumeration of 
the genera noticed, with the characters of such as are new, and 
the number of species described in eack, will be sufficient to afford 
a general idea of the present publication. 
Of Ctenostoma, a genus first determined by the learned author, 
three species are described, two of these having been formerly 
characterized by him. Of Agra the number of species is twenty 5 
seven having been now added to the list which he had previously 
given in the Transactions of the Leopoldine Academy. The species 
of Megalopus described are thirty-one ; the whole, with the ex- 
ception of one African species, being natives of South America. 
To these are to be added the M. dorsalis of Olivier, and the M. 
sexmaculatus of Kirby, making the number now described thirty- 
three. In Ch/amys the number of species is still more consider- 
able. ‘Those described by M. Klug are sixty-four, sixty of which 
are contained in the Berlin collection. From an additional note, 
we learn that this number is to be increased to eighty-four, there 
being. twenty other species described in the ‘ Monographia 
Chlamydum” of M. V. Kollar, published at Vienna, in the earlier 
part of 1824. The whole number contained in this latter work 
is only forty-five, which are divided into two sections; those with 
the suture of the elytra smooth, and those in which it is serrate ; 
a_ division which appears to be scarcely necessary, as the first 
comprises only four species. One of the species of CAlamys 
described by Professor Klug, under the name of C. braccata, is 
added to that genus with considerable doubt. It is a very re- 
markable insect, and was regarded by Count Von Hoffmansegg 
as the type of a new genus to which he gave the manuscript name 
of Caloscirtes. It differs from the other species of Chlamys in 
_the great length of its antenne, which exceeds that of the body, 
and in the thickness of its hinder thighs. Of Mastigus there are 


540 Analytical Notices of Books. 


three species given, two of which are new; and reference is made 
to the descriptions of three others, making in the whole six 
species. 

Pacuyxostrora, the first Hymenopterous genus noticed, is 
new. It contains three species, (the males of which only are 
known,) which at first sight closely resemble the Hylotome. — 
Its characters are, ‘* Antennz short, clavate, 5-jointed : anterior 
wings dilated at their apex, stigma semilunar; marginal cells 
two; submarginal three, the second of these penetrated by a 
recurrent nerve: second, third, and fourth joints of the hinder 
tarsi very,,short.” All the specimens yet received are from 
Brazil, to which country also the following genus, which is 
closely allied to Pachylosticta is referable.. It is worthy of re- 
mark, that as of Pachylosticta males only are known, so of 
Syzygonia none but females have hitherto been seen by Professor 
Klug. Syzyeonta; ** Antenne short, clavate; with four or 
five joints before the club; club solid: marginal cell solitary, | 
appendiculate ; submarginal, four.’? The species, which are two 
in number, are related to the genus Adia of Dr. Leach. Of 
-Tarpa, of which there were only two species previously known, ~ 
there are now described nine; of Cryptocerus, ten, with re- 
ference to three others, making in all thirteen: and of Ceramius, 
four species. 


Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. For 
the year 1825, Parts i. and ii. 4to. pp. 585. plates xxix. 


In those portions of our previous numbers which are devoted. 
to the Proceedings of Learned Societies on subjects connected with 
Zoology, such ample notices have been given relative to the papers 
contained in the present volume of the Philosophical Transactions, 
that, with one exception only, nothing remains to be done in our 
analytical department, save the enumeration of the articles, ac- 
_companied by a reference to those of our pages in which their more 
"prominent facts have been already embodied. 

Of the four Papers from the pen of Sir Everard Home, the fcc, 


Philosophical Transactions for 1825. 5AL 


“The Croonian Lecture, On the existence of Nerves in the Pla- 
centa;’’ has been analysed at page 581 of our first volume: the 
second, entitled ‘¢ Observations on the changes the Ovum of the 
Frog undergoes during the formation of the Tadpole,” at page 
582 of the same volume: the third, ‘* Observations on the In- 
fluence of the Nerves and Ganglions in producing Animal Heat,” 
was regarded as too purely physiological to require extensive notice : 
the leading facts of the fourth, ** Microscopical Observations on 
the materials of the Brain, and of the Ova of Animals, to show 
the Analogy that exists between them,” being given at page 277 
of our present volume. ‘The very interesting paper by Dr. J. R. 
Johnson, entitled ‘* Further Observations on the genus Planaria,” 
has been in like manner analysed at page 132 of our present 
volume ; as has also ** An Essay on Egyptian Mummies; with 
Observations on the art of embalming among the ancient Egyptians, 
by Dr. Granville,” at page 272. The leading facts of a‘* Notice 
of the [gwanodon, a Fossil Herbivorous Reptile, found in the 
sandstone of Tilgate Forest ; by Gideon Mantell, Esq.,’’ will be 
found at page 130; and those of the paper ** On the fossil Elk of 
Ireland; by T. Weaver, Esq.” at page 275 of our present volume. 

The exception alluded to at the commencement of our notice 
is in favour of the paper ** On the Anatomy of the Mole-Cricket ; 
by Dr. Kidd ;” the contents of which, referring as they do to the 
detailed and minute examination of an insect, obviously could not 
be sufficiently understood unless on the most attentive perusal. 
Even now, with the paper itself, and with the figures by which it 
is illustrated, before us, we find it impossible to convey an ade- 
quate idea of it without following the author at greater length 
than our limits will permit. We must, therefore, refer to the 
article itself such of our readers as may be desirous of particular 
information, relative to the,anatomy of the Gryllotalpa vulgaris, 
which forms an interesting supplement to the labours of M. Marcel 
de Serres, and of Sir KE. Home, and to the very extensive and 
admirable series of anatomical details of the Coleoptera, for which 
we are indebted to M. Audouin, and which are still continued, 
with unabated zeal and ability, in the Annales des Sciences 
Naturelles. 


542 Analytical Notices of Books. 


-” One suggestion advanced by Dr. Kidd, appears to be deserving 
of further investigation, If the sanguineous circulation of insects 
be carried on by the transudation of the chyle through the coats 
of the intestines, by its subsequent general diffusion through the 
interior of the body, (a diffusion, of which however he denies the 
existence,) and then by its absorption into the substance of par- 
ticular organs, as the hepatic tubes, the vesicule seminales, the 
ovaries, &c.; how, he enquires, does it happen, that the bile, for 
instance, does not transude through the coats of the same vessels, 
the pores of which have admitted the blood from which it has 
been formed? It may, he observes, be answered, that the altera-~ 
tion which the blood undergoes in the several organs, changes its 
properties to such an extent, as to render it incapable of repassing 
through the pores which admitted it. Such may indeed be the 
fact; but the circulation of insects, if the term may be allowed, 
though beset with difficulties, presents an interesting field of en- 
quiry, to the acute physiologist, whose ambition may prompt him 
to attempt the elucidation of a subject, in which even Cuvier has 
been foiled. Dr. Kidd conceives that the trachex, which in their 
minute ramifications pervade every part of the body, may possibly 
be the instruments of the circulation in insects; that they may 
absorb the blood or chyle in the first instance from the internal 
surface of the alimentary canal; that, by the exhaustion of the air 
from individual tracheze, the absorbed fluid may be drawn on, 
towards the two lateral tracheal tubes, which are apparently a 
general medium of communication between all the other trachee 
of the body, and that, having.once reached this point, it is for- 
warded to the most distant parts of the body, by a modification of 
the same means by which the air itself is forwarded. That blood 
has not been seen in the trachew, excepting apparently in two 
instances by Dr. Kidd, cannot be admitted in refutation of the 
hypothesis of their employment in the circulation, since, in the 
higher orders of animals, the arteries are found, after death, 
equally devoid of any traces of that fluid. 


Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 5A 


The Genera of Recent and Fossil Shells, for the use of Students 
‘in Conchology and Geology. By G.B.Sowersy, F.L.S. 
With original Plates, by J. D. C. Sowerny, F. L.S. 


No. xxvii. 


Iw this number, as in the preceding ones, five genera are illus- 
trated. 1. Siliquaria; an interesting genus of Annelida, sepa- 
rated from the Linnzan Serpule by Bruguiere; the very splen- 
did specimen of the S. anguina, which formed part of the Tanker- 
ville collection, being the prominent figure in the accompanying 
plate. 2. Octomeris; a new genus of Cirripeda described by Mr. 
Sowerby, at page 244 of our present volume. 3. Pinna; illus- 
trated by the P. serrata, and the P. nigrina, forming two plates. 
A. Mytilus ; the species figured being the M. achatinus; M. crena- 
tus; and the M. polymorphus, a native of the Danube, which has 
recently been naturalized in the Commercial Docks, near Lon- 
don. 5. Modiola, illustrated in two plates, which exhibit the 
M. picta, M. Silicula?, M. Tulipa, M. semifusca, M. plicata, 
M. discrepans, and M. discors. . The two latter species, which 
are natives of the British coasts, differ much, as Mr. Sowerby ob- 
serves, from the common Modiole, and might, perhaps, with pro- 
priety be considered, together with some others, that resemble 
them in form, as constituting a distinct genus. 


Art. LXII. Proceedings of Learned Societies on Subjects 
connected with Zoology. 


ROYAL SOCIETY. 


Ar the Anniversary Meeting of the Royal Society, held on St. 
Andrew’s Day, Nov. 30. 1825, the under-named Fellows were 
elected Council and Officers for the ensuing year: 

Of the Old Council.—Sir H. Davy, Bart. ; Francis Baily, Esq.; 
W. T. Brande, Esq.; Samuel Goodenough, Lord Bishop of - 
Carlisle ; Davies Gilbert, Esq. M.P.; J. F. W. Herschel, Usq. ; 


544 Soological Proceedings of Societies. 


Sir Everard Home, Bart.; Captain H. Kater; John Pond, Esq.; 
W. H. Wollaston, M.D.; Thomas Young, M.D. 

Of the New Council.—John Barrow, Esq.; Joha Bostock, M.D.; 
Sir A. P. Cooper, Bart.; Benjamin Gompertz, Esq.; Stephen 
Groombridge, Esq.; Sir Abraham Hume, Bart.; Daniel Moore, 
Esq.; Richard, Earl of Mount Edgecombe; P. M. Roget, M.D.; 
James South, Esq. 

- President.—Sir H. Davy, Bart. 

Secretaries.—W.T. Brande, Esq., and J. F. W. Herschel, a 

Treasurer.—Davies Gilbert, Esq., M.P. 

' Dec. 8.—A paper was read, entitled, Additional proofs of the 
source of Animal Heat being in the Nerves. By Sir E. Home, 
Bart. V.P.R.S. 

This paper contains the account of a repetition of the author’s 
former experiments, upon the effects of dividing the nerves sup- 
plying the velvet of the deer’s horn, in which the same results 
have been obtained ; while some exceptionable parts of the former 
proceedings have been carefully avoided. It was now found, as 
before, that immediately upon the division of the nerves of one 
horn, the temperature of that horn was diminished sometimes to 
the amount of 7°, and that in the course of tet: or twelve days, the 
disparity of temperature between the two horns began to cease, 
and they ultimately again attained precisely the same temperature. 
When this had taken place, the deer was killed, and the parts 
were carefully dissected and examined; when it was found, that 
the interval occasioned by the recession of the divided nerves, was 
filled up by a newly-formed substance, which firmly connected 
them; and this explained the restoration in their functions, which 
had taken place. 

In further proof of the influence of the nerves over the evolution 
of heat, independent of mere sanguineous circulation, Sir Everard 
adverts to a case of aneurism, in which he tied the femoral artery 
immediately below Poupart’s ligament. The obstruction of this 
large arterial trunk, however, did not occasion any diminution of 
temperature in the foot, below the natural standard. 

Dec. 15.—The President announced to the Society His Ma- 
sesty’s munificent foundation of two annual prizes, consisting each 


Royal Society. 5A5 


ofa medal of the value of fifty guineas, to be bestowed as hono- 
rary distinctions by the President and Council, on the authors of 
such new discoveries as they may deem worthy of the award ; and 
in such manner as shall best promote the objects for which the 
Royal Society was instituted; and the interests of science in 
general. 

Dr. J. R. Johnson, F.L.S. elected into the Society in 1817, 
and whose name had then been inserted in its printed lists, was 
admitted a Fellow of the Society ; and the Croonian Lecture,: 
by Sir E. Home, was read. The subject of this lecture was the 
Structure of Muscular Fibre. 

| Dec. 22.—Gideou Mantell, Esy. F.L. & G.S. was admitted a 
Fellow of the Society ; and the following papers were read : 

On the Poison of the Common Toad; by J. Davy, M.D. F.R.S. 
The popular belief in the venomous nature of the Toad, Dr. Davy 
states, though of great antiquity, has been rejected as a vulgar 
prejudice by modern naturalists, decidedly so by Cuvier; but 
like many other long-received and prevalent opinions, it is a true 
one, and the denial of it by philosophers has resulted from super- 
ficial examination. Dr. D. found the venomous matter to be 
contained in follicles, chiefly in the cutis vera, and about the head 
and shoulders, but also distributed generally over the body, and 
even on the extremities. On the application of pressure, this 
fluid exudes, or even spirts out to a considerable distance, and 
may be collected in a sufficient quantity for examination. It is 
extremely acrid when applied to the tongue, resembling the ex- 
tract of aconite in this respect, and it even acts upon the hands. 
It is soluble, with a small residuum, in water, and in alcohol, and 
the solutions are not affected by those of acetate of lead and 
corrosive sublimate. On solution in ammonia, it continues acrid ; 
it dissolves in nitric acid, to which it imparts a purple colour. By 
combination with potash or soda, it is rendered less acrid, appa- 
rently by partial decomposition. As left by evaporation of its 
aqueous or alcoholic solutions, it is highly inflammable ; and the 
residuary matter, which appears to give it consistence, seems to be 
albumen. Though more acrid than the poison of the most veno- 

Vox. II. 2m 


546 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


mous. serpents, it produces no ill effect on being introduced into- 
the circulation ; a chicken inoculated with it was not affected. 

The author conjectures that this ‘‘ sweltered venom,” as it is 
correctly termed by our great Dramatist, being distributed over 
the integuments, serves to defend the Toad from the attacks of 
carnivorous animals: “to eat a toad,” has long been held as an 
opprobrious difficulty ; and the animal is still further protected 
in this respect by the horny nature of its cutis, which contains. 
much phosphate of lime, &c. As the venom consists in part of an 
inflammable substance,. it is probably excrementitious, and its 
excretion auxiliary to the action of the lungs in decarbonizing 
the blood: This view of its use is confirmed by the fact that one 
of the two branches of the pulmonary artery supplies the skin, its 
ramifications. being most numerous where the follicles of venom 
are thickest. ) 

Dr. Davy has found the skin of the Toad to contain pores of 
two kinds; the larger, chiefly confined to particular situations, 
and which, when the skin is held up to the light, appear as iri- 
descent circles, and the smaller, more numerously and generally 
distributed, which appear as luminous points of a yellowish co- 
lour.. Externally these pores are covered with cuticle, and 
' some of the larger ones even with rete mucosum 3. internally they | 
are lined with delicate cellular tissue. By inflating the skin, Dr. 
D. ascertained that it was not furnished with spiracula, the exist- 
ence of which he had been led to suspect by some particular cir- 
cumstances in the physiology of the animal. 

