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* * * * *
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 ON THE PRINCIPLES OF
CUVIER AND OTHER MODERN ZOOLOGISTS.
* * * * *
BY
WILLIAM SWAINSON, F.R.S., F.L.S.,
MEMBER OF THE WERNERIAN SOCIETY OF EDINBURGH, ETC.
* * * * *
VOL. III.
* * * * *
London:
PRINTED BY JAMES MOYES, GREVILLE STREET;
FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY, PATERNOSTER-ROW;
AND W. WOOD, STRAND.
* * * * *
1822-3.
* * * * *
PREFACE.
* * * * *
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
Pl. 131
[Illustration]
* * * * *
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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
[Illustration]
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.
_Troglodytis_, originally instituted as a genus by our illustrious
countryman Ray, has been adopted both by M.M. Cuvier and Vieillot.
Professor Temminck, on the contrary, has included it with _Sylvia_; an
immense genus, already burthened with more species than are rightly
understood, or that really belong to it.
Figure the natural size. Bill straight, triangular at the base, the sides
compressed, tip of the upper mandible bent down and notched; nostrils
large, lengthened, covered by a membrane, which (except at the base,) is
naked; the aperture terminal, near the edge of the bill, narrow, and
oblong: the feathers on the rump and flanks remarkably long; the three fore
toes slender, and all connected at their base as far as the first joint:
tail even, and longer than the generality of Wrens, the feathers very
narrow, weak, and deep black. Plumage above light or reddish brown; sides
of the head, neck, breast, and body, the same, but tinged with fulvous; the
chin and upper part of the throat blackish, but the margin of the feathers
partly white: lower part of the throat and breast dusky: middle of the body
pure white; under wing covers, inside margin of the quills, and edge of the
shoulders, white.
Mr. Leadbeater favoured me with this bird, which he received from Brazil.
The comparative length of the bill in this genus, (leaving the present bird
out of consideration,) offers no generic distinction, because it varies
greatly in different species. Some of those found in Brazil have the bill
nearly double the length of the common European Wren.
* * * * *
Pl. 141
[Illustration]
PSITTACUS chryseurus,
_Golden-tailed Parrot._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 1.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_P. nitide viridis; fronte genisque fulvo colore tinctis; rectricium
brevium, parium, pennis mediis viridibus, caeteris aureis, omnium
apicibus nigris._
Shining green; front and sides of the head tinged with fulvous; tail
short, even, tipt with black, the two middle feathers green, the rest
golden.
* * * * *
I was fortunate in procuring both sexes of this very rare bird in the
vicinity of Pernambuco, being the only individuals I ever met with in
Brazil: they appeared as if tired from a long flight, which led me to
suppose they had migrated from the interior towards the coast. I do not
find the species noticed by any writer, nor have I seen it in any
collection.
The total length is six inches and a half; the plumage generally of a rich
emerald green, rather obscure on the top and sides of the head, but very
bright on the back and rump, where it is tinged with blue; the feathers
round the base of the bill, front, and sides of the head, are tinged with
buff colour; the scapulary feathers (protecting the base of the wings and
lesser quills) are chocolate brown, the quills themselves black, margined
externally with green and internally with olive. The most beautiful part of
the bird is the tail, which is short and even, each feather having the tips
margined by a narrow line of black, the middle pair being green, and all
the rest of a rich golden yellow colour; the under plumage and wing covers
are nearly of as deep a green as the wings, but on the flanks there is a
tinge of olive.
* * * * *
Pl. 142
[Illustration]
NECTARINIA flaveola, _var._
_Yellow-bellied Nectarinia._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 117.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_N. nigricans, infra flava; mento, superciliis rectriciumque trium
exteriarum apicibus, albis; fascia uropygiali olivacea._
Blackish brown; beneath yellow; chin, eyebrows, and tips of the three
outer tail-feathers white; band on the rump olive.
Certhia flaveola. _Gmelin_, 479. _Lath. Ind. Orn._ _v._ 1. _p._ 297.
_Gen. Zool._ _v._ 8. _p._ 248. _Turton_, _p._ 297.
Certhia, _No._ 33. _Brisson. Orn._ _v._ 6. _App._ _p._ 117. _Syn._ 2.
_p._ 19.
Black and yellow Creeper. _Edwards_, _pl._ 122. _pl._ 362. _Lath. Syn._
_v._ 2. _p._ 737. _Gen. Zool._ _v._ 8. _p._ 248. _Turton._ _p._ 297.
Le Guit-Guit Sucrier. _Vieill. Ois. Dor. Certh._ _pl._ 51. _p._ 102.
* * * * *
This pretty little bird, under different varieties of plumage, appears to
be scattered over the greatest part of tropical America, and is one of the
most common of its tribe. The best, and indeed the only detailed account of
its economy, is given by M. Vieillot; who remarks, that its nest is
suspended on the tops of those tall climbing plants, which, in those
countries, form a matting over the most lofty trees: the entrance to the
nest is at the bottom; the interior is divided into two compartments, in
one of which only the young are contained. It feeds both on small insects,
and the nectar of flowers. All the above synonyms refer to the different
varieties authors have enumerated of this species. Most of these have a
white spot at the base of the exterior quills; others vary in having the
throat entirely black; and some again have a yellow rump; but none of these
agree with the variety here figured, which I believe came from Trinidad.
Probably a more perfect knowledge of these supposed varieties will show
they contain two or three distinct species.
Notwithstanding the shortness of the bill, this is a decided _Nectarinia_,
according to a natural, but not an artificial arrangement. It forms, in
some degree, a passage from the shining coloured _Nectariniae_ of America,
to the short-billed _Melliphagae_ of the southern hemisphere. On a future
occasion I shall offer more detailed observations on the genus _Dicaeum_ of
Cuvier.
The figure is the size of life; and, with the specific character, renders a
further description unnecessary.
* * * * *
Pl. 143
[Illustration]
AMPULLARIA sordida,
_Brown Apple Snail_ _f. 1. 2._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 103.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_A. testa globosa, ferruginea, lineis transversis subcarinatis
instructa aperturae margine tenui; umbilico magno; operculo corneo?_
Shell globose, ferruginous, with obsolete transverse subcarinated
lines; margin of the aperture thin; umbilicus large; operculum horny?
* * * * *
The only species of _Ampullaria_ with which this may be confounded is _A.
fasciata_, p. 103, in comparison with which it is a more globose shell, the
aperture narrower, and the spire more obtuse; the umbilicus is larger,
round, and not contracted; the suture is not sunk, the shell is not banded
with coloured lines, nor is the surface smooth; on the contrary, it is
marked with transverse, obscurely carinated lines; while the shell is
uniform brown, the aperture within is white, margined with brown.
* * * * *
AMPULLARIA puncticulata
_Oval, punctured Apple Snail_
_A. testa ovata, subtilissime punctata; spira obtusa; labii exterioris
margine, interiorisque basi rufis, incrassatis; operculo corneo?_
Shell oval, minutely punctured, spire obtuse; margin of the exterior
lip within, and base of the inner lip thick and rufous; operculum
horny?
* * * * *
This and _A. oblonga_ are the only species I am yet acquainted with, whose
form is not globose. It never grows to a size much larger than the figure;
the whole shell is marked by fine longitudinal striae, and transverse lines
of minute dots, discernible only by the aid of a common magnifier; the
aperture within is brownish flesh-colour; the margin is strong and reddish,
and, within that of the outer lip, is a thickened rim; which, should the
operculum be testaceous, may supply the place of the groove for its
reception observable in _A. globosa_ and _corrugata_. The localities of
both these species are unknown to me.
* * * * *
Pl. 144
[Illustration]
EBURNA Valentiana,
_Arabian Eburna._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.
_Testa turrita, laevis, nitida, umbilicata, basi truncata, emarginata.
Aperturae angulus superior interne canaliculatus. Animal marinum._
Shell turrited, smooth, polished, umbilicated, base truncated,
emarginate. Upper angle of the aperture with an internal channel.
Animal marine.
Generic Type _Buccinum Spiratum_ Lin.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_E. testa ventricosa, maculata; aperturae longitudine spirae
longitudinem superante; spira anfractibus 5 convexis, suturis alveatis;
basi balteo concavo cincta._
Shell ventricose, spotted; spire shorter than the aperture, of five
convex volutions; suture channelled; base with a concave belt.
Eburna Valentiana. _Sw. Appendix to Bligh Cat._ _p._ 6. _lot_ 904.
* * * * *
Few species are known of _Eburnae_, and these are neither well defined, nor
correctly figured.
The species selected by most authors as the type of this genus is _Buccinum
glabratum_ of Linnaeus, a shell which, as it unites the characters of
_Eburna_ and _Ancilia_, should not have been chosen for this purpose. Types
of genera are alone intended to represent the usual appearance of those
characters on which the genus has been founded; they should therefore be
selected from such species only, as represent these characters in their
perfect development.
_E. Valentiana_ was first characterized by myself, in the Appendix to the
Bligh Collection. It was brought from the Red Sea by Lord Valentia, in
honour of whom it is named. The very short spire and concave belt at the
base, easily distinguish this shell from _E. spirata_.
* * * * *
Pl. 145
[Illustration]
EBURNA tessellata,
_Tessellated Eburna._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 144.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_E. testa maculis fuscis seu purpureis tessellatis fasciata; sutura vix
canaliculata; anfractuum marginibus convexis._
Shell with bands of tessellated brown or purple spots; suture slightly
channelled; margin of the volutions convex.
Buccinum Spiratum. _var. Linn._ _Gmelin_, 3487. _Dill._ 620. _Brug._
_p._ 262. 26. _Turton_, 4. _p._ 400. _var._ 2.
Lister, 981. 41. (_bad._) _Seba_, _t._ 73. _f._ 25. 26. _Martini_, 4.
_pl._ 122. 1120. 1121.
_E. Arcolata_, _Lam. Syst._ 7. _p._ 282. 4.
* * * * *
A shell hitherto placed as a variety of _E. spirata_, (_Buccinum spiratum_,
Lin.) but from which I am disposed to consider it as specifically distinct.
The channel or sulcation round the suture of each whorl is very slight, and
the adjoining margin obtuse and convex; whereas in _E. spirata_ the channel
is broad and deep, having the margin sharply carinated: so far the
essential characters of the two shells are at variance; but their
difference in colour is so obvious that no one can mistake them.
The form of the umbilicus in this species appears to be constant: it is
wide, deep, placed near to the upper angle of the aperture, and margined
externally by a convex belt. With the exception of Seba's figures, (which,
through the carelessness of the engraver, are reversed,) not a tolerable
representation of this shell can be found; for those given by the authors
above named, are almost too inaccurate for citation. It inhabits the Indian
Ocean.
* * * * *
Pl. 146
[Illustration]
EBURNA Pacifica,
_South Sea Eburna._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 144.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_E. testa ventricosa, maculis fulvis fasciisque albis ornata; spirae
angustae, acutae, suturis integris._
Shell ventricose, with fulvous spots and white bands; spire slender,
acute; suture entire.
