Chapter I: Preface (1)

In concluding the last volume of these Illustrations, I may be allowed to express the satisfaction I feel, at the favourable manner in which the work has been received, both in this country and on the continent.

Several objections have been urged, even by sensible writers, against miscellaneous works on Zoology. First, that they range over the whole animal kingdom, without completing the history of any one tribe. Secondly, that their authors, while professing to illustrate only what is new or little known, intrude a large proportion of subjects to be found in all the common natural histories. And thirdly, that this rapid mode of publishing new discoveries, is an infringement on the right, and is detrimental to the labours, of those naturalists who direct their attention to one particular branch. These objections, however, are not unanswerable; for, in the first place, these miscellanies should more properly be considered as graphic illustrations, or collections of figures, wherein the efforts of the artist, aided by scientific knowledge, are called forth, to complete, by his pencil, the more minute and detailed descriptions which should proceed from the pen of the monographer. The most perfect works in the science are undoubtedly those which unite the labours of both; but, in proportion as this perfection is attained, the general utility of such works is diminished. They become so enormously expensive, that they are only to be seen in universities and princely libraries; for the most part inaccessible to the naturalist, and nearly unknown to the public at large. The works of Le Vaillant, Desmarest, Vieillot, Ferussac, and several others, published in France and Germany, are of this description; and while in one sense they have considerably benefitted the science, they have in another proved very detrimental to its general diffusion. No sensible naturalist will risk his fame, by giving his observations to the world, without knowing what has been done by those who have preceded him;--until, in fact, he has proper materials to work upon. He knows that these sumptuous authors should be consulted; he has not the means of so doing; and he relinquishes his purpose in despair. Such has been the result in two or three instances which I could mention: and the power of materially extending the bounds of science is thus confined to those favoured few, who are so fortunate as to possess, or to have the power of consulting, those splendid publications.

The second objection is well grounded; but in whatever degree it may apply elsewhere, I trust the following pages will evince my anxiety to render the work replete with subjects hitherto unknown or unrecorded; and my own collections, in most cases, have given me ample means for examining and comparing both the genera and species of nearly all the subjects I have attempted to illustrate.

In several instances my opinions will be found to differ from those of many celebrated naturalists of the day; but I have endeavoured to put the reader in possession of the reasons which have led to the conclusions I have adopted. This is but justice towards those who have preceded me, and to the great body of naturalists, by whom such questions will ultimately be decided. The age is past wherein the _ipse dixit_ of a great name was enough to check all inquiries after truth. Assertions must now be proved before they are admitted: and those writers who lay before the public tribunal of science their facts, their arguments, and their deductions, can alone hope to have their opinions generally adopted.

The third and last objection is as new as it is singular; and has been urged against Miscellanies in general by an anonymous French writer.[1] However an author may feel annoyance or disappointment, that another should be the first to publish discoveries, which _he_ fancies belong exclusively to himself, he surely has no title to complain. The field of Nature is open to the inquiries of all. In her domain there are not yet established any _scientific preserves_.[2] If occupation or indolence does not permit _one_ labourer to make known his discoveries, is _another_ (who perhaps unconsciously has been working on the same ground) to hide the knowledge _he_ has gained? This is surely a principle at once illiberal and unjust. At this time, there is not perhaps a single department of Zoology which is not employing the attention of more than one writer. It is to the honour, and to the lasting benefit of science, that it should be so: and although a great part of the new objects collected during my travels in Europe and Brazil have recently been made public by MM. Temminck and Godart, I feel rejoiced that this has been done by such distinguished men.

I have been induced to enter (perhaps too fully) into a general defence of Zoological miscellanies, from the opinion I entertain of their great utility. First, in diffusing a general knowledge, and exciting a taste for such pursuits among the great mass of readers; and secondly, as being a prompt and interesting channel of communicating new discoveries to the scientific world. Their periodical appearances and comparative cheapness renders them of easy access to the student; and, if well conducted, they unite all that is essential from the pen and the pencil.

Several foreign journals have noticed the appearance of these Illustrations, and generally in such terms as to stamp a value on their contents. One of these, however,[3] contains several misrepresentations, which have doubtless escaped the notice of the editor; and which, therefore, it may be as well to explain in this place. The writer in this journal, while noticing my Illustrations, seems to have mixed up with it criticisms intended for another periodical miscellany,[4] to which this has, perhaps, given birth, and which professes to be on a similar plan. He states that these Illustrations are to be completed in sixty numbers, making five volumes. No such declaration, to my knowledge, has ever been made, although such is the averred plan of the Naturalist's Repository. The reviewer goes on to state: "Il suit pour l'Entomologie et la Conchologie la classification surannee de Linnaeus." This is not a very respectful mode of speaking of the labours of the greatest naturalist whom his age produced; but the proposition is a total mistake; the charge is refuted by almost every page of my work; and, what is rather extraordinary, by the very quotations of the reviewer. In reply to the regret expressed, "que l'auteur n'indique pas toujours les ouvrages les plus recens," I should have been thankful had he subjoined what works these were; as I do not find, in the monthly lists of the _Bulletin_, any one which I have not consulted or referred to, if connected with the objects here described.[5] M. de Ferussac's work has been regularly cited, but his _Prodromus_ I have never been able to procure, either in England or Paris.

And here I cannot refrain from adverting to the great number of Zoological publications which have appeared in this country during the last three years; a number far exceeding in proportion that of any period in the annals of the science. Dr. Horsfield has commenced a beautiful work on the Animals of Java; and Mr. Sowerby is prosecuting his Genera of Shells with much zeal, and with increased ability. Both these appear periodically. They are conducted on the modern principles of science, and do credit to their authors. The Naturalist's Repository, before alluded to, likewise appears monthly, but is carried on according to the Linnaean system, pure and unadulterated. All these, however, unite in showing how rapidly the taste for such works has increased. Added to these, a new quarterly Journal, exclusively devoted to Zoology, has been announced, and, if conducted on liberal principles, its utility will be very great.

