SYLVIAD.E. 203 



is probably the Muscicapa stellata, Vieil. ; and the Muscicapa longipes of M. 

 Lesson, seems to be the Oceanic form. The genus, thus indicated, stands aber- 

 rant in its own sub-family, and appears to be the Fissirostral type of the Saxico- 

 UncB. But as the sub-genera require much more study than we have yet had the 

 means of bestowing upon them, we rather wish the above series to be looked on 

 as questionable, or at least as unsupported by analogical demonstration. 

 Of the next aberrant division, comprising the 



MOTACILLIN.E, 



or Wagtails, America is equally destitute ; while the group itself is so deficient in 

 species, that its internal affinities are very obscure. The situation of Anthus, 

 indeed, is perfectly evident ; it is the Tenuirostral type, and leads immediately to 

 Alaada ; but that of Seiurus is particularly perplexing : it may, in fact, be ques- 

 tioned, whether its precise situation is not on the confines of the next, rather than 

 of this sub-family. Be this as it may, the affinity of the two divisions is rendered 

 unquestionable, by comparing the short-clawed Anthi with Seiurus aquaticus, and 

 Se'iums aurocapillus with Accentor. The fissirostral type of the Motacillince, 

 hitherto undiscovered, will clear up much of this uncertainty. 

 The next and last aberrant division, comprising the 



PARIANS, 



is one of most peculiar interest, not only to the American ornithologist, as con- 

 taining nearly all the beautiful little warblers of that continent, but to the more 

 philosophic investigator of the natural system. This division, in fact, is the most 

 numerous, and consequently the most varied of the whole family ; it accordingly 

 offers the best field for the investigation of those principles of natural arrangement 

 upon which our peculiar views are founded. Its internal arrangement may be 

 thus stated : — 



1. 



Typical group. 



Genera. Analogies. 



Bill short, strong, conic, entire . Parus. Conirostres. 



2. 



{Bill more lengthened, and slender, ] 



sub-conic, entire, or obsoletelv f Sylvicola. Dkntirostres 

 notched. J 



3 f Feet more especially adapted either 1 Setophaga. Fissirostres. 



ii . j for perching, walking, or climbing ; f Trlchas. Tenuirostres. 



>■ bill various. J Accentor. Scansores. 



2 D 2 