On the Heart of Animals belonging to the Genus Rana; by 
the same author. Dr. Davy has discovered that the heart of 
the Common Toad, the Bull Frog, and the Common Frog, in- 
stead of consisting of one auricle and one ventricle, as generally 
stated, has two auricles, divided by a septum of fibrous substance ; 
and he has reason to believe that this structure prevails through- 
out the order of Batraciens. This discovery removes the ano- 
maly among Reptiles supposed to be presented by these animals, 
as forming a portion of the link between Mammifera and Fishes, 
and preserves unbroken the chain of connection between Reptiles. 


Linnean Society. 5AT 


and Fishes, arising from the analogy of their respective organs of 
respiration. 

Feb. 16.—A paper was read, On the Circle of Nerves which 
connects the voluntary muscles with the Brain ; by Charles Bell, 
Ksq. F.R.S. E. Communicated by the President. 


—— + 


LINNEAN SOCIETY. 


December 6.—A continuation was read, of A Systematic Cata- 
logue of the Australian Birds in the Collection of the Linnean 
Society ; by N. A. Vigors, jun. Esq. F.L.S. and Thomas Hors- 
field, M.D. F.L.S. and G.S.* This portion of the Catalogue’ 
included the subfamilies Plyctolophina and Paleornina, of the 
Psitiacide. 

December 20.—The reading of the Catalogue of. Australian 
Birds was continued; and a paper was also read, containing 
Descriptions of some new species of Birds belonging to the genera 
Phytotoma, Indicator, and Cursorius; by Mr. Benjamin Lead- 
beater, F.L.S. 

January 17.—A paper was read, On some Cornish Species of 
the Genus Labrus; by Mr. Jonathan Couch, F.L.S. Among 
other species noticed in this communication were Labrus Julis ; 
Tinca (Common Wrasse); cornubiensis (Goldsinny); microstoma 
(Corkwring); trimaculatus; and Comber: also Perca inermis. 

February 7.—A paper was read, entitled, ‘ A description of 
the Plectrophanes Lapponica, a species lately discovered in the 
British Islands: by Prideaux John Selby, Esq. F.L.S.M.W.S., &c.” 
_ The bird described by Mr. Selby is the Lapland Bunting, Frin- 
gilla Lapponica, Lion., Emberiza calcarata, Temm., Fam. Frin- 
gillide, Vigors ; Genus Plectrophanes, Meyer. 

This genus is intermediate between Alauda and Emberiza.: It 
approaches the former in the thickness of the bill, the form of 
the feet, and the production of the hinder claw. Its affinity to 
Emberiza is shewn by the peculiar form of the bill, characteristic 
of that genus: it differs from it, however, in having the first and 


* See the present volume, p. 137, 279, 281. 
2m 2 


5A8 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


second quill-feathers nearly equal in length, and the longest in 
the wing. ; 

March 21.—A paper was read, entitled, “ Descriptions of two 
new Birds belonging to the family of Phasianide, by Major- 
General Hardwicke, F.L.S. 

The first of these birds is a species of M. Temminck’s genus 
Lophophorus ; and General Hardwicke proposes to call it L. 
Wallichi, after Dr. Wallich, the distinguished Curator of the 
India Company’s Botanic Garden at Calcutta; through whose 
exertions, aided by the influence of the Hon. Edward Gardner, 
the English resident at the court of Katmandu, many interesting 
subjects in Ornithology have been procured. In beauty, it is not 
inferior to the Impeyan Pheasant, another species of Lophophorus, 
which it resembles in size. It is a native of the Almorah hills on 
the north-eastern boundary of Bengal, where it is called Cheer. 

The second species is atrue Phasianus, and will form, together 
with P, cruentus, a small but well-marked group of that interest- 
ing genus. General Hardwicke denominates it P. Gardneri. It 
is a native of the Snowy Mountains, north of the valley of Nepal. 

April 4.—Dr. Penneck presented the skins of Delphinus Delphis 
and a species of Sparus, taken on the coast of Cornwall. 

A paper was read, On the quinary and dichotomous arrange- 
ments in Natural History ; by H.T. Colebrooke, Esq. F.R.S., 
F.LS., &c. 


——- -_—___—. 


ZOOLOGICAL CLUB. 


July 12, 1825.—The Secretary exhibited a specimen of the 
Ardea comata, Pall., or the Squacco Heron of British Ornitholo- 
gists, which was communicated to him by Mr. Leadbeater for the 
information of the Club. This rare visitor of the British Islands 
was lately shot near Bridgewater. Its weight was eight ounces. 

Mr. J. E. Gray, at the request of the Secretary, exhibited 
numerous specimens of the group of Cirripedes, Lam., and he 
entered upon a historical sketch of the progress of natural 
science with respect to these animals. He also exhibited a dia- 
gram illustrative of the five families contained in that group, and 


Zoological Club. 549 


he pointed out their distinguishing characters, and at the same 
time the circular succession of affinities by which they succeed 
each other. 

July 26.—Mr. Bell exhibited a series of specimens of the 
Chelonian Reptiles, and more particularly of the genera Testudo, 
Auct., Emys, Brongn., Terrapene, Merr., aud Kinosternon, 
Spix. He dwelt on these two latter genera in particular, which 
compose the group commonly known by the name of Box Tor- 
toises ; and he illustrated the characters of a new genus which he 
had added to the group, his genus Sternotherus, from specimens 
which he laid before the meeting. . 

November 8.—A paper was read entitled * Descriptions of 
some new species of birds belonging to the genera Phytotoma, 
Gmel., Indicator, Vieill., and Cursorius, Lath.,” by Mr. Ben- 
jamin Leadbeater, F.L.S. 

November 22.—The Secretary exhibited a specimen of the 
Tabuan Parrot, Psittacus Tabuensis, Lath., belonging to Mr. 
Leadbeater, and which that gentleman requested to be laid be- 
fore the meeting. In the course of some observations on the 
occasion, the Secretary entered into the history of the specimen, 
which is one of the two individuals brought home from the 
Island of Tongataboo by the late Captain Cook. He afterwards 
explained the situation of this rare species in the family of 
Psittacide, referring it-to the genus Platycercus, one of the lately 
characterised groups of that family. 

Mr. Brookes exhibited several specimens of Birds referable to 
the genera Dendrocolaptes, Herm., Synallazis, Vieill., &c. One 
of these presented a new type of the family of Laniade. 

Mr. Vigors read a continuation of the ‘ Catalogue of New 
Holland Birds in the Collection of the Linnean Society ;” by 
Dr. Horsfield and himself. 

On November 29, the second Anniversary Meeting of the 
Zoological Club took place, when the following members were 
appointed Committee and Officers for the year ensuing. © 

J. E. Bicheno, Esq. Sec. L.S. Chairman; J. F. Stephens, Esq. 
Treasurer ; N. A. Vigors, Esq. Secretary ; Joseph Sabine, Esq., 


550 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


Joshua Brookes, Esq., E.'T. Bennett, Esq., J. G. Children, Esq., 
Thomas Bell, Esq., and W. J. Broderip, Esq. 

December 13.—Mr. Stephens exhibited specimens of. six species 
of the genus Dytiscus, Auct., recently collected in the counties of 
Huntingdon and Cambridge. Three of these species he stated to 
have been hitherto unnoticed as natives of the British Islands, and 
two of these three to be as yet undescribed. He pointed out their 
names and affinities as follows : 


* Sterni bifidi processu obtuso. 
I. D. dimidiatus. Gzyllenhal. 
1. D. punctulatus. Fad. 


** Sterni bifidi processu acuto. 
a. Femine elytris sulcatis. 
3. D. marginalis. Linn. 
A. D. circumflexus. Fad. 
5. D. angustatus. Steph. 
b. Femine elytris sine sulcis. 
9. D. excrucians. Steph. 


The last section.of these insects, in which the females are with- 
out the furrows on the elytra, Mr. Stephens described as leading 
immediately to the genus Trogus, Leach. He added that there 
are several continental species referable to this section: among 
others, D. flavoscutellatus, Fab. He also exhibited a specimen of 
Buprestis enea, Fab., which had been lately captured in Devon- 
shire. 

Mr. Vigors read a continuation of the ‘* Catalogue of New 
Holland Birds in the Collection of the Linnean Society” by Dr. 
Horsfield and himself. In this portion of the paper, the Austra- 
lian species of the family of Caprimulgide were described; and 
the birds themselves, belonging to the genera Podargus, Cuv., 
Caprimulgus, Auct., and Ai gotheles, Vigors and Horsf., of which 
the type is the Crested Goatsucker of White’s Journal and 
Phillips's Botany Bay, were exhibited to the meeting. Mr. 
Vigors also illustrated the affinities of the family by exhibiting 


Zoological Club. 551 


several additional species belonging to it, from his own cabinet 
and that of Mr. Leadbeater: in particular, two undescribed 
species of the South American genus Nyctibivs, Vieill.; and 
several specimens of the true Caprimulgus, among others C, 
psalurus, Temm., ¢ and 2 ; C. macrodipterus, Afzel.; anew 
species from Africa figured by Dr. Latham in the new edition 
of his ‘¢ Synopsis” as the Long-tailed Goatsucker; &c. &c. 
January 10, 1826.—Mr. Bell exhibited a living specimen of 
the Grison, an animal described by Buffon under the name of 
Fouine de la Guiane, by Linneus under that of Viverra vittata, 
and by Desmarest as the Guo vittatus. He entered at consider- 
able length into a history of its habits, as observed by him during 
the last ten months ; dwelling particularly on its determined pur- 
suit of Repéiles, which had proved fatal to two Alligators in his 
collection, and on its fondness for eggs. Its mode of eating the 
latter he stated to be peculiar. After playing with them fora 
considerable time, it secured them between its fore paws, and 
inserted one of its canine teeth through the shell, so as to form an 
orifice, through which it sucked so much of the contents as it could 
obtain by these means. This orifice it afterwards enlarged by 
degrees, continuing to suck, until it was enabled to insert its 
tongue; and when at length it could obtain no more by these 
processes, it broke up the shell completely, and licked clean the 
inside of each separate fragment. Mr. Bell therefore con- 
jectured that Repézles and the eggs of Birds formed the proper 
food of the animal in a state of nature, so far at least as could 
be judged frem his own specimen, which was completely domes- 
ticated, and as playful and harmless asacat. This individual 
he added, had been taken from a nest while yet young by the 
captain of a trading vessel, had been preserved as a playmate for 
his children, and had thus become completely familiar; exhibit- 
ing, (except in its attacks upon living Reptiles,) none of those 
ferocious and sanguinary traits of character described by Captain 
Stedman in his Voyage to Guiana. Its appetite Mr. Bell stated 
to be by no means voracious, neither did it ever become somnolent 
after its meal. Differing in these respects materially from the 
habits of the genus Gulo, and distinguished also by its four molar 


552 Zoologtcal Proceedings of Societies. 


teeth on each side of the lower jaw, Mr. Bell conceived that it 
ought no longer to be referred to. that genus. He therefore de- 
clared his intention of characterizing it at an early opportunity, 
as the type of anew genus to which he proposed to assign the 
name of Galictis. 

The same gentleman also exhibited a living specimen of an un- 
described species of Coluber from Brazil, the upper surface of 
which was dark fuscous crossed by obsolete red fascia, and the 
under surface yellow, marked with bright red undulated fuscie, 
closely resembling the veining of certain marbles. This animal 
he also stated it to be his intention to describe at the earliest 
opportunity. 

Mr. Bell also exhibited a living specimen of his recently de- 
scribed species of Terrapene, the T. nebulosa, remarkable as 
being twice the size of any previously noticed species of Bow 
Tortoise. 

Mr. Stephens exhibited specimens of the larva of an Ichneumon, 
which fed upon the larve of Lerura vinula. They were dis- 
turbed by him in September last, at the moment of their being 
about to become pupe. Two only underwent the transformation: 
from these Mr. Stephens hopes to ascertain the species. The 
remainder after spinning a considerable quantity of web, did not 
appear to have sufficient strength to complete their change. They 
have since remained in the same state and still are alive. 

The Secretary read a Paper entitled ‘* Description of the 
Plectrophanes Lapponica, Meyer, (Fringilla Lapponica, Linn.,) 
a specimen of which was captured some time since in Cambridge- 
shire,” by P. J. Selby, Esq. F.L.S,, M.W.S., &c. 

January 24.—The Secretary exhibited a specimen of the dnas 
rufina of Pallas, [Fuligula rufina of Shaw’s Zoology,| which 
had been lately met with in Leadenhall Market, among some 
ducks that had been taken in a decoy during the late severe 
season. It was observed that the species is not uncommon in the 
Menageries of this country; and that a specimen might have 
escaped: from confinement, and been found at large with others 
of the same family. But on the other hand it appeared that the 
specimen was in a perfect state of plumage and consequently 


Zoological Club. — 553 


could not have been lately in a domesticated state ; neither could 
it have regained its perfect plumage after having formerly escaped 
from confinement, as it appeared to be a young bird of last year. 
There appeared every reason to suppose that the individual was 
an accidental visitor of this country, driven over here by the late 
severe weather, and consequently that it had a claim, like other 
occasional visitors of these Islands, to a place in the British 
Fauna. 

Mr. Vigors read a continuation of the “ Catalogue of the New 
Holland Birds in the Linnean Society’s collection,” by Dr. Hors- 
field and himself. . 

February 14.—Mr. Vigors read some extracts from a letter 
which he received from W.S. MacLeay, Esq. F.L.S., dated from 
the Havannah, December 27th, 1825. The extracts consisted of 
Ornithological observations made by that gentleman, during his 
voyage from England to the Island of Cuba, in the months of 
October, November, and December, 1825; including remarks on 
the Ornithology of the Islands of Madeira, ‘Teneriffe, and St. Jago; 
as also a few cursory observations made at Barbadoes, Martinique, 
and off the coast of St. Domingo, on the same subject. 

Mr. Vigors entered into an explanation of the natural affinities 
that connect the tribe of Tenuirostres in Ornithology ; pointing 
out the different subdivisions or families into which it is separated, 
and illustrating the chief character of each by a reference to the 
typical species, which he exhibited to the Club. He dwelt chiefly 
on the family of T’vrochilide, most of the leading forms of which 
he produced before the meeting ; and he signified his intention of 
continuing the subject at a subsequent meeting of the Club. 

February 28.—Dr. Horsfield exhibited a specimen of a Mam- 
miferous Animal, lately described by M. F. Cuvier under the 
name of dilurus fulgens, which had been procured in Nepal, 
and subsequently presented to the Linnean Society by Major 
General Hardwicke. Dr. Horsfield pointed out to the meeting 
the distinguishing characters of this animal, and entered into an 
explanation of the station which it appears to hold in a natural 
arrangement of the Mammalia. ‘The specimen from which M. 
F, Cuvier drew his description being defective, particularly with 


554 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


respect to its teeth, the details into which Dr. Horsfield was en- 
abled to enter in consequence of the perfect state of preservation 
-of the animal in the Society’s collection, and which he signified 
his intention of speedily submitting to the public, were of con- 
siderable importance and interest. 

A paper entitled “ Observations on a species of Siméa, Linn., 
now alive in the collection at Exeter Change, allied to, if not 
identical with, the Simia Lagothrica of Baron Humboldt ;” by 
Edward Griffiths, Esq. F.L.S., &c. was read by the Secretary. 


. 


GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 


November 4.—A paper was read entitled, ** An Account of 
some Geological Specimens collected by Captain P. P. King, in ~ 
his Survey of the Coasts of Australia; and by Robert Brown, 
Esq., on the Shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria, during the Voyage 
_of Captain Flinders; by W. H. Fitton, M.D. V.P.G.S., &c. The 
enly part of this paper which requires notice in the Zoological 
Journal, is an account of asrecent breccia containing shells, of 
which the following is an abstract : 

The shore on the western coast of Australia is in several places 
covered with extensive dunes of sand, with which are associated 
in many instances. beds and masses of a very recent arenaceous 
breccia, abounding in shells concreted by carbonate of lime. This 
formation, which is particularly remarkable in the islands and on 
the shores adjacent to Shark’s Bay, about latitude 25°, is analogous 
-to that which occurs very extensively in Sicily, at Nice, and 
‘several other places on the shores of the Mediterranean, and of 
the West Indian Islands, and on many parts of the coasts within 
the Tropics. In New Holland it generally consists of sand, ce- 
mented by stalagmitic or tufaceous carbonate of lime, containing 
angular fragments of a compound of the same nature, but pre- 
viously consolidated and broken, along with numerous shells and 
fragments of shells, very nearly resembling those of the adjacent 
seas. Jts date appears to be more recent than that of the beds 


Geological Society. suns 555 


which constitute the Paris and London basins; but anterior to 
the accumulation of the diluvial gravel. 

The calcareous concretions of. New Holland have in some in- 
stances a tubular and stem-like appearance ; and have thence been 
mistaken for corals, and petrified branches of trees. 

Nozember 18.—A Notice was read, respecting the appearance 
of Fossil Timber on the Norfolk Coast; by Richard Taylor, Esq., 
of Norwich. In consequence of an extraordinary high tide which 
visited the coast of Norfolk on the 5th of February 1825, large 
portions of the cliffs, sometimes exceeding 200 feet in height, 
were precipitated into the sea, and an opportunity was afforded 
of examining the site of a stratum containing a number of fossil 
trees, exposed on the east and west side of the town of Cromer. 
Tn this singular stratum, composed of laminz of clay, sand, and 
vegetable matter, and about four. feet in thickness, the trunks 
were found standing as thickly as is usual in: woods, the stumps 
being firmly rooted in what appears the soil in which they grew. 
They are invariably broken off about a foot anda half from the 
base. The stem and branches lie scattered horizontally ; and 
amongst them are thin layers of decomposed leaves, but no fruits 
or seed-vessels. The species of timber appear to be chiefly of the 
Pine tribe ; with occasional specimens of elm and oak: they are 
flattened by the pressure of the overlying alluvial strata. Mr. 
Taylor has not observed any animal remains in the stratum, ex- 
cept the skull of one of the Deer tribe; but he supposes that 
the bones of Elephants and other herbivorous animals, found near 
this site, may have been washed out of the same bed. 

December 2.—A paper was read entitled, ** An Account of an 
undescribed Fossil Animal from the Yorkshire Coal-field ; by John 
Atkinson, F.L.S., and Edward Sanderson George, F.LS. 

December 16.—A paper was read, “¢ On the Chalk and Sands 
beneath it (usually termed Green Sand), in the vicinity of Lyme 
Regis; by H. T. De la Beche, Esq. F.G.S., &c.” 

_Mr. De la Beche observes, that we ought not to suppose that 
the sands, marles, and clays, which are immediately subjacent to 
the chalk in the east of England, can be traced into other and 
distant countries, where however these sands, &c. as a mass, may 


556 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


be easily recognized. That this cannot be done, even at com? 
paratively short distances, it is the object of this communication 
to prove, by examples derived from the cliffs at Lyme Regis, in 
Dorsetshire, and Beer, in Devonshire ; detailed sections of which 
are given, and the succession of the strata, and the organic remains 
which they contain, fully described. The author first treats of the 
chalk, and the sands and sandstone, usually called green sand, as 
they occur between Lyme Regis and Exmouth ; and then notices 
the same formations as they are exhibited in the vicinity of Beer. 

From this examination it appears, that though there is a great 
correspondence in the organic remains, considerable changes take 
place inthe mineral composition and characters of the beds both 
of chalk and underlying sands, in short distances. Mr. De la Beche 
considers it probable that the Beer-stone is the equivalent of the 
Malm-rock of Western Sussex. 

A paper was also read, entitled, ** Geological Sketch of Part 
of the West of Sussex, and the N. E. of Hants, &c.; by R. I. 
Murchison, Esq. F.G.S., &c.” 

In this memoir, Mr. Murchison describes the geological rela- 
tions, distribution, and characteristic fossils of the strata of that 
part of the west of Sussex, which is bounded on the south by the 
chalk escarpment of the South Downs; and of that part of Hamp- 
shire which is included by the Alton Chalk Hills. These strata, 
commencing below the chalk, in a descending series, are, 1. Malm- 
rock, or Upper Green Sand; 2. Gault; 3. Ferruginous Green 
Sand; 4. Weald Clay. The Weald clay in the valley of Harting 
Combe may be regarded as the central nucleus of this district, 
mantling round which, and extending up to either chalk range, 
the other formations are developed, in regular succession: the 
breadth and boundaries of each are laid down by the author on a 
coloured portion of the Ordnance map, to which a section is 
annexed. 

The malm-rock of Western Sussex is identical with the stone 
of Merstham: it is characterized by constituting terraces which 
afford a rich soil favourable to wheat. It sometimes furnishes a_ 
building stone, contains occasionally a calcareous blue chert, and 
abounds in organic remains. 


Geological Society. 557 


The gault of this district has been cut through to the depth of 
120 feet, at Alice Holt, and iridescent Ammonites and other 
fossils are found in it. This clay is marked by fertile water- 
meadows, and the timber presenting a green belt clearly distin- 
guishes it from the rich wheat land of the malm rock above, and 
the arid expanse of the ferruginous green sand below it. 

Of this latter formation, the upper beds consist of pure white 
sand, and in some places compact ironstone, and ironstone in large 
cellular tubes are found. In the middle beds occurs a calcareo- 
siliceous grit, called Bargate stone; in the lower, a siliceous yellow 
building stone, containing casts of Ammonites, Terebratule, &c. 
The Weald clay includes in its middle beds the compact Petworth 
marble, and in lower beds of clay, in which tabular calcareous 
grit occurs, Mr. Murchison has discovered, together with scattered 
shells of the Vivipara fluviorum, the bones of a large unknown 
vertebrated animal, specimens and drawings of which accompany 
this memoir. 

January 20, 1826.—The reading of a paper was concluded, 
*¢ On the Geology of Jamaica; by H. T. De la Beche, Esq. F.R.S. 
F.G.S., &c.”? The following is an abstract of a portion of Mr. 
De la Beche’s communication, relating to a tertiary formation in 
Jamaica, and the organic remains it includes. 

Trap rocks, consisting of porphyritic conglomerate, porphyry, 
greenstone, and syenite, shew themselves very extensively in 
Jamaica, composing the greater part of the St. John’s mountains, 
and the district bordering on the Agua Alta. These trap rocks 
are found, generally, supporting the Great White - Limestone 
formation, which occupies a very large portion of the. whole 
island. This formation, from the fossils it contains, is referred 
by Mr. De la Beche to the Tertiary series. It is principally com- 
posed of white limestone, most frequently very compact, and then 
strongly resembling the compact varieties of the Jura limestone. 
The strata are usually very thick, varying from three to twenty 
feet in breadth. In some districts, this rock is interstratified with 
thick beds of red. marle, and sandstone, and white chalky marle. 
The compact limestone constitutes the middle part of the forma- 
tion : the lower beds consist, chiefly, of sands and marles, somes 


558 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


times associated with bluish-gray compact limestones, at others 
with beds of earthy yellowish-white limestone, containing an ~ 
abundance of organic remains, viz. Echinites, Ostrew, and a par- 
ticularly large species of Cerithium. The upper beds of the 
formation, are rather chalky, sandy, and marly, and contain 
numerous remains of the genera Conus, Cerithium, Astarte, 
Natica, &c.; and near the sea coast-a great quantity of corals, — 
which frequently have almost a recent appearance. 

February 17.—At the Anniversary Meeting of the Society held 
this day, the following gentlemen were elected Officers and 
Council for the year ensuing :-— 

President.—John Bostock, M.D. F.R.S. 

Vice-Presidents.—Sir Alexander Crichton, M.D. F.R. and LS. ~ 
Hon. Mem. Imp. Acad. St. Petersburgh; Rev. W. D. Conybeare, _ 
F.R.S.; William Henry Fitton, M. D. F.R.S.; ‘and Charles 
Stokes, Esq. F.R.A. and L.S. 

Secretaries.—W. J. Broderip, Esq. F.L.S.; R. I. Murchison, 
Esq.; and Thomas Webster, Esq. 

Foreign Secretary.—Henry Heuland, Esq. 

Treasurer.—John Taylor, Esq., F.R.S. 

Council— Arthur Aikin, Esq. F.U.S.; Henry Thomas Dela 
Beche, Esq. F.R. and L.S.; J. E. Bicheno, Esq. Sec. L.S.3 
Henry Thomas Colebrooke, Esq. F.R.S.L.and E., F.L. and Asiat. 
Soc. ; Sir Charles Henry Colvil ; George Bellas Greenough, Esq. 
F.R. and L.S.; Sir Charles Lemon, Bart. F.R.S.; Armand Levi, 
Esq.; Charles Lyell, Esq. F.R. and L.S.; William Hasledine 
Pepys, Esq. F.R.S. L.S. and H.S.; George Poulett Scrope, Esq. 3 — 
J. F. Vandercom, Esq. ; and Henry Warburton, Esq. F.R.S. 

March 3.—The reading of Sir A. Crichton’s paper, on the 
Taunus Mountains in Nassau, which had been commenced on the 
third of February, was concluded. } 

The valley of the Mayne, which is interposed between the — 
northern and southern chains of the Taunus, consisting of transi- ~ 
tion and trap rocks, in the duchy of Nassau, is chiefly occupied — 
by low hills of coarse shelly limestone, analogous to the upper 
freshwater formation of Paris, and quarries of it occur near Wis- ~ 
baden and Hockheim: Paludinw and Modiole abound in it At 


~ 


Royal Academy of Sciences of Paris. 559: 


Hockheim the beds are much dislocated, and at Wisbaden fossil 
bones are found, the teeth accompanying which refer them to 
animals allied to the Lophiodon tapiroides, and to the Sumatran 
Tapir. These calcareous deposits are only 200 feet above the 
level of the Mayne, and they are perforated in many places by 
basalt, upon which they rest. The basalt finally disappears south~ 
east of Darmstadt, and is succeeded by primitive rocks. There 
are strong salt-springs at Soden, and various mineral waters near 
Frankfort and Hadnigstein. . 

The Falkenstein mountain, though composed of talc-slate, pro- 
trudes through the high table land in the form of basalt. To the 
north of this the older rocks disappear, and the district is occupied 
by grauwacké. The grauwacké is divided into quartzy grauwacké 
and grauwacke slate ; the latter is very distinct from micaceous 
slate, and contains casts of Spiriferi, of the Pleurobranchi of 
Cuvier, &c.; the former offers Encrinites, and unknown coral- 
loids. 

At the meetings of this Society on March 17, April 7, and 
April 21, no business was transacted which requires notice in the 
Zoological Journal ; except that at the meeting on April 7, R. I. 
Murchison, Esq. F.R.S., one of the Secretaries, presented a cast 
of the superior portion of a gigantic Saurian femur, from Sussex. 


ROYAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF PARIS. 


March 7.—M. de Lacepéde made a verbal report on M. 
Virey’s History of the Human Race. M. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire 
concluded the reading of his Memoir On the ‘Fossil Reptile of 
Caen or Teleosaurus ; and he announced another, On the Skull 
of the Mummy of a Crocodile found in the Catacombs of Thebes, 
and on its relations to those of the Animals, presumed to be of the 
same Species, which now exist in Egypt. M. Edwards read a 
Memoir, On the Muscular Contractions produced by the contact. 
of a solid body with the Nerves, without the Galvanic Action. 


560 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


March 14.—M. Cuvier read a Memoir, On the Myripristis, a 
new genus of Fishes of the family of Perches, remarkable for the 
connexion of its swimming-bladder with its ear. M. Auzoux pre- 
sented a specimen of artificial anatomy, ‘* en pdte de carton.” 

March 21—The Academy received in manuscript, 4 New 
Classification of the Animal Kingdom, by M. Lamouroux. M. 
Cuvier read a letter from M. Bredin, Director of the Veterinary 
College of Lyons, on the Fossil Bones discovered in a garden at: 
Calvire, in a place called la Croix-Rousse. They have belonged 
to Horses, Oxen, and Elephants, and there are several assem- 
blages of them. M. Cuvier has recognized them to be truly fossil 
bones: those of Elephants are of the species called the Mammoth, 
or the common fossil Elephant. M. Cuvier afterwards read a 
Memoir, On the Fresh-water Fishes of India, which have the 
power of living for a long time out of water, and on the organs 
from which they derive this power. These Fishes are found on 
the trees growing on the banks of certain ponds, at the height of 
six feet above the water. 

« March 28.—M. G. Saint-Hilaire exhibited the head of a mon- 
strous Colt, foaled two days before at the Veterinary College at 
Alfort, and which he had dissected with M. Serres. This head, 
the left side of which is much larger than the right, does not pre=: 
sent, at first sight, in the interior of the cranium, any traces of 
foramina or of optic nerves, although the eyes were in appearance 
well formed. M. Serres purposes, by means of comparative re- 
searches on the eyes of the Mole and of some other animals, to 
explain the anomalies in this Colt’s head by the common rules of 
Encephalogenesis. M. Traullé read A Sketch on the Deluge, 
on its consequences and producing cause, and on the occurrence 
in the North of the two Continents, of the Bones of Animals 
belonging to southern Climates. 

April 4.—M. M. Portal and Duméril gave a very favourable: 
report on M. Auzoux’s specimen of artificial anatomy. 

April 11.—M. G. Saint-Hilaire read a Memoir, entitled Re- 
searches on some facts respecting the organization of the Gavials, 
and on the necessity of separating them from the Crocodiles, as a 
distinct genus. 


Royal Academy of Sciences of Paris. 561 


April 18.—M. Majendie, in the name of a Committee, read a 
report on M. Dupont’s collections of Animals and Anatomical 
Preparations. The Committee observe, ‘* We have expressed to 
M. Dupont our satisfaction at the manner in which he has pre- 
pared and stuffed the Birds, and preserved the Papiliones; but it 
is not to this kind of merit that we would call the attention of 
the Academy. M. Dupont has for several years devoted himself, 
and with indisputable success, to the art of modelling in wax. 
The articles which have been submitted to us have all the per- 
fection to which this art can be carried. In some respects in- 
deed, such as those of the truth of the colours and transparency 
of the organs, M. Duponthas surpassed his predecessors. Your 
Committee are then of opinion that this young naturalist is en- 
dowed with the talents necessary for practising with the greatest 
success the art of modelling in wax, that he merits the commen- 
dation of the Academy, and that it is desirable to encourage so 
useful an art.” 

April 25—M. M. Quoy and Gaymard read a Memoir en- 
titled, 4 Description of five new genera of Mollusca, and four 
new genera of Zoophytes, discovered in the Voyage round the 
World under Captain Freycinet. M. Duveau read a Memoir en- 
titled, New Researches on the Natural History of the Aphides. 

