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CHARADRIAD.E. 



THE CJiaradrladce or Plovers naturally follow the 

 family we have left, to which many species show 

 very close alliance ; while to the previous groups, 

 and that which has yet to be described, there are 

 also many close links of connection. Many of the 

 genera still continue to be maritime at particular 

 seasons, but the larger proportion show a greatei 

 affection for the land, and spend a portion of their 

 time inland. We shall commence the series with 

 a form which still continues the alliance with the 

 Tringce and Totani in the structure of the feet ; 

 it has also a periodical change of plumage, but 

 differs, in a much greater size, in one or two species 

 being adorned with beautiful crests, and in the 

 habits being so plover-like, that they sometimes 

 are known under that name.* The Lapwings 

 may be thus characterized. 



VANNELLUS. Generic characters. Bill straight, 

 slightly compressed ; tips of the mandible and 

 maxilla rounded, smooth, and hard ; nasal 

 groove large and deep ; nostrils linear, pierced 

 in the middle of it ; wings ample, more or 

 less rounded, second or third quills often long- 



* The Lapwings are so nearly allied to the genus Pluvianus, 

 that although we are in the habit of looking upon our native 

 species as representing the former, it will more properly come 

 in a* an aberrant species. 



