Australian Birds in the Collection of the Linneaji Society. 311 



external mark of distinction which separates some of the more 

 slender-billed species from the conterminous species of the Cin- 

 nyridœ. 



In addition to the numerous species of this family which 

 decidedly exhibit most of its typical characters, and which in 

 their general slenderness of form coincide with the other groups 

 of the Tenuirostres, there are many species, in which great 

 size and strength of form is discernible, which have been 

 ranked as Meliphagoiis in consequence of the alleged filamen- 

 tous conformation of their tongue. Many of these, from their 

 external characters, might be referred at once to the power- 

 fully constructed groups of Corvidce and Meridida. Of some of 

 these species we can say with confidence that they are Meli- 

 phagous, from our having examined the tongue. But we have 

 much doubt as to a similar construction of tongue existing in all 

 the species. We consider it, however, the most eligible plan 

 to enumerate all these species at the end of the present family ; 

 stating our doubts on the subject, and leaving the question to be 

 decided by those naturalists who may have the opportunity of 

 inspecting the birds in their native haunts. 



Genus. jMelipmaga*. Lezmn et Auct. 

 * Cauda rotundata, rostro longiori subgraciliori. 



1. Nov.t: HoLLANDi.Ti. ISIcl. uigro, suhtus alba nigro-striata ; 

 siiperciliis maculaque aurium albis, remigihiis in medio externe 



flavo- 



* The species of the family of Melip/iagidcc ajipear very numerous, and every 

 arrival from New Holland and the Australian islands brings an addition to their num- 

 ber. At the same time the species themselves are but ill-defined; and in the present 

 imperfect state of our knowledge, and while information is daily increasing, we considei- 

 it unadviscable to attempt more than a rude sketch of this interesting family. The 

 group which we have selected above as representing the Meliphaga of Levvin and 



Authors, 



