Chapter II: Part 2

Bill arched from the base, moderate, and generally entire; wings very
short: tail broad, rounded. Feet and toes of great strength and size;
plumage lax, and soft. _Nobis._

GRACULA (_pars._) _Cuv._ POMATORHINUS. _Horsf. Tem._ (_pars._) PITTA.
(_p._) OPETIORHYNCHUS. IXOS. (_p._) MALURUS (_p._) _Tem._ TIMALIA.
MEGALURUS. _Horsf._ DASYORNIS. PHOSPHODES. _Vig._

----

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Bill slender, moderate, the upper mandible notched; nostrils naked,
membranaceous, the aperture terminal.

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Above blackish brown, beneath fulvous yellow; sides of the body lineated
with black lines, base of the quills and tips of the laternal tail
feathers pure white, sides of the neck, with a naked space._

Gracula longirostris? _Auct._

----

It is seldom that the notes of the feathered race are absolutely disagreeable, but we never remember to have heard a bird with a voice of such astounding discord, as that now before us. Its particular note, if note it could be called, we do not now recollect; but it was so shrill, grating, and monotonous, that we have frequently rushed out of the house, to drive away the babbling disturbers. This happened at the hospitable residence of our friend Mr. Pinches, of Pernambucco, whose house was close to a small swamp, overgrown with reeds, among which these birds delight to dwell; and which in fact, they never quit. Clinging to the smooth stems by their strong feet and acute claws, they were incessantly uttering discord with the most provoking perseverance: all the time moving their body from one side to the other, spreading out their tail, and straining their throats, in the most grotesque way imaginable. On each side of the neck, is a long space of bare skin of a deep yellow colour: they live in pairs, and build a pensile nest among the reeds: their flight is very slow and feeble.

* * * * * *

_Murex erythrostomus._]

MUREX erythrostomus.

_Pink-mouthed Murex._

----

Family Buccinidæ. Sub-family Muricinæ. _Nob._

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

(Type 1.) _Shell spinous: varices between the two lips four; armed with
conic, generally pointed spines, the upper and lower of which are
vaulted; colour reddish white, articulated with brown: false varices
intermediate; aperture rosey: inner lip smooth._

----

Messrs. Stuchbury obligingly forwarded us fine specimens of this lovely species, for comparison with _M. Regius_ and _Imperialis_. In general habit it has a close affinity to the first, but is distinguished by intermediate false varices, which in that species are wanting; while the upper and lower spines are alone vaulted: from _Imperialis_ our shell is further removed, by the varices being spinous, instead of nodulous; this latter character being seen only in the intermediate protuberances, and in the false varices.

We have already intimated our belief that _Murex_ and _Cassis_ represent two equivalent groups; and these, as containing several established genera, we shall consider as sub-families: giving them the usual termination of _inæ_. Those higher naturalists, who have long since abandoned the belief in absolute divisions and isolated genera, are fully aware that no groups are more likely to exhibit the arrangement of nature, than such as contain numerous species, under a great diversity of forms. The _Murices_ are of this description, and appear to exhibit, among themselves, a circular series. _Triton_ and _Murex_ also seem typical genera, and of equal value. _Ranella_ obviously belongs to the first; yet, as it is merely a subordinate type of form, we cannot, under this belief, retain it as a _genus_, without a manifest inconsistency; unless, indeed, it is thought expedient to consider the types of form in _Murex_, as so many genera, and elevate three others in _Triton_ to the same rank; a refinement in nomenclature, which we cannot think is in the least degree necessary.

* * * * * *

EUTERPE Terea.

----

PAPILIO. (_pars._) _Latrielle._ SUB-FAMILY PIERESINÆ. _Nob._

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Antennæ_ lengthened, terminating in a broad, very compressed, spatulate
club. _Palpi_ hairy; the first joint very long, exceeding the united
length of the two next: second joint half as long as the first; third
very small, manifestly shorter than the second. _Anterior wings_ long,
papilioniform; the exterior margin longer than the posterior. _Nob._

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Wings above black: anterior both above and below, with a trifid white or
yellowish central spot: posterior with a four-parted rosey spot; and
varigated beneath, at the base, with yellow and rosy stripes._

Papilio Terias. _Latrielle & Godart. En. Meth. 1. p. 38. No. 39._

----

Nature has so completely disguised this Butterfly in the form and colours of a genuine Papilio, as to have deceived the first entomologist now in Europe, and his most skilful and accurate coadjutator. In the _Ency. Methodique_ we find this species recorded as a _Papilio_; whereas it perfectly agrees, in all the details of its structure, with the characters proposed in that valuable work for the genus _Pieris_. Whether nature has employed this beautiful device to indicate the group which next succeeds in her series, or whether she has intended it to point out a strong analogy, are questions which, in our present imperfect knowledge of Lepidopterous groups, cannot be answered.

Of this group we possess several new and highly interesting species. It is worthy of remark, that they were all collected in one particular locality, and at the same season. This was during a short residence at Mandioca, the plantation of Dr. Langsdorff, among the woods at the base of the Organ mountains, near Rio de Janeiro.

We believe this group is restricted to tropical America, where it probably represents the genuine _Pieres_, (as defined at pl. 69,) of the Old World. The present species is subject to much variation in the size, proportion, and colour of its spots: the white is sometimes pale yellow, and the rosy becomes of a deeper and brighter hue.

* * * * * *

_1. Gentius. 2. Æacus_]

PELEUS Æacus.