But nothing, perhaps, has more fully evinced the state of public feeling on this point among men of enlightened minds, than the discussions which have arisen on the present state of the British Museum. It is a subject on which I might be tempted to say much, did I not feel, that among those who do not know me, I might be suspected of interested or unworthy motives. But from the retirement of a country life, I may now be allowed perhaps to say a few words. It is indeed most true, that, in the Zoological department, this institution is a full century behind the rest of Europe; I might almost add, of America. But the fault is deep-rooted; and does not spring from the person (whoever he may be) to whom this overwhelming charge is given. It is ridiculous to suppose that the exertions of any one person (however great his talents, his zeal, and his assiduity,) are sufficient to discharge the duties of so complicated an office. Such a supposition implies the expectation of a moral impossibility; and so long as such a Herculean task is allotted him, so long will the Museum continue, with little alteration, in its present state. Where we have _one_ Zoologist, the museums of Paris, Berlin, and Vienna have many; each is charged with the care of one particular branch; and, by their united efforts, the whole is displayed to the examination of the scientific, and to the view of the public. Each professor has thus leisure to prosecute the most important objects of his duty; _i. e._ to examine, compare, and describe, to detect analogies, to investigate affinities, and to give to the world the fruits of his studies. To France more particularly this honour is due. And what has been the result? Why, that Paris has become the Zoological university of Europe; and that the principles which have emanated from it, are now considered the only true ones by which Nature is to be studied.

It is not my object to attach reproach to any body of men collectively, or to any one individually; but truth is not to be concealed. Every writer who has the advancement of his favourite study at heart, is bound (however feebly) to advocate its cause. The truth of the preceding remarks cannot be questioned; and it remains with those in power, to consider well, whether such a state of things is consistent with the honour and reputation of the country; with the justice due to those great men who founded the institution; and to the expectations of the public, by whom it is supported.

Warwick, October, 1823.

* * * * *

Pl. 120

AMPULLARIA corrugata,

_Wrinkled Apple Snail._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 103.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_A. testa globosa, corrugata, olivacea; spirae prominentis, acutae,
anfractibus ventricosis; aperturae margine crasso, fulvo, sulcato;
umbilico parvo, juxta labii interioris mediam posito; operculo
testaceo._

Shell globose, wrinkled, olive; spire prominent, acute, the whorls
ventricose; margin of the aperture thick, fulvous, grooved; umbilicus
small, linear, near the middle of the inner lip; operculum shelly.

Helix Ampullacea. _Linn. Gmelin_, _p._ 3626.

Ampullaria rugosa. _Sowerby, Genera of Shells_, _fas._ 4. _fig._ 1. 2.

* * * * *

The annexed figures of this hitherto undefined species will clearly show its distinction from _Amp. globosa_, (pl. 119); and the specific characters now framed for these two shells, will, I think, sufficiently distinguish them from each other.

In comparison with _A. globosa_, this (even in the young state) is a wrinkled, not a smooth shell, having the umbilicus placed near the middle, not towards the base, of the inner lip: the spiral whorls are elevated and ventricose, not depressed, and slightly convex; and the basal volution, instead of being very wide on the upper part, (near the suture,) is widest only in the middle. In young shells, the wrinkles and the marginated aperture are less defined. When divested of its epidermis, the colour is blueish white, with a few narrow bands of obscure purple. A specimen in my own collection has the epidermis so thin, that the colours beneath it are very conspicuous. The mouth inside is dark chesnut, with blackish bands; the margin being pale yellow and slightly reflected. The umbilicus, both in this and in _A. globosa_, is small and contracted, while in the real _A. rugosa Lam._ (_Helix urceus Lin._) it is very large, round, and deep. This latter shell, also, differs from both of the former, by having a thin, and not a margined aperture.

Mr. Sowerby appears the only writer who has figured this shell, which he has mistaken for the _A. rugosa_ of Lamarck. I am informed by Mr. Humphreys it is a native of India.

* * * * *

Pl. 121

CINNYRIS Javanica,

_Javanese Creeper._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 95.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. supra nitide purpureo-aerata, subtus olivaceo-crocea; scapulis,
uropygio, strigaque laterali a rostro ad pectus descendente nitide
violaceis; jugulo castaneo; cauda nigra._

Above glossy metallic purple; beneath olive yellow; scapulars, rump,
and lateral stripe from the bill to the breast, shining violet; throat
chesnut; tail black.

Nectarinia Javanica. _Horsfield in Linn. Tran._ _vol._ 13. i. _p._ 167.

* * * * *

Under the full conviction that nature has defined, in the most complete manner, the geographic limits of the various tribes of birds subsisting on vegetable juices, I am particularly anxious to rectify any mistakes that may shake this hypothesis, in which I find myself supported, in the fullest manner, by the opinion of Professor Temminck, in the last edition of his _Manuel_.

Dr. Horsfield, in his account of the birds of Java, describes two species under the names of _Nectarinia Javanica_ and _Pectoralis_. It happens, however, that specimens of both these birds are in my own cabinet, and have enabled me to ascertain that they are both decided species of _Cinnyris_, perfectly agreeing with the characters laid down by Cuvier, Temminck, and myself, for this group. It is difficult to say how this oversight has occurred, because Dr. H., just before, introduces the genus _Cinnyris_, and describes under it two new species. In short, no doubt remains in my own mind, that _Cinnyris_ is a genus as strictly confined to the tropical latitudes of the _old_, as _Nectarinia_ is to the _new_ world.

The figure is the size of life; the outline of the bill will illustrate the generic characters, of which one of the most important is the nostrils. Nothing can exceed the richness and variety of tints with which this splendid little creature is ornamented; particularly on the head, which is glossed alternately with lilac, sea-green, and violet, and appears as if covered with some metallic substance; the blue on the wings, back, and edges of the tail is very deep, shining, and glossed with purple; all the wing-feathers are edged with olive, and some of the lesser quills with chesnut.

* * * * *

Pl. 122

ACHATINA virginea, _var._

_Common Striped Achatina,_ _var. 2 and 3_.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 30.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_A. testa elongata, fasciis numerosis nigris, viridibus et flavis
ornata; anfractus basalis latitudine altitudinem superante; apertura
rotundata; labio exteriore integro; basi profunde emarginata._

_Var._ 2. _testa fasciis fuscis ornata; labio interiore albo._

_Var._ 3. _testa fasciis rufis ornata; labio interiore roseo._

Shell elongated, with crowded bands of black, green, and yellow; basal
volution broader than high; aperture rounded; outer lip entire; base
deeply notched.

