f> CATALOGUE OF THE COLLECTION OF THE MAYNARD CHAPTER. 



Catalogue of Birds, 



INTRODUCTORY. 



Birds are a highly specialized class of vertebrates, differing greatly from any 

 other living animals, but showing an affinity through fossil forms ( Archaeopteryx, 

 Hesperornis, etc. ) to the class Reptiles ; both classes undoubtedly having had 

 a common ancestor. 



For convenience in study birds are divided into groups which are more or 

 less natural ; but it must always be borne in mind that each group either now 

 intergrades with some other group, or groups, or has done so in the past, for all 

 birds were derived from a common stock. Changes in structure, form, color, etc. 

 have been brought about by the changed conditions under which the birds have 

 lived and as conditions are now constantly changing, we may expect to find some 

 species now continuing to change. 



In studying the classification of birds we find that they constitute a Class 

 among vertebrates. The next lowest division is Order. Under Order we find in 

 regular sequence; Family, Genus, Species, Sub-species and Individual, for it 

 must always be kept in mind that no two birds, even among the same species, are 

 exactly alike. Each living bird is a separate organism, a conscious, reasoning be- 

 ing, differing in some respects from any other organism, an individual bird. 



In this variation of individuals we find the key note that vibrates through the 

 evolution of living forms from the lowest to the highest. 



In studying any class of animals it becomes necessary for us to acquire, in a 

 great measure a separate vocabulary of names for the various parts of the animal. 

 For example we do not call the fore limb of a bird an arm as we do in human be- 

 ings, or a front leg as in a sheep, or a fin as in a fish, although it may be homolo- 

 gous to all three, but a wing. The function of the fore limb in all the animals 

 mentioned is different, hence the reason for applying separate names to each. 



When the function of a part is the same in different animals, the same name is 

 usually applied to it in all classes of animals. For example all the animals men- 

 tioned, and many others besides, have a heart and stomach, both of which have 

 practically the same function in all species possessing them. 



It is thus best in beginning the study of any group of animals to learn the 

 names which have been applied to their different parts. A careful study of the 

 diagram given on the following page will greatly aid students in acquiring the 

 names of the most important parts of a bird. 



