MERULIDtE. 



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mary importance, as constituting the fourth type of this sub-family. We allude 

 to the genus Myophonus of M. Temminck, supposed by that gentleman to consist 

 of but one species, but to which his Pitta glaucina, PI. Col., strictly belongs. 

 We are further acquainted with two others, unquestionably appertaining to the 

 same natural group. These birds, exhibiting many points of close affinity to 

 Pitta, are at once distinguished by the more sudden inflection of their bill ; while 

 they are still further separated from Myothera by a great dissimilarity of habit, 

 and by the notch of both mandibles being nearly obsolete ; the relative size of 

 this member, from which so many erroneous notions on natural groups have 

 originated, is a circumstance of little or no importance ; while the close resem- 

 blance of the aberrant Myophoni to certain Rock Thrushes, appears to indicate 

 the true passage from the Myotherinm to the next sub-family. 



The last and the most extraordinary form, which we consider belongs to this 

 division, is represented by Cinclus. This genus in all systems, whether confess- 

 edly artificial, or professedly natural, stands, as it were, isolated. There cannot, 

 however, be much doubt that it enters among the Myotherince : the question, 

 therefore, is, whether Cinclus is sufficiently related to Myothera, to justify our 

 viewing it, for the present, as one of the types of that genus ; or whether its 

 peculiarities are not sufficiently strong to induce the belief that it occupies a higher 

 station ; in other words, may it not be one of the primary forms in this sub- 

 family ? Our present opinion is in favour of this latter view ; and although the 

 affinity between Cinclus and Myophonus, on the one hand, and Dasycephala on 

 the other, is by no means satisfactory, still it must be remembered that there is 

 nothing, in the external anatomy of this genus, which at all militates against its 

 holding this intermediate station. 



It is in some such manner as this, that we believe Nature has disposed the 

 leading types of the Ant-Thrushes. From Dasycephala to Myophonus, through the 

 genera Myothera and Pitta, we consider the chain of affinity as nearly perfect ; but 

 indications only of such annectant forms as are to complete the circle, are as yet 

 known. Much, therefore, remains for discovery. A sufficient number of genera and 

 sub-genera have been proposed to make us acquainted with species. This, in short, 

 is the only use of such divisions, when not viewed with reference to their actual 

 affinities. The circular succession, and the subordinate types, both of Myothera 

 and Pitta, more particularly calls for investigation ; and their development is a fit 

 subject for naturalists of the highest talent : let us hope this may be done ; for 

 upon it will depend much more accurate ideas on the true relations of Cmclus, 

 than any which we now entertain. 



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