Bulla virginea. _Gm._ 3429. _Chemnitz_, 9. _t._ 117. _f._ 1000, 1.
_Dill._ 491.

Bulimus virgineus. _Brug._ _p._ 363.--_Lister_, 15. 10. _Seba_, _t._
40. _f._ 38. _Ferrusac_, _pl._ 120. _f._ 3, 4, 5.

Var. 2. Shell banded with brown; inner lip white. _Ferrusac_, _t._
120. _f._ 2.

Var. 3. Shell banded with rufous; inner lip rosy. _Chemnitz_, 10.
173. _f._ 1682, 1683, (_reversed_.)

* * * * *

The shell generally known as the _Ach. virginea_ (_Bulla virginea Lin._) is so common, that few collectors do not possess it. The varieties, however, of this species are rare, and differ so remarkably in their colouring, as to require illustration. Several kindred species of this family I have already described; and on the same principle of establishing specific distinctions from formation instead of colour, I shall now endeavour to point out those characters which are common, more or less, to all the varieties of this species, and which distinguish it from its allies. _A. virginea_ may be known by the comparative shortness of the basal whorl, which in general is broader than high; the margin of the outer lip is entire, and sloping in an oblique direction; the aperture is wide, and nearly round; the lower part of the columella takes a concave direction, and between its base and that of the outer lip is a very deep notch. The basal whorl is so broad that the shell, if placed on a table with its mouth downwards, will remain erect.

Both these and the two next varieties are in Mr. Dubois' cabinet. Their locality is unknown; but my young friend, Mr. Frederick Parkes, has recently sent me shells of the common variety, found by himself near Kingston, Jamaica.

* * * * *

Pl. 123

ACHATINA virginea, _var._ 3 _and_ 4.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 30.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 122.

_A. virginea, var._ 3. _testa ampliore, albescente, fasciis rufis
nigrisque ornata; apertura purpurea; labio interiore albo._

_Var._ 4. _testa ampliore, alba, fasciis 3 angustis, fuscis ornata;
apertura labioque interiore albis; anfractu basali medio
subcarinato._

A. virginea, var. 3. Shell larger, whitish, with rufous and black
bands, aperture purple; inner lip white. _Middle figures._

Var. 4. Shell larger, white, with three narrow brown bands;
aperture and inner lip white; basal whorl in the middle slightly
carinated. _Upper and lower figures._

* * * * *

The two varieties of _A. virginea_ on this plate, are still more removed from the type of the species than those last figured; they are both much larger in size, and var. 4 presents a slight difference of formation, in having the basal volution somewhat carinated round the middle; but as in every other essential character it agrees with the rest, I have refrained from separating it as a distinct species.

The four varieties I have now illustrated of _Ach. virginea_, tend to establish, in a very complete manner, the correctness of the principles on which I have framed the specific characters of this genus; here are four shells, with a total difference in the colouring of each, yet all agreeing in the same formation. It should be observed likewise, that _A. pallida_, figured at pl. 41 of this work, and _A. virginea_, var. 4, are nearly the same in colour, while in formation they are completely at variance. I do not think it has been hitherto remarked, that the elegant green lines which ornament the common variety, are only _external_; they resemble, in this respect, the epidermis of other shells, for they may be taken off by a knife without any injury to the enamel. M. Ferrusac has figured several other varieties in his beautiful work on Land Shells.

* * * * *

Pl. 124

LICINIA Crisia.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 15.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_A. mas. Alis anticis falcato-acuminatis, fuscis, fascia media
margineque postico flavo; posticis infra flavescentibus colore griseo
variis, basi maculis 4 fulvis._

_Fem. Alis infra albentibus colore griseo variis; anticis integris,
supra fuscis, fascia media margineque postico albentibus; posticarum
basi maculis 4 fulvis._

_Male._ Anterior wings angulated, brown, with a central band and hind
margin yellow; posterior beneath yellowish marbled with grey, base with
4 fulvous spots.

_Female._ Anterior wings entire, above brown, with a central band and
hind margin whitish; all the wings beneath whitish marbled with grey;
base of the posterior with 4 fulvous spots.

Pieris Crisia. _Godart. En. Meth._ _p._ 197. _Male._ _Drury_, _v._ 3.
_pl._ 37. _f._ 1. 2?

* * * * *

The extraordinary difference existing between the sexes of exotic Lepidoptera, and particularly among the Butterflies, (_Papilionidae_ Lin.) is a subject which hitherto has received but little attention; nor am I aware of any entomological writer who has described those characters which absolutely distinguish the sexes: characters which, I am persuaded, will hereafter be found of the first importance in a natural arrangement of these insects. But in the prosecution of this desirable object, the naturalist, as far as regards foreign Lepidoptera, will have to encounter serious obstacles; many individuals must be examined of each species, and some of these dissected. It falls to the lot of few to pursue their inquiries in the native regions of these insects. Collections in this country are very few, and some of these are not always open to the scientific labourer; neither can specimens be sacrificed for dissection, where there are not more than two or three individuals of a species.

This is in general a very rare insect; observed for the first time by Dr. Langsdorff and myself early in June (the tropical autumn), in a wood adjoining the Organ Mountains at Rio de Janeiro. From its local abundance, we were able to ascertain the sexes. The two upper figures are of the female, and the lower of the male insect.

* * * * *

Pl. 125

PAPILIO Nerius.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 92.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_P. (Gr. Ecaud.) Alis nigris, fascia communi maculisque viridibus;
posticis dentatis breviter caudatis; his subtus fascia subargentea,
marginali, nervis divisa._ Godart.

P. (Gr. Ecaud.) Wings black, with spots and a common band of green;
posterior wings dentated, obsoletely tailed, beneath with a silvery
marginal band, divided by the nerves.