May 2.—M. Moreau de Jonnés commenced the reading of 
a memoir, entitled, Monographic researches on the indigenous 
Dog of the American hemisphere; the different species of it, 
their synonymy, forms, habits, domestic uses, extinction, geogra- 
phical distribution and migrations: and on the notions to which 
they lead, respecting the ancient state of the New World, and the 
communications of its inhabitunts with each other; and their 
original country. 

May 16.—M. Marcel de Serres transmitted a memoir, On some 
remains of the Mastodon angustidens, or Mastodon of Simorre, 
recently found in several parts of Europe, and especially in the 
neighbourhood of Montpellier. M. Moreau de Jonnés continued 
the reading of his memoir on the American Dog. 

May 23.—M. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, on behalf of the Com- 
mittee for the prize in medical science, proposed the following : 

Vou. I. 2N 


562 Zoological Proceedings of Societies. 


¢ Give the general and comparative history of the circulation of 
the blood, in the four classes of vertebrated animals, before and 
after birth, and at different ages.” He also began the reading 
of a memoir, On the general views respecting monstrosity, with 
ihe description of a new kind observed in the human species, 
named aspalasome. 

June 8. — The Academy being informed by M. Arago, that 
he now had at Paris two living Camelions, appointed a Committee 
to make experiments on the changes of colour which the skin of 
these animals undergoes. Mr. D. Barry, stafi-surgeon in the 
English service, read a memoir On the motion of the blood in the 
veins. 

June 13.—M. Bosc gave a report on M. Duveau’s New re« 
searches on the Natural History of the Aphides. 

June 27.—M. Zugenbuhler claimed, by letter, the priority of 
the ideas stated in Mr. Barry’s paper above mentioned ; trans- 
mitting a copy of a dissertation printed by him six years before, 
and entitled ‘* Dissertatio de motu sanguinis per venas.” 

July 4.—M. Bussy read a memoir On the action of heat upon 
the fatty bodies. 

July 11.—M. Dupuy read his first memoir On the distillation of 
the fatty bodies. 

July 18.—M. Cuvier made a favourable report on the Zoological 
Collections brought home by the naturalists attached to the late 
expedition under M. Duperrey. 

August 1.—M. ce St. Hilaire read an extract from a work on 
human monsters characterized by the absence of the arbrospinal 
marrow, and named anencephala. 

August 8.—A memoir by M.M. Quoy and Gaymard was read, 
entitled, Observations on certain Crustacea, considered with re- 
gard to their habits and geographical distribution ; succeeded by 
the description of some new species, discovered during M. Frey- 
cinet’s circumnavigation of the globe. 

September 12.—M. G. de St. Hilaire commenced the reading 
of a memoir entitled On the beings of the intermediate degrees 
of the animal scale, which respire both in the air and under water, 
and which possess respiratory organs of two kinds, developed to a 


Royal Academy of Sciences of Paris. 565 


‘certain extent. He presented a specimen of the Birgus Latro, 
in which, besides branchie, there are organs which M. Geoffroy 
regards as lungs. 

September 19.—M. de St. Hilaire continued the reading of his 
memoir; and on 

September 26, he exhibited several living specimens of the 
common Crab, C. Meenas, and detailed verbally the results of his 
researches on the respiration of the Crustacea. 

October 3.—M.M. Quoy and Gaymard read some Zoological 
observations on the Corals, made in the bay of Coupang, at 
Timor, and in the Isle of Guam, in the Maréannes. 

October 24.—M. G. de St. Hilaire read a memoir On the 
Olfactory organs of Fishes. 

October 31.—M, Serres communicated a work, in manuscript, 
On the comparative Anatomy of Animal Monsters. 

November '7.—M. Latreille was appointed to make a verbal 
report on M. de Blainville’s “* Manuel de Matacologie et de Con- 
chyologie.”. M.de Ferussac read a memoir, entitled, A methodical 
view of the class Cephalopoda, presenting a new classification; by 
M. Dessalines d’Orbigny, jun. 

November 14.—M.M. Geoffroy de St. Hilaire, Latreille, and 
Duméril gave a report on M. Serres’s work On animal monsters. 
M. Duméril gave a verbal account of M. de Blainville’s Com- 
parative Anatomy. . 

November 21.—M. de Blainville was elected a member of the 
Class of Anatomy and Zoology, inthe room of M. de Lacepéde, 
deceased. 

November 28.—The President announced that the king had 
granted a pension of 1200 francs to M. de Savigny. 

December 5.—M. Dejean presented a memoir on the tribe of 
Simplicipedes, in the family of Carabide. 

December 12.—M.M. de St. Hilaire and Latreille made a very 
favourable report on M. d’Orbigny’s memoir on the Cephalopodous 
Mollusca. . 

December 19.—M. Gaymard read a memoir, entitled, 4 De- 
scription of some lithophyte polypi ef the genera Fungia, Caryo- 
phyllia, Madrepora, Meandrina, and Pocillophora, observed in 

2nN2 


564 Scientific Notices. 


the Isle of France, at Timor, and at Guam, during the voyage of 
M. de Freycinet; by M.M. Quoy and Gaymard. M. Bory de St. 
Vincent informed the Academy of the completion of his great work, 
on the classification and history of microscopic animals. 

January 9, 1826.—M. de St. Hilaire presented a human mon- 
ster which had been found, embalmed, among the mummies 
brought from Egypt by M. Passalacqua; and he also read a notice 
on the subject. 

January 16.—The same naturalist read a memoir, entitled, 
Roological and Physiological considerations relating to a new 
genus of monstrosities called hypognalle, established to include 
three species of double-headed Calves, with heads opposed to each 
other, and attached together by the symphysis of their lower 
jaws ; and on 

January 23, he made a verbal report on Dr. Granville’s memoir 
on Egyptian Mummies.* M.M. Huzard, Chaussier, and Majendie, 
made a very favourable report on M. Girard’s memoir On the 
inguinal hernia of the ruminantia and the monodactyli. 


E. W. B. 


Art. LXIII. Scientific Notices. 


CONCHOLOGICAL NOTICES BY DR. TURTON. 


A fine specimen of the Panopwa Glycymeris has been dredged 
up at Scarborough, and is in the cabinet of Mr. Bean. A single 
valve, with part of the fish in it, has also been found, more lately, 
on Abarlady sands in North Britain. 

At Scarborough has also been taken the Buccinum Anglicum 
of Lamarck; B. striatum of Pennant. 

A living specimen of the Buccinum glaciale was lately taken 
by the dredge in Torbay. 


* For an abstract of this valuable memoir, see the present volume of the 
Zool. Journ. p. 272. _ 


Conchological Notices by Dr. Turton. . 565 


Bulimus decollatus was observed to breed in great abundance, 
for many successive years, in the green-house at Watton, in the 
south of Devon, the seat of H. Studdy, Esq. lodged in the earth, 
under the wood-work, whence they wandered abroad in the sum- 
mer. This wood-work, and the earth, were removed, and re- 
placed with stone, by which the colony was lost; and all that 
were preserved we owe to the care of Mrs. Griffiths and Miss 
Hill. 

Bulimus lineatus, the Turbo fuscus of Walker, is found abund- 
antly in wet springy places, in various parts of Devonshire, im- 
bedded among the Jungermannia, constantly exposed to the 
drippings of springs. A variety is also found of a pale yellowish 
colour. 

Bulimus Clavulus, the Cochlicella Clavulus of Ferrussac, and 
which Mr. Miller found in pine-beds, at Bristol; may now be con- 
sidered to be naturalized, as much as the Testacellus Maugeé. 
Mr. Sowerby, in his Genera of Shells, considers it as a species of 
Achatina: but the pillar-lip is well rounded, and not in the least 
truncate. The only British species of Achatina are the Buc- 
cinum terrestre, and the Helix Octona of Authors, if the latter 
shell may be properly said to be native. Lamarck has placed the 
Helix octona among his Bulimé; but the pillar-lip is evidently 
truncate. 

Cyclostoma simile, and C. acutum, of Draparnaud, of the more 
modern genus Paludina, are both found in stagnant ditches: the 
latter is the long lost Helix Stagnorum of Gmelin. 

Limneus Scaturiginum of Draparnaud, is found on the under 

surface of the peltate leaves of the white Water-Lily. 
_ Helix pygmea of Draparnaud, is found abundantly in ditches, 
underleaves. Leach mistook it for the young of H. rupestris, the 
H. umbilicata of Montagu, but it is very distinct, the two species 
never being found together. 

The Clausilia Rolphit of Leach, is without doubt the Clausilia 
plicatula of Draparnaud. The specific character may be thus 
exhibited. , 
Cl. testa ventricosd, opaca, striis regularibus elevatis: plivis aper- 

ture quatuor s. quinque, duabus majoribus. 


566 Scientific Notices. 


Shell ventricose, opake, with regular, raised strie : aperture with 
four or five plaits, two of which are larger. 


Our cabinet presents the following varieties: 
a. Plicis quatuor, duabus mediis minoribus. 
With four plaits, the two middle ones less. 
b. Plicis quinque, tribus mediis minoribus. 
With five plaits, the three middle ones less. 

- ¢. Plicis quinque, tribus inferioribus minoribus. | 
With five plaits, the three lower ones less. 


At Torquay we found a perfectly formed specimen of the Swiss 
Cl. parvula, mentioned by Dr. Leach. It is much less and more 
slender than Cl. rugosa of Draparnaud, and is very faintly striate, 
or smooth, except on the lower volution. The two possessed by 
the Provost of Eton, are no doubt the same. The aperture re- 
sembles that of C/. rugosa. 

Pupa edentula is by no means uncommon, under stones, in dry 
situations. 

The Rowxania Cranchit is found in Torbay, and at Scarborough, 

Trochus Montacuté is found plentifully in Torbay and the Eng- 
lish Channel, and at Scarboreugh. 

The Scaphander catenatus, of Leach, with its gizzard, is 
dredged up at Scarborough. 

Several specimens of the T'ritonia Cutacea were last winter cast 
on shore at Padstow, in Cornwall. 

The Péleopsis Ungarica may eventually be considered as a 
bivalve shell, of the genus Hipponyx; as in removing a living 
specimen from an oyster, we observed a thin laminar under-valve, 
which is now in our cabinet. The horse-shoe shaped muscular 
impressions are, also, exactly similar to those of the Hipponyx. 

Montagu observes, that after the strictest enquiry, he had not 
been able to fix the sulcated variety of Cyprea Pediculus, asa 
decidedly British production. A living specimen was, however, 
taken at Weymouth, and which we saw in the cabinet of Miss 
Warn. If therefore, as Montagu inclines to think, the one with 
the groove along the back, and that which has no groove, be dis- 


Terebratula costata, &¢.—Ichthyosaurus. 567 


tisict species, we have them both as natives; although the former 
may be very rare, and may have been overlooked. 

The Vermilia scabra of Lamarck, is found both in Cornwall 
and Torbay, attached to shells and stones. 


a 


ON TEREBRATULA COSTATA AND TURBO CARNEUS. 

In reading Mr. Lowe’s paper in Number V. I observed that 
he has described two species which had before been described in 
works of this description, and one of them figured and described 
as British. 

Terebratula costata Zool. Journ. ii. 105, does not appear to 
differ from Terebratuia aurita of Fleming’s Philosophy of Zoo- 
logy, ii. p. 498, which is well figured, t. 4.f. 5, of the same work : 
Dr. Fleming agrees with me in this idea. 

Turbo carneus, Zool. Journ. ii. 107, is certainly the same as 
Margarita striatus of Dr. Leach,in the Appendix to Capt. Ross’s 
Voyage, as may be easily seen by his short specific character; but 
I have verified it, by comparing the plate with the specimen of 
the latter shell in the Museum. 

I may further inquire why is this shell placed in the genus 
Furbo of Lamarck ; if it belongs to any genus used by hin, it is 
certainly a Trochus, as far as the form of the mouth and structure 
of the shell and its operculum characterizes that latter genus, and 
therefore the removal of the other species has necessarily added 
another synonyma to it; for in the works of succeeding Linnean 
authors it ought to be called J'rochus margaritus, and be placed 
near Trochus subcarinatus, the Helix subcarinatus of Montague. 

I take this opportunity of remarking, that the article Concho. 
logy in the Suppl. Ency. Brit. is not by Dr. Leach, but by Dr. 
Fleming. J. BE. Gy 


ICHTHYOSAURUS. 

Several fossil remains, apparently belonging to Ichthyosaur?, 
were found Jast summer in the blue-lias quarries of Wilmcote, 
three miles beyond Stratford-on-Avon ; and are now in the pos- 
session of Mr. Greaves of Barford near Warwick. Messrs. Bure 
chell and Swainson who visited the spot, were informed that these 


568 = Scientific Notices. 


remains are met with at a depth of from 10 to 20 feet; the super- 
strata generally consisting of 8 or 10 thin layers of lias, between 
which are others, much thicker, of friable clay-slate. One of 
these portions, consisting of the jaws and part of the head, mea- 
sures only 19 inches. ‘The workmen say that such fossils are not 
often met with, but that one or two instances can be remembered 
of these extinct animals having been found in nearly an entire 
state: the same stratum contains a thin layer of small bivalve 
shells principally of the genus Ostrea, closely crowded together. 
We may further remark, that bones of gigantic animals are 
sometimes found in the new sand-stone formation in the imme- 
diate vicinity of Warwick; they are deposited at a depth of 
about 30 feet in the solid stone, on the surface of a thin hori- 
zontal layer of a more friable and earthy kind, called by the 
workmen dirt. W,S, - 


PUBLIC INSTRUCTION IN ZOOLOGY. 


In the present dearth of means for obtaining instruction in 
Zoological Science, in this country, as well as to show that con- 
siderable interest is taken in the subject by the public, we think 
it will be useful to notice several courses of public lectures on 
subjects connected with Zoology, which are now delivering in 
London. 

At the Roya Institution, Dr. Harwood, F.L.S., is delivering | 
a course of popular lectures on the Natural History of the Animal 
Kingdom, comprehending a survey of the classes Mammalia and 
Birds. This course is illustrated by a series of excellent drawings 
of the principal animals described, and of such portions of their 
anatomical structure as are of peculiar importance; together with 
specimens of the bones, horns, &c. of the animals. 

At the Loypon Institution, Dr. Harwood is delivering the 
same course; and we feel much pleasure in stating that at both 
Institutions he is attended by a very numerous and attentive 
audience, After his lecture on the Pachydermata, on the 20th of 
March, Dr. Harwood distributed several hundred prospectuses of 
the New Zoological Institution,* giving at the same time a brief 


* This Prospectus we have reprintedat p. 285 of the present volume. - 


Lectures on Zoology :—Felis Cutus, &c. 569 


view of its nature and objects, and of the important benefits to 
society expected to accrue from its establishment. 

At the Lonvon Institution also, Dr. Roget, F.R.S., &c., is 
engaged in delivering an elaborate and very interesting course on 
the Physiology of the External Senses, as well in man, as in every 
class of the lower animals: he considers the subjects under the 
following heads successively : Sensitive functions—Touch—Taste 
and Smell—Hearing—Vision—and Laws of Perception, The 
phenomena of Vision are minutely examined and explained; and 
the lectures are illustrated by a series of drawings and prepara- 
tions, the latter of which have been principally furnished by Mr. 
Langstaff. Dr. Roget’s course is likewise numerously attended. 