Eburna Pacifica. _Swainson, Appendix to Bligh Cat._ _p._ 6. _lot_ 904.
Eburna lutosa? _Ency. Meth._ _pl._ 401. _f._ 4.
_E. lutosa?_ _Lam. Syst._ 7. 282. 5.
* * * * *
A delicate and rather uncommon shell: first defined in the Appendix I
subjoined to the Catalogue of the Bligh collection, dispersed by auction
last spring. Mrs. Mawe informs me she has received this, along with other
shells, from the Pacific Ocean.
A species at once distinguished by the entire suture and narrow-pointed
spire; the inner lip is very thick, with a longitudinal sulcation near the
umbilicus.
Whether this is the shell represented in the _Ency. Meth._ at _pl._ 401,
_f._ 4, admits of doubt: a short description would have explained the
characters, but not one word is said about it. I have already adverted to
this novel mode of creating species at pl. 31. If authors will not be at
the trouble of defining new species, they have no right to expect their
names should be adopted by subsequent and more laborious writers, to whom
they leave the more scientific task, of defining characters and collating
synonyms.
* * * * *
Pl. 147
[Illustration]
MUSCIPETA carinata,
_Keel-billed Flycatcher._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 116.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_M. plumbea, infra ferruginea; fronte juguloque nigris; temporibus
albentibus; rostri culmine carinato._
Plumbeous; body beneath ferruginous; front and throat black; sides of
the head whitish; top of the bill carinated.
* * * * *
Mr. Brookes, the celebrated anatomist, first drew my attention to this
singular bird; the peculiarity of the bill suggested to us the idea of
creating a genus for its reception; but a closer comparison of its other
characters with several of the exotic _Muscipetae_ induces me, at least for
the present, to associate it with those birds. The Flycatchers, as they now
stand in the works of Latham, Shaw, and other Linnaean writers,
undistinguished even by sections or subdivisions, present a mass of
confusion, which renders the search after an individual, in this immense
genus, almost hopeless.
Total length, six inches and a half; front, throat, and margin of the
shoulders, deep black; the whole upper plumage is of a delicate lead
colour, which is paler on the breast, and nearly white on the sides of the
head and neck; body and inner wing covers rufous; the first quill is half
the length of the second, which is rather shorter than the three next; feet
slender, weak, and short; the outer toe united, the inner cleft. The bill
at the base is triangular, but not elevated; the sides compressed; the
culmin, or top, is sharp, elevated, and curved; the tip of both mandibles
notched: nostrils simple, small, round, without a membrane, and partly hid
by the thick-set frontal feathers, and lengthened setaceous bristles round
the bill. These parts are delineated on the plate of their natural size;
and must form the basis of any future generic alteration in the arrangement
of this bird. The figure was from a specimen belonging to Mr. Brookes;
since which, I have received two others from New Holland.
* * * * *
Pl. 148
[Illustration]
EMBERIZA cristata,
_Crested Bunting._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.
_Rostrum breve, conicum, compressum, basi aliquatenus hians, mandibula
superiore inflexa, inferiore superiorem magnitudine superantem. Nares
basales, rotundi, basi plumulis obtecta. Pedes sedentes, digitis tribus
anticis basi divisis, halluce plerumque brevi, curvo, aliquando recto._
Ob. _Remigum penna prima brevi, secunda tertiaque longissimis._
Bill short, strong, conic, compressed; the base slightly gaping; upper
mandible inflexed; under mandible largest. Nostrils basal, round,
covered at the base by small feathers. Feet sitting, the three anterior
toes divided at the base; the hind claw in general short and curved, in
some species straight.
_Ob._ The first quill of the wings shorter than the second and third,
which are the longest.
Generic Types (Temminck) i. _Emb. citrinella. miliaria_ Lin. ii. _Em.
nivalis. Fring. Lapponica._
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_E. olivacea, infra flavescens; capite cristato; jugulo nigro; striga
oculari, scapulis rectricibusque lateralibus flavis._
Olive, beneath yellowish, head crested; throat black; eye stripe,
shoulders, and lateral tail feathers, yellow.
* * * * *
The elegant crest of narrow-pointed feathers on the head of this new bird,
at once distinguishes it from all others of the same family. Mr. Brookes
favoured me with the individual here described; it was purchased alive at
one of the Brazilian ports; but I strongly suspect it had been first
brought from Africa, by some one of the slave ships. The figure is of the
natural size; down the shaft of each feather on the back is a black line;
the tail is rather long, and even; the two middle feathers black; the rest
pure yellow, with black shafts, and brown exterior terminal margins; the
upper mandible of the bill is sinuated; the base not gaping, but with a few
incumbent bristles.
I have taken the authority of Professor Temminck for the accuracy of the
generic types of this genus under its present modification.
* * * * *
Pl. 149
[Illustration]
CASTNIA Fabricii,
_Red underwing Day-moth._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.
_Antennae clavatae, clavo elongato, cylindraceo, fusiformi, ad apicem
unco brevi, acuto armato. Palpi breves, graciles, haud prominentes,
articulo ultimo nudo, oblique verticales. Vertex ocellatus? ocello
oculum juxta utrumque posito._
Obs. _Caput parvum; alarum basis squamis conspicuis, elongatis
imbricata._
Antennae clubbed; club elongated, rounded, fusiform, ending in a short
acute hook. Palpi short, slender, not projecting beyond the front, the
last joint naked, obliquely vertical. Crown with a small ocellus?
adjoining each eye.
_Ob._ Head small: base of the wings covered with conspicuous,
lengthened, imbricate scales.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_C. alis anticis, supra ferrugineis; posticis rufis, fasciis 3 undatis,
nigris, masculis ovatis interstinctis, ornatis._
Anterior wings above ferruginous; posterior rufous, with three waved
bands of black, between which are imperfect oval spots.
* * * * *
The insects of this genus form one of the most singular groups among the
Lepidoptera; they are few in number, and confined to the tropical regions
of America; flying only during the meridian heat, and then with incredible
rapidity: they frequent the narrow inlets of thick forests, occasionally
resting, far above the ground, on the trunks of trees. The species here
figured is very rare, and came from the Diamond district of Brazil: it is
named after the illustrious entomologist who first founded the genus. The
bases of the wings beneath are furnished, in the male, with a spiral socket
and horny spring, similar to those of the Phalaenidae.
* * * * *
Pl. 150
[Illustration]
SPHINX fasciata.
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 81.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_S. alis anticis subdentatis, supra fuscis, margine postico striga
pallida ornato; posticis fulvis, margine nigro; abdomine annuloso,
annulis nigris, interruptis, interstitiis albis._
Anterior wings subdentated, above brown, posterior margin with a pale
stripe; posterior wings fulvous, margin black; body with black
interrupted rings, the interstices white.
* * * * *
This approaches so near to the Sphinx Alope of Drury, that it is not
without hesitation I have ventured to separate them; it will, however, be
seen, that neither in his figure or description is any notice taken of the
pale testaceous band on the superior wings; the body likewise is described
as "encircled with rings of brown and _dark ash_ colour;" in this, the
rings are black, on nearly a white ground: the under sides of the superior
wings, in Drury's insect, "are spotted along their external edges with long
yellowish spots;" in this, they are uniform pale brown. These differences
(greatly strengthened by his figure) induce me to consider them as
distinct; particularly as both insects appear to have come from Jamaica:
the upper side of the antennae are white, the lower brown. Cramer's figure
of S. Alope affords little or no clue to illustrate the question.
* * * * *
SPHINX Leachii.
* * * * *
_S. alis anticis subdentatis, griseo-fuscis, maculis mediis 3 nigris;
posticis fulvis, margine nigro; abdomine griseo, annulis nigris,
interruptis._
Anterior wings subdentated, greyish brown, with three medial black
spots; posterior fulvous, margin black; abdomen grey, with interrupted
black rings.
* * * * *
I cannot reconcile this with any one species described by Fabricius; at the
anal angle of the lower wings, is a pale greyish spot, with two short
blackish lines: I have named it in honour of that laborious and eminent
zoologist, Dr. Leach; who presented me with the specimen here figured.
The upper figure is of _Sphinx Leachii_, and the under of _S. fasciata_.
* * * * *
Pl. 151
[Illustration]
ALCEDO semitorquata,
_Half-collared Kingsfisher._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 26.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_A. caeruleo-viridis, infra ochracea; capite cyaneo, lineis nigris
transversis ornato; dorso nitide caeruleo; pectore torque
caeruleo-viridi interrupto insigni._
Bluish green, beneath buff colour; head blue, with transverse black
lines; back shining light blue; breast with an interrupted blue-green
collar.
* * * * *
In a small collection of birds, procured on the borders of the Great Fish
River of the Cape, I met with this new and elegant Kingsfisher. I was
fortunate in detecting in the same parcel several other unknown and
interesting birds; which I hope to record and illustrate in this work,
particularly as they have since been sent to a foreign museum. This species
considerably exceeds the size of the Asiatic Kingsfisher, being nearly
eight inches and a half long: the bill is black, two inches from the gape,
and one and three quarters from the base of the nostrils: head blue, the
crown crossed by dusky black lines; hind head somewhat crested, the sides
deep and rich mazarine blue; ears and sides of the neck greenish blue, the
latter having a stripe of white; the blue on the sides of the neck advances
on the breast in the shape of a half-formed collar: wings and scapula
covers bluish green, with lighter spots on the tip of each of the wing
covers; down the back is a stripe of vivid light blue, similar to the
common Kingsfisher: tail dark-blue, edged with greenish, the base black.
The plumage beneath, from the chin to the end of the throat, white;
changing on the breast to pale fawn colour, which deepens to ferruginous on
the body, under tail covers, and thighs: legs red: between the bill and eye
a dusky white line.
* * * * *
Pl. 152
[Illustration]
ACHATINA melastoma,
_Black-mouthed Achatina._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 30.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_A. testa strigis longitudinalibus, nebulosis, purpureis ornata; spira
elongata; labio exteriore castaneo-nigro; columella crassa, gibba; basi
integra._
Shell with clouded purple longitudinal stripes; spire lengthened; inner
lip chesnut-black; columella thickened, gibbous; base entire.
_Helix regina._ _Ferussac Moll._ _liv._ 19. _pl._ 119.
_Var._ (reversed.) _A. perversa._ _Zool. Illust._ _vol._ 1. _pl._
30.
* * * * *
I have not the least doubt that this shell is specifically the same with
that figured at Plate 30 of this work: it has only recently come under my
inspection, and I therefore hasten to give a further illustration of this
beautiful species, and to substitute a new specific character, which will
be applicable to both varieties.
Although much more ventricose than the reverse variety, this has the same
unusual formation of that part of the columella seen at the base of the
mouth, where it is very thick, and appears as if swelled: the epidermis, in
this specimen, obscures the white ground colour of the shell. I have seen
also another variety, even more slender than that at Plate 30, and with the
aperture not reversed. These new facts point out the necessity of the
specific name of _perversa_ being changed to one more applicable.
The figure is from a specimen lent to me by Mr. Dubois, and is probably
from Brazil.