----

Family Hesperidæ.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Antennæ_ not hooked, the club formed into a long, slender, fusiform
arch. _Wings_ with both surfaces alike, horizontally divaricated when at
rest; posterior rounded, entire; broader from the base to the anal angle,
than to the exterior margin.

Type. Hesp. Peleus. _Fab._

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Wings deep brownish black; anterior with a redish transverse band,
united to a spot of the same, and tipt with a sub-hyaline band of redish
orange._

Hesp. Peleus. _Fab. Cramer, pl. 284, f. F._

----

Entomologists, from being acquainted only with the habits of the European species of this family, represent the _Hesperidæ_ as resting with only the hinder wings elevated: This is altogether a mistake. Some groups, indeed, assume this position when basking in the sun, or taking food; but even these, when fairly at rest, erect their wings in the ordinary manner: a fact we have repeatedly witnessed. Not so, however, with the group we now illustrate: and which is peculiar to South America. These insects rest _with all the four wings expanded_; and hide themselves during the meridian heat, on the under side of broad leaves, in the deep forests. From never appearing exposed, this species long escaped our search, but having once discovered this singular part of its economy, we captured it in abundance. It probably feeds, like many of the _Sphingides_, or Hawk Moths, in the morning and evening, but its haunts were too far from our habitation, to allow of ascertaining this point.

----

PELEUS Gentius.

_Anterior wings black, with three yellow bars, posterior yellow, with a
simple black border._

Hesp. Gentius. _Fab. Cramer, pl. 179, f. C._

----

Our specimens of this very rare insect were captured by Dr. Langsdorff, in the interior of Southern Brazil, the colours of the under surface of the wings are the same as those of the upper.

* * * * * *

_Black & crimson Shrike._]

MALACONOTUS atro-coccineus.

_Burchell's Shrike._

----

GENERIC CHARACTER, &c. See Pl. 71.

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Black, beneath crimson: lesser wing covers banded with white, greater
covers and lesser quills with a broad, white, longitudinal stripe._

Malaconotus atro-coccineus. _Burchell, Zool. Journ. 1. p. 461. Pl. 18._

Mus. D. Burchell.

----

Among the few Ornithological subjects which that accomplished traveller, Mr. Burchell, has yet published from his vast collections of African Zoology, is the charming bird here figured. It was discovered near Litakoon, the principal town of the Bachapins, a nation never before known to Europeans. Its principal range is between lat. 27. 20. and 29. 10. S. on the meridian of 24. E. "To a traveller," continues our friend, "wandering through the airy groves of the _Transgaripine_, the sight of these _Lanii_, flying from branch to branch above his head, and displaying their fine colour in all its brilliancy, suddenly arrests his steps, and claims his admiration. Viewed in such a position, little of their black colour is seen, and they then appear to be entirely scarlet."

A most beautiful analogy may be traced between the two principal groups of the Bush Shrikes, and those of the Ant-thrushes. The genus _Malaconotus_ corresponds to the _Pittæ_, in being restricted to the old world, in the vivid colours of their plumage, and the connexion, in the typical species, of the two outer toes. In _Thamnophilus_ and _Myothera_, both American groups, the colours are uniformly dark; and their resemblance in structure is so close, that no author has yet pointed out their distinctions.

* * * * * *

_Orange Flag Volute._]

HARPULA vexillum.

_Orange-flag Volute._

----

Family Volutidæ. Sub-family Volutinæ. _Nob._

GENERIC CHARACTERS.

Shell generally tuberculated or longitudinally ribbed: apex of the spire
papillary, smooth, and in general distorted: Pillar with numerous
distinct plaits; the upper small and slender, the lower thickest and
shortest.

Type. _Voluta Hebræa._ Lam.

TYPES OF FORM. I. Vol. Hebræa, musica, pusio, polyzonalis, &c. II. Vol.
bullata? III. Vol. multicostata, mitræformis, costata, lyriformis,
nucleus, &c. IV. Vol. rupestris, dubia? V. Vol. lapponica, vexillum.
_Auct._

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Shell either smooth, or slightly and acutely tuberculated; white with
numerous bands of orange; pillar thickened in the middle, and marked with
from six to eight plates._

Voluta vexillum. _Auct. Lam. Syst. 7. 346. Ency. Meth. pl. 381 f. 1. a.
b. optimè._

----

Few Volutes can exceed this in elegance or beauty. The peculiarity of its markings, resembling the national colours of Holland, has procured it the name of the Orange-flag Volute. Although long known to Conchologists, it still continues a rare shell to our cabinets, and is much sought for on the continent, particular among the collectors in Holland; they view it with something of a national fondness, and value it at a high price. It is brought from Amboyna, and some other islands of the Indian Ocean. The many-plaited Volutes, form one of the most natural groups in the whole department of Conchology; and one which the most unpractised student will have no difficulty in understanding. The more experienced Conchologist, in studying its contents, will detect some very extraordinary and beautiful analogies. It contains, in fact, representations of all the principal divisions of the old genus Voluta, and also of the corresponding groups among the Mitras; to which sub-family it forms the true passage. We feel some hesitation, however, in regard to the second type; or that which must lead immediately to _Volutilithes_; as we rather suspect that the true type, or more properly the annectant form, by which this union is effected, has not yet been discovered. We share also in Mr. Broderips doubts, regarding the situation of his _V. dubia_.

* * * * * *

_Hiatula Lamarci 2. pallida. 3. maculata._]

OLIVÆ. Pl. 3.

