486 Mr, N. A. Vigors on the Natural Affinities 



level with the front toes, and thus reconduct us to the Colum- 

 bida. Their bills also, more lengthened than those of CraXf 

 approach most nearly to those of the Pigeons, which, on the 

 other hand, seem to meet them by the stronger form and curva- 

 ture of the bill of Vinago, which deviates in these particulars 

 from the general structure of its own family. The genus Orta- 

 lida in particular, the feathered cheeks of which are distinguished 

 from the naked face of Penelope, brings us in immediate contact 

 with that family. Here it is, in this extreme of the order, that 

 I would assign a place to the beautiful New Holland genus Me- 

 nura. Lath., a group that has hitherto afforded more difficulties 

 to the systematic writer than any other in the class. By modern 

 authors it is generally placed among the Perchers*, on account 

 of the length and low position of the hind toe. But its habits 

 and manners are gallinaceous, as far as we can ascertain t, and 

 its general appearance decidedly evinces an affinity to the Ra- 

 sores. The deviation in the structure of the foot from that of the 

 typical Rasorial groups only indicates its being placed at a di- 

 stance from them, and in that extreme of the order which con- 

 nects itself with the conterminous order of Perchers. The same 

 deviation, it has been seen, is found in other groups of its own 

 family, and in the adjoining family of Columbida . A group 



* M. Temminck places this genus in Iiis order " Insectivores" in the midst of the 

 Thrushes, and in the following succession : Tardus, Cinclus, Menura, Pitta, &c. 

 (Man. d'Orn. p. Ivi.). M. Cuvier assigns it a nearly similar situation {Regne Anim. i. 

 p. 36 1.). M. Vieillot, on the other hand, though he includes it in his second order, 

 which corresponds with our Iiisessores, places it at the extremity of it, and near the 

 groups of the Co/M/»6a and Penelope. {Analyse d'une Nouv. Orn. Elem. p. 48.). His 

 views thus nearly correspond with mine. M. lUiger has at once ranked it with the 

 Rasores. {Prod. Mam. et Av. p. 241.). 



i" Mr. Caley informs me, that, from the observations lie was enabled to make on 

 these birds during his stay in New Holland, it is his opinion that they are gallinaceous. 

 He generally found them, he tells me, in flocks, and for the most part on the ground. 



newly 



