448 Mr. N. A. Vigors on the Natural Affinities 



Hence we proceed by means of Glaucopis, Forst., to some ge- 

 nera, among which we may particularize Ptilonorhynchus, Kuhl., 

 Crypsirina, Vieill., Eulabes, Cuv., and Fregilus, Cuv., which, in 

 the metalhc lustre of their plumage, and the velvet-like process 

 that in some species ornaments the face, indicate our approach 

 to the Birds of Paradise. The last-mentioned genus Fregilus, in 

 particular, by its curved and slender bill, brings us immediately 

 into this group, the Paradisea, Linn., which, in conjunction with 

 the Epimachiis of M. Cuvier, terminates the family of CorvidcE. 

 Here we shall probably find the passage from the present to the 

 succeeding family. The Epimachiis*, more united in its front 

 toes than the CorvidcB in general, holds a middle station in respect 

 to that character between the two groups ; while in the length 



* I speak with considerable hesitation as to the situation of Epimachus ; which 

 bears too strong a resemblance to the Promerops of M. Brisson, a group feeding on 

 vegetable juices with an extensile tongue (see Cuv. Regne Anim. i. 407.). to permit 

 us to separate it without some expression of doubt. On the other hand, it bears 

 evident marks of affinity to Paradisea, near which genus I have placed it for the pre- 

 sent. Its manner of feeding, and the nature of its food, when accurately known, will 

 alone determine this point. I have some suspicion also whether some groups of Para- 

 disea may not naturally have a different locality from that of the present family. The 

 accounts which have reached us of the economy of those birds, have hitherto been vague 

 and unsatisfactory, and bear evidently the marks of being fabulous. But popular fa- 

 bles have usually some foundation in truth. And the pretended apodous construction 

 of the Paradisea, together with the poetical fancies of their being always found on the 

 wing, and feeding on the dews of heaven, may be resolvable into the simple fact of their 

 using their wings more than their legs when extracting the nectar of flowers. The 

 strength, however, of their bills and legs in general is much against this supposition. 

 There is, or lately has been, a specimen of the P. apoda, Linn., alive in this country, an 

 account of the economy of which would be highly interesting and important. Any partial 

 changes, however, among the subordinate groups which are brought together in the 

 present attempt at a natural arrangement, cannot affect the general views, which alone 

 I regard as of consequence. I cannot too often insist upon the point, that it is the 

 great outline of affinity throughout the whole class of birds, which I endeavour to 

 trace out in the sketch before us, and not the immediate relationship between the minor 

 departments. 



and 



