Southern District of New-York, ss.

E IT REMEMBERED, That on the fifth day of February, A. D. 1828, in the fifty-

second year of the Independence of the United States of America, William Cooper, (in

the name and on the behalf of ‘the Eyceum of Natural History of New-York,”’) of the said

District, hath deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as pro-

prietor, in the words following, to wit :

« Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History of New-York. Vol. II.”

In conformity to the Act of Congress of the United States, entitled, ‘* An Act for the

encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors

and proprietors of such copies, during the time therein mentioned.’ And also to an Act,

entitled ‘‘ an Act, supplementary to an Act, entitled an Act for the encouragemei\t of Learn.

ing, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such

copies, during the times therein mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of

designing, engraving, and etching historical] and other prints.”

FRED. J. BETTS,

Clerk of the Southern District of New-York.

Officers of the Byceum,

For 1827-28.

President.

JOSEPH DELAFIELD.

Vice Presidents.

ABRAHAM HALSEY. JAMES E. DEKAY.

Corresponding Secretary.

JER. VAN RENSSELAER. .

Recording Secretary.

JOHN I. GRAVES.

Treasurer.

WILLIAM COOPER.

Librarian.

JAMES E. DEKAY.

Curators.

J. COZZENS, JOS. DELAFIELD, J. I. GRAVES,

J. E. DEKAY, D. H. BARNES,

Committee of Publication.

Messrs. COOPER,

DELAFIELD,

DEKAY,

HALSEY,

BARNES.

CONTENTS

VOLUME SECOND.

By D. H. Barnrs.

Nore on the Murex Corona of Gmelin, - - - -

By Cuarues L. BonAPARTE.

The Genera of North American Birds, and a Synopsis of the Spe-

cies found within the Territory of the United States ; systemati-

cally arranged in Orders and Families, Paré first. - -

Additions to the Ornithology of the United States ; and Observa-

tions on the Nomenclature of certain species, - - -

The Genera of North American Birds, and a Synopsis of the Spe-

cies found in the United States. Part second. - - -

By WirtrAm Cooper,

Note on the Habitat of the Schizea pusilla, - - - -

Further discovery of Fossil Bones in Georgia; with Remarks on

their identity with those of the Megatherium, - - -

By James FreEMAN Dana.

An Account of some Experiments on the Root of the Sanguinaria

canadensis, - : - = = 2 co

Analysis of the Copper Ore of Franconia, New-Hampshire; with

remarks on Pyritous Copper, - - - = a z

By James E. Drexay.

Report on several multilocular Shells from the State of Delaware ;

with observations on a second specimen of the genus Eurypterus,

Notes on a Fossil Skull in the Cabinet of the Lyceum of the genus

Bos, from the banks of the Mississippi; with Observations on

the American species of that genus, . - - - -

273

280

VI CONTENTS. 6

By Joun Le Conte.

On the North American Plants of the genus Tillandsia, with descrip-

if tions of three new species, - - - - - - - 129

Description of the Siren intermedia, a new species, - - es ido

Observations on the North American Species‘of the genus Viola, 135

By Samuet L, Mircnixt.

Description of a new species of Diodon, - - - - - 264

By Messrs. Mircurxy, J. A. Surry, and Coorrr.

Discovery of a Fossil Walrus in Virginia. Report on a fossil Skull

sent to Dr. Mitchill, by Mr. Cropper, of Accomac County,

Virginia, - Eas = = ae sug LRP ae acai

By J. Aucusrine Smits.

Account of the Dissection of a Proteus of the Lakes; with remarks

on the Siren intermedia, - - - - - - = _ 259

By Joun Torrey.

Some Account of a Collection of Plants made during a journey to

the Rocky Mountains in the summer of 1820, by Edwin P.

James, M. D. Assistant Surgeon U. 8. Army, - - -. 161

& dp *

Pui 7 »

ANNALS

OF THE a

LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

OF NEW-YORK.

MARCH 1826.

OFFICERS OF THE LYCEUM,

CHOSEN FEBRUARY, 1826.

President.

JOHN TORREY.

Vice-Presidents.

ABRAHAM HALSEY, JOSEPH DELAFIELD.

Corresponding Secretary.

JER. VAN RENSSELAER.

Recording Secretary.

DANIEL H. BARNES.

Treasurer.

WILLIAM COOPER.

Librarian.

JOHN I. GRAVES.

Curators.

Messrs. DELAFIELD, J. COZZENS, BARNES,

J. I. GRAVES, GREENE.

Committee of Publication.

J. E. DEKAY,

WM. COOPER,

D. H. BARNES,

JOS. DELAFIELD,

A. HALSEY.

Lhe Genera of Nortw American Brirps, and a Synopsis

of the Sprcies found within the territory of the Unitep

States ; systematically arranged in Orders and Families.

By Cuartes L. Bonaparte. Read January 24, 1826.

Ir was the author’s intention to have deferred the publica-

tion of the present Synopsis, as announced in the preface to

the continuation of Wilson’s Ornithology, until the appear-

ance of the concluding volume of that work; when it might,

with the attention which time would enable him to bestow

upon it, be made more worthy of meeting the public eye. It

having been suggested, however, that even in its present state,

its publication might facilitate the study of the branch of

Natural History to which it relates; and moreover, thinking

that it might contribute to the perfection of the future edition,

he begs leave to submit it for the consideration of the Lyceum.

No species has been admitted to a place in the following

Synopsis, that is not described in the standard work of Wil-

son, and adopted in our observations on the Nomenclature of

his Ornithology ; or that has not been since discovered or

ascertained by us to be actually an inhabitant of the United

States. The latter will appear in our Natural History of

the birds not given by that justly admired author. All other

species stated to inhabit the United States, on whatever

authority, we regard as apocryphal; and we have no hesita-

tion in declaring, that the discoverer of a bird not noticed

here, will render an important service to science by publishing

an account of it.

The classification here adopted is that of a general system,

the analysis of which we hope to publish shortly : although

not entirely new, it in many respects deserves that title.

‘The introduction of new appellations has indeed been avoided

throughout, even when they would have been more appro-

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

are, 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 ANSEREs must terminate the series of the feath-

ered tribes (as the Crre that of the pilose), that the Gratum

should immediately precede them (occupying the relative

position of the Beuttvz), then the Gauiina, (which may be

compared to P.cora) and still ascending in the natural series,

we arrive at the families of the Passerigalli and Columbini,

which form an excellent link between GaLtinz and PassERes,

and thus connect our two subclasses.

I have separated the feathered tribes into two subclasses,

represented by a character drawn from the relative insertion

or absence of the hind toe. These divisions seem to be more

consonant to nature, than those of land and water 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 GaLuinz 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 Gauin@ is more intimately allied to Gratum

of the United States. 9

and ANSERES, than to Passeres and AccrritTRrEs, notwithstand-

ing the beautiful series of links by which they are connected

with the latter ?

Our first subclass is monogamous, whereas the second is

chiefly polygamous. The first feed their young, which are

born naked and with the eyes closed, and from their feeble and

helpless nature are confined to the nest; while the offspring

of the second division, are able to run from the nest as soon

as hatched. This contrast proves the superiority of organi-

zation in the former ; since it is well known, that those beings,

which are most elevated in the scale of nature, require the

greatest degree of parental care in their infancy.

The characters of the Orders, and of North American

Families, are given in detail; and none are in any case again

repeated under the Genera.

In the short specific phrases, we have endeavoured to in-

clude such essential and differential characters, as will clearly

designate each species, not only from those of this country,

but from all others known. Synonyms from all the princi-

pal authors were added, to enable the student to refer with

readiness to all that has been published relative, to the birds

of this country; but as they would have occupied too much

space in the valuable pages of the Annals of the Lyceum,

they are for the present omitted ; especially as many of the

most important may be found in our Odservations on the No-

menclature of Wilson’s Ornithology. We have, therefore,

only subjoined to each species, the name of the author whose

appellation we adopt, together with a reference to the Ame-

rican Ornithology; and a select synonym only in those

cases where we have unfortunately been compellcd to give a

new name to a species already known.

An analytical table, constructed without reference to foreign

genera, is prefixed to the synopsis in order to facilitate the

search after the genus to which any North American bird may

belong.

10 Synopsis of the Birds

The following is a list of the publications we have consult«

ed, with the abbreviations under which they are quoted.

L. Linné, Systema Nature. Editio duodecima Vin-

dobone. 1767.

Briss. —Brisson, Ornithologia sive Synopsis methodica

Avium. Parisiis. 1760.

Gm.—-Gmelin, Linné Systema Nature. Editio decima-

tertia. Leipsic. 1788.

Lath.—Latham, Index Ornithologicus, sive Systema Orni-

thologiz. Londini. 1790. and Supplement 1801.

Ill.—Illigeri Prodromus Systematis Mammalium et

Avium. Berolini. 1811.

Cuv.——Cuvier, Regne Animal. Paris. 1817.

rique Septentrionale (incomplete work). Paris.

1807, & the different articles on birds in the

Pere Dictionnaire d’Histoire Naturelle of De- |

terville. Paris. 1816--1819.

Temminck, Manuel d’Ornithologie. Paris. 1820.

& Temminck et Laugier, Nouveau Recueil de

fine Histoire Naturelle des Oiseaux de l’ Amé-

Vieill.

2 si camey Planches coloriées d’Oiseaux. Paris 1820—25,

(to pl. 360.)

Ranz.—Ranzani, Elementi di Zoologia. Bologna. 1821—

93.* . Sha

Latr.—--Latreille, Familles Naturelles du Régne Animal.

Paris. 1825.

In addition to the above mentioned authors a few others

will be occasionally quoted, as Savigny, Meyer, Lacépéde, &c.

* In this judicious compilation, the new zoological modifications are

ably and critically discussed. Every good Italian must be grateful to Mr.

Ranzani for his successful prosecution of this patriotic and arduous enter-

prise, which has long been a desideratum.

of the United States, ij

View of the Natural Families of the System adopted in the

——_-_ elassification of the North American Birds.

Birps are vertebrated, warm-blooded, oviparous animals,

formed for flying; breathing by lungs: lungs undivided,

attached to the ribs, covered by a membrane perforated with

large holes; heart bilocular and biauricular; a corneous

edentate bill; skin feathered ; two wings and two feet.

Yn the present state of the science, they form the second

class of the first type of the animal kingdom.

, SUBCLASS I.

Hind toe articulated on the same plane with the fore toes,

and bearing on the ground its whole length; formed for

grasping.

ORDER I. ACCIPITRES.

Feet ambulatory: bill hooked, with a cere: nails retractile.

1. Vorturrnt. Head naked.

2. Rapaces. Head feathered.

* Diurni. Eyes lateral. ** Nocturni. Eyes in front.

ORDER II. PASSERES.

Feet ambulatory, gressorial, or scansorial.

TRIBE I. SCANSORES. "Toes two before, and two behind.

§ Anterior toes divided, or united only at base.

3. PstTTactni. Bill hooked, with a cere: none of the tocs

versatile.

4, F'ruGivors. Outer hind toe versatile, connected with the

: fore toes by a membrane.

5. AMPHIBOLI. Outer hind toe versatile, free.

* Bill ciliated. ** Bill not ciliated.

§. SAGITTILINGUES. Bill straight ; none of the toes versatile.

{2 Synopsis of the Birds

§§ Anterior toes united to the first joint or beyond.

7. SYNDACTYLI. Bill straight, entire.

'§. SERRATI. Bill exceedingly large, curved, serrate.

TRIBE Ul. AMBULATORES. Toes three before, one behind.

§ Feet gressorial.

9. DENTIROSTRES. Bill cultrate: tibie feathered.

10. ANGuULIROSTRES. Bill subquadrangular, acuminate : tibice

half naked.

§§ Feet ambulatory.

11. GreGARI. Bill robust, conic-acuminate, or cultrate,

forming a sinus in the front feathers.

* Bill conic-acuminate. ** Bill cultrate.

12. SeRIcATI. Bill short, depressed : gape very wide: wings

and feet moderate.

13. CHELiponEs. Bill very short, depressed, slender: gape

very wide: wings very long: feet remarkably short.

14. Canort. Bill moderate, more or less subulate: outer

toe united at base to the middle one. |

® Bill depressed. ** Bill robust, convex, compressed.

*** Bill subcultrate. **** Bill subulate.

15. Tenurrostres. Bill elongated, slender: tongue not

extensible. * Anerpontes. ** Epopsides.

16. AnTHomMyz. Bill elongated, very slender: tongue

_ extensible.

17. ANcITHALI. Bill short, hard, conic-subulate: hind toe

and nai) largest.

18. Passerini. Bill short, robust, conic.

19. Cotumsint. Bill vaulted: nostrils covered by a turgid

membrane.

20. PASSERIGALLI. Bill vaulted, no turgid membrane.

veh

Cal

of the United States. 13

SUBCLASS I.

Hind toe articulated higher on the tarsus than the fore

toes, incapable of grasping, or wanting.

ORDER Ill. GALLINA.

Tarsi rounded, robust, rather short ; tibiee wholly feathered:

bill short, vaulted.

21. GALLINACE!. Fore toes connected at base by a membrane.

* Tarsi naked. ** 'Tarsi feathered.

22. CRYPTURI. Toes not connected by a membrane.

* Four toed. ** Three toed.

ORDER IV. GRALLA.

Tarsi rounded, slender, elongated ; tibize almost always

partly naked : bill generally elongated.

23. STRUTHIONES. Feet two or three toed; toes divided :

no quill feathers.

24, PRESSIROSTRES. Bill moderate, rather robust: hind toe

wanting or very short.

25. ALECTRIDES. Bill short, stout, subvaulted: toes four.

some or all connected.

* Hind toe not touching the ground.

** Hind toe bearing on the ground.

26. Heron. Bill elongated, stout, robust.

* Hind toe touching the ground only at tip.

** Hind toe bearing on the ground with several joints.

27. FatcatTi. Bill very long, arcuated: face naked: hind

‘toe bearing on the ground nearly its whole length.

28. LimicoLtz. Bill elongated, slender: hind toe hardly

touching the ground, or wanting.

29. MacropactTYLi. Bill short or moderate: toes divided.

very long: hind toe bearing on the first joint.

* 'Toes simple. ** 'Toes pinnated

Vou. I. 2

Synopsis of the Birds.

30. PINNATIPEDES. Bill straight, slender : toes lobated.

31.

Hycropats. Bill elongated : toes semipalmated.

ORDER V. ANSERES.

Tarsi compressed, abbreviated : tibize almost always partly

naked: toes palmated.

32.

33.

34.

LONGIPENNES. Toes palmated; hind toe free, or wanting :

bill toothless: wings long, acute.

* Nostrils immarginate. ** Nostrils tubular.

LAMELLOSODENTATI. Toes palmated; hind toe free:

bill toothed.

STEGANOPODES. Toes four, all connected by a broad

membrane.

* Bill entire. ** Bill serrated.

. LopirEDES. Toes lobated.

. Pycoropes. Toes palmated; hind toe free or wanting :

bill toothless : wings short, rounded.

* Four toed. ** ‘Three toed.

. IMPENNES. Toes palmated; hind toe free, directed

forward : no quills nor tail.

- s

Genus 1.

“1

10.

of the United States. 15

Rieti

ANALYTICAL TABLE

OF THE NORTH AMERICAN GENERA.

ORDER ACCIPITRES.

Family VULTURINI.

Carnarres.

Family RAPACES.

. Fatco. Eyes lateral: cere obvious.

Strix. Eyes in front: cere concealed.

ORDER PASSERES.

TRIBE I. SCANSORES.

Family PsiTTacint.

Psirracus.

Family AMPHIBOLI.

. Coccyzus.

Family SAGITTILINGUES.

Picus.

TRIBE Uf. AMBULATORES.

§ Feet gressorial.

Family ANGULIROSTRES.

. ALCEDO.

§§ Feet ambulatory.

Family GREGARU.

. Srurnus. Bill straight, depressed, obtuse ; edges

vertical.

Icrerus. Bill straight, compressed, acute ; edges

inflexed.

Quiscaxus. Bill cultrate, bare.

Corvus. Bill cultrate, covered at base with seta-

ceous incumbent feathers.

» 16

Genus 12.

45.

14.

15.

24.

29.

26.

aie

Synopsis of the Birds

Family Sericatt.

Bompycitua.

Family CHELIDONES.

Carrimutcus. Fore toes connected by a mem-

brane ; hind toe versatile : tail of ten feathers.

Cyvrseius. Toes divided; hind toe versatile : tail

of ten feathers.

Hirunpo. Hind toe not versatile : tail of twelve

feathers.

Family Canori.

- Muscicara, Bill depressed, notched, with basal]

bristles.

- Icrerta. Bill robust, compressed, curved, entire.

. Vireo Bill compressed, notched, with basal

bristles.

- Lantus. Bill curved, with a sharp tooth each side

near the tip.

- Myiornera. Bill, at base higher than broad, notch-

ed: tarsi elongated.

. Turvous. Bill rounded-cultrate, at base broader

than high.

. Synvia. Bill subulate, at base higher than broad.

. Saxicota. Bill deeply cleft, subulate, at base

broader than high and carinated.

Awraus. Bill subulate, notched: hind nail long,

straightish: two of the scapularies as long as

the primaries.

Recutvs. Bill short, subulate, notched, covered at

base by a small, rigid, decompound, incum-

bent feather. :

Trociopyres. Bill rather muneatey very slender,

curved, entire.

Family TENUIROSTRES:

Certara. Bill curved : tail feathers rigid, pointed.

Genus 28.

32.

30.

39.

40.

Af.

of the United States. 17

Sttra. Bill conic-subulate.

Family ANTHOMYZI.

- Trocuinus.

Family AEGITHALT.

. Parus.

Family PASSERINI.

» Avavpa. Bill conic-attenuated, entire: hind nail

long, straightish.

Emerriza. Upper mandible coarctate, narrower

than the lower.

Tanacra Bill at base trigonal and somewhat

depressed, slightly curved at tip: outer toe

united at base to the middle one.

