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AMIN

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S971
V.




Zoological Hlustrations,
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
liam
WM. SWAINSON, ESQ., F.R.S., F.L.S.
ASSISTANT COMMISSARY GENERAL TO H. M. Forces. CORRESPONDING MEM-
BER OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF PARIS; HONORARY MEM-
BER OF THE HISTORIC SOCIETY OF NEW YORK; MEMBER OF
THE WERNERIAN SOCIETY, &c. &. &c.
VOL. 1.
SECOND SERIES.
London:
PRINTED BY R. IAVELL, JUN. NEWMAN STREET.
PUBLISHED BY BALDWIN AND CRADOCK,
PATERNOSTER ROW.
1829.
.
.


مراع
Museum
2.21-1939
TO
MRS. CORRIE,
OF
WOODVILLE, NEAR BIRMINGHAM.
My dear Madam,
Allow me, in dedicating this volume of Illus-
trations 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 cheer-
less 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.


PRE FACE.
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 inves-
tigated, 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,* while the latter contend
that mankind is more interested in knowing the properties
of species, than those of groups.t 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 seperate with critical
judgment, and nice discrimination, resemblances from affi-
nities. But for these valuable coadjutors our acquaintance
with nature would be altogether speculative: they supply,
* Zool. Journal, Vol. 4. p. 405. + Ill. of Brit. Ent. 1.
+ p. 70.
a

Vi
in short, by analysis, that basis upon which all true know-
ledge 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 un-
derstood, 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 never-
theless 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 Hypothosis. The combinations thus
produced, may well excite the smile of our continental neigh-
bours, nor need we feel surprise that they look, with some-
thing like contempt, on such arrangements called natural”
of affinities and relations.
On the other hand the Ornithological writings of Sonnini,

vii
Le Vaillant, Wilson, and Azara, are never failing sources
of information to the searcher after truth. The observa-
tions 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 emi-
nently 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 attempt-
ed. As this will be the result of careful analysis, we shall
place a high degree of confidence in the views it may deve-
lope.
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.
W. S.
Tittenhanger Green, St. Albans,
24th July, 1829.


GENERAL ALPHABETIC INDEX
OF
LATIN AND ENGLISH NAMES, &c.,
TO
VOL. 1.
.
.
5
18
23
21
21
.
40
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
40
40
41
9
16
32
6
21
16
28
2
36
45
36
30
26
37
37
37
1
41
41
35
28
2
33
43
36
34
41
35
36
3
.
Aglaïa, Generic Character
flava
gyrola
Alasmodon, Generic Character.
Ampullaria carinata .
canaliculata
nilotica
subcarinata
virens
Ancillaria rubiginosa
Ant-thrush, long legged
White shouldered
Anodon, Generic Character
areolatus
Apple Snail, carinated
Caraca Eagle
Chætura, Characters of
macroptera
Coccyzus Vaillantii
Cuculus nigricans
Cuckow, African black
Cuckow, black and white
Drymophila fasciata
longipes
Eagle, Brazilian crested
Euplectes, characters of
Flycatcher, painted
Hangnest, Cayenne
Hirundo fasciata
Hyria, Generic Character
Icterina, characters of
Icterus, Generic Character
Icterus, Cayanensis .
Iridina, Gen. Character
Jacama, African
Habits of the .
Lingula anatina
hians
Lorius garrulus
Lorius Isidorii
Lory, Blue necked
Lory, Ceram
Malimbus, characters of
Marmarostoma, Gen. Character
undulata
Marginella oblonga
guttata
Marius, characters of
cinna
Melania amarula
setosa
Mitra ambiguua
bicolor
carinata
fulva
melaniana
punctata
strigata
.
27
31
28
10
9
38
38
38
38
4
24
26
10
17
9
1
42
42
13
7
7
13
27
23
1
37
3
22
17
10
22
22
22
10
6
6
24
25
12
8
8
12
37
14
14
44
44
45
45
29
29
30
19
19
30
15
30
19
tessellata
Mussel-horse, areolated
Myotherinæ, characters of
Nanodes, characters of
venustus
Oliva, affinities of
volutella
striata
Pachyrhynchus, Gen. Ch.
Pachystoma. Gen. Character
Paleornis Pondicerianus
Papilio Niamus
Parra africana
Parrakeet, blue-fronted
mustachoe
Tabuan, or King
vernal
Petroica, Generic Character
bicolor
multicolor
Phytophagous Molluscæ
Platycercus scapularis
Ploceus, Generic Character
the sub-genera
Ploceus textor
Polyborus Braziliensis
Psariana, characters of
Psaris cristatus
Jardinii
Psittacidæ, Divisions of
Psittaculus vernalis
Rhetus Cramerii
Robin, black and white
scarlet breasted
Rostellaria curvirostris
Saris, crested
Jardines
Saxicolinæ, Bill of
Setophaga picta
Strombus Peruvianus
Strombii, Genera of
Snail, Waved, Pearl
Swallow, white-banded
Swift, long-winged
Tanager, red-headed
yellow.
Tellen, wide-beaked
Tellina latirostra
Thriothorus mexicanus
Voluta bullata.
Volutella, sub-genus of
Volute, Bulla-shaped
Unionidæ, Family of
Unio, Generic Character
truncatus
Weaver, rufous necked
Wren, mexican
Zoophagous Molluscæ
.
.
.
39
.
.
35
14
17
42
27
31
20
20
11
15
44
15
10
10
10
37
11
35
.
.
.
.
.
.