* * * * *
Pl. 153
[Illustration]
STROMBUS lobatus,
_Lobed, or Brindled Strombus._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 10.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_S. testa nodulosa; spira brevi, inermi; labio exteriore supra repando,
bilobo, margine crasso, reflexo; apertura laevi, rubescente; canale
brevi._
Shell nodulous; spire short, unarmed; outer lip above spreading,
two-lobed, margin thick, reflected; aperture smooth, reddish; channel
short.
_Seba_, _tab._ 62. _f._ 4. 5. (_optime_) 9. 12. 14. 15. 27. _tab._ 63.
_f._ 6. _Mart._ 3. _tab._ 83. _f._ 836, 837. _Gualt._ _tab._ 32. _f._
F. _Knorr_ 3. _tab._ 11. _f._ 1-6. _tab._ 29. _f._ 8.
Strombus Gallus, ([beta]) _Gmelin_, 3511. 11. S. Raninus, _Gmelin_,
3511. 10.
_S. bituberculatus_, _Lam. Syst._ 7. _p._ 202. 6
* * * * *
It will appear extraordinary, that this very common shell should have been
unknown to Linnaeus; and still more, that no other systematic writer should
have noticed it, excepting Gmelin, by whom it is placed as a variety of _S.
gallus_, although his _S. raninus_ is obviously made from a bad figure in
Knorr of this same shell. On referring to Mr. Dillwyn's account of _S.
gallus_, I find all the references of Gmelin to this shell expunged; and a
note at the head of the genus states, that _S. raninus_ is undeserving of
notice; thus every trace of the shell, in this work, is altogether lost.
The two lobes at the top of the outer lip form a strong and peculiar
distinction of this species: the colour of the mouth is variable; though
usually tinged with pink, it is often reddish, or red blended with yellow,
and sometimes nearly white; within the upper part of the aperture, round
the inner lip, are one or two strong plaits, with sulcated grooves on each
side; and near the lobe at the base of the outer lip, the aperture has a
few obsolete striae: the nodules on the body whorl are triangular, and the
two nearest the lip are, in general, very large: the channel (or base) is
short, and turned up in an oblique direction.
Found, in great abundance, in various parts of the West India seas.
* * * * *
Pl. 154
[Illustration]
PSITTACUS Malaccensis,
_Blue-rumped Parrot._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 1.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_P. viridis; vertice uropygioque nitide caeruleis; tectricibus
interioribus, corporisque lateribus coccineis; cauda flavescente;
rostro magno, dentato._
Green; crown and rump sapphire blue; inner wing covers and sides of the
body crimson; tail yellowish; bill large, toothed.
P. Malaccensis. _General Zoology_, _vol._ 8. 2. _p._ 554.
Blue-rumped Parrakeet. _Lath. Syn. Sup._ 1. _p._ 66.
* * * * *
I think this may be the bird described (according to Latham) by Sonnerat,
under the name of _Petite perruche de Malacca_, and from which both Latham
and Shaw have framed their account of the Blue-rumped Parrot. On comparing
their descriptions with the following, some differences and omissions will
be found, but not sufficient, I think, to justify the idea of this being a
distinct species: I have, as yet, seen only one specimen (and that not
perfect) of this rare and little known bird.
Total length six inches; bill unusually large and strong, being three
quarters of an inch (in a straight line) long, and nearly the same in
height at the base; upper mandible with a sharp tooth in the middle, and
reddish orange; under mandible violet grey; front and crown of the head
violet blue, changing to blackish green on the back, and greyish green on
the sides of the head, neck, and breast; body and vent green; rump and
upper tail covers vivid azure blue; spurious wings greenish blue; wing
covers dark but bright green, margined more or less with yellowish; quills
blue green, their inner webs black; under wing covers and sides of the body
crimson; tail short, even, the two middle feathers above green, the rest
yellow with green edges and black shafts; beneath, these feathers are all
yellow, the shafts white; the wings, for the size of the bird, are very
long, measuring four inches and a half.
* * * * *
Pl. 155
[Illustration]
PSITTACUS viridissimus,
_Green Parrot._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 1.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_P. pallide viridis; pennis infra nitide thalassinis; tegminum,
remigum, scapulariumque marginibus flavescentibus; linea ante-oculari
flava; rectricium basi rubra._
Pale green, quills beneath changeable sea-green; wing covers, quills
and scapulars margined with yellowish; before the eye a yellow line;
base of the tail feathers red.
* * * * *
The uniform green which pervades the plumage of this Parrot, induces me to
think it may, possibly, be the female of some other species; a few pale red
feathers, close to the axilla, and the faint red on the tail feathers,
appear to strengthen this supposition. Among those species which are
recorded, this approaches nearest to Latham's Green Parrakeet; but the
figure this writer quotes, (_Pl. Enl._ 837.) is at variance both with his
description, and with the bird now before us; it may, therefore, be
considered as undescribed.
Total length nine inches; bill pale; upper mandible three-quarters of an
inch long, the margin undulated. The whole plumage is of a beautiful and
delicate green, darkest above; with a tinge of blue on the crown, spurious
wings, and greater quills; the orbits are naked, between which and the eye
is a blackish line, bordered above by another of pure yellow; all the wing
covers and quills are margined with yellowish. The colour of the inferior
side of the quills is a pale but beautiful blue green, reflecting brighter
tints of the same colour, when held in certain lights; the under side of
the tail has likewise these reflections, but above is yellowish, with a
dusky red spot at the base of each lateral feather: under the wings there
are three or four dull red feathers; feet pale.
This bird is in my own collection, and is the only one I have as yet seen;
neither am I acquainted with its native country.
* * * * *
Pl. 156
[Illustration]
FRINGILLA oryzivora,
_Paddy bird, Rice bird, or Java Sparrow._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.
_Rostrum breve, validum, crassum, rectum, conicum; mandibulae;
superioris gibbae apice vix inflexo, integro; culminis convexi basi
angulata. Nares basales, rotundae, pone culminis basin positae,
plumulis vix obtectae. Pedes sedentes. Alae breves._
Bill short, strong, thick, straight, conic; upper mandible swelled, the
tip slightly inflexed, entire; culmine convex, the base angulated.
Nostrils basal, round, placed behind the base of the culmine, and
partially covered by the frontal feathers. Feet sitting. Wings short.
Generic Types. _Loxiae Javensis, Braziliana. Emberiza principalis,
cicris. Tanagria caerulea, &c._ (Temminck.)
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_F. cana; capite caudaque nigris; rostro rubro; crisso roseo-albente;
auribus (in maribus) niveis._
Lead-coloured; head and tail black; bill red; belly obscure rosy; ears
(in the male) snowy.
Loxia oryzivora. _Gm._ I. 302. _Lath. Ind. Orn._ 1. 380. _Gen. Zool._
9. 2. 316. _Brisson_, 1. 374. 7.
Java Grosbeak. _Lath. Syn._ 3. 129. _Supp._ 151. _Gen. Zool._ 9. 316.
_pl._ 51.
* * * * *
This elegant bird has been so distorted, in the representations given of it
by the older ornithologists, that little apology is thought necessary for
introducing more accurate figures of both sexes in this publication. It is
said to inhabit the Cape and various parts of India, causing much damage to
the rice plantations, and is frequently brought to this country alive. The
figure is of the size of life, the bill bright red, but whitish towards the
tip; it is very strong, thickened round the basal margins, and forms a
sharp angle between the frontal feathers: the nostrils are small, round,
and placed _behind_ the thick margin of the bill, and not on its outer
surface. Legs flesh-coloured; the orbits are said to be red in the live
bird.
I have followed the example of Illiger and Temminck in uniting the greatest
part of the Linnaean Loxiae and Fringillae under the latter genus,
retaining only the Cross-bills under the former.
* * * * *
Pl. 157
[Illustration]
AMPULLARIA effusa,
_Ribbon Apple Snail._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 103.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_A. testa globosa, laevi, fasciis purpureo-fuscis cincta; spira
depressa, apice prominente; apertura angusta; umbilico magno, profundo;
columella obsoleta._
Shell globose, smooth, with purple brown bands; spire depressed, the
tip prominent; aperture narrow; umbilicus large, deep; pillar obsolete.
Helix glauca. _Linn. Dillw._ 918. Helix ampullucea, (_var._ [gamma])
_Gmelin_, 3626. Bulimus effusus. _Brug._ _p._ 296. _No._ 1.
_Lister_, 129. 29. _Seba_, _tab._ 38. _f._ 39. _tab._ 40. _f._ 3. 4. 5.
(_optime_.) _Martini_, 9. _tab._ 129. _f._ 1144-5. _Knorr_, 4. _tab._
5. _f._ 3.
_Lam. Syst._ 6. 2. _p._ 178. 5.
* * * * *
I concur with Mr. Dillwyn in believing that this shell is the _Helix
glauca_ of Linnaeus; but, as it is now removed to another genus, I think no
real advantage would result from continuing its original specific name;
particularly as the identity may be questioned by others, without a chance
of the question ever being settled: the adoption of the specific names
given to species slightly or incorrectly described by the older
naturalists, inevitably tends to increase the original obscurity, in all
cases where the point cannot be cleared up. _A. effusa_ may be
distinguished from all others by the columella being nearly obsolete; this
part existing only in the two terminal whorls of the spire. This species
therefore forms a transition to the _Planorbes_: there is a variety, with
narrower stripes, double the size of that here figured.
* * * * *
AMPULLARIA luteostoma,
_Yellow-mouthed Apple Snail._
* * * * *
_A. testa globosa, striata, olivacea, lineis remotis fuscis fasciata;
spira levata, apice acuto; apertura effusa intus marginata; umbilico
magno._
Shell globose, striated, olive, with remote transverse brown lines,
spire elevated, the tip acute; aperture wide, within margined;
umbilicus large.
* * * * *
The umbilicus of this shell is not so deep as the last, but is larger than
in any other known species; the columella is likewise perfect, and the
aperture is wider and more oblique than in _A. effusa_.
* * * * *
Pl. 158
[Illustration]
PINNA bullata, (_var._)
_Rufous Pinna._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.
_Testa longitudinalis, cuneiformis, aequivalvis, apice hians, basi
acuta; natibus rectis. Cardo lateralis, edentulus. Ligamentum
marginale, lineare, praelongum subinternum._--Lamarck, _Sys._ vol. vi.
p. i. p. 129.
Shell longitudinal, wedge-shaped, equivalve, the valves gaping; the
umbones straight, pointed. Hinge lateral, without teeth. Ligament
marginal, linear, very long, subinternal.
Generic Types. _Pinnae rudis._ _Pectinata._ _Muricata._ Linn. Pennant,
&c.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_P. testa tenui, pellucida, rufa, aequilatera, striis remotis,
sulcatis, transversim squamiferis, subspinosis; marginibus lateralibus
rectis; margine inferiore oblique truncato._
Shell thin, pellucid, rufous, equilateral, with remote sulcated striae,
crossed by transverse scales and obtuse spines; lateral margins
straight; inferior margin obliquely truncate.
