Transcriber's note: A few typographical errors have been corrected: they
are listed at the end of the text.
Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
Project Gutenberg has the other two volumes of this work.
Volume II: see https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44057.
Volume III: see https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/44058.
* * * * *
Zoological Illustrations,
OR
ORIGINAL FIGURES AND DESCRIPTIONS
OF
NEW, RARE, OR INTERESTING
ANIMALS,
SELECTED CHIEFLY FROM THE CLASSES OF
Ornithology, Entomology, and Conchology,
AND ARRANGED ACCORDING TO THEIR APPARENT AFFINITIES.
BY
WM. SWAINSON, ESQ., F.R.S., F.L.S.
ASSISTANT COMMISSARY GENERAL TO H. M. FORCES. CORRESPONDING MEMBER
OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY OF PARIS; HONORARY MEMBER
OF THE HISTORIC SOCIETY OF NEW YORK; MEMBER OF
THE WERNERIAN SOCIETY, &c. &c. &c.
VOL. I.
SECOND SERIES.
London:
PRINTED BY R. HAVELL, JUN. NEWMAN STREET.
PUBLISHED BY BALDWIN AND CRADOCK,
PATERNOSTER ROW.
1829.
* * * * * *
TO
MRS. CORRIE,
OF
WOODVILLE, NEAR BIRMINGHAM.
----
MY DEAR MADAM,
Allow me, in dedicating this volume of Illustrations to you, to evince my
respect and friendship for one whose talents shun publicity. It may have a
beneficial influence on the rising generation, to know, that a highly
cultivated understanding, and varied accomplishments, are not inconsistent
with a perfect discharge of all the social duties. And that a mind stored
with knowledge, and imbued with Religion, is an effectual antidote to the
cheerless influence of debilitated health.
That these, my Zoological _Recreations_, may in your opinion, contribute to
the great end which the naturalist should ever keep in view, the
developement of the harmonies of Creation, and the discovery of the natural
system, is the hope of,
MY DEAR MADAM,
Your obliged and sincere Friend,
WILLIAM SWAINSON.
* * * * * *
PREFACE.
----
The execution of the Zoological drawings now published, have been to us an
agreeable relaxation from severer studies; and the concise descriptions by
which they are accompanied, are intended to convey, in a condensed and
popular form, the partial result of more extended investigations. Species
are the objects of which the whole fabric of animated nature is composed,
and their respective properties must be investigated, before their natural
combinations can be understood. Their delineation is therefore highly
important. Figures bring before us objects which cannot always be
understood by words; while if faithfully executed, they possess the same
value as every period of time; for nature is unchangeable.
It is to be regretted that of late much discussion should have arisen among
our own naturalists, as to the relative merits of the different modes by
which they study nature. The searchers after the natural system throwing
obloquy on those who investigate species,[1] while the latter contend that
mankind is more interested in knowing the properties of species, than those
of groups.[2] To us it appears that such discussions are unnecessary, and
but ill calculated to promote that good feeling which should prevail in a
division of labour. The power of embracing comprehensive views, and of
detecting diversified relations, must be confined to a few, because such
objects require the greatest exertion of a superior mind, yet they must
ever be mainly dependant on the labours of another class of naturalists:
those who analyze the properties of species, and separate with critical
judgment, and nice discrimination, resemblances from affinities. But for
these valuable coadjutors our acquaintance with nature would be altogether
speculative: they supply, in short, by analysis, that basis upon which all
true knowledge of nature must repose. Natural combinations can never be
fully detected, without an acquaintance with their component parts.
The investigator of general laws, and the discriminator of species, are
thus advancing the knowledge of their favourite science by different modes
of study. The paths they have chosen, although essentially distinct, lead
but to one common point; and as both must be trodden, it seems unnecessary
to discuss which road is the most honourable.
In the classification of the subjects here comprised, we have followed no
particular system: the chief object aimed at, being to point out apparent
relations and affinities. To those Ornithological groups which Linneus
named Genera, and which subsequent systematists have considered Families or
sub-families, we have applied the designations long used by Leach, Stevens,
Fleming, Vigors, &c., but in all cases where such divisions are
unaccompanied by a definition, (in the following pages,) we wish it to be
understood, that the name is merely applied _provisionally_; indicating the
_probable_ station of the individual; and that in very few instances do our
own opinions on the nature of such groups, coincide with those of the
different writers who have gone before us.
The splendid discovery of the circular system of Nature, has given a
totally new aspect to this science; but has nevertheless been attended with
an evil, no where more apparent than in Ornithology; where synthesis has
completely set aside analysis, and where the rugged and laborious path of
patient investigation, has been deserted for the flowery walks of
Speculation and Hypothesis. The combinations thus produced, may well excite
the smile of our continental neighbours, nor need we feel surprise that
they look, with something like contempt, on such arrangements "called
natural" of affinities and relations.
On the other hand the Ornithological writings of Sonnini, Le Vaillant,
Wilson, and Azara, are never failing sources of information to the searcher
after truth. The observations of such men, who recorded Nature as she
really is, and who cared very little for the fashionable systems of the
day, may be for a time neglected: but they must finally assume that
importance which is ever attached to unbiassed and disinterested testimony.
To this honourable list our own country can furnish other names. The habits
and economy of our native birds have been accurately and patiently
investigated by those lyncean naturalists, White, Montague, and Selby,
while their internal structure is now engaging the attention of Mr.
Yarrell, a Gentleman eminently qualified by long study, and matured
reflection, for such a task.
