352 Mr. Swainson on several new groups in Ornithologt/ 



Cauda scansoria, subgradata y rectricibus rigidis^ abriipte acumi- 



natis. 

 Pedes gfacileSf longiusculi; digitis longis ; unguibvs gracilibusj 



acutis, subcurvaiis. 



Bill short, conic, acute, entire. Wings long, pointed ; the first 

 and second quills equal and longest. Tail scansorial ; the fea- 

 thers abruptly acuminated. Feet slender ; toes long ; nails 

 acute, slightly curved. 



Type. Emberita oryzivora. Wilson, 2. Pi. 12. f. 1. 



This singular bird is distinguished from all its congeners by 

 having a tail perfectly scansorial ; not merely zcorn^ but formed 

 precisely upon the same model as that of Dendrocolaptes. Its 

 economy, minutely detailed by Wilson, renders this conformation 

 absolutely necessary. Some few species in a neighbouring group, 

 are said to possess, in some degree, the power of ascending 

 reeds, &c. ; this is not only probable, but what we might natu- 

 rally expect to find in those intermediate species which connect 

 two approximating forms. The tails of these birds are generally 

 very much worn towards their extremities ; but in all those I 

 have hitherto examined, I see no reason to believe, that when 

 perfect, they would exhibit (like that of Dolj/choni/x,) a true 

 scansorial structure. But whether this is, or is not the fact, is 

 of no sort of consequence, further than as affecting the extent of 

 the present genus. It is by this form that a beautiful analogical 

 relation is preserved between the otherwise discordant groups of 

 Stui-nidcc and Picida, Vig. 



CASSICULUS. 



Rostrum sub-elongaiuniy compressissimum, culmine basi non de- 



presso. 

 Ala 7nedioc7'es, rcmigibus !»»«, 2<?aj et 3'^ abrupte attenuatis, fal- 



catis. 



Bill somewhat elongated, much compressed ; the base of the 

 culmen not dilated or depressed. Wings moderate ; the three 

 first quills abruptly narrowed and falcated. 



