Chapter III: Preface (3)

The insects of this family fly with amazing rapidity (as is shown by the thickness of their thorax, and the sharpness in the make of their wings), generally frequenting openings of thick woods and alighting on leaves where the sun strikes: I seldom saw them on flowers. Their wings when at rest are half expanded in a horizontal direction. Their metamorphosis is unknown.

This individual species is scarce in the northern parts of Brazil, but common in the southern provinces.

* * * * *

Pl. 34

COLIAS Godartiana.

_Godart's Colias._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 5.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. (Foem.) alis flavescente-fulvis, anticis supra margine punctoque
rotundato medio nigris, subtus argenteo rufo 3-fisso, posticis subtus
puncto gemino argenteo margine nigro, uno quadrato; palpis productis._

(Female) Wings fulvous-yellow; anterior above with the outer margin and
round central spot black, which beneath is silvery rufous and
three-cleft; posterior beneath each with two silvery spots margined
with black, one of which is quadrangular. Palpi lengthened.

* * * * *

An inspection of a vast number of insects of this genus, with the possession of nearly all the species noticed by authors, convinces me that the insect now figured is perfectly distinct from any other. It is in the cabinet of Mr. Haworth, who obligingly lent it me for comparison and description, and is the only individual I have hitherto met with. The prolongation of the palpi, which is even more obvious than in _C. Statira_, is alone a specific distinction; and the form of the spots both on the upper and under side differs very much in character from that insect, with which it has the most affinity. It may be the _Papilio Drya_ of Fabr. (omitting his references); but his description, whether intended for this insect or any other, is so vague that I can see no advantage in retaining it. Of the two bright silver spots beneath, one is oval, the other larger and quadrangular.

I have named it in honour of M. Godart, the intelligent coadjutor of M. Latreille in the entomological part of the _Encyclopedie Methodique_.

* * * * *

Pl. 35

MITRA bifasciata.

_Double-banded Mitre._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 23.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_M. (Div. 1.) testa laevi, castaneo-fusca concolore, anfractu basali
fasciis duabus angustis flavescentibus, spira unifasciata apertura
laevi._

Shell smooth, uniform chesnut-brown, with two narrow yellowish bands on
the basal whorl, and one on the spire; aperture smooth.

Voluta caffra. _Martini_ iv. _tab._ 148. _fig._ 1369.
_Knorr._ _vol._ v. _tab._ 19. _fig._ 4, 5.
Seba Pl. 49. fig. 21, 22, 41.

* * * * *

This most elegant shell has been figured from one of the specimens that belonged to the late Mr. Jennings, who was well known to spare neither expense nor assiduity in procuring the most select and matchless specimens of every species; so much so, indeed, that such as are known to have been in his possession generally bear a higher price. One of these is now in my father's cabinet, the other in that of Mrs. Bolton, of Storr's-hall, Windermere. I have seen both, and they appear equally fine.

I cannot help considering this as a distinct species from _Mitra caffra_ (_Voluta caffra_ Linn.), with which it has hitherto been placed only as a variety: it is much larger, the volutions more convex, but compressed on the suture, and the whole shell (except near the point) perfectly smooth: the beak or channel likewise, which in _M. caffra_ is short and nearly straight, is in this lengthened and recurved. The mouth is very narrow (occasioned by the outer lip being thick and slightly inflexed) and smooth within, the terminal volutions slightly plaited, and the base of the shell grooved.

The figures of Knorr and Martini are very bad, and give no correct idea of the shell, except its colour.

* * * * *

Pl. 36

ACHATINA perversa.

_Reverse Achatina._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 30.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_A. (Div. 2.) testa apertura perversa: spira producta, 7-voluta, apice
truncato; albida strigis nebulosis cinereis; linea transversa in basali
anfractu; columella margineque labii exterioris castaneis, apertura
intus alba._

Aperture reversed: spire lengthened, of seven volutions, the apex
truncated, whiteish with clouded cinereous stripes; central band on the
basal volution, pillar, and margin of the outer lip chesnut; mouth
within white.

* * * * *

Reverse shells, or such whose mouth when viewed in front is on the left side, are generally held in much estimation by collectors. This deviation from the usual form of shells is sometimes accidental, as in our common garden Snail and several others; while in some species it appears a constant, and therefore a specific distinction. Such I apprehend is the case with the shell now figured, a rare and very elegant species, apparently not noticed by any writer; two or three existing in the British Museum and one in my father's cabinet are all the specimens I have hitherto seen. The latter (here figured) came from Bahia in South America. The whole shell is very finely marked with longitudinal striae, and the colouring better seen than described: the buff tinge at the base is occasioned by the remaining epidermis.

This shell belongs to the second division of the genus _Achatina_ as mentioned at Plate 30, having the aperture much shorter than the spire and the base nearly entire. _Bulla virginea_ of Linn. seems to connect the two divisions, having the lengthened spire of one and the truncated base of the other.

* * * * *

Pl. 37

PROCNIAS cucullata.

_Hooded Berry-eater._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 21.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_P. corpore, collo, pectore nigro cucullata; tergo fusco, alis caudaque
nigris; tegminum apice, pectoris lateribus, et corpore subtus flavis;
capite subcristato._

Head, neck and fore-part of the breast hooded with black; back brown,
wings and tail black; tip of the wing-covers, sides of the breast and
body beneath yellow; head subcrested.

* * * * *

I am indebted for this new bird to Miss E. Yeates, who received it with a few others from some part of Brazil: it seems to connect the genera of _Ampelis_ and _Procnias_, having the bill much less dilated at the base than any of the latter; it however has a close similitude to _Procnias melanocephalus_ (Pl. 25.), which seems further removed from the true Chatterers.

Total length eight inches and three quarters. Bill in extreme length near an inch; the colour dark cinereous; the base furnished with bristles something resembling the Chatterers: the opening of the nostrils large, round, terminal, and nearly naked; the feathers on the crown lengthened; the whole head, neck, and fore-part of the breast black, bordered above by a narrow collar of yellow; back and scapulars brown, rump olive; sides of the breast, inner covers, and under parts uniform yellow; wing-covers black margined with olive, those on the shoulders tipt with brown, the rest with yellow; quills and tail black margined with olive. Wings four inches and three-quarters long, the first quill very short, the third longer than the second. Tail four inches long.

