48 INTRODUCTION. 



of those, particularly the last, and see considered 

 as of high rank those portions which have more 

 lately been placed in a subordinate value. 



In the systems of Vigors and Swainson, based 

 on the principles laid down by Mr Macleay, we 

 have for this order the primary divisions of 

 Cuvier's ' passeres" adopted, including also his 

 third order " grimpeurs," but by both with a 

 considerable variation in the distribution of the 

 genera. This, indeed, is the chief point of diffe- 

 rence between our two followers of Macleay ; for 

 while they agree in the value of the order, and in 

 its primary divisions, they differ widely in what 

 should constitute the types of the families and 

 sub-families, and in the station which the genera 

 should hold in regard to each other; but the 

 system of the last named ornithologist having 

 been adopted, with slight deviations, as the 

 arrangement of the present volumes, we subjoin 

 a table of the leading divisions of the inces- 

 sores, which, on comparison, will at once exhibit 

 the differences which exist between them. 



INCESSORES. 



DENTIROSTRES. 

 Laniadce. MeruUdce. Sylviadte. Ampelida. Muscicapidee. 



* The families marked thus * have British representatives. 



