42 



structed. Various attempts had, indeed, 

 been made, but hitherto without rigorously 

 examining the dental formula. We shall 

 take occasion again to recur to this subject. 



As if the vast territory of the United 

 Stales was too limited for their exertions^ 

 several of our naturalists have examined 

 and given faithful descriptions of the ani- 

 mals of other regions. The Isodon of Cuba, 

 by Mr. Say, and the very curious Chlamy- 

 phorus from the interior of Chili, by Dr. 

 Harlan, deserve particular attention. We 

 look impatiently for the promised work of 

 Dr. Godmanand his able coadjutors; which 

 is to furnish us with a complete History 

 all the hitherto known quadrupeds of JYorth 

 America, 



Birds, These have early claimed the at- 

 tention, not only of foreigners, but of our 

 own naturalists. Indeed, in all ages and 

 countries, their beautiful forms, often deco- 

 rated with the gayest plumage, their attrac- 

 tive habits and artless song, have never 

 failed to render them objects of universal 

 interest. A few inconsiderable and imper- 

 fect lists have been made, and of these we 

 may indicate such as are contained in Jef- 



