Vol- xivn Correspondence. 'X\\ 



1897 J ^ "-' ' 



But in the GalHna- just the opposite thing may be thought to prevail. 

 Following the Peristeropodan line of kinship, the Cracida- might remain 

 on the Columban edge of this order; but this certainly very much 

 embarrasses the evolutionary order in the Gallinie, and since the Perister- 

 opodes are a very erratic branch, we might as well run the relationship 

 from the Tetraonida; around through the American genera Geotrygon 

 and Starncc?ias (not having the Old World connecting links) and thus 

 properly rearrange the generic sequence in the Columba-. Within many 

 orders, as the Raptores, the present order need not be disturbed. 



Touching the sequence of families in the Passeres, it is doubtful if any 

 agreement could be had. Notwithstanding the low indications of their 

 tarsal envelopes, I should like to see the Alaudidie, as indicated by Sharpe, 

 placed nearer the Fringillidie and Motacillidiu, but I presume there are 

 many who would not consent to it. 



With regard to the genera— especially in these Passerine families: — 

 If the Icteridte are to precede the Fringillid;u (which with the Corvid it- 

 low down seems inevitable) then surely Dolichonyx and Moloihrus should 

 be at the end of their family rather than at the beginning; and with the 

 Tanagridic naturally following, some rearrangement of the general 

 heterogeneousness seems necessary in the grosbeaked Fringillidiv at 

 least. In some families, also, the present sequence seems fairly natural, 

 as in the Mniotiltidie. 



As Dr. Coues has said, our numbers are mixed and our method clumsy. 

 Something much better can be gotten up — especially with a view to 

 interpolation. Rearrangement would also give us a chance to give the 

 genera a revision in the light of our newer knowledge — with possibly a 

 touch or so upon the families. For my part, because of striking differ- 

 ences in form and habit, I would like again to see the Mimidie free from 

 the Troglodytidie — believing slightly in some revision being reversionary, 



yet progressive. 



Very truly yours, 



Mexico, Mo. Jame.s Newton Baskett. 



To The Editor.s of ' The Auk ' : — 



Dear Sir.s : —T)v. Coues's Article, 'The most General Fault of the 

 A. O. U. Check-List,' in the April 'Auk ' forcibly calls to mind a remark 

 my father made when the first Check-List came out, viz., that it was like 

 removing the pole of a wagon to the rear axle and leaving the seats as 

 they were before. 



I have not had an opportunity to compare opinions on the subject of 

 late years with ornithologists but to express my humble opinion, it seems 

 to me that Init one course remains and, as Dr. Coues so ably expresses it, 

 that the " Check-Lists now extant be officially cancelled and formally 

 repudiated in the near future." 



It seems to me this can not be done any too soon, as we must come to 

 it eventually. 



