8 Synopsis of the Birds 



priate ; for there can hardly be any new division proposed, 

 for which a suitable name may not be found among the great 

 number which already encumber the science. The names 

 have, therefore, been selected from various authors, though 

 the groups they represent do not in all cases exactly corres- 

 pond. 



We have endeavoured to dispose the species as nearly as 

 possible in a natural series. We are, however, fully aware 

 that organized beings cannot be arranged in a regular and 

 continuous line, but that their relations with each other would 

 be more accurately represented by lines radiating from differ- 

 ent centres, uniting and crossing in various directions. 



Notwithstanding this general intricacy of affinities, there 

 are, however, several genera, families, and especially orders, 

 that will admit of a disposition in a regular series, and yet 

 remain in strict conformity to nature. It is obvious, for in- 

 stance, that the Anseres must terminate the series of the feath- 

 ered tribes (as the Cete that of the pilose), that the Grallje 

 should immediately precede them (occupying the relative 

 position of the Bellu^), then the Gallinje, (which may be 

 compared to P^-cora) and still ascending in the natural series, 

 we arrive at the families of the Passerigalli and Columbini, 

 which form an excellent link between Galling andPASSERES, 

 and thus connect our two subclasses. 



I have separated the feathered tribes into two subclasses, 

 represented by a character drawn from the relative insertion 

 or absence of the hind toe. These divisions seem to be more 

 consonant to nature, than those of land and water birds, the 

 characters of which are not sufficiently precise, and are sub- 

 ject to many exceptions. 



The only material change resulting from the adoption of 

 these divisions, is the separation of the Gallinje from the arti- 

 ficial situation they formerly held in the more numerous sub- 

 class, in order to place them in our second division ; and who 

 will deny that Gallinje is more intimatelv allied to Grallf. 



