32 



THE ZOOLOGIST. 



as they now have) were discovered wild, they would imme- 

 diately be put down as different species, and held to be far more 

 distinct than they now are. 



Eeturning again to birds and taking, for instance, a favourite 

 example of those who are fond of quoting the " extraordinary 

 results of hybridisation," what can appear more unlikely (when 

 we become familiar with their congeneric actions) than to expect 

 the young of Chinese and common Geese to be sterile, although 

 a classification (apparently faulty) formerly separated them ? 

 Again, how does an Amhurst Pheasant differ from a Gold more 

 than an Azeel Fowl from a Hamburg ? Why are the two former 

 different " species," and the two latter different " varieties" ? 



These barriers would seem to be somewhat pedantic. 



Turning to the Anatidce, let us take some six species and note 

 their grouping : — 

 1. Plectropterus . P. D. S. Subfamily Plectropterince. 



! Anser . . 

 Chloephaga 

 Chenalopex 

 Q Tadorna . 

 Anas 



Note. — P. = front of metatarsus covered with large plates. 

 R. = metatarsus covered with reticulated scales. D. = windpipe 

 dilated at lower end. S. = spur on wing. 



We thus see that Plectropterus (Spur-wing Geese) is placed in 

 one subfamily; Anser (true Geese) with the Upland Geese and 

 Egyptian Geese {Chloephaga and Chenalopex) in a second, Anser - 

 iiue (Geese) ; and the Shelduck (Tadorna) and true Duck (Anas) 

 in a third, Anatince (Ducks). 



From what I have been able to see of the natural habits, 

 actions, dispositions, cross-breeding, and calls, I should consider 

 them allied as follows (call it blood relationship, essence, germ 

 plasm, physiological unity, or what you will) : — 



Anser (with Bernicla, &c). . Geese. 



Plectropterus (?) 



Chloephaga 



Chenalopex 



Tadorna 



Anas (with Dajila, Aix, &c.) . Ducks. 



P. 



D. 



S 



R. 



— 





R. 



D. 



S 



R. 



D. 



s 



P. 

 P. 



D. 

 D. 





[Subfamily Anserince (Geese). 

 -Subfamily A natince (Ducks). 



Sheldrakes. 



