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



order. Some, as for instance many groups of the Linnean Anas, 

 like the Rallidcs of the preceding order, prefer the inland lakes 

 and marshes to the oceanic waters ; while others, as some groups 

 of the Larus of the same author, are observed to feed occasionally 

 on land. Many other deviations from the type of the order, and 

 many approximations to the conterminous orders on both sides, 

 will appear conspicuous as we enter into the details of the several 

 families. The following seems to be the order of succession 

 among these families, the names of which are taken as usual from 

 that of the Linnean genus, which is typical in each*. 't 



A nat id(e, Ijeach. 



Colymbidcc, Leach. 



AlcadcB. 



Pelecanidce, Leach. 



Laridce, Leach. 

 The family of Anatidce, to which we have been led from the 

 preceding order by means, as was originally observed, of the 

 connexion between the Rallidce and Cereopsis^, consists of the 

 groups which compose the Linnean genera Anas and Mergus. It 

 is not my intention at present to enter into any observations upon 

 the different views which have been entertained by naturalists 

 with respect to the classification of the former extensive genus ; 

 or to discuss the merits of the several generic divisions that have 

 been made in it in consequence of the various distinctions in 

 the bills and feet of the species, and the equal differences in their 



* Or with reference to the typical groups : 



Normal group. 



Alls brevibus, parce plumatis: pedibus J Coh/mOld<E. 



extra equilibrium corporis positis . J AlcddcR. 



Aberrant group, 



Alis longioribus, plumatis : pedibus C ire.lecanidfB, 



praecipue intra equilibrium corporis J Larid<B. 



I^"' \Anatida. 



t See p. 416. habits. 