P. bullata. _Gmelin_, _p._ 3367. _Gualt._ _tab._ 79. _f._ c.
_Chemnitz._ 8. _tab._ 87. _f._ 769. _Knorr_, 2. 23. _f._ 1.
P. marginata. _Lam. Sys._ 6. _p._ 132. 7.
* * * * *
I have little doubt that this shell is a smooth variety of the _Pinna
bullata_ of Gmelin, and the _P. marginata_ of Lamarck; both these authors
refer to the same figure in Gualtieri, but both also have overlooked that
of Chemnitz, above quoted, as well as Knorr's, which latter, although it
represents the shell nearly smooth (similar to that here figured), I
apprehend is only a variety. No doubt therefore having existed as to
Gmelin's _bullata_, M. Lamarck had no plea for altering its specific name
to _marginata_. I have consequently recorded it under Gmelin's name.
The Pinnae are rather numerous, although many of the species remain in
obscurity; they attach themselves to rocks, deep in the sea, by a silky
_byssus_. It has been commonly stated, that gloves and stockings are
fabricated in the Mediterranean from this byssus, as articles of commerce;
such, however, is not now the case; though articles, so fabricated, are
sometimes shown in Naples and Sicily as subjects of curiosity.
Pinna bullata is, I believe, found in the West Indies. The vaulted spires
on this and other species, easily fall off; and become, therefore, a very
uncertain specific character.
* * * * *
Pl. 159
[Illustration]
SATYRUS argenteus.
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.
_Antennae mediocres, clavo elongato, gracili. Palpi porrecti,
compressi, vix recurvi, remoti, pilis ciliatis, longis, hirsutissimi;
articulo ultimo elongato, nudo, gracili, acuto. Alae posticae
orbiculares, integrae, raro dentatae._
Antennae moderate, the club lengthened and slender. Palpi porrected,
compressed, slightly recurved, remote, with long ciliated hairs; the
last joints long, naked, slender, acute. Posterior wings orbicular,
entire, rarely dentated.
Generic Types. _Pap. Hyperanthus_, _Galathea_, _Semele_, _&c._ Lin.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_S. alis fuscis; posticarum disco supra flavescente, maculis 2 fuscis
fucato, infra albente, margine postico fulvo, maculis 2 atris guttisque
7-8 argenteis ornato._
Wings brown; posterior above with a yellowish disk and two brown spots,
beneath whitish, the hind margin fulvous, with two black spots and 7-8
silver dots.
* * * * *
Without being ornamented by rich or vivid colouring, this is, nevertheless,
one of the most chastely beautiful little butterflies found in Brazil. I
met with it very plentifully in a small wood not far distant from Cashoera,
on the western extremity of St. Salvador's bay: to this particular spot it
seemed confined, for I never saw a single specimen in any other part of
Brazil.
No colouring can imitate the richness of the silvery spots on the under
wings, which appear embossed, or as if solid drops of silver had fallen on
the insect when it first emerged into life. The two sexes are perfectly
similar.
The insects of this genus are usually brown, with dark or paler shadings,
and eye-like spots on their upper or under wings. They principally inhabit
the woods of tropical regions, and the hedge sides and lanes of European
countries; this circumstance probably induced Latreille to change their
name from _Hipparchia_ (Fabricius) to _Satyrus_; which, although an
innovation on the rules of nomenclature, may in this instance be allowed.
* * * * *
Pl. 160
[Illustration]
ANODON purpurascens,
_Purple Anodon, or Horse Mussel._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 96.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_A. testa transversim oblonga, crassa, depressa, intus purpurascente,
lamina cardinali crassa, truncata, dente lamellari in utraque valva
supposito; umbonibus retusis._
Shell transversely oblong, thick, depressed, within purple; hinge plate
thick, truncate, with an obsolete lamellar tooth in each valve; umbones
retuse.
* * * * *
This is an entirely new and very rare shell, remarkable for its shape and
internal colour; it is also highly interesting, as exhibiting the generic
characters of _Anodon_, blended (in some degree) with those of _Unio_:
according to the principles of Lamarck, it might therefore be made into a
genus; but I feel convinced too much importance has already been attached
by that naturalist and his followers to the hinge of bivalve shells; and
that the nomenclature of the science is burthened with genera, trivial in
themselves, bewildering to the scientific, and unintelligible to the
student.
From having paid some attention to the Fluviatile Bivalves, and possessing
a most extensive collection of specimens, I am clearly of opinion that no
permanent characters will be found sufficient to retain either the genera
_Dipsas_ (Leach), _Hyria_ (Lamarck), or _Alasmodonta_ of Say, much less
that of _Damaris_ (Leach), and another, whose name I forget, made by Dr.
Turton from the same shell as Leach's _Damaris_, viz. Mya Margaritifera of
Linnaeus. In fact, the line of demarcation between Unio and Anodon appears
to rest on the first possessing cardinal teeth, and the latter having none.
I have several valves (in different stages of growth), and one perfect
specimen of this shell; they were sent to me from the back settlements of
North America.
* * * * *
Pl. 161
[Illustration]
VOLUTA punctata,
_Red-dotted Volute._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.
_Testa ovata. Spira apertura brevior, apice papillari. Basis truncata,
emarginata. Columella plicata, plicis inferioribus majoribus._
Shell ovate. Spire shorter than the aperture, the tip papillary. Base
truncated, emarginate. Pillar plaited, the inferior plaits generally
largest.
Generic Types. _Volutae Olla_, _Imperialis_, _Pacifica_, _&c._
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_V. testa ovata, subfusiformi, tuberculata, pallide rubella fasciis 2
maculatis, rubris, punctis minutis interstinctis; columella 4 plicata._
Shell ovate, subfusiform, tuberculated, flesh-coloured, with two bands
of red spots interspersed with minute dots; pillar 4 plaited.
* * * * *
In "Exotic Conchology," I have commenced, and intend to complete, a copious
illustration of this noble family of shells; which (if the simile be
admissible) may be termed the nobles of testaceous animals, with as much
truth as Linnaeus has called Palms the princes of the vegetable world. The
Volutes, indeed, are imposing shells; both from their size, rarity, and
their rich (but not gaudy) colouring; and it is not improbable that the
value of a choice collection of the principal species, would be equal to
their own weight in solid gold.
The species now under consideration is only known from an injured specimen
in Mr. Dubois' cabinet; although much rubbed on one side, it presents on
the other a true pattern of its original markings; the margin of the outer
lip, and the tip of the spire, are both injured; yet, notwithstanding these
defects, there are abundant characters remaining to evince its total
dissimilarity from any other recorded species.
I have preferred subjoining only the essential generic characters of this
genus, as most intelligible to students; particularly as its natural
characters are fully detailed in the first part of "Exotic Conchology."
* * * * *
Pl. 162
[Illustration]
ACHATINA fasciata, (_var._)
_Banded Achatina,_ (_3 varieties_.)
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 30.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 74.
(Young.) _Apertura basi integra._ Base of the aperture entire.
Ach. pallida. _Zool. Ill._ _vol._ 1. _pl._ 41.
* * * * *
Since the first illustration of this elegant species appeared, at plate 74
of this work, I have had the means of ascertaining a very extraordinary
circumstance which takes place in the progressive growth of the young shell
to the adult state; and that is the change effected in the form and
termination of the pillar or columella. In the noble collection of shells
formed by the late Earl of Tankerville, there is a numerous series of this
species; from these I have ascertained, that in the young shells the base
of the columella unites with the termination of the outer lip, making the
aperture entire, similar to the lengthened Helices; but, as the shell
advances in growth, the base of the columella becomes thick, detached, as
it were, from the marginal rim, so as to produce an intervening notch, and
thus gives the old and the young shell not only an appearance of being
distinct species, but of belonging to separate genera. From these facts, I
have drawn the conclusion, that _Achatina pallida_ (pl. 41), is but the
young shell (having the margin of the aperture as yet entire) of _Achatina
fasciata_; and the three additional varieties now figured, will, I hope,
prove an interesting addition to the history of this species.
* * * * *
Pl. 163
[Illustration]
HEMIPODIUS nivosus,
_White-spotted Turnix._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.
_Rostrum mediocre, gracile, rectum, valde compressum culmine levato, ad
apicem sub-incurvo. Nares laterales, lineares, sulcatae, membrana
convexa cornea vix tectae, apertura fissa, elongata. Pedes longi,
digitis tribus anticis divisis. Halluce caret. Cauda brevissima
tectricibus obtecta. Alae mediocres._
Bill moderate, slender, straight, much compressed, culmen elevated,
towards the tip slightly incurved. Nostrils lateral, linear, sulcated,
partially covered by a convex horny membrane, the aperture narrow and
elongated; legs long, with three toes before, divided at their base.
Hind toe none. Tail very short, concealed by the covers. Wings
moderate.
Generic Type. _Perdix nigricollis._ Lath.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_H. supra ferrugineo varius; mento albescente; jugulo pectoreque
pallide ferrugineis, maculis albis, nitidis, ornatis; corpore albo;
uropygio caudaeque tectricibus superioribus rufis, immaculatis._
Above varied with ferruginous; chin whitish; throat and breast pale
ferruginous, with white shining spots; body white; rump and upper
tail-covers rufous, unspotted.
H. nivosus. _Swainson, in Tilloch's Phil. Magazine_, _vol._ 60. _p._
353.
* * * * *
I have represented this delicate little bird of its natural size; which is
so small, as scarcely to equal that of a Lark. The Turnix inhabits the
sandy deserts of Africa and India, and seems to form a race of pigmy
Bustards, all the species yet discovered (fourteen in number) being very
diminutive. Little is known of their habits in a state of nature, further
than that they migrate, and fly with great rapidity. The specific character
will distinguish _H. nivosus_ as a species; and I have already given a more
detailed description of it in the Journal above quoted. Mr. Leadbeater
received it from Senegal.
* * * * *
Pl. 164
[Illustration]
SYLVIA annulosa,
_White-eyed Warbler._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 139.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_S. olivaceo-viridis, infra albescens; jugulo flavescente; palpebris
plumis niveis insignibus._
Olive-green, beneath whitish; throat yellowish; eyes encircled by a
ring of snowy feathers.
Sylvia Madagascariensis. _Lath. Ind. Orn._ 2. 533. _Gm._ 1. 981.
White-eyed Warbler. _Lath. Gen. Syn._ 4. 475. _Gen. Zool._ 10. 2. 720.
Ficedula Madagascariensis minor. _Briss. Ois._ 4. _p._ 498. _t._ 28.
_f._ 2. (_male_.) _Briss. Orn._ 1. 446.
_Le Figuier Tcheric_, _Le Vaill. Ois. d'Af._ 3. _pl._ 132.
* * * * *
A delicate ring of snow-white feathers encircles the eyes of this pretty
bird. It is far from being peculiar to Madagascar (as Dr. Latham's name of
_Madagascariensis_ would seem to imply), but is spread over a wide extent
of the eastern hemisphere; being found both in the Isle of France, the Cape
of Good Hope, and Madras. The name, therefore, is peculiarly inapplicable;
but this is not all: for we find that the same author, a few pages after,
has given this identical name to another very different bird; the same
error is transferred into Shaw's Zoology.
Figure, the size of life: colour above, olive green; ears and sides of the
head the same: chin, throat, and under tail covers yellow; breast
cinereous, changing to dusky brown on the flanks; the middle of the body
whitish; between the eye and bill a velvet-black line, which forms a
partial margin to the snowy feathers of the eyelids; wings and tail dusky
black, margined with olive.
Very indifferent figures of both sexes will be found in Vaillant's African
birds; from his description it seems to be a gregarious species. I regret
not being able, at this moment, to refer to the work.
* * * * *
Pl. 165
[Illustration]
SYLVIA annulosa, (_var._ [beta].)
_White-eyed Warbler._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 139.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_S. supra cinerea, infra albescens, capite, alis uropygioque
olivaceo-flavis; jugulo flavescente; palpebris plumis niveis
insignibus._
Above cinereous, beneath whitish; head, wings, and rump, olive yellow;
throat yellowish; eyes encircled by a ring of snowy feathers.
* * * * *
On first receiving this bird from New Holland, I was inclined to think it a
distinct species from the African White-eyed Warbler; but further
consideration has led me to adopt a different opinion: it is true that I am
unacquainted with any one land bird which is common to both countries, and
much weight should be attached to the geographic distribution both of
families and species. These two birds, however, differ in their colour, and
somewhat in their size. On the other hand, the White-eyed Warbler, as
before observed, is found both in Africa and India; and is, therefore,
probably migratory. Nature, moreover, is not bound by laws to which there
are no exceptions; and the leading points of resemblance between these
birds are very strong. On the whole, therefore, I am inclined to consider
them as varieties of one species, forming a solitary exception to the
general dissimilarity between the birds of Africa and those of New Holland.
Size of the Wood Wren: the head and ears are olive yellow, changing to
brighter yellow on the chin, and part of the throat; the neck and back
cinereous, graduating to yellowish olive on the rump and upper tail covers;
wings the same, the inside of the quills blackish; sides of the throat
cinereous; body and under tail covers whitish; the sides tinged with
ferruginous; the stripe between the bill and eye is more brown than black;
and the white feathers round the eye, not so conspicuous as in the African
variety.
* * * * *
Pl. 166
[Illustration]
BULIMUS citrinus, (_var._)
_Citron Bulimus,_ (_3 varieties_.)
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 4.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 46.
VARIETIES.
A. Yellow, with black lines. _Zool. Ill._ _pl._ 46.
B. Yellow, with black lines and chesnut stripes. _Zool. Ill._ _p._ 47.
C. Yellow, variegated with green; inner lip obsolete. _Fig._ 1. _B.
virescens._ _Sw. Bligh Cat._ _p._ 13.
D. Green, striped with yellow; inner lip white. _Fig._ 2. 3.
E. Orange, with flame-coloured waved stripes. _Fig._ 4.
F. Pale yellow, with brown waved stripes.
_Lam. Syst._ 6. 2. _p._ 178. 5.
* * * * *
The beautiful shells here selected as a further illustration of the Citron
Bulimus not only show the great variability of the species, but clearly
prove that _B. virescens_ is, as I suspected, only a variety of _B.
citrinus_. In the shell at fig. 1. the upper part of the inner lip (like
that described in the Bligh Appendix), is entirely wanting; although it
bears, in every other respect, the appearance of a full-grown shell; the
umbilicus likewise is open; but in the shell at fig. 2. and 3. the inner
lip is quite perfect, and consequently folds over the umbilicus; thus the
connexion between the green and yellow varieties is completely established.
I have subjoined a slight arrangement of the principal varieties; and have
only further to observe, that the specific character I first proposed,
appears to me the only one by which this species may be truly
distinguished.
Since the description of _B. aureus_ at pl. 47 was written, I have seen
several other specimens; all of which tend to confirm my belief that it is
distinct from _B. citrinus_.
* * * * *
Pl. 167
[Illustration]
ANODON crassus,
_Thick Anodon, or Horse Mussel._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 96.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_A. testa ovata, lata, crassa; margine cardinali subarcuato,
extremitate utraque angulata alata; umbonibus prominentibus, apicibus
retusis._
Shell oval, broad, thick; hinge margin subarcuated, the extremities
winged and angulated; umbones prominent, the tips retuse.
* * * * *
It is only recently that travellers have directed their attention to the
less attractive shells of distant regions; and our cabinets now begin to be
enriched by the numerous land and fresh-water species of those countries.
Among these new acquisitions, the fresh-water bivalves appear the most
extraordinary in their formation, and the most numerous in species. Of the
Anodons, it may be doubted whether the great Linnaeus was acquainted with
more than three or four species; Lamarck enumerates fifteen, but a much
greater number have passed under my own examination.
The species now illustrated is very peculiar; it is a strong, thick shell;
in form resembling _Hyria corrugata_, Lamarck; having both extremities
winged and compressed; the umbonial slope[6] elevated, and somewhat
angulated; the umbones thick and prominent, but obtuse, or nearly truncate,
at their apex; the outside of the shell of a dark grass-green colour, and
nearly smooth, excepting at the posterior side, which is marked by sulcated
striae following the lines of growth; the inside is opaque and whitish,
with rich iridescent margins: the muscular impressions deep, and the hinge
margin quite smooth.
I know of no other specimen than one in Mr. Dubois' collection, and am
altogether unacquainted with its locality; although its _habit_ leads me to
think it is from South America.
* * * * *
Pl. 168
[Illustration]
RAMPHASTOS ambiguus,
_Doubtful Toucan._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 45.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_R. niger; jugulo flavo; mandibulae superioris parte superiore flava,
transverse maculata, striga viridi oblique divisa; mandibula inferiore
nigra._
Black; throat yellow, upper mandible black, the upper half yellow, with
an oblique green stripe and transverse spots; the under mandible black.
* * * * *
The obscurity with which modern ornithologists have described these
remarkable birds, would have induced me, long ago, to have attempted a more
perfect account of all the species in this work; but as this might have
been considered, by some, an infringement on the miscellaneous plan on
which it was commenced, I feel obliged to confine myself only to their
occasional illustration.
The species now selected is one I have never seen; but I have no doubt of
its existence, and little of the accuracy of its delineation. I before
alluded to several drawings of Toucans which had come to my hands, executed
by an unknown artist: among them is a figure of that now published; with a
note subjoined, stating it was drawn "from the bird just dead." The other
drawings of the same artist represent several of the common species, and
their accuracy is presumptive evidence that this also is represented
correctly. The singular colouring of the bill at once separates it from all
known species; and for its further history, we must trust to the exertions
of those travellers, visiting South America, who may feel an interest in
illustrating these singular birds.
I more than once heard, when in Brazil, of a _Blue Toucan_; but it was said
to be very rare, and I never was fortunate enough to meet with one.
* * * * *
Pl. 169
[Illustration]
PTEROGLOSSUS viridis,
_Green Aracari,_ (_male_.)
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 44.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_P. nigro virescens; capite juguloque nigris, foeminae castaneis;
corpore flavo; rostro serrato, tomiis albis, mandibula superiore
aurantiaca, linea longitudinali, laterali, media, nigra, mandibula
inferiore caerulea._
Blackish green; head and neck black (in the female chesnut), body
yellow; bill toothed, the margins white, upper mandible orange, with a
black longitudinal line; lower mandible blue.
Ramphastos viridis. _Linn. Gmelin_, 1. _p._ 353. _Lath. Ind. Orn._ 1.
138. _Gen. Zool._ 8. 2. _p._ 370.
Green Toucan. _Lath. Syn._ 1. 331.
Tucana Cayanensis viridis. _Briss. Ois._ 4. 423. _pl._ 33. _f._ 1. _Id.
Orn._ 2. 162. _Pl. Enl._ 727. _mas._ 728. _foem._
* * * * *
This is a common bird, known to the older ornithologists; but here
introduced, for the purpose of representing the vivid colours which
ornament the bill of the live bird: the figures likewise above referred to
are so very loosely drawn, that a more correct representation of the
species appeared desirable. A remarkable character pervades all the
Aracaris, (with the exception of _P. sulcatus_, pl. 44,) the head and
throat being black in the male, and chesnut or grey in the female birds;
the bills also of the latter are always the smallest; that of the Green
Aracari is larger, thicker, and more curved than in any other species; the
serratures strong and unequal; the top, and upper half of the superior
mandible, pure yellow; the lower half orange; these colours being divided
by a slender isolated black line; the under mandible blue, with the base
rosy; its general plumage bears a resemblance to several other species. Dr.
Latham says the orbits are yellow; this, however, is a mistake, for both
the orbits and irides are grass-green; this writer likewise refers to
Edwards, pl. 329, for this bird; which plate, in fact, represents a Toucan,
and is that bird which I have described and figured under the name of _R.
carinatus_, pl. 45.
I believe this species is confined to the northern parts of South America.
Mr. Charles Edmonston brought home fine specimens from Demerara; they were
preserved with so much skill, that the colours of the bill almost retained
their primitive brightness; Le Vaillant, I believe, has figured this bird;
but I have not, at this time, access to his valuable book.
* * * * *
Pl. 170
[Illustration]
MALURUS Africanus,
_African Soft-tail._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 170.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_M. supra rufescens, strigis nigris varius; genis mentoque albentibus,
striga nigra intermedia; rectricibus attenuatis, nigris, rufo
marginatis._
Above rufous brown with black stripes; sides of the head and chin
whitish, divided by a black stripe; tail feathers attenuated, black,
the margins rufous.
Motacilla Africana. _Gmelin_, 1. _p._ 958.
Sylvia Africana. _Lath. Ind. Orn._ 2. _p._ 518. _Gen. Zool._ 10. 2.
_p._ 615.
African Warbler. _Lath. Syn._ 4. _p._ 436.
Curruca naevia. _C. B. Spei. Brisson. Ois._ 3. _p._ 390. _tab._ 22.
_f._ 2. _Orn._ 1. _p._ 419.
Le Fluteur. _Vaill. Ois. d'Afrique._
_Le Vaill. Ois. d'Af._ 3. _pl._ 112. _f._ 2.
* * * * *
The characters of _Malurus_, together with a few observations on the birds
composing it, I have already given at plate 170 of this work. Yet as the
species are scattered in several distinct genera of the Linnaean school, I
have here represented that which may be termed the type of the genus, as
instituted by Professor Temminck, and as modified by myself. On comparing
the characters of _Timalia_ (a new genus of Dr. Horsfield's) with those of
_Malurus_, they will be found to designate one and the same group of birds.
Indeed, the minute and interesting details, which Dr. Horsfield has given,
put the question almost beyond doubt, and lead me to conclude, that the
Doctor was not aware, at the time, that his genus was already recorded.