In Conchology we have been more desirous to illustrate groups, than
species; the latter will be done, on a very extensive scale, in the
forthcoming work of Mess. Sowerby.
From the patient labours, and cautious deductions, of Dr. Horsfield, we
expect a more perfect elucidation of the Lepidopterous Insects than has
yet, perhaps, been attempted. As this will be the result of careful
analysis, we shall place a high degree of confidence in the views it may
develope.
In conclusion, it may be as well to add, that our views on several of the
higher groups, here but slightly noticed, will be more fully explained in
another work, now preparing for Publication.
_Tittenhanger Green, St. Albans,_
_24th July, 1829._
* * * * * *
[Illustration: _Sapphire crowned Parrot_
_fem._]
PSITTACULUS vernalis.
_Vernal Parrakeet._
----
Family Psittacidæ.--Vigors.
Genus Psittaculus.--(Lesson. Man. 2. p. 148.)
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Green, with the head more splendid; bill red; rump and upper tail covers
scarlet; spot on the throat orange._
Psittacus vernalis. _Sparman Mus. Carl. Pl. 29._
Psittacula vernalis. _Gen. Zool. 14. p. 144._
----
The Vernal Parrakeet has hitherto remained unfigured, except in the scarce
and little known work of Sparman: nor was its native country ascertained,
until recent travellers discovered it in the islands of Java and Teinor.
This is one of the smallest of parrots, scarcely exceeding five inches in
length; the feathers of the head have a silky texture, and their colour, in
some lights, is particularly vivid: the tail and the wings are green above,
but of a rich deep blue beneath; a character said to be equally conspicuous
in P. _galgulus_ L. The spot on the throat, in our specimen, is orange.
In respect to the situation of this bird among its congeners, we retain it,
provisionally, in the genus _Psittacula_ of Brisson & Kuhl, adopting the
termination used by M. Spix, to avoid the alteration of specific names. We
have not yet had leisure to study the new divisions made in this family,
with that attention they deserve; but it strikes us, as a defect in the
genus _Psittaculus_, that it unites birds of the Old and the New World in
one group. Except in their size, no two parrots can be more dissimilar in
construction than the Indian P. _vernalis_, and the American P.
_passerinus_. In the first, the under mandible is smallest, narrow, and
rather pointed; the first quill longest; and the tail feathers rounded. In
P. _passerinus_, the under mandible is largest, high, very thick, and quite
obtuse; the second quill longest, and the tail feathers acutely pointed.
These may be usefully employed as sectional characters, until the contents
of the two groups are better understood.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: _Brazilian Crested Eagle_,
Polyborus Braziliensis.]
POLYBORUS Braziliensis
_The Caracara; or Brazilian-crested Eagle._
----
Family Falconidæ.
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Vieil. Orn. 3. p. 1180.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Body above and beneath, crest of the head, and end of the tail, blackish
brown: the rest of the plumage cream colour, varied with spots and
bands._
Falco Braziliensis. _Lin. Gm. 64._
Buzard du Brézil. _Buffon._
La Caracara. _Azara Voy. 3. p. 32._ _Vieil. Orn. 3. p. 1180._
Polyborus Vulgaris. _Vieil. Gall. Pl. 7._
In Mus. Paris. D. Taylor.
----
The whole extent of Tropical America, from Mexico to the banks of the Rio
Plata, is inhabited by this majestic bird. It has been slightly noticed by
the earlier writers, but nothing was known of its history, until the
publication of the invaluable Memoirs of Azara.
Its length is about twenty-one inches. In its habits there is a mixture of
cowardice and daring. It will attack all other rapacious birds, excepting
eagles, for the purpose of robbing them of their prey, and will often seize
the game of the hunter, before he has time to secure it. Yet the Caracara
is frequently driven from its haunts by the courage of small birds; and
will only attack young chickens when not defended by their mother.
The birds which form the modern genera of _Daptrius_, _Ibycter_,
_Polyborus_, and _Milvago_, present so many characters in common, that we
cannot consider them of sufficient rank to be called genera. They appear to
us, taken collectively, to form one group, in which every species exhibits
a peculiar modification of structure, assimilating either to the Vultures
or the Falcons. Allied both in structure and manners to both these
families, each bird may be considered as a strongly marked link of
connexion. They present, in short, that interchange of characters,
generally confined to individual species, which Nature invariably exhibits
at the union of her more comprehensive groups.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: _Painted Flycatcher_
Setophaga picta.]
SETOPHAGA picta.
_Painted Flycatcher._
----
Family Muscicapidæ
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Lesson Man. 2 p. 430.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Black; breast and middle of the body crimson; greater wing covers, and
three external tail feathers, snowy._
In Mus. D. Taylor.
----
A specimen of this richly-coloured bird was sent to John Taylor, Esq., F.
G. S., &c., from Real del Monte, in Mexico. It is not only new to
Ornithologists, but forms a beautiful addition to a geographic group,
originally founded upon one species.
The figure is the size of life. The bristles at the bill are compact,
rigid, and all directed forwards: under tail covers and thighs whitish: the
white band on the wings occupies the greater covers, and the tips of the
lesser: the quill covers are also margined with white: the extreme base of
the three outer tail feathers are more or less black.
