Considerations pertaining to Classification. 487 



with Alauda (rather than with Emberiza) in its most essential 

 characters ; but, at the same time, offers one or two pecu- 

 liarities, by which it is distinguished from the more typical 

 species of that genus. (See p. 387.) Surely, the single cir- 

 cumstance of a resemblance in the make of the bill ought not 

 to outweigh every other consideration, or we should have 

 confusion, indeed, in the arrangement of the smaller soft- 

 billed birds : ^4'nthus, in that case, might be considered a 

 subgenus of Sylvia. 



The principle of small divisions seems now to be almost 

 universally adopted in every department of natural history : 

 there is merely a difference of opinion as to the names by 

 which these divisions are to be distinguished. I cannot but 

 think that every distinct and natural group, however small, 

 that is easily distinguishable from every other by marked 

 characters and habits, should be further distinguished and 

 known as such by a particular name ; and that it would be 

 more simple and convenient to consider every group that is 

 thus named as a distinct genus. A regular and natural gra- 

 dation of divisions, or groups, of greater and greater value, 

 might very easily be established. The several orders might 

 each be divided into large general divisions, distinguished by 

 the terminating syllable dee: thus, for example, the order 

 ^ccipitres might be arranged into three of these general 

 divisions; Falconidse, comprising the mass of diurnal birds 

 of prey; tftrigidae, containing the owls; and Fulturidae, the 

 vultures. These, again, might be divided into smaller groups, 

 distinguished by the termination nee. . Of these, the first 

 major group, Falconidae, would contain several : such as the 

 yiquilinse, or eagles ; the Falconinae, or falcons; the ^sturinae, 

 or hawks ; the M ilvinae, or kites, &c. ; each of these contain- 

 ing several genera. In the same manner, the major group or 

 family Tetraonidae (cited, in p. 387., by Mr. Jenyns) might 

 comprise, among other minor groups, the sub-families Tetra- 

 onae, containing the genera Zagopus, Tetrao, Bonasia, &c. ; 

 and Perdicianse, comprising the several genera of francolins, 

 partridges, and quails. It would be useless to multiply 

 examples ; so simple a method of arrangement cannot require 

 much explanation : and I have very little doubt that this is 

 the system of classification which will eventually prevail. A 

 vast deal of additional information, however, on the habits 

 and mode of life of various exotic groups is necessary before 

 this system can be carried fully into effect. As yet, the 

 primary grand divisions, or orders, in ornithology are by no 

 means finally established. 



Tooting, Surrey, Sept. 23. 1833. E. Blytii. 



i i 4 



