448 Mr. N. A. Vicors on the Natural Affinities 
Hence we proceed by means of Glaucopis, Forst., to some ge- 
nera, among which we may particularize Ptilonorhynchus, Kuhl., 
Crypsirina, Vieill., Eulabes, Cuv., and Fregilus, Cuv., which, in 
the metallic lustre of their plumage, and the velvet-like process 
that in some species ornaments the face, indicate our approach 
to the Birds of Paradise. ‘The last-mentioned genus Fregilus, in 
particular, by its curved and slender bill, brings us immediately 
into this group, the Paradisea, Linn., which, in conjunction with 
the Epimachus of M. Cuvier, terminates the family of Corvide. 
Here we shall probably find the passage from the present to tlie 
succeeding family. 'lhe Epimachus*, more united in its front 
toes than the Corvide in general, holds a middle station in respect 
to that character between the two groups; while in the length 
* [ speak with considerable hesitation as to the situation of Epimachus; which 
bears too strong a resemblance to the Promerops of M. Brisson, a group feeding on 
vegetable juices with an extensile tongue (see Cuv. Regne Anim. 1. 407.), to permit 
us to separate it without some expression of doubt. On the other hand, it bears 
evident marks of affinity to Paradisea, near which genus [ have placed it for the pre- 
sent. Its manner of feeding, and the nature of its food, when accurately known, will 
alone determine this point. [have some suspicion also whether some groups of Para- 
disea may not naturally have a different locality from that of the present family. The 
accounts which have reached us of the economy of those birds, have hitherto been vague 
aud unsatisfactory, and bear evidently the marks of being fabulous. But popular fa- 
bles have usually some foundation in truth. And the pretended apodous construction 
of the Paradiseæ, together with the poetical fancies of their being always found on the 
wing, and feeding on the dews of heaven, may be resolvable into the simple fact of their 
.using their wings more than their legs when extracting the nectar of flowers. The 
strength, however, of their bills and legs in general is much against this supposition. 
There is, or lately has been, a specimen of the P. apoda, Linn., alive in this country, an 
account of the economy of which would be highly interesting and important. Any partial 
changes, however, among the subordinate groups which are brought together in the 
present attempt at a natural arrangement, cannot affect the general views, which alone 
I regard as of consequence. I cannot too often insist upon the point, that it is the 
great outline of affinity throughout the whole class of birds, which I endeavour to 
trace out in the sketch before us, and not the immediate relationship between the minor 
departments. 
and 
