A COMMENTARY ON NOS. VII. AND VIII. OF THE NATURALIST.” 293 
ticable. Wherever recognizable groups exist, let them be specified, without 
any reference to abstract and preconceived theory; in other words, let the indis¬ 
criminate association of forms of different degrees of value be, as far as possible, 
avoided, such as is flagrantly exhibited irl the incongruous composition of the 
quinarian order Rasores ; not but that Cuvier’s natatorial divisions, it may be 
added, of Longipennes^ Totipalmi^ Brachgpterus^ and Lamellirostres^ are equally, 
or even more distinct, than the three primary rasorial groups above denoted. 
The immense divisions Insessores^ Grallatores^ &c., are decidedly over-compre¬ 
hensive ; but would become free from every objection if resolved into groups of 
secondary value, sucli as that above proposed to comprise the two families La- 
ridcE and Procellaridce,. It is true that the advocates of the quinary system have 
been compelled te adopt this plan in the case of the excessively numerous Inses- 
sores ; but, with all deference to those who maintain this theory, it appears to 
me, that the latter has vitiated the attempt at dismemberment.. The Grallatores 
are obviously referable to three very distinct sections, which are sufficiently indi¬ 
cated by their eggs alone; but the Insessores require a careful analysis, upon the 
principle on which Mr. Allis has proceeded, and conducted without any bias or 
prejudice in favour of arrangements hitherto proposed; an analysis which shall 
set forth their accordances and disagreements, without endeavouring to enhance 
or depreciate the value of either, to strain consistency with pre-conceived theo¬ 
retic views. 
But to proceed with the retrospect of your two last numbers, without indulging 
in any further digression. The species of Lestris mentioned at p. 86, is most 
probably L. Richardsonii^ L. parasiticus being extremely rare on the British 
coast. 
The Corn Bunting (p. 90) is decidedly not a rare bird in the south of England, 
thqughjit is everywhere much less common than its congener, the Yellow Bunt- 
iug^ I) A. prinp^pal iyeason that its nest is so seldom met with, arises from the fact 
of ii(^;Commonly building in Clover, or similar herbage, in the interior of j a field, 
away from the hedge, so that the site is removed from the track of nesting boys. 
Your correspondent. Dr. Liverpool, is mentioned in the British Song Birds 
as having kept the Locustell alive in confinement; perhaps he will favour us with 
information as to whether it constantly progresses on the ground by alternate 
use of the feet; all the authors affirm that it kops^'’ 
Mr. Hoy informs me that the principal, indeed the only, distinction which he 
* We shall be very glad to hear fromDr.| Liverpool, or any other correspondent, on this point. 
We have ascertained, from personal observation of the Locustell at large, that it frequently hops, 
and we have no reason for believing that it ever adopts any other mode of progression on the 
ground. We are, therefore, a little surprised at the opinion expressed by a zealous ornithologist 
(Mr.fJ. D. Hoy) in a foot-note at p. 78 of the present volume—E d. 
No. 12, Vol. II. 2 R 
