13 



appear to represent the extremes of structure in the family; particularly in 

 regard to the bill, cultriform in one, subulate in the other. The two types are 

 by most authors placed at opposite ends of the generic chain, and separated 

 by all the Starikis. Attentive consideration of all the bearings of the case 

 may very likely result in the opinion, held by the present writer, that the dif- 

 ference between the views of Prof. Brandt and other writers is rather apparent 

 than real. It should be borne in mind that the Alcidtv are a family very rigid- 

 ly circumscribed, and one showing no tendency to aberration, or to connect 

 itself intimately with the families standing next to it on either side. Whether as 

 cause or consequence of this, the fact is indisputable, that the genera of Alcidx 

 are not strung along in a chain whose ends seem as it were to be linked with 

 the genera of other families ; they tend, on the contrary, to aggregation in a 

 circle about a common centre. We may take any genus — it matters not 

 which — we shall find its closest ally to the right and to the left; and the cir- 

 cuit shall be complete when all the genera have been considered. To illustrate 

 this point : Prof. Brandt, like all other writers, takes the typical Alca as his 

 starting point. With the feathering of the nostrils as a fundamental feature, 

 Uria and its subdivisions must come next, then Brachyrhamphus ; this leading 

 through Mergulis into the true Phaleridines, by means of Plychorumphus. Be- 

 ginning Avith those Phaleridines with the simplest bills, he progresses to those 

 with more complex bills, ending with Ombria, which last, through Cerorhina, 

 conducts to Fratercula, which ends the series. There is nothing strained or 

 forced in this ; the succession of the genera is perfectly natui-al. But it so 

 happens that Fratercula is as closely, or even more closely, allied to Alca pro- 

 per than Uria is. We cannot disturb in any essential degree the generic series 

 of Prof. Brandt, but we could with entire propriety go directly from Alca to 

 Fralercii!a, and thence backwards over the same track, ending with Uria, 

 which would then be at the opposite extreme of the series. It is asserted, 

 without fear of reasonable contradiction, that to begin anywhere in this natural 

 series of genera and progress through it, is to be brought back to the starting 

 point 



It is not, perhaps, possible to divide this generic circle without the exercise 

 of some arbitrary jurisdiction. If there be included in it two or more sub- 

 families capable of precise definition, the fact has eluded the writer's research. 

 There are, however, in the series two places where a dividing line may be 

 drawn. Prof. Brandt drew but one, relying upon the single character which he 

 found to apply so well, albeit it may be an arbitrary one. Other writers have 

 made likewise but two subfamilies, differently framed however; the Alciiise, in- 

 cluding the true Auks, together with the Phaleridine forms, united because of 

 their short, stout, high bills ; and the Urinx, separated on the ground of their 

 long, slender subulate bills. Others again, particularly Mr. (1. R. Gray and 

 Prince Bonaparte, have drawn two lines, recognizing three subfamilies ; and 

 this course appears to be the one that holds closest to nature, provided the 

 family be really susceptible of subdivisions higher than generic. By simply 

 reducing Prof Brandt's fundamental character to the level of one drawn from 

 the general structure of the bill, three subfamilies stand forth with tolerable 

 distinctness. The Alcirtx have feathered nostrils and cultriform bills ; the 

 rhaltriilina, naked nostrils and cultriform bills; the Urin;>;, feathered nostrils 

 and subulate bills. This certainly appears to be a distinction with a difference, 

 and will be so held in the present paper. 



The arrangement of the Alcidce here submitted is a modification of Professor 

 Brandt's, providing for the recognition of three in place of two subfamilies. 

 In this particular it is substantially the same as Mr. Gray's, but the sequence 

 of the genera is entirely different, and is nearly that of the first mentioned 

 author. Beginning with typical Alca it passes to Fratercula, and ends with 

 Loinvia, instead of passing to Lomvia and ending with Fratercula. But in 

 either case the collocation of the genera is essentially the same. It is believed 