_The Wide-mouthed Olives._

----

Family Volutidæ. Genus Oliva. _Nob._

SUB-GENUS HIATULA. _Nob._

Suture channelled. Pillar above smooth, not thickened, beneath tumid, and
marked with a few oblique plaits: base of the aperture very wide.

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTERS.

Hiatula Lamarci. _Fulvous brown: pillar white, with about four lengthened
plaits, and intermediate shortened ones between them, inner margin of the
lip brown._ Fig. 1.

H. pallida. _Aperture and base of the pillar livid brown: plaits 4-5,
simple, equal; inner margin of the lip pale._ Fig. 2.

H. maculosa. _Aperture orange, marked above with a black spot: base of
the pillar white, the plaits small, crowded, and of unequal length._ Fig.
3.

Mus. Nost.

----

As the connection of the Olives with the Mitres has been illustrated in a former number, we now characterize the sub-genus by which the former are united to the _Ancillariæ_. The thickened and oblique plaits on the pillar, its smoothness on the upper part, and the great width of the aperture, are all characters which render this affinity unquestionable, and detach the group from the more common and typical Olives before alluded to.

Since we published the figure of _Oliva striata_, (Oliva, Pl. 1. f. 2.) we have procured the true _Ancillaria canalifera_ of Lamark, and find it as we suspected, a very different shell. As _Hiatula_ leads to the _Ancillariæ_, so does the sub-genus _Olivella_, (comprising the small operculated Olives) conduct us to the Mitres, by means of _Olivella volutella_, already figured in this work. We believe the _third_ aberrant form is represented by our _Oliva striata_, but we shall not proceed to characterize it as a sub-genus, until a better acquaintance with the group is obtained; its analogy to _Conohelix_, by its external sculpture, seems to us a strong ground of distinction.

We procured all these wide-mouthed Olives from the Messrs. Stuchbury, to whom we are often indebted for the loan of interesting specimens.

* * * * * *

_S. G. Melete._]

PIERIS (_Melete_) Limnobia.

_Yellow-underwing White._

----

Genus Pieris, Lat.

CHARACTERS.

_Antennæ_ as in _Euterpe_. _Palpi_ lengthened, the terminal joint linear,
pointed, nearly naked, and longer than either of the two next. _Anterior
wings_ trigonal, the exterior and the posterior margins of equal length:
_posterior wings_ dilated. _Male_ with the terminal abdominal valves
large, abruptly attenuated, and hooked.

Type. Pieris Limnobia. Lat. & Godart.

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Anterior wings above yellowish white, with a black triangular exterior
border, and a costal band in the female. Posterior above yellow, with an
orange border, divided in the female, into round spots upon a black
ground: under surface with a deep brown border, unspotted._

Pieris Limnobia. _Ency. Meth. 1 p. 144. No. 93._

---- Lycimnia? _Cramer pl. 105. f. E. F. Ency. Meth. No. 92?_

----

We found this pretty Butterfly in profusion near the woods of Mandioca, at the foot of the Organ Mountains of Rio de Janeiro; when in company with our learned friend Professor Raddi, now prosecuting his researches in Egypt: it appears late in the season, and frequents the flowery openings of thick woods. The female is without the black costal band, and the margins of the lower wings are simply orange. The accurate description of _Limnoria_ in the _Ency. Meth._ perfectly accords with our specimens; but we suspect the _Lycimnia_ of Cramer is also the same species.

In illustrating the Lepidopterous insects, we shall first define all those variations in form, which appear to us sufficiently important; directing our chief attention to the external anatomy of the perfect insect. These groups or forms, we shall provisionally name: we shall next endeavour to detect their true affinities, and their relative value; abolishing such as may be found unnecessary, and confirming others which assume a higher station. We intend, in short, to proceed only by analysis, and we therefore wish that any incidental remarks, made by us in the interim, may be looked on with suspicion: or at least, with that doubt which must attend all opinions resulting only from synthesis.

* * * * * *

_Black masked Thrush._]

CRATEROPUS Reinwardii.

_Black-masked, or Reinwardts Thrush._

----

Family Merulidæ. Sub-family Macropodianæ.

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Bill hard, compressed, either slightly notched or entire: wings and tail
rounded, the former short, the latter broad. Feet remarkably large and
strong; the two outer fore toes equal, the middle lengthened; hind toe
and claw very large; claws compressed, strong, and but slightly curved.

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Above grey; throat spotted; wings and tail brown; head and ears black;
chin white._

In Mus. Paris. Nost.

----

Of the habits of this plain, but singularly formed bird, we know nothing. It is, we believe, one of the numerous discoveries made by that able Zoologist, Professor Reinwardt, in the Indian Islands; and should it not be already described, (a point we cannot fully ascertain,) we trust it may be allowed to bear the name of one, whose important labours merit the thanks and respect of all the scientific world.

The length of our specimen, as indicated by the scale on the plate, is ten inches and three quarters. The feet, in all their details, are uncommonly strong, while the wings are feeble and much rounded. The fifth and sixth quills are longest; the scapular quills and the tail feathers, when held to the light, exhibit transverse dark shades.

We have elsewhere pointed out[7] the characters by which the strong legged Thrushes form one of the sub-families of the _Merulidæ_; the two other aberrant divisions, being represented by the true Orioles (_Oriolinæ_,) and the short legged Thrushes (_Brachypinæ_.) That these form a circle of their own, independant of the Ant Thrushes (_Myotherinæ_,) and the true Thrushes (_Merulinæ_) has unintentionally been proved by M. M. Temminck and Vigors; the first in proposing, and the latter in adopting, the genus _Ixos_; an artificial group, compounded of birds totally dissimilar to each other, but which, in the progression of certain species, demonstrate the circular arrangement of the three subfamilies above named.

