mo 
MR MACGILLIVRAY ON 
terms to be invented would not be very considerable, as 
the terminology of botany would afford a great proportion 
in as far as regards form, — and that of comparative ana- 
tomy, or even of ornithology itself, in as far as concerns 
situation. In the deficiency of a systematic terminology, 
my illustrations of the method proposed can only be limited : 
but if, by selecting a few genera from among the various 
tribes of birds, I shall be able to shew, that it not only 
applies with great effect to them, but also aflPords characters 
far superior to those previously used, it may be in a man- 
ner taken for granted, or at least allowed as probable, that 
the method is capable of being extended to the whole series. 
The terms which I shall use may not be the most judicious, 
in a logical point of view, as the object must be to present 
a clear picture, and it is therefore necessary to use familiar, 
and, at the same time, perspicuous illustrations. 
The genera which have been selected for the purpose of 
exhibiting the application of the method, are the following : 
Gallus, Paradisea, Corvus, Ardea, and Anas ; and of these 
a few only of the species will be taken, as the whole would 
occupy too much time. Let it, however, be understood, 
that particular attention is not paid to the regular construc- 
tion of the characters, according to the rules prescribed by 
methodical writers, or arising necessarily from the nature 
of things, it not being intended to exhibit a specimen of 
what characters ought to be with regard to verbal or logi- 
cal precision, but with regard to obvious and determined 
distinctions. 
Gallus. 
Gallus Sonneratii, Jungle Cock. 
G. plumis coUaribus, alarum tectiicibus, uropygii latera- 
' libus, rachi complanata membranacea, nitentibus, pec- 
toralibus dorsalibusque sub-ellipticis obtusis. 
