Aiisfralian Birds in the Collection of the Linnean Society. 1 79 



flight, moreover, are so great, that we need not be surprised at 

 finding that even the same species will sometimes spread itself 

 over the most distant regions. Such at least appears to be the 

 fact, whatever may be the causes which produce it. An analo- 

 gous fact is observable in the Grallatorial order, where the same 

 considerations,* added to the habits of migration common to the 

 order, may probably account for a similar law of distribution. 

 Among the Notatores also we may expect that the extensive 

 powers of locomotion found in some of the groups of the order, 

 suited as well to the water as to the air, may tend to their wide 

 dispersion. A few instances consequently occur of an accord- 

 ance between the birds we are about to describe, and some of 

 the forms of the above-mentioned groups which are familiar to 

 Europeans. But by far the greater portion of the groups of 

 New Holland will be observed to exhibit peculiarities confined 

 to their own neighbourhood. 



Subfam. Accipitrina. 

 Genus. Astuu. Bechst. et Auct. 



1. NoviE HoLLANDi.î,"*. Ast . albiis, 1-ostro nigro, cerîi, orbitis, 



pedibusque flavis . 



Falco 



* Were we to follow a practice which has become very general among modern 

 naturalists, we should alter the specific name of the above bird, in consequence of its 

 being derived from a local source. We consider this practice, however, although 

 sanctioned by high authority, to be altogether founded in error. In giving local names, 

 it is not inferred that the species is found only in the country which affords the deno- 

 mination ; much less that it is the only species of the group found there. All that is 

 inferred is, that it does actually belong to the country. After all, names are of use 

 only as they tend to point out the subjects for which they stand. And a name long 

 established, although perhaps not the most appropriate, generally becomes so iden- 

 tified with the species as to call it to mind with greater precision than any new name, 

 however significant. Few names indeed, however well chosen, can be exclusively 

 appropriate to species ; and a considerable number, — such as names inteinlcd to pay a 



'2 A 2 compliment 