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.
Drymophyla longipes
23
PSITTACULUS vernalis
1
Lingula anatina
24
2
-hians
Polyborus Braziliensis
25
Setophaga picta
3
No. 6.
Ancillaria (Pl. 1.) rubiginosa
4
Platycercus scapularis
26
Mitra (Pl. 1.) melaniana
5
Drymophila fasciata
27
tessellata
Aglaia gyrola
28
No. 2.
Melania (Pl. 1.) amarula
29
Parra Africana
6
setosa
Cuculus nigricans
Mitra (Pl. 3.) fulva
7
30
Lorius Isidorii
8
ambiguua
Ampullaria Pl. 1.
punctata
carinata
9
No. 7.
Unio (Pl. 1.) truncatus
10
Aglaïa flava
31
No. 3.
Papilio Niamus
32
Thriothorus mexicanus
Rhetus Cramerii
11
33
Lorius garrulus
Rostellaria (Pl. 1.) curvirostris 34
12
Psaris Jardinii
35
Coccyzus Levaillantii
13
Marmarostoma (Pl. 1.)
No. 8.
-undulata
14
Petroica multicolor
36
Voluta (Pl. 1)
Ploceus textor
37
bullata
15
Ampullaria (Pl. 2.) Nilotica 38
No. 4.
-subcarinata
Paleornis Pondicerianus
Strombus (Pl. 1.) Peruvianus 39
16
Hirundo fasciata
Oliva (Pl. 1.) volutella
40
17
Anodon (Pl. 1.)
striata
areolatus
18
No.9.
Mitra (Pl. 2.) bicolor
19
Psaris cristatus
41
carinata
Chætura macroptera
42
strigata
Petroica bicolor
43
Tellina (Pl. 1.)
20
Marginella (Pl. 1.) oblonga 44
latirostra
guttata.
No.5.
Marius Cinna
45
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
21
Nanodes venustus
Icterus Cayanensis
22

4
wa


Brazilian Crested Eagle.
Polyborus Brazilensis.
N
OF
UNIL

POL Y B O RUS Brazilienses
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 cou-
rage 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 charac-
ters in common, that we cannot consider them of suffi-
cient 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 struc-
ture 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.



