TODUS. 
171 
To these nine circular groups, one within the other, 
indicated in the Hor. Ent., we hare only given those 
names indicatory of their relative ranks, which 
have already been elsewhere explained*, and uni- 
formly employed in our former works. The groups 
themselves are Mr. Macleay’s, not ours ; and we 
are assured they are the result of close analysis. So 
likewise are those in the opposite series, the re- 
sult of an analysis undertaken to ascertain the rank 
of one animal in the scale of nature ; and as the 
results of both inquiries perfectly accord, we know 
not how the question regarding the rank of Todus 
viridis, megacephalus , or of any other of the species 
here mentioned, can he further prosecuted. Far 
from thinking it necessary to apologise for these 
details, we consider it fortunate to be possessed of 
those materials necessary for the investigation. 
Ornithologists need not be told how highly im- 
portant it has become to have some definite notions 
on the affinities of the Todus viridis. One of our 
best systematists places it between the Australian 
manakins ( Pardalotus ) and the flycatchers. Ano- 
ther, between the kingfishers ( Halcyonidce ) and 
the motmots ( [Priorities ). A third (M. Cuvier), 
between the kingfishers and the hombills ! While 
a fourth makes it the point of connexion between 
the wide-mouthed rollers ( Eurystomus ) and Al- 
eedo. In respect to the latter arrangement, which 
professes to be quinary and circular, we may ven- 
ture to observe, that there is an evident relation 
* Geography and Classification of Anim p. 268. 
