408 Mr. N. A. Vicors on the Natural Affinities 
order. Some, as for instance many groups of the Linnean Anas, 
like the Rallide of the preceding order, prefer the inland lakes 
and marshes to the oceanic waters ; while others, as some groups 
of the Larus of the same author, are observed to feed occasionally 
onland. Many other deviations from the type of the order, and 
many approximations to the conterminous orders on both sides, 
will appear conspicuous as we enter into the details of the several 
families. ‘The following seems to be the order of succession 
among these families, the names of which are taken as usual from 
that of the Linnean genus, which is typical in each*. 
Anatide, Leach. 
Colymbide, Leach. 
Alcade. 
— Pelecanide, Leach. 
Laride, Leach. 
The family of Anatide, to which we have been led from the- 
preceding order by means, as was originally observed, of the 
" connexion between the Rallidæ and Cereopsist, consists of the 
groups which compose the Linnean genera Anas and Mergus. It 
is not my intention at present to enter into any observations upon 
the different views which have been entertained by naturalists 
with respect to the classification of the former extensive genus ; 
or to discuss the merits of the several generic divisions that have . 
been made in it in consequence of the various distinctions in 
the bills and feet of the species, and the equal differences in their 
* Or with reference to the typical groups : 
Normal group. 
Alis brevibus, parcè plumatis; pedibus f Colymbide. 
extra equilibrium corporis positis . Alcade. 
Aberrant group. : 
Alis longioribus, plumatis : pedibus ( Pelecanide. 
preecipué intra equilibrium corporis < Laride. 
positis... , . . . . . rss An atide. 
