172 NORTHERN ZOOLOGY. 



Here again, although these analogies are not only unquestionable, but particu- 

 larly striking, we find that, to preserve one column perfect, we must partly reverse 

 the other ; since Dasycephala, and not Myophonus, immediately follows Myothera. 

 We may probably account for this in two ways ; either it is the necessary result 

 of comparing two such groups, like the present, of unequal value ; or from losing 

 sight of the fact, that the three aberrant groups in each column form but one, 

 which group then only becomes equal in value to the two typical ones. However 

 this may be, the relations are too strong to make us suspect, for a moment, that 

 they are not founded in nature. 



Upon the minor variations in form, or the sub-genera, we have not thought it 

 expedient to dwell, since the state of ornithological science is not yet sufficiently 

 advanced to sanction opinions on their value, or even on their true stations. 

 Before we can form any correct judgment, for instance, on such subordinate 

 groups as Drymophila, Formicivora, or Chamazza, all apparently entering in one 

 or other of the typical genera, Myothera and Pitta, it will be necessary that these 

 last-named groups are analyzed, and tested analogically. We have no doubt 

 that Myot hera contains representations of each of the five genera composing its 

 own sub-family, since Myothera Colma, 111., clearly typifies Cinclus ; and we have 

 seen, in the French Museum, what appears to us the type of Dasycephala. Those 

 species, again, having the feet partially syndactile, appear to represent the typical 

 Pittas, wherein this structure is very prevalent. It will easily be seen, therefore, 

 that any attempt to pursue this inquiry further than to the affinities of genera, 

 would be premature, and would presuppose a state of knowledge which is much 

 more likely to be developed in the next age than in this ; since naturalists have 

 not yet agreed in their opinions on the primary divisions of organized matter. 

 All we can hope to have achieved, is the determination of the leading groups 

 of the Merulidcv, the indication of the typical structure of each, and the mode by 

 which the whole are connected. Our remarks, therefore, have merely opened a 

 field for future research ; but it can only be explored in proportion to the slow 

 development of knowledge ; and even then will require such an extensive 

 acquaintance with forms, and with their minuter variations, as will render the 

 task, at least for the present, almost hopeless. — Sw. 



* The beautiful Irena, in like manner, may be supposed to represent Myophonus among the Oriolirue. 