. Fatvewsa. Billperfectly conic, acute ; upper man-

dible wider than the lower.

. Pyrravua. Bill conic-convex, turgid; upper

mandible much curved at tip.

» Loxta. Mandibles crossing each other.

Family CoLumBint.

. CoLumsa.

ORDER GALLINE.

Family GALLINACEI.

Meveacris. Bill with a cere-like membrane : tarsi

naked.

Peroix. Bill bare: tarsi naked.

Terrao. Bill covered at base with feathers: tarsi

feathered.

ORDER GRALLE.

Family PRESSIROSTRES,

Craraprivs. Bill short, rounded, obtuse, some

what turgid at tip: hind toe wanting or ex-

ceedingly small.

Synopsis of the Birds

ier!

Genus 42. Sruzrsisas Bill oblong-conic : hind toe touching

N “ “the ground attip. 9 \

43. Hemarorus. Bid rather tong, ‘compresed at tip :

hind toe want Ae i .

| _ Family, Heropn.

44. Gros. Hind: toe touching the ground only at tip.

45. Arpea Hind toe ih on the ground with

Several joints...

Family FaLcatt.

46. Tawrasus Upper mandible not furrowed, notched.

47. Isis. Upper mandible furrowed, entire.

Family Limico.z.

_ 48. Numenius. Bill very long, arcuated.

49. Trinea. Bill moderate, straight or slightly curv-

ed ; point depressed, soft and obtuse.

50. Toranus Bill moderate, straight or slightly re-

curved ; point compressed, solid andsharp.

51. Himanrorus. Legs extremely long, slender, flexi-

ble; toes three.

52. Limosa. Bill very long, slightly recurved, soft,

and obtuse at tip.

53. Scotopax. Bill long, straight, compressed, soft,

elevated at base: point obtuse.

Family MacrRoDACTYLI.

54. Rauius. Toes simple: forehead feathered.

55. Gatiwuxa. Toes simple: forehead bald.

56. Fuuica. Toes pinnated: forehead bald.

Family PINNATIPEDES.

57. Puavaropus.

Family HYGROBATA.

58. Recurvirosrra. Bill subulate, recurved.

59. Pxuarazea. Bill flattened and orbicular at the point.

60. Paa@nicorrerus. Bill large, toothed, bent as if

broken.

of the United States. ine a bo

ace oh

“ORDER ANSBRES: » fis. oe oe St

Titre’ cnet eh, Sb

ar wy Spall”

* Nostiilé tk eh. ai

Genus 61. Racors - Lower mandible moc Toner than the

upper; truncated. *

62. Sterna Bill i straightish, compressed,

acute. rm, | fi: i i

63. Larus. Upper iB hooked, without a cere:

lower gibbous below the point. 9

64. Lesrris. Upper. mandible hooked, covered at

base by a cere : lower gibbous below the point.

** Nostrils tubular.

65. Procerzaria Hind toe only a sharp nail.

66. Diomeprea. Feet three-toed ; no hind nail.

Family LAMELLOSODENTATI.

67. Anas. Bill depressed, obtuse; teeth lamelliform.

68. Mercus. Bill slender, hooked ; teeth subulate.

Family STEGANOPODES.

* Bil entire.

69. Perecanus. Bill much depressed.

70. Paazacrocorax. Bill compressed, hooked, not

seamed above: tibize wholly feathered.

71. Tacnyreres. Bill compressed, hooked, seamed

above: tibize wholly feathered.

** Bill serrated.

72. Sura. Bill stout, straight, compressed ; face

naked.

73. Puanron. Bill cultrate: face feathered.

74, Prorus. Bill subulate: face naked.

Genus 75

Synopsis of the Burds

Family LoBIPEDES.

. Povoa. Bill serrated.

. Popicers. Bill entire.

Family PyGopoDEs.

* Feet four-toed.

. Cotymsus.

** Feet three-toed.

. Uria. Bill nearly straight, pomted: nostrils half

closed by a feathered membrane.

. Mormon. Bill curved, exceedingly compressed,

higher than long: nostrils half closed by a

naked membrane.

. Atca. Bill curved, exceedingly compressed,

longer than high: nostrils half closed by a

feathered membrane.

THE GENERA

NORTH AMERICAN BIRDS,

A SYNOPSIS OF THE SPECIES FOUND IN THE UNITED STATES,

ORDER L ACCIPITRES.

Accipitres, L. Gm. Lath. Cuv. VFieill. Raptatores, Ili.

Rapaces, Temm. Ranz. Latr.

Brut short, robust, compressed ; upper mandible hooked,

covered at base with a cere ; lower shorter, generally obtuse :

nostrils patulous, situated in the cere: tongue generally

fleshy, thick, obtuse. Fxer strong, muscular; tibia fleshy,

wholly feathered ; tarsi rounded, generally short or moder-

ate ; toes, three before and one behind, divided, or connected

at base by a membrane ; sole rough; nails strong, compres-

sed, incurved, acute, retractile. Nercx short: body thick and

heavy. Tai of twelve or fourteen feathers.

Femate larger and more powerful. Youne at first covered

with down. Moult annually.

Rapacious: hunting quadrupeds, birds, reptiles, fishes,

and insects, or feeding on dead bodies. Patient of hunger,

and hardly experiencing thirst. Vision acute. Monogamous :

nestling in high trees, rocks, and buildings ; laying about four

eggs; female only incubating. Flesh not esteemed as food.

Analogous to Ferz in Mammalia.

Vor. II. 3

2494 Synopsis of the Birds

FAMILY I. VULTURINI.

Vulturini, (ll. Vieill. Latr. Accipitres diurni, Cuv.

Rapaces diurn, Ranz.

Heap and part of the neck naked, former often caruncti-

late; generally a collar of feathers round the neck. Eyes

not sunk deep. Crop prominent, naked or woolly. Frrr

naked ; tarsus shorter than the middle toe ; outer toes connect-

ed at base by a membrane ; nails not much incurved, rather

obtuse, hardly retractile. Whunes elongated, subacuminate.

Youne with the head entirely covered with down.

Gregarious ; cowardly ; voracious ; feed on carcasses and

filth, very serviceable in hot climates, and protected by law

in the cities of the southern states: sometimes prey upon

small living animals, reptiles, and birds’ eggs. Diffuse a

disagreeable odour. Lay but two eggs. Disgorge food from

the crop to feed their young.

1. CATHARTES.

Vultur, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Cuv. Sarcoramphus, Duméril.

Neophron, Savigny. Cathartes, Ill. Temm. Ranz.

Vultur, Gypagus, Catharista, Vieill.

Butt elongated, straight at base; upper mandible covered

to the middle by the cere ; nostrils medial, approximate, oval,

pervious, naked ; tongue canaliculate, edges serrate. Hrap

elongated, depressed, rugose. Tarsus rather slender ; lateral

toes equal; middle one much the longest ; inner free; hind

toe shortest. First primary rather short; third and fourth

longest. ;

Inhabit both continents.

SUBGENUS CATHARTES.

Bill robust: tail of twelve feathers. Peculiar to America.

1. CATHARTES CALIFORNIANUS, Ranz. Blackish ° feathers of the

collar and breast lanceolate ; wings reaching much beyond

the tail.

Vultur californianus, Lath. Cathartes vulturinus, Temm.

of the United States. 25

Inhabits the territory of the United States beyond the

Rocky Mountains ; and California.

2. Carmarres Grypuus, Temm. Black; wings varied with

white, not reaching beyond the tail ; head carunculated.

Female destitute of the caruncle. Young entirely brown.

Vultur gryphus, L. Gypagus griffus, Vieill.

{nhabits the south-western territory of the United States ;

Mexico, and especially the Andes of Chili and Peru.

3. CaTuartes papa, Ill. Reddish-white; wings and_ tai]

black; nostrils carunculated.

Young dark bluish; belly and sides of the rump whitish.

Vultur papa, L. Gypagus papa, Vieill.

Inhabits the warmest parts of America: appears occasion-

ally in Florida during summer.

4. Carnanres Aur4, Ill. Black; neck feathered equally all

round ; wings not reaching beyond the tail; tail rounded;

nostrils oval.

Young brown ; wing-coverts and secondaries spotted with

white.

Turkey Buzzard or Turkey Vulture, Vuliur aura, Wils.

Am. Orn. ix. p. 95. pl. 75. fig. 1.

Inhabits throughout the Union, the West Indies and South

America; most numerous in the southern states ; breeds and

winters in New-Jersey ; not. farther north.

5. Carnartes sora, Nob. Black; neck more feathered above

than below; wings not reaching beyond the tail ; tail slightly

emarginate ; nostrils linear-oval.

Young entirely brown.

Black Vulture or Carrion Crow, Vultur atratus, Wils. Am.

Orn. ix. p. 104. pl. 75. fig. 2. Vultur jota, Molina.

Inhabits the continent of America as far north as North

Carolina. Forms the transition from the American, to the

European subgenus, Percnopterus.

24 Synopsis of the Birds

FAMILY ll. RAPACES.

Nocturni, Accipitrint, Ill. Accipitres diurni, Accipitres nae-

turm, Cuv. Vulturin, Accipitrini, Hgolu, Gypaéti, Vieill.

Rapaces diurni, Rapaces nocturni, Ranz.

Vulturin, Accipitrim, Egolu, Latr.

Heap thickly covered with feathers. ‘Tarsus longer than

the middle toe ; nails strong, sharp, much incurved, very re-

tractile. Tait of twelve feathers.

Solitary, or in pairs during the breeding season only. Feed

on living animals, unless compelled by hunger; seize their

prey and carry it in their talons. Lay the food before their

young. xpel them from the nest when full-fledged.

2. FALCO.

Falco, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Ranz.

Aquila, Accipiter, Briss. Aquila, Falco, Brehm. Daptrius,

Ibycter, Polyborus, Aquila, Haliaétos, Pandion, Circaétos,

Circus, Buteo, Milvus, Elanus (since Elanoides), Ictinia, Falco:

Linnunculus (since united to Falco), Physeta (since Herpe-

totheres,) Harpyia, Spizaétos, Asturina, Sparvius, Vieill.

Bitt robust ; cere short, coloured, obvious ; lower mandi-

ble obliquely rounded at tip: nostrils situated at the edge of

the cere. Eves lateral. sunk deep inthe head. Ferer strong ;

tarsus of middling length.

Fema.e differing often in colour, and much larger than

the male. Youne more variegated by spots and lines than

the adults: vary greatly from age, and do not receive their

perfect plumage until the third or fourth year.

Diurnal. Fly high and soar beyond the reach of vision.

Obtain their prey by violence, pouncing upon it sometimes

from a great height.

§ 1. Bill elongated, straight at base.

Aquila, Briss. Brehm. Aigles proprement dits, Temm.

Bill with an obtuse lobe each side: head feathers long,

of the United States. 25

acuminated. Female similar in colour, though larger than

the male.

SUBGENUS I. AQUILA.

Aquila, Briss. Meyer. Cuv. Vieill.

Bill very robust, angular above; cere subhispid ; nostrils

rounded-elliptical, transverse. Feet very robust ; tarsi feather-

ed to the toes; middle toe considerably longest, connected at

base by a membrane with the outer; nails large, very sharp

and incurved, the middle one pectinated on the inner side.

Wings elongated ; first primary very short ; fourth longest.

The most powerful of the genus, surpassing all others in

courage and strength, carrying off even large animals. In-

habit mountainous districts. Sight keen. Sense of smelling

imperfect.

6. Faco rutvus,L. Dusky; cere and toes yellow; tail

rounded, reaching beyond the wings; three scales only on

the last joint of each toe.

Adult : tail fasciated with blackish.

Young: tail white at base, blackish towards the tip.

Ring-tailed Eagle, Falco fulvus, Wils. dm. Orn. vii. p.

3. pl. 55. fig. 1. young.

Inhabits the north, or on the highest mountains of both con-

tinents : rare in America.

SUBGENUS II. HALIAETOS:

Haliaétos, Savigny. Cuv. Vieill.

Bill very robust, convex above; cere subhispid; nostrils

Junulated, transverse. ‘Tarsi half feathered, scutellate ; toes

divided to the base; outer subversatile ; nails subequal, be-

neath canaliculated; the middle one with a deep channel,

and the inner side pectinated. Wings elongated ; first pri-

mary very short; fourth longest.

Chiefly piscivorous ; keep generally near the sea-shores,

lakes and rivers: their great size and strength enable them

to vanquish large animals, birds, and mammalia: participa-

20 Synopsis of the Birds

ting in the habits of the true Eagles: gonnecting Aquila to

Pandion.

”, Fatco reucocerHALus, L. Brown; head and tail white;

tail reaching beyond the wings; bill, feet, and irides, pale

yellow.

Young spotted irregularly with darker and paler brown ;

bill black ; irides light brown.

Bald Eagle, Falco leucocephalus, Wils. Am. Orn. iv. p.

89. pl. 36. adult, and Sea Eagle, Falco ossifragus vu. p. 16.

pl. 55. fig. 2. young.

Inhabits the northern regions of both continents, chiefly near

the sea and other waters ; much more frequent in America.

SUBGENUS III PANDION.

Pandion, Savigny. Cuv. Vieill.

Bill rounded above; cere hispid; nostrils lunulated, oblique,

membranaceous on the superior margin. 'Tarsi naked, reticu-

lated, scales rough; toes divided to the base, the outer ver-

satile ; nails equal, rounded beneath, the middle one not pec-

tinated. Wings elongated ; first primary equal to the third ;

second longest.

Cowardly: piscivorous: live near waters, from which,

when frozen, they retire to a warmer climate: may be trained

to fish for man. Seize their prey in their claws at the sur-

face of the water, or plunge for it: seldom hunt birds. In

consequence of their true Falcon-like wings, sail beautifully,

and with much ease in the air.

8. Farco natimtus, L. Blackish, white beneath; cere and

feet bluish.

Fish Hawk, Falco halietus, Wils. Am. Orn. v. p. 13. pl.

G. fis ie

Inhabits almost every part of the globe near waters ; much

more common in North America than in Europe.

of the United States. ee

§ 2. Bill curved from the base.

Lecwiter Briss. Falco, Brehm.

* Bill with a sharp tooth each side.

SUBGENUS IV. FALCO. '

Falco, Bechstein. Falco, Hierofalco, Cuv.

Faucons proprement dits, Temm. Falco, Tinnunculus, Viel.

Bill short, curved from the base ; lateral tooth closing into

an emargination of the lower mandible ; cere very short,

naked: nostrils rounded, with a central tubercle. Feet strong;

tarsi moderate; toes strong, elongated, the anterior connected

at base by a membrane ; nails long, sharp, incurved. Wings

elongated ; first and third primaries equal, second longest;

first and second with an abrupt emargination on the inner

web near the extremity.

Female about a third larger, differing in colour from the

adult male.

Bold: feed chiefly on small birds ; seize their prey on the

wing: flight vigorous: readily tamed, hence called noble!

+ Wings reaching to the tip of the tail: tarsi reticulated.

9. Faico pereerinvs,Gm. Blackish; beneath white, spotted

with blackish ; cheeks with a dilated black spot; middle toe

as long as the tarsus; inner web of the first primary only,

abruptly narrowed at tip.

Great-footed Hawk, Falco peregrinus, Wils. Am. Orn. ix.

p- 120. pl. 76.

Inhabits the northern Bi ea of both continents; but more

common in Europe.

+} Wings not reaching to the tip of the tail: tarsi scutellated.

10. Fanco sparverius,L. Rufous, beneath paler, spotted

with black ; seven black spots around the head.

Male : upper part of the head, crown excepted, and wing-

coverts slate-blue ; tail with a single subterminal band.

Female and Young more fasciated and spotted; wing-

eoverts rufous ; tail fasciated.

co)

(@ 8)

Synopsis of the Burds

American Sparrow-Hawk, Falco sparverius, Wils. Am.

Orn. it. p. 117. pl. 16. fig. 1. female, and iv. p. 57. pl. 32.

fig. 2. male.

Inhabits throughout North and South America, except in

high northern latitudes : wintering in the southern states.

11. Farco conumearius,L. Dusky; beneath whitish, with

blackish stripes ; tail with four narrow white bands.

Pigeon Hawk, Falco columbarius, Wils. Am. Orn. u. p-

107. pl. is. fig. 3. ;

Inhabits the south of the United States ; extending its mi-

grations as far north as Hudson’s Bay.

** Bill with an obtuse lobe each side.

SUBGENUS V. ASTUR.

Astur, Bechst. Cuv. Dedalion, Savigny. Autours, Temm.

Accipiter, (afterwards Sparvius), Vierll.

Bill strong; lobe of the upper mandible well defined:

nostrils rounded or somewhat oval and oblique. ‘Tarsi rather

elongated, scutellated; middle toe much longer than the

Jateral ; outer connected at base by a membrane, shorter than

the inner: nails long, much incurved, very acute. Wings

short ; first primary considerably shorter than the second ;

fourth longest.

Female similar incolour, but a full third larger than the male.

Bold ; sanguinary ; skimming the earth with great rapidity

of flight ; seize their prey upon the wing, but never falling

upon it from on high, nor soaring into the elevated regions

of the atmosphere; and only describing wide circles in the air

in the season of their loves.

+ Tarsi rather short and robust, (Astures, auct.)

12. Faco pacumeartius, L. Blackish ; eyebrows whitish ; tail

fasciated with paler ; cere livid yellow.

of the United States. 29

Young dusky brown skirted with ferruginous; beneath

white lineated with brown; tail with four blackish bands,

tipped with white ; length more than one foot and a half.

Ash-coloured or Black-capped Hawk, Falco atricapillus

Wils. Am. Orn. vi. p. 80. pl. 5. fig. 3. very old; and Young

Goshawk, Falco palumbarius, nob. Am. Orn. 2. pl. 10. fig.

1, young.

Inhabits the north of both continents ; more rare in Ame-

rica.

13. Fatco pennsytvanicus, Wils. Dark brown; head streak-

ed with whitish ; beneath white thickly spotted on the breast

with brown arrow heads; tail short, black, with two bars of

white and tipped with whitish ; cere and feet yellow. ;

Broad-winged Hawk, Falco pennsylvanicus, (EF. latissimus

in Mr. Ord’s reprint) Wils. Am. Orn. vi. p.92. pl. 54. fig.

i. male.