Sapphire crowned Parrot
fem.
1
UNL
OF
Bic

vernalis.
PSITTACULUS
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.
a
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 travel-
lers discovered it in the islands of Jaya 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 con-
spicuous in P. galgulus L. The spot on the throat, in
our specimen, is orange.
In respect to the situation of this bird among its conge-
ners, 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. passeri-
nus. 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.



Painted Flycatcher
Setophaga Rieta
3
OF
UNIO

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, con-
fine 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 Ornitho-
logist of the Red-bellied Flycatcher of Latham, of which,
in fact, it is nearly an exact prototype. But this resem-
blance, 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 Sylviada.
a



4
UND
OF
ola
M

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 whor?
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, re-
mains 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 op-
portunities which this zealous Conchologist enjoys will, no
doubt, enable him to make considerable and valuable addi-
tions to this and every other department of his subject ;
and he has our cordial good wishes for success in this most
laborious undertaking.
Ancillaria Pl. 1.



5
OF
UNIL

MITRA melaniana.
GENERIC CHARACTER.-See Zool. Illustr. 1 Series, Pl. 23.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Shell smooth, blackish brown, with very minute punctured trans-
,
verse 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 descrip-
tion of his M. melaniana applicable to both. In this un-
certainty, 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 illus-
trate 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; whit-
ish, 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 pur-
suits, has been, for very many years, constant and in-
variable. 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.
Mitra Pl. 1.



African Jacana
Parra Africana.
UNIL
ICH

PARRA Africana.
African Jacana.
Family Rallida.
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 in-
habiting 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 suf-
ficient to sink the supporting leaf just below the surface,
the birds actually appear to walk upon the water. .
Total length, ab. 104; bill, 110; wings, 5.10 : tarsi, 210 ;
;
hind toe and claw, 510.



212)
AFRICAN BLACK CUCKOW.
Cuculus nigricuns.
OF
3
ICH
UNIO

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.
Tue 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
č. 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, 124; bill, 110; wings, 64; tail, 61.
2



Blue necked Lory
8
UNIL
RICH

LO RIUS 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
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 com-
manding talents of his illustrious father. In
In prosecuting
our studies at the Garden of Plants, we met with such
unexampled liberality from its most distinguished Pro-
fessors, 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 some-
what 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
changed 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) 11, from the
base, 31
a
be ex-
a



AMPULLARIA.PL
A. carinata.
UNIL

A M PULLARIA 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 “Animanx 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 Am-
pullariæ.
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 Man-
chester Museum, and in our own.
Ampullaria Pl. 1.

cha


UNIO PLL
u. Truncatu
10
UNL
OF
3
MI
posti

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 length-
ened, 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 charac-
terizing 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 dis-
covered. 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.
Unio Pl. 1.



.
WHITE BREASTED WREN.
Thryothorus Maricanus.
OF
ONIL

THRIOTHORUS Mexicanus.
Mexican, or White-throated Wren.
Family Certhiada.
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.
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 Tham-
nophilus (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, 5]; bill, 110; wings, and tail, 26%; tarsi, To.
This genus



Crram Lory
UNIL
OF

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.
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 Aus-
tralia, but much of their general structure is transferred to
the Lory-Parrakeets, forming the modern genus Tricho-
glossus; 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 cha-
racterizing 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 sucto-
rial nature, by indications perceptible to every one.



LEVAILLANTS CUCKOW.
13
Coccyzus Levaillanti,
m

COCCY Z US 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 de-
scribed, 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 de-
scriptions 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.
a



MARMAROS TOMA. P1.1.
M. undulata
OF
Bici
UNIL

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 Concho-
logists, 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 ele-
vated 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 in-
dicating an important difference in the organization of the
animal) which constitutes the primary character of Marma-
rostoma : 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 sum-
mit 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. .
Marmarostoma Pl. 1.



VOLUTA.PL].
1. bullata
Pick
OF
UNIL

VOLUTA bullata.
Bulla-shaped Volute.
Generic CHARACTER. Zool. III. 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
a
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 struc-
ture 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 com-
plete 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,
Voluta Pl. 1.