* * * * *

Pl. 38

PICUS bicolor.

_Black and White Woodpecker._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 14.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_P. albus, collo supra, tergo, alis, lineaque temporali nigris,
rectricibus nigris, basi maculisque marginis interioris albis._

White: neck above, back, wings, and line from the ears to the nape,
black; tail-feathers black, with their base and spots on the inner
margin white.

* * * * *

The simplicity of colouring in the plumage of this bird will easily distinguish it from among the numerous and intricate species already known of this family. It is one of the new birds the recent investigations of Brazilian zoology have added to our museums. The individual here figured was sent me from the district of Minas Geraies.

Total length eleven inches and a half. Bill from the upper base to the tip one inch one line, and from the gape one inch four-tenths; the colour blueish-black; the upper mandible above sharply carinated and slightly curved; orbits (in the dead bird) yellowish-white; the whole of the head and nape, sides of the neck, rump and tail-covers, and all the under plumage pure white, with a tinge of yellow down the middle of the belly: a narrow black line commences at the ears, and is carried down on each side, joining the black of the upper neck; the wings and remaining upper plumage are of a uniform dark sooty black; the tips of the quills much paler and brownish. Wings six inches and a half long; the inside covers black. Tail four inches, and black banded with white at the extreme base; the two outer feathers on each side with alternate black and white bands on the inner web their whole length; feet and claws dirty-greenish: this was a female.

* * * * *

Pl. 39

HESPERIA Itea.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 28.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Hesp. (Div. 2.) alis supra nigrescente-fuscis, subtus pallidioribus
basi fulvis, anticis macula flava tri-fissa, posticis subtus margine
exteriore et linea longitudinali fulvis, femoribus rufis._

H. (Div. 2.) Wings above blackish-brown, beneath paler, base fulvous.
Anterior with a three-cleft yellow spot. Posterior beneath with a
fulvous outer margin and longitudinal line. Thighs rufous.

* * * * *

The descriptions left by Fabricius of this as well as many other extensive families of _Lepidoptera_, are in general so vague and short, that unless a figure is quoted to elucidate them, it becomes totally impossible to ascertain the precise species intended. Such is the case with the present insect, which will not agree with any described by Fabricius, or figured by Cramer.

During my travels in Brazil I never met with this species, but am indebted to my liberal friend Dr. Langdorff, Russian Consul-general at Rio de Janeiro, for the specimens I possess, as well as a number of other rare and fine insects of this family, which were then not in my own collection.

On each side of the palpi adjoining the eye are two yellowish round dots, and another behind: the posterior wings above have a narrow whitish margin, the colour beneath much paler; but the nerves on this, as well as at the tips of the anterior wings, are blackish-brown; the legs at the base and the tarsi are black.

This is a male insect; the other sex I have not seen.

* * * * *

Pl. 40

HESPERIA Cynisca.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 28.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Hesp. (Div. 2.) alis nigrescente-fuscis, subtus obscurioribus; anticis
supra fascia flava trifissa (in feminis alba); posticis subtus
immaculatis, castaneo-fuscis, margine exteriore flavo._

Hesp. (Div. 2.) Wings blackish-brown; anterior above with a three-cleft
yellow band, which in the female is white; posterior beneath
immaculate, chesnut-brown, margined externally with yellow.

* * * * *

The different sexes of this insect will appear so strikingly dissimilar to those who are familiarised only with the nice distinctions that separate the species of European _Lepidoptera_, that this affinity by such may be doubted; nevertheless, observations in their native country, and the close examination of several specimens, will we are persuaded confirm the fact.

The male insect is distinguished (like all the _Hesperidae_) by having the eyes considerably larger, and the anterior wings more narrowed than in the other sex: in this species the bands on their wings assume the form of three yellowish spots, adjoining which, on the inner side, is a semi-lunular villous mark, an almost constant indication (where it exists) of this sex. The straw-coloured border beneath the posterior wings is narrower and darker than in the female; but in both it forms a slender marginal fringe on the upper surface. Legs deep rufous; antennae black; the club beneath and lunule round the eye straw-coloured.

Inhabits South Brazil, but is not common.

* * * * *

Pl. 41

ACHATINA pallida,

_Pale Achatina._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 21.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_A._ (div. 2.) _testa cinereo-alba, fasciis duabus angustis fuscis,
spira elongata recta, anfractibus 7 sub-ventricosis, labio interiore
roseo, columella basi recta, integra, apertura ovato-oblonga_.

A. Shell cinereous-white, with two narrow brown bands, spire elongated,
straight; volutions seven, slightly ventricose, inner lip rosy, base of
the columella straight, entire, aperture ovate-oblong.

OBS. another specimen of A. pallida quite agreeing with this, is in Mr.
Dubois' cabinet.

* * * * *

The species of this and one or two other genera of land-shells are subject to such variability in their colouring, that it becomes extremely difficult to ascertain which are species and which varieties. The shell now figured might, on a cursory glance, very well pass for one of the Protean varieties of the Linnaean _Bulla fasciata_; but a comparison with that shell will at once point out the strong specific difference that exists between them in the formation of the mouth. In this, the lower half of the inner lip, or more properly the pillar, is nearly straight; the base entire, or without any notch or truncated appearance: whereas in the true _A. fasciata_, the inner lip at the base is very much curved inward, and notched before it joins the outer lip. The mouth is also short and broad: whereas in this it is much more oblong, and the base round. Other more obvious characters exist in the form of the whorls, spire, and more particularly in the colour, of these two shells; but these are in comparison of minor importance.

I regret having but one example of this shell, as it prevents me from tracing how far the characters here detailed hold good in other specimens. They are such, however, as, I think, fully to justify the propriety of considering it a species.

Its locality is unknown.

