258 ' ELEMENTS or OESflTHOIOGY. 



Having thus indicated a few of the more glaring mistakes 

 into which the beginner in Ornithology, if left to himself, 

 would in all probability fall (as our earlier scientific predecessors 

 did fall), we will profceed to point out what we regard as 

 the various successively subordinate groups of birds from sub- 

 classes down to genera. After each Family or Subfamily we 

 will add a list of the genera belonging to each, with what we 

 deem about the probable number of species therein contained. 



We only offer the classification here proposed, after careful 

 consultations with masters in Ornithology, and for this reason 

 we are persuaded that it will be found to be of considerable 

 use to the student, and a quite sufficient introduction to the 

 systematic study of the Class, or any selected section of that 

 Class. 



The whole Class of Birds is divided into two very large, 

 primary groups, each of which is a " SUBCLASS," and which 

 are respectively named Garinatce and Ratitce. 



The latter includes only the Ostrich, Eheas, Cassowaries, 

 Emeus, and the different species of Apteryx amongst living 

 birds, but the various kinds of Dinornis also belonged to it. All 

 other Birds belong to the Oarinatw. 



They are distinguished by the following characters : — 



Oarinatw. Eatitce. 



Sternum almost always with Sternum never keeled, 

 a keel.' 



Coracoid and clavicle so Coracoid and clavicle so 



placed as to form together an placed as to form together a 



acute angle. very obtuse angle. 



The whole Class of Birds may be divided into eighteen 

 " Oedjies," as follows : — I. Passeriformes. II. Coraciiformes. 

 . III. Piciformes. IV. Coccyges. V. Columbiformes. VI. 

 Psittaci. VII. Eaptores. VIII, Steganopodes. IX. Hero- 

 diones. X. Alectorides. XI. Galliniforraes. XII. Limicoli- 

 formes. XIII. Tubinares. XIV. Pygopodiformes. XV. La- 

 mellirostres. XVI. Impennes. XVII. Crypturi. 

 The above Orders are all the Carinate Birds. 



' The Parrot Stringopi, the Rail-like bird Notomis, and the Hoatzin, 

 Opiathocomus, are thp only exceptions. 