* * * * * *

_Martius's Motmot._]

PRIONITES Mexicanus.

_Mexican Motmot._

----

Family Trogonidæ. Sub-family Prionitinæ. _Nob._ (_See Northern Zoology, 2. p. 326._)

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Small, above green, beneath paler; head and neck above cinnamon, ears
black, varied and tipped with bright blue stripes; belly white._

Momotus Martii. _Jardine & Selby. Ill. of Orn. 2 pl. 25._

Prionites Mexicanus. _Swains. Phil. Mag. June 1827. p. 442._

----

The Motmots, so named from their monotonous note, live only in the tropical forests of the New World, preferring those deep recesses of perpetual shade, where a high canopy of matted foliage, nearly excludes the rays of a vertical sun. They appear even more solitary in their disposition than the Trogons; their note may be heard, morning and evening, from the depths of the forests, but the bird is never seen, unless the hunter comes unexpectedly upon its retreat. This we have generally found to be a low, withered branch, completely shaded, and just at the edge of such paths as are made by the Cavies, or the Indians. The Jacamas and the Trogons both love these shady nooks, where they sit nearly motionless, watching for passing insects, upon which they dart. Such is, no doubt, the manner in which the Motmot feeds; but his strong confirmation enables him to capture larger game. Travellers assert that he also devours the eggs and young of other birds, like the Toucans: this we believe, as both have the same long and feather-like tongue. Thus has nature allied these two groups, each standing at the confines of their own tribe: incontestably proving the union of the Scansores, Teniurostres, and Fissirostres, into one great circle.

The present species has only been found in Mexico, although the London Ornithologists have confounded it with the Prionites Martii of Brazil. Hence the error of Sir W. Jardine and Mr. Selby, and adopted upon our plate. Distrusting our first opinion, we believed the London co-adjutors of these gentlemen, having access to the original work of Dr. Spix, could not have made such a blunder, but a personal inspection of the original figure decided the question. No two species can well be more different.

* * * * * *

_Mexican Trogon_]

TROGON Mexicanus.

_Mexican Trogon. Male._

----

Tribe Fissirostres. Family Trogonidæ.

Sub-family Trogoninæ. (G. Trogon. _Auct._)

GENERIC CHARACTER. See Lesson Man. 2 p. 139.

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Above golden green, beneath crimson; tail black; the three outer
feathers banded with white on their outer web only; inner webs with an
oblique white stripe along their shafts; the inner edge spotted with
white._ Male.

Trogon Mexicanus, female. _See Swains. in Phil. Mag. June 1827._

Mus. Dom. Taylor.

----

The Trogons are found only in the dark primeval forests of the Tropics; shunning the haunts of man, and living in solitude and silence. It is not, therefore, to be wondered at, that their peculiar economy should be shrouded in mystery, or that the naturalists of Europe should be much perplexed in finding them a place in their artificial or their natural systems. Our researches in Tropical America, will enable us to communicate, in the forthcoming volume of Northern Zoology, some very singular information on these birds, which we shall not now anticipate.

The species are much more numerous then is imagined, but they are, perhaps, less understood than those of any one group of Ornithology. Males of different species are classed as the same, while their females are considered as distinct. The number enumerated in the last edition of the Synopsis of Birds as inhabiting all South America, is six; but we possess eight species from Brazil alone; besides several others, which it is impossible to identify from books.

The Mexican Trogon was first described by us, from a bird, which we felt assured was a female; and this belief was soon after confirmed, by the arrival of a fine specimen of the male, to Mr. Taylor, from Real del Monte; in whose possession it now is. We shall defer a detailed account of its plumage, until we illustrate the other sex.

Total length 11 in. bill nine-tenths, wings 5¾, tail 7¾, the outermost feather 3½ in. shorter.

* * * * * *

_Bat Volute._]

CYMBIOLA vespertilio.

_Bat Volute._

----

Family Volutidæ. Sub-family Volutinæ. _Nob._

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell armed with spinous tubercles, sometimes smooth but never ribbed;
spiral whorls gradually diminishing in size, but not distorted; the apix
thick and obtuse; pillar with four plaits.

TYPES OF FORM.--1. Marmorata. Broderpia. _Sw._ (Cymbiola. _Sow._) 2.
Vespertilio. Nivosa. Rutila. Aulica. Pulchra. Pacifica. 3. Elongata (?)
Gracilis. Magnifica. Tuberculata. 4. ----? 5. Lugubris.

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Shell armed with spinous tubercles, pale fulvous with remote angular
waved lines of brown; spiral whorls plaited; pillar with four plaits._

Voluta vespertilio. _Lam. Sys. 7. 1. p. 336._

----

The second or sub-typical genus of the Volutes, appears to be represented by this common though elegant species; here figured from one of the largest specimens we have ever seen. The group is chiefly distinguished by the very obtuse but regular termination of its spire, the whorls of which are never distorted or disproportionately inflated: the plaits are always four, and the pillar is never thickened in the middle: the shells of all the typical species are furnished with pointed tubercles; and from their general aspect, do not appear to be covered, like the typical Volutes, by the dilated mantle of the animal, yet the two groups blend into each other by means of the first type of form above indicated.

As we have deemed it advisable to employ the name of _Cymbiola_, (hitherto used in a _specific_ sense), as a generic appellation for the whole group, we trust that those who may adopt our views, will hereafter distinguish the _Voluta cymbiola_ of Sowerby, now in the cabinet of Mr. Broderip, by the name of _Cymbiola Broderpia_, in just commemoration of a gentleman whose knowledge of conchology, and whose general labours in the cause of science we have so often had occasion to honour.