The characters upon which we formed this group, confine it strictly to
birds of the New World. For although the habits of the typical species
evince a marked affinity to the Fantailed Flycatchers of Australia, the
construction of their wings is totally different. The disposition of the
black and crimson colours on our bird, will remind the Ornithologist of the
Red-bellied Flycatcher of Latham, of which, in fact, it is nearly an exact
prototype. But this resemblance, however strong, appears to us to be one of
analogy, rather than of affinity. We consequently consider the _Muscicapa
Multicolor_, _Lathami_, and _Goodenovia_, of MM. Horsfield and Vigors, as
more truly belonging to the family of _Sylviadæ_.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: _Ancillaria rubiginosa_]
ANCILLARIA rubiginosa.
----
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Shell oblong, smooth, entirely polished: suture not channelled. Base of
the pillar oblique, thickened, and striated. S.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Shell imperforate, oblong, chestnut; spire elongated; body whorl above
banded; base with two belts and a concave groove._ Sw. in Phil. Mag. 62.
p. 403.
A. rubiginosa. _Sw. in Brand's Journ., No. 36, p. 283._
----
The Ancillariæ are marine shells, few in number, and peculiar to warm
latitudes. They are naturally polished, and very much shaped, like the
Olives; but the suture, which in those shells is marked by a deep grove, is
in these covered by a thick enamel. The animal, we believe, remains
unknown. In a monograph of this genus, published in the Journal above
quoted, we described fourteen recent, and four fossil species, being all
which, at that period, we had seen. Of these, the present is one of the
largest, and certainly the most beautiful. Our figure was made from a
matchless specimen, received by Mrs. Mawe from China, and now in the
collection of Mr. Broderip.
We hear, with pleasure, that Mr. George Sowerby has selected this
interesting group for an early illustration in his promised _Species
Conchyliorum_. The professional opportunities which this zealous
Conchologist enjoys will, no doubt, enable him to make considerable and
valuable additions to this and every other department of his subject; and
he has our cordial good wishes for success in this most laborious
undertaking.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: _Mitra melaniana_]
MITRA melaniana.
----
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Zool. Illustr. 1 Series, Pl. 23.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Shell smooth, blackish brown, with very minute punctured transverse
striæ; spire attenuated, longer than the aperture; pillar 4-plaited._
Mitra melaniana. _Lam. Syst. 7. p. 314._
M. nigra? _Chem. Conch. 10 Pl. 151. f. 1430, 1431._
M. carbonaria. _Sw. in Bligh. Cat. App. p. 10._
----
We are acquainted with two shells, perfectly distinct as species, yet
sufficiently alike to render Lamarck's description of his M. _melaniana_
applicable to both. In this uncertainty, we at first intended to
distinguish _this_ by the name of _carbonaria_, and to consider the other
as Lamarck's _melaniana_, but further consideration induces us to alter
this arrangement; the second species we propose to illustrate in an early
number. Our figure was taken from a full-sized specimen, received from
Australia, and now in the Manchester Museum.
----
MITRA tessellata.
----
_Shell ovate, smooth, with remote transverse punctured striæ; whitish,
cancellated by transverse and longitudinal fulvous lines; inner lip brown
at the base; outer lip smooth._
Mitra tessellata. _Swains. in Brand's Journal, No. 33. p. 34. (Ap.
1824.)_
----
We have already given a full account of this very rare shell; a repetition
of which is rendered unnecessary by the publication of the figures. The
specimen from which these were taken, was then in the possession of Mrs.
Mawe, whose kindness and liberality, in forwarding our scientific pursuits,
has been, for very many years, constant and invariable. We know not its
country, nor have we ever seen a second example.
Mr. Grey has recently given an additional interest to this group, by
publishing an account of the structure of the animal.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: _African Jacana_
Parra Africana.]
PARRA Africana.
_African Jacana._
----
Family Rallidæ.
GENERIC CHARACTER.--_See Lesson Man. 2. p. 285._
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Above deep cinnamon; crown of the head naked; throat white; breast
fulvous; neck and quills black; spur on the wing obsolete._
Parra Africana. _Lath. Ind. Orn. 2. 764._
African Jacana. _Lath. Gen. Syn. 5. p. 246. Gen. Hist. 9. p. 393._
In Mus. Par. Nostro.
----
The Jacanas are wading birds, somewhat analagous, both in structure and
habits, to the European water-hen; but in their native haunts, from not
being disturbed, they are less shy. The number of these birds on the lakes
of Brazil, the elegance of their movements, and their fearlessness of man,
excite an interest in the traveller who journeys through regions,
ornamented alone by Nature.
Most of the Jacanas inhabit South America--a few occur in India; and this,
as its name implies, is found in Africa. The typical species have the wings
armed with a strong and very acute bony spur; but in P. _Africana_, this is
so small, as not to be perceived when the wing is closed.--Bruce mentions
this bird by the name of Meylie, as inhabiting Abyssinia; and Mr. Salt
found it at Mozambique. Our specimen was received from Western Africa, by
Mr. Ward, Animal Preserver, Broad Street, Golden Square.
The peculiar structure of the feet of these birds is highly singular, but
their particular use has not, we believe, been explained. The Jacanas are
very light birds; and their long toes, spreading over a wide surface,
enable them to walk on the floating leaves of aquatic plants, with as much
facility as if they were on land. In such situations their appearance is
really delusive; for their pressure being sufficient to sink the supporting
leaf just below the surface, the birds actually appear to walk upon the
water.
Total length, ab. 10½; bill, 1-2/10; wings, 5-2/10; tarsi, 2-2/10; hind toe
and claw, 5-1/10.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: AFRICAN BLACK CUCKOW.