Inhabits the United States, exceedingly rare.

tt Tarsi long, slender, smooth.

Accipitres, Sparvii, Eperviers, auct.

14. Fauco verox, Wils. (1.) Slate colour, beneath white, barred

with ferruginous; tail with four broad bands of black,

and tipped with whitish; cere dull green; irides and feet

orange.

Young dark brown skirted with ferruginous ; beneath white

with oblong ferruginous spots ; length about one foot.

Slate-coloured Hawk, Falco pennsylvanicus, Wils. dm. Orn.

vi. p. 13. pl. 46. fig. 1. adult male; and Sharp-shinned Hawk,

Falco velox, Wils. Am. Orn. v. p. 116. pl. 45. fig. 1. young

female.

Inhabits all parts of North America: common in New-

Jersey and Pennsylvania, though rare in the time of Wilson..

Vor. II. 4 :

3) Synopsis of the Birds

SUBGENUS VI. ICTINIA.

Ietinia, Viell. Milans, Temm. Buteo, Cuv.

Bill short, narrowed above; upper mandible angularly

lobed; lower distinctly notched; cere glabrous: nostrils

rounded. Tarsi short, slender, scutellated, feathered for a short

space; outer toe connected at base by a membrane ; nails

short, not very acute. Wings greatly elongated; reaching

much beyond the tail; third primary longest. Tail even.

Bold: feed on small birds, reptiles, &c. but chiefly on

insects. Sail in easy circles at a considerable height in the

air. Intermediate between Falco and Milvus, somewhat

allied to Buteo.

i5. Fauco prumpeus, Gm. Blackish-ash; head, neck, and

beneath, considerably paler; tail black; cere black; feet

and irides red.

Young bluish-black ; head and beneath whitish, spotted

with bluish-brown ; tail with three white bands beneath; cere

yellowish.

Mississippi Kite, Falco mississipiensis, Wils. Am. Orn, iii.

p- 80. pl. 25. fig. 1. adult male.

Tnhabits the Southern States, South America, and Mexico ;

common on the Mississippi near Natchez.

SUBGENUS VII. ELANUS.

Elanus, Savigny, Cuv. Leach. Mblans, Bechsi.

Elanoides, Vieill. Milans, Temm.

Bill of middling strength, cleft beyond the eyes, much

compressed, rounded above ; lobe of the upper mandible ob-

tuse ; cere villous: nostrils oval. ‘Tarsi short, thick, reticu-

lated, half feathered in front; toes cleft to the base; nails

large, acute. Wings greatly elongated: first and third pri-

maries subequal ; first and second strongly emarginate within,

the latter longest.

Timorous, with a comparatively small and weak bill,

of the United States. $1

though not so much so as the true kites (Milvus.) Like

these, excel in flight, describing graceful circles in the air

with a broad expanse of wing. Seldom attempt to take their

prey flying, but pounce upon it while it is at rest. Feed on

small birds, insects,* and particularly reptiles, contenting

themselves with dead animal substances.

16. Fatco MELANoPTERUS, Daudin. Bluish-gray, beneath

white ; wing-coverts black ; tail even.

Black-winged Hawk, Falco melanopterus, nob. Am. Orn.

ut. pl. 11. fig. 1. adult female.

Inhabits the southern states; also Africa and South Ame-

rica, the south-western part of Asia, the island of Java, and

probably India.

» 17. Farco rurcatus,L. White; back, wings and tail, glos-

sy black ; tail deeply forked.

Swallow-tailed Hawk, Falco furcatus, Wils Am. Orn. vi.

p. 70. pl. 51. fig. 2. adult male.

Inhabits common during summer in the southern states ;

Mexico and South America; exceedingly rare, and only

astray in Pennsylvania and farther north.

SUBGENUS VIII. BUTEO.

Buteo, Bechst. Cuv. Vieill. Buses, Temm.

Bill short, moderately compressed, rather weak ; upper

mandible rounded above, terminating in a long hook, lobe

obtuse ; sides of the lower mandible bent inwards ; cere short ;

nostrils rather large, nearly round ; lores almost covered by

short bristles: head rather large; neck thick and short;

body thick. Tarsus short, thick, scutellated, partially or

entirely feathered ; outer toes connected at base by a mem-

brane; nails acute, rather weak, those of the inner and hind

toe nearly equal and largest. Wings elongated; four first

primaries abruptly attenuated at tip on the inner web; the

first very short, the fourth longest. Tail moderate, even.

Female larger, but similar in colour. Young widely dif-

2 Synopsis of the Birds

ferent from the adults. By their large head, heavy body,

humble flight, and inferior boldness, they in a slight degree

resemble Owls. Feed on young rabbits, mice, rats, reptiles,

insects, and small birds, which they watch for from their

perch, as they cannot successfully chase them on the wing.

+ Tarsi feathered to the toes.

18. Farco racorus, L. Varied with pale ochre and blackish ;

a blackish belt on the belly; tail white, black towards the

tip, at tip pure white.

Rough-legged Falcon, Falco lagopus, Wils. Am. Orn. iv.

p. 59. pl. 33. fig. 1.

Inhabits the northern parts of both continents: in Penn-

sylvania only during winter.

19. Fatco sanctr-sonannis, Gm. Black; white round the

eye; tail rounded, with narrow bands of pure white, and

tipped with dull white.

Young varied with white, brown, and ferruginous.

Black Hawk, Falco niger, (Falco sancti-johannis 2 in Mr.

Ord’s reprint) Wils. Am. Orn. vt. p. 82. pl. 53. fig. 1. adult.

Id. variety vi. p. 84. pl. 55. fig. 2. young.

Inhabits North America: winters in Pennsylvania, rare.

tt Tarsi partly feathered.

20. Farco norraris. Gm. (2.) Dusky; beneath whitish, with

blackish hastate spots.

Adult, tail ferruginous, with a black subterminal band.

Young, tail dusky, with several narrow blackish bands.

Red-tailed Hawk, Falco borealis, Wils. Am. Orn. vi. ps Id

pl. 52. fig. i. adult ; and American Buzzard, or White-breasted

Hawk, Falco leverianus, vi. p. 7%. pl. 52. fig. 2. young.

Inhabits throughout North America; common; resident.

SUBGENUS IX. CIRCUS.

Circus, Bechst. Lacépede. Vieill. Busards, Temm.

Bill much compressed, terminating in a long and acute

as".

of the United States. 35

hook ; lobe strongly marked; edges of the lower mandible

inflexed ; cere not much extended, more or less pilose ; nos-

trils oblong, transverse, covered in part by the hair; lores

pilose: head depressed: body slender. 'Tarsus elongated,

slender, scutellated, feathered for a short space: toes rather

long, slender ; outer toes connected at base: nails subequal,

slender, much incurved, extremely sharp. Wings elonga-

ted; first primary shorter than the fifth; third and fourth

longest. Tail long, nearly even.

Female and young differing considerably in colour from

the male ; often with a kind of collar of small rigid feathers

surrounding the face, as in Owls. Plumage changing extra-

ordinarily from age.

Bold: somewhat agile ; flight graceful; in these respects

superior to the Buteones, but inferior to the true Falcons.

Do not chase well on the wing. Feed on mice, reptiles,

fishes, young birds, and insects. Dwell near marshes and

ponds. Build amongst marsh plants.

21. Fanco nyemaris,Gm. No collar round the face; wings

when closed reaching but little beyond the middle of the tail.

Adult brown skirted with ferruginous; head, neck, tail

coverts and beneath, white, spotted with brown; tail barred

alternately with dark and light brown.

Young brown and ferruginous; beneath rusty, varied

with black and white ; wings and tail black, the former spot-

ted, the latter crossed by five bands, and tipped with white.

Winter Falcon, Falco hyemalis, Wils. Am. Orn. iv. Pure

pl. 35. fig. 1. adult male; and Red-shouldered Hawk, Falco

lineatus, Id. vi. p. 86. pl. 53. fig. 3. young male.

Inhabits North America: rather common in Pennsyl-

vania during winter.

22. Facocyaneus,L. A collar round the face; wings

o4 Synopsis of the Birds

reaching to three fourths the length of the tail, which is two

and a half inches longer ; third and fourth primaries equal.*

Adult male bluish grey ; rump, inner web of the quill

feathers, and beneath pure white ; primaries black at the end.

Female and young chocolate brown; rump white; be-

neath rusty; wings and tail on the under side, and two mid-

dle tail feathers also above, banded with black and white ;

lateral with blackish and rusty.

Marsh Hawk, Falco uliginosus, Wils. Am. Orn. vi. p. 67.

pl. 51. fig.1. young female; and nob. Am. Orn. wt. pl. 11.

fig. 1. adult male.

Inhabits both continents. The young only are common in

Pennsylvania and the northern parts of this continent, whence

they migrate in winter to the south.

3. STRIX.

Strix, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. lll. Cuv. Vieill. Temm. Ranz.

Asio, Briss. Surnia, Bubo, Strix, Duméril.

Noctua, Scops, Bubo, Syrnium, Strix, Savigny.

Biiuvery short, cleft to the eyes, compressed, much curved :

upper mandible rounded above, dilated on the margins, entire,

terminating in an acute hook; cere small, soft, concealed

by incumbent setaceous feathers; lower mandible notched,

obtuse: nostrils perforated on the anterior edge of the cere,

rounded, open, concealed by the porrect bristles: tongue

thick, fleshy, somewhat canaliculated, papillous at base, emar-

ginate at tip: eyes very large, directed forwards, with a nic-

titating membrane ; orbits large, surrounded by long, slen-

der, radiating feathers anteriorly almost covering the bill,

and posteriorly concealing the ears: head large ; face large,

surrounded by a collar of small rigid elevated feathers : body

generally thick, short, and heavy. Tarsr generally short

* By these characters, ornithologists will perceive that F. uliginosus,

Wils. is the voung of F. cyaneus, and not of F. cineraceus.

of the United States. 39

and covered with feathers; toes entirely divided; the outer

versatile; hind toe shortest; nails strong, very sharp, re-

markably retractile. Wines ample, subacute; first primary

short, second a little shorter than the third which is longest :

first three primaries generally with loose recurved barbs on

the outer edge.

Youne with a darker face, so as to appear masked ; but

after the first moult resembling the adults.

Solitary: nocturnal: hunt during the evening and night,

(with the exception of a few species which are diurnal) and

see well in the dark. Eyes resplendent, pupil very large,

contractile ; dazzled by the light of day; moving awkwardly

when exposed to it: hearing acute: feathers soft and loose ;

fly short distances without noise, and pounce upon their

prey unexpectedly ; feed on small birds, mice, bats, and in-

sects, chiefly nocturnal lepidoptera ; swallow their prey alive,

and cast up the indigestible portions in small pellets; voice

disagreeable, and believed by the superstitious to be of bad

augury ; breed in fissures of rocks, or im holes of old trees.

Eggs from two to six. Analogous to the mammiferous genus

Felis.

Spread all over the globe.

§ 1. Bill curved from the base.

SUBGENUS TI. SURNIA.

Surnt , Dum’ril. Noctua, Scops, Syrnium, Cuv.

Opening of the ears oval and of moderate size, not oper-

culated ; disk of slender feathers, rather small and not re-

markably distinct.

Approaching nearer to Falco than any other subgenus.

+ Head without tufts of feathers (Noctua, Cuv.)

Feathered to the claws; quill feathers with the outer webs

not recurved or loose at their tips. Tail reaching beyond

the wings. The North American species are all diurnal.

23. Strix FuNEREA,Gm. Blackish-brown, thickly spotted

36 Synopsis of the Birds

with white; beneath barred with white and brown ; tail with

several narrow white bands, cuneiform, reaching three inches

beyond the wings; feet thickly covered with long feathers;

bill yellow. ,

Hawk Owl, Strix hudsonia, Wils. Am. Orn. vi. p. 64. pl. 50.

Ag. 6.

Inhabits the north of both continents : extremely rare, and

only in cold winters as far south as Pennsylvania.

24. Srrix nycrea, L. White, more or less spotted and barred

with dusky according to sex and age; tail rounded, reach-

ing but little beyond the wings ; feet thickly covered with

long feathers ; bill black.

Snow Owl, Strix nyctea, Wils. Am. Orn. iv. p. 53. pl. 32.

fig. 1. male.

Inhabits the north of both continents, whence it descends

during winter to the more temperate regions, farther to the

south in America than in Europe ; not uncommon.

25. Srrix cunicuLarrA, Molina. (3.) Cinnamon-grey spotted

with whitish ; beneath white, spotted with cinnamon-brown ;

tail even, reaching but little beyond the wings; feet covered

with short scattered bristles.

Burrowing Oul, Strix cunicularia, nob. Am. Orn. 1. p. 68.

pl.7. fig. 2.

Inhabits near the Rocky Mountains ; common: found also

in South America

++ Head with erectile tufts of feathers (Scops, Bubo, Cuv.)

Nocturnal.

26. Srrrx asio.L. Dark brown (young tawny red) mottled

with black, pale brown and ash; wings spotted with white ;

beneath white, mottled with black and brown; tail even,

reaching to the tip of the wings; feet thickly covered with

short feathers nearly to the claws.

Mottled Owl, Strix nevia, Wils. Am. Orn. iti. p. 16. eh. 19°

fig... adult, and Red Owl, Strix asio, id. v. p. 83. pl. 42.

fig. 1, young.

of the United States. BE

Inhabits North, and probably South America, as we

strongly suspect Strix choliba, Vieill., a species taken from

D’Azara, to be the present. Common in Pennsylvania and

New Jersey in the autumn: retiring to the north in summer.

lad

SUBGENUS IU. ULULA.

Bubo, Syrnium, Sav., Otus, Ulula, Bubo Syrnium Cuv.

Conch of the ear very large, extended semicircularly from

the bill to the top of the head, with a membranaceous oper-

culum; disk of slender feathers well marked and_ perfect ;

feet thickly covered to the claws with short feathers. Nocturnal.

+ Head tufted. (Bubo, Otus, Cuv.)

27. Srrix vircinrana, Gm. (4,) Mottled ; primaries and _ tail

feathers banded with black and dusky ;* auricular conch re-

stricted ; wings not reaching to the tip of the tail: very

large.

Great horned Owl, Strix virginiana, Wils. Am. Orn. vi.

p 52. pl. 50. fig. 1-

Inhabits more or less common throughout America, prin-

cipally in deep swampy woods: connects admirably the two

subgenera Surnia and Ulula.

28, Srrix orus,L. Mottled; primaries banded ah ferru-

ginous ; tufts long; wings reaching beyond the tail.

Long-eared Owl, Strix otus, Wils. Am. Orn. vi. p. 73.

pl. 51. fig. 3.

Inhabits both continents ; common in Pennsylvania, es-

pecially in the autumn: resident.

29. Srrix BRAcHyoTos, Gm. Whitish-fer deine spotted with

dark brown; tufts short, inconspicuous; wings reaching to

the tip of the tail.

Female more intensely ferruginous.

* But not with ferruginous as in S. bubo of Europe.

Von. IE 5

38 Synopsis of the Birds

Short-eared Owl, Strix brachyotos, Wils. Am. Orn. av-

p» 64. pl. 33. fig. 3. male.

Inhabits the north of both continents ; in winter as far

south as Pennsylvania; breeds to. the north.

+} Head not tufted (Uiula, Cuv.)

30. Srrix nesutosa, L. Pale brown with transverse whitish

spots ; beneath whitish, neck and breast with transverse bars,

belly and vent with longitudinal streaks, of brown; tail reach-

ing beyond the wings ; bill yellow.

Barred Oul, Strix nebulosa, Wils.\ Am. Orn.. iv. p.6)-

pl. 33. fig. 2.

Inhabits the north of, both continents, Setae farther to

the south in this: common in Pennsylvania and New Jersey,

especially during winter.

31. Srrix acapica, Gm. (5.) Dark brown, spotted with white ;

beneath whitish spotted with reddish-brown; tail short,

reaching about to the tip of the wings: very small.

Latile Owl, Strix passerina, Wils. Am. Orn. iv. p. 61-

pl. 34. fig. 2.

Inhabits the north of both continents, bik more common in

America, in the northern and middle states: resident in Penn-

sylvania and New-Jersey; more frequent towards the sea.

§ 2. Bill straight at base.

SUBGENUS III, STRIX.

Strix, Savigny. Cuv.

Auricular conch as large as in the preceding, with a still

larger operculum ; disk much dilated ; bill elongated, curved

only at tip; tarsus thickly feathered ; toes covered by scat-

tered bristles; head not tufted. Nocturnal.

$2 STRIE FLAMMEA, L, Yellowish-tawny, with small spots

of white ; beneath whitish with blackish points ; wings reach-

ing two inches beyond the tail ; bill whitish.

White or Barn Oul, Strix flammea, Wils. Am. Ora. vi.

p: 5%. pl. 50- fig. 2

of the United States. 3g

Inhabits the north of both continents, but far less frequent

in America; seldom observed in Pennsylvania and New

Jersey, except in remarkably cold winters. (6.)

ORDER II. PASSERES.

Passeres, Pica, Accipitres, L. Gm. Passeres, Pica, Columbe,

Lath.

Scansores, Ambulatores, Rasores, Til.

Passereaux, Grimpeurs, Gallinacés, Cuv. Sylvicola, Vietll.

Omnivores, Insectivores, Granwores, Zygodactyli, Anisodac-

tyli, Alcyones, Chelidones, Columbe, Temm.

Passeri, Rampicanti, Galline, Ranz. Passeres, Scansores,

Passerigalli, Latr.

Bitz generally short or of middling length, subconic.