* * * * * *

_Marbled Melon._]

VOLUTA cymbium.

_Clouded Melon Volute._

----

Sub-family Volutinæ _Nob._ (Gen. Melo. Cymba. Voluta. _Brod._)

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell enveloped by the mantle of the animal: oval, ventricose; spire very
obtuse, papillary, remarkably short, the whorls (when defined) abruptly
lessening. Pillar with from 3 to 4 carinated plaits.

TYPES OF FORM.--1. V. fulgetrum. 2. V. cymbium. olla. Neptuni, porcina,
proboscidalis, rubiginosa. 3. melo, tessellata, Ethiopica, diadema,
armata, nautica. 4. Imperialis, Scapha (?) 5. angulata. _Auct._

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

Type 2. _Shell ovate, marbled with rufous and white, suture channelled,
the margin carinated: spire rude, irregular, plaits on the pillar
variable._

Voluta cymbium. _Auct. Lam. Sys. 7. 9. 332, Ency. Meth. pl. 386, f.
3._--L'Yet, _Adans. Seneg. pl. 3. f. 1. p. 44._

Cymba cymbium. _Brod. in Sow. Genera._

----

That the system of nature is essentially a system of types and symbols, is a truth which has not only been perceived by philosophers, but is apparent to every attentive observer of nature. It has been our endeavour, in the second volume of _Northern Zoology_, to investigate this system, and to ascertain those laws by which it is regulated. One of the results of this enquiry has been, that every genus, pre-eminently typical, contains a greater number of forms than any other; the necessary consequence of comprising within itself, representations of every division in the whole family. By this test must our present definition of the typical genus _Voluta_ be tried. We consider this particular species as the type of the whole group: according to Adanson, it is abundant on the western coast of Africa, where it is stated to vary considerably, both in its colour and in its plaits. To the same traveller we are indebted for the best account of the animal, which he describes under the name of L'Yet. It has been thought, indeed, that this is the _Voluta neptuni_, but as the interior of Adanson's L'Yet is "blanche" and that of _Neptuni_ is yellowish orange, we rather think that the French writer intended to designate the _Voluta cymbium_ of systematic authors.

* * * * * *

_Maroon banded Hair streak._]

ENDYMION regalis.

_Maroon-banded Hair-streak._

----

Tribe Papiliones. Family, Polyommatidæ. Sub-family, Theclanæ. _Nob._

SUB-GENERIC CHARACTER.

Palpi in one sex (male) scarcely projecting beyond the head, the last
joint very minute; in the other (female) lengthened, porrect, curved
downwards, the last joint as long as that which precedes it; in both
obtuse and covered with close-set scales; posterior wings four tailed.

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Wings above shining blue: beneath golden emerald green, with a common
black stripe, and a broad red band on the posterior wings; ocelli none._

Papilio regalis. _Cramer. Ins. Pl. 72. f. E. F._

Hesperia Endymion. _Fab. Ent. Sys. 3. 1. 268._

----

This superb butterfly, both in size and brilliancy of colour, may vie with the Emerald Hair-streak, and both are among the most beautiful of their family yet discovered. The general colour of the under surface is of the richest golden green; the under wings being crossed by a broad bar of deep maroon, softened into pearly white. The female is known by being the largest, and by having the black margin of the upper wings much broader. Our specimens were captured in Brazil. Lat 8. 12. S.

The palpi, which in the sub-genus _Arcas_ are equally long and perfect in both sexes, are very different in the male and female of the present sub-genus. In other respects there seems to be a close affinity between them. We have not had time, however, to enter upon their minute dissection.

* * * * * *

_Dusky bodied Jay._]

GARRULUS sordidus.

_Dusky-bodied Jay._

----

Family Corvidæ. Sub-family Garulinæ. _Nob._ _See Northern Zoology, 2. p. 288._

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Above dusky blue, brighter upon the crown, wings, and tail; beneath
grey; chin and belly whiteish; ears blackish; tail distinctly rounded._

Garrulus sordidus. _Swains. Synopsis, No. 66._ (_Phil. Mag. June 1827._)

----

The Jays, although allied to the Crows, have many peculiar characteristics. While the latter roam about and seek their food in all situations, the Jays confine themselves to thick woods, feeding upon fruits, insects, and eggs, and seldom perch upon the ground. In unison with that symbolical system which pervades all nature, we find a perfect representation of this group in the Bush-Shrikes of the new world.

America seems to possess three Jays, closely resembling each other, but each (if they have been described correctly) having some peculiar distinction. As these have not been clearly stated, and as some confusion has consequently crept into the subject, we shall shortly state their distinctions. The Florida Jay of Prince C. Bonaparte, (G. Floridamus) which has been thought the same as ours, is a much smaller bird, being only 11½ in. long, and the back is "yellowish brown," not dusky blue, (See _Bon. Am. Orn. 2. p. 61._) The _Garrulus ultramarinus_ of the same noble and learned writer, appears to us from the following account, to be distinct from either. "Its principal characters may be found in its larger dimensions, but especially in the shape of its tail, which is _perfectly even, and not in the least cuneiform_, as it generally is in all the Jays," (_Am. Orn. 2. 62._) Now the tail of our species is _decidedly rounded_, the outer feather being full one inch shorter than the middle.