_Cuculus nigricans._]
CUCULUS nigricans.
_African Black Cuckow._
----
Family Cuculidæ.
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Lesson. Man. 2. 119.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Black glossed with blue; quills internally white, with blackish bands;
tips of the lateral tail feathers whitish; bill and legs black._
----
The genus _Cuculus_, even as now restricted, contains a number of species,
dispersed over the continents and islands of the Old World. In America they
are not known: but the genus _Coccyzus_, which there represents the group,
is one of those few which are common to both hemispheres.
The specific distinctions of birds having a uniform black plumage, is at
all times difficult; and more so, when we attempt to identify them with the
descriptions of authors. Of the black Cuckows of Africa, our bird comes
nearest to the _Coucou criard_ of Levaillant, (Ois. d'Af. pl. 204-5,) but
differs in having the bill and feet black instead of yellow: it cannot be
the _Cuculus Indicus niger_ of Brisson, as _that_ has the quills,
internally, "tout à fait noir:" neither is it the black Indian Cuckow of
Edwards, pl. 58, (_Cuculus niger_ Lin.,) whose bill and feet are red. We
were inclined to think that the second species of Buffon's _Coukeels_ might
be our bird, notwithstanding the difference of their locality; but
Commerson's original description decides the question; his words are
"_Cuculus cristatus mindanensis coeruleo nigricans totus_," (Buff. ed. Son.
54. p. 54.) Our bird has no crest. We have here consulted only original
writers; for subsequent transcribers have so blended these birds under one
name, that it is scarcely possible to disentangle their synonyms. M.
Vieillot has increased the confusion, by transposing the specific names of
Linnæus: the true _C. niger_, L. being his _Orientalis_ (En. Meth. Orn.
1331).
Our bird was sent to us for examination by Mr. Ward. It is a genuine
Cuckow: the nostrils being round, the third quill longest, and the second
shorter than the fourth. It came from Western Africa.
Total length, 12½; bill, 1-1/10; wings, 6¾; tail, 6½.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: _Blue necked Lory_]
LORIUS Isidorii.
_Blue-necked Lory._
----
Family Psittacidæ.
GENERIC CHARACTER.--Lesson. Man. 2. 148.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Crimson; crown, nape, neck, throat, and middle of the belly violet blue;
quill covers tipt with black; tail moderate, graduated, reddish brown._
----
A splendid specimen of this lovely bird (the only one we believe in this
kingdom), came into our possession some years ago through Mr. Warwick, a
travelling naturalist of great merit. It was purchased by him, alive, in
the Isle of France, where it had been brought in a trading vessel from New
Guinea: but it unfortunately died on its passage to England.
We feel happy, that in recording this new and beautiful bird, an early
opportunity is given us of commemorating our deep sense of the kindness we
received from a young naturalist of France, whose writings have already
acquired celebrity, and who promises to inherit the great and commanding
talents of his illustrious father. In prosecuting our studies at the
_Garden of Plants_, we met with such unexampled liberality from its most
distinguished Professors, that we feel embarrassed where first to return
our thanks. But the facilities and attentions we received from M. Isidore
Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, partly involved a sacrifice of personal
convenience; uncalled for, either by the nature of his appointment, or by
the common rules of courtesy. So much for the reception which British
naturalists receive in France. We should do well, when striving to imitate
the Zoological Institutions of that nation, if we imbibed somewhat more of
their liberality. We hope the time is not far distant, when the system of
regulations and restrictions, which now fence the Museum of a popular
Society, from all who cannot pay for admittance, as members, may be
exchanged for a policy more creditable to the age, and more honourable to
the nation.
We shall offer a few remarks, illustrating this particular genus, in our
next number.
Total length, 9 in.; wings 5; tail (beyond) 1½, from the base, 3½.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: AMPULLARIA Pl. 1.
_A. carinata._]
AMPULLARIA carinata.
_Carinated Apple-snail._
----
Family Ampullaridæ.--Guild.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
PACHYSTOMA. Shell ventricose; margin of the lip thick, generally grooved;
operculum testaceous. Zool. Journ. 12. p. 536.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Shell olive, ventricose, without bands; whorls carinated near the
suture._
----
In the first Series of our Illustrations, we endeavoured to lessen the
confusion which, at that time, prevailed among the species of Ampullaria,
figuring and naming such as appeared to us truly distinct. During the
course of our labours, the sixth part of the "_Animaux sans Vetebres_" of
the celebrated Lamarck was published in Paris; in which is described
several species, figured in our volumes under other names. A want of mutual
communication between authors writing at the same time, and on the same
subject, has naturally caused confusion in nomenclature; which, at an early
period, we intend to elucidate.
Our friend the Rev. L. Guilding, whose accuracy of observation can only be
equalled by his indefatigable zeal, has established the distinction between
the horny and shelly operculated _Ampullariæ_, on anatomical principles.
The present species (which was engraved before his valuable memoir was
published) must consequently be placed in his genus _Pachystoma_; while the
_carinata_ of Lamarck, from having a horny operculum, remains with the true
Ampullariæ.
We know not the precise locality of our species; but conjecture it may be
from some of the rivers of India.--Specimens, in different stages of
growth, are in the Manchester Museum, and in our own.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: UNIO Pl. 1.
_U. truncatus_]
UNIO truncatus.
_Truncated River Mussel._
----
Acephala Dimyaria.
Sub-family Les Nayades.--_Lam._
SYNOPSIS OF THE GENERA.