At the Roya Coxzecer or Surgeons Mr. Green, F.R.S. &c., 
the Professor of Comparative Anatomy, is giving a course of 
lectures on that subject, which is attended by the members, as 
well as by many members of the College of Physicians and men 
of science. 

At St. Tuomas’s Hospirar, Mr. J. F. South, F.L.S., has com- 
menced a course on Comparative Anatomy, which is attended by 
a numerous class of pupils. 


oe ee ee 


THE WILD AND THE DOMESTIC CAT:—THE LYNX. 


As M. Temminck’s opinion that the Wild Cat is not the stock 
of the domestic animal has been noticed in a former page (531) 
of the present number, it may be as well to give Dr. Fleming’s 
remarks on the same subject, published in 1822, which nearly 
agree with those of the continental naturalist. ; 

‘6 The Felis Catus, or Wild Cat, which still frequents the 
remote woods of Britain, is probably a different species from the 
Domestic Cat, of which it has usually been regarded as the stock. 
The tail of the Domestic Cat is tapering, of the Wild Cat nearly 
cylindrical. The weight and size of the latter are much larger 
than the former. The high value which was set upon domestic 
cats in the ninth century, as appears from the Welsh Laws 
of Howel the Good; the price of a kitten, before it could see, 
being a penny ; until it caught a mouse, twopence ; and when it 
commenced mouser, fourpence ; militates against the commonly~ 


570 0% . Scientific Notices. 


received opinion. It is probable that the domestic kind is originally 
from Asia.” Phil. of Zool. vol. ii. p: 185. 

The perusal of M. Temminck’s scrutiny of the Feline animals, 
has aiso reminded me of the subjoined passage in Mr. De Capel 
Brooke’s lately-published Travels through Sweden, &c. to the 
North Cape; which tends to shew, it would appear, that some 
species, allied to the Lynxes, occurs in the North of Europe, 
with which naturalists are as yet unacquainted. The extreme 
brevity of the tail in the skins examined, if correctly stated, ap- 
pears to be a character hitherto unnoticed in the genus; as well 
as the resemblance of one skin to that of the Leopard, but having 
at-the same time tufted ears. 

“ The Lyux of the north, the Tiger of the polar Siunisiag is 
not rare in this part of Norway (the province of Drontheim). In 
the. Norwegian language it is called goupe, and in the north of 
Sweden it is generally known by the name of warjelue. From the 
skins of this animal, that were shown to me in different parts of 
Norway and Lapland, three of which differed very materially in 
their colour, it seems that there are at least as many species or 
varieties of the Lynx. Of one of these Mr. Knudtzon had several. 
The largest measured five feet in length, not including the tail, 
which did not exceed an inch anda half. The colour of them all 
was gray, with a yellowish tinge, beautifully marked with dark 
spots, and the ears were tufted. The general price they brought 
at Drontheim was about five specie dollars, or a pound sterling. 
This seems to be more peculiar to Norway, as I never observed it | 
during my subsequent travels. Of the two others, which I met 
with in Lapland and Sweden, one that I saw at Umea measured 
from the muzzle to the beginning of the tail five feet eleven 
inches, and the tail was hardly two inches. The appearance of 
the skin in every respect so much resembled that of the Leopard, 
that I should have suspected it to have belonged to this animal, 
had it not been for its tufted ears, and the length and superior 
thickness of the fur.’ The third species which I met with in 
Swedish Lapland, differed so materially from the other two, 
being of a uniform reddish-brown colour. In length it exceeded 
five feet.” E. W. B. . 


INDEX TO VOL. II. 


—~o 4P e— 


*,* The new species, &c. described in this Volume, together with the species, 
&c., newly characterized, are distinguished by the Italic character. 


=< 
. 

Page Page 
Acamptosomata, an order of Cir- Anthropoides pavoninus........ 236 
SU EB ODED OSE mk waka 209 Stanleyanus ..:.... 234 
Aocentor Alipimus! <3 2's eae ss - 280 Witt otieetee ete le v2 235 
Afgithalus, anew genus of Birds 397 Anthus aquaticus. etic eicmlseh ne 455 

Affinities, circular series of, ex- Antilope, an Insect from New Zea- 
amples of them, 48, 65, 135, 195,242, art Wace nee cee VOOR Cy I 70 
259, 264, 269, 282, 368, 511 Antilope Goral.............00. 267 
Ailurus, anew genusofmammifera 419 Chickata Sn, ei ok 268 
HEE Soiecsoesesoe 419,553 Arcopagus,agenusof Pselaphide, 447 
PMrartiond axis SSRIS ie 459 PUBLCOIIES. 6 ine. eso AAS 
Alcedo Dea, erected into a new Arctonyx enllaris ss crocticttro dias 523 
- genus ( Tanysiptera) by Mr. LATHER fASCUMG!. oc'disresVble(s ofa cen = 117 
NEGGS Gogiphoog Ob oa eco Gorie 266 Ardea comatasi..: J. .ck eek 548 

Alurnus corallinus ..........+-- 240 Argonauta, analysis of M. de Fe- 
Amblyrynchus cristatus.........- 206 russac’s notice on its animal .. 534 

Amphibia, their arrangement re- Aristotle, Mr. BRaAyiny on the 

quires much reform.......... 205 ocular points of the Helicide, in 

Amphisbena, a genus of Serpents 338 support of an assertion of that 
OXYUTA ssi iecdex vs ib. philosopher's «scetinessidces AQT 
vermicularis ...... Ibs  Ascidige’s i. S.s.6 0% tacts Soeten 252 

Analogies among objects of higher Aspidicus, anew genus of fossil 
and lower orders in nature... Poly ietiee etre tele wie ee eis 252 

Anamnesis, a new genus of Scara- Astacus, on a new fossil (longi- 
NEU sy dees Abs bin w Sieve eo tieebere 510 manus), by G.B.SowERBY.... 493 
UM acledipt ssa 'ietere ots « 512. Asteriad@, new fossil species of, . 318 

Anas Boschas, var........-...- 136 Auditory cells of fishes, on the 
Anas rufina, Mr, YARRELL on its stones found in them ........ 120 

occurrence in Britain.... 492,552 Australia, Geology of, notice of 
Ancients, the, on the use of re- Dr. Fitton’s paper on........ 554 

searches tending to elucidate Axolot}, the, a perfect animal .., 


the groups of nature which 
they attended to 
Animals, geographical distribu- 
RLOMMO LES ete Ags Eee 6, 254, 280, 537 
Animals, Mr. BropEerip on the 
utility of preserving facts rela- 
tive to their habits 
ANTENNA fe ae 4 ,54re) sao mee ety i 
Anistiophori, a family of Bats . 
Anolis, a genus of Lacerta, Mr. 
Bextt on the structure of the 
ERLTOMU AT sae, So. 'slse ee J dabei « Il 
Antelopes, two Indian species de- 
scribed by Gen. Hardwicke .. 267 


Balanidez, a family of Cirripedes £09 


Barbastellus,a new genus of Bats, 243 
Basterot, M. de, on the differences 
in mollusea arising from their 
locality ac oye ok bis oe terocterets 537 
Bats.:Brazilian). at aces cent 124 
Bauer, Mr. his microscopical ex- 
amination of the snail........ 498 


Beaver, curious anecdote of one, 425 

Bex, Tuomas, Esq. his observa- 
tions on the Structure of the 
Throat in the genus Anolis... 11 


572 


Page 
Bett, Tuomas, Esq. on a new 
genus of Iguanide .......... 
Monograph of the Tortoises 
having a moveable Sternum . 
on Leptophina, a group 
of Serpents, comprising the 
genus Dryinus of Merrem, and 
a newly formed genus named 
Leptophis ..... ees sete cok 322 
on a new species of Ter- 
FAPENE (HLEOIOT)|s ici. a iia otetelee 484 
on the Grison (Galictis) eh 
MBE UOTON |S 2'. cise mh leleioh iets tate 
Birds, Dr. Sucx on Nethe ta 


204 


uncharacterized Brazilian .... 110 
genera of, Mr. Vicors on 
their arrangement ..... b derew Nook 
Mr. YARRELL on theoccur- 
rence of some rare British .... 24 
of the Farn Islands, Mr. 
SELBy’s Catalogue of them... 454 


rareBritish, 24,267,279,281,492,548 
the figures of them gene- 
rally given not accurate in 
minute details........0..600. 194 
Mr. Vigors on their natural 
affinities ..... 
their lymphatic vessels , 
Blastoidea, a new family of 


263 
257 


Radiataignst4) (Rastivadite deals dt 313 
Blumenbachium, a genus of fossil 
Polyyak ieleysdk, Syianisieis ove slaiaians 253 


Boa Constrictor, Mr. BropERIpP 
on the mode in which it takes 


ifs PREY See) ¢./al% n/a leveteta\tstaladit 215 
Boltenia, a jane of Tunicata, 
synonymes of .,......6. svece 269 
Bothrops, a genus ‘of Serpents... 335 
FRURIGS «ase! -/Reae J toedd De 
leucostigma .....+-..+. ib. 
TEM EUTUS. icve\n vieiela sie hed 
MC LAHENS de\- so:0;0\0'00 (0a OOD. 
Neuwiedi ..... Pee se sr 10) 
Sealeners aiaishe ide svavere wel 2 De 
EMNIGIUS 2). Lidice siete e'm'e'a) OOO 
tessellatus ......-4. shales “le 


Brain, Materials of, notice of Sir 
E. Home’s Microscopical Ob- 
servations on 

Brayvey,E.W. jun. on theocular 
points of the Helicide, in sup- 
port of an assertion of Aristotle 497 

Broperip, W. J. Esq. on two 
new shells from the Mauritius 198 

on the mode in which 
the BoaConstrictortakesits prey 215 
on the utility of pre- 
serving facts relative to the 
habits of animals .....-00+6-- I4 


Index to Vol. I. 


Page 
on some new and rare 
Woltttes: «in icin obs bite ebienele ete 27 
Bryaxis, a genus of Pselaphide « 450 
longicornis sais teGlalee smote ee 
SANZUINER «010 s\s!s «i's woo De 
Buccinum Ovutt ..< 00 chiuedaaiee 366 
Buceros zaleatus, deaar ibed by 
Gen. Hardwicke .... ....... 268 


Leadbeateri...... 267 

Bufo, a genus of Rane ........ « 350 
GQTGICHTNS io) ola cibvcle lei Sina GOW 
GIBifTONS 6.46 ovcsccceseaes GUS 
AZUA \wleia\n vie #{0\0\9 Bete anisas ODO 
Gersal’s .s.0cccene a ovens 351 
Ephippium .....+- oe nse SOS 
Zlobulosus -2e.eeeeee seco! Ibe 
ECEELICUS a:n.0,0 ald a cieimereiole 351 
Dagarus wena aids einpinierven oe 
maculiventris eosceccseoes 350 
OPNALUS oo,o\nls/aolachiamiviolaiatanaial 
scaber .....> «aielsietniee aide ks 
stellatus ....+. «sities sistem aoe 


Bulimus, Rev. L. Gu1LpiNG on its 
generic character .......-++-- 440 


haemastomus.....++¢ see ID. 
tuberculatus ...... aleintefoiJS6s 
Bulla alba ....... aiyitehe olciieiae .. 364 
Buprestis Lyonii.....+++ sda tetera 


Butwer, Rev. J., on the Isocardia 
Cor of the Irish Seas .....-... 357 
Bythinus, a genus of Pselaphide, 446 
Curtisianus.....++++ tenis A 
Cecilia, a genus of Serpents .... 338 
annulata . ib. 
Calyptrza....... 256 

Campylosomata, an n order of Cir- 
TEP GAGS ose ojo ,ssiay ola) ier bjotit 
Capromys prehensilis...++++++++ ‘ 
PlOvides. x » + 0\2 v sisis sivjaie\s IDs 
Carbo Cormoranus.....,.....+.. 460 
cristatusy .(cisaatiiae eens 461 

Caryocrinites, a new genus of Cri- 
NOIDA bisisiowihh Javorerels oie aby St domes 
OTNAEUS:« 60:0 :a'e)0'0'e\0¥)) ADe 
loricatus........+.- 312 
Cassicus, a genus of Birds ,...... 
Cassida metallica ......+.e00+: 
TOSEA-CINCLA .. ess seveses 
smaragdind »..+.++e00+- 240 
Cat, a, curious anecdote of...... 
Cat, the Wild, not the stock of the 
Domestic Cat ........-531, 569 
Cavia aur ata... ais niiSiatate's leltaa\o'\s 
OU USE AEM «aja lain cinta eiahe el 
Cervicapra, a subgenus of Ante- 
lopesi. =f-igeom dsiettcha cae anal ben 268 
Cetonia albo-auttota axis dos SRS SEES 
Grborescens .....eee+e224 Ib. 
Curtisit. oaacicss osaesaeedean 


ee 


Index to Vol. LI. 


Cetonia flammed ...ceveevecesee 
Sfephensit,. 2.0 dca ee 
‘Chameza,a new geuus of Birds. . 
meruloides 
Characters, minute generic, their 


395 


AMpaKtances..'.... Mes eaiee SS 
Charadrius hiaticula ........... A457 
Chelys, a new genus of Tortoises. 342 

Matamata. 22... sce0se. ib. 


‘Chickens, very young, Mr. Yar- 
REL on the small horny appen- 


dage to their upper mandible. 433 


Chilopodomorpha, a tribe of Cole- 
optera ........ seers. 209, et Seq. 
‘Chiton, Mr. Lowe on some hells 
belonging to that genus ...... 93 
Aselloides........ Rieilelets 103 
AREHUS iw iw'a'o's De doeientals 10] 
CINETEUS\s 0/66. elebbtetetelles sia. 99 
PASCHULATES 0 ores Sedicdee 96 
LEDiScio chen v wb or eN Nee 97 
TAGES sree etale ts) MIDE as 103 
BIDET IE S19 12 ahve ited VeN OD 101 
Chlamyphorus, a new genus of 
Mammifera, of the order Eden- 
tata, Dr. HARLAN On. .......- 154 
truncatus .....+... 156 
Cineras Chelonophilus........... 212 
Cranchianus ....... sisiele tte? PED. 
Megalepis........2. eaters ees 
Montagui ......... sateteee uid, 
Olfersianus....c.ee-00 ib. 
URESSOMTIUS US ateie'd da ale slate & ib. 
Circulation, Maternal—Fetal .... 131 


Cirripedes, Dr. Leacn’s tabular 
view of the genera composing 
PhAtiClass eww verve tebe 

Mr. G. B. SoweRBy on 


208 


a new genus of (Octomeris).... 244 
Civette or Genette hyenoide....... 118 
Classical illustrations of Natural 

BLISCONY $s (els (2 15-0826 2 37, 370, 497 
Claviger a genus of Pselaphide.. 453 
Clausilia plicatula ..-....-.205. 565 
Clis:ade, a family of Cirripedes . 210 
Clyptra Cancrorum ..........++. 214 
Cbythra gthb0sa soe Hee LS 24) 


Clytiadz, a family of Cirripedes, 208 
Collectors of subjects of Natural 


History, their proper motives.. 28 
Coluber ame@nus.....esceceeeee . 413 
SEEDS 6 ae 's/slole 208 Sodan) Mey 
seplemviltatus ....-..... ib. 