The _Garrulus sordidus_ inhabits the table land of Mexico, from whence our specimen was received. Total length, 11 in.: bill, 1½: wings, 7: tarsi, 1-7/10: tail, 6½ in.

* * * * * *

_Olive Volute._]

SCAPHELLA maculata.

_Olive Volute._

----

Family Volutidæ. Sub-family Volutinæ. _Nob._

GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell fusiform, invariably smooth and polished: spiral whorls gradually
diminishing in size, the apex obtuse but rarely thickened or distorted:
pillar generally gibbous in the middle, with from four to six thick and
unequal plaits: margin of the outer lip thickened.

TYPICAL SPECIES.--Scaph. undulata. Junonia, maculata, zebra.

ABERRANT SPECIES.--Scaph. papillaris, elongata (?)

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Shell small, oval, fulvous, with longitudinal purplish-brown spots,
disposed in three transverse bands: spire conical: pillar four plaited,
not gibbous._

Voluta maculata. _Swains. Bligh. Cat. app. p. 11._

----

Of this distinct and very remarkable genus of Volutes, few species have hitherto been discovered: the subordinate divisions cannot therefore be traced; nor do we feel satisfied that all the typical characters have been detected: we consider it nevertheless, as a perfectly natural genus, absolutely essential to mark the connection between the Volutes and the _Marginillæ_. Lamark, indeed, as if aware of this affinity, actually describes one species as a _Marginilla_. The union of the three aberrant genera of _Scaphella_, _Volutilithes_, and _Harpula_, into one circle, is effected by the _Scap. papillaris_ and the _Harpula Lapponica_: the former species conducting us at the same time to the typical Volutes, by means of _Voluta fulgetrum_ of Sowerby.

_Scaphella maculata_ is a native of the Australian seas, and is of great rarity. Our drawings were made from one of the beautiful specimens in Mr. Broderip's possession, It is probable that the animals of this genus envelope their shells in an ample mantle, since they are almost always enamelled.

* * * * * *

ARCAS imperialis.

_Emerald Hair-streak._

----

Tribe, Papiliones. Family, Polyommatidæ. Sub-family, Theclanæ, _Nob._

SUB-GENERIC CHARACTER.

Palpi, in both sexes, very long, thick, porrect, twice as long as the
head, curved downwards, all the joints entirely covered with close-set
scales, posterior wings six-tailed.

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Above shining blue: beneath emerald-green, marked with minute black
waved lines._

Papilio imperialis. _Cramer, Pl. 75. f. E. F._

Hesperia Venus. _Fab. Ent. Sys. 3. 1. 268._

----

It is impossible to depicture with correctness, the resplendant blue which ornaments the upper surface, or the vivid emerald green on the under wings, of this rare and splendid insect. It is possessed by few collectors; nor did we capture more than three specimens, during two years devoted to the entomology and ornithology of Brazil. The male is distinguished by a black central spot on the anterior wings. The very remarkable prolongation of the palpi, which are alike in both sexes, induces us to consider this insect as a type of form, or in other words, a sub-genus: but we are at present unprepared to state any thing satisfactory on its true affinities.

We have thought it right in this and other instances, to retain the original specific name of Cramer; and we shall do the same in all instances where it will not produce a discordant union of generic and specific names. On this head, as the principle of Linnæus, from the great number of new genera since defined, can no longer be acted upon, we think that specific appellations, derived from some character of the insect, are much better, in every respect, than attempting to render the nomenclature of the Lepidoptera a correct index to the mythology of the Ancients.

* * * * * *

CHLORISSES Sarpedon,

_Sarpedon Butterfly._

----

NATURAL GROUPS.

Tribe, Papiliones. _Family_, Papilionidæ. _Sub-fam._ Papilionæ.

_Genus_ ----. _Sub-Genus_, Chlorisses, _Nobis_.

SUB-GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Wings_, black, banded or variegated with green: the posterior narrowed,
with obsolete acute tails; _Head_, thick, sessile, the front very hairy;
_Antennæ_, long, the club spatulate, and concave beneath; _Posterior
feet_, with the first joint of the tarsus as long as the tibiæ.

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Wings black, with a common green band: posterior obsoletely tailed:
beneath, marked with a red and black lunated spot at the base._

Papilio Sarpedon. _Linn. Fab. Entom. Syst. 3. p. 1. p. 14. No. 41.
Cramer. Pl. 122. f. D. E._

Papilio Sarpedon. _Ency. Meth. 9. p. 46. No. 62._

----

Entomologists of the last century classed all day-flying Butterflies in the Genus _Papilio_. But this denomination has been restricted, of late years, to such as possess six long perfect legs; very short palpi, and the anterior shanks spined near the middle. Now this group is so peculiarly distinct, and comprises within itself such numerous variations of form, that we have always viewed it as pre-eminently calculated to put to the most severe test any arrangement, the principles of which are conceived to be those of Nature. The _Papilionæ_ have consequently, for many years, engaged much of our attention. Baffled in numerous attempts to understand their arrangement, it was only upon applying those principles of the natural system, which we have detailed in _Northern Zoology, vol. 2_, that their true affinities became apparent. At present we shall only apprise the Entomologist that the divisions above named are _circular groups_, and the result of strict analysis. The sub-genus _Chlorisses_, in reference to Ornithology, is a scansorial type.

The present Insect, figured from the male sex, is one of the most beautiful butterflies of India. General Hardwicke presented us with specimens from Nepaul; and we have since received others from Java. The typical species is _Papilio Agamemnon_, where the green colour is broken into round spots. The most extraordinary circumstance, however, which belongs to the group, is this; that although a sub-genus, it yet contains within itself _subordinate_ types of form, representing all the higher divisions. The only ornithological group we have yet ascertained as possessing this property, is the sub-genus _Parus_ (proper).