I have little doubt more than one species exist among the supposed varieties of the true _Bulla fasciata_ of Linn., which I take to be the shell figured by Lister.

* * * * *

Pl. 42

OLIVA Braziliana,

_Brazilian Olive_

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Testa cylindrica, polita; spira conica, acuminata, brevissima; labium
exterius simplex, interius incrassatum, tumidum; columella plicis
numerosis gracilibus; apertura basi truncata, emarginata._

Typus Genericus _Voluta Porphyrea_ Lin.

Shell cylindrical, polished, spire conic acuminated, very short; outer
lip simple, inner lip thickened, tumid, columella with numerous slender
plaits, aperture at the base truncatedly emarginate.

Generic Type _Voluta Porphyrea_ Lin.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_O. testa coniformi, lata; apertura effusa, labio interiore tumida
callositate super spiram extendente._

Shell coniform, broad; aperture effuse, tumid callosity on the inner
lip large, and spreading over the spire.

Oliva Braziliensis. _Martini p._ 130, _tab._ 147 _&_ 8, 1367 _&_ 8.

Oliva Braziliana. _Lamarck._

Voluta pinguis. _Dill._ 516. 36.

* * * * *

No family of shells possess characters more strikingly obvious to common observers than the Olives; and yet, although in our English terminology no one would ever think of calling them _Volutes_, we still shrink from giving them that distinguishing appellation in Latin which we every day use and acknowledge in our own language. The strict followers of Linnaeus, by thus rejecting generic distinctions, which at once convey a definite idea of form and structure, contribute to render systematic arrangement less expressive of ideas than the common nomenclature of our sale catalogues: a striking proof of the pertinacity with which we cherish those particular doctrines we first imbibed, although an unbiassed reasoning and an attentive observance of nature would convince us of their fallacy.

The great Linnaeus, at the time he formed that system which laid the foundation of systematic nomenclature, had not the materials for gathering and combining those natural genera which the immense discoveries made since his death have given us a knowledge of. He accordingly arranged those few shells known to him, in large, and for the most part natural, groups. That of _Voluta_ I consider as one of these last (excepting the first division); but the great accession of species now known, and which is still increasing, has long ago induced the principal Continental writers to divide this very extensive family into the following genera: _Marginella_ (Date shells), _Oliva_ (Olives), _Mitra_ (Mitres), _Turbinellus_ (Turnip shells), _Voluta_ (Volutes), ...; all possessing not only clear but natural characters; inasmuch as, by such an arrangement, those interesting links and ramifications that connect this family with the _Bullae_, _Cones_, _Cowries_, _Murices_, and other genera, can be traced; and which perhaps affords the most fascinating and intellectual source of contemplation and study the science can bestow.

The peculiarity of this species will distinguish it among this numerous and intricate family. The basal suture is deeply channeled; those on the spire covered by the polished callosity which spreads from the inner lip.

Mr. Dillwyn has adopted the unpublished name of Solander, although the shell had long ago been described and named by Martini and Lamarck. I consider this as contrary to that principle of nomenclature which awards a preference to priority of publication; and I have therefore restored the name of those authors who have this undoubted claim. Mr. Dillwyn's description is very clear and good.

I cannot learn from what particular part of Brazil this species has been received.

* * * * *

Pl. 43

MELLIPHAGA auricomis,

_Yellow-tufted Honeysucker._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

(_Melliphaga_, Lewin.)

_Rostrum mediocre, capite plerumque longius, gracile, curvatum,
acuminatum, attenuatum, ad basin altius quam latius, lateribus
compressis; culmine carinato. Mandibula superior ad apicem emarginata;
inferior lateribus compressis. Nares concavae ad medium rostri
porrectae, membrana tectae, inter rictum et apicem longo fissu
aperientes. Lingua longa, extensibilis, fibris cartilaginosis
terminata. Pedes simplices, digito exteriore connexo, halluce
pervalido._

Obs. _Cauda rectricibus_ 12, _remigibus_ 1 _et_ 2 _spuriis; rostri
margine aliquando subtilissime dentato._

Typus Genericus _Certhia Novae Hollandiae_ Lath.

Bill moderate, generally somewhat longer than the head, slender,
curved, pointed and acuminated, the base higher than broad, the sides
compressed, the top carinated; upper mandible notched at the tip, the
under mandible laterally compressed. Nostrils concave, near half the
length of the bill, covered by a membrane, opening by a long slit
midway between the gape and tip. Tongue long, extensible, terminated by
cartilaginous fibres. Feet simple; outer fore-toe connected; hind-toe
very strong.

Obs. Tail-feathers twelve, first and second quills spurious; margin of
the bill sometimes minutely toothed.

Generic Type _New Holland Creeper_ Lath., &c.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_M. olivaceo fusca; vertice corporeque subtus flavescentibus;
temporibus auribusque nigris; gula et pennis elongatis pone aures
flavis._

Olive-brown: crown of the head and body beneath yellowish; temples and
ear-feathers black; throat and lengthened feathers behind the ears
yellow.

Muscicapa auricomis. M. olivacea, vertice corpore subtus maculaque
aurium flavis, per oculos striga alba. _Lath. Ind. Orn. vol._ 2.
_Suppl._ xlix. 1. _Gen. Zool._ 10. 2. _p._ 354.

Yellow-tufted Flycatcher. _Lath. Suppl._ 2. 215. _no._ 4. _Gen. Zool._
10. 2. 354.

* * * * *

The Yellow-tufted Honeysucker, although described by Latham, has hitherto remained unfigured; and I therefore select it as an excellent example of a tribe of birds which I think are peculiar to Australasia, and which seem to hold the same situation among the birds of that vast country as the Humming-birds occupy in South America, and the Sun-birds (_Cinnyris_, Cuvier) in Africa and India; all of which more or less derive their sustenance from the nectar of flowers, and which they extract on the wing by means of their long tubular tongues.

It is singular, that while our first ornithological writers were distributing the numerous species of these birds in their systems, under such of the Linnaean genera as they thought most adapted for their reception, a naturalist of a remote colony should be the first who, by creating a new genus, brought them all into their proper situation in systematic arrangement; one of the many proofs that Nature, and Nature only, is to be studied; and that no system, however ingenious or however applauded, can be considered as infallible.