This bird is not uncommon at the Cape of Good Hope. The notes of the male
(according to M. Le Vaillant) are soft and agreeable, much resembling those
of a flute; the shortness of the wings renders its flight very low. The
figure is of the natural size; and the bird has been so well described by
Brisson and Latham, that it is needless to repeat what they have said; the
figures both of Le Vaillant and Brisson are by no means accurate. The tail
feathers are delicate and transparent; and those of the whole body very
soft, with detached webs or _radii_, similar to Dr. Horsfield's _Timalia
pileata_, and _gularis_.
* * * * *
Pl. 171
[Illustration]
UNIO fragilis.
_Fragile River Mussel._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 58.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_U. testa transversim ovata, tenui, intus purpurascente; dentibus
cardinalibus tuberculatis, sub-obsoletis._
Shell transversely oval, thin, within purple; cardinal teeth
tuberculated, nearly obsolete.
* * * * *
Most fresh water bivalves are remarkably destitute of that variety of
colouring, which diversifies the exterior of marine shells, and renders
their distinction comparatively easy. A uniform olive green, or brown tint,
pervades all the fluviatile genera; their specific distinctions rest on
characters which frequently require long and perplexing descriptions, but
which can be explained by the artist with ease and precision. It follows,
therefore, that accurate figures of these shells are more particularly
wanted; for, although Lamarck has described so many, the short descriptions
which he has given, and the want of figures to elucidate them, render it
impossible to determine accurately one half of the species which he has
enumerated.
_Unio fragilis_ is principally distinguished by the cardinal teeth: those
in the right valves are 2; short, obtuse, and nearly obsolete, more
resembling tubercles, than the crenated or striated teeth of this genus.
The left valve has one tooth rather sharper. In young shells the ligamental
margin is nearly straight, and its extremity somewhat angulated; but old
shells lose these appearances, and become perfectly oval. In both stages of
growth the shell is very thin, convex, and the inside (near the umbones)
purple. The slight development of the cardinal teeth brings this shell
nearer to the genus _Anodon_, than any other _Unio_ which I have seen.
It inhabits the rivers of North America, and was sent to me by Professor
Rafinesque.
* * * * *
Pl. 172
[Illustration]
AMPULLARIA reflexa,
_Purple Apple Snail._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 103.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_A. testa ovato-globosa, laevi; spira ventricosa, obtusa, sub
epidermide purpurea; apertura nigro-purpurascente; labio exteriore
tenui, margine reflexo._
Shell ovate-globose, smooth; spire ventricose, obtuse; beneath the
epidermis, purple; aperture blackish purple; outer lip thin, the margin
reflected.
_Knorr_, _vol._ 5. _pl._ 5. _f._ 2. (uncoated.)
Ampullaria reflexa. _Swainson, in Tilloch's Ph. Mag._ _vol._ 61. _p._
377.
* * * * *
The only record that I can find (in the works of the old writers) for this
Ampullaria, is the figure by Knorr above quoted; it is obviously drawn from
an uncoated specimen, although I have seen instances, where the blackish
purple on the spire was so intense, as to obscure the thin epidermis which
covered it. The peculiar character of the species, and in which it differs
from all others, is in the outer margin of the lip; which is thin, rather
spread out, and slightly reflected; the form of the shell resembles _A.
fasciata_, but the spire, instead of being pointed, is obtuse; the
umbilicus, likewise, is smaller and more concealed. From the absence of a
groove round the aperture, I conclude the operculum is horny.
The size varies; perfect shells are in my possession much smaller than the
figure, and I have seen others much larger, and with the aperture more
chesnut than purple.
I am not acquainted with its locality.
* * * * *
Pl. 173
[Illustration]
GALLINULA ruficollis, _var._
_Black-bellied Gallinule_ _var._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.
_Gallinula._ Briss. Cuv. Tem. Lath. _Fulica_, _Rallus_. Linn. _Crex._
Illiger.
_Rostrum capite brevius, valde compressum, conicum, rectum, apice
compresso, mandibula inferiore angulata. Nares sulcatae, membrana
obtectae; apertura magna, oblonga, pervia, vix media. Pedes elongati,
grallarii, genibus nudis, digitis gracilibus tribus, halluce mediocri._
Bill shorter than the head, much compressed, conic, straight, the tips
compressed, inferior mandible angulated. Nostrils sulcated, covered by
a membrane; aperture large, oblong, pervious, nearly medial. Feet long,
wading, knees naked, fore toes three, long, slender, hind toe (or
thumb) short.
Generic type. _Rallus porzana._ Linn.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
Gall. ruficollis var. A? _Olivaceo-fusca; cervice cinerea; pectore,
abdomine, alisque rufis; crisso, uropygio, caudaque nigris; tectricibus
interioribus rufis, nigro-fasciatis; pedibus rubris._
Olive brown; neck cinereous; breast, body, and wings rufous; belly,
rump, and tail black; interior wing covers rufous, banded with black;
legs red.
Fulica ruficollis. _Gmelin_, 1. _p._ 700. _Turton_, 1. _p._ 423.
Gallinula ruficollis. _Lath. Ind. Orn._ 2. 767.
Black-bellied Gallinule. _Lath. Syn._ 1. _p._ 253.
* * * * *
This is one of the largest water hens found in Brazil, where it is very
rare. I am indebted to Dr. Langsdorff for the only specimen which I brought
from that country. It differs considerably from the Black-bellied Gallinule
of Latham, yet, perhaps, not sufficiently to record it as a distinct
species.
Total length fifteen inches and a half; bill one and a half; the base (in
the dead bird) orange, the other half green; frontlet none; the crown and
nape are grey brown, the sides cinereous, and the throat whitish; the neck
both above and beneath for about two thirds its length is lead-coloured; it
then changes to rufous, which spreads over the breast, body, wing covers,
and greater quills; the lower part of the neck above, with the back,
scapulars, and lesser quills, brownish olive; the belly, thighs, tail, and
rump black; the inner wing covers are remotely barred with black; legs (in
the live bird) red.
Latham describes the Black-bellied G. as seventeen inches long; the bill
two inches; the quills greenish brown, with rufous margins; the fore part
of the neck and breast bright rufous; and the flanks with black bands.
* * * * *
Pl. 174
[Illustration]
TANAGRA canicapilla,
_Grey-crowned Tanager._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.
_Rostrum breve, validum, conicum, basi trigona, lateribus compressis,
culmine levato, mandibula superiore ad apicem deflexa et emarginata,
inferioris brevioris rectae basi crassa, ambarum marginibus inflexis.
Nares parvae, basi plumosa, apertura rotundata, nuda. Alae mediocres._
Bill short, strong, conic, base trigonal, sides compressed, culmin
elevated, upper mandible towards the tip deflexed and notched, under
mandible shorter and straight, the base thick, the margins of both
inflexed. Nostrils small, the base feathered, the aperture round,
naked. Wings moderate.
Generic Types. _Tanagra Jacapa, tricolor._ _Motacilla velia._ Lin.
_Pipra musica._ Lin.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_T. olivaceo-viridis, infra flava; vertice cinereo, striga oculari
auribusque nigris; rostro gracili._
Olive green, beneath yellow; crown cinereous, eye stripe and ears
black; bill slender.
* * * * *
The Tanagers are a numerous, and, in general, a beautiful tribe, including
some of the most richly coloured birds of America; to which continent
modern ornithologists consider they are exclusively confined.
M. Temminck proposes to unite with the Tanagers, several birds scattered in
the Linnaean Genera of _Lanius_, _Loxia_, _Fringilla_, _Pipra_, and
_Motacilla_. This view of the subject, it may not be superfluous to add, is
in perfect unison with my own. In fact, I had meditated a similar
arrangement; but the appearance of M. Temminck's work rendered the
publication of my own remarks no longer necessary. The bird here figured
belongs to that division which forms a transition to the _Sylviae_, from
which they are readily distinguished by the thickened base of the under
mandible. It is not uncommon in the West Indies; but I cannot find it
described either among the Tanagers, Finches, or Warblers of the Linnaean
school: in this, however, I may possibly be mistaken. It is represented the
size of life, and is sufficiently distinguished by its specific character.
* * * * *
Pl. 175
[Illustration]
AMPULLARIA leucostoma,
_White-mouthed Apple Snail._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 98.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_A testa ovata, rugosa, epidermide olivaceo-fusca; labio exteriore
tenui; apertura alba; umbilico vix clauso._
Shell oval, wrinkled; epidermis olive-brown; outer lip thin; aperture
white; umbilicus nearly closed.
* * * * *
In prosecuting my illustrations of this genus, I have carefully examined
all the specimens in the cabinets of my friends, and have added many to my
own. These materials have thrown some additional light on those species
which I have already described, and have enabled me to detect several
others altogether new. Among the latter is the shell here figured, and
which is so rare, that I know but one example of it in this country. Its
form is more oval than that of _A. rugosa_, from which it is likewise
distinguished by a very small umbilicus, nearly concealed by the inner lip;
the wrinkles are numerous and unequal, the spire pointed, and the aperture
milk-white.
Since my remarks on the _Planorbis cornu-arietis_ of Lamarck were
published, it has been discovered that the shell is furnished with an
operculum: one of these is in the possession of Mr. Sowerby: thus what was
a matter of doubt becomes a fact, and affords the only substantial argument
for terming it an _Ampullaria_. On the other hand, its affinities to
_Planorbis_ (marked by its discoid, depressed form, and the total absence
of the pillar,) remain in no degree impaired. The weight of argument on
both sides _now_ appears to be so equal, that it is a matter of no moment
whether this shell be placed in the system at the end of the _Ampullariae_,
or at the commencement of the _Planorbes_. To the generality of
conchologists, the latter collocation would appear the most simple; but, on
the whole, I incline more to the propriety of considering it the terminal
species of the _Ampullariae_, or that which marks their transition (as I
before observed) to the _Planorbes_.
* * * * *
Pl. 176
[Illustration]
ANODON elongatus,
_Lengthened Anodon._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 96.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_A. testa transversim oblonga, crassa, antice compressa, extremitate
utraque rotundata; umbonibus valde prominentibus, crassis; lamina
cardinali convexa._
Shell transversely oblong, thick, anteriorly compressed, both
extremities rounded; umbones very prominent, thick; hinge-plate convex.
* * * * *
This extremely rare shell bears not the least resemblance to any which
Lamarck has described, or with which I am acquainted. It was formerly in
the late Mr. Forster's collection, and is now in the possession of Mrs.
Mawe. Its form is like that of _Unio ovatus_ (_Mya ovata_ of Montague), but
it is a much thicker and stronger shell; the posterior end is greatly
compressed, but round; the umbones convex, remarkably thick, and deeply
eroded; the inside pearly and iridescent, with a strong flesh-coloured
tinge; the ligamental or hinge-plate is perfectly smooth, and rather
convex; the muscular impressions are deep.
One valve of the specimen above alluded to (the only one I have seen), is
uncoated, and beautifully iridescent. Its country is unknown--but I think
it may prove a native of the South American rivers.
* * * * *
Pl. 177
[Illustration]
TURBINELLUS spirillus,
_Carinated Turnip Shell._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.
_Testa pyriformis vel fusiformis, sub-ponderosa. Apex papillosus.