Feet short or moderate ; tibie fleshy, wholly feathered (Al-

cedo, Merops, Grallaria excepted) ; tarsi rounded ; toes four,

very rarely three, entirely cleft, (Caprimulgus, Musophaga,

Penelope excepted) disposed 2—2, 3—1, 2—1; hind toe

articulated with the tarsus on a level with the rest, bearing

on the ground its whole length; nails usually slender, com-

pressed, somewhat retractile, incurved, acute. Necx short or

moderate : body slender, compressed. Tait mostly of twelve

feathers, rarely of eight, ten, or fourteen.

Femace generally smaller.

Feed on insects, seeds, fruits and berries, some large spe-

cies also on eggs, small birds and fishes. Monogamous:

both sexes construct the nest, siton the eggs, and rear the

young; the male feeds his mate while sitting: nests of

some species constructed with great art: eggs generally

about five, but vary from two to more than twelve. Young

feed from the mouth of the parent, only leave the nest when

able to fly, and are afterwards fed until able to provide

for themselves. Many species possess great powers of voice,

and excel all other birds in singing.

AO Synopsis of the Birds

TRIBE I SCANSORES.

Zygodactyli, Viel. Order Scansores, Ill. Cuv. Feanz. Lair.

Order Zygodactyli, Temm.

Toes two before and two behind; inner hind toe rarely

wanting.

FAMILY It. PSITTACINI.

Psitiacini, Ill. Vieill. Latr. Antilambani, Ranz.

Order Prehensores, Bloinville. “

Bit short, large, extremely hard and robust, very high, —

somewhat compressed, convex above and below, with a cere at

base ; both mandibles moveable ; upper curved from the

base, hooked at tip, margins angular ; lower shorter, recurved

at tip, truncate: nostrils basal, orbicular, perforated in the

cere, open: tongue fleshy, thick, entire, rounded at tip,

sometimes penicillated. Frxt short, robust; tarsus naked,

reticulated, shorter than the outer toe; fore toes united at

base, opposable to the hind ones; outer hind toe not versa-

tile; sole broad and flat; nails incurved, rather large and

acute. Wruves large; three outer primaries subequal. Tarn

of twelve feathers, more or less rounded.

Femace generally similar to the male. Young differing

greatly from the adult, and changing repeatedly before at-

taining their full plumage. Colours brilliant.

”

Dwell in forests; noisy, more particularly at the rising and

setting of the sun. Climb by means of the bill and feet ; and in

some species with the assistance of the tail. From the con-

formation of the feet they supply the place of hands. Feed

on fruits and seeds, breaking the hardest pericarps with their

powerful bill. Build in cavities of trees ; some in the bifur-

cation of large limbs; lay from two to four eggs twice a

year. Macerate the food for their young. Easily tamed ;

omnivorous in captivity ; some learn with facility to ar-

ticulate many words. Analogous to the mainmiferous family

Gimiz : ought perhaps to be placed at the head of the feathered

of the United States. 44

tribe, as the most perfect and intelligent; seem, however, to

form the link between Passeres and Accipitres, as the Co-

Jumbini between Passeres and Galline: certainly as ordi-

nately distinct as that group of birds.

Abound in the warm climates of both continents. No spe-

cies found in Europe; one in the United States.

4. PSITTACUS.

Psittacus, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Cuv. Temm. Psittacus,

Pezoporus, Ill. Psittacus, Macrocercus, Plyctolophus, (since

Cacatua) Vieill. Solenoglossus, Psittacus, Pezoporus, Ranz.

SUBGENUS PSITTACUS.

Psittacus, Vieill.

Upper mandible furnished internally with a transverse pro-

cess near the tip.

33. Psrrracus carorinensis, L- Green; head and neck yellow ;

forehead and cheeks orange ; tail elongated, cuneiform.

Young destitute of the yellow colour.

Carolina Parrot, Psittacus carolinensis, Wils. Am. Orn. iii.

p. 89. pl. 26. fig. 1.

Inhabits the southern and western states: gregarious :

common.

FAMILY IV. AMPHIBOLI.

Amphiboli, Serrati, Ill. Barbati, Imberbi, Vieill. Pogo-

noforr, Agen, Ranz. Pogonorynchi, Cuculides, Latr.

Britt of middling length and strength, slightly curved at

tip: tongue short, simple. Fret short or moderate; tarsi

annulated ; fore toes entirely cleft; outer hind toe versatile.

Tat of from eight to twelve feathers.

5. COCCYZUS.

Cuculus, L. Briss Gm. Lath. Il. Cuv. Couas, Le Vaillant.

Coccyzus, Vieill. Temm. Ranz. Cuv. (as a subg.)

Butt glabrous, rather robust, long, compressed, carinated

42 Synopsis of the Birds

above and beneath ; margins entire ; both mandibles curved

from the base; upper a little longer: nostrils basal, lateral,

oval, half closed by a naked membrane : tongue short, narrow,

acute. Frer slender; tarsus naked, much longer than the

longest toe ; nails short, but little incurved. Wines short,

rounded ; spurious feather short; third, fourth and fifth pri-

maries longest. ‘Tam moderate or elongated, rounded or

cuneiform, of ten feathers.

Inhabit the warmest parts of both continents: none in

Europe: two in North America during summer. Replace

here Cuculus of the old continent, from which they differ,

especially in habits. Build a nest in hollow trees, and breed

up their young; reside in dense forests ; seldom alight on the

ground; feed on insects and berries.

34. Coecyzus Americanus, Nob. Greenish-drab, beneath white:

inner vanes of the primaries reddish-cinnamon ; lower man-

dible and eyelids yellow.

Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Cuculus carolinensis, Wils. Am. Orn.

We p- 18-9. 28. figs 1

Cuculus americanus, L. Coccyzus pyropterus, Vieill.

Inhabits common in the United States where it breeds :

winters in tropical America.

35. Coccyzus ERyTHROPHTHALMUS, Nob. Greenish-drab, beneath

white ; no cinnamon colour on the wings ; bill entirely black ;

eyelids red, naked. F

Black-billed Cuckoo, Cuculus erythrophthalmus, Wils. Am.

Orn. iv. p. 16. pl. 28. fig. 2.

Inhahits common in the United States where it breeds:

winters in tropical America. (7.)

FAMILY V. SAGITTILINGUES.

Sagittilingues, Ill. Macrogloss:, Vieill. Beloglossi, Ranz.

Proglossi, Latr. Second family of the Zygodactyli, Temm.

Brix straight, seldom a little curved at tip, conic-elongated,

of the United States. 43

acute ; margins entire: tongue extremely long, extensible,

jumbriciform. Fret short, robust; tarsus annulated; fore

toes united at base; hind toes divided ; outer not versatile ;

inner rarely wanting. ary of from ten to twelve feathers.

Reside chiefly in forests and orchards: climb upwards

with great facility: feed on insects, especially such as lie

concealed under the bark of trees; obtain these by means of

their tongue, which is acute and hard at tip, and covered by

a glutinous secretion. Build in the cavities of trees ;_ breed

once.a year ; eggs 3—8 ; young taught to climb at first : not

easily domesticated.

_ 6. PICUS.

Picus, Le Briss. Gm. Lath. Ul. Cuv. Viel. Temm. Ranz.

Picus, Picoides, Lacépede.

Bixx robust, straight, pyramidal-polyedral, cuneate at tip ;

mandibles subequal, upper rather longer: nostrils basal,

oval, open, partly. covered by setaceous incumbent feathers :

tongue mucronate at tip, with retrorse bristles. Inner HIND

ToE shortest, rarely rudimentary or wanting ;_ nails arcuated,

acute. Wunes moderate; spurious feather short; third and

fourth primaries longest. ‘Tait cuneiform, of twelve feathers,

very rigid and acute; outer feather very short, sometimes

obsolete or totally wanting.

Frmaue resembling the male, though easily distinguished.

Young sometimes very different.

Live in woods; solitary, timid, and laborious : smaller

American species far less shy than those of Europe. Climb |

with admirable agility on the trunks of trees, their sharp nails

enabling them to adhere to the bark, and the rigid tail serving

for a support : seldom walk on the ground or stand on the

branches of trees. Excavate dead trees, but seldom living ones.

Hearing acute, directing them to the position of their prey be-

neath the bark, consisting principally of larvee which they ex-

tract by cutting through the bark with repeated blows of the

bill producing a stridulous sound, startling in the silence of

44 Synopsis of the Birds

forests. Hunger sometimes compels them to eat fruits, which

a few species prefer. The more powerful prepare for their

hests by perforating the wood, but the weaker are content

with ready made holes.

Inhabit almost every country of the globe.

* Feet four toed.

+ Bill somewhat curved.

36. Prcus auratus, L. Brownish, barred with black ; be-

neath yellowish-white, spotted with black : a black crescent on

the breast; a red occipital band; wings and tail beneath,

and shafts of all the larger feathers golden yellow.

Male, mustaches black. Female, no mustaches.

Young dirty gray, without the red band and black crescent.

Gold-winged Woodpecker, Picus auratus, Wils. Am. Orn.

2. p. 45. pl. 3. fig. 1. male.

Inhabits common in all North America, where it breeds.

and is resident, though partially migrating ; most numerous

in spring andautumn. Alights on branches, but climbs well.

+} Bill straight.

a. Crested.

37. Picus principatis, L. Black; crest red and black ;

secondaries, rump, and a stripe each side, white; bill white.

Female and young, crest totally black.

Ivory-billed Woodpecker, Picus principalis, Wils. Am. Orn.

ay. p. 20. pl. 29. fig. 1. male.

Inhabits the southern states and Mexico: common, resi-

dent. ;

38. Picus piteatus, L. Brownish-hlack ; crest red ;_ chin,

a stripe each side of the neck, base of the quill wom ‘and

under-wing coverts, white ; bill black.

Male, mustaches red. Female and young, eee

dusky. ’

aie]

of the United States. "4

Pileated Woodpecker, Picus pileatus, Wils. Am. Orn. iv.

p- 27. pl. 29. fig. 2. male.

Inhabits North America from Canada to Mexico: more

common in the north.

b. Not crested.

39. Picus eryrHrocernatus, L. Head, neck, and throat crim-

son; back, wings and tail, black ; secondaries, rump and all

beneath, white.

Young varied with blackish and dull gray; no red; be-

veath whitish ; rump, secondaries, and margins of the prima-

ries white.

Red-headed Wi seer ieas ai Picus erythrocephalus, Wils. Am.

Orn. 2. p. 142. pl 9. fig. 1. adult.

Inhabits all North America; much more numerous during

summer in the middle states.

40. Picus’carorinus, LL. Striped with black and white;

head and neck above red; cheeks beneath parts pale buff-

ash; belly tinged with red.

Female and young, fore part of the head destitute of red ;

but little red on the belly.

Red-bellied Woodpecker, Picus carolinus, Males Am. Orn.

t. p. 113. pl. 7. fig. 2. male.

Inhabits throughout North America.

41. Picus varius, L, Varied with black and white; back

spotted with yellow; crown and throat red; breast and belly

yellow.

Female, throat and occiput whitish.

Young varied with dull gray, black and white; a broad

white band across the wings; belly yellowish.

Yellow-bellied Woodpecker, Picus varius, Wils. Am. Orn.

1. p. 147. pl. 9. fig. 2. male ; and nob. Am. Orn. 4. p. 15, pl.

8. fig. 1. 2» young in different states.

Tnhabits all North America in plenty, from near the pole

to the equator: migratory in unfavourable seasons.

Vou. LU. 6

4G Synopsis of the Birds

42. Prcus yintosus, LL. Waried with black and white; be-

neath white; back with long, slender, loose feathers; outer

tail feathers totally white.

Male, a red occipital band. Female, occipital band black.

Hairy Woodpecker, Picus villosus, Wils. Am. Orn. 1. p. 150-

pl. 9. fig. 3. male.

Inhabits all North America from Georgia to near the

Arctic circle: common.

43. Picus pupescens, L. Varied with black and white ; be-

neath white; back with long, slender, loose feathers; outer

tail feathers white, with four black spots.

Male, a red occipital band. Female, occipital band black.

Downy Woodpecker, Picus pubescens, Wils Am. Orn. 1.

p. 153. pl. 9. fig. 4. male.

Inhabits throughout North America; common. The small-

est of the North American species.

44. Picus querutus, Wils. Varied with black and white;

back barred with white; beneath white; outer tail feathers

white spotted with black.

Male, a short red line each side of the head.

Female, destitute of the red line.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Picus querulus, Wils. Am. Orn.

i. p. 103. pl. 15. fig. 1. male.

Inhabits to the southward of Virginia: common.

45. Picus rorquatus, Wils. Black glossed with green ; front, —

chin and cheeks, dark red; collar round the neck, and breast

silvery white ; belly glossy vermilion. F

Lewis’ Woodpecker, Picus torquatus, Wils. Am. Orn. wii.

p- 31. pl. 20. fig. 3.

Inhabits west of the Mississippi : common.

** Three-toed 2—1.

46. Picus tripacryius, L. Varied with black and white ;

neck before and breast, pure white ; tarsus feathered.

Male, top of the head golden-yellow.

Female, top of the head silvery white, with fine black lines.

of the United States. 47

Picus hirsutus Vieill. Ois. pl. 124. adult male.

inhabits high northern latitudes of both continents ; rarely

seen in the United States. Unlike other northern birds, not

extending so far south in America as in Europe. (8)

TRIBE I. AMBULATORES.

Anisodactyli, Vieill. Order Ambulatores, Ill. Order Pas-

seres, Cuv. Ranz. Orders Omnivores, Insectivores, Grani-

vores, Anisodactyli, Alcyones, Chelidones, Columba, Temm.

Orders Passeres, Passerigalli, Latr.

Toes 3—1, none of the anterior versatile: very rarely

2—1, the inner wanting.

FAMILY VI. ANGULIROSTRES.

Angulirostres, Ml. Syndactyli, Cuv. Latr.* (not Ill. nor

Ranz.) Pelmatodes, Vieill. Ranz. Order Alcyones, Temm.

Bitt elongated, acute, angulated: tongue short, simple.

Freer very short; tibiz partly naked; tarsi reticulated ;

middle toe united to the outer, at least to the second joint,

and to the inner to the first; the latter rarely wanting.

Femave and young hardly differing from the adult male.

Reside near water. Fly remarkably well; rest on trees

or on stones, hardly ever on the ground; feet too short for

walking or leaping. Feed on insects which they take on the

wing, or on fishes, which they seize near the surface of the

water. Breed in holes on the banks of streams: eggs nume-

-rous. Voice harsh. Not easily tamed.

7. ALCEDO.

Alcedo, LE. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Vieill. Ranz.

Ispida, Briss. Alcedo, Ceix, Lacep. Alcedo, Dacelo, Leach.

Temm.

Butt elongated, cleft to the eyes, robust, straight, tetra-

gonal, compressed, acute ; margins finely crenate-fimbriate ;

upper mandible but little longer than the lower, carinate,

48 Synopsis of the Birds

rarely somewhat curved at tip; lower nearly straight, a

little recurved at tip: nostrils basal, approximated, oblong,

obiique, more than half closed by a naked membrane : tongue

very short, fleshy, depressed, narrowed and acute at tip.

Feet robust; tarsus one half shorter than the middle toe,

which is nearly equal to the outer ; inner considerably short-

er than the middle one, rarely wanting ; hind toe wide at

base, nearly equal to the inner: nails incurved, compress-

ed, channelled beneath, that of the middle toe largest and di-

lated interiorly. Wunes rather short; first and second prima-

ries a little shorter than the third, which is longest.

Body thick, compact; head large, elongated: plumage

close, glossy. Moult annually.

Solitary.. Abstemious : feed on insects, crustacea, mo}lusca,

and principally small fishes, which they watch for from a

perch, catch with admirable dexterity and swallow entire,

afterwards casting up the scales and other indigestible parts

in the form of pellets. Fly with celerity short distances,

skimming the surface of the water or land.

Spread all over the globe, abounding most in warm cli-

mates ; one species in Europe, and one in the United States.

47. Atcepo atcyon, L. Crested ; bluish-slate; breast with a

ferruginous band; spot before and behind the eyes, a large

collar round the neck, and the vent, white.

Belted King-fisher, Alcedo Alcyon, Wils. Am. Orn. wi.

p59. pl. 23. fig. 1. *

Inhabits common from Hudson’s Bay to the equator, and

probably still farther south: migrating in cold and temperate

regions.

FAMILY VII. GREGARIL.

Gregarii, Coraces, Ml. Conirostres, Cuv. Latr. Textores,

Leimonites, Coraces, Carunculati, Paradiset, # wall. Ifanti,

Metrioramfi, Plereoramfi, Ranz. Order Omnivores, Temm.

Bit. moderate, hard, robust, straight, acuminate, acute,

forming a sinus in the frontal feathers or cultrate; edges

of the United States. 49

sharp: nostrils basal, partly covered: tongue not elongated

nor extensible, bifid or emarginate at tip. Fret rotust ;

tarsi annulated, naked, inner toe free; hind toe more or less

elongated, thick ; nails compressed, acute. Wines moderate,

or but little elongated ; primaries acute at tip.

Omnivorous. Gregarious, at least for a part of the year ;

live in forests, but chiefly meadows and fields ; alight equally

on trees and on the ground. Build in trees, some also on

cliffs and in houses. Flesh generally hard, unpalatable. Voice

harsh and unpleasant. Plumage of several eminently dis-

tinguished by colour and texture. For the most part easily

tamed and taught to articulate words.

GREG ARII

Bill conic-elongated, entire, forming a sinus in the front

feathers. Outer and middle toes united at base. ‘T'ail of

twelve feathers.

8. STURNUS.

Sturnus, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv..Temm.

Sturnus, Sturnella, Viewll. Sturnus, Amblyramphus, Leach.

Bit conic-subulate, depressed, rather obtuse at tip; mar-

gins vertical ; upper mandible somewhat rounded above ;

lower a little shorter, narrow, compressed : hardly ascending,

nostrils oval-elongated, half closed by an arched membrane :

tongue cartilaginous, depressed, narrowed, acute and bifid at

tip. Tarsus subequal to the middle toe; outer hardly longer

than the inner; hind toe stoutest: hind nail longest and largest.

Femace hardly distinct. Young differing from the adult.

Colours more brilliant in spring, though the moult is annual.

