208 CREEPER. 



the bills of these correspond with the Creepers, all of which are more 

 or less sharp at the point; and none of them, although the tongue be 

 cloven into two filaments, are at all fringed on the edges, as is the 

 case with very many of the Honey-eaters. 



Much doubt has arisen throughout, concerning the identity of 

 several species, and must, it is probable, in some measure continue ; 

 as we are well assured, that many do not gain the complete plumage 

 till the third year's moult ; and if, as they are said to be, capable of 

 breeding in the intermediate stages, will probably long be described 

 as distinct. 



We have divided the species belonging to this Genus, into two ; 

 not on account of any disiinilarity in themselves, but according to 

 the places in which they are found, viz. those inhabiting the Old 

 Continent, and those met with in the New. 



