LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 



NEW ENGLAND. 



Aves, or birds, form a class of the Animal Kingdom, and 

 have, in their classification, been primarily divided by eminent 

 ornithologists into three subclasses (lately dispensed with, 

 ^ however, in " North American Birds") : Aves Aerece or In- 

 sessores (aerial birds or " perchers"), Aves Terrestres or Cur- 

 sores (terrestrial birds or "■ runners"), and Aves Aquaticce or 

 Natatores (aquatic birds or " swimmers "). The general rule of 

 division is this : hind-toe' on a level with the other toes, 

 "perchers" ; hind-toe not insistent' and feet not fully webbed, 

 " runners " ; hind-toe elevated,' but feet fully webbed, " swim- 

 mers." This rule is applicable only to typical forms, with 

 which other forms are ranked through evident affinity. It is 

 to be remarked that, in a great measure, aesthetic or intuitive 

 perception is the best means of determining position. By 

 modern classification birds are arranged on the descending 

 method, by which the highest and most refined types occupy 

 the highest position. Thus, the Cursores include those birds 

 who scratch for their food (turkeys, grouse, etc.), and the wad- 

 ers (such as snipe, plover, herons, rails, etc.). These two 

 suborders {Gallince and Grallatores) represent ^ (in the ap- 

 proximate proportion of one to four) about two- elevenths of 



1 In certain cases wanting, or apparently Avanting. 



2 In number of species (according to Coues' list), 



(25) 



