236 THE WALKS ABROAD OF 



beak and the arrangement of the toes. This is all that 

 has been accomplished. * 



"And now," he added, addressing himself to the 

 keeper, " I must compliment you on your collection, of 

 which you have indeed every right to be proud, for 

 there are many amateurs who would plume themselves 

 on it. I hope the classification of it, now that it is 

 finished, will meet with approval." 



Franceschini rubbed his ear with the air of a man 

 who does not think "Yes," but does not like to say 

 "No." 



"Perhaps yeu had thought of some other way of 

 arranging it," said the doctor, who apparently divined 

 his thoughts. 



" Well, yes ! I should like to have it settled what 

 are the injurious species we ought to destroy, and 

 which are useful, so that we should protect them. If 

 this were only indicated by some mark or word on the 

 label by the side of the name of the species, it would 

 be sufficient. Perhaps, Major, you would kindly 

 undertake this ? " 



The "Major" smiled at this new proof of con- 

 fidence. 



" Yes, but, yes, but but that is extremely difficult. 

 The question is a very complicated one ; and appa- 



* Since the time of Cuvier, several fresh classifications of birds have been 

 made ; but naturalists are not at all agreed on the subject, and the Passeres 

 are always a great difficulty. Translator. 



