8 
Synopsis of the Birds 
priate ; for there can hardly be any new division proposed, 
for which a suitable name may not be found among the great 
number which already encumber the science. The names 
have, therefore, been selected from various authors, though 
the groups they represent do not in all cases exactly corres- 
pond. 
We have endeavoured to dispose the species as nearly as 
possible in a natural series. We are, however, fully aware 
that organized beings cannot be arranged in a regular and 
continuous line, but that their relations with each other would 
be more accurately represented by lines radiating from differ- 
ent centres, uniting and crossing in various directions. 
Notwithstanding this general intricacy of affinities, there 
’we, however, several genera, families, and especially orders, 
that will admit of a disposition in a regular series, and yet 
remain in strict conformity to nature. It is obvious, for in- 
stance, that the An seres must terminate the series of the feath- 
ered tribes (as the Cete that of the pilose), that the Grall® 
should immediately precede them (occupying the relative 
position of the Bellu®), then the Gallin®, (which may be 
compared to Pecora) and still ascending in the natural series, 
w~e arrive at the families of the Passerigalli and Columbini, 
which form an excellent link between Gallin® andPASSERES, 
and thus connect our two subclasses. 
I have separated the feathered tribes into two subclasses, 
represented by a character draw n from the relative insertion 
or absence of the hind toe. These divisions seem to be more 
consonant to nature, than those of land and w r ater birds, the 
characters of which are not sufficiently precise, and are sub- 
ject to many exceptions. 
The only material change resulting from the adoption of 
these divisions, is the separation of the Gallin® from the arti- 
ficial situation they formerly held in the more numerous sub- 
class, in order to place them in our second division ; and who 
will deny that Gallin® is more intimately allied to Grall® 
