508 Mr. N. A. Vicofts on the Natural Affinities 
in the fifth and last order of birds we perceive the families of 
which it is composed following each other in a regular series of 
affinities, which returns into itself with a continuity similar to 
that which has been equally apparent in every other great de- 
partment of the class. 
It now only remains for me to sum up the conclusions that 
may be drawn from the foregoing observations, and to exhibit in 
as short a compass as possible the affinities to which I have called 
so much of the attention of this Society, as connecting the Orders 
of Birds together and also their Families. For this purpose I beg 
leave to lay before them the following Table of Affinities, which 
shows at one view the circular succession in which the various 
groups of the class are united. ‘The divisions which compose the 
typical order of Insessores will be recognised as more comprehen- 
sive than those into which the other orders have been resolved, 
and as forming tribes instead of families. A reference therefore 
will be necessary to the former table *, which being constructed 
on similar principles, I subjoined to my observations on that 
order, for the purpose of completing our information with respect 
to the regular succession of the families of the class. I shall not 
here enter into any remarks upon the analogies that may be 
nocturnes, qui chassent et pourvoient à leur subsistance au crépuscule et à l'aurore, 
surtout pendant les nuits écläirées des régions boréales. 
ment dits) sont plus diurnes que les’ suivans. 
Ils (les Pétrels propre- 
Les Pétrels puffins sont, de méme 
que les Petrels hirondelles, oiseaux nocturnes qui chassent au crépuscule, et se ca- 
chent le jour dans les trous des rochers ou dans les tanniers de lapins et des rats, 
et ne sortent de ces retraites souterraines qu'au crépuscule, ? Temm. Man. 
p.801-2—4. * On the face of this expanse of waters, and perfectly secure from 
fowlers, lie all day long, in the winter season, vast flocks of ducks, teals and wigeons, of 
various denominations ; where they preen, and solace, and rest themselves, till towards 
sunset, whenthey issue forth in little parties (for in their natural state they are all birds 
of the night), to feed in the brooks and meadows; returning again with the dawn of the 
morning.” White, Nat. Hist. of Selborne, p. 24, ed. 1813. 
* P. 468. 
observed 