Feed chiefly on insects which they seek in fields and mea-

dows, principally on the ground: some species follow the path

of oxen and sheep with this view, and often alight on their

backs. Build in holes of trees, houses, &c. and the Ameri-

‘ean species in tufts of grass.

50 Synopsts of the Birds

Found in all parts of the globe: not numerous in species :

arranged in several families by different authors.

SUBGENUS STURNELLA. &

Sturnella, Viewll. Sturnus, Alauda, Auct. Cassicus, Daud.

Frontal sinus deep, rounded. Hind toe as long as the

middle one, much longer and stouter than the lateral. Wings

rather short, somewhat rounded; no spurious feather ; first

and fifth primaries subequal; second, third, and fourth

longest: two of the secondaries much elongated.

Peculiar to America. Connecting Sturnus with Icterus

by the subgenus Cassicus : somewhat allied to Alauda (family

Passerini.)

48. Srurnus Lupovicr4nus, L. Beneath, and line over the eye

yellow; a black pectoral crescent; four lateral tail feathers

white.

Meadow Lark, Alauda magna, Wils. Am. Orn. vit. p. 20.

pl. 19- fig 2.

Inhabits meadows and fields throughout the Union: com-

mon.

9. ICTERUS.

Icterus, Briss. Daud. Temm. Ranz. Oriolus, Tanagra.

L. Gm. Lath. Xanthornus, Pallas. Xanthornus, Icterus,

Lacep. Oriolus, Cassicus, Ill. Cassicus, Cuv. Pendulinus,

Yphantes, Agelaius, Cassicus, Passerina, Vieill.

Bitty conic-subulate, compressed, rarely a little curved,

rounded above, very acute; margins inflexed, those of the

lower mandible angular near the base : nostrils oval, covered

by a membrane: tongue cartilaginous, acute and bifid at tip.

Tarsus rather longer than the middle toe; inner toe but

little shorter than the outer, and nearly equal to the hind one ;

middle toe longest ; hind nail twice as large as the others.

Wines sub-acuminate; first primary but little shorter than the -

third and fourth, which are longest.

of the United States. 54

Femate differing widely from the male, and often much

smaller. Young very like the female. Generally moult once

a year, but the colours more brilliant in spring ; in winter the

plumage of the male is somewhat like that of the female.

Gregarious. Omnivorous. Build in trees. Walk rather

quick, with the body almost erect. Flight vigorous. Flesh

not esteemed.

Numerous in species, and exclusively American: some

short, thick-billed species approaching the genus Fringilla,

(family Passerini) others with slender bills are allied to

Dacnis, subgenus of Sylvia, (family Canori) whilst others

again are related to Quiscalus, to Sturnus, &c.

SUBGENUS II. ICTERUS,

Xanthornus, Cuv. Genera Pendulinus, Yphantes, Vieill.

Bill comparatively slender, slightly bent towards the tip;

frontal sinus acute, not deep.

Female about equal in size to the male.

Not constantly gregarious: frequent the woods. Feed

chiefly on insects and berries. Solitary when breeding.

Build pensile nests, admirably constructed. Allied to the

subgenus Dacnis. ri

49. IcrtERUS BALTIMORE, Daud. Tail nearly even.

Male orange; head, neck above, back, wings and tail,

black ; lateral tail feathers widely orange at tip.

Female and young, the orange pale; the black dull and

pale, and mottled with dull orange ; tail orange.

Baltimore Oriole, Oriolus baltimore, Wils. Am. Orn. 7.

p. 23. pl.1. fig.3. male ; and vi. p. gs. pl. 53. fig. 4. female.

Inhabits all parts of the United States in summer : rather

common : winters in tropical America.

50. Icrrrus spurtus, Nob. Tail cuneiform.

Male, chesnut ; head and neck, back, wings and tail, black.

Female and young of one year, olive-green, beneath yel-

low ; wings and tail dusky.

52 Synopsis of the Birds

Young male over one year, the same, with the throat black-

Orchard Oriole, Oriolus mutatus, Wils. Am. Orn. 1. p. 64.

pl. 4. fig. 1. female, fig. 2. male two years old, fig. 3. male

three years old. fig. 4. adult male. Oriolus spurius, L.

Inhabits all parts of the union in summer : rather common.

SUBGENUS III XANTHORNUS.

Xanthornus, Cuv. Genus Agelaius, Vieill.

Bill robust, straight; sinus angle acute, not deep.

Female half the size of the male.

Constantly gregarious: avoid woods, living chiefly in mea-

dows. Feed principally on insects and seeds. Build in

society ; nests not constructed with much art.

51. Icrerus pua@nicevs, Daud. Black; lesser wing-coverts red.

Young and autumnal male, feathers skirted with rufous.

Female and very young, blackish varied with whitish.

Red-winged Starling, Sturnus predatorius, Wils. Am.

Orn. wv.p. 30. pl. 30. fig. 1, male in summer dress. fig. 2. female.

Inhabits the whole of North America in very numerous

flocks: departing from the northern states in winter.

52, Icrerus xaAnTHocEPHALUS, Nob. Black; head, neck and »

breast yellow-orange ; a white spot on the wing.

Female and young dark brown; wings immaculate ;

throat whitish ; a rounded yellow patch on the breast.

Yellow-headed Troopial, Icterus icterocephalus Nob. Am.

Orn. 1. p. 26. pl. 4. fig. 1. male. fig. 2. female.

Inhabits the western territory of the United States, Mexico.

and South America: common.

SUBGENUS IV. EMBERIZOIDES.

Passerina, Vieill. Fringilla, Emberiza, Sturnus, Oriolus,

Tanagra, &c. auct.

Bill short, thick, conic, not much acuminated, straight ;

frontal sinus acute, not deep.

Intimately allied to Fringilla; though still more closely

related to the preceding subgenus.

of the United States. 53

55. Icrerus recoris. Temm. Glossy black; head and neck

deep silky drab.

Female sooty-brown, beneath pale.

Young similar, the breast spotted.

Cow Bunting, Emberiza pecoris, Wils. Am. Orn. wt. p. 145°

pl. is. fig. 1. male. fig. 2. female. fig. 3. young. -

Inhabits in summer, Canada and the northern states, in

winter the southern and Mexico: found also in South Ame-

rica: common: migrating in large flocks. The only spe-

cies known, that, like the European Cuckoo, deposits its eggs

in the nests of other birds: like the European Starling

it follows cattle and alights on their backs. Intimately allied

to the preceding subgenus, to which it may with propriety

be united.

54, Icrerus acripennis, Nob. ‘T'ail feathers very acute.

Adult male in spring dress, black; hind head cream

colour; scapulars, rump, and _ tail coverts, white.

Female, young, and male, in summer, autumn, and winter

dress, varied with brownish-black and reddish-olive ; beneath

dull yellow.

Rice Bunting, Emberiza oryzivora, Wils. Am. Orn. w.

p» 48. pl. 12. fig. 1. male in spring dress. fig. 2. female.

Inhabits the whole United States during summer: com-

mon: wintering in tropical America. Breeds north of the

fortieth parallel.

Anomalous: strictly intermediate between Fringilla (Fa-

mily Passerini) and Icterus, (Family Gregarii): particularly

related to the acute-tailed North American Fringille. Toes

very long, and tail, formed like that of the Woodpecker,

often used in the same manner for the purpose of climbing

on the reeds and rice.

CORACES.

Bill cultrate, edges sharp. Outer toe free, or hardly united

at base to the middle one.

Vix. lt. 7

54, Synopsis of the Birds

10. QUISCALUS.

Gracula, Oriolus, Turdus, Corvus, L. Gm. Lath. Pica.

Icterus, Briss. Icterus, Il. Temm. Ranz. Quiscalus, Pen-

dulinus, Agelaius, Vieill. Sturnus, Daud. Cassicus (Icterus),

Ploceus, Cuv. Chalcophanes! Temm.

Bitt bare, compressed from the base, entire ; edges angu-

lar, very sharp, hardly inflexed : upper mandible prolonged

to an acute angle on the front, curved from the middle, pro-

jecting considerably over the lower, with an osseous carina

within : nostrils oval, half closed by a membrane : tongue car-

tilaginous, flattened, lacerated on the sides, bifid at tip.

Tarsus a little longer than the middle toe ; lateral toes sub-

“equal, the inner free, the outer united at base with the mid-

dle one. Wines moderate : first primary equal to the fifth,

and but little shorter than the second, third, and fourth,

which are longest. Tait of twelve feathers, more or less

rounded.

Male glossy black, immaculate ; female (one species ex-

cepted) brownish, beneath whitish-brown. Young differing

from the adult. _Moult annually, but by the tips of the

feathers wearing off, one species undergoes a change.

Gregarious in large flocks; retire in winter to hot cli-

mates. Build socially in trees ; lay about five eggs. Flesh

unpalatable.

55. QuiIscALUS MAJoR, Vieill. Glossy-black ; tail cuneiform,

reaching beyond the wings nearly five inches ; osseous carina

small: length sixteen inches.

Female light brown, beneath and eye-brows whitish :

length twelve and a half inches.

Great Crow-Blackbird, Quiscalus major, nob. Am. Orn.

@. p. 35. pl. 4. fig. i, male. fig. 2. female.

Inhabits the southern states, principally on the sea coast,

Mexico, and the West Indies: common.

56. Quiscatus versicozor, Vieill. Glossy-black ; tail cunei-

of the United Staies. 53

iorm, reaching beyond the wings nearly three inches ; osseous

carina large: length eleven and a half inches.

Female similar to the male, but less brilliant: length

eleven inches.

Purple Grakle, Gracula quiscala, Wils. Am. Orn. ti.

p. 44. pl. 21. fig. 4. male and Common Crow-Blackbird,

Quiscalus versicolor, nob. Am. Orn. voi. i. p. 42. pl. 5. fig. 1.

female.

Inhabits throughout the United States; wintering in the

south : common. "

57. QuiscaLus FERRUGINEtS,nob. Glossy-black, more or less

skirted with ferruginous; tail nearly even: length nine inches.

Female nearly equal to the male; head, neck and breast,

ferruginous-brown; belly and rump ash.

Rusty Grakle, Gracula ferruginea, Wils. Am. Orn. vol. ti.

pA. pl. 21. fig. 3. male in spring.

Inhabits throughout the United States, winters in the

south: extends its migrations as far north even as to the

Arctic circle: rather less common than the preceding. (9.)

T1. CORVUS.

Corvus, L. Gm. Lath. Cuv. Ill. Temm. Ranz.

Corvus, Pica, Garrulus, Briss. Vieull.

Brit covered at base with setaceous incumbent porrect

feathers, straight, convex, cultrate-compressed; upper mandible

curved at tip ; lower somewhat shorter, carinated on the sides,

little ascending at tip: nostrils basal, patulous, covered by

the incumbent feathers: tongue short, cartilaginous, acute

and bifid at tip. ‘Tarsus hardly longer than the middle toe ;

toes separated almost to the base, middle one longest, inner

shorter than the outer, and subequal in length to the hind toe :

nails moderate, acute, beneath canaliculate, and sharp edged ;

hind one generally longer. Wunes subelongated, acute ;

first primary short; third or fourth longest. Tam of twelve

feathers. ’

at Synopsis of the Burds —

Femae hardly distinct in colour from the male. Young

somewhat different from the adult before the first year. Moult

annually. Very shy, suspicious, avoid snares; sense of

smelling acute.

Live in forests and fields, generally in scattered flocks.

Several migrate. The larger species occasionally prey on

small birds, and are very fond of eggs. Build in high trees,

rocks, or fissures of old edifices. Lay only once in the

year ; eggs 3—S. Easily tamed, susceptible of attachment ;

capable of articulating words; purloin and conceal small

articles not useful to themselves.

Spread all over the globe.

SUBGENUS I. CORVUS.

Corvus, Briss. Vieill.

Bill thick, robust. Head feathers not erectile. ‘Tail mo-

derate, even, or slightly rounded. Colours black, not varie-

gated.

Walk gravely. Flight elevated, long sustained.

58. Corvus corax,L. Black; back glossed with bluisli-

purple; tail much rounded, reaching two inches beyond

the wings; third primary longest: length twenty-six inches.

Raven, Corvus corax, Wils. Am. Orn. ix. p. 113. pl. 75.

. fig. s.

Inbabits almost every part of the globe: rare in Pennsyl-

vania, but numerous in the interior of the United States, and

to the north near the lakes.

59. Corvus corone, L. Purplish-black, glossy ; tail slightly

rounded, reaching but little beyond the wings; tail-feathers

acute; fourth primary longest; first equal to the ninth:

length eighteen and a half inches.

Crow, Corvus corone, Wils. Am. Orn. iv. p. 19. pl. 36-

Jfig-3.

Inhabits both continents, very common: more frequent in

the northern and middle states than in the southern.

of the United States. 5%

60. Corvus ossirracus, Wils. Glossy-black; chin naked ; tail

slightly rounded, reaching more than one inch beyond the

wings; fourth primary longest; first much shorter than the

ninth : length sixteen inches.

Fish Crow, Corvus ossifragus, Wils. Am. Orn. v. p» Qi.

pl. 37. fig. 2.

Inhabits the sea coast, pond and river shores of the

southern, western, and middle states, during summer: rather

rare.

61. Corvus corumpranus, Wils. Light silky drab; wings and

tail glossy black ; secondaries white at tip ; outer tail feath-

ers white.

Clark’s Crow, Corvus columbianus, Wils. Am. Orn. ti.

p. 29. pl. 20. fig. 2

Inhabits the shores of the Oregan: common.

SUBGENUS II. PICA.

Pica, Briss. Vieill.

Head feathers not erectile. Tail very long, cuneiform.

Colours generally black and white, sometimes variegated.

Advance by small leaps. Flight generally low, not pro-

tracted.

62. Corvus prca,L. Glossy-black ; belly, primaries on the

inner web, and scapulars, white ; tail about ten inches long.

Magpie, Corvus pica, Wils. Am. Orn. wv. p. 75. pl. 35. fig-2.

Inhabits both continents, but much more limited in its

range in America, being confined to the northern and western

regions. (10.)

SUBGENUS III. GARRULUS.

Garrulus, Briss. Vieill.

Bill rather short, straight; upper mandible somewhat in-

flected at tip; lower navicular. Head feathers erectile.

Wings not reaching to the tip of the tail. Colours brilliant,

more oress of blue.

58 Synopsis of the Birds

Garrulous, noisy, inquisitive. Advance by leaps. Flight

generally neither pretracted nor elevated.

63. Corvus cristatus,L Crested, blue; beneath whitish

with a black collar; wing-coverts transversely lineated with

black ; tail cuneiform.

Blue Jay, Corvus cristatus, Wils. Am. Orn. 2. p. 11. pl. 1.

jig. 1.

Inhabits every part of North America, more abundant in

the northern and middle states; during winter only in the

southern.

64. Corvus rioripanus, Bartram. Notcrested; bright azure;

back brownish; beneath whitish-grey ; tail subcuneiform.

Florida Jay, Corvus floridanus, nob. Am. Orn. pl. 13. jig 1.

Garrulus cyaneus and cerulescens, Vierll.

Inhabits Florida and the neighbouring states to Kentucky.

65. Corvus canavensis. L. Blackish-plumbeous ; hind head

black ; forehead, collar, beneath, and tip of the tail brownish-

white.

Canada Jay, Corvus canadensis, Wils. Am. Orn. wt. p. 33-

pl. 21. fig. 1.

Inhabits the colder parts of North America. Rare in the

United States, appearing during winter in the northern sec-

tion only.

FAMILY VIII. SERICATI.

Sericatt, Coraces, Ill. Dentirostres, Cuv. Baccivori,

Myjiotheres, Vieill. Euristomi, Ranz. Latirostres, Latr.

Orders Insectivores, Omnivores, Temm.

Bix short, robust, dilated, depressed nearly to the tip ;

upper mandible curved, almost always notched; gape large.

Feet of middling length, somewhat robust; tarsi annulated,

naked ; hind toe somewhat broad and flat, nails incurved,

well proportioned to the toes. Wines moderate, not acute.

Tam of twelve feathers.

of the United Staies. 5G

Gregarious ; very sociable; feed on insects and berries.

Build without much art. Voice weak and but little modulated.

Form a singular but well defined link between Coraces and

Chelidones.

12. BOMBYCILLA.

Ampelis, L. Gm. Lath. Turdus, Briss. Corvus, Ill.

Bombycivora, (subgen.) Cuv. Term. Bombyciphora, Meyer.

Bomb .,cilla, Vieill. Ranz. Nob. obs.

But trigonal at base, somewhat compressed towards the

tip, notched : upper mandible with an obtuse ridge, curved

and acute at tip; lower hardly shorter, compressed, somewhat

swelling out at base, recurved, notched, and rather acute at

tip; nostrils basal, oval, patulous, covered by small incumbent

setaceous feathers: tongue cartilaginous, broad at tip, lace-

rated. ‘Tarsus almost equal to the middle toe, which is

united at base to the shorter outer toe; inner free, shorter

than the outer, almost equal to the hind toe, but more

slender ; nails acute, middle one almost equal:to the hind

nail, but more slender at tip. Wines with spurious feather

extremely short; first and second primaries longest.

Feremaue similar to the male, crested; adults with small

red oblong appendages, like red sealing wax, at the tip of the

secondaries. Plumage of a very fine silky and glossy tex-

ture, lying extremely close. Movult annually.

Live in numerous flocks. Wandering: perform great

journeys; not shy, simple, and easily tamed. Feed chiefly

on juicy fruits. Build im trees; lay twice a year; eggs

about 5.

Composed of but two species, one American, and the

other European and Asiatic.

66. Bompycitia caroxinensis, Briss. Drab; chin, frontlet and

line over the eye, black; belly yellow; vent white; wings

and tail blackish, the latter tipped with yellow.

Cedar Bird, Ampelis americana, Wils. Am. Orn. 1. p. 107.

gl.7. fig.1. Bombycilla cedrorum, Vierll.

