ORDER ACCIPITRES. 93 



tion ; and of illustrating it from the most varied and extensive 

 resources of erudition. We trust, that he will continue his 

 labours on this department of zoology, in the full conviction 

 that a truly scientific and luminous system of nomenclature will 

 be their result. 



M. de Lacepede divided birds into two sub-classes, the first 

 characterised by having the lower part of the leg furnished with 

 feathers, and no toes completely united by a wide membrane. 

 This sub-class is again separated into two divisions and four 

 subdivisions. The first division is characterised by thick and 

 strong toes, two in front and two behind : the second, by three 

 toes in front and one or more behind. The first subdivision 

 has the claws strong and very crooked ; the second, claws not 

 much crooked ; external toes free or united only along the first 

 phalanx ; the third, external toes united almost through their 

 entire length; the fourth, front toes united at their base by a 

 membrane. 



The second sub-class is characterised thus : Lower part of 

 the leg free from feathers, or many toes united by a wide 

 membrane. First division : Three toes before, one or none 

 behind. 1st subdivision : Front toes entirely united by a 

 membrane ; 2nd. Four toes united by a membrane ; 3rd. 

 Three toes before, one or none behind. Second division : Two, 

 three, or four very strong toes. 1st subdivision: Toes not 

 united by a membrane at the base. 



M. de Lacepede makes forty orders, all distinguished by 

 some peculiarity of the beak. 



M. Dum^ril, in his Zooloyie Analytique, admits the same 

 orders as M. Cuvier, and subdivides them into a great number 

 of families. 



We might very considerably extend this account of the sys- 

 tems of various ornithologists if our object were merely to aug- 

 ment our work without increasing its interest or utility. But 

 as we have more respect for the time and patience of our rea- 

 ders, we shall avoid any further details on so diy a subject. 



