176 Passerine Birds of Devonshire. 



20. Species may be occasionally named after persons, pro- 

 vided they have been distinguished in that peculiar depart- 

 ment of zoology. (Swainson.) 



This practice is liable to abuse, yet is often allowable, especially in large 

 genera (e. g. Ammonites), where it is impossible to find an adjective which 

 shall apply to each species exclusively. 



21. The best specific names are short adjectives expressive 

 of some distinctive character. They may be taken, 1st, from 

 the form or colour, which is the best character for the pur- 

 pose; 2dly, from the habits of the living animal ; 3dly, from 

 the size ; 4thly, from the country. The two last characters 

 are the least desirable for specific names, and should only be 

 used when the others fail, and when a distinctive epithet can 

 thus be obtained. 



22. Specific names should be always written with a small 

 initial letter ; those of the higher groups with a capital. 



This is so convenient a memoria technica, that, for the sake of it, I 

 would disregard the otherwise inelegant appearance of the names Cygnus 

 bewickii, Tetrao scoticus, Simia satyrus, &c. 



Art. III. On the Passerine Birds of Devonshire. By Edward 

 Moore, M.D. F.L.S. 



In continuation of my catalogue of the birds of Devon- 

 shire, I transmit the following genera of the second order, 

 Passeres: among these will be found many rare migratory 

 species, some of which breed here ; and, also, some which may 

 be termed only occasional visiters. Specimens of both might, 

 doubtless, be more frequently obtained if greater attention 

 were paid, and if landlords were less tenacious of allowing a 

 gun to be carried in summer. Although I have anxiously 

 looked out for a Devon specimen of the nightingale, I have 

 been unable to succeed ; and must, therefore, rest satisfied 

 with the fact announced by Montagu, that he once heard it 

 near Kingsbridge. 



My object being merely to authenticate the individuals as 

 Devon specimens, I do not enter into an account of the habits 

 and manners of the species, as, in most cases, they are already 

 known ; but shall restrict myself to the mention of the names 

 of those persons in my neighbourhood who now possess 

 specimens of the rarer kinds. 



Order II. PA'SSERES. 



Fam. i. Dentirostres. 

 Gen. La v nius. 



1. Lanius excubitor, Great shrike. Rare ; one was seen in the 