60 Synopsis of the Birds

Inhabits all North America; more common in the northerii

and middle states; in winter also in the southern, Mexico,

and even Cayenne.

YAMILY IX. CHELIDONES.

Lhantes, fll. Fisstrostres, Cuv. Chelidones, Vieill. Ranz.

Latirostres, Latr. Order Chelidones, Temm.

Brut very small, much depressed, very wide at base; up-

per mandible incurved, compressed at tip: gape very large.

Fret very short and slender; tarsi annulated; toes short ;

nails short, arcuated, more or less slender and acute. Wines

greatly elongated, very acute. lh

Femace and young generally differ but little fol the

adult male. Moult annually.

Feed exclusively on insects, which they swallow flying.

Migrate to tropical countries in winter. Flight very rapid

and protracted: hardly walk. Vision acute, diurnal or noc-

turnal. Voice destitute of harmony or modulation.

NOCTURNAL.

- Head very large; eyes and ears very large. Middle toe

nail pectinated. -on the inner side. Plumage loose, soft, and

light.

13. CAPRIMULGUS.

Caprimulgus, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Cuv. fll. Temm. Ranz.

Caprimulgus, Nyctibius, Vierll.

Bit extremely short, feeble, cleft beyond the eyes; upper

mandible almost always surrounded by divergent bristles,

somewhat hooked at tip ; lower somewhat recurved at tip;

margins vertical or turned outwards: nostrils basal, wide,

partly closed by a feathered membrane, leaving generally a

tubular opening: tongue very small, cartilaginous, more or

less acute, narrow, entire. Tarsi partly feathered; fore

toes connected to the first joint by a small membrane;

middle toe generally much longer than the lateral and pos-

of the United States. 61

terior, the latter slender, versatile : nails very short, canalicu-

lated beneath. First primary shorter than the second and

third, which are longest. ‘Tait of ten feathers.

Femate easily distinguished from the male. Young similar

to the adult. Moult once or twice in the year. Plumage

dull, generally consisting of a mixture of gray, reddish-

brown and blackish, with some white spots.

Solitary; shy; live in forests; abrupt in their motions ;

fly rapidly about in the twilight and in the night, when their

vision is more acute ; conceal themselves in the day, except

in cloudy weather ; flight silent, owing to the softness of

the feathers. Hunt insects, principally nocturnal lepidop-

tera, with a patulous mouth. In the breeding season rustle

their wings like the doves; remarkably constant. Lay

one or two large eggs on the ground without any nest, rarely

in a hollow tree or cleft rock. Voice unpleasant, monoto-

nous. Sometimes when flying utter a noise, probably pro-

duced by the air rushing into their open mouth, and circula-

ting in the body.

Inhabit all parts of the globe, but chiefly America. Analo-

gous to Strix. J

67. CapRimuLGUs CAROLINENSIS, Gm. Bristles shorter than the

bill; tail rounded, reaching an inch beyond the wings ; three

outer tail feathers white on the inner web at tip: length twelve

inches.

Female, with the tip of the three outer tail feathers dark

ochreous.

Chuck-wills-widow, Caprimulgus carolinensis, Wils. Am.

Orn. vi. p. 95. pleos. fig. 2.

Inhabits the southern states during summer: rather com-

mon.

68. CapRimuLGus vocirerus, Wils. Bristles much longer than

the bill; tail much rounded, reaching one half beyond the

wings; primaries mottled.

Vor. II. s

62 Synopsis of the Birds

Male, three outer tail feathers pure white at tip.

_ Female, tip of the outer tail feathers ochreous.

Whip-poor-will, Caprimulgus vociferus, Wils. Am. Orn. v-

p. 11. pl. 41. fig. 1. male, 2. female, 3. young recently hatched-

C. virginianus, Vieill. nec auct.

Inhabits the United States during summer: far less com-

mon than the following in the middle and northern states.

69. CaprimuLeus virerntanus, Briss. Bill without bristles ;

tail forked, not reaching to the tips of the wings; primaries

plain blackish, with a white spot.

Male, triangular spot on the throat, and band on the tail,

white.

Night-Hawk, Caprimulgus americanus, Wils Am. Orn. v.

p» 65. pl. 40. fig. 1. male. 2. female. C. popetue, Vieill.

Inhabits the United States during summer, common in

the middle states.

. DIURNAL.

Eyes and ears moderate. Plumage close and’ compact.

Middle toe nail not pectinated.

14. CYPSELUS.

Hirundo L. Priss. Gm. Lath. Cuv. Hirundo, Cypselus,

Il. Vieill. Ranz. Apus, Scopoli. Cuv. (subg.) Micropus,

Wolf. Meyer. Brachypus, Meyer. Cypselus, Temm.

Bixt extremely short, triangular, cleft to the eyes ; upper

mandible slightly notched near the tip, which is rather

obtuse ; lower somewhat shorter, and a little recurved at tip:

nostrils lateral, approximate, large, partly covered by a

‘feathered membrane, leaving asmall tubular aperture : tongue

short, wide, cartilaginous, bifid at tip. Frer remarkably

short; toes divided ; hind toe versatile, generally directed

forward; middle toe a little longer than the lateral sube-

qual ones; hind toe shortest: nails very retractile, beneath

canaliculated; the middle one largest; hind nail smallest.

of the United States. 63

Wines extremely long; first primary a little shorter than

the second, which is longest. Tai of ten feathers.

Femate and young hardly differing from the adult male.

Moult annually.

Build in clefts of high rocks and buildings; nests con-

structed of small twigs, agglutinated together by a viscous

substance secreted in the mouth. Flight horizontal and very

rapid; vise from the ground with difficulty on account of

their very short feet: cling firmly by their claws.

Spread all over the globe.

70. CypseLUs PELASGIUS, Temm. Deep sooty-brown 3; chin and

line over the eye dull whitish ; wings extending one and a

half inches beyond the tail; tail even, feathers mucronate.

Chimney Swallow, Hirundo pelasgia, Wils. Am. Orn. v.

p: 48. pl. 39. fig. 1.

Inhabits chimneys in all the United States during summer :

common: does not extend very far north.

15. HIRUNDO.

Hirundo, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Vieill. Temm.

Ranz.

Bix triangular, cleft nearly to the eyes, with a few scat-

tered bristles at the base ; upper mandible notched ; lower

shorter, a little narrower, acute, and nearly straight to the

tip: nostrils basal, oblong, posteriorly closed by a mem-

brane, and covered by the frontlet feathers: tongue short,

cartilaginous, bifid at tip. Tarsus short, slender; middle

toe longer than the subequal lateral ones, united with

the outer to the first articulation ; inner toe free, generally

longer than the hind toe, which is not versatile: middle toe

nail largest. First primary longest. Taiz of twelve feathers,

almost always forked.

Frmate and young often resemble the adult male. Moult

annually.

64 Synopsis of the Birds

Social: assemble in large flocks to migrate ; live gene-

rally in families, constructing their nests together, and often

assist each other in the work. Some build in hollow trees,

chimneys, and even on the ground ; nest artfully constructed,

composed of materials that harden by drying, and lined

within with feathers and other soft substances: rear usually

several broods in a year; both sexes nurse the young. Fre-

quent watery places in pursuit of winged insects, which they

take with agility. Skim over the water, drink and wash

themselves without alighting. . Ascend to the elevated regions

of the atmosphere in fair weather ; before rain fly moderately

high, and after skim the earth.

Inhabit every part of the globe.

71. Hraunpo eurpures,L. Bluish-purpie, glossy; wings

and forked tail blackish.

Female and young bluish-brown ; belly whitish.

Purple Martin, Hirundo purpurea, Wils. Am. Orn. v. p. 58.

pl. 39. fig. 1 male. 2. female.

Inhabits the whole continent of America: common during

summer throughout the United States.

72. Hirunno rurs,Gm. Above and band on the breast steel-

blue; front and beneath rufous; tail forked; a white spot

on the Jateral feathers, outer ones much narrowed and elon-

gated.

Barn Swallow, Hirundo americana, Wils. Am. Orn. v.

p. 34. pl. 38. fig. 1. male. 2 female.

Inhabits the United States during summer: common.

73. Hirunvo rutva, Vieill. Blue-black; beneath brownish-

white; throat, front and rump ferruginous ; tail even.

Fulvous or Cliff Swallow, Hirundo fulva, Nub. Am. Orn. i.

p- 63. pl. 7. fig. 1.

Inhabits during summer the western parts of the United

States, advancing every year more to the eastward: very

of the United States. 65

uumerons near the Rocky Mountains, and extending far to

the north.

74. Hrrunvo srcoror, Vieill. Dark greenish-blue, beneath

white; tail forked ; tarsi naked.

Green-blue, or White-bellied Swallow, Hirundo viridis,

Wils. Am. Orn. v. p. 44. pl. 38. fig. 3.

Inhabits the United States during summer: less common

than the Hirundo rufa.

75. Hirunpo riparta, L. Above, and band on the breast,

cinereous-brown ; beneath white ; tail forked; tarsi naked,

with a few tufts of downy feathers behind.

Bank Swallow, or Sand Martin, Hirundo riparia. Wils.

Am. Orn. v.p. 46. pl. 38. fig. 4.

Inhabits both continents on high sandy banks, in large

communities: during summer only in the United States:

common.

FAMILY X. CANORI.

Dentirostres, Cuv. Latr. Myiotheres, Colluriones, Canori,

Canort, Ill. Anerpontes, Vieill. Piezoramfi, kafioramfi,

Metriorampf, Collurioni, Ranz. Order Insectivores, Temm.

Oscines, Brehm.

Bit short, or moderate ; upper mandible almost always

notched and curved near the tip. Tarsr annulated, naked;

middle toe united at base to the outer. Wines moderate.

Tait of twelve feathers.

Insectivorous: some feed also on berries. Build their

nests in woods and thickets; breed several times a year;

eggs rather numerous. Generally excel in song. Flesh

palatable.

16. MUSCICAPA.

Muscicapa, Lanius, L. Gm. Lath. Muscicapa, Briss. Il.

eMuscicapa, Tyrannus, Muscivora, Lacep. Cuv. Muscipeta,

Cuv. Muscicapa, Muscipeta. Temm. Ranz. Muscicapa,

Tyrannus, Alecturus2 Platyrynchos, Vieill.

06 Synopsis of the Birds

Bit moderate, robust, subtrigonal, depressed, with elou-

gated bristles at base; upper mandible inflected at tip,

notched; lower shorter, somewhat flattened beneath, straight,

or a little recurved at tip: nostrils basal, lateral, rounded,

patulous, partly covered by the bristles: tongue depressed,

ciliated at tip. IFerr rather short, slender; tarsus equal, or

rather longer than the middle toe ; inner toe free, or united

only at base: nails acute, moderate; hind nail more incurved

than the others, larger than that of the middle toe. Wunes

rather long, subacute, the spurious feather short or wanting;

second and third, or third and fourth primaries longest.

Tat rather long.

Youne differ from the adult only during the first year.

Some moult once, others twice a year; after the second

moult the male assumes the humble dress of the female.

Females of those that moult once a year, similar to their males.

Taciturn; solitary; untameable. Perch on the highest

branches of trees, whence they watch for insects ; pursuing

chiefly diptera, and taking them on the wing with great agility;

seldom descend to the ground. Build in woods. Widely

distributed over the globe: abounding most where insects

are most numerous, and, by preventing their excessive in-

crease, may be considered as benefactors of man. Migratory

in temperate and cold regions.

* Larger species. ( Tyranni of authors.)

Bold; attacking and driving victoriously from their nests

the most powerful birds of prey.

76. Muscicapa tyranacs, Briss. Blackish, beneath whitish ;

tail even, black, tipped with white.

Adult, a fulvous spot on the crown. Young without the spot.

Tyrant Flycatcher, or King Bird, Muscicapa gl

Wils. Am. Orn. w. p. 67. pl. 13. fig. 1.

Inhabits during summer throughout the United States :

common.

of the United States. 67

77. Musctcapa crintra,L. Greenish; throat ash ; belly yel-

low ; wing and tail feathers ferruginous on the inner webs.

Great-crested Fvycatcher, Muscicapa crinita, Wils. Am.

Orn. tt. p. 75. pl. 13. fig.2

Inbabits throughout the United States during summer :

rather common.

78. Muscrcapa verticarts, Nob. Head and throat ash ; a

small orange spot on the crown; belly yellow ; tail blackish,

exterior feather white on the outer web.

Arkansaw Flycatcher Muscicapa verticalis, Nob. Am. Orn.

ip. 18 pl. 2. fig.2. Tyrannus verticalis, Say.

Inhabits the Arkansaw region near the Rocky Mountains,

during summer.

79. Muscicapa savana, Nob. Cinereous; head black; a ful-

vous spot on the crown; beneath white ; tail ten inches long,

extremely forked, black.

Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Muscicapa savana, Nob. Am. Orn.

Sa) here Dl ted, ftTie- Tie

Museicapa tyrannus, LE. Tyrannus savana, Vieill.

Inhabits South America: an accidental visiter in the United

States.

“

80. Muscicapa rorricata,Gm. Light cinereous; beneath

tail greatly elongated, ex-

tremely forked, black ; outer feathers chiefly rosaceous.

Swallow-tailed aa we Muscicapa forficata, Nob. Am.

Orn. 7. p. 15. pl. 2. fig.

Inbabits the trans- Tene territories, south-western

states, and Mexico.

white ; axillary feathers scarlet ;

** Smaller species (Muscicape, Muscivore, and Muscipete

of authors.)

81. Muscrcapa saya, Nob. Dull cinnamon-brown ; belly ru-

fescent ; tail nearly even; first primary longer me the sixth.

Say’s Flycatcher, Muscicapa saya, Nob. Am. Orn, t. p. 2

pl. 2. fig: 3.

68 Synopsis of the Bards

Inhabits near the Rocky Mountains.

82. Muscrcapa rusca, Gm. Dark olive-brown, head blackish ;

beneath pale ochreous ; bill entirely black ; tail emarginate,

exterior feather whitish on the outer web.

Pewit Flycatcher, Muscicapa nunciola, Wils. Am. Orn. u.

p. 78. pl. 13. fig. 4.

Inhabits during summer the northern and middle states,

a few wintering in the southern: common.

83. Muscrcapa yrrens, L. Brownish-olive, beneath pale

ochreous ; bill black, beneath yellow; tail emarginate ;

second primary longest.

Wood Pewee Flycatcher, Muscicapa rapax, Wils. Am. Orn.

UW. . Ble Pl. 13. fig. 5.

Inhabits every part of the United States in summer :

common.

84. Muscrcapa acapica, Gm. Olive-green, beneath yellowish

white ; bill black, flesh colour beneath ; tail slightly round-

ed; third primary longest.

Small green-crested Flycatcher, Muscicapa querula, Wils.

fim. Orn. wt. p. 77. pl. 13. fig. 3-

Inhabits all the United States during summer: rather rare.

35. Muscicapa ruticitta, L. Black; belly white; sides of

the breast, base of the primaries and tail feathers, the two

middle ones excepted, orange.

Female, young, and autumnal male, greenish-olive; head

eimereous ; beneath whitish ; sides of the breast, and base of

the tail feathers, vellow.

American Redstart, Muscicapa ruticilla Wils. Am. Orn. ¢.

p. 103. pl. 6. fig. 6. adult male, v. p. 119. pl. 4s. fig. 2. young.

Inhabits all the United States during summer. Common.

17. ICTERIA.

Muscicapa, Gm. Lath. Turdus, Briss. Ampelis, Sparr-

man. Tanagra, Desmarest. Pipra Wils. Icteria, Vieill.

of the United States. 6G

Bint robust, elongated, convex, curved, compressed, eu-

tire, pointed, with divergent bristles at base ; mandibles suls-

equal, edges somewhat inflexed : nostrils rounded, obvious,

half covered by an arched membrane: tongue cartilaginous,

slightly bifid at tip. Inner ror free. Fimsr primary a

little shorter than the second, third, and fourth, which are

longest.

Femate similar to the male in colour.

Feed on insects and berries. Conceal themselves in thick

bushy places. Alight on the ground, but always near their

hiding places, to which they retire as soon as observed.

Song greatly varied. Flight irregular.

Peculiar to America; composed of but one species. Inter-

mediate between Muscicapa and ‘Tanagra, but well placed

between Turdus and Vireo.

86. Icreria viripis, Nob. Greenish-olive ; throat and breast

yellow; belly and line encircling the eyes, white.

Yellow-breasted Chat, Pipra polyglotta, Wils, Am. Orn.

i. p. 90. pl. 6. fig. 2.

Muscicapa viridis, Gm. Icteria dumicola, Vieill.

Inhabits during summer all parts of the United States:

common : winters in tropical America.

18. VIREO.

Muscicapa, Tanagra, L. Gm. Lath. Museicapa, Briss.

Temm. Vireo, Muscicapa, Sylvia, Vieiil.

Britt rather short, a little compressed, with bristles at

base; upper mandible curved at tip, strongly notched ; lower

shorter, recurved at tip: nostrils basal, rounded: tongue car-

tilaginous, bifid at tip. Tarsus longer than the middle toe.

Wines subacute ; second or third primary longest.

Femave differing but little from the male. More or less

tinged with green.

Usually insectivorous, but sometimes feeding on berries.

Live chiefly on trees, and rarely alight on the ground.

Vox. iI. 9

10 Synopsis of the Bards

Migrate in winter to tropical climates. The greater number

sing sweetly.

Peculiar to America. Closely allied to Tamnophilus on

one side, to Muscicava on another, Sylvia on a third, and

‘Tanagra on a fourth, thus uniting the two families Canori

and Passerini. Some of the species correspond to Tamno-

philus, in the form of the bill and feet, and differ only in that

of the wings.

87. Vireo riavirrons, Vieill. Yellow-olive; throat, breast,

{rontlet and line round the eye yellow; belly white ; wings

bifasciate with white, and with the tail blackish.

Yellow-throated Flycatcher, Muscicapa sylvicola, Wils. Am.

Orn. vi. p. 117. pl. 7. fig. 3.

Ynhabits forests during summer: rather common.

