191 Observations on the 



I shall not delay a moment to inquire why this doctrine, in its 

 exclusive effects, should be applied by the Professor to those new 

 groups only which have been formed by others, and should not 

 be equally levelled at those which he has instituted himself : — 

 and if it is an innovation to create and characterize a new genus, 

 he is himself one of the greatest innovators of the present day. I 

 have too high an opinion of the talents of that distinguished na- 

 turalist, and too high a respect for his character, to suppose that 

 he would be influenced by any motives of prejudice or personal 

 importance, or that, if he should fall into errour, his lapse would 

 originate in ought but that fervent and enthusiastick feeling by 

 which we are sometimes hurried away too far, in any favourite 

 subject, or particular mode of viewing it. But I must make the 

 suggestion whether this doctrine, if admitted, would not involve a 

 consequence more extensive than we are at first aware of. If 

 that group only should be decided to form a genus, which is dis- 

 tinct in all its parts from every other, which approaches none by 

 some affinity, which hangs upon none by some mutual bond of 

 connection, where shall we find a group so insulated, so wrapped 

 up iu itself; — where shall we discover a genus ? Will any admitted 

 genus in Ornithology, will any genus of M. Temminck himself, will 

 any genus even of Linnaeus stand this test ? It is my firm belief, and 

 it is strengthened by the corresponding sentiments of every higher 

 naturalist with whom I have conversed, nay strange to say, by the 

 sentiments of M. Temminck himself, that nature no where presents 

 an absolute division. If there is any truth in the observations I have 

 lately read in your presence, before our Zoological Society, on 

 the affinities of bird?, if there is any confidence to be placed in 

 the discoveries that daily come to light, as nature is more ex- 

 plored with respect to these affinities, if there is any justice in 

 those valuable observations on the subject which the Professor 

 before us continually affords us, there is no group in Ornithology, 

 limited or extensive, whether a genus, a family, nay even an 

 order, which stands aloof and totally separated from the rest. 

 There is not in fact any principle more strongly and prominently 

 conspicuous throughout nature, than the beautiful harmony in 

 which her productions gradually pass into each other, and the 



