On the genus Cryptonyx, Temm. 347 



greatfer will be the general strength of the limb, in reference to those 

 functions which are adapted to the peculiar station and habits of life of 

 the Rasorial Birds. Hence we may observe among the typical birds of 

 that order, that the hind toe is either enfeebled by being articulated 

 highly on the tarsus, or is altogether deficient. The first gradual ap- 

 proach to the total absence of this member is thus beautifully indicated 

 by the partial absence of one of its component parts ; and the close affi- 

 nity of the Cryptonyx to the typical Rasores is at once pointed out by the 

 deficiency. An analogous character is observable in a group of birds, 

 remote from the present order, but exhibiting similar results arising from 

 apparently similar causes. In the group of Petrels, f Procellaria, Linn.), 

 the strength of the bird is centred in the wing, and, according to the 

 general law, which balances an excess in one leading character by a defi- 

 ciency in another, the feet are proportionably weak. The hind toe in 

 particular is feebly developed, as the power of grasping or perching is 

 useless to a Water, as well as to a Rasorial bird. The place of this 

 member is in fact simply indicated by a nail. And thus as the Cryptonyx 

 possesses the joint of the hind toe without the nail, so, for analogous rea- 

 sons, the Petrel has the nail without the joint. Trivial as these, and similar 

 characters may be pronounced, they lead to no trivial, conclusions. They 

 possess a pecuhar expressiveness, similar in its effect to that brought out 

 by some of the master spirits in the Sister Arts, where, by a single stroke 

 of the pen, the pencil, or the chisel, they afford an exhibition of 

 genuine character, more powerful than could be produced by their 

 repeated and most elaborate efforts. 



The peculiarity of this character first suggested to M. Temminck the 

 propriety of forming the birds in which it is found into a separate genus 

 from that of Perdix, under the appropriate title of Cryptonyx. The type 

 of his new genus vras of course the Perdix coronatus, Lath. ; to which 

 species he added the Perdix Cambaiensis of the same authour, changing, 

 however, the specifick name, I know not for what reason, into that of 

 rufus. This latter species was originally described by Dr. Latham from 

 an unique specimen in the British Museum. M. Temminck also, at a 

 subsequent period saw, and made a description of, this bird for his " His- 

 toire des Galliiiaces ;'" and, as would appear, from his observations in 

 that work, took a drawing of it. The specimen, however, it is to be 



