260 TlMEHRI. 
Of the specially modified family of the swallows, speci- 
mens are shewn, close to the wrens in the flat-case (i), of 
the martins (Cotyle). In these birds, the bills are very 
short and thin, extremely broad at the base, and coming 
suddenly to a point at the tip. The tail is forked and 
the wings are long, sharp and narrow. In general 
appearance they recall the swifts of the last order. 
Of the extremely large family of the finches, a few- 
specimens (Oryzoborus and Spermophila) are shewn in 
the flat-case (i) at the bottom on the left hand side. 
These are commonly known by the vague term of 
grass-birds. The special mark of this family is the very 
short, thick, conical bill, very broad and angular at the 
base, and sloping quickly to a point at the tip. 
Of the clever and large-brained family of the crows, 
a few mounted specimens of the handsome colonial jay 
(Cyanocorax) are shewn in the upright case next to the 
puff-birds. In this family, the bill is long, strongand thick, 
keeled above and compressed, curving gradually to the 
tip. 
Of the several families of Passeres peculiar to America, 
and almost confined to the tropical regions, it might be 
advantageous to give some short account of the most 
important, since the birds are among the richest in 
plumage and the most common in occurrence. 
The small sugar-birds (Ccerebidx) are represented by 
specimens of Dacnis in the flat-case (i). Many of this 
family are extremely beautiful. The bill is rather long, 
slender and arched, often rather broadened at the base, 
as in the creepers, but the tail is not stiff. 
The large family of the tanagers (Tanagridx) comes 
next in the flat-case (i), and in the front of the upright 
