On some species of Birds from Cuba. 433 



obtain authentick information respecting the range to which 

 species extend, either as indigenous io different countries or Tisi- 

 tors of them during their periodical migrations, we encrease the 

 number of those facts on which we are enabled to found some 

 of the higher speculations of science. 



A few of these birds appear to be undescribed. These I shall 

 characterize ; but with that expression of doubt of their being ac- 

 tually described for the first time, which ought ever to attend 

 undertakings like the present. There are so many species cha- 

 racterized by the earlier voyagers, without any reference to speci- 

 mens or figures, and in terms too vague for our deciding on them 

 with certainty ; so many again described by our contemporaries in 

 scattered publications and in channels through which, from their 

 obscurity or remoteness it is difficult to trace them, that it would 

 be the height of presumption to assert that any species, which 

 may appear new to us, has escaped the observation of preceding 

 writers. Were we to wait until we had ascertained this point, we 

 should run the chance of never giving a description : and all the 

 advantages would be lost which the naturalist derives from the 

 publication of authentick facts and well-ascertained species, the 

 only legitimate foundation for his more comprehensive and en- 

 lightened views. 



On this point I cannot avoid expressing my opinion, that we 

 have hitherto exhibited more caution than zeal for science, in de- 

 laying to describe the immense hoard of apparently new subjects 

 which crowd our collections, from the fear of committing an er- 

 rour in nomenclature. We attach in fact too much importance to 

 these iuferiour duties of science ; and are too chary of the reputa- 

 tion which we vainly imagine is attached to success or failure in 

 them. Under such false impressions we become as apprehensive 

 of creating what is called a nominal species, or of coining an addi- 

 tional synonym, as of misrepresenting a fact, or committing a sole- 

 cism in the train of reasoning. We forget that in the description 

 of species, and the analysis of groups, we act at best but as the 

 pioneers of science : and in the "obscure diligence" by which 

 we work out such mechanical details, we deserve the credit merely 

 of executing those subordinate duties, which may ultimately en- 



VOL. III. 2 E 



