258 ELEMENTS OF ORNITHOLOGY. 
Having thus indicated a few of the more glaring mistakes 
into which the beginner in Ornithology, if left to himself, 
would in all probability fall (as our earlier scientific predecessors 
did fall), we will proceed to point out what we regard as 
the various successively subordinate groups of birds from sub- 
classes down to genera. After each Family or Subfamily we 
will add a list of the genera beionging to each, with what we 
deem about the probable number of species therein contained. 
We only offer the classification here proposed, after careful 
consultations with masters in Ornithology, and for this reason 
we are persuaded that it will be found to be of considerable 
use to the student, and a quite sufficient introduction to the 
systematic study of the Class, or any selected section of that 
Class. 
The whole Class of Birds is divided into two very large, 
primary groups, each of which is a “ SUBCLASS,” and which 
are respectively named Carinate and Ratite. 
The latter includes only the Ostrich, Rheas, Cassowaries, 
Emeus, and the different species of Apteryx amongst living 
birds, but the various kinds of Dinornis also belonged to it. All 
other Birds belong to the Carinate. 
They are distinguished by the following characters :— 
Carinate, Ratite. 
Sternum almost always with Sternum never keeled. 
a keel. 
Coracoid and clavicle so Coracoid and clavicle so 
placed as to form together an placed as to form together a 
acute angle. very obtuse angle. 
The whole Class of Birds may be divided into eighteen 
“ OrpERS,” as follows:—lI. Passeriformes. II. Coraciiformes. 
III. Piciformes. IV. Coceyges. V. Columbiformes. VI. 
Psittaci. VII. Raptores. VIIT, Steganopodes. IX. Hero- 
diones. X. Alectorides. XI. Galliniformes. XII. Limicoli- 
formes. XIIL. Tubinares. XIV. Pygopodiformes. XV. La- 
mellirostres. XVI. Impennes. XVII. Crypturi. 
The above Orders are all the Carinate Birds. 
‘ The Parrot Stringops, the Rail-like bird Notornis, and the Hoatzin, 
Opisthocomus, are the only exceptions. 
