TODUS. 171 



To these nine circular groups, one within the other, 

 indicated in the Hor. Ent., we have only given those 

 names indicatory of their relative ranks, which 

 have already been elsewhere explained*, and uni- 

 formly employed in our former works. The groups 

 themselves are Mr. Macleay's, not ours; and we 

 are assured they are the result of close analysis. So 

 likewise are those in the opposite series, the re- 

 sult of an analysis undertaken to ascertain the rank 

 of one animal in the scale of nature ; and as the 

 results of both inquiries perfectly accorj, we know 

 not how the question regarding the fank of Todu* 

 viridis, megacephalus, or of apy other of the species 

 here mentioned, can be further prosecuted. Far 

 from thinking it necessary to apologise for these 

 details, we consider it fortunate to be possessed of 

 those materials necessary for the investigation. 

 Ornithologists need not be told how highly im- 

 portant it has become to have some definite notions 

 on the affinities of the Todut viridis. One of our 

 best systematists places it between the Australian 

 manakins (Pardalotus) and the flycatchers. Ano- 

 ther, between the kingfishers (Hakyonidce) and 

 the motmots (Priorities). A third (M. Cuvier), 

 between the kingfishers and the hornbills ! While 

 a fourth makes it the point of connexion between 

 the wide-mouthed rollers (Eurystomus) and Al- 

 cedo. In respect to the latter arrangement, which 

 professes to be quinary and circular, we may ven- 

 ture to observe, that there is an evident relation 

 * Geography and Classification of Anim p. 268* 



