Dec. 1847.] 345 



that of the Rapacious birds. I beg leave to refer to the splendid collections 

 of the species constituting the various genera of geese, ducks, cormorants 

 ind gull3, now beautifully arranged by Mr. Gambel, for the truth of my 

 assertion. The genera Diomedea, Porcellaria and Thalassidroma, are also 

 yery amply illustrated. The specimens of the several species of Pelicans, 

 are highly interesting, as are also those of Alca impennis, Linn., Phaleris 

 ristatella, Gm., Mormon glacialis, Linn., and others of species which like 

 xhese, only inhabit the Arctic regions. 



The magnificent series of specimens of the Flamingos, also wiil be found 

 especially worthy of notice. 



The order Grallatores, or wading birds, is very extensively represented ; 

 the various genera of plovers, herons, storks, ibises, in fact, scarcely a genus 

 can be named which is not fully illustrated. The genus Grus, or cranes, is 

 especially worthy of attention. I may notice, too, the various species of 

 Ibis, particulaly the Ibis religiosa, Cuv., or sacred Ibis of the Ancient 

 Egyptians, of which a suite of specimens will be found in its proper place. 



Of the Rasores or Gallinaceous birds, the Pigeons number one hundred and 

 twenty species. 



The genera Perdix, Phasianus, Pterocles, Tetrao and Otis are richly repre- 

 sented, as are also the beautiful genera Gallus, Lophopharus and Tragopan. 



I may be allowed to notice especially, splendid specimens of Pano muti- 

 cus, Linn. of the Phasiani Scemmeringii, Temm., Stacei, Vigors, and 

 veneratus, Temm., of Gallus Sonneratii, Temm., of Gallus Lafayettii, Less., 

 of the Polyplectron emphanum, Temm., very fine specimens of the Argus 

 giganteus, Temm., and also a specimen of that singular bird, the Apteryx 

 australis, Shaw, of which, at quite a recent period, but one specimen was 

 known in Europe. 



In the great order Incessores or Perching birds, the Garrulinse, Icterinae, 

 Tanagrinae, Laniinae, Turdinae, Caprimulgime, and theScansorial subfamilies 

 generally deserve particular notice. 



Of Paradise birds there are all the known species. 



Of the Hornbills, (Buceros,) six species only are wanting. 



Of the various genera of Parrots, there are upwards of two hundred 

 species. 



In short, so extensive and comprehensive is the Rivoli collection, that it 

 is evident an extraordinary attachment to natural history, a superior 

 knowledge of Ornithology, constant assiduity during a long period, and 

 opportunities of no common order, must alike have contributed to its for- 

 mation. 



Besides the Rivoli collection, others of great interest have been received, 

 one of the most important of which is that of M. Bourcier, an Ornithologist 

 of the city of Lyons, well known by his papers in the Annales des Sciences 

 Physiques et Naturelles de Lyons, the Revue Zoologique and other journals. 



The collection consists of .about one thousand specimens, and is almost 

 xclusively composed of Conirostre3, and Scansores ; a large portion of 



