168 NORTHERN ZOOLOGY. 



There are, moreover, certain types or genera, which we are even fearful of 

 placing in this family ; and others, whose natural affinities appear to us very 

 doubtful. Among these may be named the Australian genus Sphecotheres, Vieil., 

 which is probably an aberrant form of the Oriolinw, closely related to Dulus, 

 since Acanthonotus, Sw., appears to be its prototype among the Ceblepyrinaz . 

 In regard to the true affinities of Grallina, Vieil., and Cinclosoma, H. and V., we 

 confess our ignorance, and it may even be questioned whether the first truly 

 belongs to this family. 



ON THE CIRCULAR DISPOSITION OF THE MYOTHERINM. 



The existence of at least four species of Cinclus has naturally turned our attention 

 to this most interesting group, — presenting the only exception to the terrestrial 

 habits of the whole order of Perchers. We have already intimated, in treating of 

 the Myotherince, the situation in nature which we believe is occupied by this genus ; 

 and we have ventured so far as to name the leading forms by which the Myothe- 

 rince describe their own circle. It will, therefore, be expected, before this view 

 can be received with confidence, that we should demonstrate its correctness ; or 

 at least explain upon what grounds our judgment has been formed. This becomes 

 the more necessary, as the question involves the correctness not merely of our 

 views on the true situation of Cinclus, but the very foundation of our theory on 

 the natural affinities of the entire order of Insessores. We have, upon every 

 occasion, directly combated the opinion that the Bush Shrikes (Thamnophilince) 

 constitute that aberrant group, by which the Shrikes are united to the Thrushes ; 

 and we have already demonstrated the fallacy of such an arrangement. But there 

 is still another test by which the question shall be tried. If an arrangement is 

 natural, the subordinate groups in two contiguous circles, particularly if those 

 circles are typical, will perfectly correspond in their direct analogies ; and these 

 must be proved, independent of all other analogies they may present to the orders, 

 the tribes, the families, or, in fine, the sub-families of other birds. With the 

 object, therefore, of ascertaining how far our disposition of the Myotherinaz mav 

 be conformable to nature, and whether the Thamnophilince are truly a typical 

 group, we shall submit both to this additional test. In the first place, let us 

 compare the Myotherirm, as here distributed, with the orders of birds. 



