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diff --git a/44056-0.txt b/44056-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b59e3c4 --- /dev/null +++ b/44056-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,3315 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44056 *** + +Transcriber's note: A few typographical errors have been corrected: they +are listed at the end of the text. + +Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). + +Project Gutenberg has the other two volumes of this work. +Volume II: see http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44057. +Volume III: see http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44058. + + * * * * * + + + +Zoological Illustrations, + +OR + +ORIGINAL FIGURES AND DESCRIPTIONS + +OF + +NEW, RARE, OR INTERESTING + +ANIMALS, + +SELECTED CHIEFLY FROM THE CLASSES OF + +Ornithology, Entomology, and Conchology, + +AND ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THEIR APPARENT AFFINITIES. + +BY + +WM. SWAINSON, ESQ., F.R.S., F.L.S. + +ASSISTANT COMMISSARY GENERAL TO H. M. FORCES. CORRESPONDING MEMBER +OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF PARIS; HONORARY MEMBER +OF THE HISTORIC SOCIETY OF NEW YORK; MEMBER OF +THE WERNERIAN SOCIETY, &c. &c. &c. + +VOL. I. + +SECOND SERIES. + +London: + +PRINTED BY R. HAVELL, JUN. NEWMAN STREET. + +PUBLISHED BY BALDWIN AND CRADOCK, + +PATERNOSTER ROW. + +1829. + +* * * * * * + + + +TO +MRS. CORRIE, +OF +WOODVILLE, NEAR BIRMINGHAM. + +---- + +MY DEAR MADAM, + +Allow me, in dedicating this volume of Illustrations to you, to evince my +respect and friendship for one whose talents shun publicity. It may have a +beneficial influence on the rising generation, to know, that a highly +cultivated understanding, and varied accomplishments, are not inconsistent +with a perfect discharge of all the social duties. And that a mind stored +with knowledge, and imbued with Religion, is an effectual antidote to the +cheerless influence of debilitated health. + +That these, my Zoological _Recreations_, may in your opinion, contribute to +the great end which the naturalist should ever keep in view, the +developement of the harmonies of Creation, and the discovery of the natural +system, is the hope of, + + MY DEAR MADAM, + Your obliged and sincere Friend, + WILLIAM SWAINSON. + +* * * * * * + + + +PREFACE. + +---- + +The execution of the Zoological drawings now published, have been to us an +agreeable relaxation from severer studies; and the concise descriptions by +which they are accompanied, are intended to convey, in a condensed and +popular form, the partial result of more extended investigations. Species +are the objects of which the whole fabric of animated nature is composed, +and their respective properties must be investigated, before their natural +combinations can be understood. Their delineation is therefore highly +important. Figures bring before us objects which cannot always be +understood by words; while if faithfully executed, they possess the same +value as every period of time; for nature is unchangeable. + +It is to be regretted that of late much discussion should have arisen among +our own naturalists, as to the relative merits of the different modes by +which they study nature. The searchers after the natural system throwing +obloquy on those who investigate species,[1] while the latter contend that +mankind is more interested in knowing the properties of species, than those +of groups.[2] To us it appears that such discussions are unnecessary, and +but ill calculated to promote that good feeling which should prevail in a +division of labour. The power of embracing comprehensive views, and of +detecting diversified relations, must be confined to a few, because such +objects require the greatest exertion of a superior mind, yet they must +ever be mainly dependant on the labours of another class of naturalists: +those who analyze the properties of species, and separate with critical +judgment, and nice discrimination, resemblances from affinities. But for +these valuable coadjutors our acquaintance with nature would be altogether +speculative: they supply, in short, by analysis, that basis upon which all +true knowledge of nature must repose. Natural combinations can never be +fully detected, without an acquaintance with their component parts. + +The investigator of general laws, and the discriminator of species, are +thus advancing the knowledge of their favourite science by different modes +of study. The paths they have chosen, although essentially distinct, lead +but to one common point; and as both must be trodden, it seems unnecessary +to discuss which road is the most honourable. + +In the classification of the subjects here comprised, we have followed no +particular system: the chief object aimed at, being to point out apparent +relations and affinities. To those Ornithological groups which Linneus +named Genera, and which subsequent systematists have considered Families or +sub-families, we have applied the designations long used by Leach, Stevens, +Fleming, Vigors, &c., but in all cases where such divisions are +unaccompanied by a definition, (in the following pages,) we wish it to be +understood, that the name is merely applied _provisionally_; indicating the +_probable_ station of the individual; and that in very few instances do our +own opinions on the nature of such groups, coincide with those of the +different writers who have gone before us. + +The splendid discovery of the circular system of Nature, has given a +totally new aspect to this science; but has nevertheless been attended with +an evil, no where more apparent than in Ornithology; where synthesis has +completely set aside analysis, and where the rugged and laborious path of +patient investigation, has been deserted for the flowery walks of +Speculation and Hypothesis. The combinations thus produced, may well excite +the smile of our continental neighbours, nor need we feel surprise that +they look, with something like contempt, on such arrangements "called +natural" of affinities and relations. + +On the other hand the Ornithological writings of Sonnini, Le Vaillant, +Wilson, and Azara, are never failing sources of information to the searcher +after truth. The observations of such men, who recorded Nature as she +really is, and who cared very little for the fashionable systems of the +day, may be for a time neglected: but they must finally assume that +importance which is ever attached to unbiassed and disinterested testimony. +To this honourable list our own country can furnish other names. The habits +and economy of our native birds have been accurately and patiently +investigated by those lyncean naturalists, White, Montague, and Selby, +while their internal structure is now engaging the attention of Mr. +Yarrell, a Gentleman eminently qualified by long study, and matured +reflection, for such a task. + +In Conchology we have been more desirous to illustrate groups, than +species; the latter will be done, on a very extensive scale, in the +forthcoming work of Mess. Sowerby. + +From the patient labours, and cautious deductions, of Dr. Horsfield, we +expect a more perfect elucidation of the Lepidopterous Insects than has +yet, perhaps, been attempted. As this will be the result of careful +analysis, we shall place a high degree of confidence in the views it may +develope. + +In conclusion, it may be as well to add, that our views on several of the +higher groups, here but slightly noticed, will be more fully explained in +another work, now preparing for Publication. + + + + _Tittenhanger Green, St. Albans,_ + _24th July, 1829._ + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Sapphire crowned Parrot_ + +_fem._] + + +PSITTACULUS vernalis. + +_Vernal Parrakeet._ + +---- + +Family Psittacidæ.--Vigors. +Genus Psittaculus.--(Lesson. Man. 2. p. 148.) + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Green, with the head more splendid; bill red; rump and upper tail covers + scarlet; spot on the throat orange._ + + Psittacus vernalis. _Sparman Mus. Carl. Pl. 29._ + + Psittacula vernalis. _Gen. Zool. 14. p. 144._ + +---- + +The Vernal Parrakeet has hitherto remained unfigured, except in the scarce +and little known work of Sparman: nor was its native country ascertained, +until recent travellers discovered it in the islands of Java and Teinor. + +This is one of the smallest of parrots, scarcely exceeding five inches in +length; the feathers of the head have a silky texture, and their colour, in +some lights, is particularly vivid: the tail and the wings are green above, +but of a rich deep blue beneath; a character said to be equally conspicuous +in P. _galgulus_ L. The spot on the throat, in our specimen, is orange. + +In respect to the situation of this bird among its congeners, we retain it, +provisionally, in the genus _Psittacula_ of Brisson & Kuhl, adopting the +termination used by M. Spix, to avoid the alteration of specific names. We +have not yet had leisure to study the new divisions made in this family, +with that attention they deserve; but it strikes us, as a defect in the +genus _Psittaculus_, that it unites birds of the Old and the New World in +one group. Except in their size, no two parrots can be more dissimilar in +construction than the Indian P. _vernalis_, and the American P. +_passerinus_. In the first, the under mandible is smallest, narrow, and +rather pointed; the first quill longest; and the tail feathers rounded. In +P. _passerinus_, the under mandible is largest, high, very thick, and quite +obtuse; the second quill longest, and the tail feathers acutely pointed. +These may be usefully employed as sectional characters, until the contents +of the two groups are better understood. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Brazilian Crested Eagle_, + +Polyborus Braziliensis.] + + +POLYBORUS Braziliensis + +_The Caracara; or Brazilian-crested Eagle._ + +---- + +Family Falconidæ. +GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Vieil. Orn. 3. p. 1180. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Body above and beneath, crest of the head, and end of the tail, blackish + brown: the rest of the plumage cream colour, varied with spots and + bands._ + + Falco Braziliensis. _Lin. Gm. 64._ + + Buzard du Brézil. _Buffon._ + + La Caracara. _Azara Voy. 3. p. 32._ _Vieil. Orn. 3. p. 1180._ + + Polyborus Vulgaris. _Vieil. Gall. Pl. 7._ + +In Mus. Paris. D. Taylor. + +---- + +The whole extent of Tropical America, from Mexico to the banks of the Rio +Plata, is inhabited by this majestic bird. It has been slightly noticed by +the earlier writers, but nothing was known of its history, until the +publication of the invaluable Memoirs of Azara. + +Its length is about twenty-one inches. In its habits there is a mixture of +cowardice and daring. It will attack all other rapacious birds, excepting +eagles, for the purpose of robbing them of their prey, and will often seize +the game of the hunter, before he has time to secure it. Yet the Caracara +is frequently driven from its haunts by the courage of small birds; and +will only attack young chickens when not defended by their mother. + +The birds which form the modern genera of _Daptrius_, _Ibycter_, +_Polyborus_, and _Milvago_, present so many characters in common, that we +cannot consider them of sufficient rank to be called genera. They appear to +us, taken collectively, to form one group, in which every species exhibits +a peculiar modification of structure, assimilating either to the Vultures +or the Falcons. Allied both in structure and manners to both these +families, each bird may be considered as a strongly marked link of +connexion. They present, in short, that interchange of characters, +generally confined to individual species, which Nature invariably exhibits +at the union of her more comprehensive groups. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Painted Flycatcher_ + +Setophaga picta.] + + +SETOPHAGA picta. + +_Painted Flycatcher._ + +---- + +Family Muscicapidæ +GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Lesson Man. 2 p. 430. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Black; breast and middle of the body crimson; greater wing covers, and + three external tail feathers, snowy._ + +In Mus. D. Taylor. + +---- + +A specimen of this richly-coloured bird was sent to John Taylor, Esq., F. +G. S., &c., from Real del Monte, in Mexico. It is not only new to +Ornithologists, but forms a beautiful addition to a geographic group, +originally founded upon one species. + +The figure is the size of life. The bristles at the bill are compact, +rigid, and all directed forwards: under tail covers and thighs whitish: the +white band on the wings occupies the greater covers, and the tips of the +lesser: the quill covers are also margined with white: the extreme base of +the three outer tail feathers are more or less black. + +The characters upon which we formed this group, confine it strictly to +birds of the New World. For although the habits of the typical species +evince a marked affinity to the Fantailed Flycatchers of Australia, the +construction of their wings is totally different. The disposition of the +black and crimson colours on our bird, will remind the Ornithologist of the +Red-bellied Flycatcher of Latham, of which, in fact, it is nearly an exact +prototype. But this resemblance, however strong, appears to us to be one of +analogy, rather than of affinity. We consequently consider the _Muscicapa +Multicolor_, _Lathami_, and _Goodenovia_, of MM. Horsfield and Vigors, as +more truly belonging to the family of _Sylviadæ_. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Ancillaria rubiginosa_] + + +ANCILLARIA rubiginosa. + +---- + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + Shell oblong, smooth, entirely polished: suture not channelled. Base of + the pillar oblique, thickened, and striated. S. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell imperforate, oblong, chestnut; spire elongated; body whorl above + banded; base with two belts and a concave groove._ Sw. in Phil. Mag. 62. + p. 403. + + A. rubiginosa. _Sw. in Brand's Journ., No. 36, p. 283._ + +---- + +The Ancillariæ are marine shells, few in number, and peculiar to warm +latitudes. They are naturally polished, and very much shaped, like the +Olives; but the suture, which in those shells is marked by a deep grove, is +in these covered by a thick enamel. The animal, we believe, remains +unknown. In a monograph of this genus, published in the Journal above +quoted, we described fourteen recent, and four fossil species, being all +which, at that period, we had seen. Of these, the present is one of the +largest, and certainly the most beautiful. Our figure was made from a +matchless specimen, received by Mrs. Mawe from China, and now in the +collection of Mr. Broderip. + +We hear, with pleasure, that Mr. George Sowerby has selected this +interesting group for an early illustration in his promised _Species +Conchyliorum_. The professional opportunities which this zealous +Conchologist enjoys will, no doubt, enable him to make considerable and +valuable additions to this and every other department of his subject; and +he has our cordial good wishes for success in this most laborious +undertaking. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Mitra melaniana_] + + +MITRA melaniana. + +---- + +GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Zool. Illustr. 1 Series, Pl. 23. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell smooth, blackish brown, with very minute punctured transverse + striæ; spire attenuated, longer than the aperture; pillar 4-plaited._ + + Mitra melaniana. _Lam. Syst. 7. p. 314._ + + M. nigra? _Chem. Conch. 10 Pl. 151. f. 1430, 1431._ + + M. carbonaria. _Sw. in Bligh. Cat. App. p. 10._ + +---- + +We are acquainted with two shells, perfectly distinct as species, yet +sufficiently alike to render Lamarck's description of his M. _melaniana_ +applicable to both. In this uncertainty, we at first intended to +distinguish _this_ by the name of _carbonaria_, and to consider the other +as Lamarck's _melaniana_, but further consideration induces us to alter +this arrangement; the second species we propose to illustrate in an early +number. Our figure was taken from a full-sized specimen, received from +Australia, and now in the Manchester Museum. + +---- + + +MITRA tessellata. + +---- + + _Shell ovate, smooth, with remote transverse punctured striæ; whitish, + cancellated by transverse and longitudinal fulvous lines; inner lip brown + at the base; outer lip smooth._ + + Mitra tessellata. _Swains. in Brand's Journal, No. 33. p. 34. (Ap. + 1824.)_ + +---- + +We have already given a full account of this very rare shell; a repetition +of which is rendered unnecessary by the publication of the figures. The +specimen from which these were taken, was then in the possession of Mrs. +Mawe, whose kindness and liberality, in forwarding our scientific pursuits, +has been, for very many years, constant and invariable. We know not its +country, nor have we ever seen a second example. + +Mr. Grey has recently given an additional interest to this group, by +publishing an account of the structure of the animal. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _African Jacana_ + +Parra Africana.] + + +PARRA Africana. + +_African Jacana._ + +---- + +Family Rallidæ. +GENERIC CHARACTER.--_See Lesson Man. 2. p. 285._ + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Above deep cinnamon; crown of the head naked; throat white; breast + fulvous; neck and quills black; spur on the wing obsolete._ + + Parra Africana. _Lath. Ind. Orn. 2. 764._ + + African Jacana. _Lath. Gen. Syn. 5. p. 246. Gen. Hist. 9. p. 393._ + +In Mus. Par. Nostro. + +---- + +The Jacanas are wading birds, somewhat analagous, both in structure and +habits, to the European water-hen; but in their native haunts, from not +being disturbed, they are less shy. The number of these birds on the lakes +of Brazil, the elegance of their movements, and their fearlessness of man, +excite an interest in the traveller who journeys through regions, +ornamented alone by Nature. + +Most of the Jacanas inhabit South America--a few occur in India; and this, +as its name implies, is found in Africa. The typical species have the wings +armed with a strong and very acute bony spur; but in P. _Africana_, this is +so small, as not to be perceived when the wing is closed.--Bruce mentions +this bird by the name of Meylie, as inhabiting Abyssinia; and Mr. Salt +found it at Mozambique. Our specimen was received from Western Africa, by +Mr. Ward, Animal Preserver, Broad Street, Golden Square. + +The peculiar structure of the feet of these birds is highly singular, but +their particular use has not, we believe, been explained. The Jacanas are +very light birds; and their long toes, spreading over a wide surface, +enable them to walk on the floating leaves of aquatic plants, with as much +facility as if they were on land. In such situations their appearance is +really delusive; for their pressure being sufficient to sink the supporting +leaf just below the surface, the birds actually appear to walk upon the +water. + +Total length, ab. 10½; bill, 1-2/10; wings, 5-2/10; tarsi, 2-2/10; hind toe +and claw, 5-1/10. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: AFRICAN BLACK CUCKOW. + +_Cuculus nigricans._] + + +CUCULUS nigricans. + +_African Black Cuckow._ + +---- + +Family Cuculidæ. +GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Lesson. Man. 2. 119. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Black glossed with blue; quills internally white, with blackish bands; + tips of the lateral tail feathers whitish; bill and legs black._ + +---- + +The genus _Cuculus_, even as now restricted, contains a number of species, +dispersed over the continents and islands of the Old World. In America they +are not known: but the genus _Coccyzus_, which there represents the group, +is one of those few which are common to both hemispheres. + +The specific distinctions of birds having a uniform black plumage, is at +all times difficult; and more so, when we attempt to identify them with the +descriptions of authors. Of the black Cuckows of Africa, our bird comes +nearest to the _Coucou criard_ of Levaillant, (Ois. d'Af. pl. 204-5,) but +differs in having the bill and feet black instead of yellow: it cannot be +the _Cuculus Indicus niger_ of Brisson, as _that_ has the quills, +internally, "tout à fait noir:" neither is it the black Indian Cuckow of +Edwards, pl. 58, (_Cuculus niger_ Lin.,) whose bill and feet are red. We +were inclined to think that the second species of Buffon's _Coukeels_ might +be our bird, notwithstanding the difference of their locality; but +Commerson's original description decides the question; his words are +"_Cuculus cristatus mindanensis coeruleo nigricans totus_," (Buff. ed. Son. +54. p. 54.) Our bird has no crest. We have here consulted only original +writers; for subsequent transcribers have so blended these birds under one +name, that it is scarcely possible to disentangle their synonyms. M. +Vieillot has increased the confusion, by transposing the specific names of +Linnæus: the true _C. niger_, L. being his _Orientalis_ (En. Meth. Orn. +1331). + +Our bird was sent to us for examination by Mr. Ward. It is a genuine +Cuckow: the nostrils being round, the third quill longest, and the second +shorter than the fourth. It came from Western Africa. + +Total length, 12½; bill, 1-1/10; wings, 6¾; tail, 6½. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Blue necked Lory_] + + +LORIUS Isidorii. + +_Blue-necked Lory._ + +---- + +Family Psittacidæ. +GENERIC CHARACTER.--Lesson. Man. 2. 148. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Crimson; crown, nape, neck, throat, and middle of the belly violet blue; + quill covers tipt with black; tail moderate, graduated, reddish brown._ + +---- + +A splendid specimen of this lovely bird (the only one we believe in this +kingdom), came into our possession some years ago through Mr. Warwick, a +travelling naturalist of great merit. It was purchased by him, alive, in +the Isle of France, where it had been brought in a trading vessel from New +Guinea: but it unfortunately died on its passage to England. + +We feel happy, that in recording this new and beautiful bird, an early +opportunity is given us of commemorating our deep sense of the kindness we +received from a young naturalist of France, whose writings have already +acquired celebrity, and who promises to inherit the great and commanding +talents of his illustrious father. In prosecuting our studies at the +_Garden of Plants_, we met with such unexampled liberality from its most +distinguished Professors, that we feel embarrassed where first to return +our thanks. But the facilities and attentions we received from M. Isidore +Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, partly involved a sacrifice of personal +convenience; uncalled for, either by the nature of his appointment, or by +the common rules of courtesy. So much for the reception which British +naturalists receive in France. We should do well, when striving to imitate +the Zoological Institutions of that nation, if we imbibed somewhat more of +their liberality. We hope the time is not far distant, when the system of +regulations and restrictions, which now fence the Museum of a popular +Society, from all who cannot pay for admittance, as members, may be +exchanged for a policy more creditable to the age, and more honourable to +the nation. + +We shall offer a few remarks, illustrating this particular genus, in our +next number. + +Total length, 9 in.; wings 5; tail (beyond) 1½, from the base, 3½. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: AMPULLARIA Pl. 1. + +_A. carinata._] + + +AMPULLARIA carinata. + +_Carinated Apple-snail._ + +---- + +Family Ampullaridæ.--Guild. + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + PACHYSTOMA. Shell ventricose; margin of the lip thick, generally grooved; + operculum testaceous. Zool. Journ. 12. p. 536. + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell olive, ventricose, without bands; whorls carinated near the + suture._ + +---- + +In the first Series of our Illustrations, we endeavoured to lessen the +confusion which, at that time, prevailed among the species of Ampullaria, +figuring and naming such as appeared to us truly distinct. During the +course of our labours, the sixth part of the "_Animaux sans Vetebres_" of +the celebrated Lamarck was published in Paris; in which is described +several species, figured in our volumes under other names. A want of mutual +communication between authors writing at the same time, and on the same +subject, has naturally caused confusion in nomenclature; which, at an early +period, we intend to elucidate. + +Our friend the Rev. L. Guilding, whose accuracy of observation can only be +equalled by his indefatigable zeal, has established the distinction between +the horny and shelly operculated _Ampullariæ_, on anatomical principles. +The present species (which was engraved before his valuable memoir was +published) must consequently be placed in his genus _Pachystoma_; while the +_carinata_ of Lamarck, from having a horny operculum, remains with the true +Ampullariæ. + +We know not the precise locality of our species; but conjecture it may be +from some of the rivers of India.--Specimens, in different stages of +growth, are in the Manchester Museum, and in our own. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: UNIO Pl. 1. + +_U. truncatus_] + + +UNIO truncatus. + +_Truncated River Mussel._ + +---- + +Acephala Dimyaria. +Sub-family Les Nayades.--_Lam._ + +SYNOPSIS OF THE GENERA. + + UNIO. Shells with lateral and cardinal teeth, the latter short and deeply + divided. + + HYRIA. Lateral and cardinal teeth distinct; but the latter lengthened, + and united to the former by irregular dentations. + + IRIDINA. Teeth consisting of a single crenated line, parallel with the + ligament. + + ANODON. All the teeth either obsolete, or entirely wanting. + + ALASMODON. Lateral teeth none; cardinal teeth simple, or slightly + divided. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell thick, oblong, sub-cylindrical, within pearly, umbones close to + the anterior margin, which is truncate; posterior extremity narrowed._ + +---- + +In our former Series, we have frequently mentioned the Fluviatile Bivalve +Shells, of which the genus _Unio_ appears to be the type. In a group which +present so few certain characters, either for discriminating the species or +characterizing the genera, we have, with other writers, held different +opinions at different times. And the reader has only to peruse an +interesting paper on these shells, in the Zoological Journal (Vol. I. p. +53), to be convinced of the intricacy of the subject. + +Nevertheless it is observed, by those who study natural affinities, that +when the links between two distinct forms of animals are so complete, that +their dissimilarities are lost in intermediate and undefinable gradations, +it is then that the natural arrangement is most likely to be discovered. +For it has been demonstrated in such groups, that the most perfect order +and harmony will come out, of what appeared an inextricable entanglement of +relations. Such, however, will never result from the belief in a simple +scale of Nature, or by attempting to circumscribe groups by absolute +characters. We therefore now offer the foregoing sketch of the natural +divisions of the _Nayades_, as the result of all we have seen or read upon +this difficult subject. + +We are unacquainted with any described species to which the shell here +figured can be referred. Its substance is very thick, and its form nearly +cylindrical. We have seen but one specimen, and that was with Mrs. Mawe. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: WHITE BREASTED WREN. + +_Thryothorus Mexicanus._] + + +THRIOTHORUS Mexicanus. + +_Mexican, or White-throated Wren._ + +---- + +Family Certhiadæ. +GENERIC CHARACTER.--Vieil. Orn. 2. 627. + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Brown, varied with dusky lines and white dots; throat and breast snowy; + tail ferruginous, with black bars._ + +Mus. D. Taylor. + +---- + +In the collection of Birds before alluded to, formed by the late Mr. John +Morgan at Real del Monte, was a single skin of this new and elegant +species. The snowy whiteness of its throat, renders it not liable to be +mistaken in a group of birds, presenting in general a great similarity of +plumage. The upper parts are greyish brown, varied with obscure, dusky, +broken lines of blackish; each feather being tipt with a small round white +spot: wing covers and tertials the same: upper and under tail covers +ferruginous; each feather with a white spot before the white one which is +at the tip, lower breast and all the under plumage rufous brown, crossed by +black lines; the white dots nearly obsolete, tail ferruginous, with about +six black bars: legs brown, hind claw as long as the tarsus. Fourth and +fifth quill longest. + +This genus has been judiciously separated by M. Vieillot from _Troglodytes_ +(to which belongs our Brown European Wren), on account of its lengthened +and generally notched bill: the greater prolongation of the hind toe is a +further distinction; indicating an affinity with the more perfect +scansorial Creepers. + +To this group belongs the _Myothera obsoleta_ of Prince Charles Bonaparte. +No example of that genus, or of _Thamnophilus_ (in their most extended +sense), has yet been found north of Cuba: their straight, cylindrical, and +abruptly-hooked bills, offer a striking contrast to the lengthened, +compressed, curved, and consequently feeble structure of this part in +_Thriothorus_ and _Troglodytes_. + +Total length, 5½; bill, 1-1/10; wings, and tail, 2-6/10 tarsi, 7/10. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Ceram Lory_] + + +LORIUS garrulus. + +_Ceram Lory._ + +---- + +Family Psittacidæ. + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + Bill moderate, compressed, end of the upper mandible, within, entirely + smooth; under mandible lengthened, conic; the tip entire. Legs stout; + Tail moderate, rounded or graduated; the feathers broad, their tips + obtuse. _Nob._ + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Scarlet: wings green, shoulders yellow, half of the tail bluish black._ + + Psittacus garrulus. _Lin. 144. Kuhl. Cons. Psit. p. 41. No. 56._ + + Le Lori-Noira. _Buffon. Sonn. 27. p. 126. Pl. Enl. 216._ + + Le Perroquet Lori Nouara. _Levail. 