By an error (no doubt of the press) in the specific character of this bird in Latham's Index, the eye stripe is called _white_, though in the description it is termed black. Mr. Stephens has copied this error into "General Zoology;" and his description of this bird, as well as numberless others, seems merely an abridgement or alteration of Latham's; a practice highly detrimental to science; for, when an original description cannot be obtained, it is much better, and safer, to copy without disguise that of another.

How far all the birds included by Temminck in this genus really belong to it, admits of very great doubt; I have therefore constructed the generic character from those birds of New Holland only which Lewin, who founded the genus, must have had before him.

Total length seven inches and a half; bill seven-tenths, the frontal feathers advancing half its length to the nostrils; those of the ears are lengthened, but the yellow tuft behind them is much more so; the feathers of the chin are small, thick-set, and ending in fine setaceous hairs curved outwards; the breast and body pale brownish-yellow. Quills and tail dark-brown, margined with deep-yellowish; the two lateral tail-feathers tipt with dirty white; plumage above olive-brown; front and crown of the head dark brownish-yellow; bill black; legs brownish, inner-toe very deeply cleft. Tail, from the rump, three inches and a half long, and slightly rounded.

Latham, who first described this bird, says, "it makes its nest on the extreme pendent branches of low trees or shrubs, and by this means escapes the plunder of smaller quadrupeds." It appears not uncommon in New South Wales.

* * * * *

Pl. 44

PTEROGLOSUS sulcatus,

_Grooved-bill Aracari._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Rostrum capite longius, crassum, inane, cultratum, basali margine
incrassatum, maxillae angulo frontali obtuso; tomia serrata: nares
superae in maxillae basi: lingua angusta, pennacea. Cauda elongata,
cuneata. Pedes scansorii._ Illiger. Prod. p. 202.

Typus Genericus _Ramph. Aracari_ Linn.

Bill longer than the head, thick, light, curved, thickened at the basal
margin, the frontal angle obtuse, the margins serrated. Nostrils nearly
vertical, situated on the base of the bill. Tongue long, slender,
feathered. Tail elongated, cuneated. Feet scansorial.

Generic Type _Aracari Toucan_ Lath.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_P. viridis, subtus pallidior; jugulo albescente, circa oculos
caeruleus; rostrum duobus sulcis longitudinalibus incisum._

Green Aracari, beneath paler; throat whitish, round the orbits blue;
bill with two lateral longitudinal grooves.

P. sulcatus. _Swainson, in Journal of Royal Institution, vol._ 9. _p._
267.

* * * * *

All those species of the Linnaean Toucans having a long wedge-shaped tail, and the nostrils passing through the upper part of the bill, are comprehended by Illiger and other continental writers under this genus. They have been called by the French Aracari; which name I have retained as an English generic distinction. They inhabit the same country and situations as the real Toucans, which are distinguished by having a short, broad, and even tail, and the nostrils placed behind the bill.

A fine example of this very rare bird I first met with in the small collection sent to my excellent friend, E. Falkener, Esq. from the Spanish Main. I have since noticed another which was in Mr. Bullock's museum, and is now in the possession of Lord Stanley: these are the only two specimens known.

This bird was first described by me in the Journal of the Royal Institution near a year ago. When Professor Temminck was in England, I showed him the manuscript description and drawing which I had then made: he assured me he had never seen the bird before, otherwise than in Bullock's museum. A short time after, my account of it was published. I observe, however, that in the new edition of his Manuel he gives this name to a new bird of his own: no description however follows, and it is therefore impossible to say if the Professor intends it for this identical species.

We must postpone any further observations on this family, and conclude by giving the original description above alluded to.

Total length twelve inches, of which the bill in extreme length measures three. It is much curved, and more attenuated than any of the Aracaris, being thickest at the base; from which it narrows to a sharp point at the tip. The upper part is convex, and somewhat thickened; the sides are compressed, and the upper mandible has two broad slightly indented grooves on each side: the base has a few transverse wrinkles, and the serratures deep and unequal. The lower mandible half the depth of the upper, the sides concave, and the teeth less. The colour (in the dried bird) black; the base of the lower and the upper half of the superior mandible rufous, the base with a whitish marginal line. The nostrils are more lateral than usual, being placed in a line with the eye; the orbits naked and reddish brown, the feathers encircling which (particularly beneath the eye) are vivid cerulean blue. The whole upper plumage is parrot green, paler beneath, with a gloss of golden yellow on the cheeks and sides: throat dusky white. Wings short, five inches long, and rounded; inner shafts of the quills black, margined with whiteish. Tail cuneated, green, four inches and a half long, the four middle feathers equal. Legs dusky black.

* * * * *

Pl. 45

RAMPHASTOS carinatus,

_Sharp-billed Toucan._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Rostrum capite longius, maximum, crassum, inane, cultratum, basali
margine incrassatum; maxillae angulo frontali subtruncato transverso:
Nares verticales, pone maxillae basin sitae; tomia serrata; lingua
angusta, pennacea; cauda brevis, aequalis; pedes scansorii._ Illiger.
Prod, p. 212.

Typus Genericus _R. erythrorynchus_ Lath.

Bill very large, longer than the head, thick, light, curved, and
thickened at the basal margin; the frontal angle transversely
sub-truncated, margins serrated. Nostrils vertical, behind the base of
the bill. Tongue slender, long, and feathered. Tail short, even. Feet
scansorial.

Generic Type _Red-billed Toucan_ Lath.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_R. niger; gula flava; fascia pectorale tegminibusque inferioribus
rubris; rostro viridi, apice rubro; mandibula superiore culmine
carinato flavo, lateribus macula aurantia; inferiore caeruleo
variegata._

Black; throat yellow; pectoral bar and under tail covers red; bill
green, tip red; upper mandible carinated and yellow above, the sides
with an orange spot; lower mandible varied with blue.

Yellow-breasted Toucan. _Edwards, pl._ 329.