UNIO. Shells with lateral and cardinal teeth, the latter short and deeply
divided.
HYRIA. Lateral and cardinal teeth distinct; but the latter lengthened,
and united to the former by irregular dentations.
IRIDINA. Teeth consisting of a single crenated line, parallel with the
ligament.
ANODON. All the teeth either obsolete, or entirely wanting.
ALASMODON. Lateral teeth none; cardinal teeth simple, or slightly
divided.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Shell thick, oblong, sub-cylindrical, within pearly, umbones close to
the anterior margin, which is truncate; posterior extremity narrowed._
----
In our former Series, we have frequently mentioned the Fluviatile Bivalve
Shells, of which the genus _Unio_ appears to be the type. In a group which
present so few certain characters, either for discriminating the species or
characterizing the genera, we have, with other writers, held different
opinions at different times. And the reader has only to peruse an
interesting paper on these shells, in the Zoological Journal (Vol. I. p.
53), to be convinced of the intricacy of the subject.
Nevertheless it is observed, by those who study natural affinities, that
when the links between two distinct forms of animals are so complete, that
their dissimilarities are lost in intermediate and undefinable gradations,
it is then that the natural arrangement is most likely to be discovered.
For it has been demonstrated in such groups, that the most perfect order
and harmony will come out, of what appeared an inextricable entanglement of
relations. Such, however, will never result from the belief in a simple
scale of Nature, or by attempting to circumscribe groups by absolute
characters. We therefore now offer the foregoing sketch of the natural
divisions of the _Nayades_, as the result of all we have seen or read upon
this difficult subject.
We are unacquainted with any described species to which the shell here
figured can be referred. Its substance is very thick, and its form nearly
cylindrical. We have seen but one specimen, and that was with Mrs. Mawe.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: WHITE BREASTED WREN.
_Thryothorus Mexicanus._]
THRIOTHORUS Mexicanus.
_Mexican, or White-throated Wren._
----
Family Certhiadæ.
GENERIC CHARACTER.--Vieil. Orn. 2. 627.
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Brown, varied with dusky lines and white dots; throat and breast snowy;
tail ferruginous, with black bars._
Mus. D. Taylor.
----
In the collection of Birds before alluded to, formed by the late Mr. John
Morgan at Real del Monte, was a single skin of this new and elegant
species. The snowy whiteness of its throat, renders it not liable to be
mistaken in a group of birds, presenting in general a great similarity of
plumage. The upper parts are greyish brown, varied with obscure, dusky,
broken lines of blackish; each feather being tipt with a small round white
spot: wing covers and tertials the same: upper and under tail covers
ferruginous; each feather with a white spot before the white one which is
at the tip, lower breast and all the under plumage rufous brown, crossed by
black lines; the white dots nearly obsolete, tail ferruginous, with about
six black bars: legs brown, hind claw as long as the tarsus. Fourth and
fifth quill longest.
This genus has been judiciously separated by M. Vieillot from _Troglodytes_
(to which belongs our Brown European Wren), on account of its lengthened
and generally notched bill: the greater prolongation of the hind toe is a
further distinction; indicating an affinity with the more perfect
scansorial Creepers.
To this group belongs the _Myothera obsoleta_ of Prince Charles Bonaparte.
No example of that genus, or of _Thamnophilus_ (in their most extended
sense), has yet been found north of Cuba: their straight, cylindrical, and
abruptly-hooked bills, offer a striking contrast to the lengthened,
compressed, curved, and consequently feeble structure of this part in
_Thriothorus_ and _Troglodytes_.
Total length, 5½; bill, 1-1/10; wings, and tail, 2-6/10 tarsi, 7/10.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: _Ceram Lory_]
LORIUS garrulus.
_Ceram Lory._
----
Family Psittacidæ.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Bill moderate, compressed, end of the upper mandible, within, entirely
smooth; under mandible lengthened, conic; the tip entire. Legs stout;
Tail moderate, rounded or graduated; the feathers broad, their tips
obtuse. _Nob._
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Scarlet: wings green, shoulders yellow, half of the tail bluish black._
Psittacus garrulus. _Lin. 144. Kuhl. Cons. Psit. p. 41. No. 56._
Le Lori-Noira. _Buffon. Sonn. 27. p. 126. Pl. Enl. 216._
Le Perroquet Lori Nouara. _Levail. 2. pl. 96._
Scarlet Lory. _Edw. pl. 172._
Le Lory de Ceram. _Briss. Orn. 4. 215._
----
The popular name of Lories has long been given to those Parrots, peculiar
to the continent and islands of India, whose brilliant red plumage forms a
strong contrast to the green colour which generally pervades this family.
The southern limits of their distribution do not extend to Australia, but
much of their general structure is transferred to the Lory-Parrakeets,
forming the modern genus _Trichoglossus_; this latter group being diffused
over the remaining islands of the great Pacific Ocean.
The Ceram Lory, from being well known, and exhibiting the prominent
characters of its tribe, is a correct type of the genus. Its length is
about eleven inches. The general colour is rich scarlet, with the wings and
thighs green: the bend of the shoulder, (and sometimes a spot on the back,)
is yellow. Tail graduated, the lower half of the feathers deep blackish
green, glossed with blue. Inhabits the Molucca Islands.
