PASSERINE. FISSIROSTRES. 



Caprimulgus* the Nightjar. 



It is much to be regretted that scientific natu- 

 ralists should, in their systematic names, perpetuate 

 the groundless and ridiculous prejudices too often 

 entertained by the vulgar ; as in the name of this 

 genus, of which the common appellation, " Goat- 



THE NIGHT- JAR (Caprimulgus Europceus). 



sucker," is a translation. It is superfluous to say, 

 that the act which has given such a name is utterly 

 impossible to be performed, and the notion most 

 absurd. Either of the names, Nightjar, or Fern 

 Owl, is far preferable, the former because it is highly 

 expressive of a singular habit, as well as of the 



* Copra,) a goat, and mulyeo, to milk. 



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