Ramphastos Tucanus. Yellow-breasted Toucan. _Gen. Zool._ 8, 362,
(_excluding the Synonyms._)

* * * * *

No tribe of Birds appear so void of that symmetry of form that in general pervades the feathered creation, as the Toucans and Aracaris in the new, and the Hornbills in the old continent. A question naturally arises, why the bills of these birds should be so monstrously out of proportion, and what possible use they can be applied to. The elucidation of these questions is highly interesting, and calls for the most accurate observations to be made in their native regions. It will be sufficient for the present, however, to point out, with regard to the Linnaean Toucans, that the accurate observations and anatomical knowledge of my valued friend Dr. Traill, F.R.S.E., of Liverpool, have clearly proved that an immense number of nerves and fibres fill the cavity of these bills, all connected with the organs of smelling, which are in the highest state of development. A short notice on this subject will be found in the Linnaean Transactions; but as my learned friend is pursuing his inquiries further on the subject, I shall for the present confine my remarks to the individual here illustrated, observing that no birds are so little understood, even in regard to the species, as these.

The indefatigable Edwards appears the first who noticed this bird. His description, though in the quaint style of the day, is clear and comprehensive; and his figure strengthens it, both being made from the living bird. Yet Dr. Latham has quite overlooked it as a variety of another species; and Dr. Shaw, although he copies Edwards's account, gives references which belong to other birds. It is not in the costly work of Le Vaillant, and indeed seems (from its excessive rarity) to have escaped the notice of all modern ornithologists. The perfect bill of the bird is, however, in my possession, minutely agreeing with Edwards's account; and also an original sketch in oil of another individual, by an unknown artist, with a note stating it was done from the life at Exeter 'Change. All these testimonies put the existence of the bird beyond any doubt.

Having seen only the bill, which is well described by Edwards, I shall close this article with such part of his description as appears necessary.

"The bill is very large, compressed sideways, having _a sharp ridge along the upper part_; the upper mandible is green, with a long triangular spot of yellow colour on each side, and the ridge on the upper part yellow; the lower mandible is blue, with a shade of green in the middle, the point is red, it hath about five faint dusky bars, which cross the joinings of the two mandibles. The iris of the eye is a fair green colour; round the eye is a broad space of naked skin of a violet colour: the throat and breast are of a bright yellow, below which is a bar of scarlet feathers; the covert feathers of the tail are white above, beneath of a bright red; the legs and feet are all of a blue or violet colour." Edwards says it was brought from Jamaica, but doubts its being rather a native of the continent: he says they are very rarely brought home alive.

The bill is full six inches long, and the whole figure on the same scale, both in this and in Edwards.

* * * * *

Pl. 46

BULIMUS citrinus,

_Citron Bulimus._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 4.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_B. testa obovata; spira conica, in medio sub-crassata, apertura
longiore: spira anfractibus 6 in suturam depressis; labio exteriore
basi subcontracto; umbilico subclauso._

Shell obovate; spire conic, slightly thickened in the middle, longer
than the aperture, and of six volutions depressed on the suture;
outer-lip slightly contracted at the base; umbilicus nearly closed.

Bulimus citrinus, _var._ B. _Bruguiere Encycl. Meth._ 314. _no._ 27.

_Martini_ 9. _tab._ 110. _fig._ 930.

* * * * *

This variable species is perhaps the most beautiful and delicate in its colouring of all the terrestrial snails; yet, although figured by several of the older writers, so little justice has been done it, that we make no apology for introducing it into the present work, both on this account, and for the purpose of giving such a discriminative specific character as may lead to the inquiry, how far all the numerous varieties mentioned by authors really belong to this species or not. As far as my own observation goes, I have found that the thickened spire, the depression of the whorls on the suture, and the narrowness or contraction of the mouth at the base, afford the only constant characters; for, in regard to colour and the situation of the mouth, both appear subject to great variation, the latter being as often reversed as regular. Martini's is the only figure that can be safely quoted for this variety.

I am indebted to Mrs. Bolton, of Storr's-hall, Windermere, for the loan of this and several other rare shells: it formerly belonged to Mr. Jennings, and appears an old shell, being heavy in proportion, the umbilicus thickly closed up, and the outer-lip very thick. Another I have seen at Mrs. Mawe's, and one is in the British Museum: but the finest specimen in colour and preservation is in the possession of my friend W. J. Broderip, Esq., of Lincoln's-Inn: from this it seems the spiral whorls are finely and delicately marked by transverse elevated striae, while those on the basal volution are striated transversely, though in a less regular manner.

Bruguiere mentions that this species is generally found in the South American islands, Cayenne, and Guiana.

Mr. Dillwyn has given the new name of _aurea_ to this shell, in addition to the five others under which different authors have described it. Such changing of names and multiplication of synonyms, without strong reasons, are very objectionable. I have retained that of _Bruguiere_, as being the only author who has placed it in its proper genus.

* * * * *

Pl. 47

BULIMUS citrinus (_var_. perversu).

_Reverse, banded Citron Bulimus._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 4.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 46.

SYNONYMS.

_Martini, vol._ 9. _tab._ 934 & 5. _Knorr_, 4. _tab._ 28. _fig._ 4, 5.
(bad.)

Bulimus citrinus, _var._ B. _Bruguiere_, 314. 27.

* * * * *

A fine pair of this beautiful and rare variety is in the collection of Mr. C. Dubois, to whom I am indebted on this and many other occasions, for the facilities he has afforded me in prosecuting the present work: one of these is now figured; it differs in no respect from that in the last plate, except in being reversed and having the umbilicus not so completely closed; a character which, perhaps, exists only in very old shells. The other specimen is also reversed and banded, though in a different manner.

* * * * *

BULIMUS aureus.

_Golden Bulimus.--upper and lower figures._

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_B. testa obovata, spira conica, anfractibus 5 convexis, sutura
simplici, umbilico aperto._

Shell obovate; spire conic, of five convex volutions; suture simple;
umbilicus open.

_Lister_ 34. 33. _Martini_ 9. _tab._ 110. 928. 929?

