CIRCLES OF THE SHKIKES AND THRUSHES. 337 



different perfections^ or qualities ; or, in other words, 

 the highest degree of organisation. This is the first, 

 or typical group. Next in succession comes one closely 

 resembling it, but deficient in some few points ; which 

 deficiency, however, is made up by a superior degree of 

 courage or ferocity, and which, with an organisation 

 conformable thereto, leads them to feed upon other 

 animals : this is the second in rank, or the sub-typical 

 variation. Following this, nature proceeds to another, 

 characterised by a large head, great breadth of bill, and 

 very short feet ; whose instincts lead them to frequent 

 water, or to live in its vicinity. This modification 

 always succeeds the sub-typical group, and is followed 

 by another, whose chief character is the soft nature of 

 its food ; but it is also known by the superior length 

 of the bill, and, generally, by the length of its legs. 

 The last variation to be found in a true ornithological 

 circle is manifested by superiority of bulk, very strong 

 legs, glossy plumage, crested head, large tail, short wings, 

 gregarious habits, and often a marked predilection for 

 the society of man. The voice, also, is peculiarly loud, 

 and always discordant. This type of form invariably 

 conducts to that which is pre-eminently typical, and, 

 consequently, closes the circle. As this series of vari- 

 ations can be traced, more or less, throughout the whole 

 animal kingdom, it may, perhaps, be expedient here- 

 after to designate each of them by a general name ; at 

 present, however, they may be called after the primary 

 divisions of birds: viz. 1. Insessorial ; 2. Raptorial; 

 3. Natatorial ; 4. Grallatorial or Suctorial ; 5. Rasorial. 

 (415.) This definite mode of variation explains the 

 nature of the third and last test for the verification of the 

 group of shrikes, which we are now considering The 

 question, therefore, is this, will the series, as before de- 

 tailed, correspond with this series of the variation in all 

 other birds ? if it will, the group is a natural one ; if 

 not, there must be some error in the disposition of the 

 series. Let us now make the comparison : — 



