57i'> CLASS AVES« , 



We regret that neither our limits nor our plan will permit 

 us to enter into an analysis of the merits of this very scientific 

 arrangement. We can only say that, in our humble appre- 

 hension, it appears to approximate more nearly to a true 

 natural method, than anything hitherto put forth upon the 

 subject. The characters upon which all its divisions are 

 founded, are important ; and the affinities of the groups, the 

 gentle gradations by which they naturally run into each other, 

 are clearly distinguished.* 



Having so far extended our observations on this family in 

 general, we must be very brief in our notices of particular 

 species. There is, indeed, but little to add respecting their 

 habits. We shall take them by their sub -genera, except 

 where some one species is deserving of especial mention. And 

 Ave shall insert several figures of New Holland species, from 

 specimens in the collection of the Linnsean Society. 



The Aras, or Maccaws, are among the handsomest spe- 

 cies of this family. Their plumage glistens with dazzling 

 reflections of azure, of purple, and of gold. Their long tail, 

 and majestic deportment, add greatly to their attractions ; 

 and their wonderful docility renders them peculiarly suscep- 

 .tibleof domestication. But their voice is exceedingly harsh 

 and croaking, and they are fond of keeping in continual and 

 annoying exertion. Their intelligence appears to be rather 



* We cannot dismiss this subject without referring our readers to a 

 most masterly reply of Mr. Vigors, to certain injurious observations respect- 

 ing his arrangements in the thirty-ninth volume of the " Dictionnaire des 

 Sciences Naturelles." This reply is in the ninth number of " The Zoolo- 

 gical Journal," Jan. 1827. From this we have formerly done ourselves 

 the pleasure of making a quotation on the subject of nomenclature. (See 

 An. King. vol. 6, pp. 511, 512.) We regret that it is not in our power to 

 condense the arguments of Mr. Vigors in defence of himself and Dr. 

 Horsfield ; but can assure our readers that they will peruse his paper w'th 

 equal pleasure and profit. 