P. Nireus. _Fab. Sys. Ent._ 3. _p._ 36. _Godart Ency. Meth._ 9. 1. _p._
48. _Drury_ 2. _pl._ 4. _fig._ 1. 2. _Cramer_, _p._ 187. A. B. (_mas._)
_pl._ 378. F. G. (_fem._)

* * * * *

I have figured this insect, principally because it will fully illustrate the first section (_a._) in the arrangement of this beautiful family proposed at plate 92. The two divisions there adopted, after the manner of Linnaeus, (_Graeci_ et _Trojani_) I am fully aware, are purely artificial; but the facility this distribution will give to the student, in searching after a particular species, is so obvious, that it need hardly be pointed out.

I have only had the opportunity of examining the individual from which the figure was taken. It is a male, having the anal valves rather lengthened and obtuse, with a small hook between them, which projects from the last segment of the abdomen. This circumstance proves the error of Cramer, in having mistaken the sexes of this species, both of which he seems to have figured. That which I apprehend is the female (Cramer, pl. 378, fig. F. G.) I have not myself seen. The blue-green on the upper surface of the wings is very resplendent and changeable, and the palpi and thorax beneath are covered with numerous whitish spots.

On the under side of the inferior wings, near their base, is a paler band, rayed with the nerves, and in some lights shining with a pale silvery reflection.

Mr. Smeathman sent this species from Sierra Leone, in Africa, to Mr. Drury. The locality, therefore, of India, given by Linnaeus and Fabricius, must be incorrect.

* * * * *

Pl. 126

CONUS vitulinus, _var._

_Orange Fox Cone_,_Brown-tipp'd variety._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 65.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. testa fulva seu fusca, fasciis 2 interruptis ornata; spirae brevis,
levatae, conicae, maculatae anfractibus concavis, subgranose striatis;
basi granosa, alba._

_Var. testa flavescente, fasciis obscuris, subalbidis ornata; basi
rufa. (Fig. nos.)_

Shell fulvous or brown, with 2 interrupted white bands; spire short,
elevated, conic, spotted, volutions concave with subgranulated striae;
base granulated, white.

Conus vitulinus. _Brug._ _p._ 648. _Lamarck. Ann._ 15. _p._ 265.
_Knorr._ _vol._ 5. _tab._ 1. _fig._ 4 (_optime_). _Dillwyn_ 377.

_Lam. Syst._ 7. _p._ 467. 55.

Var. Shell yellowish, with obscure whitish bands; the base rufous.

* * * * *

I received this very uncommon shell from the Island of Amboyna; and although in size and colour it is widely different from the usual appearance of _C. vitulinus_, I have no hesitation in considering it as a remarkable variety only of that species.

_C. vitulinus_ in general is a small shell. The best representation of it I have seen is given by Knorr; an author not in general very accurate in his figures. It varies considerably in colour, and approaches very near to _C. vulpinus Lam._ from which it principally differs in having an elevated, though short, spire, instead of one nearly flat: the base is granulated, and generally white; _C. vulpinus_ also has the body whorl carinated and thickest round the upper margin, whereas, in _Vitulinus_, it is gently swelled in the middle.

M. Lamarck is, I think, mistaken in the synonyms of this shell, which is represented in the _Ency. Meth._ plate 326, fig. 2 and 4.. The shell at fig. 8. appears to me as the granulated variety of _C. vulpinus_.

Inhabits the Asiatic Ocean.

* * * * *

Pl. 127

CONUS Maldivus,

_Spanish Admiral Cone._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 65.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_C. testa laevi, postice gracili ferruginea, maculis albis subtrigonis,
cingulisque numerosis fuscis, albo punctatis, ornata; basi nigra;
spirae brevis apice acuto, anfractibus laevibus, planis._

Shell smooth, posterior end slender, ferruginous, with angular white
spots, and white bands dotted with brown; base black; spire short, tip
acute, the whorls smooth and flat.

C. Maldivus. _Brug._ (1789.) _p._ 644. _Lam. Ann._ _v._ 15. _p._ 264.

C. Jaspideus. _Humphreys in Mus. Cal._ (1797) _p._ 12. _No._ 185.

Conus Generalis. _Var._ B. _Dillwyn._ 539. 11.

_Lam. Syst._ 7. _p._ 465. 50.

Var. 1. Band in the middle narrow; _upper figure_. _Ency. Meth._
pl. 325. fig. 6.

Var. 2. Band broader; _lower figure_.

Var. 3. Band very broad, with dotted transverse lines; _middle
figure_.

_Seba._ _pl._ 54. _fig._ 11. 12. _Ency. Meth._ _pl._ 325. _fig._ 5. 7.

* * * * *

The general similarity existing between the Spanish Admiral, and two other cones, figured in this work, I have before alluded to; it has been placed by the Linnaean writers as a variety of _C. Generalis_, from which, however, it invariably differs, in being a much thicker shell, with a shorter spire, and the whorls without any concavity. The colour of the two species varies considerably in different individuals, but _C. Maldivus_ is always destitute of the dark brown longitudinal stripes at the top of the body whorl, peculiar to _C. Generalis_; the white bands are either broken into somewhat triangular spots, or are banded with minute dots; these triangular white spots are sometimes scattered in other parts of the shell, and the white band in the middle varies much in breadth; of all the varieties I have yet seen, the middle figure is that which makes the nearest approach to _C. Generalis_.

The very applicable name given to this shell by Mr. Humphreys, in the _Museum Calonnianum_, I should have adopted, had not Bruguiere previously affixed to it that of _Maldivus_, as being a native of the Maldivian Islands.

* * * * *

Pl. 128

CONUS Maldivus, _var._

_Spanish Admiral Cone_,_Chesnut variety._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 65.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 127.

Conus Maldivus. Var. B. _testa castanea, fascia albescente media
angusta ornata; anfractus basalis basi et margine albis._

_Var. B._ Chesnut, with a narrow whitish band in the middle; base and
margin of the body whorl white.

* * * * *

As a further illustration of the last plate, I have been induced to figure this very rare variety, from a specimen I met with at Mrs. Mawe's. In the disposition of its markings, it approaches near to the shell represented in the _Ency. Meth._ _plate_ 325, _f._ 6, but the white band in the middle is narrower, and quite destitute of the circular dotted lines there expressed.