8g. Vireo sorrranrivs, Vieill. Olive-green ; head bluish-gray;

line round the eye white; breast pale cinereous; belly white,

vellow each side; wings bifasciate with white, and with the

tail blackish.

Solitary Flycatcher, Muscicapa solitarta, Wils. Am. Orn.

it. p. 143. pl. 17. fig. 6.

Inhabits the southern and middle states during summer :

very rare.

89. Vireo novesorAcensis, Nob. Yellow-olive; beneath white,

sides yellow; line round the eye, and spot near the nostrils,

rich yellow ; wings bifasciate with pale yellow, and with the

tail blackish ; irides white.

Whate-eyed Flycatcher, Muscicapa cantatrix, Wils. Am.

Orn. it. p. 166. pl. 18. fig. 6.

Muscicapa noveboracensis, Gin. Vireo musicus, Vieill.

Inhabits the United States during summer, proceeding

sradually from the south to the north as the season advances :

common. ‘

90. Virno cu.vus.Nob. Pale-green olive ; head slightly in-

of the Unated States. 71

clinmg to ash; line over the eye and all beneath, white ;

wings dusky, without bands; bill short; irides brown.

Warbling Flycatcher, Wuscicapa melodia, Wils. /lm. Orn.

Dv. p. 85. pl. 42. fig. 2. Muscieapa (since Sylvia) gilva, Vieull.

Inhabits during summer throughout the union: not very

common.

91. Vireo ontvacets, Nob. Yellow-olive; crown ash, with

a black lateral line; line over the eye; and all beneath

white; wings without bands; bill elongated ; irides red.

Red-eyed Flycatcher, Muscicapa olivacea, Wils. Am. Orn.

it. p. 55. pl. ix. fig. 3. Muscicapa olivacea, L.

Inhabits every part of the United States durmg the warm

and temperate season: common. [Forms the link between

Vireo and Sylvia.

19. LANIUS.

Lanius, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. ll. Cuv. Vieill. Temm. Ranz.

Bit. moderate, robust, straight, mich compressed, base

with rigid, porrect bristles : upper mandible rounded above,

hooked at tip, acute, with an acute tooth each side near the

tip; lower shorter, acute, notched and toothed near the tip;

nostrils basal, lateral, half closed by a vaulted membrane :

tongue short, triangular, lacerated at tip. Ferxrr robust;

tarsus longer than the middle toe, lateral ones nearly equal ;

inner free; hind toe wide, at base beneath flattened, more

robust than the others, a little shorter than the lateral: nails

moderate, compressed, acute; that of the hind toe largest.

Wines moderate; spurious feather very short; second and

third primary longest. Tatn of twelve feathers.

Femave and young of the American species hardly differ

from the adult males. Some species moult once, others twice

in the year.

Distrustful: courageous: sanguiuary. Feed on insects

and small birds: take their stand on high limbs whence they

watch for prey; hold it while feeding in one foot. standing

12 Synopsis of the Birds

on the other. Attack the most powerful of the feathered

tribe, which they drive from their nests. Live in families.

Build in trees and bushes; lay 5—7 eggs. Flight short,

rapid and irregular: wag the tail. Voice loud, stridulous :

imitate the song of other birds.

Found in all parts of the globe, except South America.

Resemble the Accipitres, especially in habits; notwithstand-

ing allied to Corvus, but much. more closely to Turdus,

Myiothera, and other small, feeble birds. .

92. Lanius seprentrionauis, Gm. (11.) Light slate ; beneath

white, undulated with brown ; frontlet whitish; wings and tail

black ; tail feathers, excepting the two middle ones, partly

white ; third primary longest ; fourth equal to the second.*

Great American Shrike or Butcher bird, Lanius excubitor,

Wils. Am. Orn. i. p. 74. pl. 5. fig. 1. Lanius borealis, Vieill.

Inhabits north of both continents: in winter only in Penn-

sylvania: rather rare.

93. Lanrus tupovicianus, L. Dark slate; beneath white ;

frontlet black ; wings and tail black ; tail feathers, four mid-

dle ones excepted, partly white; second primary longest ;

first and fifth equal.+

Logger-head Shrike, Lanius carolinensis, Wils. Am. Orn.

1. p. 57. pl. 22. fig.s. Lanius ardosiaceus, Vierll.

Inhabits the southern states.

20. MYIOTHERA.

Turdus, Lanius, L. Gm. Lath. Briss.

Myiothera, Ill. Cuv. Temm. Ranz. Myrmecophaga, Lacep.

Myrmothera, Tamnophilus, Vierll.

* In Lanius excubitor of Europe, the second is longest, and the fourth

considerably shorter. }

} In Lanius excubitor, and Lanius septentrionalis, the first primary is

equal to the sixth

of the Umted States.

Bitt moderate or elongated, much compressed, higher

than wide at base, straight or slightly curved; upper mandible

a little vaulted, notched and curved at tip; lower a little shorter,

straight, notched, ascending at tip, acute: nostrils basal,

oval, half closed by a membrane: tongue short, generally

somewhat bristled at tip. Tarsus rather slender, very long

or moderate ; lateral toes subequal, shorter than the middle

one, which is united at base with the inner, and to the outer

as far as the first articulation; hind toe a little longer and

more robust than the inner: nails moderate, incurved, acute ;

the hind one largest. Wunes short, rounded; first primary

shortest; the following gradually longer to the fourth or

fifth, which is longest. ‘Tam. very short and even, or mode-

rate and much rounded. ;

Femate larger than the male, and, with the young differing

considerably in colour from the adult male.

Live generally in families or small troops, different species

in company, in dry uninhabited countries, principally dense

forests. Feed exclusively on insects, especially ants. Run

swiftly on the ground, and leap with agility; seldom alight-

ing, and then on the lowest branches of trees. Flight low

and short.’ Voice harsh and peculiar. Flesh oily and un-

palatable. Tropical; chiefly American. Allied to Turdus

by Pitta on one side, to Lanius by Tamnophilus on another,

and to Troglodytes on a third.

94. Myioruera onsoteta, Nob. Dusky-brownish, undulated

with pale ; beneath whitish, marked with brown; tail two

inches long, rounded, ferruginous-yellow at tip; bill very

slender, slightly curved, one inch long ; tarsus seven-eighths

of an inch.

Rocky Mountain Ant-catcher, Myiothera obsoleta, Nob. Am.

Orn. t. p. 6. pl. 1. fig 2. Troglodytes obsoleta, Say.

Inhabits near the Rocky Mountains. Placed on the ex-

treme limits of the genus, near Troglodytes.

74 Synopsis of the Birds

21. TURDUS.

Turdus, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Cuv. Vieill. Temm. Rauz.

Bitt moderate, much compressed except at base, rounded-

cultrate, furnished with bristles; upper mandible slightly

curved, generally notched; lower shorter, straight, almosi

rounded: nostrils basal, rounded, half closed bya naked mem-

brane ; tongue depressed, cartilaginous, fimbriated, emarginate

at tip. Feet rather robust; tarsus longer than the middle

toe ; inner toe free, hardly longer than the hind one, which

is as robust as the middle toe: nails moderate, compressed,

incurved, acute; the posterior hardly larger than the middle

one.. Wines short or moderate ; spurious feather short; first

and second primaries, second and third, sometimes third,

fourth, and fifth, longest; secondaries somewhat rounded at

tip; scapulars hardly longer than the secondaries.

Femare and young generally differ little from the male.

Young more spotted. Moult annually.

Gay. Solitary ; several, however, migrate in flocks. Feed

on insects and berries. Some eminently distinguished for

their admirable song and delicious flesh.

Found in all countries and climates. Allied to the Family

Gregarii by Sturnus, and more particularly by Acridotheres,

but evidently belonging to this family ; closely related to

Sylvia, Myiothera, Pitta and Saxicola.

SYLVANI.

Live and build in woods, thickets and orchards; eggs

i—6. Migrate in flocks. Feed principally on berries, ex-

cept when bringing up their young.

95. Turpus potyciortos, L. Cinereous; beneath and eye-

brows whitish; tips of the coverts, primaries at base, and

lateral tail feathers, white ; tail cuneiform.

Mocking Bird, Turdus polyglottus, Wils. Am. Orn. ti.

p. 13. pl. 10. fig. 1.

] of the United States. ri)

Inhabits America from New-England to Brazil: rare, and

migratory north of the Delaware: common, and resident

south.

95. Turpus FEvivox, Vieill. Deep slate, beneath paler; vent

rufous ; crown and tail black, the latter rounded.

Cat Bird, Turdus lividus, Wils. Am. Orn. w. p. 90. pl. 20-

Jig. 3. ~Muscicapa carolinensis, DL.

Inhabits during summer throughout North America: very

common.

97. Turpus mieratorius,L. Dark ash; beneath rufous ;

head and tail black, two lateral feathers white at the inner tip.

Robin, Turdus migratorius, Wils. Am. Orn. %. p. 35. pl. 2.

Sig. 2.

Inhabits all North America: extremely common the latter

part of autumn, when it arrives from the north in large

flocks: a few winter in Pennsylvania.

98. Turbus rurus,L. Reddish-brown; beneath whitish,

spotted with black ; tail very long, rounded; wings bifasciate

with whitish ; bill long, entire.

Ferruginous Thrush, Turdus rufus, Wils. Am. Orn. i.

p» 88. pl. i4. fig. 1.

Inhabits throughout North America in summer: common:

a few resident in the southern states.

99. Turpus musteLinus, Gm. Brown-fulvous, inclining to

reddish on the head, and to olive on the rump and tail; be-

neath white, spotted with blackish; tail short, slightly emar-

ginate ; bill moderate.

Wood Thrush, Turdus melodus, Wils. 4m. Orn. 2. p. 35.

pl. 2. fig. 1.

Inhabits all North America in summer: common: none

wintering within the boundaries of the United States.

100. Turpus minor, Gm. Olive-brown, inclining to reddish

on the tail; beneath whitish, spotted with dusky on the

€

70 Synopsis of the Birds

breast and under the wings; tail short, emarginate; bili

short. : : ’

Hermit Thrush, Turdus solitarius, Wils. Am. Orn. v. p. 95.

pl. 43. fig. 2.

Inhabits all North America in summer : common: resident

in the southern states.

101. Turpus witsonn, Nob- ‘Tawny-brown; beneath white,

with brown spots on the throat; tail short, nearly even, the

feathers pointed ; bill short.

Tawny Thrush, Turdus mustelinus, Wils. Am. Orn. v.

p- 98. pl. 43. fig. 3.

Inhabits all North America, remaining but a few days in

Pennsylvania and New Jersey: rather common: breeding

in the north ; wintering in the south.

22, SYLVIA.

Motacilla, L. Gm. lll. Ficedula, Briss. Sylvia, Scopolt.

Lath. Temm. Ranz. Sylvia, Dacnis, (subgenus of Cassicus)

Cuv. Sylvia, Mniotilta, Viell.

Bri. slender, straight, subulate, higher than wide at base,

furnished with bristles; lower mandible straight: nostrils

basal, lateral, oval, half closed by a membrane: tongue

cartilaginous : lacerated at tip. Fret slender ; tarsus longer

than the middle toe ; inner toe free; hind toe moderate ; nails

moderate, compressed, incurved, acute ; the posterior shorter

than the toe. Wines moderate or short; spurious feather

generally short ; first and second primaries, second and third,

or third and fourth, longest; scapulars considerably shorter

than the quill feathers.

Femate generally distinguished by a less vivid plumage.

Young generally similar to the parents after the first moult.

Moult once, some species twice, in the year.

Sprightly. Inhabit forests: migrate from south to north

in spring. Feed on inseets which they generally take on the

of the United States. U7

branches of trees, or pick off from the leaves ; seek for worms

on the ground; sometimes eat berries. Many sing delight-

fully.

Spread all over the globe. By some species united to

Turdus, Muscicapa and Saxicola, and, by the subgenus Dac-

nis, connected with Icterus (Family Gregarii), by Regulus to

Parus (Family Agithali), by Troglodytes to Myiothera and

even Certhia (Family Tenuirostres), by Anthus to Alauda

(Passerini), to which Family it is also connected by some

slender-billed Tanagrze. Some species are so closely allied

to Vireo, Muscicapa, Turdus, Saxicola, &c. that they might

be placed with almost equal propriety in either.

SUBGENUS I. SYLVIA.

Upper mandible slightly curved and notched near the tip.

102. Synvra AuROcAPILEA, Nob. Olivaceous ; crown brownish-

orange, margined each side by a black line; beneath white,

breast spotted with blackish.

Golden-crowned Thrush, Turdus aurocapillus, Wils. Am.

Orn. vi. p. 88. pl. 14. fig. 2. Motacilla aurocapilla, L.

Inhabits all the United States during summer, in woods :

winters in Mexico and the West Indies: breeds in Pennsyl-

vania : rather common.

103. Syivia Novesordcensis, Latn. Olive-brown; beneath and

line over the eye yellowish-white ; breast spotted with black-

ish.

Water Thrush, Turdus aquaticus, Wils. Am. Orn. wt. p. 66.

pl. 23. fig. 5.

Inhabits all parts of the United States during summer:

common in Louisiana, Tennessee, &c. ; rather rare in Penn-

sylvania and New-Jersey, where it appears but a few days in

May, on its way north, and on its return in August.

104, Sytv1a cornonATA, Lath, Slate, streaked with black ;

Vou. Il. 10

76 Synopsis of the Birds

beneath white, breast spotted with black ; crown, sides of

the breast, and rump yellow ; wings bifasciate with white, and

with the tail, black; three lateral tail feathers spotted with

white.

Winter plumage brownish-olive ; beneath dirty white; yel-

low of the breast and crown obsolete.

Young, without black or yellow.

Yellow-rump Warbler, Sylvia coronata, Wils. Am. Orn. w.

p. 138. pl. 17. fig. 4, summer plumage ; and v. p. 121. pl. 45. fig. 3-

winter plumage.

Inhabits all the United States during summer; common:

passes through Pennsylvania in the spring whilst in full plu-

mage, and returns in flocks in the autumn in its humble

dress: winters in the southern states: breeds in the north

and in the mountains.

105. Sytv1a pAnMARUM, Lath. Brown-olive ; crown rufous ;

line over the eye, and all beneath, rich yellow; breast streak-

ed; two lateral tail feathers white on the inner tip.

Winter plumage considerably duller ; rufous of the crown

obsolete ; beneath yellowish-white.

Palm Warbler, Sylvia palmarum, Nob. Am. Orn. ii. pl. 16.

fig. 2. adult male in summer dress, never noticed before.

Inbabits Florida and the West Indies: common: resident :

rare and transitory visitant in the middle and northern states.

where it is only observed in early spring.

106. Sytvia macuzosa, Lath. Crown ash; rump and be-

neath rich yellow ; breast spotted with black; wings bifas-

ciate with white, and with the tail, black ; lateral tail feathers

white on the middle of their inner vanes.

Black and Yellow Warbler, Sylvia magnolia, Wils. Am.

Orn. iit. p. 63. pl. 23. fig. 2, adult male.

_ Inhabits all the United States during summer: rare: re-

of the United States. 79

mains only a few days in Pennsylvania, on its way to and

from its breeding places.

107, Synvra Marita, Wils. Yellow-olive, streaked with

black ; crown and line through the eyes black; cheeks and

beneath yellow; breast spotted with black; wings with a

broad white band; three lateral tail feathers with a spot of

white. :

Female dull-olive ; beneath whitish spotted with dusky.

Cape May Warbler, Sylvia maritima, Wils. Am. Orn. vi.

p- 99. pl. 51. fig. 3. male; and Nob. Am. Orn. 2. p. 32. pl. 3.

jig. 3. female. |

Inhabits Pennsylvania and New Jersey, a few days only in

the spring and autumn; very rare.

108. Syzvra parpAtrna, Nob. Cinereous-brown ; crown dap-

pled with black; beneath and line over the eyes yellow;

breast spotted with black ; tail immaculate. |

Canada Flycatcher, Muscicapa canadensis, Wils. Am. Orn.

tut. p. 100. pl. 26. fig. 2. male.

Inhabits throughout the United States during summer:

rare, especially in the Atlantic States; seen in Pennsylva-

nia but a few days in spring and autumn: breeds to the

north.

109. Syrvrta mirrata, Lath. Yellow-olive; head and neck

black; forehead and cheeks, and body beneath, yellow ; three

lateral tail feathers white on one half of their inner webs.

Hooded Flycatcher, Muscicapa cucullata, Wils. Am. Orn.

it. p. 190. pl. 26. fig. 3. male.

Inhabits the United States during summer only: rare north

of Maryland ; common to the south.

110. Syty1a PENsiuis, Lath. Light slate ; frontlet, ear-feath-

ers, lores and above the eyes black; throat and breast yel-

low ; belly and line over the eye white ; wings and tail black

varied with white.

30 Synopsis of the Birds

Yellow-throated Warbler, Sylvia flavicollis, Wils. Am.

Orn. wt. p. 54. pl. 12. fig. 6-

Inhabits the northern parts of the United States during

summer: extremely rare as far north as Pennsylvania: win-

ters in the West Indies.

111. Syrvra virens. Lath. Yellowish-green; front, cheeks,

sides of the neck, and line over the eye, yellow; beneath

white ; throat black; wings bifasciate with white, and with

the tail, dusky ; three lateral tail feathers marked with white.

Black-throated green Warbler, Sylvia virens, Wils. Am.

Orn. wu. p. 127. pl. 17. fig.'3.

Inhabits the United States during summer; in Pennsyl-

vania a few days only in the spring on their way northward,

and in the autumn on their return; rather rare.

112. SynyrA BLACKBURNIZ, Lath. Head striped with black

and orange; throat and breast orange, bounded by black

spots; wings with a large white spot; three lateral tail

feathers white on the inner web.

— Blackburnian Warbler, Sylvia Blackburniea, Wils. Am.

Orn. Wi. p. 64. pl. 28. fig. 3-

-Tnhabits the United States during summer ; for a few days

only in the spring and autumn in Pennsylvania: rare.

