as we are acquainted with a great number from description^ 

 only, the arrangement is by no means perfect. 



The generic characters now given of the genus Platyrhynchos 

 (very sHghtly noticed by Vieillot) will be found perfectly appli- 

 cable to the separate divisions here formed ; the first comprising 

 the Todus PlatyrhyncJios of GmeUn, and a few others having 

 the bill larger and more dilated than the second division, which 

 includes the present species, together with M. harbata, ccendea, 

 cuneata, and no doubt many others. The construction of the 

 bill in all these birds will be found precisely the same, though 

 more or less developed in each division, and even in the species ; 

 it thus becomes impossible to draw the line of demarcation with- 

 out refining too much on generic distinctions. Their bills, al- 

 though so broad, are by no means stout ; thus enabling them to 

 prey with greater readiness on the Lepidoptcra and other large 

 wdnged insects with soft bodies; while the long stiff bristles at 

 the base of the bill seem intended to confine the resistance their 

 prey would otherwise make by their wings. The illustrious 

 Cuvier has well observed, that the true Flycatchers have the bill 

 longer, narrowed, less compressed, and the tip but slightly bent. 



