80 ZOOLOGV. 



and one backward. In genera containing so few spe-. 

 cies, and with characters so decided, this seems an unne- 

 cessary incumberance to the system, as though in addi- 

 tion to the above difference of structure, it is said to 

 feed on the seeds and kernels of plants, and the Plant- 

 Cutter, on the base of the stems, this makes no good 

 reason for separating species so nearly allied, into 

 distinct genera. 



Both species are found in South America ; the (P. rara)^ 

 Plant-Cutter, is a very mischievous species, committing great 

 depredations in gardens and plantations, by cutting down the 

 Tegetables with its serrated bill ; it feeds principally on the 

 softer parts of the stems and the crown of the roots : the 

 other species, T. iri/dac(illa, on seeds and berries. 



11. Muscicapa. Fly-Catcher. Ije7^ soft, beset withbristles, 



the upper mandible flattened at the base, and notched 

 near the tip ; toes divided to their base. 



The extensive genus of Fly-Catchers, (as their name im- 

 ports,) feed en flies and other winged insects ; they mostly 

 inhabit woody places, and usually nestle in holes ; the larger 

 ' number are natives of the warmer parts of Asia, Africa, and 

 America ; there are but few that reside in Europe, and only 

 two that repair to this country, they are both migratory, 

 arriving in spring and leaving on the approach of winter, for 

 figures, see British Ornithology, vol. 2. 



12. Alaitda. Lark. Bill slender, strait, pointed, curving 



slightly at the tip : nostrils covered with feathers and 



