118 ORNITHOLOGY. 



In Corvus capensis, the brown color appears to be restricted to the 

 head ; and that species has not been detected, to our knowledge, in the 

 countries of Western Africa. We regard the present as a species which 

 probably extends its range into the continent of Africa, though obtained 

 by the naturalists of the Expedition in the Island of Madeira. 



It is stated by M. Pucheran, as cited above, that the specimen origi- 

 nally described by M. Lesson, which is in the Paris Museum, is from 

 the Cape of Good Hope. If so, this species ranges over an extent of 

 the western coast of Africa, quite unusual for any species. The 

 locality of the specimen in the collection of the Expedition is dis- 

 tinctly given by Mr. Peale : 



" The specimen from which our description is taken, was shot within 

 a short distance of the City of Funclial, in the Island of Madeira, in 

 the month of September. It was not uncommon, but we were not so 

 fortunate as to obtain a male. 



The form and general aspect of this bird is more that of the raven 

 than of the crow ; the bill is arched like that of the raven, and the tail 

 is of the same form, but the acutely-pointed quills and short nails, 

 particularly those of the outer toes, present a marked character, which 

 separates it from any other which we have had an opportunity to exa- 

 mine." 



This bird belongs strictly to the same group of species as Corvus 

 capensis, and considerably resembles it, but differs as above stated. 

 It is possible, too, that Corvus umbrinus is a member of the same, 

 being apparently a species of African extraction ; but though we have 

 frequently seen the name, we have, of that species, if such it is, never 

 seen a description. We have no idea, therefore, on this side of the 

 Atlantic, of the personal aspect of Corvus urnhriniis, and the present 

 writer suspects that the name is one of many Museum appellations, 

 which have been put in circulation, like a quite smooth coin, with no 

 indication of its value, or perhaps only for the highest the passer can 

 get from the more skilful metallurgist. This description of proceeding, 

 though it may do well enough to heighten the distinction and scien- 

 tific consideration of not very energetic directors or head or assistant 

 keepers of Museums, yet materially retards the most important object 

 for which they and the establishments with which they are connected 

 are maintained by their governments or constituents, which is, the 

 difllusion of knowledge. 



Our figure represents this bird about two-thirds of the natural size. 



