NOTES BY RURICOLA. 



447 



history. I scruple not to assert, that they are divisions clearly and 

 distinctly indicated by nature ; and if it be agreed that the old genus 

 Sylvia is to be divided at all, the British species ought certainly to 

 range in as many separate divisions as are here pointed out. Whether 

 or not, however, these divisions are to be considered as genera is a 

 matter of minor importance, about which difference of opinion may 

 exist. The divisions are quite necessary to the establishment of a 

 natural system of arrangement ; and, as each is easily distinguishable 

 from the others by decided and marked characters, each, I think, 

 should be considered as a separate genus, and known as such by a 

 particular name. I am of opinion, also, that the various American 

 warblers {Sylvicola of authors) should likewise be arranged into seve- 

 ral generic divisions. Their habits, as described by Wilson, are much 

 too varied for any one natural genus ; but those only who have studied 

 the different species in their native haunts, and who have acquired an 

 intimate and minute knowledge of their several habits, their manners, 

 their nidification, their various notes, and their several respective pecu- 

 liarities, can be competent to classify them in a natural and satisfactory 

 manner. To attempt such an arrangement from their mere skins, 

 would be little better than a useless waste of time. 

 Tooting 3 \Qth August, 1833. 



NOTES BY RURICOLA. 



It has so happened that three wasps' nests have fallen in my way 

 this year, of very different appearances, and in very different situations. 



One was discovered in the spring, in April, I think, or May, in an 

 empty bee-box in a bee house. It was fastened to the upper part of 

 the box, and contained two wasps only. It is in my possession still, 

 apparently perfect and uninjured : of a shape approaching to oval, but 

 somewhat imperfect towards the lower extremity, near the opening. 

 It has been remarked as having some resemblance in shape to a peg- 



top. In length it is not quite two inches : the diameter of the widest 

 part is about one inch and a half. The structure appears to consist of 