Comparative Anatomy, its impor- 
vance to the Zoologist......... 47 

Conchological notices, by Dr. 
Tiron <5 od. paladin CSue 564 

Coronulade, a family of Cirri- » 
POMS eA ek aii lake Pos 09 


573 


Page 
Cossypha, a new genus of Birds.. 396 


Corvus Monedula...........006 Ab6 
Corydalla, a new genus of Birds.. 397 
Crania, human, supposed fossil, 
shewn to be recent........... 121 
Cremustocheilus Castanea, and vari- 
olosus, Mr. KirBY on ........ 516 
Crepidula sinuosa .....++++00-+ 364 


Crichton, Sir A. notice of his 
paper on the Taunus mountains 559 
Crinoidea, Mr. T. Say on some 
genera and species of ........ 311 
Crocodiles, fossil...... 141, 144, 424 
Crossarchus, anew genus of mam- 
MOLE A Yates stole he teislatets Btetatetae sis Al6 
obscurus ...+++ thee. | Ale 
Crotalus a genus of Serpents .... 
Cascivellaicnaulewt see - - 
Culex and Formica, Dr. LEAcu 
on some species of those genera 
found near Nice ........+.-. 
meridionalis ...+eeeseesee 
MUSICUS .. 2+ +e Sis isicleewma’s o 
INGCKEERSES 2 vie Sale SO RR 1 eh5/0 
Cyclura, a new genus of Lacerte, 413 
CATINALE S.s\s0 leiele Sie s..) 
teres A4l4 
Cyprza. guttata ...........058.- 
Cyprea, Mr. G. B. Sowerby on 
two new species of (umbilicata, 
and melanostomd) ....+++-.++ 
Cystingia, a genus of Tunicata... 


ee ee ay 


Davy, Dr. J., notice of his paper 
ou the poison of the Toad, 545, 
on the heart of the Rane..... 

De la Beche, H. T. Esq. notice of 
his paper on the Chalk &e. 
near Lyme, 5553 notice of his 
paper on Jamaica ......,.... 557 

Dendrocolaptes crassirostris...... 115 

fortirostris ....... ib. 

Dendrodoa,asabgeuus of Ascidia, 270 

Deshayes, M. on Calyftrea..... 256 

on Nerita & Natica ib. 


545 


Dispotea, a new genus of Shells,, 414 
COBEALE. Cove Coe Ole os ib. 
Ls Oe SE aie ib. 
tubiferdss Muu Peseistret ib. 
Dorysthenes, a new genus of Pri- 

ee RRR ean OR SNRs May aR Pas 514 
TOSEPAEUS Voto es Sale 516 

iesyreats a genus of Serpents, 324, 325, 
331 

BRCUD HAS oldlaleleld <2 325, (331 
AUTOLUS. C65 NWI sieletale's 325 
mycteriZansS ...sceereee 326 
oxyrhynchus...+eveeee+ ib. 
RASULUG woes dilie ve eee OLE 


574 


Page 
Dryinus Russellianus ......-.... 327 

Drymophila, a new genus of Lan- 
iadz, Mr. SwAINSON on,...... 149 
BETO CGR cieie cb eralebe 153 
Tevicopusnsiccite ae ane 150 
longipes..-.... wep az 
trifascritay oie. ioe ib. 

Dytiscus, Mr. Stephens on some 
new species of ........ Raveteree 550 
Egyptians, on their origin,...... 272 
Elaps, a genus of Serpents...... 330 
Langsdorffi ....... 05s. 331 
NEOTEL AL SE Ak BARTON 330 
melanocephalus ..e.s.+... ib. 
Schrankii ......02. Piateratetsis ib. 
triangulanis Ge sis Backvic 330 
MENUSEASSLNUS WS vattieiiateh 2 ei ib. 


Elk, fossil, of lreland, notice of 
Mr. Weaver’s paper on the, .. 275 
of the Isle of Man 276, 284 

Embalming, on the art of, among 


the ancient Egyptians........ 272 
Emys, a genus of Tortoises ..... 338 
MINAZONICH es sigieelotles aiie 6 339 
DISUtALT Sik sf nee eRe ae A412 
Garialicul tare amie tatters 344 
LEDU CSS a ratata toterd shah ks lehoie 339 
DOGSUAUES He Bie 013) palace ate ath 341 
erythrocephala ........... 340 
macrocephala.........20 339 
MOARTROT EL: @ alaiee nis sic <inlamie 341 
WLUPLPES aS e Oss evs iareie Serslers 34 
DT nACAU Ueraaatelte eos tate a elaine ib. 
SHENOPSs wisi ei afxlsialatal tale’ > 341 
DEUCES Ese aietets eas) daterate nieietate 83 
Bra tiy laser jeune a alee fedojsiateoiae ols AQT 
Hucnemistin es so seiseietate ie 430 
Euplectus, a genus of Pselaphide, 445 
Easterbrookianus...... ib. 
Palcontdes see eseess lotion sete 518 
Mr. Vieors on a new 
genus of (Gampsonyx)........ 65 
Mr. Vigors on a new 
genus of (Nauclerus) ......... 386 


Farn Islands, Mr. Setpy’s Cata- 
logue of the birds frequenting 
then} shee eee see ances 

Felis, M. Temminck’s Monograph 


Of the enuse. coekeeietis ete 526 
QUPALA) Rites Keele Ae ee 530 
borealiset jersey Masere 529 
Caracal.) 3.5. ceeeie esios 850. 
Catus i..55. Pts teases 531, 569 
eelidopasier.ais sews) soe 532 
CETVATIS camels ofelous 529 


Chatiscecieshadiwuite noes 


Index to Vol. I. 


Page 
Felis, concolor «44,0 scctscele otlaenae 
jubata -cnwescevs ee en 
Betizn: Se sueeke oes 
Leopards 2s cits ae eet ib. 
Beyuatvra sig csc v's oles SOYOD 
MACTOUTE. J 02 aac ae elena 533 
MANCULATALS Sats cla lets 531 
Meélas x: di>sisisiislaeletete, Seam 529 
Mitis /./oclodeere eS .» O33 
Oncaea Ladle’ Selotentdeet 532 
PATdalis.se a)jererssieisiaioetaete ib. 
Pardinalle ciel teat ee rae 530 
Pardustisih seer avchaerehagp 528 
TUE, Sloss. cic crcrm hee Sa ee 532 
Servaltss ss Se Sacenies 529 
Unelasesy Js) She seeee ib 


Ferussac, M. De, on Nerita and 
Watica nik cc oawana deeemece 
analysis of his 
Notice on the animal of Argo- 
TRAE as, 2 aero: 0) svoret oncterdele Bieta 
Figures generally given of Birds 
not accurate in minute details . 194 
Fish, Messrs.SowEerBy&GEORGE ° 
on some fossil remains of...... 
Fishes, on the stones found in their 
Buditony Cells ce sapeterneie tele tores 
Fitton, Dr. W. H., notice of his pa-= 
per on the Geology of Australia 
Food of insects, mistakes often 
made in statin 1f5 sevessteeiee lle 4 
Formica and Culex, Dr. Leacu 
on some species of those genera 


534 


22 


found near Nice ...........:- 289 

Formica G@ffinis ss acta 0/20 osikiels «. 290 

Bicalorgaemiatis eee: arsieee Oo 

CaStANIPES, » 2000000 as oeele 

U/L CO See otelale eile erate se Ds 

PISUS Soh hls\e\ilewiaee . 292 

hematocephala ...... Nao. 

HTuberiana ....220+v2.. 290 

megacephald .++++++0% . 292 

Nicdensis,....+e0+0 o» 20 

PICEA in 4 sleleim ain intone 292 

eda. othe toiete « 2 eels 291 

TUDESCENS, << <\= 2\oa\ninim ra cet) 

PUPESUTIS «, =,0, « tnini=aais ely 291 

COSTA CEE PES ie ofehsie oto ataelnls 290 
Formicivora, a new genus of Lani- 

ade, Mr. SwArnson on......- 145 

brevicauda .....22s-- 148 

maculatd...+ssse0- ~- LAT 

NISTICOLIS . 02ers sss ib. 


Fossil shells, their geological dis- 
tribution 
Frencna, Joun OLiver, Esq. on 
the true nature of Instinct, and 
of the Mental Distinction be- 
tween Brute Animals and Man; 


ee ee 


Index to Vol. II. 


Page 
Ey IiI., on the specific Con- 
_ stitution of the Brute Mind, and 
its modifications under Hwan 
Influence; with an analysis of 
the theory of Brute Action con- 
- tained in Dr. Hancock’s * Essay 


RE TAS OUNCE oon im: cud cooreys aise 7i, 164 
analysis of Dr. ae 
cock’s work on Instinct... 71, 164 
influence of the ean 
mind upon brutes.......+.... 171 
anecdotes of human in- 
fluence upon brutes.......... 75 
essential and distinctive 
birt bUtes Of MAN: 5 <.st asa’, o/c 181 


Fresh-water formations of Cette.. 139 
marls, on their forma- 


(WS) TASC SRR SOR ete Pa aR hos es, 
Frogs, on the effects of freezing... 277 
Gaimard and Quoy, M. M. on 

IRS HES 8 iia niecsis ate SE aA 35h Oe 
Galbula Ceycoides...........2- 112 
Galeomma, a new genus of shells 361 
; RTT TR Ne ib. 
Bra luvie lets atl ONT vevscekis ancien, c2nO 
Gampsonyx, a new genus of Fal- 

(orale See a spdsided a meen 

Swainsonit .........., 69 
Genettaafra ...... sepieysraaisa)b 6, 524 
Geoffroy de Sainte-Hilaire on the 

Vespertiliones of Brazil ...... 253 
Geographical distribution of Ani- 

MAGS ee Se hes -6, 85, 110, 254, 280 


Geological disir nutes of Organic 
Rewmains: - . 128, 137, 139, “140, 249, 
’ 283, 284 
Grores, E.S. Esq. & Sowsrey, 
J..DeC. Esq, on a fossil found in 
Coal shale, and a palate found 
thee yar) A eeepieaiRes Deans ae 
Granville, Dr. A. B. notice of his 
» *¢ Monog raph on Egyptian 
RVinmmies >, secs sek oe eee ies 
Gray, J. E. Esq. on "the species 
of Vespertilionide found in 
MareatBritaralt.. sis vleeldacisles 
on the division or the 
Vespertilionide into groups .. 
on Terebratula costa- 
TA MCLEE ONE ee nfo e 307 
Gubernetes, anew genus of Lani- 
Pecloar seins Soars os Bilatacsiensi e600 
Cunninghami ........ 
Guitpine, Rev. Lanspown, his 
Mollusca Caribbeana........ 
amended generic charac- 
ters of Bulimus axel Succinea... 
account of a new genus 
of Mollusca (Peripatus) ...... 443 


ee eee tewe 


575 


Page 
Gymnuri, a family of Monkeys .. 123 


Hematopus ostralegus ......... 456 
Hancock, Dr., Mr. FRENcH’s ana- 
lysis of his Essay on ¥nstinct .. 
Hardwicke, Major Gen., analysis 
of his Descriptions of Antelopes 
(A. Goraland A. Chickara) from 
India, 267; of his‘ Description 
of a new species of Taphosous 
(longimanus)”’ 268; of his ‘* De- 
seription of Buceros galeatus .. ib. 
notice of his paper on Phasianide 548 
Harvan, R., M.D., on a new 
genus of Mammifera of the 
order Edentata (Chlamyphorus) AS 
Harpe, mode of fishing,........ 
Har PASUS 526 o5s5sacsceces 4055 
Hearing of the mollusca, &e. hy- 
pothesis respecting ...... eels DOT 
Hedgehog, the, is omnivorous .. 17 
Helarctos Eionjapibes the type ofa 
subgenus of Ursus, Dr. Hors-, 
FIELD On.....% sake ee kl Ae 221, 223 
Helarctos Malayanus. .221 et seq., 234 
Helicide, Mr. BRAYLEY on their 
ocular points, in support of an 


71 


518 


assertion of Aristotle ........ 497 
Flelix putris, p45 2 25/5 32). Hole emt) 
Herpa, a new genus of Limacide 443 

loniadhaee eet AD LF Meh 5 2 ib. 
Heras’ 20002 2.9'9. SOR Ree bccn OSM 
EUipponiyss veneers eels aeierteie ral 249 
Hirundo rustica J..s..25...%.. 455 
FROlothuriar 055.255. 5)2 Sdeccf abies aie Al5 


Homalonotus, a genus of Trilobites 252 
Home, Sir Everard, notice of his 
Microscopical Observations on 

the Materials of the Brain. We. 277 
, notice of his paper on 

the source of animal heat.... 544 
Horsrievp, Dr. T.,On Helarctos 
Euryspilus, the type of a sub- 
genus of Ursus, 221: Insects 
collected by him deseribed in 


* Annulosa Javanica”’....2... 258 
Hyla, a genus of Rane ........ 346 
abbreviata ..... ssescass 349 
affinis ..... HAG Ra 3AT 
albomarginata .......... ib, 
bibopunctatay ss sae tel oh, Ds 
DLODLOY Wt are ato: otelavs einnaiotote 350 
bipunctata Nareieaetaaaye 348 
BUfONIE oes seine eo 0's a aeiaice OHO 
CLOTRULEL BL. dee a sed ciate ose O46 
OINEFASCENS © ro'.teee eeiecsice el 1D. 
Geographicad -...sse.-2-- 349 
var.. ibs 


sicfainco pimisieyelatel of) 


cviwe dies, GLO 


lateristriga 
nebulosa 


576 Index to 
; Page 
Hyla nigerrima .4.++eeeeeee.. 348 
PADULETIE wove mmaricnh see StL 
PAT dais. pe poianoeins opr sen) 10s 
TANOWHES sncyis-cteis be abs 2 aie kOe 
semilineata, sive Geogra- 
PIA VAL aise aise pais < . 349 
Strigilata .seevsssecccnee ib. 
stercoraced .s.+.3.-52.-- 348 
ET ZU ELIE Gis wi qin talaials a aids wtb. 
DLTOLOSE aispjpinin cine emilee 1s 
AKG STOMA: aisle Stale cis ovce. SAD 
RDNOLE ai alo abtolpiceteis heels ee Gus 


Iblata, a family of Cirripedes... 209 
Tcterina, a subfamily of Birds .. 184 
Icterus, a genus of Birds, Mr. 
ViIGORS (00). sinerisitekce =e ol See Le 
Tehthyosaurus. < ic < aioe v2cnivinty 567 
Ictides, anew genus of mammifera 418 
CLGEPTANS ore nia yaiejers:s) «nisi On 
GEER e:csi snap wie wreisieasieind Sed 
Lt, a eee ee are areite gielako te 
Iguanide, Mr. BELL on a new 
PENS Of ....eeeeereccercces 204 
Tguanodon ...... icine sie ties siclnjs 131 
Insects alluded toin the ‘ Intro- 
duction to Entomology,” Ana- 
lysis of Mr. Kirby’s description 
OL ADEUY | ons cieieinat a OE ee 
Dr. Kidd on their sangui- 
neous circulation..... 541-2 
mistakes often committed 
in stating their food ... 4 
observations on their vi- 
SIGH ur inielaius APM as: wares 
Insects which affect oaks and 
cherry trees, Prof. Peck 
OTN, etapa te oiled ota ears 0th 5 487 
Insessores, an order of Birds .. 
et seq. 
Instinct, inquiry respecting its 
true nature, by J. O. 
Frenon, Esq....... 71, 164 
analysis of Dr. Hancock’s 
WOE AON), ooraue 5 atatateness 71, 164 
influence of the human 
mind upon brutes ..... 
anecdotes of human influ- 
ence upon brutes...... 175 
essential and distinctive 
attributes of man...... 
Instinct of animals, facts relating 
thereto, 
19, 20, 77, 174, 176, 177, 425 
Tsocardia, character of the genus, 338 
(COT to ioa. vie lanai AIAN e 
Tsodon pilorides......-+seese0+: AlO 
Istiophori, a family of Bats.... 125 


270 


181 


358i. 


