146 
Eel. Cornelia stands therefore with puniceus and grandis precisely in 
the same relation that Lorius wnicolor, Bechst. (Levaill. pl. 125) 
does to Lorius tricolor, Steph. (Ps. lory, L., figured in Levaillant’s 
plates 123 and 124), both being almost entirely red, and wanting the 
blue tinges on the so-called scapular. From that analogous variety 
of a red-billed species, however, the black bill will tell it at once, even 
to those superficial observers who only look to colours; and as to 
another cardinalis (besides the puniceus, so called by Gray, through 
reverence to the heterodox Boddaert), that of the Astrolabe and Zé- 
lée’s voyage, the generic difference is still more strongly declared in 
that species of French naturalists, since it has a greater nudity round 
the eye, a wedge-shaped tail, and more slender and elegant forms. 
This is not the place to enter into a discussion about geographical 
species, local races, or varieties. OurZclectus Cornelia, notwithstand- 
ing its identity of forms and similarity of colours with L. puniceus 
and grandis, which might induce a philosophical mind to consider 
the three as forming but one and the same species, differs more from 
either of the two than they do from each other, although they have 
been placed in different genera. It is impossible at all events that 
the three should not be kept distinct by those naturalists who wish 
to represent Nature as it is, not as they would have it; and consist- 
ency forbids to consider them otherwise than species as long as we 
admit as such the Lagopus scoticus, and the different kinds of Sparrows 
of Europe ; and they certainly deserve that title more than the in- 
constant geographical modifications of Falco peregrinus, admitted as 
species by those who slight over the much more important and at 
least constant differences of the Vulturines. Habent sua sidera... 
species! That is all we have to say on so important a subject for 
the present. 
It is impossible to imagine a bird of milder and more gentle dispo- 
sition than our Eelectus. The specimen figured allowed itself not 
only to be handled in every manner, but placed free, out of its cage, 
would allow every measurement to be taken, its wings pulled, its tail 
spread, and every feather to be counted and described. Even when 
its patience was at an end, and it resorted to its bill, it was gently ; 
and it would only use the powerful weapon in seizing the intruding 
finger without inflicting any kind of injury. It uttered a low note, 
resembling that of the coot (Fulica atra, L.) when heard at a distance. 
2. DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF GORGONIA FROM 
AusrratiA. By J. E. Gray, Esq.,; F.R.S. 
PRIMNOA AUSTRALASIM. (Radiata, Pl. II. f. 8, 9, nat. size.) 
Coral elongate, unbranched, rather tapering; cells numerous, re- 
gular, placed in close regular circles round the stem, each formed of 
two series of imbricate calcareous scales. 
Inhab. Australasian seas, on oyster-shell and stones. 
Several specimens of this very interesting coral were sent to the 
British Museum by the Royal Society of Van Diemen’s Land. 
This coral is often covered with various species of smaller Coral- 
