CUVIERIAN SYSTEM. — BIRDS. ct | 
(227.) On comparing this ornithological system 
with that of Linneus, there are several features which 
require separate consideration. First, as to the grand 
divisions of the class ; the unaccountable error of Lin- 
nus, in separating the aquatic orders by the intervention 
of the land birds, is avoided, and the five leading groups, 
recognised in the natural system, are preserved. Unfor- 
tunately, however, the climbing families have been de- 
tached from the Jnsessores, and elevated to a rank they 
do not, in reality, hold. This departure, however, from 
the views of Linneus, is a matter of no moment in an 
artificial system, but rather an advantage; since it 
tends to bring this remarkable group more immediately 
under the eye of the general reader. Another great 
advantage apparent in this system, is the formation of 
families, or groups intermediate in rank between orders 
and genera. In the days of Linneus, the birds then 
known were so few that these intervening divisions 
were not necessary, and they were consequently omitted. 
Here, however, the merits of the system before us 
terminates. For although the whole is interspersed 
with original and valuable anatomical remarks, and 
additions to correct nomenclature, the fitting in of the 
genera (if we may be allowed the expression) is not 
only unnatural,’ and consequently erroneous, but at vari- 
ance with the plan of the work; namely, that of an 
arrangement founded upon natural organisation. The 
whole is like a building, of which most of the ma- 
terials, in themselves, are good; but which, by some 
unaccountable mistake of the architect, are combined 
in such a way as to produce any thing but that beauty 
and order which might have been expected. The 
ornithological labours of M. Cuvier, in short, do not 
appear to us to have effected either the establishment 
of an artificial system, or the advancement of the na- 
tural system. This truth has been so often repeated, 
even by those who have done ample justice to his high 
and distinguished merits as a comparative anatomist, 
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