Notwithstanding the attention recently bestowed in characterizing the
groups of this family, the most important external peculiarity of _Lorius_
and _Trichoglossus_ has been overlooked. In these birds, that part of the
roof of the under mandible which projects beyond the lower, is generally
thin, and always perfectly smooth: a weakness of structure which renders it
impossible for these parrots to feed upon hard substances; and betrays
their frugivorous and suctorial nature, by indications perceptible to every
one.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: LEVAILLANTS CUCKOW.
_Coccyzus Levaillanti_]
COCCYZUS Levaillantii.
_Black and White-throated Cuckow._
----
Family Cuculidæ.
GENERIC CHARACTER.--Lesson. Man. 2. 120.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Head crested, the feathers pointed; plumage above black glossed with
green; band at the base of the quills, end of the tail, and under parts
of the body, white; throat striped with black._
Variete du Coucou Edolio, _Le Vail. Ois. d'Af. 4. pl. 209._
----
Unlike the true Cuckows, the birds of this genus rear and provide for their
young in the ordinary manner. The species are numerous in the tropical
latitudes of both hemispheres. Two are found in North America, which, in
their external characters, approach so near to the genuine Cuckows, that
they barely come within the definition of the present group.
It frequently happens that species, originally well described, become
involved in obscurity by compilers. Le Vaillant, who first described this
bird, supposed it a variety of his _Coucou Edolio_: but in this he was
mistaken; the one being a _Cuculus_; the other a _Coccyzus_. We should have
thought our species might be the _Cuculus Afer._ of Drs. Leach and Latham,
had not the former stated his bird to be a _variety_ of Le Vaillant's, and
figured it as an example of the genus _Cuculus_. Dr. Latham (Gen. Hist. 3,
290) copies this description of _C. Afer_. (Zool. Mis. 1. p. 31), adds some
further characters not seen in our bird, and, under the same name,
describes what is evidently another species. Lastly, M. Vieillot, in his
account of the genus _Coccyzus_ (Orn. Ency. Meth. p. 1342), relying on the
usual accuracy of Le Vaillant--and never, perhaps, having seen the
bird--omits it altogether. To prevent this confusion extending further, and
to detach the species from those dubious descriptions with which it has
been mixed, we have thought it best to record it by the name of its first
describer.
Our figure will render a detailed description unnecessary: the wings,
although long, are rounded; the fifth quill being the longest. The total
length is fifteen inches. Inhabits Senegal, and the Western Coast of
Africa.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: MARMAROSTOMA. Pl. 1.
_M. undulata._]
MARMAROSTOMA undulata.
_Waved Pearl Snail._
----
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Shell turbinated, ponderous, the whorls generally angulated, the
substance pearly: aperture circular, closed by a testaceous operculum:
umbilicus none.
_Type_, Turbo chrysostomus. L.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Shell angulated, variegated with green and brown undulated stripes,
summit of each whorl coronated._
----
From the genera _Turbo_ and _Trochus_ of modern Conchologists, we have
detached all those species whose shells are closed by a calcarious
operculum; and this group we propose to distinguish by the name of
_Marmarostoma_. The species, like the _Trochi_, properly so called, are all
of a pearly structure; but their substance is much thicker; the base of the
shell is slightly produced; the exterior surface is marked either with
tubercles, grooves, or elevated ridges; and the aperture (from the
convexity of the last whorl) forms a circle. If the student compares these
characters with Trochus Zizyphinus, a common British shell, he will
immediately perceive the leading differences between the two groups.
But it is the calcarious nature of the operculum (as indicating an
important difference in the organization of the animal) which constitutes
the primary character of _Marmarostoma_: the particular structure of this
appendage varies considerably in the different species: in some its outer
surface is smooth and convex; and in others variously granulated. In the
present shell it is marked by three or four deep semicircular grooves; that
nearest the middle is the deepest, and terminates in an umbilicus. In some
specimens, the spines on the principal ridge of the body whorl are nearly
obsolete; but those which crown the summit appear constant.
We are indebted to the Rev. Mr. Bulwer, a scientific and arduous
Conchologist, for our specimens of this new species, purchased by him in a
collection sent from Panama.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: VOLUTA. Pl. I.
_V. Bullata_]
VOLUTA bullata.
_Bulla-shaped Volute._
----
GENERIC CHARACTER.--Zool. Ill. 1 Series, pl. 161.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Shell oval, smooth, fulvous, marked by zigzac darker lines; spire short,
papillary; outer lip ascending towards the spire; base of the pillar with
two strong plaits._
Mus. D. Broderip.
----
Among the shells which formed part of the African Museum, exhibited and
finally sold in London some few years back, was a single specimen of this
new and curious Volute. Worn and battered by the friction of the waves, it
still retained its colour and markings sufficiently distinct to admit of a
tolerably accurate delineation. The only part we have ventured to restore
is the contour of the outer lip, which we have adapted to the lines of
growth. The middle figure represents the shell in its broken state; and
this clearly shews the ascending of the lip towards the spire, in the same
manner as in V. _lapponica_.
The affinities which are suggested by the peculiar structure of this shell,
are curious. In its general shape, and in the number of its plaits, it is
obviously allied to _Voluta Nucleus, harpa_; _lyræformis_, &c., where the
two last plaits of the pillar are very thick, and those above either small
or evanescent; but from such, our shell differs materially by being quite
smooth, and in having a short obtuse spire. We do not believe that this
part has received much injury. The suture is perfect to the very end:
further evidence may be drawn from the extreme narrowness of the third
spiral whorl; a formation which only belongs to papillary spired shells.
This character, joined with the smoothness and size of the body whorl,
shews a closer approximation to the Melon shells, than to any other
division of the group. Three or four intermediate forms are alone wanting
to complete the double series.
