Vol. XIV 
1897 
Correspondence. 341 
But in the Gallinz just the opposite thing may be thought to prevail. 
Following the Peristeropodan line of kinship, the Cracidw might remain 
on the Columban edge of this order; but this certainly very much 
embarrasses the evolutionary order in the Gallina, and since the Perister- 
opodes are a very erratic branch, we might as well run the relationship 
from the Tetraonide around through the American genera Geolrygou 
and Starnenas (not having the Old World connecting links) and thus 
properly rearrange the generic sequence in the Columba. Within many 
orders, as the Raptores, the present order need not be disturbed. 
Touching the sequence of families in the Passeres, it is doubtful if any 
agreement could be had. Notwithstanding the low indications of their 
tarsal envelopes, I should like to see the Alaudida, as indicated by Sharpe, 
placed nearer the Fringillide and Motacillidw, but I presume there are 
many who would not consent to it. 
With regard to the genera — especially in these Passerine families : — 
If the Icteride are to precede the Fringillida (which with the Corvide 
low down seems inevitable) then surely Dodichonyx and Molothrus should 
be at the end of their family rather than at the beginning; and with the 
Tanagride naturally following, some rearrangement of the general 
heterogeneousness seems necessary in the grosbeaked Fringillide at 
least. In some families, also, the present sequence seems fairly natural, 
as in the Mniotiltide. 
As Dr. Coues has said, our numbers are mixed and our method clumsy. 
Something much better can be gotten up — especially with a view to 
interpolation. Rearrangement would also give us a chance to give the 
genera a revision in the light of our newer knowledge — with possibly a 
touch or so upon the families. For my part, because of striking differ- 
ences in form and habit, I would like again to see the Mimide free from 
the Troglodytid — believing slightly in some revision being reversionary, 
yet progressive. 
Very truly yours, 
Mexico, Mo. JAMES NEWTON BaskKeErtr. 
To THE Epirors or ‘THE AuK’:— 
Dear. Sirs: —Dr. Coues’s Article, ‘The most General Fault of the 
A. O. U. Check-List,’ in the April ‘Auk’ forcibly calls to mind a remark 
my father made when the first Check-List came out, vrz., that it was like 
removing the pole of a wagon to the rear axle and leaving the seats as 
they were before. 
I have not had an opportunity to compare opinions on the subject of 
late years with ornithologists but to express my humble opinion, it Seems 
to me that but one course remains and, as Dr. Coues so ably expresses it, 
that the “ Check-Lists now extant be officially cancelled and formally 
repudiated in the near future.” , 
It seems to me this can not be done any too soon, as we must come to 
it eventually. 