Musta choe Parrakeet.
UNE
OF
Hy

PALE ORNIS Pondicerianus.
Pondichery, or Mustachoe Parrakeet.
Family Psittacidæ.
GENERIC CHARACTER.--Zool. Journ. 2, p. 46.-Less. Man. 2, p. 145.
2
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 charac-
ters 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.
Hiliare 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 Psit-
tacus 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?

1


cand
WHITE BANDED SWALLOW.
Hirunão fasciata
17
11
UNIL
OF
Rich

HIRUNDO fasciata.
White-banded Swallow.
Family Hirundinida.--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 col-
lections, 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.



TELLINA.P.I.
r. latirostra
UNIL
mic
OF

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. testá oblonga, purpurascente, subradiată, anteriùs sinuato-angu-
latá, rostri margine infimo ascendente. Lam. Syst. 5, p. 523.
و
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 in-
tended 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 lati-
rostra is not common, although we once received a consider-
able 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.
Tellina, Pl. 1.
a



Anodon, Pl. /
A. areolatus.
Bicy
OF
3
UNIL

ANO DON 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 con-
sequently 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 en-
tered 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 suffi-
ciently 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.
Anodon, Pl. 1.



2
1
MITRA. P1.2.
1. strigata. 2. bicolor. 3. carinata
OF
mo
>
UNIL

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. mela-
niana, 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, oliva-
ria, dactylus (Lam.), and olivæformis (Sw.), constitute a
particular group, allied to Concehelix, 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.
Mitra PI, 2.



banata
Blue-winged Parrakeet.
UNIL
OF

NANO DES 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 lan-
ceolate. Nob.
Type.- Psittacus pulchellus. — Zool. III. 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 sup-
posed to represent those birds in the Southern hemisphere.
We received two specimens of the Blue-fronted Parra-
keet, 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.



Yellow-shouldered Oriole.
I. Cayanensis
UNIL
OF
RICH

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.
p
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 0. caynensis, 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 there-
fore 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 defini-
tion of the Icterinæ.
Total length, 9 in.; bill, 1; wings, 4; tail 41o ; tarsi, ir
no



Long legʻd Ant Thrush
(N grallatoria.)
OF
3
mo
UNIL

DRY MOPHILA 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 pub-
lished account. The figure represents the natural size.



file
Linyula
Bicy
mio
UNIL


Lingula
Tcians.
25
UNIL
OF

LINGU LA anatina.
-
Class Mollusca.-Order Brachiopoda (Macleay).
GENERIC CHARACTER.—Lam. Sys. 61, 257.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Valves of equal breadth, much depressed, and longitudinally sul-
cated; 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 bi-
valve 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 pecu-
liarities 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.
Lingula, 2 Pl.



Pennantian Parrakeet.
UNIL
OF

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.
а
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; some-
times 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 ap-
pear 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.
a



white shoulder's Art Thrush
(M. Bicincta.)
27
OF
yo
UNIL

DRY MOPHILA trifasciata.
Ꭰ
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 pro-
vinces 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 Dry-
mophila, 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
а
D



7
Red headed Tanager
T. Gyrola
28
UND
3
mic

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. PI, 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.



MELANIA Pl. 1.
1, setosa. 2 umorula.
29
OF
UNID

M Α
M EL A NIA amarula.
Order Phytophaga. (Gasteropoda, Cuv. Pars.)
Mollusca destitute of a syphon, but furnished with jaws, and gene-
rally 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.
Melania. Pl. 1.



