ASH-COLOURED OR GREY PARROT. 131 



several generic heads ; but whether all of these will 

 stand the ^st of such a separation, or are only to be 

 regarded u 75 slightly aberrant forms of the genus 

 Psittacus, must depend upon a strict analysis of all 

 the species. We shall, however, here consider them 

 as forming distinct groups, detailing the principal 

 characters of each as given by that eminent natural- 

 ist. The first is that of Eclectus> represented by the 

 Eclectus Linncei, Wagler, and' EC. grandis, Wagler 

 (the Psittacus grandis of Latham, &c.), which dif- 

 fer from his restricted genus Psittacus in the form 

 of the bill, the under mandible being narrower, the* 

 cere at the base scarcely visible, and the nostril 

 placed farther back, and hidden by the feathers or 

 the brow. The texture of the plumage upon the 

 head and neck is also different, being long and silky. 

 He considers them to represent the parrots of Ame- 

 rica, Africa, and Asia, and also to bring them 

 nearer in connexion with the larger lories. The 

 following is a description of the 



