Australian Birds in the Collection of the Linnean Society. 179 
- flight, moreover, are so great, that we need not be surprised at 
finding that even the same species will sometimes spread itself 
over the most distant regions. Such at least appears to be the 
fact, whatever may be the causes which produce it. An analo- 
gous fact is observable in the Grallatorial order, where the same 
considerations, added to the habits of migration common to the 
order, may probably account for a similar law of distribution. 
Among the. Natatores also we may expect that the extensive 
powers of locomotion found in some of the groups of the order, 
suited as well to the water as to the air, may tend to their wide 
dispersion. A few instances consequently occur of an accord- 
ance between the birds we are about to describe, and some of 
the forms of the above-mentioned groups which are familiar to 
Europeans. But by far the greater portion of the groups of 
. New Holland will be observed to exhibit peculiarities confined 
to their own neighbourhood. , 
^a^ Subfam AcorPITRINA. — ^ 
. Genus. Astur. Bechst. et Auct. — 
1. Nove HorranDiæ*. Ast. albus, rostro nigro, cerá, orbitis, 
pedibusque flavis. —— 
a5 | Falco 
* Were we to follow a practice which has become very general among modern 
naturalists, we should alter the specific name of the above bird, in consequence of its 
being derived from a local source. We consider this practice, however, although 
sanctioned by high authority, to be altogether founded in error. In giving local names, 
it is not inferred that the species is found only in the country which affords the deno- 
‘mination; much less that it is the only species of the group found there. All that is 
inferred is, that it does actually belong to the country. After all, names are of use 
only as they tend to point out the subjects for which they stand. And a name long 
established, although perhaps not the most appropriate, generally becomes so iden- 
tified with the species as to call it to mind with greater precision than any new name, 
however significant. Few names indeed, however well chosen, can be exclusively 
appropriate to species ; and a considerable number,—such as names intended to pay a 
QAQ compliment 
