112 
Introduction: Geographical Distribution. 
The Island of Celebes is now known to possess 1 5 peculiar genera of birds, 
some of which, indeed, range into other parts of the Celebesian area. These 
forms are of unequal values, that is to say some of them are very distinct from 
genera existing in other parts of the world, -while others hardly possess any 
structural difference to warrant their distinction. We have, therefore, divided 
the Celebesian genera into three classes, according to their taxonomic value. 
The following four are I. Class genera; 
Megacephalon 
Streptocitta 
Cittura 
Scissirostrum. 
The Moleo, Megacephalon, has affinities with Talegallus and Aepgpodius of 
New Guinea. 
Streptocitta, a bird very similar in appearance to a Magpie, seems to occupy 
an intermediate position between the Sturnidae and Corvidae. It is probably 
most nearly allied to Basileornis, a Celebesian genus occurring on the mainland 
and known also by distinct species from Banggai and Ceram; the latter genus 
seems to have its nearest affinities with Melanopyrrhus of New Guinea. Hence 
Streptocitta does not seem to be of Oriental origin, but of Australasian (pp. 576, 
573 of text). 
Cittura, a low type of Kingfisher, has certain affinities with the still more 
primitive Melidora of New Guinea, but its direct descent from such a form is 
improbable, and its land of origin is hidden in doubt (p. 307 of text). 
Scissirostrum, a Grosbeak-like Starling, has been variously treated by systema- 
tists, and in our opinion it has as near affinities with the Oriental Acridotheres 
as with anything, but its curious beak undoubtedly entitles it to an isolated 
position, among the Sturnidae (p. 569 of text). 
The following are II. Class genera: 
Rhabdotorrhinus 
Meropogon 
Cegcopsis 
Mgza 
Malia 
Cataponera 
Enodes 
Aramidopsis. 
The small Hornbill, Rhabdotorrhinus, is apparently most nearly related to 
the Philippine genus, Penelopides (p. 237 of text). 
Forsten’s Bee-eater, Meropogon, finds its nearest allies in Nyctiornis of the 
Oriental Region — not including the Philippines (pp. 259, 260 of text). 
The little Kingfisher, Ceycopsis, seems to be intermediate between the red- 
backed section of Ceyx which ranges from India to the Philippines, and the 
blue-backed section of that genus found from the Philippines to the Solomon 
Islands, but it differs from both in possessing a minute inner toe, which is quite 
obliterated in all members of the genus Ceyx. We believe that indications may 
be found showing that the red-backed section of Ceyx is more ancient than the 
blue (pp. 274, 277 of text). 