No shells require a greater accuracy of delineation than the Cones, particularly in expressing the peculiarity in the form and sculpture of their spires. I am well persuaded that a great number of the mistakes committed by authors have originated in the wretched figures contained in Favanne's work, and in the early volumes of Martini. Those of Favanne are generally so loose and inaccurate, (although remarkably well engraved,) that I do not wish, by quoting, to make them any authority; and most of the Cones figured by Martini are equally bad.

Bruguiere and Lamarck have both given the character of _spira canaliculata_ to this species, which is altogether a mistake. The spiral whorls are all _but_ perfectly flat, and the suture is quite closed up, although sometimes uneven; originating, as in many other shells, either from the inequalities of growth, or from an accidental sea-break, which the animal may have repaired.

* * * * *

Pl. 129

MELLIPHAGA torquata,

_White-collared Honeysucker._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 43.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_M. olivaceo-fulva, infra alba; capite auribusque nigris; torque
nuchali lunato, albo; superciliorum cute rubra._

Fulvous olive, beneath white; head and ears black; nape with a white
crescent, skin of the eyebrows red.

Black-crowned Honeysucker. _Lewin's Birds of N. Holland_, _pl._ 24.

* * * * *

An elegant, though not a richly coloured bird; remarkable for the bright red of the skin above the eyes, and the milk-white collar at the back of the head. It is from New Holland, and, like others of its tribe, derives its nourishment chiefly from the nectar of flowers; as more particularly mentioned in my first observations on this genus at pl. 43.

The figure is of the natural size: excepting the crown and sides of the head (which are deep black), the whole upper plumage is olive yellow: the shoulders, quills, and tail brown; the two latter margined with olive, but the exterior quills with white: the throat, breast, and collar round the nape pure white; skin of the eyebrows red.

The Lunated Creeper of Dr. Shaw (_Le Fuscalben of Vieillot, Certh._ _pl._ 61. _p._ 122.) is, I apprehend, a distinct species. It is described as being _cinnamon brown_ above, with a bright red spot of _feathers behind_ the eye. In the temperate climate of New Holland, that variation from the usual colouring of particular species, so frequent in tropical birds, is seldom met with; neither can these two birds be sexes of one species, because Lewin, who wrote on the spot, particularly remarks that the female of this is like the male; he further adds, it is found near Paramatta, and the Hawkesbury river, in thick bushy woods.

Lewin's figure is so excellent, that I should not again have represented this bird, had not the plate been prepared previous to the publication of his work. The outline figure of the bill will show more clearly the uncommon length of the nostrils, a character which is peculiar to this genus.

Pl. 130

Pl. 131

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_T. viridi-aureus, subtus canus; remigum primorum (in maribus) scapis
dilatato-incurvatis; rectricium pennis 4 mediis viridibus apice nigro,
lateralibus albis basi nigra; rostro vix recto._

Golden green, beneath grey; greater quills (in the male) with the
shafts dilated and incurved. Four middle tail-feathers green tipped
with black, lateral feathers white with a black base; bill nearly
straight.

T. latipennis. _Lath. In. Orn._ 1. _p._ 310. _Gen. Zool._ 8. 1. 318.

T. campylopterus. _Gm. Sys. Nat._ 499. _n._ 65.

L'O. mouche a larges tuyaux. _Vieillot Ois. D'or._ _p._ 21. _p._ 59.

Broad-shafted H. Bird. _Lath. Syn._ _v._ 2. _p._ 765. _Gen. Zool._ 8.
318.

* * * * *

The opinion I expressed on the unusual formation of the wings in two species of Humming-birds, figured at pl. 83 and 107, appears to receive the fullest confirmation from the birds here represented. One of these (pl. 131) is clearly the _T. latipennis_, or Broad-shafted Humming-bird of authors; while the other presents not the slightest difference except in the shafts of the quills, which, instead of being thickened and dilated, are of the ordinary size.

Not having myself dissected these birds, I cannot decidedly say they are male and female; but I think no reasonable doubt can remain that such is the fact, and that these singular quill-feathers are characteristic only of the male sex.

Both the birds are represented the size of life, and may be included in one description: the upper plumage obscure blueish green, glossed with a coppery or golden tinge and shaded with brown, the plumage beneath entirely grey; ears and sides of the neck the same, the latter with some spots of greenish. Tail large, even, and broad; the two middle feathers green, tipt (in the male) with blackish; the next pair black, with the base green, and the extreme points whitish; the remainder black, with their ends more or less white. Wings violet brown, the shafts of the three outer quills, in the male, dilated and compressed, but simple in the female. Said to inhabit Cayenne. Although the bill of this species is all but straight, it belongs naturally to the curved-bill division.

* * * * *

Pl. 132

MACROGLOSSUM annulosum,

_Upper figure_

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 64.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_M. alis nigris, anticis fasciis 2 hyaline maculatis ornatis; abdominis
nigri, segmento tertio niveo._

Wings black, anterior with two bands of hyaline spots; abdomen black,
the third segment snowy.

* * * * *

An elegant insect; so closely allied to _Sphinx Tantalus, Lin._ (_Drury_, _v._ 1. _pl._ 26. _f._ 5.) as to excite a doubt if it should be considered as a separate species. Drury's figure and description, however, of that insect, induce me to think they are most probably distinct. _S. Tantalus_ is without the two bands of hyaline spots, and is much smaller in size.

In this insect are three small, white, snowy dots, on the sides of the lower segments of the abdomen, and the same beneath: the anal segment is grey; with the margin, and spot in the middle, black. Inhabits Brazil, but is a rare insect.

* * * * *

MACROGLOSSUM fasciatum,

_Lower figure._

* * * * *

_M. alis nigricantibus, anticis fusco variis, posticis striga
aurantiaca centrali ornatis; thorace grisea; corporis lateribus,
maculis aurantiacis, nigris et pallide fulvis insignibus; antennis
gracilibus; unco producto._

Wings blackish, anterior variegated with brown, posterior with a
central orange stripe; thorax grey, sides of the body with orange,
black, and pale yellow spots; antennae slender, hook lengthened.

Sphinx ceculus. _Cramer_, _pl._ 146. _f._ G.