OBS. BULIMUS _aureus_, in Mr. Spurrett's valuable cabinet is another
specimen of this shell minutely agreeing with that here described.

* * * * *

Having seen but a single specimen of this shell, I have placed it as a distinct species, not without some doubts, and principally for the purpose of calling the attention of conchologists to a more rigid examination of the specific distinctions of this family (unconnected with colour) than has heretofore been done. The regular convexity of the whorls, not in any degree compressed at the suture, the want of that thickened appearance on the spire, and of the contraction at the base of the mouth (all which characters I have found in the varieties of _B. citrinus_ to be constant), afford a specific distinction which future observations must confirm or annul. Bruguiere notices a variety of _B. citrinus_ which is entirely yellow, a most beautiful specimen of which is in the British Museum, and which possesses (as well as the excellent figure of Gualtieri) all the specific characters I have given to _B. citrinus_, but not of the present shell. Lister's figure, on the contrary, is rude, though very characteristic of this; and Martini's representation, here cited, also appears the same.

Mr. Dubois, in whose collection this specimen exists, is unacquainted with its locality.

* * * * *

Pl. 48

MITRA casta,

_Chesnut-banded Mitre._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 23.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_Mitra (Div. 3.) testa alba, laevi, olivaeformi, spira apertura
breviore, anfractibus supra tenuiter reticulatis, basi epidermide
castaneam fasciam formante, in anfractu basali centralem et latam._

Shell white, smooth, olive-formed, spire shorter than the aperture, the
volutions finely reticulated above, the lower half with the epidermis
forming a chesnut band which is central and broad on the basal whorl.

Voluta casta. _Chemnitz_ 10, _p._ 138, _vig._ 20 C D.--_figura mala_.

_Martyn Univ. Conch._ i. _tab._ 20.

_Dillwyn Catalogue_, _vol._ i. _p._ 554, _no._ 127.

* * * * *

All the writers I have been able to consult, uniformly describe this species as having a coloured band on the white ground of the shell. In the Banksian cabinet are two fine specimens, and which have enabled me to ascertain that this brown band is nothing more than an epidermis, or external coating, with which the shell is only partially covered--a circumstance of very rare occurrence; and which, being removed, proves the real colour of the shell to be of a uniform polished white. This, together with its excessive rarity, and the opportunity of giving original figures, has induced me to include it in this work, although it exists both in those of Martini and Martyn above quoted. I have neither seen nor heard of specimens being in any other collection, besides the two above noticed; and which no doubt were collected by their late lamented possessor on some of the South Sea islands. A striking affinity exists between this and _M. zonata_ figured at the third plate of this work.

* * * * *

MITRA olivaeformis.

_Olive-shaped Mitre._

_M. testa olivaeformi, glabra, nitida, spira brevissima,
longitudinaliter rugata, stria centrali transversa; columella
4-plicata._

M. Shell olive-shaped, smooth, polished, spire very short,
longitudinally wrinkled, with a central transverse stria, pillar
four-plaited.

* * * * *

I introduce the description of this diminutive and undescribed shell from its affinity with the last, and as forming a most interesting transition from the Mitres to the Olives: agreeing with the former in the structure of the pillar and the sculptured spire, and with the latter in its general form and _prima facie_ appearance. Its perfect resemblance, in fact, to a small olive, may have occasioned its being hitherto overlooked. The spire is slightly wrinkled and striated; the teeth on the pillar very near each other, slender, and four in number. The colour pale yellowish; the mouth darker, and the tip and base purple. The whole shell is scarcely half an inch long.

It was received from the South Seas.

* * * * *

Pl. 49

OXYRHYNCUS cristatus.

_Crested Sharpbill._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Oxyruncus_ Temminck.

_Rostrum breve, rectissimum, basi trigona, ultra basin attenuatum,
apice acutissimum; mandibula superiore supra rotundata, utrisque
integris. Nares basales, nudae, membrana partim tectae, apertura
lineari ad marginem rostri approximante. Pedes breves, validi, digito
medio longiores; digitis anterioribus tribus, exteriore connexo,
interiore fisso; halluce valido._

Bill short, very straight, base trigonal, beyond attenuated to a very
fine point; upper mandible above rounded, both entire. Nostrils basal,
naked, partially covered by a membrane; aperture linear, near the
margin of the bill. Feet short, strong, a little longer than the middle
toe; anterior toes three, the outer connected, the inner cleft; hind
toe strong.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_O. supra olivaceo-viridis, subtus flavescente-albus, maculis
nigrescentibus; capite crista coccinea incumbente; capitis lateribus
lineis transversis flavescente-albis._

Above olive-green, beneath yellowish-white, with blackish spots. Head
with an incumbent crimson crest; sides of the head and neck with
transverse yellowish-white lines.

* * * * *

An elegant and (to the ornithologist) a highly interesting bird, considered with much judgement by Professor Temminck as a new genus, having the perfect bill and habit of the Wryneck, but totally unlike that bird in the position of its toes, which in this are not placed in pairs. The Professor has slightly described it, in the new edition of his _Manuel_, without a _specific_, but under the _generic_ name of _Oxyruncus_, the spelling of which must be presumed as an error of the press: no mention, however, is made of the beautiful crimson colour which adorns the crest.

Total length near seven inches. Bill eight-tenths in length from the gape; general colour of the bird olive-green, becoming nearly white on the under part, and on the transverse stripes on each side the neck, front and temples, where there are also obscure bands of black; crown with a concealed crest, which is vivid crimson at the base and blackish at the tips; inner margin of the covers, quills and tail blackish; inner covers yellowish; chin, neck and breast banded with blackish lines, which are broken into spots and stripes beyond.

Inhabits Brazil, but is very rare.

* * * * *

Pl. 50

ALCEDO Asiatica.

_Asiatic Kingsfisher._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 26.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_A. capite nigro, fasciis transversis cyaneis, postice cristato;
auribus cyaneis; mento, gula, strigaque laterali colli albescentibus;
dorso nitide caeruleo; corpore subtus rufo._

Head black, transversely banded with mazarine blue, the hinder part
crested; ears blueish; chin, throat, and lateral stripe on each side
the neck whitish; back shining light-blue; body beneath rufous.