3
3
2
MITRA. P1.3.
1, adusła, 2. dmbigua. 3, punctata,
30
OF
UNIE

MITRA fulva.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Shell ovate-acute, smooth, fulvous, unspotted, marked with trans-
verse 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, in-
duced 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 ambigna.
Shell ovate-fuciform, rufous, with a white band near the suture,
transversely striated and punctured, suture and outer lip cre-
nated, 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 pos-
sess but one specimen, and know not its locality.
MITRA punctata.
Shell ovate, brown, striated and punctured: spire very small, some-
what 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.
Mitra. Pl. 3.



35.
ALTRA
UNIL
OF
MICE

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.
ز
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.
a
In a small collection of birds, from the interior of the vast
Empire of Brazil, we met with this new and highly in-
teresting 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 inter-
mediate 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,
our dedication of this species to him, as a proof of the esti-
mation 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 Ornitholo-
gists, by being universally adopted. Recently, however,
the Editor of the Zoological Journal has expressed his
will accept

Let us
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 con-
nected 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.
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 hencefor-
ward, 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.


Golden backd Tanager.
T. Flava.
inale
31
INIC

A GLAÏA 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.

learn hub a los dos de longe
wolle


RHETUS Cramerui,
UNIL
OF
3
Pich

RHETUS Cramerii.
GENERIC CHARACTER,
Larva and Pupa unknown.
Wings triangular; the posterior lengthened and rather acutely
tailed. Antenna with the club linear-fuciform. Palpi cylindrical,
elongate, porrect, incurved, remote, naked; the second joint re-
markably 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
antenna, 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,



PAPILIO. Niamus
32 a
OF
A C
H.
UNIL

PAPILIO Niamus.
Order Lepidoptera. G. Papilio. (Auct.)
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Wings pale, with longitudinal bands: posterior lengthened, can-
dated; 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 striga 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. Sub-
sequent 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, un-
questionably belongs.


1

ROS TELLARIA. PI
R avirostris
MIC
OF
Whe
UNIL

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 branchia by a
projecting siphon.
Family,? Strombidæ. (Les Ailées. Lam.)
SYNOPSIS OF THE GENERA.
a
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.
A Porrhais. 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.).
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.
Strombidae. Pl. I.

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 ana-
logy 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 mandi-
bulate insects are provided with jaws for tearing and mas-
ticating 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 con-
spicuous 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 employ-
ing them as typical distinctions of the two great divisions
of Gastropod Mollusca,


2
PE TROICA multicolor
Scarlet breasted Robin.
UNIL
thick
OF
3

PETROICA
multicolor.
Scarlet-breasted Robin.
Family Sylviada.
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 Holl. 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 de-
tails, or as exemplifying that system of symbolical relation-
ship 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 repre-
sented 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 fre-
E

-
quents 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 (Saxicola). —
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 sum-
mer), “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 typi-
cal species, we should have had doubts whether to charac-
terize 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 pro-
priety 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 Sonechat (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 for-
wards : while those of the Saxicolæ, although sometimes
remarkably long, are generally weak, and diverge in dif-
ferent 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 con-
nected 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.


PLOCEUS reoler
Rufous necked Teaver
OF
UNIL

PLO CEUS textor.
Rufous-necked Weaver.
Family Fringillidae ?
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.
паре
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 (Icterina) 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 Sene-
gal, 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, sub-
generic, 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
a
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 in-
stance, 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
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 62 inches, bill to, wings 3, tarsi i'o,
middle claw 1, tail 27, beyond the wings 15.
So that it appears


AMPULLARIA. PL.II.
1. Subcoornala. 2. Nilotica
UNL

AM PULLARIA 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 oppor-
tunity of examining this rare and little known species, first
described and acurately figured by himself. It was dis-
covered, 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 subse-
quently reached this country. The surface is rough, occa-
sioned by irregular corrugated wrinkles : the epidermis
olive.
A MPULLARIA 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 ; un-
bilicus 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
Ampullaria. Pl. 2.

have characterized in different works, we can only discover
two instances wherein the same species have been men-
tioned 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.