* * * * * *

JASIA Athama,

_Athama Butterfly._

----

Tribe, Papiliones. Family, Nymphalidæ. _Nobis._

SUB-GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Lower wings_, acutely bi-caudate; _Antennæ_, short, gradually thickening
into a lengthened, cylindrical club, the tip nearly truncate; _Palpi_,
projecting, and longer above, than is the head; their tips acute; their
joints concealed by compact scales.

_Type_, Papilio Jasius. _Auct._

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Wings above blackish, with a broad, common band, and an anterior spot of
straw colour; beneath, having the band greenish, and margined with
chesnut._

Papilio Athamas. _Cramer_, Pl. 89. f. C. D.

----

We can communicate but little on this elegant Butterfly, of which our figures represent the female: the other sex is known by having the straw coloured band much narrower; on the under surface this colour is prismatic; changing, in some lights, to a delicate pea green. The great size and thickness of the thorax, intimate a powerful and rapid flight. The group is Oriental; but one species, the beautiful and rare _Pap. Jasius._ Lin. we have captured in the Island of Sicily, the most southern part of Europe.

As we have not yet completed the analysis of this family of Butterflies, we know not the rank or true affinities of the present group. It is evidently either one of the lowest types of form, or a sub-genus. We have received both sexes of these insects from Java, where the species appears to be common. The resemblance of this group, to _Rhetus_ and _Marius_, would seem to indicate points of strong natural analogy.

We adopt the original specific name of Cramer: for we cannot, at this moment, trace the species in the voluminous works of Fabricius.

* * * * * *

_Cap Land-Trochus._]

GEOTROCHUS pileus.

_Cap-shaped Land-trochus._

----

Order Phytophages. _Swains._ Tribe ----

SUB-GENERIC CHARACTER.

Shell pyramidical, each volution, reckoning from the base, gradually
diminishing and forming a conic spire, basal volution depressed, margin
of the outer lip reflected and entire.

----

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Shell trochiform, smooth, generally banded with reddish and yellowish
bands: volutious convex._

Trochus Pileus. _Chemnetz. Pl. 122. f. 1046-7-8._

Helix pileus. _Dillwyn. p. 933. No. 106._

_Lister. Tab. 14. f. 11._

In Mus. Nost.

----

Although this shell, in artificial arrangements, may be very well placed among the sub-divisions of _Helix_ or _Bulimus_, we feel persuaded that it is, _naturally_, the type of a Sub-genus: we have no hesitation, therefore, in recording it as such. Another species, sharply carinated, semi-transparent, and of a milky whiteness, we discovered in Brazil: and we are thus led to conclude that the habitat of _Geotrochus pileus_, which no author has yet mentioned, may probably be Tropical America.

The figures of this species, given by Chemnitz and Born, represent it as marked by several narrow bands of a rufous brown colour: but the variety here delineated, has only one, of a deep purple; it is almost the only specimen answering to this description, which we have yet seen: both varieties are very rare, and much prized by collectors.

* * * * * *

GENERAL INDEX _OF THE PLATES TO_ VOL. II. 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. 11. pl.
Fluvicola cursoria 46
Macropteryx longipennis 47
Eudamus Agesilaus (F. 1.) 48
---- Doryssus (F. 2.) 48
Mitra episcopalis 49
Tiara Isabella 50
---- sulcata 50

No. 12.
Sylvia Regulus 51
Phoenicornis flammeus 52
Volutilithes muricina 53
---- pertusa (F. 2.) 53
Mitrella fusca (F. l.) 54
---- ocellata (F. 2.) 54
---- olivæformis (F. 3.) 54
Margarita crocata 55

No. 13.
Nyctiornis amictus 56
Culicivora atricapilla 57
Olivella purpurata (F. 1.) 58
---- eburnea (F. 2.) 58
Marius Thetys 59
Eurymus Philodice 60

No. 14.
Gryllivora Saularis 61
Ptiliogonys cinereus 62
Amynthia Swainsonia 63
Ampullaria fasciata 64
Conus lithoglyphus 65

No. 15.
Todus viridis 66
Murex Imperialis 67
Conus fumigatus 68
---- franciscanus (F. 2.) 68
Pieris Nigrina 69
Eurymus Europome 70

No. 16.
Malaconotus Barbarus 71
Donacobius vociferans 72
Murex erythrostomus 73
Euterpe Teria 74
Peleus Æacus (F. 1.) 75
---- Gentius (F. 2.) 75

No. 17.
Malaconotus atrococcineus 76
Harpula vexillum 77
Hiatula Lamarci (F. 1.) 78
---- pallida (F. 2.) 78
---- maculosa (F. 3.) 78
Pieris (_Melete_) Limnobia 79
Crateropus Reinwardii 80

No. 18.
Prionites Mexicanus 81
Trogon Mexicanus 82
Cymbiola Vespertilio 83
Voluta Cymbium 84
Endymion regalis 85

No. 19.
Garrulus sordidus 86
Scaphella maculata 87
Arcas Imperialis 88
Chlorisses Sarpedon 89
Jasia Athama 90

No. 20.
Geotrochus pileus 91

* * * * * *

GENERAL ALPHABETIC INDEX OF LATIN AND ENGLISH NAMES, &c., TO VOL. II.