OBS. This bird Dr. Horsfield tells me is his _Alcedo meninting_
described in the Linn. Transactions.

* * * * *

The general resemblance between this and the European Kingsfisher may have been the cause why it has remained hitherto unnoticed by ornithologists. It bears, however, on closer inspection, a strong and peculiar distinction in the crest at the back of the head, in being much smaller in size, and especially as inhabiting the hottest parts of India; while our own braves the cold of a Siberian winter.

Total length six inches, of which the bill from the angle of the mouth to the tip occupies one inch and three-quarters, and is black, with the under mandible paler; the ears and the upper part of the head and neck are blueish-black, transversely banded with somewhat crescent-shaped narrow bands of a rich deep blue, which are broken into spots on the crest and ears: from the base of the under mandible is a black stripe richly glossed with blue, and carried down on each side the neck, between which and the upper part is a whitish stripe beginning just behind the ears (this in the European species is rufous). The wing-covers, scapulars and lesser quills are blackish glossed with blue, the two former having a bright spot at the end of each feather; superior and greater quills entirely blackish; down the middle of the back, rump, and tail-covers, light and vivid blue, with a slight tinge of greenish; chin and throat cream-colour; line between the nostrils and eyes, margin of the shoulders, under wing-covers, and all the lower parts of the body, rufous; tail deep and obscure blue; legs red.

My specimen came from some part of India; I have met with others from the same place; and Dr. Horsfield has likewise observed it in Java.

* * * * *

Pl. 51

COLIAS Pyrene.

_White African Colias._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 5.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. alis albis; anticis supra punctulo nigro subcentrali oblongo ad
apicem approximante; posticis margine integerrimis; singulis subtus
puncto ocellari lineisque fulvis undulatis: sexibus similibus._

Wings white; anterior with a small, nearly central, oblong, black dot
nearest the tip; margin of the posterior wings very entire, beneath all
with a brown ocellate spot and undulated fulvous lines: both sexes
alike.

* * * * *

Under the head of _Colias Pyranthe_, M. Godart has united the three insects described by Fabricius, as, _Pap. Pyranthe_, _Nepthe_ and _Gnomia_, all bearing in their leading colours a very near resemblance to each other. Yet as this consideration alone appears to have decided this ingenious author in uniting them, without apparently noticing the nicer but more important characters of form, proportion, and real sexual distinction, as well as geography, I cannot but consider the question still remains doubtful; and although I am not at present prepared to offer an opinion as to the actual affinity between these three insects, I have little or no doubt that the one now figured is a really distinct species from either of the above, which all inhabit various parts of India. This, on the contrary, is from the interior of the Cape of Good Hope, from whence it was brought by Mr. Burchall, among whose insects I have seen about twenty unvarying specimens, but they were all males. I discovered however three or four of both sexes, varying in size, in Mr. Haworth's cabinet, and the perfect similarity in colour of the female with the other sex is very striking: it wants of course the little tuft of hair and opaque spot within the borders of the wings, so generally found in the male _Coliadae_.

The distinctions of _Colias Pyrene_ as a species rest on the areola of the anterior wings being considerably larger in proportion than in the others allied to it, thus making the black dot (which is always placed at the outer extremity of the areola) much nearer the tip than the base: these wings are also more sharply trigonal (in the male), and have only the slightest appearance of a black margin; the hinder wings are also perfectly entire, and not obtusely undulated as in those insects, and the sexes not differing in colour. Like most of the insects of this genus, the ocellate spots beneath vary considerably; sometimes they are silvery, at other times not; the anal valves in the male are short and obtuse, and the wings in the female not so sharply pointed.

* * * * *

Pl. 52

COLIAS argante.

_Orange Colias._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 5.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. (Mas.) alis aurantiis, supra immaculatis, posticis subtus atomis
ferrugineis, plerumque puncto gemino argenteo._

_C. (Foem.) alis aurantio-flavis, anticis supra, apice punctoque medio
atris; posticis subtus, puncto gemino argenteo atomisque ferrugineis._

C. (Male.) Wings bright-orange, above immaculate; posterior beneath
with minute ferruginous dots, and generally two silvery spots.

C. (Female.) Wings golden-yellow; anterior above with a central spot
and black marginal tip; posterior beneath covered with ferruginous dots
and two silvery spots.

(_Male._) Papilio Hersilia. Cramer, _pl._ 173. C. D.
---- argante. _Fab. Ent. Syst._ iii. _pt._ 1. _p._ 189.
Colias argante. _Godart in Encycl. Method._ 9. 92. _no._ 11.

(_Female._) Papilio Cipris. _Cramer_, _pl._ 99. E. F.
Colias Cnidia. _Godart_, 93. _no._ 14.

* * * * *

No two insects can present a more striking dissimilarity than the sexes of this species; and it was only after a considerable degree of attention to the subject, in their native climate, that we were at last thoroughly convinced that _Colias argante_ and _C. Cnidia_ were, without the least remaining doubt, the male and the female of one species. I have had the same opinion communicated to me by my friend Dr. Langsdorff, whose long residence and observations in Brazil render his opinion of no small authority.

As both insects are well known, and their distinctions given in the specific character, it will be only necessary to observe, that the under surfaces of the wings in both sexes vary much both in the density of the minute dots, and short undulated stripes that spread over their surface; and that the silvery spots in some males are strongly marked, and in others quite obsolete: there is, in very fine individuals of this sex, a faint bloom of pink spread on the orange of the upper surface, which heightens the vivid yet chaste beauty of the insect. The females are not so common. I met with them both in northern and southern Brazil, and have seen them in collections from Para directly under the equinoctial line.

* * * * *

Pl. 53

STROMBUS cylindricus.

