320 CLASS AVES. 



to enlighten, not to obscure ; to remove difficulties, not 

 to create impediments; to describe their subjects, not to 

 display themselves ? When will they learn, that a jargon of 

 names is not science; that ostentatious and trifling egotism is 

 not fame ? 



We shall consider these two divisions together in a general 

 way, and notice what may be remarkable in any of the 

 species. For the preservation of the French names of the 

 division, to which we were unavoidably compelled, we refer 

 to the text, and to the passage just translated, for an 

 apology. 



The Troupiales are confined to the new continent. They 

 usually live in pairs, and some exhibit the social instinct of 

 the xanthorni, with which they often mingle in their emigra- 

 tions. They do not frequent plains, but delight in coppices, 

 woods, &c. and usually select such spots as are most thickly 

 wooded. They seek their food on trees and on the ground, 

 but seldom eating any grains of the com kind. Their food is 

 usually composed of berries and insects. They show as 

 much art and ingenuity as the cassiques, in the construction 

 of their nests, if not more. 



The Cakouges belong to the same continent. In their 

 habits thev have some analogy with the stares, with which 

 they have been sometimes confounded. They fly, at certain 

 seasons, in numerous bands, and withdraw during a portion of 

 the day into reeds and rushes, where they also pass the night. 

 They are numerous in Paraguay, and remarkably social in 

 their manners. Even the season of nestling does not divide 

 their union, and it is common enough to see many species of 

 this family assemble and labour in concert, and even join with 

 very different species. Their physiognomy is animated, and 

 their motions lively and indicative of distrust. They fly with 

 moderate rapidity, but for a good while together, and at a con- 

 siderable height. Their song is a sort of whistling. They are 