Mr. Broderip, who is in possession of this shell, has recently arranged the
Lamarkian _Volutæ_ into very natural groups; two of which are considered as
holding the rank of genera.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: _Mustachoe Parrakeet._]
PALEORNIS Pondicerianus.
_Pondichery, or Mustachoe Parrakeet._
----
Family Psittacidæ.
GENERIC CHARACTER.--Zool. Journ. 2, p. 46.--Less. Man. 2, p. 145.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Green; head pale bluish; frontal line and stripe on the lower jaw black;
wings with a central spot of yellowish; breast pale red._
Le Perruche a moustaches. _Buffon. Sonn. 27, p. 185, Pl. Enl. 517._
---- a poitrine rose. _Levail. Pl. 31._
P. Pondicerianus. _Kuhl, Nova Acta, &c. No. 48*._
Paleornis Pondicerianus. _Vigors. Zool. Journ. 2, p. 54._
----
The Ring-necked Parrakeets of India, and the Asiatic Islands, are now
considered as forming a particular genus. The geographic distribution of
the group, and the characters of the species, have been detailed with much
skill and classic erudition, in the Zoological Journal.
Among the numerous ornithological facts, which the distinguished liberality
of MM. Cuvier and Geoffroy St. Hilaire enabled us to ascertain, during a
course of study at the Royal Museum of Paris, is one that relates to this
species. Specimens in that noble collection, both from Pondichery and Java,
enable us to affirm, that the _Psittacus Osbeckii_ and _Pondicerianus_ of
authors, are one and the same species.
Notwithstanding the frequency of this bird in Java, and other parts of
India, we are completely ignorant of its natural history, of those
diversified habits, and modes of living,--in short, of that knowledge,
which gives such an animating charm to natural history, which manifests the
provision of the Almighty for all His creatures, which can be known and
understood by all, and which prompts the heart to contemplation and praise.
Is there no one, in all our vast Oriental territory, to record something of
the feathered inhabitants of the Eastern World? Is there not, throughout
India, even _one_ of our countrymen, imbued with the spirit of a Wilson, a
Levaillant, or an Audubon?
* * * * * *
[Illustration: WHITE BANDED SWALLOW.
_Hirundo fasciata._]
HIRUNDO fasciata.
_White-banded Swallow._
----
Family Hirundinidæ.--Sub-Fam. Hirundina.
Feet slender, perching, the outer and middle toe connected at the base:
bill entirely depressed. _Nob._
GENERIC CHARACTER.
G. HIRUNDO.--Lesson. Man. 1, 419.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Glossy blue black: thighs and band on the abdomen snowy._
Hirundo fasciata. _Lath. Ind. Orn. 2, 575._
L'Hirondelle a ceinture blanche. _Buffon. Pl. Enl. 724, f. 2._
White-bellied Swallow. _Lath. Gen. Syn. 4. 567._
----
This elegant bird, although mentioned by several writers, is of great
rarity. So seldom, indeed, is it seen in collections, that we never beheld
a specimen prior to our visit to the Royal Museum of Paris, where our
drawing was made. Buffon's description seems to have been transcribed by
all succeeding writers; and the only figure hitherto published is that at
Plate 724 of the Planches Enluminèes.
The habits of the Swallow tribe are known to every one. Like the
Flycatchers, they feed upon insects captured on the wing; but these insects
are of so small a size, that they are swallowed during the flight of the
bird. This at once accounts for Swallows not being provided with those
stiff bristles, for confining the struggles of their prey, which are so
essential to the Flycatchers. These latter birds frequently feed upon
insects much too large to be swallowed at the moment of capture; they
therefore hold their prey until they again perch, and swallow it when at
rest.
The figure is the size of life. Excepting the band on the body, and the
spot on the thighs--both of which are snowy white--the whole plumage is of
a deep black, richly glossed with dark blue. The first quill is longest,
and the tail is deeply forked.
According to Buffon, this bird is sometimes seen perched on floating trees
in the rivers of Guiana and Cayenne.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: Anodon, _Pl. 1_
_A. areolatus_.]
ANODON areolatus.
_Areolated Horse Mussel._
----
GENERIC CHARACTER.
See Unio, Pl. 1.
(Anodon. Iridina. Dipsus. _Auct._)
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Shell transversely oval, not winged, umbones small, ventricose, not
touching; with a short undulated projection of the hinge margin in one
valve, and a corresponding concavity in the other; both placed beneath
the umbones._
----
The principal character of _Anodon_, rests on the absence of teeth; the _A.
anatinus_, common to our rivers and ponds, being taken as the type of the
group. But, as Nature steps progressively, in her departure from one form,
and in her advance to another, so among the Anodons we find several shells,
which do not strictly exhibit the typical character; and these we shall
briefly notice.
In the sketch already given of this group, we have placed the genus
_Anodon_ between _Iridina_ and _Alasmodon_. The _Iridina nilotica_ Sow,
"has scarcely any appearance of crenations along the hinge line," but for
this, it consequently would present a simple lamellar ridge, extending
nearly the length of the shell; such, in short, as is seen in _Dipsus
plicatus_ (Leach), whose tooth may be so described. By this shell we are
led to _A. rubens_ Lam. where a lamellar plate, though much shorter, is
placed beneath the umbones. _Iridina Cailliandi_ perfectly resembles _A.
rubens_, except in being without any vestige of this plate. We have now
entered among the typical species, where every form occurs between a round
and an ensiform shape. Leaving these, Nature proceeds to fashion an
indistinct developement of _Alasmodon_ in the species before us, where that
part of the hinge plate, immediately beneath the umbones, is somewhat
raised, and undulated. In _A. rugosus_ these compressed undulations assume
more the form of tubercles; and finally, in the _Alasmodon marginatus_ of
Say, the teeth are sufficiently developed to place that shell in a distinct
group.