113. Synvia icTEROcEPHALA, Lath. Crown yellow; beneath

white; sides, from the bill, chesnut; wings bifasciate with

yellow; three lateral tail feathers marked with white.

Female destitute of chesnut on the sides.

Chesnut-sided Warbler, Sylvia Pennsylvanica, Wils. Am.

Orn. i. p. 99. pl. 14. fig. 5.

Inhabits the United States during summer; a few days

only in Pennsylvania in spring and autumn: rare. ©

114, Synvra castaneA, Wils. Forehead and cheeks black ;

crown, throat, and sides under the wings, chesnut; wings

bifasciate with white ; three lateral tail feathers marked with

white.

of the United States. 81

Bay-breasted anion, Sylvia castanea, Wils. Am. Orn.

Wt. p. 97. pl. 14. fig. 4.

Inhabits the Ue ited States in summer ; in Pennsylvania a

few days only in spring and autumn: rare.

115. SyiviaA srrrara, Lath. Crown black; cheeks and be-

neath white; wings bifasciate with white, and with the tail

blackish ; three lateral tail feathers marked internally with

white.

Female and young dull yellow-olive, streaked with black

and slate; beneath white ; cheeks and sides of the breast

tinged with yellow.

Black-poll Warbler, Sylvia striata, Wils. Am. Orn.

p. 40. pl. 30. fig. 3. male; and vi. p. 101. pl. 54. fig. 4. female.

Inhabits the United States during summer: rather common.

116. Sytvra varrA, Lath. Varied with black and white ;

crown striped with black ; belly pure white.

Male, throat black.

Female and young, throat preyich-whita)

Black and white Creeper, Certhia maculata, Wils. Am.

Orn. iii. p. 43. pl. 19. fig. 3. . .

Inhabits the United States during summer : common.

Forms an immediate link (without Troglodytes) with

Certhia, of which it has some of the characters, and all the

habits. The genus Mniotilta of Vieillot is formed for its re-

ception.

117. Synvra prnus, Lath. Olive-green ; beneath yellow 3 vent

white ; wings bifasciate with white, and with the tail, brown;

three lateral tail feathers with a broad white spot near the

tip 5. lores not black.

Female brown, tinged with olive-green on the baee

beneath pale yellowish.

Pine creeping Warbler, Sylvia pinus, Wils. Am. Orn. 11.

p. 95. pl. 19. fig. 4.

Inhabits pine woods of the southern states, common, resi-

dent; and New Jersey in summer, rare.

82 Synopsis of the Birds

Resembles Certhia in habits. Misled by Edwards, authors

have confounded it with Sylvia solitaria, Wils. from which

their description is taken.

118. Syzvra parus, Wils. Black, with a few yellow-olive

streaks ; head above yellow, dotted with black ; line over the

eye, sides of the neck, and breast yellow; belly paler, streak-

ed with dusky; wings bifasciate with white, and with the tail

black ; three lateral tail feathers white on their inner vanes.

Hemlock Warbler, Sylvia parus, Wils. Am. Orn. v. p. 114-

pl. 44. fig. 3. male.

Inhabits the great pine swamps of Pennsylvania during

summer : rare.

119. Sytvra TIGRINA, Lath. Yellow-olive; front, cheeks, chin,

and sides of the neck, yellow; breast and belly pale yellow,

streaked with dusky ; wings bifasciate with white, and with

the rounded tail black ; two lateral tail feathers white on

the inner vane from the middle.

Blue mountain Warbler, Sylvia montana, Wils. Am. Orn.

v. p. 113. pl. 41. fig. 2. male.

Inhabits the United States during summer : rare.

120. SyLvIA RARA, Wils. Verditer-green; lores, line over

the eye, and all beneath pale cream colour; wings bi-

fasciate with white, and with the emarginated tail, brownish-

black ; three lateral tail feathers with white on the outer

vanes.

Blue-green Warbler, Sylvia rara, Wils. Am. Orn. tit.

p- 119. pl. 27. fig. 2.

Inhabits in April on the banks of Cumberland River :

very rare. '

121. Syzv1A prscoror, Vieill. Olive; beneath yellow ; spot-

ted with black ; wings bifasciate with yellow, and, with the

tail, brownish-black ; three lateral tail feathers broadly spot-

ted with white.

Male, a black crescent under the eye.

of the United States. 83

Female, less spotted, and without the crescent.

Prairie Warbler, Sylvia minuta, Wils. Am. Orn. wt. p. 87-

pl. 25. fig. 4.

Inhabits the southern parts of the United States, particu-

larly the borders of Kentucky: rare : winters in the West

Indies.

122. Synvra asriva, Lath. Greenish-yellow ; forehead and

beneath, yellow; breast and sides streaked with dark red ;

Jateral tail feathers interiorly yellow.

Young greenish above ; throat white.

Blue-eyed Yellow Warbler, Sylvia citrinella, Wils. Am.

Orn. ti. p.111. pl. 15. fig. 6-

Inhabits North America as high as the Arctic circle during

summer : very common.

123. SytviA PETEcHTIA, Lath. Yellow-olive, streaked with

dusky ; beneath and line over the eye yellow ; breast streaked

with dull red; crown reddish ; wings and tail blackish, edged

with olive.

Female, young, and adult male in winter, destitute of the

red cap.

Yellow Red-poll Warbler, Sylvia petechia, Wils. Am. Orn.

iv. p. 19. pl. 28. fig. 4. adult male in spring.

Inhabits the United States during summer: resident in the

most southern states: rare. Specifically distinct from the

preceding °

124, Sytvra AMERrcANA, Lath, Bluish; inter-scapulars yel-

low-olive; throat yellow; beily white; wings bifasciate

with white ; lateral tail feathers marked interiorly with white.

Male, front yellow, with a black crescent; breast tinged

with orange.

Female, no crescent nor orange on the breast.

Young brownish-gray ; beneath dirty whitish.

Blue Yellow-back Warbler, Sylvia pusilla, Wiis. Am. Orn.

w. p. 17. pl. 28. fig. 3.

Inhabits the United States during summer : common.

84. Synopsis of the Birds

125. Sytvra canavensis, Lath. Slate colour; beneath white ;

cheeks and throat black ; a white spot on the wings 5 three

lateral tail feathers with white on the inner web.

Black-throated blue Warbler, Sylvia canadensis, Wils. Am.

Orn. wi. p. 115. pl. 15. fig. 7-

Inhabits North America: transient visitors from the south,

where they winter, to the north where they breed: rather

rare. a

126. Sytv1a acinis, Wils. Yellow-olive; beneath yellow;

throat pale ash.

Female, throat dull buff.

Connecticut Warbler, Sylvia agilis, Wils. Am. Orn. v.

p- 64. pl. 39. fig. 4. ¥

A spring visitant in Pennsylvania, New-York, and New-

England: rare. }

127. Syrvra Formosa, Wils. Olive-green ; beneath, and line

over the eye, yellow; crown deep black, spotted behind

with light ash ; lores, and spot curving down the neck, black.

Female destitute of the curved spot.

Kentucky Warbler, Sylvia formosa, Wils. Am. Orn. wi.

p- 85. pl. 25. fig. 3.

Inhabits the south-western part of the union, from Ken-

tucky to New Orleans, during summer : common.

128. Syivia aurumNALis, Wils. QOlive-green; back streaked

with dusky ; beneath, and cheeks dull yellowish ; belly white ;

wings bifasciate with white, and with the tail blackish, each

feather edged with white ; three lateral tail feathers white near

the tip.

Autumnal Warbler, Sylvia autumnalis, Wils. Am. Orn. tit.

p. 65. pl. 93. fig. 4- |

Passes through Pennsylvania in the spring : rare: more

common on its return in October. .

129. Syivra raicHas, Lath. Green-olive; beneath yellow ;

front and wide patch through the eye black, bounded above

by bluish-white.

of the United States. 85

Female and young dull olive ; beneath dull yellow.

Maryland Yellow-throat, Sylvia marylandica, Wils, Am.

Orn. i. p. 98. pl. 6. fig. 1. male; and wv. p. 163. pl. 18.

fig. 4. female.

Inhabits the United States during summer: very common :

winters in the southern states.

130, Syivra pmiLApELPHIA, Wils, Deep greenish-olive ; head

slate ; breast with a crescent of alternate white and black

lines; belly yellow.

Mourning Warbler, Sylvia Philadelphia, Wils. Am. Orn.

it. p. 101. pl. 14. fig. 6.

Found but once in Pennsylvania during summer. An acci-

dental variety of the preceding ?

131. Synvia spHAcanosa, Nob. Deep green-olive ; beneath pale

ochreous; wings with a triangular spot of yellowish-white ;

three lateral tail feathers with a whitish spot on the inner

vanes.

Pine swamp Warbler, Sylvia pusilla (leucoptera), Wils.

’ Alm. Orn. v. p. 100. pl. 43. fig. 4.

Inhabits pine and hemlock swamps in summer; not un-

common.

132. Synyra AzuREA, Stephens. Verditer-blue; beneath and

line over the eye white ; wings bifasciate with white, and, with

the tail, black ; tail feathers with a white spot.

Cerulean Warbler, Sylvia caerulea, Wils. Am. Orn. it.

p. 141. pl. 17. fig. 5. male; and Nob. Am. Orn. it. pl. 11. fig.

9. female.

Inhabits the northern and middle states in summer: rare

in the Atlantic states: common in the western.

133. Sytvia carutza, Lath. Bluish-gray; beneath bluish-

white ; tail longer than the body, rounded, black; outer

tail feathers nearly all white, two next tipt with white.

Blue-gray Flycatcher, Muscicapa caerulea, Wils. Am. Orn.

it. p. 164. pl. 18. fig. 5.

Vor. I. 1

86 Synopsis of the Birds

Inhabits the United States in summer: rather common :

somewhat rare north of Pennsylvania. Allied to Muscicapa.

134, Syzvia minuTA, Nob. Dull yellow-olive; beneath pale

yellow ; wings and tail dusky-brown ; wing-coverts tipt with

white; two lateral tail feathers with a white spot on the inner

vane.

Small-headed Flycatcher, Muscicapa minuta, Wils. Am.

Orn. vi. p. 62. pl. 50. fig. 5. (not his Sylvia minuta.)

Inhabits the southern and middle states in summer = ex-

ceedingly rare in Pennsylvania, less so in New Jersey.

Perhaps not of this genus, but still less a Museicapa.

135. Syxvia witsonnt, Nob. Olive-green; crown black ; front,

line over the eye and all beneath, yellow. '

Female dull yellow-olive.

Green Black-capt Flycatcher, Muscicapa pusilla, Wils. Am,

Orn. wi. p. 103. pl. 26. fig. 4+,

Inhabits the swamps of the southern parts of the United

States during summer: rarely in the lower parts of Delaware

and New Jersey.

SUBGENUS II. DACNIS.

Dacnis (of Cassicus), Cuv. Pit-pits, Vieill.

Bill thick at base, rounded, pointed, quite straight, entire.

Active, industrious ; creeping and hanging by the claws ; :

partaking much of the character of Parus in their habits,

voice and action. The stout billed species pass insensi- bins

bly to the slender billed Icteri and Tanagre.

136. Syiv1A vermivora, Lath. Bright olive; head striped

with black and buff; beneath dirty buff; bill long, stout.

Worm-eating Warbler, Sylvia vermiwora, Wils. Am. Orn.

iit. p. 74. pl. 24. fig. 4.

Inhabits the southern states in summer ; extending its mi-

grations to the middle states ; rare in Pennsylvania.

137. Syxvia PRoTONoTARIUS, Lath. Yellow; back and small

—*

of the United States. 87

wing-coverts olive; wings, rump, and tail-coverts lead-blue ;

lateral tail feathers with a spot of white; bill long, stout.

Prothonotary Warbler, Sylvia protonotarius, Wils. Am.

Orn. tit. p. 72. pl. 246 fig. 3 Hi

Inhabits the southern states insummer 5; common: extreme-

ly rare in Pennsylvania.

138. Syzvia sorrrarta, Wils, Olive-green; forehead, and

all beneath, yellow; . lores black; wings bifasciate with

whitish, and with the tail slate; three lateral tail feathers

white on the inner web.

Blue-winged Yellow Warbler, Sylvia solitaria, Wils. Am.

Orn. ii. p- 109. pl. 15. fig. 4.

Inhabits the United States in summer: rather rare.

Erroneously described for the Sylvia pinus by authors.

139. Syivra CHRYSOPTERA, Lath. Dark slate; crown and wing-

coverts golden-yellow; beneath white ; ‘throat and band

through the eye black.

Female olive; front and wing-coverts yellow; breast and

ever the eye, dusky.

~Golden-winged Warbler, Sylvia chrypsoptera, Wils. Am.

Orn. i. p. 113. pl. 15. fig. 5. male ; and Nob. Am. Orn. p. 12.

pl. 1. fig. 3. female.

‘Inhabits the United States during summer: appear in

Pennsylvania a few days in spring and autumn: rare.

140. SyiviA PEREGRINA, Wils, (12) Yellow olive, bluish on the

a head ; line over the eye pale yellow ; beneath whitish ; wings

__ without bands ; bill very short.

F Tennessee Warbler, Sylvia peregrina, Wils. Am. Orn. tit.

p- 83. pl. 25. fig. 2.

Inhabits Tennessee during summer: rare.

141. Synvra RuBRicAPILLA, Wils. Greenish-olive; head and

neck light ash; crown dotted with deep chesnut; beneath

yellow; belly white; wings without bands.

salle .

88 Synopsis of the Birds

Nashville Warbler, Sylvia ruficapilla (rubricapilla), Wils.

Am. Orn. tii. p. i20. pl. 27. fig. 3.

Inhabits Tennesse, and the neighbouring states, in sum-

mer; rare: occasionally visits Pennsylvania in the spring.

142, Syzvra cenava, Say. Greenish-olive ; crown with a

fulvous spot; beneath olive-yellow; vent yellow; wings

without bands.

Orange-crowned Warbler, Sylvia celata, Nob. Am. Orn.

a. p. 45. pl. 5. fig. 2.

Inhabits Missouri in summer: rather common.

23. SAXICOLA.

Motacilla, L. Gm. Cuv. lll. Ficedula, Briss. Sylvia

Lath. Sazxicola, Bechst. Temm. Ranz. (CEnanthe, Vieill.

Vitiflora, Stephens.

Bitt short, straight, slender, subulate, wider than high at

base, cleft nearly :to the eyes, furnished with bristles at

base; edges inflexed; upper mandible carinated, curved at

tip, notched, somewhat obtuse ; lower shorter, straight, en-

tire, acute: nostrils basal, lateral, oval, partly closed by a

membrane: tongue cartilaginous, emarginate at tip. Tar-

sus rather long and slender ; toes moderate ; inner free ; hind

toe a little shorter than the inner, but more robust; hind

nail stoutest, shorter than the toe, arcuated. Wines rather

Jong ; second and third primaries longest.

Femace generally resembling the young, and differing con-

siderably from the male. Moult annually, but from the wear-

ing away of their feathers, their spring dress is brighter than

that of autumn.

Timid ; restless. Reside in open and principally stony

countries; live in families or small flocks. Feed chiefly on

insects, which they take with great agility of wing. Build

on the ground amongst stones, grass, or in holes in fences and

trees ; eggs 4—5, bluish. Some are always on the ground,

of the United States. 89

’

running in pursuit of flying insects; others alight on small

bushes, tops of trees, fences, &c. seldom on lower branches.

Tail continually in motion.

Hitherto considered as peculiar to the old continent. In

form of bill and activity in catching insects allied to Mus-

cicapa; closely related to Sylvia, the American species par-

ticularly ; and comes also very near to that section of Turdus

called Saxicole. .

143, Saxrcora statis, Nob, Blue ; beneath ferruginous ; belly

white.

Female considerably duller.

Young, dusky, spotted with white; beneath dull whitish-

gray, varied with dusky ; wings and tail bluish.

Blue bird, Sylvia sialis. Wils. Am. Orn. i. p. 56. pl. 3. fig.

3.adult male. Motacilla sialis, L. C£nanthe sralis, Vierll.

Inhabits North America during spring, summer, and

autumn, as well as the West Indies, Mexico, and South Ame-

rica, where it winters: very common : a few resident in the

southern states.

24. ANTHUS.

Alauda, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Motacilla, Cuv.

Anthus, Bechst. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Bit straight, slender, subulate, destitute of bristles ; edges

somewhat inflexed in the middle; upper mandible carinated

at base, then rounded, notched and declining at tip; lower

shorter, quite straight: nostrils basal, lateral, oval, half

closed by a membrane: tongue cartilaginous, bifid at tip.

Fret slender; tarsus longer than the middle toe; inner toe

free ; hind toe shortest, nail almost always long, straightish.

Wines moderate ; no spurious feather; first, second and

third primaries longest; secondaries emorginate at tip ; two

of the scapulars nearly equal to the longest primaries.

Tair elongated, emarginated.

90 Synopsis of the Birds

Femate and young generally much like the adult male,

which assumes somewhat more brilliant colours only during

a few days of the breeding season. Moult annually. i

Frequent open fields, cultivated grounds, &c, near the wa-

ter; the greater part of the species never alight on trees.

Feed exclusively on insects. Build on the ground. Move the

tail vertically like the Motacillz. Sing when rising on the

wing like the Alaude.

Species few, but spread all over the globe. Closely allied

to Motacilla in form and habits; to Alauda in colour and

structure of the hind nail; exactly intermediate between the

two; thus connecting the two families Canori and Passerini,

though remotely distinct from the latter.

144. Anruus sprnocerta, Nob. Beneath, and line over the eye,

pale rufous; breast spotted with black ; tail feathers black-

ish, the outer half white, the second white at tip; hind nail

long, arcuated.

~Brown Lark, Alauda rufa, Wils. Am. Orn. v. p. 89. pl. 42.

fig 1. Alauda spivoletta, L. Anthus aquaticus, Bechst.

Inhabits the north of both continents ; during winter only

in the United States: not very frequent in Pennsylvania.

25, REGULUS.

Motacilla, L. Gm. Ill. