There are, moreover, certain types or genera, which we are even fearful of
placing in this family; and others, whose natural affinities appear to us very
doubtful. Among these may be named the Australian genus Sphecotheres, Yieil.,
which is probably an aberrant form of the Oriolinte, closely related to Dulus, since Acanthonotus, Sw„ appears to be its prototype among the Ceblepyrinte. In regard to the true affinities of Grallina, Yieil., and Cinclosoma, H. and V., we
confess our ignorance, and it may even be questioned whether the first truly belongs to this family.
ON THE CIRCULAR DISPOSITION OF THE MYOTHERINJE.
The existence of at least four species of Cinclus has naturally turned our attention
to this most interesting group,—presenting the only exception to the terrestrial
habits of the whole order of Perchers. We have already intimated, in treating of
theMyotherime, the situation in nature which we believe is occupied by this genus;
and we have ventured so far as to name the leading forms by which the Myothe-
rincs describe their own circle. It will, therefore, be expected, before this view
can be received with confidence, that we should demonstrate its correctness; or
at least explain upon what grounds our judgment has been formed. This becomes
the more necessary, as the question involves the correctness not merely of our
views on the true situation of CAnclus, but the very foundation of our theory on
the natural affinities of the entire order of Insessores. We have, upon every
occasion, directly combated the opinion that the Bush Shrikes (Thamnophilinte)
constitute that aberrant group, by which the Shrikes are united to the Thrushes ;
and we have already demonstrated the fallacy of such an arrangement. But there
is still another test by which the question shall be tried. If an arrangement is
natural, the subordinate groups in two contiguous circles, particularly i f those
circles are typical, will perfectly correspond in their direct analogies; and these
must be proved, independent of all other analogies they may present to the orders,
the tribes, the families, or, in fine, the sub-families of other birds. With the
object, therefore, of ascertaining how far our disposition of the Myotherince mav
be conformable to nature, and whether the Thamnophilinte are truly a typical
group, we shall submit both to this additional test. In the first place, let us
compare the Myotherinte, as here distributed, with the orders of birds.
Orders.
R aptores | Upper mandible abruptly hooked, and furnished ]
with a tooth more or less prominent.
Genera.
| Myothera.
Insessores j Bill in the typical groups gradually curved j the ]
tooth obsolete. J| Pitta.
R asores j Bill more or less entire; wings short, convex; feet ]
very strong, formed for walking. J| Myophonus.
G rallatores| Bill straight, or somewhat inclining upwards;
frontal feathers advancing very far. | Cinclus.
N atatores Feet syndactyle. Dasycephala.
The two first, or the typical groups of these columns, require no illustration,
since the characteristic form of their bills is sufficient to point out these analogies
to every observer. The large dimensions of Myophoms metallicus, Tem.; its
very strong, though perfectly entire bill, short, convex wings, and robust, elevated
tarsi; not to mention its rich metallic gloss, and the narrow, somewhat-pointed
plumage on the head and neck;—are so many points of analogy to the Gallinaceous
birds, as strong as can well be expected in a family so totally distinct in true
affinity. The resemblance of the genus Cinclus to the wading birds has been too
often noticed to require any comment; while Dasycephala, comprehending the
Pipa albifrons of old authors, appears to typify the feeble-footed Natatores. We must next compare the Myotherince with the tribes of their own order.
Tribes of Insessores. Genera.
D entirostres . Bill abruptly hooked . . . . . Myothera.
CoNiROSTRES . Bill conic, the notch more or less indistinct . . . Pitta.
S cansores . . BilLentire; shafts of the tail feathers ending in naked points . Myophonus.
T enuirostres . Bill slender, almost or perfectly entire* . . • Cinclus.
F issirostres . Base of the bill considerably depressed . . .Dasycephala.
Nothing need be said on the relations of the typical groups. Those, however,
between Myophonus and the Scansores are particularly beautiful. No two tribes,
to all appearance, can be more unlike each other than the gallinaceous and the
climbing birds; yet here we have a form, unconnected by affinity with either, yet
presenting three of their most prominent distinctions; viz., the strong entire bill,
and the robust walking feet of the Rasores, united to the aculeated tail of the
Scansores. That Nature has extensively employed this latter character in a very re-
* In our specimen of Cinclus aquations the bill is perfectly entire; but in Cinclus Aviericanus there is a small
obsolete notch.
Z