SYSTEMATICALLY ARRANGED BY DR. T. T. KAUP. 
by a large brain, more perfect eyes, and much sagacity in their 
habits, they represent the nerve-bird or Psittacine type. 
The Psittacidce show a fine oval scull, the eye-socket almost 
closed ; fine and moderately large eyes, of which they can open and 
contract the pupil at will ; the nostrils bored into the nasal bones ; 
cere, the upper mandible large, curved from the broad front, on the 
sides emarginated, overhanging the short lower mandible, which is 
turned upwards and emarginated on the sides ; the point of the bill 
shows, on the flat of the mouth, a file-like protuberance ; the bones 
of the palate descend towards the throat ; the tongue is thick and 
fleshy ; the breast-hone is entire, with two round holes towards the 
posterior edge ; the tarsi are short, with fine granulate scales ; 
the exterior toe is turned backwards — the toes are finely scaled ; 
the wings, though perfectly developed, are not constructed for fly- 
ing far over the seas. The greater number of them are orna- 
mented with beautiful green and other brilliant colours. They 
are mostly true tree-birds, living upon vegetable food ; they climb 
with the aid of their bill ; use their feet like hands, carrying with 
them their food to their mouth. Their droll habits are only to 
be compared to those of the monkeys ; they are equally coaxing, 
capricious, dainty and malicious. They may all be tamed, and 
learn to bear confinement. Some may be taught airs, and to 
imitate spoken words. 
Now, if we find these characteristics in other families existing 
111 a more or le ss number, or but indicated, then we give to them 
the first rank in their suborders, families, &c. 
Thus we see in the Fringillidce the bill resembling that of the 
Psittacidae , using their bill in climbing ( Loocia ); parrot -like 
plumage (Psittirostra) ; a fleshy tongue (Fringillidce) ; the gift 
of imitating (Pyrrhula) ; an aptness to he tamed and trained * 
therefore we assign to the Fringillidce the first rank among the 
omrostres, which with the Fringillidce exalt themselves to the 
first suborder of all Passeres or Ornithes. 
In no other suborder of the Ornithes, as Fissirostres, Syndactyli 
Dentirostres and Tenuirostres, is there a family to be found which 
shows such a number of analogies with the Psittacidce as that of 
the Fringillidce. The Fringillidce are then the true Psittacine 
type of Ornithes. 
In a e ted order, Grallce, the Parrot-type is however faintly 