Our esteemed and accomplished friend, Mrs. Corrie of Birmingham, favoured
us with two examples of what appears to be a variety of that which we have
figured. The substance of both is opake; the inside white, tinged with
buff, and with scarcely any pearly lustre. Inhabits North America, but we
know not any precise locality.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: MITRA. Pl. 2.
_1. strigata. 2. bicolor. 3. carinata._]
MITRA strigata.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Shell very smooth, chestnut with paler longitudinal stripes, which are
white at their commencement; aperture white, shorter than the spire;
pillar 4-plaited_.
Mitra strigata. _Sw. in Brand's Journ., No. 33, p. 37, Ap. 1824._
----
The Conchologist will find a full description of the three Mitras here
figured in the Journal above mentioned. They are all of singular rarity,
more particularly _strigata_ and _carinata_, as of these we have never seen
second specimens. _M. strigata_ belongs to that group which contains M.
_melaniana_, _scutulata,_ &c. Its country is unknown.
----
MITRA bicolor.
----
_Shell smooth, polished, fusiform, white, with a brown central band;
upper part of the body whorl and spire with cancellated punctured striæ:
base with simple striæ_.
----
This pretty shell seldom exceeds three-quarters of an inch in length; our
figure is consequently enlarged: the pillar has four plaits. This, in
conjunction with M. _casta_, _olivaria_, _dactylus_ (Lam.), and
_olivæformis_ (Sw.), constitute a particular group, allied to _Conoehelix_,
having the plaits extending far beyond the aperture.
Inhabits the South Seas. In the Manchester Museum, and in our own.
----
MITRA carinata.
_Shell slender, fusiform, brown; whorls with a single carinated ridge,
and striated transversely near the suture; pillar 4-plaited._
----
The habit of this Mitra will place it with the fusiform species; from all
of which, however, it differs in not having exterior plaits, nodules, or
impressed sculpture. The aperture is smooth within, and white. We have only
seen one specimen, received by Mrs. Mawe, from Sierra Leone, and this was
covered with a brown epidermis.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: TELLINA. P.I.
_T. latirostra._]
TELLINA latirostra.
_Wide-beaked Tellen._
----
Order Acephala.--Tribe Dimiaria (_Nob._).
GENERIC CHARACTER.--Lam. Sys. 5, 519.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Shell oblong; anterior side narrowed and angulated; both valves glossy,
smooth, equally convex, and marked by very delicate radiating striæ._
_T. testâ oblongâ, purpurascente, subradiatâ, anteriùs sinuato-angulatâ,
rostri margine infimo ascendente._ Lam. Syst. 5, p. 523.
----
There are few groups in Conchology, more particularly among the bivalve
shells, possessing so great a union of delicacy and beauty as the Tellinæ;
and perhaps there is none in which the species, from their general
similarity of shape, and variability of colouring, are so little
understood. For these reasons, we intend to illustrate this elegant genus
very fully.
The _Tellinæ_ appear to hold a station with the most typical groups of the
Bivalve Mollusca; or those in which the animal can freely remove, from
place to place, by the foot. In all such the shells are solid, regular, and
not attached to other substances.
We select the _Tellina latirostra_ of Lamarck for our first subject. As a
species it has not been figured; while the original description, which we
have transcribed, is so slight, that some uncertainty exists as to the
precise species intended by the writer. That to which we here apply the
name, is certainly very like, as Lamarck observes, to _T. rostrata_;
although his description, in other respects, is applicable to other species
now before us. Our _Tellina latirostra_ is not common, although we once
received a considerable number from Amboyna. Its surface is very smooth,
but the delicate striæ, which can scarcely be seen by the naked eye, become
perfectly clear under a common lens. The Manchester Nat. Hist. Society is
in possession of a lovely series, exhibiting the following variations of
colour: 1, pure white; 2, rose-coloured round the umbones, paler beyond; 3,
entirely rose colour; 4, blush white, with a rosy shade on each side the
umbones; 5, pale orange; 6, buff yellow, resembling _T. depressa_. In all
these the points of the umbones are invariably white.
* * * * * *
[Illustration: _Blue-winged Parrakeet._]
NANODES venustus.
_Blue-fronted Parrakeet._
----
Family Psittacidæ.
GENERIC CHARACTER.
Bill entire; the lower mandible short, deep, thick, and rounded; nostrils
very large, fleshy, naked; wings pointed; tarsi, toes, and claws very
slender--the former manifestly longer than the hind toe; tail cuneated;
the feathers narrow and lanceolate. _Nob._
Type.--_Psittacus pulchellus._--Zool. Ill. 2, Pl. 73.
----
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_Sides of the head yellowish; front with a blue band; wing-covers and
tail blue, the latter tipt with yellow; throat and breast deep green;
belly yellow._
Psittacus venustus. _Linn. Trans. (Temm.) xiii. p. 121._
---- chrysostomas. _Kuhl. Nov. Act. p. 51, Pl. 1._
Nanodes venustus. _Linn. Trans. (Vig. and Hors.) xv. 274._
----