LAND-BIRDS AND GAME-BIRDS 
OF 
NEW ENGLAND. 
Aves, or birds, form a class of the Animal Kingdom, and 
have, in their classification, been primarily divided by eminent 
ornithologists into three subclasses (lately dispensed with, 
however, in ‘‘ North American Birds”): Aves Aérece or In- 
sessores (aérial birds or ‘“ perchers”), Aves Terrestres or Cur- 
sores (terrestrial birds or ‘* runners”), and Aves Aquatice or 
Natatores (aquatic birds or ‘‘ swimmers”). The general rule of 
division is this: hind-toe! on a level with the other toes, 
‘*perchers” ; hind-toe not insistent! and feet not fully webbed, 
“ runners”; hind-toe elevated,! but feet fully webbed, ‘“‘ swim- 
mers.” This rule is applicable only to typical forms, with 
which other forms are ranked through evident affinity. It is 
to be remarked that, in a great measure, esthetic or intuitive 
perception is the best means of determining position. By 
modern classification birds are arranged on the descending 
method, by which the highest and most refined types occupy 
the highest position. Thus, the Cursores include those birds 
who scratch for their food (turkeys, grouse, etc.), and the wad- 
ers (such as snipe, plover, herons, rails, etc.). These two 
suborders (Galline and Grallatores) represent? (in the ap- 
proximate proportion of one to four) about two-elevenths of 
1In certain cases wanting, or apparently wanting. 
2In number of species (according to Coues’ list). 
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