* * * * *

This is another Brazilian species, much more frequent than the last. In Cramer, at pl. 146, g. is figured an insect under the name of _Ceculus_, which no author appears to have quoted; but which (miserably inaccurate as it is), I have no doubt the artist intended as a representation of this insect; particularly as Cramer's description, though short, is very applicable. The colours beneath are uniform dark brown; the thorax, legs, and base of the wings, whitish; near the exterior margin of the superior wings is a small white dot, and two others on each side of the middle segments of the body.

* * * * *

Pl. 133

THECLA Macaria,

_Chesnut-spotted Hair-Streak._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 69.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_T. alis supra fuscis; anticis ad basin caeruleis, infra ferrugineis,
punctis 2 mediis nigris ornatis; posticis infra castaneis, antice
pallidioribus, maculo nigro ad basin ornatis._

Wings above brown; anterior blue at the base, beneath ferruginous, with
two central black spots; posterior beneath chesnut, paler on the fore
part, with a black spot near the base.

* * * * *

I have selected this insect as one of the rarest among a vast number of species of this elegant tribe, collected during my travels in Brazil. Two specimens of the male, and one of the female insect, were captured in the woods near Pernambuco, in lat. 8deg 12' S.

The male insects, in the majority of the _Hair-Streaks_, have either a velvet or eye-like spot in the middle of the anterior wings, adjoining their outer margin; these spots are without lustre, and frequently appear as if caused by being rubbed: the colours, likewise, on the upper surface of the wings in the males, generally differ from those of the females.

Wings brown; anterior, with the half next the base blue; central spot blackish, enclosing an obscure eye-like spot margined with grey, the pupil black with a white dot. Posterior wings two-tailed; exterior tail very short, interior lengthened; anal angle two-lobed, margin whitish. Anterior wings beneath, pale chesnut brown, tips chesnut; in the middle are two black dots, one of which is small; above these are three others, which form a short transverse line united to the margin. Posterior wings beneath, dark chesnut; with two central blackish dots in the middle; below are two undulated brown lines, parallel to the posterior margin; the anterior margin pale, with a large black dot near the base; anal angle, clouded with grey and tipt with a black spot: another spot is also at the base of the exterior tail. In the female, all the wings above are brown, with a pale blue base; but the under surface, except in being paler, resembles that of the male.

* * * * *

Pl. 134

STROMBUS exustus,

_Burnt, or Purple-mouthed Strombus_--(_Upper figure_.)

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 10.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_S. testa nodosa; labio interiore albo, laevi; labii exterioris
inflexi, supra sinuati, intus purpureo-atri, striati; lobo basali
edentulo._

Shell nodulous; inner lip smooth, whitish; outer lip inflected, above
sinuated, within striated, blackish purple; basal lobe not toothed.

_Young._ S. papilio. _Chem._ x. _t._ 158. _f._ 1510, 11. _Dillw._ 661.
120. 11.

_Adult._ Strombus exustus. _Humphreys in Mus. Cal._ _p._ 38. _n._ 714.

S. lentiginosus. _Martini_, iii. _t._ 80. _f._ 825, 826. _Gmelin._
3510. (_var._ [beta].) _Dillwyn._ 660.

_Seba_, _t._ 52. _f._ 17. 18. _Knorr._ 3. _t._ 26. _f._ 2. 3?

* * * * *

Specimens now before me prove that the _S. papilio_ of Chemnitz is a young shell of _S. exustus_, a species named by Mr. Humphreys in the Calonne Catalogue, and described in his own manuscripts. In a young state, the aperture is smooth and nearly white, but when full grown, the outer lip is strongly striated, and the aperture reddish purple, dark red, or reddish chesnut: the outer lip is but slightly sinuated above, and the basal lobe never toothed, as in the next species. Inhabits the island of Haynam, in the East Indies, and is very rare.

Described by Lamarck (_Syst._ 7. _p._ 211) under the name of _S. Papilio_. The first of these names, however, has the right of priority. (See _Mus. Cal._ 1797.) The figures of Martini, tom. 3. tab. 8. f. 825, 826, clearly represent this species; although Lamarck has quoted them for _S. lentiginosus_.

* * * * *

STROMBUS lentiginosus,

_Tuberculated Strombus_

* * * * *

_S. testa nodosa; labii exterioris supra rotundati ad spiram annexi,
profunde bilobati, margine crasso inflexo, sub-nodoso; lobo basali
dentato; apertura laevi._

Shell nodulous, outer lip above rounded, attached to the spire, deeply
bilobated, margin thick, inflexed, slightly nodulous; basal lobe
toothed; aperture smooth.

_Young._ _Seba_, _t._ 62. _f._ 37. 40. _optime_. _Martini_, 3. _t._ 89.
_f._ 871. _t._ 91. _f._ 891. 892? _Lister_, 893. 12?

_Adult._ S. lentiginosus. _Gmelin_, 3510. _Dillwyn._ 660. _Martini_, 3.
_t._ 81. _f._ 827, 828.

_Seba_, 62. _f._ 11. 30. (_optime_.) _Lister_, 861. 18. _Gualt._ 32.
_f._ A.

_Lam. Syst._ 7. _p._ 203. _Knorr_, 3. _tab._ 13, _f._ 2. Lamarck has
omitted to quote any of the figures representing the young shells of
this and the following species.

* * * * *

This common shell requires little description, and is only introduced to contrast more fully the difference between these two species: the upper part of the lip has two deep notches, which form three prominent lobes; the basal lobe is toothed, similar to the _Pterocerae_: the aperture (in those shells from the East Indies) is light pink inside. A large and fine variety comes from the Mauritia islands, having the mouth within pale golden yellow.

* * * * *

Pl. 135

STROMBUS tricornis,

_Horned Strombus._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 10.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_S. testa ponderosa, nodis longitudinaliter compressis armata; labio
exteriore inflexo, margine crasso, supra attenuato et ultra spiram
producto; canali truncato._

Shell ponderous, with longitudinally compressed nodules; outer lip
inflexed, the margin thick, above attenuated and produced beyond the
spire; channel truncated.

_In young stages of growth._

_Seba_, _pl._ 62. _f._ 36, 10. _Martini_ 3. _tab._ 91. _f._ 890. _tab._
85. _f._ 847.

