nxciiEs. 
155 
bear to some of the aberrant groups of the preceding 
tribe or family are so striking and various, that it 
is doubtful which is the group most nearly allied to 
them. AVe consider, however, that the almidince is 
the more aberrant group of the present family ;* and 
that as the coccotliraiistincB exhibit in the form and 
structure of their bill the greatest strength, and 
closest resemblance to a cone, the several sub-families 
will arrange themselves as follow; viz., AlcmdincB 
(Larks), Fringillincd (Ground Finches), Cocco- 
thraustincB (or Grosbeaks), Tanagrince (or Tanagers), 
and Pyrrhulince (or Bull -finches). 
The characteristic features of the Larks at once 
distinguish them from the other groups. The bill, 
although conic, is much more slender than in any 
other birds of 
the family. The 
legs and feet 
are more pecu- 
liarly adapted 
for walking, or 
for running on 
grass or uneven 
surfaces ; the 
claws being uncommonly straight and lengthened, 
more especially the hinder one, which is either nearly 
straight or very slightly curved. The uniformity of 
colouring wLich prevails generally amongst the 
Larks is another adaptation to their haunts, and is 
one out of the numberless instances of that harmo- 
nious design which marks the visible creation. Con- 
tinually exposed, from the character of their haunts. 
