ORDER PASSERES. .'319 



nests may be seen suspended to the same tree, and agitated 

 by the wind." 



The genus Phytotoma is omitted by the Baron in the 

 " Regne Animal,'''' as he had not seen any of the species, and 

 did not consider them sufficiently authenticated. It is neces- 

 sary, however, for us to notice it, as there is in the British 

 Museum an undoubted specimen of a new species of this 

 genus, and of which the opposite is a figure. 



The generic characters of phytotoma are, a strait, conical, 

 robust, and pointed bill, the entire edges of which are finely 

 serrated, and well adapted for cutting plants. The tongue is 

 very short and obtuse. There are four toes on the feet, three 

 of which are before, and a smaller one behind. 



Of the species already admitted, which are called P. rara^ 

 and P. tredactyla, it is not necessary for us to enter into any 

 description here. The bird before us has the character of 

 bill which we have described above, except that it appears to 

 be slightly arched. The crown and occiput are deep moronne- 

 red ; chin, breast, and almost to the vent, orange-rufous , 

 plumage above, brownish-black, with a white spot on the 

 carpus, and a small white streak a little lower down on the 

 Aving. The tail is square, and full at the end. The wings 

 extend to something less than one-half its length. This bird 

 was brought from South America, and is named after the 

 discoverer. 



The Troupiales and Carouges. — "M. Cuvier {Regne 

 Animal) has divided the troupiales and carouges. But he 

 gives to the first the principal characters of the bill which I 

 have applied to the second, so that his troupiales are wy 

 carouges ; and his carouges, my troupiales." 



There are certain kinds of egotism and absurdity 

 which are best exposed by allowing them to speak for 

 themselves. When will naturalists learn, that the proper 

 objects of writing are, to instruct, not to confuse ; 