_Lam. Syst._ 7. _p._ 201.

Var. A. Shell whitish, outer lip much produced. _Upper figure._
_Martini_, _vol._ 3. _tab._ 84. _f._ 844, 845. _Sw. Ex. Conch._
_part_ 4.

Var. B. Shell varied with chesnut, outer lip shorter. _Lower
figure._ _Ency. Meth._ _t._ 408. _f._ 1. _t._ 409. _f._ 2.
_Martini_, 3. _tab._ 84. _f._ 843. _Lister_, 871. _f._ 25. 873.
_f._ 29.

* * * * *

Martini was the first conchological writer who separated this species from the _Strombus Gallus_ of Linnaeus; under which name are included three shells, so remarkably different from each other, that they hardly possess a single character in common.

The original name of Linnaeus I have retained to that species figured by _Seba_, _tab._ 62. _fig._ 1 and 2, and by myself in _Exotic Conchology_, _Part_ 4.

_Strombus tricornis_, although figured, has never yet, I believe, been defined.

Two varieties of this shell are met with; one having the attenuated process of the lip much produced, the margins folded inward, and the tip somewhat spatulate, or spoon-shaped: the colour of this variety is generally white, slightly varigated with brown stripes or irregular spots. A very fine specimen of this variety, having these characters remarkably developed, is in my own cabinet, and is figured in _Exotic Conchology_, part 4. The second variety has the process of the lip shorter, and the margins not folded; the colour usually brownish, richly clouded and variegated with chesnut; the aperture within is tinged with pale red or rosy; but that of the other variety is pure white. I believe this species inhabits the coasts of America; it is a heavy shell, and sometimes measures seven inches in extreme length.

* * * * *

Pl. 136

AMPULLARIA crassa,

__Thick Apple Snail_,__Upper and lower figures_.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 103.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_A. testa globosa, laevi, (sub epidermide) alba, fasciis fuscis ornata;
spirae levatae apice obtuso; aperturae margine albo, crasso; umbilico
caret._

Shell globose, smooth, beneath the epidermis white with brown bands;
spire elevated, tip obtuse; margin of the aperture thick, white;
umbilicus none.

_Martini_ 9. _t._ 128. _f._ 1135.

* * * * *

A distinct species, well characterised by the absence of the umbilicus, the situation of which is indicated only by a slight depression: the margin of the aperture all round is thickened, and white; but, from no groove being discernible, I suspect the operculum may be horny. The only specimen I have, is divested of the epidermis; it is obviously an old shell; and appears to agree with the figure of Martini, also taken from an uncoated specimen.

* * * * *

AMPULLARIA oblonga,

_Oblong Apple Snail_

* * * * *

_A. testa oblonga, laevi, tenui, fusca; spira levata, crassa, obtusa;
aperturae elongatae basi contracta; umbilico vix obsoleto._

Shell oblong, smooth, thin, brown; spire elevated, thick, obtuse;
aperture lengthened, base contracted; umbilicus nearly obsolete.

* * * * *

A rare, and undescribed shell, presenting a singular deviation from the general globose form of the _Ampullariae_. The inner lip is wanting on the upper part of the aperture, and on the lower is thin, white, and reflected over the umbilicus, which is nearly obsolete.

Both these shells were in the late Mrs. Bligh's collection, without any _habitat_ being affixed to them.

* * * * *

Pl. 137

PAPILIO Polybius.

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 92.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_P. alis nigris; anticis maculo albo centrali; posticis
dentato-caudatis maculo rubro centrali nervis diviso; abdomine striga
laterali; thorace punctis flavis subtus, ornatis._

P. (_Tr. caud._) wings black; anterior with a central spot of white;
posterior dentated and tailed, with a central red spot, divided by the
nerves; stripe on each side the abdomen and spots on the thorax
beneath, yellow.

* * * * *

An insect neither described nor figured by any author. To my liberal friend, Dr. Langsdorff, I am indebted for the two specimens in my own cabinet, collected by himself in the interior of Minas Geraes, or the Diamond district of Brazil. I am not aware of the insect having been found in any other part of that vast country.

An unusual character is presented in this species, alone sufficient to distinguish it from any other contained in the division to which it belongs. This consists in the thorax beneath being spotted with yellow, and the body, on each side of the under surface, having a narrow yellow stripe; the basal margin of the inferior wings is also yellow. Strictly speaking, these yellow spots would remove it from the section _Trojani_, but it would then be improperly separated from _P. Lysithous_, _Agavus_, and others to which it is, in every respect, closely allied.

* * * * *

Pl. 138

MALURUS garrulus,

_Noisy Soft-tail Warbler._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Rostrum validius, breve, totum valde compressum, altius quam latius,
culmine prominente plumas frontales dividente et ad apicem aliquando
emarginatum, vix incurvo. Nares basales membrana tectae, apertura
laterali. Alae brevissimae, rotundatae, remigum 3 primorum longitudine
proximorum 4 longitudinem superante. Cauda plerumque longa, cuneata,
radiis mollibus, decompositis. Pedes validi, digito exteriore ad digiti
medii basin annexo. Hallux validus._

_Ob. Rostri basi vibrissis setaceis sparsis instructa._ Tem.

Bill rather strong, short, much compressed its whole length, higher
than broad, the ridge prominent, dividing the frontal feathers, and
bent at the tip, which is sometimes notched. Nostrils basal, covered by
a membrane, the aperture lateral. Wings very short, rounded, the three
first quills shorter than the four next. Tail generally long, cuneated,
the radii soft and decomposed. Legs strong; the outer toe connected to
the base of the middle toe. Hind claw strong.

Ob. Base of the bill with setaceous hairs. _Temminck._

Generic Types--Turdus brachypterus. _Lath._ Le Fluteur. _Vail. Ois.
d'Af._ 3. _pl._ 112. _f._ 2. Le Capolier. _Do._ _pl._ 129. _pl._ 130.
_f._ 1.

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_M. fuscus, infra albescentibus; plumis frontalibus rigidis,
acuminatis, rufis; strigis ante et pone oculos albescentibus; cauda
mediocri, rotundata._

M. brown, beneath whitish, feathers on the front of the head rigid,
pointed, and rufous; lines before and behind the eye whitish: tail
moderate, rounded.