Vol. I. 


_ Page 
Java, Insects of eevee eosesesee 258 
Kiet (hot crete eveteits PO Sct ir yn fe, 


Kirsy, Rev. W. his Inrropucto- 
ry AppReEss, explana- 
tory of the views of 
the Zootoaicat Crus 1 

On the Nomenclature of 
Orthoptera, with a de- 
tailed Description of 
the genus Scaphura... 9 

On a pair of remarkable 
horned mandibles of an 
Insect ee 

Notice of his “ First de- 
cade of Insects alluded 
to in the ‘ Introduction 
to Entomology’ as ap- 
pear not to have been 
before sufficiently no- 
ticed,?” .culawecdelbien s 

Kirpy, Rev. W., his description 

of two new Coleopterous In- 
Sects’. sites alee sok pilcie OnE 

Kidd, Dr. on the sanguineous cir- 

culation of Insects..........541-2 

Kingdom, J. Esq., notice of his 

paper on Fossil Bones in Oolite 284 

Kinosternon, a new genus of Tor- 

toisestT Fc ssae see 246, 302, 342 
amboinense .....-.. 305 
brevicaudatum.. 304, 342 
longicaudatum ...... ib. 
Nigricans....++e2- 305 
Pennsylvanicum.... 

Shavianum ..-+se0- 

Kunzea, a genus of Pselaphide.. 
NIQTICEPS .ceeescccccces 


70 


Labrus, Cornish species of .... 

Lamia Scutigera ...... pote = 

Vidua ...c000% owensocwe 

Larus argentatus ........--.-.- 

FUSCUS. . cseene rite om 

tridactylus ...\..ceseweus 

Latreille M., On the distribution 

of the Mollusca, 255: on Dal- 

man’s Analecta Entomologica 256 
Leacu, Dr. W. E., his Tabular 
View of the Genera composing 

the Class Cirripedes .....208, 244 

On some species of 

Formica and Culex 

found near Nice.. 

On the Stirpes and Ge- 

nera composing the 

Family Pselaphides; 

with descriptions of 

some new Species .. 445 


289 


Index to Vol.II. 


Page 

Lecheguina .....-+- pralaternietetsia « 120 
Leeches, medicinal......... Lee lAs 
Leistes, a new genus of Birds ... 191 
UCAS ieitola d= cfale staia'e ip ale 6 192 


Lepas, the Linnean genus, now 
forms the class Cirripedes .... 244 
Leposternon, a genus of Serpents 337 


microcephalus Giles ib. 
Leptophina, a subfamily of Ser- 
SUES elects tal alelele BEMe e/a salaiols/= 324 
Leptophis estivus ........+. shoe SLe 
Ahetulla.......- Siar rarss! 
UT ANCOSalaloinle o.0 s oar ee nooo 
purpurascens .......- 328 
Leucopthaimus, a genus of fossil 
PARETONCO Nel ate sine aie s\No 5, 0\5c.6 0 so She 
PEGINMUCENERIO aielale(sla)o <lelels 2\s\-0 oio\e 362 


Lowe, R.T. Esq., on some Shells, 
belonging principally to the 
genus Chiton, observed on the 
Coast of Argyleshire, in the 
Suminer of 1824 20... t 0. 93 

Lyell, C. Esq. notice of his Re- 
marks on Quadrupeds imbed- 
ded in recent alluvial strata... 283 

Lymphatic vessels of Birds ..... 257 


Macleay, W. S. Esq. Analysis of 
his ‘“* Annulosa Javanica,”’ 258: 
of his ** Anatomical Observa- 


tions, &c. on Tunicata” ..... 268 
Mandibles, large horned, of an 

Insect, Mr. KirBy on........ 70 
Manse). parcecisccs sla hewes s AIT 
Marle, oak Shell, of Ireland .. 276 


Marrow, found in the shank-bone 


Oia Poss) HC co crccicaie ore ye AOC CAN 
DWIAS COCO scare atele aioe teic, sieves 14], 561 
Maternal-Feetal circulation ..... 131 


Maunsell, Rey. Mr., notice of his 
researches on the Fossil Elk of 
Ireland 

Megaderma Lyra ........-+... 242 

Menagerie in the Tower of Lon- 

GOIN oi, 2y's fousiasc cielescupieince 216, 223, 235 
' Society for establishing 285 
Mexican Proteus, or Axolotl, a 


METIECE ANON were ajelaieisiess 0 sis 127 
Micrurus, a genus of Serpents... 335 
Spirii...... sador ate ib. 


Mollusca, hypothesis respecting 
their sight and hearing 507 

M. de Basterot on the 

differences in them arising 
from their locality 

M. Latreille’s general 
distribution of them......0. 255 


Vor Ii. 


537 


577 


Page 
MolluscaCaribbeana, by theRev. 
LANsDOWN GUILDING .... 437 
amended generic charac- 
ters of Bulimus & Succinea.. 440 
account of a new genus 
ofMollusca( Peripatus) .... 
Monkeys, American 
of the old World. .... ib. 
Mormon fratercula ...... Tt ae 
Mummies, Egyptian, notice of Dr. 
Granville’s Monograph on.... 
Murchison, R. I. Esq. notice of 
his paper on the Geology of 


272 


Sussex ..... AS icHaGe boee des 550 
Murex’ saxatilis'ois 030s. 20220) 203 
SULUCOLE. elerate aie ete's aveleraveren ke 
Murices, their labial tooth ..... 204 
Mytilus crenatus...........+.. 278 
Names, topical, their use ...... 229 
ING tices see Ree EP oo ac oc 256 
Natrix, a new genus of Serpents 331 
Almada’... 5. rea Se ate 333 

TISVENE tree pietmic letste| o\eeafey 1 De 
Bahiensis......+ Releeta oe 
DUCCHINUTE ae oe es Cece xe 332 

CHET SCORES © tates siete « ib. 
Charan eo oe ole nae. 331 
Cinnamomed ....++20000- 332 
Gfborsterr Ss... shat es 
OCCELIETELES UE wranini ai clelais ave 332 

OECIIUTMS Hela tists o civreielors 333 
WICETUUNE = waieieais tele cise 332 
melanostigma .....+.-.- ib. 
punctatissima ........+- 333 
Scurrula® ctscs cs ceee ee 332 
SOL CUT ULE ste eb els elete nisi'e 333 
SENTIMENT Sere ea eve eon tl els ib. 
SULDRUNCH ave ai cterneeetetntcts © 332 


Natural History, illustrated from 
the writings of classical Anti- 


GLY ew etree ies cee 39, 370, 497 
Nauclerus,anew genus of Falconide386 
HIGHS aoounabenad 387 

PEELOCOUNID satey-lstatav<1= 386 


Neotoma, a new genus of Glires, 
Messrs. Say and Orp on 293 
VOT RUGMUL erat ciel eo cle! eve ole 294 
INSrithy Se nema ates e eleie << 256 
Noctilionina, a subfamily of Bats 243 
Nomenclature, Zoological, various 
MEMAEKS (OW ee sty stele 67, 229, 520 


Oaks and Cherry Trees, Prof. 
Prcx on Insects which affect 
RHEIN Sores otis crmeieieiante ciateie ol A87 

Octomeris, a new genus 6f Cirri- 

PECSichocudonosonde 244 


20 


578 


Page 

Oclomeris angulosa .......-+4.- 245 
Olive, mode of fishing ........ 198 
QOnehidiags: ceisastessheess se 439 
Ophis, a genus of § Serpents. @ diaidie Ot 
Merremityijeteie viele se se ib. 


Orbicula, Mr. G. B. SowEeRBy 

on two new species of, ( cancel- 
lata and reflexa ) - 321 
Organic remains, 128, 137, 139, 140, 
249, 251, 275, 283, 284 

geological distri- 
bution of, 128, 137, 139, 140 
249, 283, 284 
Oriole Marie? s4 is 35 o's arse ieielete 136 
Ornithology, Mr. Vieors’s Sketches in 

on a group of Psitta- 

cide (Paleornis) known 

to the ancients....s...0: 

on a new genus 
(Gampsonyx )of Falconide 65 
on the genus Icterus 182 
on the groups of the 
Vinlturidas.. seis. 01 
on a new genus seat) 

Falconide ( Nauclerus) . . 

on a new genus Bp 
Psittacide ( Psittacara).. 387 

on the arrangement 


368 


of the genera of Birds.... 391 
on some species of 
the Ramphastide ....... A66 
additions andcorrec- 
HONS! oi Beit einleveieieele os 518 
Otion Bellianus ....6-.+.+.- peice LO 
Blainvillianus .... ...... 211 
Cuvyierianus: ..'s,00 tele ib, 
Dumerillianus ........24. ib. 
SFULSSOOMRIS fic wo iata eral eheiateiel cielo 212 
Ova of animals, notice of Sir E. 
Home’s Microscopical Ob- 
servations ON ........06. 200 
Oxyrynchus, a new, genus of Bat- 
TacMias wy fe wesee. cers seeds 246, 352 
aculirostris ...... Shoda els} 
STONULOSUS ical iialattl= ae oi 353 
WICUNECTLS fora teloretaialeyelereieuetet 352 
PGCOSTELZES| Nerahe epetateratens) ate ate ib. 
proboscideus .........- 353 
semilineatus sssseeeres 352 
Pachylosticia, a new genus of Hy- 
mmemOpteras, i. s0.-% yh otae ae 540 
Paleornis, a new genu of Psitta- 
cider .4).28u2 aoe 46, 280 
VAlewunAtas so os lenis tec 49 
Barr nvand’, owen 56 
Bengalensis .....-.+.. 54 
bitorquatus, 2.62. ce5ce Sl 


Index to Vol. 11. 


Page 

Paleornis erythrocephalus ....-.- 53 
flavitorquis ..... Jute Oe 
Malaccensis ....... REN 


Papucnsiss cs os aaces) OU 
Pondicerianus .......-. 54 
Tor quatus ya, dann uss ene oe 
Aanthosomus ...+-22-- 52 


Panda ..4 aac sratetaleeeSeee aie weee ae 
Parrot, King’s: .8Js as sede aete bee 
Pearl-tisheries < 5i)s. + ssiettis ans 198 


Pecx, Prof., On Insects "whieh 
affect Gals and Cherry Trees 487 
Pentremites a new genus of Blas- 
toidea? aco uae ae nee 313 
Derbiensis ...6+- 00 
ellipticn, «.0.'s,0608 sae piDs 
florealis’ . .< cossinsane ue 
SlobOSa.” ¢ 55 oe.eeceietele lee 
PYyviforMis ..++ereeee ib. 
Peripatus, a new genus of Mol- 
lusca, Rev. L. Guinpincon 444 
Tuliformis:.....0+-+ AAA 
Petrifaction ©. s./cjootc o ojaeracleetee 249 
Petrocincla, a new genus i of Birds 396 


Pipa, a genus of Ran@ ....+2++ 353 
CURUTIOS os sae eaiemaos ming dike 
Phalangista, .s1.). isi cele oes islets A423 
Pharetrium, a genus eb fossil 
Mollusca ,...... errr . 252 
Phasianella stylifera..... SBCGan 367 
Phasiantdeng ¢/smre.e vars wacermete . 548 
Phyllostoma.........+.-+- 124, 283 
Phyllostomina, a subfamily ofBats 242 
UPhysaiati® yoann rise ofatefa at 363 
Planarize S4 socsiers oe ena seen 132 


Platycercus, a genus of Psittacide 133 
Plectrophanes Lapponica en nel eee 
Plecotus velatus .....- Ga Ibe 253 
Polistes (Lecheguana) ...... Pe 
Pollicepedide, a family of Cirr- 


PEdES ... wacieyweeinwnnweie aa aisln Meee 
Ply pli yoperetorerorate Asada o¥h ta oye tal eperoP Rea 
Polyprion Cernium ..... Seba cic 119 
Procellaria pelagica ........ 135, 405 
Priocera pusilla, Mr. Kirpy on, 518 
Prochilus ...... Siterevatletetete ein etal 230 
Proteles Lialandit Ac Sieleete) = see's 118 


Psaris, a genus-‘of Laniade, Mr. 


SWAINSON on .......-.. 354 
GTISLAEUS,-. Wictetersietele aleleioste 355 
TILER «i tataleyetw ele seater tote 356 
Mr. SELBY on a new 


species of (erythrogenys) 483 
Pselaphide, Dr. Leacu on the 
Stirpes and Genera composing 
that Bamily » yori selelectereettee 
Pselaphus,a genus of Pselaphide 452 
nigricans crea lereteeteerere 453 


Index to 
Page 
Psittacara, a new genus ofPsitta- 
CIdB" «22 sis ed ele' 388, 519 
frontata ..2..6.-.. 389 
Lichtensteinii ....... 390 
Patttacide:.... 2.566 eS RES ee. 72280 


Mr. Vigors on a group 
of them (Palzornis) known 
to the ancients.........- 

Mr. Vieors on a new 
genus of that family ( Psié- 


37 


PRCUTA) (RA. Siivatewd sie als « 387 
Psittacula Kuhliis. sci i. ioe eee) 521 
Psittacus Hematodus .......... 280 

Osbeckii, probably dis- 
tinct from P. Pondicerianus.. 54 
Psittacus Tabuensis............ 549 
Pteroglossus bitorquatus ...... 481 
Pteropina, a subfamily of Bats.. 243 
PUrPUTAMicla) ocioes ead sio'ele'sent SOD 

Querquedula glocitans, taken in 
Penland yacis sie) Satapadale, s efale ects 267 


Quinary division of nature, ex- 
amples of, 48, 135, 195, 242, 259, 
264, 269, 282, 368, 511 


Quiscalus, a genus of Birds eewlsw 
Quoy and Gaimard, M. M., on 

Rashes) Love aoe meee ciara 254 
Radiaria, Mr. G. B. SowEerBy on 
a Canadian fossil belonging to 

Chamelassi. See t age ee 318 
Raffles, Sir T. Stannard on the 
structure of the tongue in the 
Indian Lories, 281, founds the 

New Zoological Institution ,.. 285 
Ramphastide, Mr. Vicors on 

some species of that family ... 466 

Ramphastos ambiguus ...... wee. 476 

Aridhitccokke poland, ew 466 

carinatus .....-.... 469 

dicolorus ..+.... --. 468 

erythrorhynchus..... 473 

PUCHLUS S > oo wia\dlete/eie 416 

piscivorus ...-..... 414 

Tocard .......- ba eabs 

ROC RDS iia 'a sieraysreie «- 467 

PU CUTNS De) sielelsicia «1° « A471 

DEMING ee ssxie = Ibs 

Rana, a genus of Rane, ...... 344 

Binvtata eS okses ee heist SAG 

EOTIACEM isle wo siete (ow cle iaiele le’ 345 

Gagds « cccclcccessp occas 344 

labyrinthica ......+-++- .. 346 

megastOMa .....eeeeeee+ SAD 

MUUIATIS s/o vielg selva sides vies O46 

INYSEACER. \.% «iaieiere’sivie'e ss oie 345 

PACKYPUS osacevevcacse. S44 


Vol. H. 579 


Page 

Rana palmipes. ...eeessseeee- 348 

PYZMAM, « 00.00.0100 0000 ole . 316 

QUTH AEs As Span Gtaee re a 345 

Rane, Dr. Davy on their heart 546 

Ranella crumena.......... ~ aie c00 

Ranella foliata ........... Sauce, Use, 
Ranzani, M. on the division of 

the Cirripedes 2)... 2 snes esc 244 

Rats, their ravages in Jamaica... 15 
Reichenbachia, a genus of Psela- 

phide iis hie. .. 451 

STUnNcorum 2.2.2.0 A452 


Reptilia, Messrs. Sprxand Waga- 
LER’s characters of the Ophidi- 
an, Chelonian,and Batrachian, 
discovered by Dr. Spix in 
Brazil Gistapie is ctstelatslote lately sm =, ae 


ReviEws oF Books, &c, 


Annales des Sciences Naturelles, 252 

Annulosa Javanica, No. ]. .... 

