and natural, that no one will feel inclined to disputé the affinity. In addition to
the subgenera formerly alludéd to, as comprised under the general characters
assigned by Illiger to the Airt Thrushes, we feel no hesitation in adding Brachy-
pterix, Horsf., forming part of the Sylviadce of Mr. Vigors, but which, in truth,
is, to all appearance, the oriental represèntative of our sub-genus Drymophila *. The surprising number and variety of these birds in the tropical regions of
America, will render the discovery of their circular affinities, among themselbes,
by no means difficult to future ornithologists ; but, at present, we are neither
acquainted with the true typical structure, nor with that by which Nature effects
a union between Myothera and Pitta, a group which we place, without hesitation,
in immediate conjunction with the American Ant Thrushes. The shrike-like bill
of these latter birds, abruptly hooked, and often nearly toothed, is now exchanged
for that form which belongs to the true Thrushes ; this member being compressed,
gradually curved nearly from the base, without either a sudden deflection
at the end, or a notch, sufficiently deep, to produce a prominent tooth-shaped
angle on the upper mandible. The typical species are well known, as being some
of the most beautiful birds of India ; but there are others, recently arranged with
little judgment or discrimination, in the same genus with Ptilonorhynchus of Kuhl,
(under the intolerable name of Kitta), which appear to ns so intimately connected
with this group, as scarcely to merit a sub-generic distinction. The characters of the
sub-genus Grallaria, Vieil., are built upon much better distinctions : in this South
American bird we have the representation of the’ oriental Pittce in the New
World : and another step is made towards the true Thrushes, by the plumage
assuming their brown and spotted colouring. Intervening between these, however,
we may place the sub-genus Chamoeza, Vig., having the scutellation of the tarsi of
Pitta, with the spotted plumage of Grallaria; the lateral scales of this last being
entire, like those of the Thrushes.
There remains another form, belonging to Oriental India, which seems of pri*
Much confusion has lately been introduced in the application of this name (originally used by us to designate one
of the minor groups of this genus), for which we are obliged to censure the authors of the Planches Coloriées. Indeed,
it is really surprising to witness the little information which these gentlemen appear to possess on the state of, omi'
thological science in England, or with the great accession of new species which crowd the pages of our scientific publications.
Unacquainted even with the contents of the later volumes of the Linnæan Society’s Transactions, these
authors have recently affixed the generic name of Drymophila to the group of Flycatchers, there previously denominated
Monarcha; while they seem perfectly unconscious that the former name ( Drymophila) had already been employed, nearly
six years ago, to designate one of the groups of American^ Ant Thrushes. Numerous other instances, particularly
of Mexican birds, familiar to our cabinets by names and descriptions of several years standing, but which are now
publishing by these gentlemen as new discoveries, attest the little acquaintance they have yet made with our scientific
works, and strikingly illustrates the inextricable confusion which now reigns throughout e nomenclature.—Sw. very part of ornithological'
mary importance, as constituting the fourth type of this sub-family. We allude
to the genus Myophonus of M. Temminck, supposed by that gentleman to consist
of but one species, but to which his Pitta glaucina, PI. Col., strictly belongs.
We are further acquainted with two others, unquestionably appertaining to the
same natural group. These birds, exhibiting many points of close affinity to
Pitta, are at once distinguished by the more sudden inflection of their bill; while
they are still further separated from Myothera by a great dissimilarity of habit,
and by the notch of both mandibles being nearly obsolete; the relative size of
this member, from which so many erroneous notions on natural groups have
originated, is a circumstance of little or no importance; while the close resemblance
of the aberrant Myophoni to certain Rock Thrushes, appears to indicate
the true passage from the Myotherinai to the next sub-family.
The last and the most extraordinary form, which we consider belongs to this
division, is represented by Cinclus. This genus in all systems, whether confessedly
artificial, or professedly natural, stands, as it were, isolated. There cannot,
however, be much doubt that it enters among the Myotherinte : the question,
therefore, is, whether Cinclus is sufficiently related to Myothera, to justify our
viewing it, for the present, as one of the types of that genus; or whether its
peculiarities are not sufficiently strong to induce the belief that it occupies a higher
station; in other words, may it not be one of the primary forms in this subfamily?
Our present opinion is in favour of this latter view ; and although the
affinity between Cinclus and Myophonus, on the one hand, and Dasycephala on
the other, is by no means satisfactory, still it must be remembered that there is
nothing, in the external anatomy of this genus, which at all militates against its
holding this intermediate station.
It is in some such manner as this, that we believe Nature has disposed the
leading types of the Ant-Thrushes. From Dasycephala to Myophonus, through the
genera Myothera and Pitta, we consider the chain of affinity as nearly perfect; but
indications only of such annectant forms as are to complete the circle, are as yet
known. Much, therefore, remains for discovery. A sufficient number of genera and
sub-genera have been proposed to make us acquainted with species. This, in short,
is the only use of such divisions, when not viewed with reference to their actual
affinities. The circular succession, and the subordinate types, both of Myothera and Pitta, more particularly calls for investigation; and their development is a fit
subject for naturalists of the highest talent: let us hope this may be done; for
upon it will depend much more accurate ideas on the true relations of Cinclus,
than any which we now entertain.
Y