* * * * *

The colours of this bird are altogether plain; but it is remarkable for its very singular nest, which is so large, as to form a feature in the woodland scenery of Bahia, the only part of Brazil where I observed it: the nest is built in low trees, formed externally of dried sticks, without any neatness, and is usually three or four feet long, resembling at a distance a thick twist of bean stalks thrown in the branches by accident: sometimes two of these nests appear as if joined together, and there is an opening on the side, besides one at the top. The sexes are generally seen near the nest, uttering a shrill, incessant, monotonous chirp, particularly in the morning and evening. I never could bring myself to tear one of their nests to pieces, merely to see its construction.

All the birds of this genus are stated by Professor Temminck to be natives either of the old world, or of the southern hemisphere; but the observations I have made, lead me to think otherwise. Two of the generic types M. Temminck has given, are the same as those I have selected; these birds are now before me; the other (_Le Capolier_,) is so like the species here figured, that (judging from Le Vaillant's plate) they might easily pass for the same bird. Two other species, with characters perfectly resembling _M. garrulus_, are likewise found in Brazil.

From a consideration, therefore, of the affinities and habits of these birds, I conceive they may constitute a very natural genus, closely allied to _Sylvia_, having very compressed bills, short wings, russet coloured plumage, with soft and generally long tails, and building rather large and cylindrical nests. On the other hand, if the whole of the birds mentioned by P. Temminck are retained in the genus, I apprehend it will become entirely artificial; inasmuch as it will include not only the birds above mentioned, but the _Motacilla superba_, and a large non-descript bird from New Holland, the size of a thrush, which in habit, though not in characters, resembles a shrike.

M. Vieillot first proposed this genus, but his definition is so short and obscure, that little can be gained from it.

The slight sketch in the distance, introduced in the plate, will give some idea of the singular nest of this bird.

* * * * *

Pl. 139

SYLVIA plumbea,

_Grey-backed Warbler._

* * * * *

GENERIC CHARACTER.

_Rostri recti, tenuis, basi altiore quam latiore, mandibula superiori
aliquando emarginata, inferiori recta. Nares basales, laterales,
membrana partim tectae. Crura longiora digito medio, qui digito
exteriori ad basin annectitur. Ungue posteriore mediocri, digito
posteriore breviore et arcuato. Remigum pinna prima brevissima
aliquando caret. Tectrices remigibus multo breviores._ Temm.

Bill straight, slender, base higher than broad; superior mandible
sometimes notched, the inferior straight. Nostrils basal, lateral,
partly covered by a membrane. Legs longer than the middle toe, which is
united to the exterior toe at the base; hinder claw moderate, shorter
than the toe, and curved. Wings; the first quill very short, or
wanting, greater covers much shorter than the quills. _Temminck._

Generic Types--_Turdus arundinaceus._ Lath. _Sylvia locustella._
_Luscinia._ _Trochilus._ _Regulus._ (Temminck.)

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_S. caeruleo-grisea, infra aurea; dorso olivaceo; tectricium apicibus
albis._

Blue grey, beneath golden yellow; back olive; wing-covers tipt with
white.

* * * * *

There is an elegance of shape, and a harmony of colouring, in the Warblers, that render these delicate little birds very interesting. The species are exceedingly numerous, and are spread over most parts of the world; several abound in our own woods and hedges, and the "sacred bird" of our childhood, the Robin Redbreast, is among the number. That now before us is a native of Brazil, from whence it was received by Mr. Leadbeater; I never met with it myself. The first quill feather is hardly shorter than the three next, which are all of equal length; the tail-feathers are even, and rather pointed; their colour black, margined with grey; the two outer with a white spot on the inner web; the under wing and tail-covers white.

I have made no material alteration in Prof. Temminck's definition of this overgrown genus, being convinced it might lead to confusion, while the generality of the birds composing it remain so little known.

This bird greatly resembles the female of _S. pusilla_ of Wilson (yellow-backed Warbler, Latham), yet differs in having the belly golden yellow instead of white: I was told, moreover, that this was a male bird: the one inhabits North, and the other South America. Latham's description of his yellow-backed Warbler, I should think, is not quite accurate; as he only alludes to one white bar on the wing covers, whereas both Wilson and Vieillot say there are two.

* * * * *

Pl. 140

TROGLODYTES rectirostris,

_Straight-billed Wren._

* * * * *

Troglodytes. _Ray._ _Cuvier._ _Vieillot._ Sylvia. _Latham._ _Temminck._

GENERIC CHARACTER.

* * * * *

_Rostrum curvatum, raro rectum, lateribus compressis; apice vix
emarginato. Nares basales. Alae brevissimae, rotundatae, remigum
majorum 3 exteriorum longitudine quartae longitudinem superante,
caeteris paribus et vix remigibus minoribus longioribus. Rectrices
breves, fasciculatae, erectae. Hallux digito medio brevior. Plumae
fuscae._

Bill curved; rarely straight, the sides compressed, the tip slightly
notched. Nostrils basal. Wings remarkably short, rounded, the three
exterior greater quills shorter than the fourth; the remainder of equal
length, and hardly longer than the lesser quills. Tail-feathers weak,
short, fasciculated, and generally carried erect. Hind toe shorter than
the middle toe. Plumage brown.

Generic Types _Motacillae troglodytes et furva._ Gm. _Certhiae
familiaris, palustris, et Caroliniana._ Wilson, _Am. Orn._

* * * * *

SPECIFIC CHARACTER.

_T. fuscus, jugulo pectoreque pallidioribus; mento nigricante; corpore
medio niveo; rectricibus angustis, nigris; mandibulae superiore apice
adunco._

Brown; throat and breast paler; chin blackish, middle of the body
snowy, feathers of the tail black and narrow; tip of the upper mandible
hooked.

* * * * *

This singular little bird agrees more in its general character with _Troglodytes_, than with any other established genus; yet with this its similitude is but slight. Anxious, nevertheless, to avoid what might hereafter prove an unnecessary innovation, I have placed it with the Wrens, under the distinguishing name of _rectirostris_; although I am more inclined to think it constitutes a distinct genus.