2. pl. 96._ + + Scarlet Lory. _Edw. pl. 172._ + + Le Lory de Ceram. _Briss. Orn. 4. 215._ + +---- + +The popular name of Lories has long been given to those Parrots, peculiar +to the continent and islands of India, whose brilliant red plumage forms a +strong contrast to the green colour which generally pervades this family. +The southern limits of their distribution do not extend to Australia, but +much of their general structure is transferred to the Lory-Parrakeets, +forming the modern genus _Trichoglossus_; this latter group being diffused +over the remaining islands of the great Pacific Ocean. + +The Ceram Lory, from being well known, and exhibiting the prominent +characters of its tribe, is a correct type of the genus. Its length is +about eleven inches. The general colour is rich scarlet, with the wings and +thighs green: the bend of the shoulder, (and sometimes a spot on the back,) +is yellow. Tail graduated, the lower half of the feathers deep blackish +green, glossed with blue. Inhabits the Molucca Islands. + +Notwithstanding the attention recently bestowed in characterizing the +groups of this family, the most important external peculiarity of _Lorius_ +and _Trichoglossus_ has been overlooked. In these birds, that part of the +roof of the under mandible which projects beyond the lower, is generally +thin, and always perfectly smooth: a weakness of structure which renders it +impossible for these parrots to feed upon hard substances; and betrays +their frugivorous and suctorial nature, by indications perceptible to every +one. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: LEVAILLANTS CUCKOW. + +_Coccyzus Levaillanti_] + + +COCCYZUS Levaillantii. + +_Black and White-throated Cuckow._ + +---- + +Family Cuculidæ. + +GENERIC CHARACTER.--Lesson. Man. 2. 120. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Head crested, the feathers pointed; plumage above black glossed with + green; band at the base of the quills, end of the tail, and under parts + of the body, white; throat striped with black._ + + Variete du Coucou Edolio, _Le Vail. Ois. d'Af. 4. pl. 209._ + +---- + +Unlike the true Cuckows, the birds of this genus rear and provide for their +young in the ordinary manner. The species are numerous in the tropical +latitudes of both hemispheres. Two are found in North America, which, in +their external characters, approach so near to the genuine Cuckows, that +they barely come within the definition of the present group. + +It frequently happens that species, originally well described, become +involved in obscurity by compilers. Le Vaillant, who first described this +bird, supposed it a variety of his _Coucou Edolio_: but in this he was +mistaken; the one being a _Cuculus_; the other a _Coccyzus_. We should have +thought our species might be the _Cuculus Afer._ of Drs. Leach and Latham, +had not the former stated his bird to be a _variety_ of Le Vaillant's, and +figured it as an example of the genus _Cuculus_. Dr. Latham (Gen. Hist. 3, +290) copies this description of _C. Afer_. (Zool. Mis. 1. p. 31), adds some +further characters not seen in our bird, and, under the same name, +describes what is evidently another species. Lastly, M. Vieillot, in his +account of the genus _Coccyzus_ (Orn. Ency. Meth. p. 1342), relying on the +usual accuracy of Le Vaillant--and never, perhaps, having seen the +bird--omits it altogether. To prevent this confusion extending further, and +to detach the species from those dubious descriptions with which it has +been mixed, we have thought it best to record it by the name of its first +describer. + +Our figure will render a detailed description unnecessary: the wings, +although long, are rounded; the fifth quill being the longest. The total +length is fifteen inches. Inhabits Senegal, and the Western Coast of +Africa. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: MARMAROSTOMA. Pl. 1. + +_M. undulata._] + + +MARMAROSTOMA undulata. + +_Waved Pearl Snail._ + +---- + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + Shell turbinated, ponderous, the whorls generally angulated, the + substance pearly: aperture circular, closed by a testaceous operculum: + umbilicus none. + +_Type_, Turbo chrysostomus. L. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell angulated, variegated with green and brown undulated stripes, + summit of each whorl coronated._ + +---- + +From the genera _Turbo_ and _Trochus_ of modern Conchologists, we have +detached all those species whose shells are closed by a calcarious +operculum; and this group we propose to distinguish by the name of +_Marmarostoma_. The species, like the _Trochi_, properly so called, are all +of a pearly structure; but their substance is much thicker; the base of the +shell is slightly produced; the exterior surface is marked either with +tubercles, grooves, or elevated ridges; and the aperture (from the +convexity of the last whorl) forms a circle. If the student compares these +characters with Trochus Zizyphinus, a common British shell, he will +immediately perceive the leading differences between the two groups. + +But it is the calcarious nature of the operculum (as indicating an +important difference in the organization of the animal) which constitutes +the primary character of _Marmarostoma_: the particular structure of this +appendage varies considerably in the different species: in some its outer +surface is smooth and convex; and in others variously granulated. In the +present shell it is marked by three or four deep semicircular grooves; that +nearest the middle is the deepest, and terminates in an umbilicus. In some +specimens, the spines on the principal ridge of the body whorl are nearly +obsolete; but those which crown the summit appear constant. + +We are indebted to the Rev. Mr. Bulwer, a scientific and arduous +Conchologist, for our specimens of this new species, purchased by him in a +collection sent from Panama. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: VOLUTA. Pl. I. + +_V. Bullata_] + + +VOLUTA bullata. + +_Bulla-shaped Volute._ + +---- + +GENERIC CHARACTER.--Zool. Ill. 1 Series, pl. 161. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell oval, smooth, fulvous, marked by zigzac darker lines; spire short, + papillary; outer lip ascending towards the spire; base of the pillar with + two strong plaits._ + +Mus. D. Broderip. + +---- + +Among the shells which formed part of the African Museum, exhibited and +finally sold in London some few years back, was a single specimen of this +new and curious Volute. Worn and battered by the friction of the waves, it +still retained its colour and markings sufficiently distinct to admit of a +tolerably accurate delineation. The only part we have ventured to restore +is the contour of the outer lip, which we have adapted to the lines of +growth. The middle figure represents the shell in its broken state; and +this clearly shews the ascending of the lip towards the spire, in the same +manner as in V. _lapponica_. + +The affinities which are suggested by the peculiar structure of this shell, +are curious. In its general shape, and in the number of its plaits, it is +obviously allied to _Voluta Nucleus, harpa_; _lyræformis_, &c., where the +two last plaits of the pillar are very thick, and those above either small +or evanescent; but from such, our shell differs materially by being quite +smooth, and in having a short obtuse spire. We do not believe that this +part has received much injury. The suture is perfect to the very end: +further evidence may be drawn from the extreme narrowness of the third +spiral whorl; a formation which only belongs to papillary spired shells. +This character, joined with the smoothness and size of the body whorl, +shews a closer approximation to the Melon shells, than to any other +division of the group. Three or four intermediate forms are alone wanting +to complete the double series. + +Mr. Broderip, who is in possession of this shell, has recently arranged the +Lamarkian _Volutæ_ into very natural groups; two of which are considered as +holding the rank of genera. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Mustachoe Parrakeet._] + + +PALEORNIS Pondicerianus. + +_Pondichery, or Mustachoe Parrakeet._ + +---- + +Family Psittacidæ. + +GENERIC CHARACTER.--Zool. Journ. 2, p. 46.--Less. Man. 2, p. 145. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Green; head pale bluish; frontal line and stripe on the lower jaw black; + wings with a central spot of yellowish; breast pale red._ + + Le Perruche a moustaches. _Buffon. Sonn. 27, p. 185, Pl. Enl. 517._ + + ---- a poitrine rose. _Levail. Pl. 31._ + + P. Pondicerianus. _Kuhl, Nova Acta, &c. No. 48*._ + + Paleornis Pondicerianus. _Vigors. Zool. Journ. 2, p. 54._ + +---- + +The Ring-necked Parrakeets of India, and the Asiatic Islands, are now +considered as forming a particular genus. The geographic distribution of +the group, and the characters of the species, have been detailed with much +skill and classic erudition, in the Zoological Journal. + +Among the numerous ornithological facts, which the distinguished liberality +of MM. Cuvier and Geoffroy St. Hilaire enabled us to ascertain, during a +course of study at the Royal Museum of Paris, is one that relates to this +species. Specimens in that noble collection, both from Pondichery and Java, +enable us to affirm, that the _Psittacus Osbeckii_ and _Pondicerianus_ of +authors, are one and the same species. + +Notwithstanding the frequency of this bird in Java, and other parts of +India, we are completely ignorant of its natural history, of those +diversified habits, and modes of living,--in short, of that knowledge, +which gives such an animating charm to natural history, which manifests the +provision of the Almighty for all His creatures, which can be known and +understood by all, and which prompts the heart to contemplation and praise. +Is there no one, in all our vast Oriental territory, to record something of +the feathered inhabitants of the Eastern World? Is there not, throughout +India, even _one_ of our countrymen, imbued with the spirit of a Wilson, a +Levaillant, or an Audubon? + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: WHITE BANDED SWALLOW. + +_Hirundo fasciata._] + + +HIRUNDO fasciata. + +_White-banded Swallow._ + +---- + +Family Hirundinidæ.--Sub-Fam. Hirundina. + +Feet slender, perching, the outer and middle toe connected at the base: +bill entirely depressed. _Nob._ + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + +G. HIRUNDO.--Lesson. Man. 1, 419. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Glossy blue black: thighs and band on the abdomen snowy._ + + Hirundo fasciata. _Lath. Ind. Orn. 2, 575._ + + L'Hirondelle a ceinture blanche. _Buffon. Pl. Enl. 724, f. 2._ + + White-bellied Swallow. _Lath. Gen. Syn. 4. 567._ + +---- + +This elegant bird, although mentioned by several writers, is of great +rarity. So seldom, indeed, is it seen in collections, that we never beheld +a specimen prior to our visit to the Royal Museum of Paris, where our +drawing was made. Buffon's description seems to have been transcribed by +all succeeding writers; and the only figure hitherto published is that at +Plate 724 of the Planches Enluminèes. + +The habits of the Swallow tribe are known to every one. Like the +Flycatchers, they feed upon insects captured on the wing; but these insects +are of so small a size, that they are swallowed during the flight of the +bird. This at once accounts for Swallows not being provided with those +stiff bristles, for confining the struggles of their prey, which are so +essential to the Flycatchers. These latter birds frequently feed upon +insects much too large to be swallowed at the moment of capture; they +therefore hold their prey until they again perch, and swallow it when at +rest. + +The figure is the size of life. Excepting the band on the body, and the +spot on the thighs--both of which are snowy white--the whole plumage is of +a deep black, richly glossed with dark blue. The first quill is longest, +and the tail is deeply forked. + +According to Buffon, this bird is sometimes seen perched on floating trees +in the rivers of Guiana and Cayenne. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: Anodon, _Pl. 1_ + +_A. areolatus_.] + + +ANODON areolatus. + +_Areolated Horse Mussel._ + +---- + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + +See Unio, Pl. 1. +(Anodon. Iridina. Dipsus. _Auct._) + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell transversely oval, not winged, umbones small, ventricose, not + touching; with a short undulated projection of the hinge margin in one + valve, and a corresponding concavity in the other; both placed beneath + the umbones._ + +---- + +The principal character of _Anodon_, rests on the absence of teeth; the _A. +anatinus_, common to our rivers and ponds, being taken as the type of the +group. But, as Nature steps progressively, in her departure from one form, +and in her advance to another, so among the Anodons we find several shells, +which do not strictly exhibit the typical character; and these we shall +briefly notice. + +In the sketch already given of this group, we have placed the genus +_Anodon_ between _Iridina_ and _Alasmodon_. The _Iridina nilotica_ Sow, +"has scarcely any appearance of crenations along the hinge line," but for +this, it consequently would present a simple lamellar ridge, extending +nearly the length of the shell; such, in short, as is seen in _Dipsus +plicatus_ (Leach), whose tooth may be so described. By this shell we are +led to _A. rubens_ Lam. where a lamellar plate, though much shorter, is +placed beneath the umbones. _Iridina Cailliandi_ perfectly resembles _A. +rubens_, except in being without any vestige of this plate. We have now +entered among the typical species, where every form occurs between a round +and an ensiform shape. Leaving these, Nature proceeds to fashion an +indistinct developement of _Alasmodon_ in the species before us, where that +part of the hinge plate, immediately beneath the umbones, is somewhat +raised, and undulated. In _A. rugosus_ these compressed undulations assume +more the form of tubercles; and finally, in the _Alasmodon marginatus_ of +Say, the teeth are sufficiently developed to place that shell in a distinct +group. + +Our esteemed and accomplished friend, Mrs. Corrie of Birmingham, favoured +us with two examples of what appears to be a variety of that which we have +figured. The substance of both is opake; the inside white, tinged with +buff, and with scarcely any pearly lustre. Inhabits North America, but we +know not any precise locality. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: MITRA. Pl. 2. + +_1. strigata. 2. bicolor. 3. carinata._] + + +MITRA strigata. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell very smooth, chestnut with paler longitudinal stripes, which are + white at their commencement; aperture white, shorter than the spire; + pillar 4-plaited_. + + Mitra strigata. _Sw. in Brand's Journ., No. 33, p. 37, Ap. 1824._ + +---- + +The Conchologist will find a full description of the three Mitras here +figured in the Journal above mentioned. They are all of singular rarity, +more particularly _strigata_ and _carinata_, as of these we have never seen +second specimens. _M. strigata_ belongs to that group which contains M. +_melaniana_, _scutulata,_ &c. Its country is unknown. + +---- + +MITRA bicolor. + +---- + + _Shell smooth, polished, fusiform, white, with a brown central band; + upper part of the body whorl and spire with cancellated punctured striæ: + base with simple striæ_. + +---- + +This pretty shell seldom exceeds three-quarters of an inch in length; our +figure is consequently enlarged: the pillar has four plaits. This, in +conjunction with M. _casta_, _olivaria_, _dactylus_ (Lam.), and +_olivæformis_ (Sw.), constitute a particular group, allied to _Conoehelix_, +having the plaits extending far beyond the aperture. + +Inhabits the South Seas. In the Manchester Museum, and in our own. + +---- + +MITRA carinata. + + _Shell slender, fusiform, brown; whorls with a single carinated ridge, + and striated transversely near the suture; pillar 4-plaited._ + +---- + +The habit of this Mitra will place it with the fusiform species; from all +of which, however, it differs in not having exterior plaits, nodules, or +impressed sculpture. The aperture is smooth within, and white. We have only +seen one specimen, received by Mrs. Mawe, from Sierra Leone, and this was +covered with a brown epidermis. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: TELLINA. P.I. + +_T. latirostra._] + + +TELLINA latirostra. + +_Wide-beaked Tellen._ + +---- + +Order Acephala.--Tribe Dimiaria (_Nob._). + +GENERIC CHARACTER.--Lam. Sys. 5, 519. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell oblong; anterior side narrowed and angulated; both valves glossy, + smooth, equally convex, and marked by very delicate radiating striæ._ + + _T. testâ oblongâ, purpurascente, subradiatâ, anteriùs sinuato-angulatâ, + rostri margine infimo ascendente._ Lam. Syst. 5, p. 523. + +---- + +There are few groups in Conchology, more particularly among the bivalve +shells, possessing so great a union of delicacy and beauty as the Tellinæ; +and perhaps there is none in which the species, from their general +similarity of shape, and variability of colouring, are so little +understood. For these reasons, we intend to illustrate this elegant genus +very fully. + +The _Tellinæ_ appear to hold a station with the most typical groups of the +Bivalve Mollusca; or those in which the animal can freely remove, from +place to place, by the foot. In all such the shells are solid, regular, and +not attached to other substances. + +We select the _Tellina latirostra_ of Lamarck for our first subject. As a +species it has not been figured; while the original description, which we +have transcribed, is so slight, that some uncertainty exists as to the +precise species intended by the writer. That to which we here apply the +name, is certainly very like, as Lamarck observes, to _T. rostrata_; +although his description, in other respects, is applicable to other species +now before us. Our _Tellina latirostra_ is not common, although we once +received a considerable number from Amboyna. Its surface is very smooth, +but the delicate striæ, which can scarcely be seen by the naked eye, become +perfectly clear under a common lens. The Manchester Nat. Hist. Society is +in possession of a lovely series, exhibiting the following variations of +colour: 1, pure white; 2, rose-coloured round the umbones, paler beyond; 3, +entirely rose colour; 4, blush white, with a rosy shade on each side the +umbones; 5, pale orange; 6, buff yellow, resembling _T. depressa_. In all +these the points of the umbones are invariably white. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Blue-winged Parrakeet._] + + +NANODES venustus. + +_Blue-fronted Parrakeet._ + +---- + +Family Psittacidæ. + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + Bill entire; the lower mandible short, deep, thick, and rounded; nostrils + very large, fleshy, naked; wings pointed; tarsi, toes, and claws very + slender--the former manifestly longer than the hind toe; tail cuneated; + the feathers narrow and lanceolate. _Nob._ + +Type.--_Psittacus pulchellus._--Zool. Ill. 2, Pl. 73. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Sides of the head yellowish; front with a blue band; wing-covers and + tail blue, the latter tipt with yellow; throat and breast deep green; + belly yellow._ + + Psittacus venustus. _Linn. Trans. (Temm.) xiii. p. 121._ + + ---- chrysostomas. _Kuhl. Nov. Act. p. 51, Pl. 1._ + + Nanodes venustus. _Linn. Trans. (Vig. and Hors.) xv. 274._ + +---- + +The Ground Parrakeets of Australia, of which this is one of the most +beautiful, form a small but richly coloured group of birds, remarkable for +the peculiar structure of their feet, which leads them to frequent the +ground more than any of their family. In the form of their bill, wings, and +tail, they exhibit a close resemblance, in miniature, to the Maccaws of the +New World, and may justly be supposed to represent those birds in the +Southern hemisphere. + +We received two specimens of the Blue-fronted Parrakeet, some years ago, +from Van Dieman's Land; yet even there it is considered scarce; nor did we +observe it in any of the collections in Paris. + +Assenting, in a great measure, to those general principles of arrangement +which several eminent Ornithologists have proposed regarding this family, +we nevertheless consider that the succession of affinities, and even the +nature of the leading groups, are not yet correctly understood. In the +present case, we would rather have seen _Nanodes_ placed as a sub-genus to +_Pezoporus_; from which it merely differs in the comparative shortness of +the feet. The connexion between the two forms, moreover, is so close as +not, in our judgment, to admit the intervention of _Platycercus_, or any +other group yet discovered. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Yellow shouldered Oriole._ + +I. Cayanensis.] + + +ICTERUS Cayanensis. + +_Cayenne Hangnest._ + +---- + +Fam. Sturnidæ.--Sub-Fam. Icterina (_Nobis_). + + Bill lengthened, conic, acute, entire, the commissure not sinuated. Tarsi + short, adapted for perching; claws strong, fully curved. + +---- + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + _Bill black; both mandibles slightly bent; nostrils furnished with a + membrane; tail lengthened, graduated; wings slightly rounded._ Nob. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Black, not glossy; lesser wing-covers above yellow, beneath black + margined by yellow; legs bluish._ + + Oriolus Cayanensis. _Lin. 1. p. 163._ + + Xanthornus Cayanensis. _Brisson. Orn. 2. p. 123. pl. 9. f. 2._ + + Carouge de St. Thomas. _Pl. Enl. 535. f. 2._ + + Yellow-winged Pye. _Edwards, pl. 322?_ + +In Mus. Nost. + +---- + +The Starlings of the old continent, are represented in America by a tribe +of birds formerly denominated Orioles, but which we shall distinguish by +the name of Hangnests. They are gregarious and noisy; living both upon +insects, fruits, and grain. Their nests are purse-shaped, woven with great +dexterity, and generally suspended from the extreme branches of lofty +trees. + +Much has been done to illustrate the affinities of these birds, and to +define the species; but both are imperfectly known. Regarding their natural +arrangement, our own views are quite at variance with the ingenious theory +of Mr. Vigors; and as to the species, the bird before us is a curious +example of error. + +The true _O. cayanensis_, in the best modern systems, has been lost sight +of; and, under the new name of _chrysopterus_ (Vieil. Wagler.), has been +confounded with _three_ others, one of which is a _Xanthornus_, one an +_Icterus_, and one an _Agelaius_! The only authentic synonyms, which can +therefore be consulted for our bird, are those we have quoted. + +_Cassicus_, _Cassiculus_, _Xanthornus_, and _Icterus_ are the only +published genera which will come within our definition of the _Icterinæ_. + +Total length, 9 in.; bill, 1; wings, 4; tail, 4-1/10; tarsi, 8/10. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Long leg'd Ant Thrush_ + +(_M. grallatoria._)] + + +DRYMOPHILA longipes. + +_Long-legged Ant Thrush._ + +---- + +Family Meruladæ. + +Sub-family Myotherina. + + Legs long, adapted for walking; wings and tail short, the latter weak, + rounded or even, but never forked or divaricated; claws but slightly + curved. _Nob._ + +---- + +GENUS DRYMOPHILA.--Lesson. Man. 1. p. 196. + + D. longipes. _Above rufous; sides of the head cinereous; throat and + breast black; body beneath white; tarsi long, pale_. + + _Sw. in Zool. Journ. 2. p. 152. Gen. Zool. 13. 2. 179. Lesson. Man. 1. p. + 196._ + +In Mus. Nost. + +---- + +The Ant Thrushes, as originally defined by us, constitute a natural group +of Birds peculiar to, and very abundant in, the tropical regions of the New +World. They are found only in the deep shades of forests, seeking their +nourishment on the ground, from ants and other terrestrial insects. Beyond +such retreats they never venture, and thus their natural love for seclusion +has prevented us from knowing more of their economy. + +The species are numerous: our own cabinet contains fifteen: but nearly +double that number are among the rich and surpassing treasures of the Royal +Museum at Paris. Of that here figured, we have never seen a second +specimen. + +In the form of the bill, and the elongated lax plumage of the back, +_Drymophila_ bears a close resemblance to the smaller species of Bush +Shrikes (_Thamnophilus_), but the construction of the feet--adapted in one +for perching, and in the other for walking--will sufficiently distinguish +these groups. + +The specific name of _grallaria_, engraved on the plate, was inadvertently +changed for that of _longipes_ in the published account. The figure +represents the natural size. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Lingula anatina._] + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Lingula hians._] + + +LINGULA anatina. + +---- + +Class Mollusca.--Order Brachiopoda (_Macleay_). + +GENERIC CHARACTER.--Lam. Sys. 61, 257. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Valves of equal breadth, much depressed, and longitudinally sulcated; + the basal extremities approximating._ + + Lingula anatina. _Cuv. Bulletin, No. 52*. Ann. du Mus. v. 1, p. 69*. Lam. + Syst. 61, 258._ + + Lingula anatina. _Sw. in Phil. Mag. 62, p. 403, Dec. 1823._ + + Icones. _Ency. Meth. Pl. 250, f. 1, a, b, c. Chemn. Pl. 172, 1675, 1677. + Seba. 3 tab. 16, f. 4*._ + +---- + +The nature of the animal inhabiting the shell of _Lingula_ remained +unknown, until the illustrious Cuvier detected its affinity with +_Terebratula_, _Crania_, and those singular bivalve shells forming the +order _Brachiopoda_ of Mr. Macleay. The valves have neither teeth or +ligament, but are united by muscles, and supported on a fleshy peduncle, +three or four inches in length, by which the animal is attached to marine +bodies. + +We believe that under the common name of _Anatina_, two species have been +included. Their respective peculiarities were published, some time ago, in +the Journal above alluded to; and are now more fully illustrated by +figures, and by such specific distinctions as are exhibited by the shells. +Both species appear to inhabit the Indian Ocean. + +---- + +LINGULA hians. + + _Valves narrowed towards their base, convex, and generally smooth; both + extremities widely gaping._ + +---- + +We do not recollect to have seen this species so frequent in collections as +the preceding; it is always smaller, more convex in the middle, and +generally smooth. Mrs. Mawe favoured us with fine specimens of both, for +delineation. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Pennantian Parrakeet._] + + +PLATYCERCUS scapularis. + +_Tabuan, or King Parrakeet._ + +---- + +Family Psittacidæ. + +GENERIC CHARACTER.--Lesson. Man. 2, 146. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Green; head, neck, and body beneath scarlet; lower part of the back + blue; scapular covers with a pea green stripe; tail black._ + + Tabuan Parrot. _White's Voyage, pl. in p. 168 (male)._ + + Grande Perruche à collier et croupion bleus. _Le Vail. Par. pl. 55._ + + Platycercus scapularis. _Vig. and Hors. Linn. Trans. 15, 1, 284._ + +---- + +Greatly allied to the Ground Parrakeets of Australia, but differing from +them in many particulars, are the Broad-tailed Parrakeets of the same +region, forming the modern group _Platycercus_. The former appear to +represent the Maccaws; while the latter exhibit many strong points of +analogy to the Lories; but we question if their resemblance extends +further. + +We have had one of these beautiful Parrakeets in our possession, alive, for +many years. Its manners are gentle and timid. Like many of its congeners, +it delights to wash itself in a basin of water. In the day, and during +winter, it is generally silent; but on a mild evening it will go on, for +two or three hours, with a somewhat whistling note; sometimes shrill, but +generally soft and pleasing. Its ordinary diet is moistened bread, with a +little hemp and canary seed; but during summer and autumn the small garden +fruits appear to be highly welcome to our elegant little favourite. + +Our figure represents a variety of the male bird, wherein the light green +on the scapular feathers is wanting. The total length is about sixteen +inches. + +We consider the primary divisions of the _Psittacidæ_, are those which have +long been recognized under the familiar names of Maccaws, Cockatoos, +Parrots, Lories, and Parrakeets. Such a series is the result of a +synthetical investigation we have given to the subject; but this mode of +inquiry is so deceptive, and has led to so many erroneous conclusions, that +until each of these groups are submitted to a patient analysis, which has +never yet been done, no correct opinion on the subject can be formed. The +name on the Plate (engraved five years ago) is a mistake. The first +description and figure of this bird is in "White's Voyage to New South +Wales," where it is described as not uncommon. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _White shoulder'd Ant Thrush_ + +(_M. Bicincta._)] + + +DRYMOPHILA trifasciata. + +_White-shouldered Ant Thrush._ + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _General plumage black; with the shoulder covers, interscapulars, and two + bands on the wing covers, snowy._ + + D. trifasciata. _Swains. in Zool. Journ. 2, p. 152. Gen. Zool. 13, 2, + 179. Lesson. Manuel. 1, p. 196._ + +In Mus. Paris. Nostro. + +---- + +We found this remarkable bird not uncommon in the thick Forests of Pitanga, +near Bahia, during our travels in Brazil in the years 1815-7. Yet although +the male birds were frequent, we were never fortunate enough to procure a +female. It has likewise been found in the southern provinces of that +empire, by Dr. Langsdorff. + +Its total length is about seven inches; the whole plumage, with the +exception of the snowy bands on the wings, is intensely black: the white +spot on the back is only seen when the feathers are raised: the irides, in +the live bird, are of a beautiful crimson. + +My friend M. Lesson, conjectures truly in thinking, that the birds placed +by M. Temminck in our genus _Drymophila_, have no connexion or analogy with +those species we have described, or with the characters on which we +originally founded the group: they belong, in short, to a different family. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Red headed Tanager._ + +T. Gyrola.] + + +AGLAÏA Gyrola. + +_Red-headed Tanager._ + +---- + +Family Fringillidæ?--G. Tanagra. _Auct._ + +Aglaïa. _Lesson. Man. 2, 423._ + + Bill small, short, compressed; nostrils concealed by velvet-like + feathers. Wings rather lengthened, pointed; 2, 3 and 4 quills equal and + longest. Tail even. + +Type.--_Tanagra Tatao._--Lin. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Vivid green, sometimes varied on the breast with blue: the whole head + bright rufous, bordered round the neck with a narrow golden ring._ + + Tanagra Gyrola. _Lin. 1, 315. Lath. In. Orn. 1, 427._ + + ---- _Desmarest Tan. pl. 15. Vieil. Orn. 2, p. 778._ + + Le Rouverdin. _Buff. Son. 12, p. 341. Pl. Enl. 133, f. 2. Edw. pl. 23._ + + Red-headed Tanager. _Lath. Syn. 3, 233. Gen. Hist. 6, 16._ + +---- + +The splendid little birds arranged under this group belong exclusively to +Tropical America. They are generally seen in pairs, frequenting open woody +tracts; feed principally upon fruits, and seldom if ever perch upon the +ground: In the variety, and richness of their colours, they are only +surpassed by the Humming Birds. + +The Red-headed Tanager has never, we believe, been found in Brazil; +although it occurs in Cayenne, Surinam, and some of the West India Islands. +Buffon was its first describer; he informs us that in French Guyana it +appears in small flocks, two or three times in a year; arriving when the +fruit of a particular tree is ripe, and departing when it begins to fail. +Some specimens are more brilliant than others, originating probably from +age or locality: those from Cayenne are known by a delicate blue tinge on +the breast. A further variety has been described (_Ency. Meth._), in which +the upper part of the neck is also red, and the back marked by a large spot +of dull rufous (_brun-marron_). We suspect this will prove a distinct +species. The rank of this group, whether as generic or subgeneric, can only +be determined by analyzing the whole family. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: MELANIA Pl. 1. + +_1, setosa. 2, amarula._] + + +MELANIA amarula. + +---- + +Order Phytophaga. (_Gasteropoda, Cuv. Pars._) + + Molluscæ destitute of a syphon, but furnished with jaws, and generally + enclosed in a univale shell, with an entire aperture. + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + +See Lam. Sys. 6, 2, p. 163.--Dubois Trans. 193. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell ovate-conical, blackish, upper part of the whorls armed with solid + porrect spines; aperture bluish white._ + + M. amarula. _Lam. Sys. 6, 2, p. 166. Chemn. pl. 134, f. 1218-9. Ency. pl. + 468, f. 6._ + +---- + +This is a genus of fresh water shells, particularly abundant in Africa, +Asia, and America; we have also heard it has lately been detected in +Europe. + +We should not have figured this common and well known shell, but for the +purpose of comparing it with the next. When in a young state, the spines +are very acute: more advanced they become less so; and in old individuals +they are often very obtuse. + +---- + +MELANIA setosa. + + _Shell ovate-conical, brownish olive; whorls armed with porrect tubular + spines, enclosing setaceous bristles._ + + Melania setosa. _Sw. in Brand's Journal, No. 33, p. 13._ + +This is a most singular species. From the tubular spines emerge two or +three hornlike, elastic bristles, which appear embedded in the substance of +the shell. A very ample account of the first specimen we ever met with, +will be found in Brand's Journal for April, 1824. It was discovered in the +Isle of France, by Mr. Warwick, where it appears to be very rare. Other +specimens have since been brought to this country. + +We were unwillingly drawn into a controversy respecting this shell some +years ago. Our sentiments, in every thing that regards the shell itself, +are unchanged. Not so with respect to the individual. The civilities and +attentions we have since received from Mr. Gray, leave us to regret, very +sincerely, that such a discussion should have ever taken place. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: MITRA. Pl. 3. + +_1, adusta. 2, ambigua. 3, punctata._] + + +MITRA fulva. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell ovate-acute, smooth, fulvous, unspotted, marked with transverse + sulcated striæ, containing punctured dots: body whorl contracted; suture + crenated: base obtuse: outer lip thickly and strongly crenated; the + crenations, and the plaits on the pillar, white._ + +---- + +The different nomenclature of Lamark and Dillwyn, induced us to suspect +that our present species might still be retained under the name of +_adusta_; but as a greater degree of confusion may perhaps arise in so +doing, than that which we wished to avoid, we have now given it a distinct +name, and defined its true characters. It is sometimes partially dotted +with pure white. The _M. adusta_ of Lamark is, in short, the same as the +_ruffina_ of Linnæus: or at least that species which Dr. Solander and Mr. +Dillwyn conceive to be such. Our shell is from the Isle of France, and is +not common: the crenated teeth on the lip are very strong; the base obtuse, +and effuse: the spire and aperture of equal length. + +---- + +MITRA ambigua. + + _Shell ovate-fuciform, rufous, with a white band near the suture, + transversely striated and punctured, suture and outer lip crenated, base + contracted; spire shorter than the aperture._ + +Less distinctly striated and punctured than the last; but differs +considerably in being almost a fuciform shell: the base of the aperture is +consequently contracted. We possess but one specimen, and know not its +locality. + +---- + +MITRA punctata. + + _Shell ovate, brown, striated and punctured: spire very small, somewhat + conic: outer lip crenated: pillar six-plaited._ + +A beautifully perfect shell of this new and very rare species, we procured +from our friend Mrs. Mawe; we have never seen another: the inside of the +lip is margined with deep brown. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: _Golden back'd Tanager, male._ + +T. Flava.] + + +AGLAÏA flava. + +_Yellow Tanager._ + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Above glossy fulvous yellow; sides of the head, and middle of the + throat, breast, and body, deep black; wings and tail green._ + + Tanagra flava. _Lath. In. Orn. 1, 431._ + + Tanagra Braziliensis flava. _Briss. Orn. 3, 39, 22._ + + Le guira-perea. _Buff. Son. 12, p. 362._ + + Yellow Tanager. _Lath. Syn. 3, 244. Gen. Hist. 4, 22._ + + Tanagra chloroptera. _Vieil. Orn. 2._ + +---- + +The buff-coloured yellow which spreads over the upper plumage of this bird, +in some lights becomes much richer, and delicately gilded. The wings appear +to be sea-green, but this colour only margins the borders of the feathers, +the inner parts of which are blackish: the tail is coloured in the same +way, the feathers divaricating from the middle, which is slightly forked. +The black in front terminates at the vent; which, with the sides of the +body, are waxen yellow. + +In the Ornithology of M. Vieillot, we find no mention of this well known +bird by its long established name: but the _T. chloroptera_ of this writer, +described as a new species, is evidently no other than the _flava_ of +anterior authors. + +Our figure is of the natural size. The female is dark bluish green above, +and buff beneath, much paler on the throat and breast: the chin and sides +of the head blackish; and the crown buff-coloured yellow. + +We found this species not uncommon in several parts of Brazil, particularly +round Pernambucco; frequenting the gardens, and feeding on the +smaller-sized fruits. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: PAPILIO _Niamus_] + + +PAPILIO Niamus. + +---- + +Order Lepidoptera. G. Papilio. (_Auct._) + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + Wings pale, with longitudinal bands: posterior lengthened, caudated; the + tails long and acute. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Wings yellowish white with black bands; posterior wings acutely tailed, + with a black line and whitish lunule at the anal angle, and marked + beneath with a macular red band margined with black._ + + Pap. Niamus. _Alis flavo-albidis, fasciis nigris; posticis caudatis, + apice nigro lunulis albidis: his subtùs strigâ maculari rubrâ._ Latrielle + et Godart. Ency. Meth. 9, p. 51. + +---- + +To describe in detail those colours and markings of an insect, which the +eye can embrace at a single glance on a well executed representation, is +surely unnecessary. We shall therefore merely observe that this species has +hitherto remained unfigured: that it is a native of Southern Brazil, and of +such rarity, that in two years, we never met with more than one specimen. + +In some observations upon what appear to us the leading groups of the +_Diurnal Lepidoptera_, published some time ago, we considered those groups +wherein the anterior feet are perfectly developed, and the chrysalis braced +by a transverse thread, as the most perfect and typical. Subsequent +observations confirm us in this general view; but it still remains to be +investigated, to which group the generic name of _Papilio_ should be +retained. The wide dispersion of that form represented in the two European +species _Podalirius_ and _Machaon_, and which form occurs in all the +temperate and tropical regions of the globe, leads us to suspect it as the +most typical group: to this, _Papilio Niamus_, from its very close affinity +to _Podalirius_, unquestionably belongs. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: RHETUS _Cramerii_] + + +RHETUS Cramerii. + +---- + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + _Larva_ and _Pupa_ unknown. + + _Wings_ triangular; the posterior lengthened and rather acutely tailed. + _Antennæ_ with the club linear-fuciform. _Palpi_ cylindrical, elongate, + porrect, incurved, remote, naked; the second joint remarkably long. + _Anterior feet_ in the male short and very hairy; in the female longer, + naked, and furnished with minute claws. _Wings_, when at rest, + horizontal. + +_Types._--Pap. Rhetus. Periander.--(_Cramer._) + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Wings black, with two white subhyaline bands, both sides alike; + posterior wings elongated, vivid blue, acutely tailed, with a transverse + sub-lunular band at the anal angle._ + + Papilio Rhetus. _Cramer. pl. 63, f. c._ + +---- + +This is one of the rarest and most splendid lepidopterous insects of +Brazil. We were once fortunate in capturing six specimens, fluttering over +a shrub in the early morning sun, during our encampment in the Forest of +Urupeè, in the Province of Bahia: but we never again met with this charming +creature. + +The perfect insect has been figured in the costly, but truly valuable, work +of Cramer; yet as neither the larva or pupa are known, we cannot determine +on its natural group. Its relations, as suggested by the perfect insect, +appear to be these. We consider the analogy between the groups respectively +containing _P. Podalirius_, and _Marius_ (Cr.), to be immediate and direct: +the form of the last type, and much of its general structure, is seen in +our insect; but the details will not admit of a further similitude. Among +the _Ericinæ_ we again detect this form in _P. Corineus_ and _Dorylus_ +(Cr.), and continuing the comparison, we see the _antennæ_, _palpi_, and +feet (in one sex) of _Rhetus_, accurately represented in those of _P. +imperialis_ (Cr.), among the _Thecladæ_. We therefore suspect, that the +real affinities of our insect lie between the two last groups: It seems +moreover to have a strong analogy with _Leilus_. The upper figure is of the +male, the under of the female. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: ROSTELLARIA. P. 1 + +_R. curvirostris._] + + +ROSTELLARIA curvirostris. + +_Short-beaked Spindle._ + +---- + +Class Mollusca. Order Zoophaga.--(_Gasteropoda, Cuv. Pars._) + + Carnivorous Mollusca without jaws; the mouth formed into a retractile + trunk: conveying nutriment by suction. Respiration aquatic: the water + being conducted to the branchiæ by a projecting siphon. + +Family,? Strombidæ. (_Les Ailées. Lam._) + +---- + +SYNOPSIS OF THE GENERA. + + Div. 1. _Outer lip with a sinus; distinct from the basal canal._ + + STROMBUS. _L._ Outer lip dilated, entire, basal canal short. + + _Stromb. gigas, auris-Diana, tridentatus, urceus, &c._ + + PTEROCERAS. _Lam._ Outer lip digitated; canal lengthened, arcuated. + + Div. 2. _Sinus simple; formed by the prolongation of the canal._ + + APORRHAIS. _Dacosta._ Outer lip dilated and digitated. + + _Strombus pes-pelecani. Auct._ + + ROSTELLARIA. _Lam._ Outer lip dentated, but not dilated. Basal canal + long. + + HIPPOCHRENES. _Montf._ Outer lip generally dilated, and always entire. + Basal canal moderate or short. Spiral canal nearly equal to the spire. + + _Rost: macroptera, columbata, fissurella, Lam._ + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Basal canal short: spiral canal thickened, and perpendicularly ascending + on the spire._ + + Strombus fusus. _Linn. Gm. 3506. Lister, 854, 12. Seba, 3, 56, 1._ + + Rostellaria curvirostris. _Lam. Sys. 7, 1, 192. Ency. Meth. pl. 411, f. + 1._ + +---- + +This elegantly formed shell is a native of the Red and Indian Seas. It is +the most common of the few species retained in the genus _Rostellaria_; all +these are recent; while _Hippochrenes_ has occured only in a fossil state. + +The preceding table of affinities, connecting the leading forms among the +_Strombii_, will be adverted to hereafter. At present we shall offer a few +observations on the nature of that more comprehensive division of the class +_Mollusca_, to which this particular group appears to belong. + +The learned Author of the Horæ Entomologicæ, in that part of his valuable +essay relating to the _Molluscæ_, considers our knowledge of these animals +too imperfect to enable him to state the nature of the typical groups: the +situations of which, in his diagram of the animal kingdom, are therefore +merely indicated by stars. M. Macleay further remarks, that the +_Gasteropoda_ of M. Cuvier, with certain restrictions, evidently form a +circular group. Yet, from the above omission, it appears he still +entertained some doubts on the propriety of this arrangement. Labouring +under similar disadvantages to those which impeded the researches of so +profound an observer, we feel some hesitation in expressing a different +sentiment on the subject, particularly in reference to his own disposition +of affinities. + +It is evident that these typical groups, whatever may be their nature, must +present some very strong points of analogy to those in the circle of +_Vertebrata_: and that such analogies should extend to the corresponding +groups of the _Annulosa_. This we should expect, not only as the necessary +result of a truly natural arrangement, but as a primary test, by which the +correctness of any series of affinities must be tried. Now admitting that +Quadrupeds and Birds shew the same typical perfection among the +_Vertebrata_, as the Mandibulate and Suctorial Insects unquestionably do in +the _Annulosa_, we have two beautiful analogies between these otherwise +dissimilar groups, taken from one of the most important functions of +nature. Quadrupeds and mandibulate insects are provided with jaws for +tearing and masticating their prey, while in birds and suctorial insects, +the mouth is lengthened into a proboscis, by which nourishment is imbibed +by suction. These analogies are equally conspicuous among the _Molluscæ_. +The _Phytiphages_ of Lamarck (of which the garden snail is a good example), +are furnished with jaws and masticate their food: the _Zoophages_ of the +same accurate observer, have their mouth elongated into a retractile trunk +or proboscis, by which they pierce through other shells, and suck the +juices of the inhabitant. To insist on the importance of these +distinctions, employed as they have been to characterize primary divisions, +is surely unnecessary. That they will be subject to considerable +modification, in the subordinate groups, may naturally be expected: but we +refrain at present from offering an opinion on the nature of such groups, +dependant, as they must be, on greater anatomical knowledge than we yet +possess. Nevertheless, until more direct analogies are discovered, than +those here stated, we feel some confidence in employing them as _typical_ +distinctions of the two great divisions of _Gastropod Mollusca_. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: PSARIS _Jardinii_ + +_Jardine's Saris._] + + +PSARIS Jardinii. + +_Jardine's Saris._ + +---- + +Family Todidæ.--_Nob_. Sub-family Psariana.--_Nob_. + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + _Bill_ thick, strong, more or less depressed, culmen not elevated, both + mandibles notched, the upper convex: _nostrils_ round, nearly naked: + _rictus_ smooth; _mouth_ very wide. _Wings_ long, pointed, the second and + third quill longest. _Tail_ short, even. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Cinereous white; head, tail, and outer half of the wings, black: first + and fifth quill equal: spurious quill none; orbits plumed._ + +In Mus. Nost. + +---- + +In a small collection of birds, from the interior of the vast Empire of +Brazil, we met with this new and highly interesting species. Its +resemblance to the well known _Psaris Cayanus_ is so close, that even +Ornithologists would not at first suspect the difference; and this may +possibly account for its having been overlooked. The size and colour of the +two birds, in fact, are perfectly alike: but in this, the bill is much more +depressed; the orbits, instead of being naked, are covered with feathers: +and the spurious intermediate quill is entirely wanting. Our bird thus +presents not only the characters of a species, but a modification of form, +leading to the genus _Pachyrhynchus_ of Spix. + +Our friend Sir William Jardine, Bart., who has long felt, with us, a +peculiar interest in this group, will accept our dedication of this species +to him, as a proof of the estimation in which we hold his studies. + +The publication of _Psaris Cuvierii_ in the early series of our work, was +the first addition made to this group after its publication in the _Regnè +Animal_. The generic name of _Psaris_ soon after became familiar to British +Ornithologists, by being universally adopted. Recently, however, the Editor +of the Zoological Journal has expressed his opinion that this name, on the +score of priority, should give place to another. The question would be of +little moment did it merely concern this group; but involving, as it does, +the entire nomenclature of two systems, it becomes a matter of some +importance to ascertain their respective claims. The period of typographic +publication, as connected with the only process by which knowledge can be +universally communicated, is the only criterion, in our opinion, by which +such claims should be decided. Dates, if _truly affixed_, speak for +themselves. But to attain this advantage, no surreptitious or disreputable +practices can be allowed. A plausible claim may indeed be made by any +author, who hastily puts together an essay or pamphlet, for the sole +purpose of anticipating the patient labours of another: but such artifices, +when discovered, are sure to be discountenanced by honourable minds. To +illustrate our meaning better, we will state a case. + +Let us suppose, then, a learned Naturalist, in charge of a public museum, +is engaged in a general classification of the animal kingdom: that to the +type of each group, as progressively defined, he affixes a label, with the +proposed name, and returns it again to the public rooms. Let us further +suppose that an Ornithologist, wishing to make a new system, but without +any materials for so doing, goes to this museum, selects, as they are +successively named, these identical types for his examination, well knowing +by whom, and for what purpose they are so named. He then goes home, and +publishes, with all expedition, an ill-digested pamphlet, _wherein every +group appears under a name, totally different from that by which he became +acquainted with it_. + +It is not for us to make the application. But that such practices have been +resorted to, is well known among the highest scientific authorities in +Paris. It is not so much in justice to a distinguished individual, as our +respect for the broad principles of truth and honour, that we have said +thus much. These are grave charges, but they are not lightly brought +forward. Resting, as they do, on testimony the most unquestionable, we +should deem it almost insulting to our countrymen could we suppose they +will henceforward, by adopting these names, countenance a claim built on +such a fraudulent basis. + +Our views of the natural situation of this group, must be reserved for the +next number. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: PETROICA _multicolor_. + +_Scarlet breasted Robin_] + + +PETROICA multicolor. + +_Scarlet-breasted Robin._ + +---- + +Family Sylviadæ. + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + _Bill_ slender, the sides compressed, the tip gradually bent, and beset + with bristles at the base. _Wings_ long; the first quill spurious; the + second intermediate in length between the sixth and seventh. _Tarsi_ + elevated, the inner toe manifestly shorter than the external toe. _Tail_ + broad, even. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Head, throat, and upper plumage black; front snowy; wings with one + longitudinal and two oblique white bands; breast and part of the body + scarlet; belly dull white._ + + Red-breasted Warbler. _Lewin. Birds of New Moll. pl. 17._ + + Muscicapa multicolor. _Gen. Horsf. & Vig. Linn. Tr. v. 16, p. 243._ + + Red-bellied Flycatcher. _Lath. Gen. Hist. 6, p. 209, pl. 100?_ + +Mus. Nost. &c. + +---- + +The analagous resemblances between the species and groups of one region, +and those by which they are represented in another, are among the most +curious and remarkable facts in Natural History: whether we look to them as +proofs of a Divine plan, vast in its extent, and wonderful in its details, +or as exemplifying that system of symbolical relationship by which every +part of the animated world is mutually connected. Both appear intended for +one great purpose, the partial initiation of man into earthly mysteries, +that he may have greater faith in those which regard his eternal welfare. + +The Robin, spread over the whole of Europe, is represented in temperate +America by the Blue Bird of Wilson (_Sialia Wilsonii_, Sw.). Neither of +these are found in New Holland, but the bird before us may be considered +their representative. Lewin, who wrote upon the spot, observes that +although in some respects solitary, it frequents the abodes of man _in +winter_, like the Robin; which it further resembles in its note. Our +European bird is intimately connected with the Stonechats +(_Saxicolæ_).--The remark of another eye witness, proves the Australian +species to have the same relation. Mr. Caley mentions that he saw "this +bird in November" (_our European summer_), "when far distant in the +mountains, in the roughest part of the country I had then or since +visited." _Linn. Tr. 15. p. 245_. Mr. Caley, moreover, as if perfectly +aware of its natural affinities, names it the Australian Redstart. So +closely, in short, does this bird resemble our European Stonechat, that but +for the recent acquisition of more typical species, we should have had +doubts whether to characterize it as a distinct type. + +Linnæan writers, as might be supposed, have always regarded this as a +Flycatcher, but as Mess. Horsfield and Vigors have recently dwelt, at some +length, on the propriety of such an arrangement, it may be as well to state +the leading differences between the two families. In _Muscicapa +atricapilla_, (with which these gentlemen have compared our bird,) the bill +(fig. 1, 2), like that of every genuine Flycatcher, is depressed from the +base to the tip, while that of _Petroica_ (fig. 5, 6), of the Stonechat +(fig. 3, 4), and of all _Saxicolæ_, although depressed at the base, is +invariably _compressed_ on the sides. By these characters the former +preserve their affinity to the Todies, and the latter to the Thrushes. In +the garnature of the rictus there is also an essential difference. The +bristles of the _Muscicapæ_ (f. 1, 2), are always rigid and directed +forwards: while those of the _Saxicolæ_, although sometimes remarkably +long, are generally weak, and diverge in different directions. Thus much +may be stated on the chief peculiarities of the groups in question: they +may for the present be termed analogies, but there are considerations which +induce us to suspect they are more intimately connected by affinity than is +generally supposed. To facilitate comparison, our figure is of the natural +size, and particular care has been taken in the correct delineation of all +the proportions and details. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: PLOCEUS _Textor_ + +_Rufous necked Weaver_] + + +PLOCEUS textor. + +_Rufous-necked Weaver._ + +---- + +Family Fringillidæ? + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + _Bill_ lengthened-conic, slightly curved, entire, the base advancing high + on the forehead, and dividing the frontal feathers, the culmen curved, + the commissure sinuated. _Nostrils_ oval, naked: without a membrane. + _Wings_ moderate, rounded, the first quill spurious, the five next nearly + of equal length. _Feet_ short, strong, the middle toe longer than the + tarsus, the hind toe nearly equal with the tarsus. _Tail_ very short, + rounded. + +DIVISIONS OR SUB-GENERA. + + MALIMBUS. _Vieil._ Bill more straight, slender, and lengthened. + + PLOCEUS. _Cuv._ As above. + + EUPLECTES. _Nob._ Bill of Ploceus. Toes and claws very slender. The + greater quills scarcely longer than the lesser; spurious quill very + minute. _Type_, Loxia Orix. L. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Orange yellow, varied above with black: head, chin, and front of the + throat black: nape with a chestnut band._ + + Oriolus textor. _Auct._ + + Ploceus textor. _Cuvier. Reg. Anim._ + + Le cap-more. _Buff. Son. 19, p. 165. Pl. Enl. 375_ (_very bad_). + +---- + +The Weaving Birds, confined to the hotter regions of the old world, are +chiefly found in Africa, where they represent the Hangnests (_Icterinæ_) of +America: an analogy long since remarked by Buffon. Both these tribes +astonish us by the consummate skill with which they fabricate their nests: +but the intelligence displayed by the African Weavers is still more +wonderful. The curious reader will see a most interesting account of these +birds in Paterson's African Travels, or in Wood's Zoography. + +Of the present species, although very common in Senegal, nothing appears +known beyond the simple fact of its weaving, in confinement, between the +wires of its cage. Its total length is about six inches, the minor +proportions may be correctly ascertained by the scale on the plate. + +If the genus _Ploceus_ of Baron Cuvier be restricted to the old world, it +becomes one of the most natural groups in Ornithology. Yet, like all others +of an extensive nature, it exhibits several modifications of structure, +which the present state of science renders it necessary to define. Whether +such definitions are to be termed generic, subgeneric, or sectional, must, +in the first instance, depend on mere opinion. It is enough if these lesser +groups are defined. To ascertain their relative value is the next step: +this is the second, and by far the most difficult process, in the study of +real affinities; for not only that particular group which claims our +attention, but every other related to it in a higher division, must be +patiently analyzed. Hence it frequently results that groups assume a very +different _apparent_ station to what they did in the first instance. Are we +therefore to refrain from characterizing or naming them, because their +relative value cannot, in the first instance, be ascertained? We think not. +That _genera_ have been unnecessarily multiplied, no one can doubt, who has +looked beyond such circumscribed limits. And if forms of transision, +(generally comprising one or two species alone,) are to be so ranked, we +must immediately treble or quadruple the present number of ornithological +genera. The truth is, that many groups, which in our first process of +combination, we are obliged to distinguish, or perhaps name, will, in the +second, be united to others. So that it appears highly probable that the +number of genera, in ornithology, ultimately retained, will be fewer +perhaps than at present. We are, in short, but in the infancy of this +knowledge, and our genera, for the most part, must be looked upon as +temporary landmarks, to denote the ground gone over, and to be fixed or +removed as our views become more extended, by a wider analysis of qualities +and relations. + +Total length 6½ inches, bill 7/10, wings 3-6/10, tarsi 9/10, middle claw 1, +tail 2½, beyond the wings 1¼. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: AMPULLARIA Pl. II + +_1. Subcarinata 2. Nilotica_] + + +AMPULLARIA subcarinata. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell reverse, thickish; whorls depressed near the suture, and marked by + a parallel line; spire short, obtuse; umbilicus large, open, slightly + carinated, and marked with an internal groove._ + + Ampullaria subcarinata. _Sow. Genera of Shells, f. 4._ + +---- + +The politeness of Mr. G. Sowerby has given us the opportunity of examining +this rare and little known species, first described and accurately figured +by himself. It was discovered, we believe, by Mr. Cranch, the ill-fated +naturalist who accompanied the unfortunate expedition to the Congo, in that +river. No specimens, we are informed, have subsequently reached this +country. The surface is rough, occasioned by irregular corrugated wrinkles: +the epidermis olive. + +---- + +AMPULLARIA Nilotica. + + _Shell reverse, thin, smooth, whitish, with an Olive epidermis finely + striated longitudinally; lower half of the basal whorl much contracted: + spire prominent, obtuse; operculum horny; umbilicus large, open, the + margin obtusely carinated._ + +---- + +The shell from which our figure was taken we received from Mr. G. Sowerby, +under the name of _Nilotica_, some years ago. Whether it is the same, or +specifically distinct from Lamarck's _Guinaica_, we have no means of +judging, otherwise than from the figures he cites of Chemnitz. If these are +accurate, there are many points of difference; but no doubt the Editor of +the _Bulletin des Sciences_, will have great pleasure in setting us right +upon this subject. + +On attentively comparing the descriptions, given by Lamarck, of eleven +species of _Ampullaria_, with those we have characterized in different +works, we can only discover two instances wherein the same species have +been mentioned by both parties, under different names. Our _A. conica_, is +probably Lamarck's _virens_, and belongs to the genus _Pachystoma_, Guild. +The other instance is curious; in the Appendix to the Bligh Collection, we +described a remarkable variety of _A. fasciata_, under the sub-specific +name of _Canaliculata_. In the following month appeared the second part of +Lamarck's _Système_, wherein this variety appeared as a _species_, under +the very same name. It would almost appear as if the two accounts had been +written at the same moment. We have since had good reason to be confirmed +in our suspicion as to this shell being a mere variety of _fasciata_, from +a fine series of specimens sent us from Demerara. We take this opportunity, +however, of expressing a belief that our _A. leucostoma_, is the young +shell of _rugosa_. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: STOMBUS. Pl. 1. + +_S. Peruvianus_] + + +STROMBUS Peruvianus. + +---- + +Order Zoophaga. Family? Strombidæ. +Genus Strombus.--_Lam. Sys. 7. 199._ + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell ponderous, nodulous, spire very small, depressed; outer lip above + produced and attenuated, margin reflected; aperture striated._ + + Strombus Peruvianus. _Sw. in Phil. Mag. 62, p. 377._ + +---- + +We first recorded this singular-shaped Strombus from a specimen sent from +the Coasts of Peru. Others, from the opposite side of the American Isthmus, +collected near Panama, have more recently come into the possession of our +friend, the Rev. J. Bulwer, F.L.S. Its general form is not unlike _S. +gallus_, but the spire is unusually depressed, and the aperture deeply +striated: the upper surface is marked by parallel grooves, and one of the +nodules is particularly large. + +In our last number we defined what appear to be the leading forms among the +_Strombii_, from such characters as are exhibited by their shells. This +mode of classification, we admit, is always attended with hazard; and +should not be ventured upon without due precaution. To attempt a _natural_ +arrangement of the higher groups, on such considerations alone, would be +manifestly absurd. On the other hand, we think both principles may be +carried too far: and that a system founded exclusively upon the animal +would, in our present state of knowledge, be little less artificial than +another taken merely from the shell. We see, on every side, throughout +Nature, the most beautiful and perfect adaptation of structure to use. The +typical _Mollusca_, whether among the _Acephala_ or _Gasteropoda_, appear +to be testaceous; and to exhibit a corresponding perfection in the +structure of their coverings: one form passes into another by as gradual +modifications of the shell, as could possibly be looked for in the nature +of the animal. We have attempted to exemplify this among the _Unionidæ_ and +the _Olivæ_. We shall now examine the _Strombii_ with reference to the same +object. + +"_Les Aileés_," observes Lamarck, "_constituent une famille très-naturelle, +qui avoisine celle des Canaliferès par ses rapports, mais qui en est +éminemment distincte_." This able classifier (whose perception of +affinities is truly admirable), then proceeds to divide these shells into +three groups, founded upon such excellent distinctions, that we need not +here dilate on their importance. Two of these genera are characterized by a +deep and well defined sinus or notch, towards the base of the outer lip; +quite distinct from the basal canal, and intended either for the passage of +the animal's proboscis, or its respiratory siphon. In _Strombus_ the outer +lip is dilated, but entire; in _Pteroceras_, it is equally enlarged, but +divided into long processes. Such are the typical distinctions, and their +immediate union appears effected by the _Strombus laciniatus_ of Chemnitz. +The third genus of Lamarck's is _Rostellaria_, in which he places all those +species wherein the sinus above mentioned is united to the basal canal. Now +if the _Strombus pespelecani_ of authors had this canal more closed, and +the sinus distinct, it would be a _Pteroceras_. Da Costa long ago placed +this shell as the type of a genus, and the observations of Mr. Dillwyn, in +his short but highly valuable paper on fossil shells (Phil. Trans. for +1823, p. 1, p. 393), have shewed the importance which we should attach to +its structure: it is, in fact, a _Pteroceras_, but with the above mentioned +sinus removed to the base of the digitated lip, and confounded, as it were, +with the basal canal. Excepting to a _Pteroceras_, it cannot be compared +with any known shell, unless it be to the _Strombus fissus_ of Linn. The +hiatus between them certainly appears great, yet the affinity is not +interrupted by any thing known: this latter shell resembles the true +_Rostellariæ_, but with the digitated processes of _Pteroceras_ reduced to +teeth; which teeth, in _R. curvirostris_, become confined to the basal part +of the unexpanded lip. We are here met by certain fossil shells, preserving +the form of _Rostellaria_, but with the outer lip entire, and sometimes +considerably expanded: in these the spiral canal sometimes extends to the +summit of the shell: finally the distinct sinus again appears in such +species as _S. cancellatus_, _canalus_, &c., all which have been classed by +conchologists with _Strombus_. This series is sufficient to shew the +_tendency_ of a circular disposition of relations, but very many of the +intermediate forms are wanting, nor is it at all clear in what way the +immediate passage is effected between _Hippochrenes_ and the genuine +_Strombii_. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: OLIVA. Pl. 1. + +_1. volutella 2. striata_] + + +OLIVA volutella. + +---- + +Class Mollusca. Order Zoophaga. _Lam._ + +Genus Oliva. _Lam. Sys. 7, p. 416._ + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell ovate-conic, mitriform; chestnut, the body whorl bluish; spire + lengthened, acute; pillar with 6-7, slender, regular plaits._ + + Oliva volutella. _O. testâ ovato-conicâ, subcæruleâ, ad spiram basimque + luteo fuscatâ; spirâ valdè productâ, acutâ._ Lam. Sys. 7, 1, p. 432. + +---- + +We are indebted to the Rev. Mr. Bulwar for our specimens of this elegant +and highly interesting species, received by him from the American Isthmus. +It varies much in the intensity of its colour, as may be seen from the +above description, given by Lamarck, of examples procured by Baron Humbolt +on the shores of Mexico. + +There are reasons for believing the genus _Voluta_, as defined by Lamarck, +to be typical of a natural group, comprising the genera _Mitra_, _Oliva_, +_Ancillaria_ and _Marginella_. The obvious affinity between _Voluta_ and +_Mitra_ need not be dwelt upon. The connexion of _Mitra_ with _Oliva_, we +noticed in describing _Mitra olivæformis_, at pl. 48 of our first series. +This affinity appears further strengthened by a shell in the late +Tankerville Collection, especially recorded by Mr. G. Sowerby, as +"remarkable for its resemblance to an Olive." We regret not having seen +this shell, but such an authority is fully sufficient. The group of Mitres, +by which this transision appears effected, is that mentioned under the head +of _M. bicolor_ (Mitra, Pl. 1.) of this series. This little group has three +relations: one to the smooth Mitres (as _M. pertusa_), another to +_Conohelix_, and a third to the _Olives_: the species are all remarkable +for the polished smoothness of their surface, for the total absence of the +inner lip, and for the lower plaits of the pillar extending much beyond the +aperture: these plaits, moreover, are generally five or six, and all very +slender. The conchologist will perceive that nearly the only character +wanting, to render this description applicable to an Olive, is the +channelled groove round the suture. This character is added to the shell +before us, which thus presents the first type of form in the present genus. +Proceeding to the more perfect Olives, we observe the spire becoming +gradually shorter; the vitrious deposition on the inner lip increased in +thickness; the upper plaits on the pillar numerous, and those at the base +thicker and more external (_M. fulmineus_, Lam. _elegans_, En. Meth. 362, +3.), the ventricose shape of some (_O. undata_, _inflata_, Lam.), the spire +often concealed by a vitrious covering, and even the colours of others (_M. +tessellata_, _guttata_) remind us of the typical Volutes. It is very +remarkable, that in most of the cylindrical Olives, the apex is more or +less, papillary: the last complete terminal volution of the spire being +thick, inflated, and distorted: (see particularly _O. reticularis_, En. +Meth. 36, f. 1; _fusiformis_, Ib. 367, 1; _guttata_, Ib. 368, f. 2.) Others +are seen of a more slender form, as _O. subulata_, L. _acuminata_, E. M. +368, 3, where the pillar is similarly plaited. But in several small species +allied to _O. conoidalis_, another modification of form has evidently +commenced: the spire is regularly acute; the upper plaits disappear; and +those which remain, are only at the thickened base of the pillar: the +aperture, no longer narrow, becomes wide at the base, where the pillar +takes an oblique direction inward: we are thus led to the form of _O. +hiatula_, E. M. pl. 368, f. 5, where the characters of _Ancillaria_ become +apparent in the effuseness of the mouth, the double belt at the base, and +the imperfect groove on the outer side of the pillar. Whether we look to +this shell, or to the descriptions given by Lamarck of the fossil species +_plicaria_, _canalifera_, and _laumontiana_, or finally, to the _Ancillaria +glandiformis_, Sow. no doubt can remain of the genus _Oliva_ being here +blended with the _Ancillariæ_. There is, however, another form among the +_Olivæ_, which deserves mention, as it cannot well be associated with +either of the preceding: this we have described below. Another genus that +may be thought connected with _Oliva_, is _Terebellum_: a group very ably +illustrated by Mr. G. Sowerby, in his "Genera of Shells." To that work we +must refer the reader for those reasons which shew its more immediate +relation to _Ovula_. It is, in short, one of those forms too hazardous to +class without a complete knowledge of the animal. + +---- + +OLIVA striata. + + _Shell small, cylindrical, sub-effuse, distinctly marked by regular + longitudinal striæ; upper part of the body whorl with one, lower part + with four, belts; spire short, channelled, sub-papillary, naked; base of + the pillar striated and externally detached by a groove._ + + Ancillaria canalifera?? _Lam. Syst. 7, 415_. + +---- + +We do not find this fossil clearly described. Our specimens appear to be +from the London clay. Its form seems analogous to _Conohelix_ among the +Mitres. The line adjoining the figures denotes the natural length of the +shells. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: PSARIS _cristatus_. + +_Crested or white backed Saris._] + + +PSARIS cristatus. + +_Crested, or White-backed Saris._ + +---- + +Family Todidæ.--_Nobis._ + + _Bill_ lengthened, depressed, boat-shaped. _Tarsi_ moderate, weak, the + three anterior toes more or less united. _Wings_ and _tail_ short. + +Sub-family Psariana.--_Nobis._ + + _Head_ very large, depressed. _Mouth_ very wide. _Bill_ thick, depressed, + convex above. _Feet_ weak, tarsi rather short, toes united at their base, + the outer manifestly longer than the inner; claws broad, compressed; + anterior scales transverse; lateral scales small, numerous. The male + generally with a spurious quill between the first and second. + +GENERA. + + PSARIS. _Cuv._ Rictus smooth, wings lengthened, the first quill much + longer than the fourth, tail short, even. + +Type, _Psaris Cayanus_.--Cuv. + + PACHYRHYNCHUS. _Spix._ Rictus bearded, bill shorter, wings more rounded, + tail lengthened, graduated. + +Type, _Psaris niger_.--Nob. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Blackish brown, beneath pale fulvous, base of the wings with a concealed + snowy spot, spurious quill broad, crown black, slightly crested._ + + Psaris cristatus. _Sw. in Zool. Journ. 2, p. 354._ + +Mus. Paris. Nost. + +---- + +Of this very rare species we know but of two specimens, both of which +appear to have come from the mining provinces of Brazil. The economy of +these interesting birds has not yet been detected, even by naturalists who +have lived in their native regions. The indefatigable Azara professes his +ignorance on this point, but states some valuable information on a species +(nearly allied to the _Cayenne Saris_) named by him _Le Distingué a tête +Noir_, which, in Paraguay, is a bird of passage: its flight is elevated, +rapid, and prolonged. "_Ils ne sont ni farouches, ni remuans, et ils se +tiennent long temps à la même place. Ils ne sortent point des grands bois, +et ils se perchent toujours au plus haut des arbres les plus èlevés, où ils +ne cherchent pas à se cacher._" Azara Voy. 3, p. 407. + +The size and strength of the bill induced us, some years ago, to adopt the +popular classification of this genus with the family of Shrikes; but a more +particular analysis of that and the neighbouring families, lead us to +suspect that its natural situation is far different: our reasons for this +belief will be stated at large in another work. For the present it may be +remarked, that the smoothness of the rictus, as indicating a frugivorous +habit, forbids us to place it with the Flycatchers; while the feet, +perfectly different from those of the true Shrikes (_Laniana_, Sw.), can +only be compared with those of the _Piauhau_ (Buff.). The affinity which +this group bears to _Gubernetes_, is merely superficial: but its analogies +to _Ceblepyris_, among the _Laniadæ_, and to _Pachycephala_, among the +_Ampelidæ_, are probably direct. + +The merit of having first directed the attention of Ornithologists to the +singular spurious quill, which generally distinguishes the males of this +group, we transfer from ourselves to Azara. His invaluable work we did not +then possess, and knew not that the circumstance had already been mentioned +by him. + +We are only acquainted with the genus _Pachyrhynchus_ of Spix, by seeing +this name affixed to our _Psaris Cuvierii_ in the Paris Museum. The +distinction is judicious; particularly as the two groups point to different +relations. Of _Psaris_, as now restricted, we know of six species, and of +_Pachyrhynchus_, ten. + +Our present bird is osculent between these forms: we place it with _Psaris_ +on account of its wings and tail; but it accords with _Pachyrynchus_ in the +rictus being slightly bristled. The spurious quill is half the length of +the first, which latter is as long as the fourth. The tail is in a slight +degree rounded. It is, perhaps, needless to remark, that all these birds +are confined to Equinoctial America. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: CHÆTURA _macroptera_ + +_Longwinged Swift_] + + +CHÆTURA macroptera. + +_Long-winged Swift._ + +---- + +Family Hirundinidæ. + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + _Bill_ entire, the sides much compressed, the culmen arched. The lower + mandible recurved at the tip. _Wings_ very long. _Tail_ scansorial, the + extremity of the shafts naked, and acute. _Tarsi_ naked, the three + anterior toes and claws nearly equal; hind toe not versatile. _Nob._ + +Type. _Chætura pelasgia._ Stevens. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Brown: wings and tail glossed with greenish blue; back grey-white: chin + and under tail covers snowy; tail even._ + + Ob. Tail 3½ in. longer than the wings, the two first quills longest and + equal. + +---- + +For an inspection of this new and imposing species, we have to thank Mr. +Ward, an Animal preserver of considerable talent. We do not find it +mentioned in any Ornithological work we possess, and our library is not +small: but with so many publications continually issuing from the +continental press, we shall feel no surprise at discovering it has already +been published. + +This and the _Hirundo albicollis_, (first named by M. Vieillot) are two of +the largest species yet discovered, of a very singular group of Swifts; +wherein the tail feathers are spined, and even more rigid than those of the +Woodpeckers: by this structure the birds can remain for a considerable time +in the most perpendicular situations. The expanded tail thus acts as a +powerful support, which is further increased by the size and strength of +the claws, much larger than those of ordinary Swallows. There are several +species, most of which are natives of America. + +The direct analogy which this group bears to the typical scansorial Birds, +joined to the general superiority of flight which the Swift possesses over +the Swallow, leads us to suspect this may prove to be the typical group of +the _Fissirostres_; an order in which Nature, in her wish to develope the +greatest powers of flight, appears to neglect all those laws which she +afterwards so rigidly adheres to: We intend in another work, to enter on +this interesting subject more fully. + +Our figure is in strict conformity with the scale on the plate, which is +that of an inch. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: PETROICA _bicolor_. + +_Black & white Robin._] + + +PETROICA bicolor. + +_Black and White Robin._ + +---- + +Family Sylviadæ. Sub-family Saxicolinæ. +(_See Northern Zoology, Vol. 2._) + +GENERIC CHARACTER. See No. 8, pl. 36. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Black and white. Head, throat, back, and tips of the tail glossy raven + black: breast, scapular covers, stripe on the wings, and plumage beneath, + white: tail slightly forked._ + +---- + +In giving publicity to this new and interesting bird, we feel particular +pleasure in expressing our thanks to Allen Cunningham, Esq., His Majesty's +Botanist, in New South Wales, by whom it was there discovered. Although +devoted to a science already so much benefited by his researches, this +enthusiastic Traveller found some leasure for Ornithology, and has lately +favoured us with a large collection of skins, prepared during one of his +inland journeys; with a request that they may be made public: among other +highly curious forms, the present bird is conspicuous. It was found in the +open forest country, North of Liverpool Plains. + +When once we are so fortunate as to discover the natural station of any +being, we may be convinced that every circumstance regarding its structure, +habits, or even colour, are employed by Nature to typify its relations to +other beings; and that until most of these can be explained, there is good +reason to suspect the accuracy of our views on its true affinities. +Possessing all the essential characteristics of _Petroica_, our bird +exhibits in the bill, feet, and tail, an immediate affinity to _Sialia +arctica_: while it is clothed in the pure white, and glossy black plumage, +which nature afterwards employs to designate the typical group of +GRYLLIVORA, (North. Zool.) at the opposite point of the circle of +_Saxicolinæ_. This remarkable analogy is extended to the bill, the point of +which is longer and more incurved, than in any of the immediate affinities +of our bird: its close relation to the old world _Saxicolæ_, is too obvious +to need explanation. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: MARGINELLA Pl. 1 + +_1. oblonga. 2. guttata._] + + +MARGINELLA oblonga. + +---- + +Family Volutidæ. Genus Marginella. Lam. Sys. 7. p. 354. + +SUB-GENUS VOLUTELLA. _Nob._ + + Shell oval-ventricose: Spire concealed: outer lip generally smooth; base + of the pillar with four to five oblique plaits: aperture smooth within. + +Type, _Marginella bullata_. Lam. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Shell oblong, rather gibbous round the middle, fawn coloured, with two + obsolete bands: spire concealed: outer lip and summit marked by orange + spots: pillar 4 plaited._ + +---- + +A species not hitherto described; its shape is unusually oblong, and the +spire is quite concealed: We are unacquainted with its locality. The +perpendicular line expresses the natural size. + +In _Voluta_ and _Mitra_, the two typical groups of this family, the +variations of form are so striking, and the species so numerous, that we +readily assent to the plan, proposed by others, of further dividing them +into genera: but in the aberrant group, containing _Oliva_, _Ancillaria_, +and _Marginella_, the forms are less diversified, and the species fewer; +the minor divisions may therefore, for the present, be termed sub-genera. +The approximation of _Marginella_ to _Voluta_ has frequently been stated. +In M. _bullata_ we have a miniature melon Volute, while M. _faba_ is a no +less obvious representation of V. _magnifica_. Hence these forms appear +typical. Yet M. _persicula_ and _lineata_ cannot well be placed with +either, as their characters seem to indicate a direct analogy to +_Conohelix_ among the Mitres. As to _Volvaria_, we concur with other +writers, in thinking that the French Conchologists have erroniously blended +that genus with _Marginella_. + +---- + +MARGINELLA guttata. + + _Oval, spire concealed, covered with transverse oval spots margined with + white, somewhat ocellate, and disposed longitudinally; pillar 4 plaited._ + +---- + +We could give no correct idea of this very pretty shell, without enlarging +the figures; the natural size is indicated by the horizontal line. Our +specimen is the only one we have yet seen, nor do we know its habitat. + +* * * * * * + + + +[Illustration: MARIUS _Cinna_] + + +MARIUS Cinna. + +---- + +Family Nymphalidæ. (Stirps. 3? Horsf.) + +GENERIC CHARACTER. + + Larva and pupa _unknown_. + + Perfect insect. _Wings_ Papilioniform, caudal appendages long, acute. + _Palpi_ porrect, approximating, and meeting at their tips so as to form + an acute cone: the whole covered with compact scales. Anterior feet + small, slender, imperfect, the tarsal joints? concealed by long hairs: + club of the antennæ terminal, sub-fuciform and cylindric. Body short, + thick, robust. + +Type, _Papilio Marius_. Auct. + +---- + +SPECIFIC CHARACTER. + + _Wings above brown, with two unequal white bands; beneath white, with + narrow fulvous bands; basal angle of the posterior wings with an orange + spot, ocellated with black._ + + Papilio Cinna. _Cramer Vol. I. pl. 100. f. 8._ + +---- + +Cramer describes this elegant Butterfly as a native of Surinam, and our own +specimens were received from the same country. All the species of this +group that have yet fallen under our inspection, are natives of South +America. Their flight is high, powerful and rapid: the predominating colour +on the upper surface of their wings is brown, and on the under white. + +It is the misfortune of not understanding the typical structure, and the +principles which regulate its variation, in higher groups, that in defining +the characters of a lesser, we can form no just idea of its relative value: +whether, in short, we should consider it a genus or a sub genus, or whether +it is typical, aberrant, or osculent. This, however, is but a temporary +evil; and will only continue until an insight is gained into higher +combinations, by first placing together kindred species under one common +name. If this be done heedfully, such a group _must_ be natural, whatever +opinions may be entertained in the _first_ instance, as to its proper +denomination. + +* * * * * * + + + +GENERAL INDEX +_OF THE PLATES TO_ +VOL. 1. +IN THE ORDER OF PUBLICATION. + +---- + + _N.B. The number here affixed to the Plates, for convenience of + reference, had better be marked in pencil upon the Plates themselves._ + + No. 1. + Psittaculus vernalis, 1 + Polyborus Braziliensis, 2 + Setophaga picta, 3 + Ancillaria (Pl. 1.) rubiginosa, 4 + Mitra (Pl. 1.) melaniana, 5 + ---- tessellata + + No. 2. + Parra Africana, 6 + Cuculus nigricans, 7 + Lorius Isidorii, 8 + Ampullaria Pl. 1. + ---- carinata, 9 + Unio (Pl. 1.) truncatus, 10 + + No. 3. + Thriothorus mexicanus, 11 + Lorius garrulus, 12 + Coccyzus Levaillantii, 13 + Marmarostoma (Pl. 1.) + ---- undulata, 14 + Voluta (Pl. 1) + ---- bullata, 15 + + No. 4. + Paleornis Pondicerianus, 16 + Hirundo fasciata, 17 + Anodon (Pl. 1.) + ---- areolatus, 18 + Mitra (Pl. 2.) bicolor, 19 + ---- carinata + ---- strigata + Tellina (Pl. 1.), 20 + ---- latirostra + + No. 5. + Nanodes venustus, 21 + Icterus Cayanensis, 22 + Drymophyla longipes, 23 + Lingula anatina, 24 + ---- hians, 25 + + No. 6. + Platycercus scapularis, 26 + Drymophila fasciata, 27 + Aglaïa gyrola, 28 + Melania (Pl. 1.) amarula, 29 + ---- setosa + Mitra (Pl. 3.) fulva, 30 + ---- ambigua + ---- punctata + + No. 7. + Aglaïa flava, 31 + Papilio Niamus, 32 + Rhetus Cramerii, 33 + Rostellaria (Pl. 1.) curvirostris, 34 + Psaris Jardinii, 35 + + No. 8. + Petroica multicolor, 36 + Ploceus textor, 37 + Ampullaria (Pl. 2.) Nilotica, 38 + ---- subcarinata + Strombus (Pl. 1.) Peruvianus, 39 + Oliva (Pl. 1.) volutella, 40 + ---- striata + + No. 9. + Psaris cristatus, 41 + Chætura macroptera, 42 + Petroica bicolor, 43 + Marginella (Pl. 1.) oblonga, 44 + ---- guttata + Marius Cinna, 45 + +* * * * * * + + + +GENERAL ALPHABETIC INDEX +OF +LATIN AND ENGLISH NAMES, &c., +TO +VOL. 1. + +---- + + Aglaïa, Generic Character, 27 + ---- flava, 31 + ---- gyrola, 28 + Alasmodon, Generic Character, 10 + Ampullaria carinata, 9 + ---- canaliculata, 38 + ---- nilotica, 38 + ---- subcarinata, 38 + ---- virens, 38 + Ancillaria rubiginosa, 4 + _Ant-thrush, long legged_, 24 + ---- _White shouldered_, 26 + Anodon, Generic Character, 10 + ---- areolatus, 17 + _Apple Snail, carinated_, 9 + _Caraca Eagle_, 1 + Chætura, Characters of, 42 + ---- macroptera, 42 + Coccyzus Vaillantii, 13 + Cuculus nigricans, 7 + _Cuckow, African black_, 7 + _Cuckow, black and white_, 13 + Drymophila fasciata, 27 + ---- longipes, 23 + _Eagle, Brazilian crested_, 1 + Euplectes, characters of, 37 + _Flycatcher, painted_, 3 + _Hangnest, Cayenne_, 22 + Hirundo fasciata, 17 + Hyria, Generic Character, 10 + Icterina, characters of, 22 + Icterus, Generic Character, 22 + Icterus, Cayanensis, 22 + Iridina, Gen. Characte, 10 + _Jacama, African_, 6 + ---- _Habits of the_, 6 + Lingula anatina, 24 + ---- hians, 25 + Lorius garrulus, 12 + Lorius Isidorii, 8 + _Lory, Blue necked_, 8 + _Lory, Ceram_, 12 + Malimbus, characters of, 37 + Marmarostoma, Gen. Character, 14 + ---- undulata, 14 + Marginella oblonga, 44 + ---- guttata, 44 + Marius, characters of, 45 + ---- cinna, 45 + Melania amarula, 29 + ---- setosa, 29 + Mitra ambiguua, 30 + ---- bicolor, 19 + ---- carinata, 19 + ---- fulva, 30 + ---- melaniana, 15 + ---- punctata, 30 + ---- strigata, 19 + ---- tessellata, 5 + _Mussel-horse, areolated_, 18 + Myotherinæ, characters of, 23 + Nanodes, characters of, 21 + ---- venustus, 21 + Oliva, affinities of, 40 + ---- volutella, 40 + ---- striata, 40 + Pachyrhynchus, Gen. Ch., 41 + Pachystoma, Gen. Character, 9 + Paleornis Pondicerianus, 16 + Papilio Niamus, 32 + Parra africana, 6 + _Parrakeet, blue-fronted_, 21 + ---- _mustachoe_, 16 + ---- _Tabuan, or King_, 28 + ---- _vernal_, 2 + Petroica, Generic Character, 36 + ---- bicolor, 43 + ---- multicolor, 36 + _Phytophagous Molluscæ_, 30 + Platycercus scapularis, 26 + Ploceus, Generic Character, 37 + ---- the sub-genera, 37 + Ploceus textor, 37 + Polyborus Braziliensis, 1 + Psariana, characters of, 41 + Psaris cristatus, 41 + ---- Jardinii, 35 + Psittacidæ, Divisions of, 28 + Psittaculus vernalis, 2 + Rhetus Cramerii, 33 + _Robin, black and white_, 43 + ---- _scarlet breasted_, 36 + Rostellaria curvirostris, 34 + _Saris, crested_, 41 + ---- _Jardines_, 35 + Saxicolinæ, Bill of, 36 + Setophaga picta, 3 + Strombus Peruvianus, 39 + Strombii, Genera of, 35 + _Snail, Waved, Pearl_, 14 + _Swallow, white-banded_, 17 + _Swift, long-winged_, 42 + _Tanager, red-headed_, 27 + ---- _yellow_, 31 + _Tellen, wide-beaked_, 20 + Tellina latirostra, 20 + Thriothorus mexicanus, 11 + Voluta bullata, 15 + Volutella, sub-genus of, 44 + Volute, Bulla-shaped, 15 + Unionidæ, Family of, 10 + Unio, Generic Character, 10 + ---- truncatus, 10 + _Weaver, rufous necked_, 37 + Wren, mexican, 11 + Zoophagous Molluscæ, 35 + +* * * * * * + + + +Notes. + +[1] Zool. Journal, Vol. 4. p. 405. + +[2] Ill. of Brit. Ent. 1. p. 70. + + * * * * * + + + +Corrections made to printed text + +Preface: 'separate' (with critical judgment) corrected from 'seperate' + +Preface: (Speculation and) 'Hypothesis' corrected from 'Hypothosis' + +Plate 2, main title: 'POLYBORUS Braziliensis' corrected from '... +Brazilienses' + +Plate 9: 'Animaux' (sans Vetebres) corrected from 'Animanx' + +Plate 16: 'Geoffroy St. Hilaire' corrected from '... Hiliare' + +Plate 22: 'The true O. cayanensis' corrected from '...caynensis' + +Plate 30: Heading (MITRA) 'ambigua' corrected from 'ambigna' + +Plate 32: under Generic Character, 'caudated' corrected from 'candated' + +Plate 36: 'Stonechat' (fig. 3, 4) corrected from 'Sonechat' + +Plate 38: 'accurately' (figured by himself) corrected from 'acurately' + +Plate 39: 'respiratory' (siphon) corrected from 'respitory' + +Both indexes, Plate 30: (Mitra) 'ambigua' corrected from 'ambiguua' + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Zoological Illustrations, or Original +Figures and Descriptions. Volume I, Second Series, by William Swainson + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44056 *** |