OR FAMILY OF SUN-BIRDS. 275 



Both the adult male aud female are here described, but of the 

 female the author observes : " I canuot be certaiu that it is not 

 a hen of C. lifasciatus." 



tl The structure and plumage shows that it should be placed 

 near G. bifasciatas, G. osea, and C. venustns, from all of which 

 it is distinguished by its dark-brown breast." 



ClNNYRIS ANDAMANICUS. 



— Nectarinia tacazze. 



We understand that the present work will comprise at least 

 12 parts, with 10 plates in each, so that the entire work will 

 comprise not less than 120 illustrations. Of these, 30 have 

 been now issued, as also the descriptions of 46 species, including 

 7 new ones. 



We have been informed by the author that the reason of the 

 descriptions being 1 more numerous than the plates is in order 

 to equalise the number of plates in the several parts, and if 

 the present proportion is kept up, it will leave apparently four 

 parts for index, classification &c. ; but we suppose the author 

 knows best what space will be required for this portion of the 

 work. 



Over 30 species that occur within our limits will be figured, 

 and no Indian ornithologists, who keep up any kind of ornitho- 

 logical library f though these are necessarily but few), should be 

 without this work. 



lotes on nomenclature II. 



The use by Captain Shelley, in his monograph of the Sun Birds 

 of the name Cinnyris brasilianus, Grmel. (S. N., I., 474, 1788) 

 for the species more generally designated Hasseltii, Tern., (P. C, 

 376, f. 3, 1825) has awakened the indignation of a contem- 

 poi-ary {Ibis, 1877, l%{) — ( ' such a course," we are told, being 

 " altogether opposed to the Stricklandian Code of Nomencla- 

 ture." 



I, however, vei'y much question the correctness of this dictum, 

 and am disposed to believe that a very general misapprehension 

 exists as to what the so-called Stricklandian Code of Nomen- 

 clature real!?/ enforces. 



The fact is, that the correct construction or interpretation of 

 written documents requires some little practice and training, 

 and is in a certain degree a science per se governed by fixed 

 laws and proceeding on definite principles. 



