THE ORNITHOLOGICAL GUIDE. 45 



continued by systematic naturalists in the temi 

 Caprimulgus,) shews the opinion of it entertain- 

 ed by the vulgar. It is, however as impossible 

 for the Nightjar to suck the teats of cattle, (though 

 most birds are fond of milk,) as it is for cats to suck 

 the breath of sleeping infants, of which they are 

 popularly accused; inasmuch, as the structure of 

 then organs would baffle any such attempt." We 

 thus see the opinions entertained of the name Goat- 

 sucker by naturalists high and low, and yet notwith- 

 standing the condemnation passed on it by these 

 competent judges, notwithstanding that it is con- 

 demned by reason, by justice, by benevolence, and 

 by truth, notwithstanding this — Mr. Strickland 

 coolly and deliberately says — he shall continue to 

 use it, and to prefer it to any other ! After this 

 barefaced declaration, his opinions and remarks on 

 this subject forfeit all claim to that consideration 

 which they might otherwise have possessed. " Ple- 

 rique errare mallent eamque sententiam quam adarn- 

 arerunt, pugnaciter defendent, quam sine pertinacia, 

 quid constantissime dicatur, exquirent." Will not 

 Mr. Strickland come under this class ? 



A correspondent has objected to the name Night- 

 jar on the score of the species in that genus (as he 

 represents) not making their noise in the night, but 

 only at dusk. Let us examine this objection. 1st., 

 the bird does make his clatter in the night, and about 

 midnight too; and 2nd: even granting that he does 

 not serenade his mate at mid-night, yet if he does 