Columella plicata. Labium interius margine dilatatum. Canalis
elongatus, rectus._
Shell pear-shaped or fusiform, heavy. Apex papillary. Pillar plaited.
Interior lip with the margin dilated. Canal lengthened, straight.
Generic Type. _Voluta Pyrum._ Lin.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_T. pyriformi; spira depressa, apice prominente; anfractu basali
carinato; labio interiore dilatato, albo; columellae basi plicata._
Shell pear-shaped; spire depressed, apex prominent; basal whorl
carinated, interior lip dilated, white; base of the pillar one-plaited.
Murex spirillus. _Gmelin_, 3544. _Dillwyn_, 721.
_Martini_, 3. _tab._ 115. _f._ 1069. _Knorr_, 6. _tab._ 24. _f._ 3.
_Pyrula Spirillus._ _Lam. Syst._ 7. _p._ 142.
* * * * *
In assigning a situation, under the modern system, to the _Murex spirillus_
of Linnaeus, no genus appears to me more adapted for its reception than
that of _Turbinellus_. These shells were formerly blended with the Linnaean
Volutes, but are now detached from them as a distinct genus. The most
striking peculiarity consists in the prolongation of the base into a long
and straight canal; they possess, in common with the Volutes, a papillary
spire, and, in general, their surface is smooth. There are, however, other
shells classed by the French conchologists with this genus, from their
having a plaited columella; in these, the apex of the spire is acute, the
base truncated, and the outside rough with nodules or obtuse spines;
characters so greatly at variance, and so very distinct from those first
mentioned, that it becomes questionable whether these latter shells should
not rather be classed as a distinct group: in fact, they are much more
nearly allied to _Mitra_ and _Cancellaria_, which have acute spires,
sculptured volutions, and truncate bases, than to the smooth _Turbinelli_,
which differ so strikingly in all these particulars.
This shell is common to many parts of the Indian Ocean; and, like most of
the smooth _Turbinelli_, has the inner lip dilated.
* * * * *
Pl. 178
[Illustration]
BUCEROS coronatus,
_Coronated Hornbill._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.
_Rostrum elongatum, crassum, inane, deflexum, marginibus obtuse
crenatis, epithemate inani, forma vario, in mandibulam superiorem
imposito. Nares basales, ovatae_, (_lingua brevis, angusta, acuta_.
Illiger.) _Pedes gressorii._
Bill elongated, thick, hollow, deflexed, the margins obtusely crenated,
with excrescences of various forms placed on the upper mandible.
Nostrils basal, oval. Tongue short, narrow, pointed. Feet gressorial.
Generic Types. _B. Rhinoceros_, _bicornis_. Linn.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_B. niger, abdomine, stria utrinque occipitali, apiceque rectricium
albis; rostro subcristato, (carinato,) rubro._ Shaw.
Black Hornbill, with the abdomen, stripe on each side of the nape, and
tip of the tail white. Bill slightly crested, (carinated,) and red.
Le Calao Couronne male. _Le Vaill. Ois. d'Af._ _vol._ v. _p._ 117.
_pl._ 234.
Buceros coronatus, Coronated Hornbill. _Shaw in Gen. Zool._ 8. _p._ 35.
* * * * *
The bills of these birds present a more uncouth appearance than even those
of the Toucans; many species having knobs or excrescences which seem to
grow out of the bill itself, and give a strange appearance to the bird. The
whole tribe are natives only of the tropical parts of Africa and Asia;
feeding on animal substances, either living or dead.
Le Vaillant discovered this bird in Caffraria; congregating in flocks of
near 500, along with crows and vultures, over the remains of slaughtered
elephants. It frequents forests, perching on high, and generally withered
trees; it likewise destroys insects.
The specimen now before me is about the size of a magpie; the white collar
only surrounds the back of the head, and is not well defined; the carinated
process on the bill ends _abruptly_, and not _gradually_, as seen in Le
Vaillant's figure; the margins are obtusely crenated, the tail even, and
the two middle feathers entirely black.
* * * * *
Pl. 179
[Illustration]
MUSCIPETA labrosa,
_Red-lipped Flycatcher._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 116.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_M. nitide nigra; rictu labroso, rubro; cruribus infra genua plumatis._
Glossy black; gape margined by a red skin; legs feathered beyond the
knees.
* * * * *
This bird, though unattractive in its colours, is nevertheless very
remarkable. It may be almost said to have _lips_; for round the gape, at
each angle of the mouth, is a narrow loose skin; perfectly naked, and
rather projecting. This singularity is increased by its colour in the live
bird; which, by a note attached to the specimen, is stated to be of a
beautiful red. It seems a species hitherto unknown, and was found near the
Great Fish River of Southern Africa.
The figure is rather less than the natural size; the whole plumage deep
black; glossed with bluish green in every part but the quill and tail
feathers; the quills inside are grey, margined with olive; the first of
these is very short, the second and third shorter than the fourth, and the
two next are nearly of equal length. The tail has ten feathers, and is
even, except the two outer pair, which are progressively shorter. The bill
rather thick and strong, the culmine not very apparent, the upper mandible
strongly notched, the under but slightly; the nostrils are hid by thickset
incumbent feathers, mixed with hairs; these cover the aperture, which is
rather large, round, and encircled by a narrow membrane. The legs are very
short, the three fore-toes united as far as the first joint, the hind-toe
short; the claws of all are small, and the sole of the foot perfectly flat,
like the Bee-eaters. I have been minute in noting these characters,
because, although the bird will stand at present in the great family of the
Flycatchers, there is no doubt they will hereafter be divided into distinct
groups.
* * * * *
Pl. 180
[Illustration]
TURDUS vociferans,
_Calling Thrush._
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_T. cinereus, infra ferrugineus; temporibus auribusque nigris; caudae
rotundatae pennis mediis nigris, lateribus ferrugineis._
Cinereous, beneath ferruginous; ears and sides of the head black; tail
rounded, middle feathers black, lateral feathers ferruginous.
Le Reclammeur. _Le Vaill. Ois. d'Af._ _tom._ 3. _p._ 33, _pl._ 104.
* * * * *
I can find no account of this bird in any writer besides Le Vaillant, who
discovered it during his travels in Southern Africa. He says the note of
the male bird is loud and melodious, and is heard in the morning and
evening from the highest branches of lofty trees; the sexes being usually
seen together. Le Vaillant relates an amusing anecdote, which well
illustrates the peculiar note of the male:--One of his Dutch Hottentots, by
name Piet, having shot a female, its mate continued to fly around him,
uttering its cry, which so much resembled the Dutch words of _Piet myn
vrow_, (or, '_Peter_--my wife,') that the poor lad (perfectly astonished)
took to his heels, and vowed never more to handle a gun.
Length seven inches and a half; the upper plumage is dark cinereous: on
each side the head is a stripe of black, which encircles the eye, and forms
a patch on the ears: the whole of the under plumage is clear ferruginous
yellow or bright buff colour; the rump and lateral tail feathers the same,
the middle pair being entirely black; the next pair has likewise a narrow
margin of the same colour: quills and wing-covers dusky brown, with pale
cinereous margins. Tail rounded: legs pale: irides hazel: bill rather small
and black, compressed the whole length, and having weak bristles at its
base.
This bird obviously belongs to the Thrushes; but as I have not yet defined
the extent of the genus to my own satisfaction, I refrain at present from
proposing its characters.
* * * * *
Pl. 181
[Illustration]
VOLUTA Pusio,
_Dwarf Volute._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 161.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_V. testa ovato-obtusa, flavescente, fasciis pallidis, maculis fulvis
interstinctis cincta; anfractu basali obtuse nodoso; spira brevissima,
acuta; columella incrassata, multiplicata._
Shell ovate-obtuse, yellowish, with pale bands and fulvous spots; body
whorl crowned by compressed obtuse nodules; spire very short, acute;
pillar thickened with many plaits.
Voluta Pusio. _Swainson, in Tilloch's Ph. Journal_, _vol._ 61. _p._
378.
* * * * *
Lamarck's recent account of this genus, in the last volume of his
_Animaux_, contains but two species in addition to those long ago described
by him in the _Annales du Mus._; thus omitting many of those new Volutes
which of late years have been discovered. On the other hand, this
naturalist has created five species from the varieties of _V. musica_ Lin.
resting their characters on colour, bands, and the number of the lesser or
spurious plaits on the pillar. It requires no argument to prove that these
principles of distinction are the most uncertain he could have chosen;
scarcely two specimens of _V. musica_ being found alike. These supposed
species must, therefore, again merge into one.
The shell before us has more important characters; the body whorl is quite
smooth, but crowned by compressed truncated nodules; the spire remarkably
short, and the tip acute; in other respects it approaches to _V. virescens_
Sol. (_Polyzonalis_ Lam.) and to _V. fulva_ Lam. I have neither of these
shells at present before me; but if Lamarck's description of them, and the
figures which he has cited, be correct, I have no doubt they are but one
species; _V. polyzonalis_ being the _smooth_, and _V. fulva_ being the
_nodulous_ variety of Solander's _V. virescens_. In fact, Lamarck says both
shells are transversely striated.
_V. pusio_ is a shell of the greatest rarity, and is described from a
specimen in the collection of my friend Mr. Broderip. Its form is perfect,
but its colours are somewhat faded.
* * * * *
Pl. 182
[Illustration]
CYPRAEA spadicea,
_Chesnut Cowry._
* * * * *
GENERIC CHARACTER.--See Pl. 111.
* * * * *
SPECIFIC CHARACTER.
_C. testa ovata, oblonga, immaculata; dorso rufo; ventre albo;
lateribus lividis._
Shell ovate-oblong, unspotted; the back reddish chesnut; belly white;
sides livid.
C. spadicea. _Swainson, in Tilloch's Ph. Mag._ _vol._ 61. _p._ 376.
* * * * *
In shape and general aspect this shell somewhat resembles _C. onyx_; but
its colours are so peculiar, that it cannot be mistaken for that or any
other known species: the under side (or belly) is convex and pure white;
the sulcations between the teeth of the aperture wide, short, and but
faintly marked; the sides livid, tinged with flesh colour. Three specimens
have fallen under my observation; one of which, being young, showed the
internal colour of the back to be dull purple; they were all received by
Mrs. Mawe from the South Seas.
* * * * *
CYPRAEA sanguinolenta
(_Middle figures._)
* * * * *
_C. testa ovato-oblonga, dorso punctis fuscis, nebulosis, obsito;
lateribus incarnato-violaceis, livide guttatis; ventre depresso._
Shell ovate-oblong, the back clouded, and dotted with brown; sides
flesh-coloured violet, with dark livid spots; belly depressed.
_C. testa ovato-oblonga, cinereo-caerulescente, fulvo vel fusco
fasciata, lateribus incarnato-violaceis, sanguineo-punctatis._ _Lam.
Syst._ 7. _p._ 396.
C. sanguinolenta. _Gmelin_, 3406. _Turton_, 4. _p._ 335. _Dill._ 445.
_Martini_, 1. _t._ 26. _f._ 265, 266. _Ency. Meth._ _pl._ 356. _f._ 12.
C. purpurascens. _Sw. in Tilloch's Ph. Mag._ 61. _p._ 376.
* * * * *
Gmelin and Lamarck have both described the lateral spots on this shell as
blood-red. Their descriptions in other respects are loose, and the figures
by Martini so bad, that it is with some doubt I have here placed my
_purpurascens_ as a variety of Gmelin's _sanguinolenta_. The back of the
shell is minutely freckled with brown; the under part (or belly) is
flattened; the spots on the sides dark livid purple, and the base of the
aperture effuse. It is, I believe, a native of Southern Africa.
* * * * *
GENERAL INDEX
OF
LATIN AND ENGLISH NAMES
TO
VOL. III.
IN THE ORDER OF PUBLICATION.
Pl. Pl.
Ampullaria corrugata 120 || Wrinkled Apple-snail 120
||
Cinnyris Javanica 121 || Javanese Creeper 121
||
Achatina virginea, _var._ 1 122 || Common striped Achatina 122
and 2 ||
ditto, _var._ 3 and 4 123 || ditto 123
||
Licinia Crisia 124 || Licinia Crisia 124
||
Papilio Nerius 125 || Papilio Nerius 125
||
Conus vitulinus, _var._ 126 || Orange fox Cone 126
maldivus 127 || Spanish-Admiral Cone 127
ditto chesnut, _var._ 128 || ditto chesnut, _var._ 128
||
Melliphaga torquata 129 || White-collared Honeysucker 129
||
Trochilus latipennis, male 130 || Grey sickle-winged H. Bird 130
ditto, female 131 || ditto, female 131
||
Macroglossum annulosum 132 || Macroglossum annulosum 132
fasciatum ib. || fasciatum ib.
||
Thecla Macaria 133 || Chesnut-spotted Hair-streak 133
||
Strombus exustus 134 || Burnt-mouthed Strombus 134
lentiginosus ib. || Tuberculated Strombus ib.
tricornis 135 || Horned Strombus 135
||
Ampullaria crassa 136 || Thick Apple-snail 136
oblonga ib. || Oblong ditto ib.
||
Papilio Polybius 137 || Papilio Polybius 137
||
Malurus garrulus 138 || Noisy Soft-tail Warbler 138
||
Sylvia plumbea 139 || Grey-backed Warbler 139
||
Troglodytes rectirostris 140 || Straight-billed Wren 140
||
Psittacus chryseurus 141 || Golden-tailed Parrot 141
||
Nectarinia flaveola 142 || Yellow-bellied Nectarinia 142
||
Ampullaria sordida 143 || Brown Apple-snail 143
puncticulata ib. || Oval, punctured ditto ib.
||
Eburna Valentiana 144 || Arabian Eburna 144
tessellata 145 || Tessellated ditto 145
Pacifica 146 || South Sea ditto 146
||
Muscipeta carinata 147 || Keel-billed Flycatcher 147
||
Emberiza cristata 148 || Crested Bunting 148
||
Castnia Fabricii 149 || Red underwing Day-moth 149
||
Sphinx fasciata 150 || Sphinx fasciata 150
Leachii ib. || Leachii ib.
||
Alcedo semitorquata 151 || Half-collared Kingsfisher 151
||
Achatina melastoma 152 || Black-mouthed Achatina 152
||
Strombus lobatus 153 || Lobed or brindled Strombus 153
||
Psittacus Malaccensis 154 || Blue-rumped Parrot 154
||
Psittacus viridissimus 155 || Green Parrot 155
||
Fringilla oryzivora 156 || Paddy-bird, or Java Sparrow 156
||
Ampullaria effusa 157 || Ribbon Apple-snail 157
luteostoma ib. || Yellow-mouthed ditto ib.
||
Pinna bullata 158 || Rufous Pinna 158
||
Satyrus argenteus 159 || Satyrus argenteus 159
||
Anodon purpurascens 160 || Purple Anodon 160
||
Voluta punctata 161 || Red-dotted Volute 161
||
Achatina fasciata, _var._ 162 || Banded Achatina, 3 _var._ 162
||
Hemipodius nivosus 163 || White-spotted Turnix 163
||
Sylvia annulosa 164 || White-eyed Warbler 164
ditto, _var._ [beta] 165 || Ditto, New Holland variety 165
||
Bulimus citrinus 166 || Citron Bulimus, 3 _var._ 166
||
Anodon crassus 167 || Thick Anodon 167
||
Ramphastos ambiguus 168 || Doubtful Toucan 168
||
Pteroglossus viridis 169 || Green Aracari (male) 169
||
Malurus Africanus 170 || African Soft-tail 170
||
Unio fragilis 171 || Fragile River-mussel 171
||
Ampullaria reflexa 172 || Purple Apple-snail 172
||
Gallinula ruficollis, _var._ 173 || Black-bellied Gallinule 173
||
Tanagra canicapilla 174 || Grey-crowned Tanager 174
||
Ampullaria leucostoma 175 || White-mouthed Apple-snail 175
||
Anodon elongatus 176 || Lengthened Anodon 176
||
Turbinellus spirillus 177 || Carinated Turnip-shell 177
||
Buceros coronatus 178 || Coronated Hornbill 178
||
Muscipeta labrosa 179 || Red-lipped Flycatcher 179
||
Turdus vociferans 180 || Calling Thrush 180
||
Voluta pusio 181 || Dwarf Volute 181
||
Cypraea spadicea 182 || Cypraea spadicea 182
sanguinolenta ib. || sanguinolenta ib.
* * * * *
GENERAL ALPHABETIC INDEX
OF
LATIN AND ENGLISH NAMES
TO
VOLUME III.
Pl.
Achatina fasciata, _var._, 162
melostoma, 152
virginea, _var._, 122
ditto, ditto, 123
_banded_, 162
_black-mouthed_, 152
_common, striped_, 122
_ditto_, _var._, 123
Alcedo semitorquata, 151
Ampullaria corrugata, 120
crassa, 136
effusa, 157
leucostoma, 175
leuteostoma, 157
oblonga, 136
puncticulata, 143
reflexa, 172
sordida, 143
Anodon crassus, 167
elongatus, 176
purpurascens, 160
_lengthened_, 176
_thick_, 167
_purple_, 160
_Apple-snail, brown_, 143
_oblong_, 136
_oval, punctured_, 143
_purple_, 172
_ribbon_, 157
_thick_, 136
_white-mouthed_, 175
_wrinkled_, 120
_yellow-mouthed_, 175
_Aracari, green_, 169
Bulimus citrinus, _var._, 166
_citron_, green variety, ib.
Buceros, Gen. Char., 178
coronatus, ib.
_Bunting, crested_, 148
Castnia, Gen. Char., 149
Fabricii, ib.
Cinnyris Javanica, 121
Conus maldivus, 127
ditto, _var._, 128
vitulinus, _var._, 126
_Cone, Spanish-Admiral_, 127
_ditto_, _chesnut variety_, 128
_orange, fox_, 126
_Creeper, Javanese_, 121
Cypraea spadicea, 182
sanguinolenta, ib.
_Day-moth, red underwing_, 149
Eburna, Gen. Char., 144
Pacifica, 146
tessellata, 145
Valentiana, 144
_Arabian_, ib.
_South Sea_, 146
_tesselated_, 145
Emberiza, Gen. Char., 148
cristata, ib.
_Flycatcher, keel-billed_, 147
_red-lipped_, 179
Fringilla, Gen. Char., 156
oryzivora, ib.
Gallinula, Gen. Char., 173
ruficollis, _var._, ib.
_Gallinule, black-bellied_, _var._, ib.
_Hair-streak, chesnut-spotted_, 133
Hemipodius, Gen. Char., 163
nivosus, ib.
_Honey-sucker, while-collared_, 129
_Humming-bird, Grey sickle-wing_, 130
_ditto_, _female_, 131
_Java Sparrow, or Paddy-bird_, 156
_Kingsfisher, half-collared_, 151
Licinia Crisia, 124
Macroglossum annulosum, 132
fasciatum, ib.
Malurus, Gen. Char., 138
Africanus, 170
garrulus, 138
Melliphaga torquata, 129
Muscipeta carinata, 147
labrosa, 179
Nectarina flaveola, 142
_yellow-bellied_, ib.
_Paddy-bird, or Java Sparrow_, 156
Papilio Nerius, 125
Polybius, 137
_Parrot, golden-tailed_, 141
_blue-rumped_, 154
_green_, 155
Pinna, Gen. Char., 158
bullata, ib.
_Pinna, rufous_, ib.
Psittacus chryseurus, 141
Malaccensis, 154
viridissimus, 155
Pteroglossus viridis, 169
Ramphastos ambiguus, 168
_River-mussel, fragile_, 171
Satyrus, Gen. Char., 159
argenteus, ib.
Strombus exustus, 134
lentiginosus, ib.
lobatus, 153
tricornis, 135
_burnt-mouthed_, 134
_tuberculated_, ib.
_Strombus, horned_, 135
_lobed, or brindled_, 153
Sphinx fasciata, 150
Leachii, ib.
Sylvia, Gen. Char., 139
annulosa, 164
ditto, _var._, 165
plumbea, 139
_Soft-tail, noisy_, 138
_African_, 170
Tanagra, Gen. Char., 174
canicapilla, ib.
Tanager, grey-crowned, ib.
Thecla Macaria, 133
_Thrush, calling_, 180
Trochilus latipennis, male, 130
ditto, female, 131
Troglodytes, Gen. Char., 140
rectirostris, ib.
Turbinellus, Gen. Char., 177
spirillus, ib.
Turdus vociferans, 180
_Turnip-shell, carinated_, 177
_Turnix, white-spotted_, 163
Voluta, Gen. Char., 161
pusio, 181
punctata, 161
_Volute, dwarf_, 181
_red-dotted_, 161
Unio fragilis, 171
_Warbler, olive-backed_, 139
_white-eyed_, 164
_New Holland variety_, 165
_Wren, straight-billed_, 140
* * * * *
SYSTEMATIC INDEX.
* * * * *
VERTEBROSA.
PART III.
* * * * *
_ORNITHOLOGY._
Pl.
CINNYRIS Javanica 121
MELLIPHAGA torquata 129
TROCHILUS latipennis, male 130
ditto, female 131
MALURUS garrulus 138
Africanus 170
SYLVIA plumbea 139
annulosa 164
ditto, New Holland variety 165
TROGLODYTES rectirostris 140
PSITTACUS chryseurus 141
Malaccensis 154
viridissimus 155
NECTARINIA flaveola 142
MUSCIPETA carinata 147
labrosa 179
EMBERIZA cristata 148
ALCEDO semitorquata 151
FRINGILLA oryzivora 156
HEMIPODIUS nivosus 163
RAMPHASTOS ambiguus 168
PTEROGLOSSUS viridis 169
GALLINULA ruficollis 173
TANAGRA canicapilla 174
BUCEROS coronatus 178
TURDUS vociferans 180
* * * * *
SYSTEMATIC INDEX.
* * * * *
ENTOMOLOGY.