Curtis’s British Entomology 128,271, 
408 


Cuvier’s Animal Kingdom, by 
Grr thet jattote show <iatelelel-tel=talh = 
Defrance’s Tableau des Corps 
Organisés Fossiles .....-.--. 
Histoire Naturelle des Mammi- 
feres .... 415, 522 
Icones Fossilium Sectiles _ Peo ec 
Journal of the Philadelphia Aca- 
Gem yates aetcinieisi=se eineerderee 
Klug’s Entomologische Mono- 
graphien 
Latr eille’s Familles Naturelles du 
Régne Animal .......... - “e 
Linnean ‘Transactions, Vol. xiv. 
Pantaiiciysatse teltain ols dieininiae.s « 
Mannerheim’s Monograph ‘of the 
genus Eucnemis .........+.- 
Mem. de la Soc. d’Hist. Nat. de 
Paris ett. slicks /akttaletotesaleters iarele 534 
Memoires du Museum d’ Histoire 
Naturellescccu. o52 cece cise 118, 424 
Meigen’s Description of the Eu. 
ropean Diptera .....-.+.- -» 431 
Philosophical Transactions for 
TBZA4S Part Wy. eerste ela \sj° 
for 1825. 3% << 
Sowerby’s Genera of Recent and 
Fossil Shells .......2008 - 129, 543 
Spix, Simiarum et Vespertilio- 
numBrasiliensiumSpeciesNove 121 
Spix’s Species Nove Testudi- 
num et Ranarum Braziliensium 246 
Spix’s and Wagler’s Serpentum 
Grasiliensium Species Nove.. 


406 
249 


410 


427 


430 


247 


580 


Index to 


Page 
Temminck’s. Monographies de 
Mam malogie.cicise0cjashivie vie O20 
Rhinolophina, a subfamily of Bats 242 
Rhynchenus Cerasi ........ Meee sD | 
Ring, bony, supporting the eye in 
certain birds ....2sesee seus 
Sanguineous cireulation of Insects, 
Dri shad ‘om seed ales - 541—2 
Say & Orp, Messrs. on a new 
mammiferous animal Sh Neotoma 
Fi gchr i afaretete otmiareloleteraiete 
on another new mam- 
mifer ous animal ( fe psn his- 
pidum) . 
Say, T. Esq. On some genera and 


293 


296 


species of Crinoidea.........- 314 
Scalpellum vulgare .....2.++- .. 214 
DEVE is eralh sols atavetel sister's 215 


Scaphura,a new genus of Insects, 
Mr. Kirpy’s detailed descrip- 


tIGnDE YO e eee « Seat tee ed 
Scaphura Vigorsii ......- aielatatels 11 
Scarabeus pilularius .......... 134 
Scolopax Sabini...... pioinieteis wialele 267 


Seal, curious facts in its anatomy 126 


Sevsy, P. J. Esq. On the birds 


of the Farn Islands.......... Ab4 
On a new or fifth 
species of the genus Psaris.... 483 


notice of his 
paper on Plectrophanes Lappo- 

TIGA raie stere/si= cieielel oe debs 0% 9 MZ 
Serpents, Brazilian............ 2A7 
Shells belonging principally to 

the genus Chiton, Mr. Lows 

OW Me nee eicig eres ciate vintelais is aint 

Mr. BropERIP on two 

new, from the Mauritius .... 198 

new British, Dr. Tur- 

TON GUE & emp oe ietowatessitite denial 
Shell-marle,recent, of lveland 276, 284 
Shells, Fossil, ....128, 249, 252, 537 

their geological dis- 
tributionys9.soae Sei. Hae 
Sigmodon, a new species of Glires, 
Messrs. SAY andOrpon 296 


fiaspiduim, voces eve 298 

MUMIA CREYSOPESS cic Hale aiel in iajaycle 524 

Stephens, J. F., Esq. on some 550 
new Dytisci ...... a seras) san 


Societies, LEARNED, THEIR 
ZOOLOGICAL PROCEEDINGS :— 
Geological Society .... 137, 283, 554 
Linnean Society........ 133, 277, 547 

Zoological. Club of the Linnean 
Doclety ii sisjcteae .. 1335 279, 548 


Vol. H. 


Page 

New Zoological Institution... . 284 

Portsmouth Philosophical Society 141 
Royal Academy of Sciences of 

Paris... .142, 559 

Royal Society .......-130, 272, 543 


Somateria mollissima.......... 
Sowerby, G. B. On a new genus 
of Cirripedes ( Octomeris) .... 244 
Note on Mr. Say’s 
paper on Crinoidea, with a des- 
cription of a new species of 
Pentremites (elliptica) ....... 
On a Fossil belong- 
ing to the class Radiaria, found 
by Dr. Bigsby in Canada .... 318- 
On two new species 
of the genus Orbicula (cancel- 
lataiandireflewal. ajc pee eles 
On a new Fossil 
Astacus (longimanus)......-.. 493 
On two new species 
of Cyprea (umbilicata and me- 
lanostoms)R. GE iee sees 
SowErBy, J.D C. Esq. and Ggo. 
E. 8. Esq., On a Fossil found 
in Coal Shale, and a Palate 
feund)in. Coal... sstessth cn 
Spermophilus guttatus........ .. 422 
Sprx & Wager, M. M., their 
generic and specific characters 
of Reptilia, discovered in Bra- 
zil by Dr. Spix 329 
Spongus, a genus of Fossil Acrita 252 
Squalus Carcharias, on its habits 254 
Stenocorus putator...... aia s\e/kva lara 489 
Stienostoma, a genus of Serpents 337 
albifrons.......+- wabicn bib. 
Sterna arctica ......,. eis Delite OL 
CANTACAs yao </s/ajsie aloisia a ue Oe 
Dougalilpe wai). <2 o-\-r 
Sternotharina, a se a of 
Tortoises): .. )jsses% “AR acc 302 
Sternotherus, a new genus of 
Tortoises..... Era) <)0 on clea 305 
STS EEO Cate 


ABT 


320 


A494 


307 
trifasciatus .....- 305 

Storge, its modification im certain 
RM STATICES ive pivie teeta ere 20 
Sturnide, a family of Birds .... 197 

Succinea, Rev. L. Gurmpine on 
its amended generic character 442 
Cuvierii 5 in bebe eateries 443 

Sucn, Grorer, M.D. on some 

hitherto uncharacterized Bra- 
gelian Binds Poets «cs pee wales GORE 


Index to Vol. £1. 


Page 

Swanson, Wittram Esq., On 

several Birds belonging to the 

ees Thamnophilus...-+.++++ 

On two new 

' genera of Birds, Formicivora 
and Drymophila .......... 

On Phyllos- 

TOMAS pigininisiclafoidit-telas oc 

On the genus 

Psaris of M. Cuvier, with an 

account of two new species, 


84 


(cristatus and niger) .....- 354 
Synonymes,. 

of Boltenia, a genus of 

DRunicntony 22nce Pa o see « 269 

..of Bulimus hemastomus 441 

of Chitones ...... 98 et seq 
of Icterina, a subfamily 

obs Birdss v2 i:5 arses vitae 186 

of Psittacidme Jo emesti . 49 


of the Ramphastide ... 
of some species of Tor- 
doses eA. es wieleld cies cose O10 


Testudo a genus of tortoises».... 343 


Cagado ...... Se aes o8e 344 
CUTDONATIA DSs esos es 343 
Hercules: 66 227 Ri Ssh ie gat lbs 
SCUUPEG aisia nvalaiesatateistatshe's ib. 


Syzygonia, a new genus of Hyme- 
Noptera ....ee eee eee re eeee 
Tanysiptera, a genus of Halcyo- 


MUG LE eo cI RE eRe tyke bis 266 

-Taphosous longimanus, described 
by Gen. Hardwicke.......... 268 

Taylor, R., Esq. notice of his 
paper on fossil timber........ 555 
Mellina COMMEStsteres Cis ects e srs © 276 
Teratichthys,a genus of fossilfishes 252 
Terebratula ......+. SislaWadiec 5,0 ib. 
COSEAUG Jatsm a cloth 105, 567 


Terrapene, a genus of Tortoises... 308 
Mr. BEtt’s description 


of a new species of, (bicolor)... 484 
Caroling. ..< seine =: = 309 
Europea ........ .- 308 
TUCUIALE .2a0cccedic « 309 
MEDULOS BY. jareiaiaie a wisivee 310 


Tetracerus,a genus of Antelopes. . 
Thalassidroma, a new genus of 
Birdss. cies shots wig Shistenaenstowtere A405 
Thamnophilus, a genus of Lani- 
AGDV ISA o Re ale apieblss santos 
Mr. ‘SwArnson on 
several birds belonging to that 


MCNUS 1) e'nla sie'- aiamiriscieeial> se msie 8 
ambiguus? y. Sis tore ature 
Gicolor .viecvecses 86 


Page 
cinnamomeus ...... 87 
fasciatus.......... 88 


SEFTUZINEUS. 222054 
MREURUS ©) insicis oles 12 
DUCLUS cicitalaeienicie, Tee 
torquatus ........ 
Thyrapleta ies gacteewicewie 
Toad, the common, notice of Dr. 
Davy’s paper on its poison .. 
Tortoises having a moveable ster- 
num, Mr. BELL’s Monograph of 
Hisvelen "OS sp Aes Be anbeHes 
Trichiuri, a family of Monkeys. . 
"Trina WACHAMAL ste eis are 2esie lee +i- 


Trigonosemus, a cae of fossil 
shells . 


545 


ee eese sere eseseeeeeee 


shells ..... SURE a es ebferiaientcte 
Digalolstes) <= ~\0\a!e oer sajaye = SOAR AGE 
Triton, a genus of, BHiellso<eea. 5 
Tritonia varicosa.....see..es20e 
Tunicata, analysis of Mr. W.S. 
Macleay’s observations on . 268 
Turbo carneus .......4- alae 107, 567 
PAV BUS ie nate ole wisipieleluinie = ¢ 
fontinalis..-. ce... cor0 
margaritus ......... aie'es 
Turton, Dr.,on some se meeeash 
SELLS lele mic, nla) nin eeela = maieeioval 


UL ET wre wipisleyaie ew lols «irate 


Adie) UnOUe as pcrets wie a eye mrereretere 
Ursus, list of the species in ‘this 
geNUS -..-...--- Bliafas: scenePevaletess 229 
labiatusincs sey seke cee ce 230 
malayanus....221, et seq. 234 
ANADICUUVUS a ra veje sis = larete ore 
OPIUIULUS axuiuioinloleletntaretatereietate 


Vespertilio Hilarii........ sos cauelis: 

(AlN? sS4SS8b4 sedan 

POW TT Ia 2. sie .e6 ois 

Vespertiliones of Brazil ........ 

Vespertilionidz, Mr. Gray on the 

BUitishy SPECles| Otte ee eyes s(-/s\e 

Mr. GRa¥ on their 

division into groups ........ 

Vespertilionina, a subfamily of Bats 243 

Viaors, N. A. Esq. his Sketches 
in Ornithology :— 

on a group of Psit- 

tacide, ( Palgornis) known 

to thelancients: .--t/.06.- 

on a new genus 

(Gampsonyx ) of Falconide 65 


582 Index 


Vicors, N. A. Esq. 


t0 


Page 


onthe genus Icterus 182 


on the groups of the 
sige Ae oe 
a new genus 


368 


( Nancleras) of Falconide 385 


on a new enus 


( Psittacara) of Psittacide 387 


on the arrangement 
of the genera of Birds. . 

on some species of 
the Ramphastide 

additions and cor- 
rections 

his Descriptions of 
new subjects in Zoology 


234, 


analysis of his *¢ Ob- 
servations’on the Natural 
Affinities of Birds,”’ 263 ; 
—of his ‘‘ Description of a 
new species of Scolopax, 
(Sabini), &c. 267 ;—on the 
natural distribution of the 
Insessores, 281, on the 


391 
A466 


518 


510 


quinary division of nature 282 
Vision of Insects, observations on 509 


of the Mollusca, hypothe- 


sis respecting ...... ecemecces 
Voluta aulica...% se. ce'edsece sels 
UTZ CUP IETE "> el pinin ofeteit ala;0 
SDUTCRT IE © fa 'alatafulals slaiete(© 0 « 

TULLE "a o'a')» 0:6 bis oer Bele a's 


WVolutes, Mr. BRoDERIP on some 
new and rare 
Vuliuride, Mr. Vicors | on “the 


ecco reseseeses 


groups of that family ....,... 368 


Vol. U1. 


Page 


Walrus, curious facts in its ana- 
TOMY wos eecccencscncssesens 
Weaver, T..Esq. notice of his 
paper on the Fossil Elk of Ire- 
land oto alee 
White’s Nat. Hist. of Selborne, 
Mr. Broperre’s additions to 
two Memoirs:inl, iinet aniee 


er 


Xanthornus, a genus of Birds ... 
chrysopterus ....+... 

Xiphosoma, a new genus of Ser- 
pents .-..secee-. 

Araramboya 

dorsudle shin eiitetaa 
OTNALUM «ce seecceces 


YarRELL, W. Esq., notice of the 
occurrence of Anas rufina in 
Britain .. Ar tee 

on the oceurence of 
some rare British Birds 

on. the small horny 
appendage to the upper 
mandible in young chick- 
CNS i502. See ome 

on. the structure of 
the tongue in Psittacus 
hematodus . 


Zoology, new subjects in, des- 
cribed by Mr. Vigors ,...234, 
the new views in.. 258, 

public instruction in .. 
Zoological Institution, the new.. 


London: Printed by WrtL1AM PHILuirs, 
George Yard, Lombard Street. 


126 
275 


14 


189 
190 


334 
ib. 
ib. 
ib. 


492 
4 


433 


280 


510 
282 
567 
284 


Zoological Journal Vol. II. Pl.I. 


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