234 
ON THE CLASSIFICATION OP BIBDS. 
(192.) Names of genera must he framed according 
tycsemUances or properties, which, however, must he 
foiuM not in one species of the genus only, hut in the 
majority of those which are known. (IFiUd.) M''hen 
t e name can be formed according to one of the essen- 
tial characters of the genus or group, such names are 
undoubtetUy the test. Hence,' as nearly aU rasorial 
ypes are remarkable for their crests or their tails 
names indicating the peculiar formation of these parts 
are particularly good ; for they not only indicate which 
ol the primary types the group represents, but also the 
particular modification of one of the characteristics of 
that type. The following may be quoted as among the 
best of these names ; — 
Macrocirciis. 
Platycirciis. 
Oxyurus, 
Dtcrurus. 
Rhipidura. 
Seisura. 
(lyS.) Generio names ending in oi'des, ella, ana 
must he car, fully avoided. (WUld.) — These termin-’ 
ations, which generally imply resemblances, often doubt- 
ful, cannot properly be used in a generic sense ; as the 
names of such groups should be of a definite and posi- 
tive nature. They may, however, be most usefully 
employed witli regard to species, as indicating a simi- 
larity either of colour, form, or habit, to the bird with 
which It IS compared. Thus, Mgiagra rubiculoides is 
aptly so named, because it resembles in its habit a 
robin, and we are immediately reminded of its natural ' 
analogy to that bird. 
(194.) Name» of groups should not he too lonq al- 
though they may he classically compounded. — All names 
are chiefly mtended to assist the memory, which should 
no be burthened by words of great length. Hence the 
following names-although some, being strictly correct, 
may be tolerated-are not to be imitated either in their 
length or occasional harshness : 
Ateolepodes. 
Coleorainphu.s. 
Macroram])lius. 
Opeiiorhynchus. 
