vi 
in short, by analysis, that basis upon which all true know- 
ledge of nature must repose. Natural combinations can 
never be fully detected, without an acquaintance with their 
component parts. 
The investigator of general laws, and the discriminator 
of species, are thus advancing the knowledge of their favourite 
science by different modes of study. The paths they have 
chosen, although essentially distinct, lead but to one common 
point ; and as both must be trodden, it seems unnecessary 
to discuss which road is the most honourable. 
In the classification of the subjects here comprised, we 
have followed no particular system: the chief object aimed 
at, being to point out apparent relations and affinities. 
To those Ornithological groups which Linneus named 
Genera, and which subsequent systematists have considered 
Families or sub-families, we have applied the designations 
long used by Leach, Stevens, Fleming, Vigors, &c., but 
in all cases where such divisions are unaccompanied by a 
definition, (in the following pages,) we wish it to be un- 
derstood, that the name is merely applied provisionally ; 
indicating the probable station of the individual; and 
that in very few instances do our own cpinions on the 
nature of such groups, coincide with those of the different 
writers who have gone before us. 
The splendid discovery of the circular system of Nature, 
has given a totally new aspect to this science; but has never- 
theless been attended with an evil, no where more apparent 
than in Ornithology; where synthesis has completely set 
aside analysis, and where the rugged and laborious path of 
patient investigation, has been deserted for the flowery walks 
of Speculation and Hypothosis. ‘The combinations thus 
produced, may well excite the smile of our continental neigh- 
bours, nor need we feel surprise that they look, with some- 
thing like contempt, on such arrangements “ called natural’’ 
of aflinities and relations. 
On the other hand the Ornithological writings of Sonnini, 