STOMBUS.PL
S. Peruvianus
SNIL
Bic
IV.
OF
371

STROM BUS Peruvianus.
Order Zoophaga. Family ? Strombida.
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 Pa-
nama, 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 classifica-
tion, 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 con-
siderations 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 arti-
ficial 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 Mol-
Tusca, 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 re-
ference to the same object.
“ Les Aileés,” observes Lamarck, “constituent une fa-
Strombus. PL. 1.

mille très-naturelle, qui avoisine celle des Canaliferè's
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 respitory siphon. In Strom-
bus 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 pes-
pelecani 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 obser-
vations 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 pro-
cesses 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 spe-
cies 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.


2
2
OLIVA Pl)
1. volutella. 2. striata

OLI VA 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. 0. testa ovato-conica, subcæruleâ, ad spiram
basimque luteo fuscata ; spirâ valdè productâ, acuta. 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 de-
fined by Lamarck, to be typical of a natural group, compris-
ing 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 re-
corded by Mr. G. Sowerby, as "remarkable for its resem-
blance 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 Cono-
helix, and a third to the Olives : the species are all re-
markable 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 applica-
ble 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. Pro-
ceeding 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
Oliva. PI, 1.

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 0. reticularis, En.
Meth. 36, f. 1; fusiformis, Ib. 367,1; guttata, Ib. 368, f. 2.)
Others are seen of a more slender form, as 0. subulata,
L. acuminata, E. M. 368, 3, where the pillar is similarly
plaited. But in several small species allied to 0. 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 0. 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. Whe-
ther 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.
in short, one of those forms too hazardous to class without
a complete knowledge of the animal,
It is,
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 speci-
mens appear to be from the London clay. Its form seems
analogous to Conohelix among the Mitres. The line ad-
joining the figures denotes the natural length of the shells,


beri
PSARIS Orustatus
Crested on white-backed Sarus
UNID
IV
OF
sich
59

PS ARIS 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, de-
pressed, 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 pro-
vinces 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 pro-
fesses 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
F

a se
ils se tiennent long temps d la même place. Ils ne sortent
point des grands bois, et ils se perchent toujours au plus
haut des arbres les plus élevés, où ils ne cherchent pas
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 super-
ficial: 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 Orni-
thologists 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; par-
ticularly 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.


42.
UNIL
3 or
OF
yo

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 34 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 considera-
ble talent. We do not find it mentioned in any Ornitholo-
gical 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 in-
creased 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 Fissi-
rostres ; 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 in-
tend 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.



PETROICA bioober
Black & white Rohi
UND
OF
3
mic
W

PETRO ICA bicolor.
Black and White Robin.
Family Sylviadæ. Sub-family Saxicoline.
(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 de-
voted to a science already so much benefited by his re-
searches, this enthusiastic Traveller found some leasure for
Ornithology, and has lately favoured us with a large collec-
tion 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 circum-
stance 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 im-
mediate affinity to Sialia arctica : while it is clothed in the
pure white, and glossy black plumage, which nature after-
wards employs to designate the typical group of GRYLLI-
vora, (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.



2
MARGINELLA Pll
1. oblonga. 2. guttata.
N
iv.
OF
Rich

MARGINELLA oblonga.
Family Volutida. Genus Marginella. Lam. Sys. 7.
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 un-
acquainted with its locality. The perpendicular line ex-
presses 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 Margi-
nella, 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 mini-
ature 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.
M M ARGINELL A 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 indi-
cated by the horizontal line. Our specimen is the only one
we have yet seen, nor do we know its habitat.
Marginella Pl. 1.



MARIUS Cinna.
C
IV.
OF
Bic

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 com-
pact scales. Anterior feet small, slender, imperfect, the tarsal
joints? concealed by long hairs: club of the antenne 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. 1. pl. 100. f. 8.
Cramer describes this elegant Butterfly as a native of Su-
rinam, 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 co-
lour 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 whe-
ther 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 toge-
ther 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,


1


DIY, OF MOLLUSKS