----

Ampullaria fasciata, 64
Amynthia Swainsonia, 63
_Apple Snail, fasciated_, 64
Arcas, S. G. Characters of, 88
---- Imperialis, 88
_Butterfly, Sarpedon_, 89
---- _Athama_, 90
Chlorisses, S. G. Characters of, 89
---- Sarpedon, 89
Conus fumigatus, 68
---- franciscanus, 68
---- lithoglyphus, 65
Crateropus, G. Characters of, 80
---- Reiwardii, 80
Culicivora, G. Characters of, 57
---- atricapilla, 57
Cymbiola, G. Characters of, 83
---- Types of form, 83
---- vespertilio, 83
_Dial Bird_, 62
Donacobius, S. G. Characters of, 72
---- vociferans, 72
Eudamus, G. Characters of, 48
---- Agesilaus, 48
---- Doryssus, 48
Eudymion, S. G. Characters of, 85
---- regalis, 85
Eurymus, S. G. Characters of, 60
---- Philodice, 60
---- Europome, 70
Euterpe, G. Characters of, 74
---- Teria, 74
Fluvicola cursoria, 46
Garrulus sordidus, 86
Geotrochus, S. G. Characters of, 91
---- pileus, 81
_Golden crested Warbler_, 51
Gryllivora, S. G. Characters of, 61
---- Saularis, 61
Harpula, G. Characters of, 77
---- Types of form, 77
---- vexillum, 77
Hiatula, S. G. Characters of, 78
---- Lamarci, 78
---- pallida, 78
---- maculosa, 78
Jasia Athama, 90
_Jay, Dusky_, 86
_Land-trochus, cap-shaped_, 91
Macropterx, S. G. Characters of, 47
---- longipennis,, 47
Malaconotus atrococcineus, 76
---- barbarus, 71
Marius Thetys, 59
Melete, S. G. Characters of, 79
---- Limnobia, 79
Mitranæ (Pl. 4.), 49
---- (Pl. 5.), 50
---- (Pl. 6.), 54
Mitra episcopalis, 49
Mitrella, G. Characters of, 54
---- fusca, 54
---- ocellata, 54
---- olivæformis, 54
Muricinæ (Pl. 1.), 67
---- (Pl. 2.), 73
Murex crythrostomus, 73
---- Imperialis, 67
_Motmot, Mexican_, 81
Nyctiornis, G. Characters of, 56
---- amictus, 56
_Nightfeeder, Duvaucels_, 56
Olivæ (Pl. 2.), 78
---- (Pl. 3.), 78
Olivella, S. G. Characters of, 58
---- eburnea, 58
---- purpurata, 58
_Olive, purple mouthed_, 58
---- _ivory_, 58
_Olives, the wide mouthed_, 78
_Pearl Oyster, orange_, 55
Peleus, G. Characters of, 75
---- Æacus, 75
---- Gentius, 75
Phoenicornis, G. Characters of, 52
---- flammeus, 52
Pieris, G. Characters of, 66
---- Nigrina, 69
Ptiliogonys cinereus, fem., 62
Prionites Mexicanus, 81
_Redbird, orange_, 52
Scaphella, G. Characters of, 87
---- maculata, 87
_Shrike, Barbary_, 71
---- _Burchells_, 76
Strombidæ, Ch. of the family, 65
Sylvia G. Characters of, 51
---- Regulus, 51
Thiara, G. Characters of, 50
---- Isabella, 50
---- sulcata, 50
_Thrush, babbling_, 72
Todinæ, Characters of, 66
Todus, viridis, 66
_Tody, Green_, 66
Trogon Mexicanus, 82
_Trogon Mexican_, 82
---- habits of, 82
Voluta, G. Characters of, 84
---- Types of form, 84
---- vespertileo, 84
_Volute, clouded melon_, 83
---- _Bat_, 84
---- _Orange flag_, 77
Volutilithes, G. Characters of, 53
---- muricina, 53
---- pertusa, 53

* * * * * *

Notes.

[1] Babbage (_On the Decline of Science_), Quarterly Review.

[2] Herschel. Sir Humphrey Davy. Sir Nicholas Harris. Millengen. (_Ancient
Coins_). See also Lowdon's Natural His. Mag. Nov. 1831. p. 481.

[3] Northern Zool. 2. p. xliv.

[4] Montague's _Orn. Dict._ new edition, _preface_.

[5] Athæneum Journal, Jan. 1832. p. 32.

[6] _Ibid._, p. 37.

[7] Northern Zoology, Vol. ii.

* * * * *

Corrections made to printed text

Plate 53: 'fusiform' corrected from 'fuciform'. So also 'subfusiform' (same plate), and 'fusiform' on Pls. 75 & 87. Fusiform means 'spindle-shaped': if fuciform meant anything it would be 'seaweed-shaped'.

Plate 56: 'beautiful' corrected from 'beautful'

Ibid.: 'Jardin' corrected from 'Jarden'

Plate 58: (characters given of) 'biplicata' corrected from 'bliplicata'

Plate 59: 'Lepidoptera' corrected from 'Lepidaptera'

Plate 60: 'appendages' corrected from 'appendges'

Plate 62, main title: 'PTILIOGONYS' corrected from 'PLILIOGONYS'

Plate 62: 'characterized' corrected from 'charactized'

Plate 65: (Generic) 'Character' corrected from 'Charicter'

Plate 72: 'monotonous' corrected from 'monotinous'

Plate 79: 'Lepidopterous' corrected from 'Lepedopterous'

Plate 89: 'Antennæ' corrected from 'Anteunæ'