76 BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. [Jan., 



Raptores, or Birds of Prey. 



Insessores, or Perching Birds. 



Scansores, ^or Climbers. 



Rasores, or Scratchers. 



Cursores. or Runners. 



Grallatores, or Waders, and the 



Natatores, or Swimmers. 

 These seven orders have been in general acceptation for the last 

 fifty years, and it is only until recently that the great advance 

 made in ornithology has reduced the whole sub-kingdom of birds 

 to an almost complete definition. It is needless to mention particu- 

 larly the names of Baivd, Brewer, Ridgeway. Coues, and others, as 

 they are too well known to need it; but a few words will explain 

 the latest additions and revisions of this mgst important field as 

 recommended chiefly by these gentlemen. As formerly the Rap- 

 tores or Birds of Prey were placed first, so now perfectness of 

 structure and superiority of intelligence has caused the Carrion 

 Crow and liobber Eagle to "step down and out," so to speak, 

 while the well-known Robin, the head of the Thrush family, 

 assumes the head of the tribe, and is soon followed by the more 

 intelligent of the Insessores. As the group now stands we have 

 the following three classes, and eleven orders: — 



Class 1st. (^Aves Aerece.) — Birds spending most of their time 

 above the earth, among the branches of the trees — in the air, 

 so to speak, comprising: — 



Order L Passares, or Perchers. 



• " 2. Picarise, or Woodpecker-like Birds. 



" 3. Psittaci, or Parrots. 



" 4. Raptores, or Birds of Prey. 



" 5. Columbse, or Pigeon-like Birds. 



Class 2d. (Aves Terrestres.) — Birds spending most or all of their 

 time on the earth, seldom lighting or remaining on trees: — 



Order 6. GallinsB, or Runners, Scratchers, and the 

 like. 

 " 7. Grallatores, or Waders. 

 Class 3d. {Aves Aquaticce.) — Birds that swim in the water: — 

 Order 8. Lamellirostres, Ducks, etc. 

 '' 9. Steganopodes, Pelicans, etc. 

 " 10. Longipennes, Gulls, etc. 

 " 11. Pygopodes, Diving Birds. 



