Inis. GRALLATORES. IBIS. 55 
others reticulated, or covered with hexagonal scales. Claws 
either straight and long, with the middle one imperfectly 
serrated or pectinated, or strong, short, and much arched, 
and entire. 
Tail extending beyond the wings, when closed ; square 
and equal, or conico-elongate ; formed of twelve feathers. 
Wings long; the second and third quills being the longest. 
In plumage, the species with feathered heads and necks 
have the feathers long, adpressed, narrow and acuminate. 
The wings and tail of most of the species have a bronzed or 
metallic lustre. 
In works which treat of the ornithology of a limited dis- 
trict, or particular country, where the genera are restricted, 
and comparatively few in number, it must be expected that 
many forms, which serve to unite the different orders, fami- 
lies, and genera together, will necessarily be wanting; and 
that, under such circumstances, many birds must appear (as 
it were) isolated; and that a very imperfect idea can be con- 
veyed of that admirable circular succession of affinities that 
actually exists throughout the feathered class. Such is the 
case with respect to the present genus, which, placed upon 
the limits of the family of Ardead@, and viewed as an iso- 
lated group, seems so far removed from the more typical 
species, is yet (through the intervention of other genera, 
such as Tantalus, &c.) closely and intimately connected with 
it. The modification of the form, however, which it has un- 
dergone, prepares it as a link of connexion between the Ar- 
deade and the succeeding family of Scolopacide ; and this is 
beautifully effected through the genus Numenius (Curlew). 
The genus Ibis, as at present constituted, might perhaps 
with propriety admit of still further division, as several 
species possess characters, which others seem either totally to 
want, or have in a greatly modified degree; but as I have 
not had an opportunity of examining and comparing all the 
known species with the requisite care and attention, before 
such division could properly be attempted, I have merely 
