ihe 
‘ . 
132 ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF E Sor 
(147.) The true wrens ga 
slight developement of the scansorial powert;' hat 
thologists have very generally placed these little 1 
with the goldcrests, or true warblers. The ane i9 
however, subsequently givenof this last family, leaves 
doubt in our mind, that their natural situation is in 
present group. A very singular part of the economy 
our common wren has not, we believe, been made know 
If attentively observed, it will be seen that, on flyi 
into a hedge or thicket, it almost invariably enters tl 
part nearest the ground, and emerges towards the top 
if watched within such retreats, its progress is alwé 
upwards ; and although it hops, rather than climbs, st 
the elongation of the hind toe is evidently intended 1 
assist its progressive ascent, slight, indeed, but continue 
Again, it is perfectly clear, that wherever the Amer 
can wrens (Thriothorus Vieil.) are placed in a natu 
arrangement, ours must follow; for a separation + 
forced, would, in our opinion, be sufficient of itself t 
shake the very foundations of any system in which th 
two groups were widely separated. Lastly, it will appea 
upon analysis, that the true wrens are actually repr 
sented among the warblers, by a genus (Prinia) hithert 
stationed among the climbing creepers. In this rap 
sketch of the animal kingdom, we are compelled to p 
over details; but we must occasionally notice such 4 
these, not only to give the reader a sufficient insig 
into our own views, but to explain upon what grounds 
we venture to question the correctness of all those en 
nent naturalists who have gone before us. | 
(148.) The structure of the Picripa, or woodt eck 
ers, constitute them the most perfect of all the climbi 
birds, for nature has rendered their whole organisati¢ 
subservient to this particular power. The feet, althou 
very short, are unusually strong; the nails are bro 
and crooked, and the toes placed in pairs,—that is, t 
forward and two backward. As an additional an : 
powerful support to these birds in their rapid and pe 
pendicular ascent up the trunks of trees, their t 
“e 