_False Scarlet-mouthed Strombus_--_Upper and under figures_.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 10.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_S. testa coniformi, spira brevissima ad basin depressa, anfractibus
convexis inaequalibus, labio exteriore supra lobato, intus striato;
interiore sub-obsoleto, albo._

Shell coniform; spire short, depressed at the base, the whorls convex
and unequal; outer lip lobed above, and internally striated; inner lip
nearly obsolete, white.

_Lister_ 850. 5. (bad.). _Gualt._ 31. 1. _Knorr_, vi. _tab._ 15. 3.

Strombus luhuanus _Linn._ _Martini_, x. _tab._ 157. 1499. 1500.

Young. Lip above entire, inside smooth, whorls tuberculated. _Lister_,
849. 4. a? _Knorr_, vi. _tab._ 17. 2.

* * * * *

We introduce this common shell for the purpose of pointing out those characters which induce us to consider it more as a distinct species than as a variety of _S. Luhuanus_ of authors; and this consists not so much in the colour of the inner lip, as in the almost total absence of that important part, which this shell invariably exhibits through all its growths: it is therefore, I think, contradictory to the meaning of the word to term that variable which is found to be constant, particularly where the point of distinction rests on a marked difference of _formation_ no less than of colour, though both shells are common to the Oriental seas. Minor differences exist, in the mouth of this always being pink, the inner lip white, and the outer lip but slightly lobed (or cut out) above: in _S. Luhuanus_ the mouth is deep scarlet, inner lip black and highly polished, and the outer lip deeply notched above; the two former characters, indeed, begin to show themselves at a very early growth of the shell.

* * * * *

STROMBUS Persicus.

_Persian Strombus__--middle figures._

_S. testa sub-coniformi, brevi; spira conica, aequali; labio exteriore
prominente, supra sinuato, intus glabro; interiore polito, albo._

Shell somewhat coniform, short; spire conic, equal. Outer lip
prominent, sinuated above, smooth within; inner lip polished, white.

* * * * *

Allied, but sufficiently distinct from the last; the mouth is always smooth and white. It is a local species: a few received from the Persian Gulf are all I have yet seen, some were young, but no other variation was observable.

* * * * *

Pl. 54

MITRA lyraeformis.

_Harp Mitre._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 23.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_M. testa costis regularibus, carinatis, approximatibus: columella
striata, juxta basin triplicata: spira subattenuata; apice
subpapillosa._

Shell with regular, carinated, approximating, longitudinal ribs. Pillar
striated, three-plaited near the base. Spire somewhat attenuated. Apex
slightly papillary.

* * * * *

This beautiful and highly interesting shell has been generally considered _unique_ among the collections in this country. It was originally in the possession of the late Mr. Jennings, and, I am informed by Captain Laskey, was on first being received, in a much finer state. Mr. Jennings had it cleaned, and in so doing many of the delicate transverse striae were partially obliterated, and the sharp ridges on the longitudinal ribs worn down, as indeed was apparent from a drawing Captain L. had made of the shell previous to this unmerciful cleaning. It however still remains a very fine shell, and is now in the cabinet of Mrs. Bolton, of Storr's-hall, to whom I am obliged for the opportunity of now publishing it.

The figure and specific character will sufficiently point out its distinctions. The body-whorl is smooth, but strongly granulated at the base; the spire delicately striated between the ribs; the two last whorls before the apex are close, thick, and somewhat papillary; the apex itself small and sharp. The upper part of the inner lip has some faint obsolete teeth, but the base has three very strong ones.

It connects in the most beautiful manner the two genera of _Mitra_ and _Voluta_. Its country is unknown.

* * * * *

Pl. 55

SOLEN ambiguus.

_Ambiguous Solen._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Testa bivalvis, aequivalvis, transversissime elongata, utroque latere
hians. Dentes cardinales parvi, fragiles, numero variabiles, raro
divaricati. Ligamentum externum; animal ad extremitatem anteriorem pede
subcylindraceo; ad posteriorem siphone brevi duos alteros conjunctos
continente._ Lamarck.

Typus Genericus _Solen Vagina_ Pennant.

Shell bivalve, equivalve, very transversely elongated, open at both
ends. Cardinal teeth small, fragile, variable in number, and rarely
divaricated. Ligament external. Animal with a sub-cylindrical foot at
the anterior end, and at the other a short tube containing two others
united together. _Lamarck._

Generic Type _Solen Vagina_ Pennant.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_S. testa lineari, crassa, recta, pallida, obscure radiata; cardinibus
unidentatis, margine anteriore sub-approximantibus._

Shell linear, strong, straight, pale, obscurely radiated. Cardinal
teeth one in each valve, placed near the anterior extremity.

Solen ambiguus. _Lam. Syst. vol._ iii. _p._ 452. _no._ 7.

* * * * *

Under the genus _Solen_ (vulgarly called Razors or Pods) are comprehended a variety of shells having the common character of both extremities open or gaping when the valves are together, yet differing materially in their form, teeth, and general appearance: some are long, slender and straight; others more or less curved; a few short and oval, or with one end only lengthened. Modern writers have, however, retained nearly all these in the genus as left by Linnaeus; and this method for the present is more desirable than that of creating a multiplicity of genera. Dr. Turton, in his very useful Conchological Dictionary, enumerates thirteen species as found on the British coast, including the _Solen Novacula_ of Montagu, which the Doctor suspects is not truly a species. The original specimens which Montagu described I have carefully inspected at the British Museum, and have no doubt in my own mind they are in reality no other than _S. Siliqua_ with one of the cardinal teeth broken off; a circumstance which, from their fragility, frequently happens, even in opening the recent shell.

_Solen ambiguus_ was first described by Lamarck, who says it is from North America. Two or three specimens are in my possession; but it is a rare species, much thicker, and with larger teeth than any other; the epidermis is pale-brown, and in some parts obliquely lineated.

* * * * *

Pl. 56

RAMPHASTOS vitellinus.

_Sulphur-and-white-breasted Toucan._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 45.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_R. niger, gula flavo-aurantia; lateribus auribusque albis; fascia
pectorali tegminibusque rubris; rostro nigro fascia basali caerulea,
culmine subcurvato convexo, lateribus incrassatis._