Mr. Vigors's Sketches in Ornithology/. 311 



and distant from each other, or to form any decided opinion on 

 their mutual affinities or analogies, where we can only deduce our 

 inferences from recollection. 



Such are the difficulties which, among others, render it almost 

 hopeless for the naturalist to attempt that finished detail, which 

 it would be his object to exhibit, of the subject which he investi- 

 gates. But still it is preferable, as I before observed, to make 

 some advance than to stand still, and to accomplish something, 

 though all cannot be effected. The following observations will 

 strictly accord with these views. They are intended to embrace 

 the different opinions which have been entertained by naturalists 

 of all countries on the several groups of Ornithology that will 

 occasionally come before me. They will bring together for the 

 first time in this country the modern genera that have been esta- 

 blished by foreigners; for strange to say, we have no work* of 

 English growth on Ornithology, which professes to give more 

 than the genera of Linnasus, w ith some few unimportant additions. 

 They will endeavour to bring these detached groups into such order 

 as will at least afford some idea of their natural station. And 

 the whole will be conducted Avith a particular reference to their 

 affinities and analogies, and with a view to those principles + of 

 mutual connection among themselves, according to which the 

 investigation of the subjects of Natural History is now generally 

 carried on. However imperfect the results may be of the present 

 undertaking, the particular mode of inquiry pursued, will I think 

 afford a clue to future investigation, according as opportunity and 

 more extended information tend to render the prospect of success 

 in it more probable. 



* I must except the Continuation of Dr. Shaw's Zoology, conducted by my 

 friend Mr. Stephens, whose introduction of the modern views on Ornitho- 

 logy into the last volumes of that work that have come more especially under 

 his care, and whose ability in unfolding them, is deserving of every commen- 

 dation. I must also observe that the same views, and more particularly those 

 of M. Cuvier, are to be found briefly referred to in Dr. Fleming's valuable work 

 on the " Philosophy of Zoology." 



+ It is scarcely necessary to subjoin, that I allude to the principles de> 

 veloped by Mr. Mac Leay in his " Horse Entomologicae ;" which I am happy 

 to find are every day becoming more known, and more valued as they ar« 

 «Hore known. 



