lS4r Mr. Vigors's Sketches in Ornithology. 



able to reconcile the disposition of Linnasus with the modera 

 principles of science, and thus to harmonize the partially correct,- 

 although apparently different views of naturalists, by one com- 

 prehensive mode of interpreting the laws of nature. 



M. Brisson was the first who made a separation in the Linnean 

 genus OrioluSy and leaving the original name io the typical species 

 of that group, brought together the Conirostral birds of the New 

 World belonging to it under the generick title of Icterus. Ao 

 increasing number of species, and a corresponding increase in the 

 modifications of their characters soon called for a still further sub- 

 division of this latter group ; and succeeding ornithologists have 

 considered it" necessary to separate it into several distinct genera. 

 It is my intention in the present sketch to endeavour to ascertain 

 the typical characters of each of these subdivisions as they have 

 been established by modern aulhours, and to add two new species 

 which have lately been brought to me from Brazil, one of which 

 will afford me an opportunity of characterizing a hitherto un- 

 noticed modification of form. 



The whole of the group of Icterus, Briss., which nearly corres- 

 ponds with the Cassiques of M. Cuvier, appears to form a fifth, 

 and very conspicuous subdivision, of the family of Siurnidce. 

 The species are united by their manners, and by a general con^ 

 formity in external characters. These characters and the station 

 which the subfamily holds in the Class may be stated as follows. 



Ordo. Insessores. 



Tribus. Conirostkes. Cuv. 



Fam. Sturnid^. 



Subfam. Icterina. 



Rostrum elongatura, acutum, conicumj mandibulae superioris 

 basi inter frontis pluraas retrorsum extendente : mandibularum 

 marginibus introrsum inclinantibus. 



Alee mediocres, ad caudae medium extendentes ; remigum 2d« 

 ad 4tam inclusam pogoniis externis medium versus emarginatis. 



Pedes mediocres ; acrotarsiis scutellatis in squamas sex divisis j; 

 paratarsiis iutegris. 



Cauda mediocris. 



