146 



Eel. Cornelia stands therefore with puniceus and grandis precisely in 

 the same relation that Lorhis unicolor, Bechst. (Levaill. pi. 125) 

 does to Lorius tricolor, Steph. {Ps. lory, L., figured in Levaillant's 

 plates 123 and 124), both being almost entirely red, and wanting the 

 blue tinges on the so-called scapular. From that analogous variety 

 of a red-billed species, however, the black bill will tell it at once, even 

 to those superficial observers who only look to colours ; and as to 

 another cardinalis (besides the puniceus, so called by Gray, through 

 reverence to the heterodox Boddaert), that of the Astrolabe and Ze- 

 lee's voyage, the generic difference is still more strongly declared in 

 that species of French naturalists, since it has a greater nudity round 

 the eye, a wedge-shaped tail, and more slender and elegant forms. 



This is not the place to enter into a discussion about geographical 

 species, local races, or varieties. Owv EclectusCoi-nelia, notwithstand- 

 ing its identity of forms and similarity of colours with E. puniceus 

 and grandis, which might induce a philosophical mind to consider 

 the three as forming but one and the same species, differs more from 

 either of the two than they do from each other, although they have 

 been placed in different genera. It is impossible at all events that 

 the three should not be kept distinct by those naturalists who wish 

 to represent Nature as it is, not as they would have it ; and consist- 

 ency forbids to consider them otherwise than species as long as we 

 admit as such the Lagopus scoticus, and the different kinds of Sparrows 

 of Europe ; and they certainly deserve that title more than the in- 

 constant geographical modifications of Falco peregrinus, admitted as 

 species by those who slight over the much more important and at 

 least constant differences of the Vulturines. Habent sua sidera . . , 

 species ! That is all we have to say on so important a subject for 

 the present. 



It is impossible to imagine a bird of milder and more gentle dispo- 

 sition than our Eclectus. The specimen figured allowed itself not 

 only to be handled in every manner, but placed free, out of its cage, 

 would allow every measurement to be taken, its wings pulled, its tail 

 spread, and every feather to be counted and described. Even when 

 its patience was at an end, and it resorted to its bill, it was gently ; 

 and it would only use the powerful weapon in seizing the intruding 

 finger without inflicting any kind of injury. It uttered a low note, 

 resembling that of the coot {Fnlica atra, L.) when heard at a distance. 



2. Description of a new species of Gorgonia from 

 Australia. By J. E. Gray, Esq., F.R.S. 



Primnoa AUSTRALASIA. (Radiata, PI. II. f. 8, 9, nat. size.) 



Coral elongate, unbranched, rather tapering ; cells numerous, re- 

 gular, placed in close regular circles round the stem, each formed of 

 two series of imbricate calcareous scales. 



Inhah. Australasian seas, on oyster-shell and stones. 



Several specimens of this very interesting coral were sent to the 

 British Museum by the Royal Society of Van Diemen's Land. 



This coral is often covered with various species of smaller Coral- 



