189 



WE now arrive at the fifth or fissirostral division 

 of the Psittacidce, which, hy Mr Swainson, has been 

 designated hy the name of Platycercina (Broad-tail), 

 the members of the genus Platycercus of Vigors 

 and Horsfield being considered as its typical repre- 

 sentatives. Of the other groups which belong to 

 this section, we only venture to speak with diffi- 

 dence, not having had an opportunity, as well from 

 want of time as of materials, to make that strict 

 analysis of the species which is required to trace out 

 with certainty the true affinities, and exact station 

 of each. We have sufficient data, however, to be- 

 lieve, that the ground Parrakeets (gen. Pezoporus, 

 Illig.), the beautiful miniature Maccaw-looking spe- 

 cies belonging to the genus Nanodes, Vigors, the 

 two species composing Wagler's genus Nymphicus, 

 represented by the Psitt. sisetis and Psitt. Nova 

 Hollandice of authors, arid some other forms, among 

 which, perhaps, ,the PsittacuS Platurus of Tem- 

 minck's " Planches Colories" may be included, en- 

 .ter into it. Those interesting species which inhabit 

 Madagascar, and known by the name of Vaeas, viz. 

 Psitt. niger and Psitt. mascarinus, Linn., forming 

 Wagler's genus Coracopsis, also shew a decided affi- 

 nity in form and habit to the true Platycerci, and 

 there is little doubt belong to the division. To the 

 genus Palaornis, Vigors, which we have placed 

 among the Macrocercince, or Maccaw section, an 



