COOPER’S HAWK. 
5 
what this rank ought to be. We therefore, in the instances above 
quoted, consider it of little importance, whether these groups be 
considered as genera or subgenera. 
But what is certainly of great importance, is, to preserve uni¬ 
formity in all such cases; to make co-ordinate divisions, and give 
corresponding titles to groups of equal value. This uniformity, 
however desirable, cannot, in the actual state of ornithology, be 
easily attained; and we have decided, after much hesitation, to 
continue to employ subgenera. In doing this, we are moreover 
influenced by the great difficulty that is met with, in some cases, 
in determining the proper place of a species partaking of the 
characters of several groups, yet not in the least deserving to be 
isolated; such as Falco borealis, which is almost as much an Jlstur 
as a Buteo, and has been placed by authors, according to their 
different views, in both these groups. 
An extensive reform is evidently needed in the department of 
classification that relates to genera; and we propose, with this 
view, to undertake at some future period a general work, when, 
erecting our system on a more philosophical basis, though we 
may restrict some, and enlarge other genera, we shall in the 
instances to which we have alluded, as well as in a multitude of 
others, at least place them all on an equal footing. 
Among the several groups into which the Falcon tribe is 
divided, we come to one composed of about sixty species, well 
marked, and, if kept within its proper bounds, very natural; to 
which authors have variously applied the name of Jlccipiter, Spar- 
vius, and Jlstur, which last we have adopted. 
Found in all parts of the globe, and destroying every where 
great numbers of birds and small quadrupeds, the Hawks, (by 
which English name we propose to distinguish this group more 
particularly,) closely resemble each other in colour and changes 
of plumage, especially the North American and European species. 
VOL. II.—B 
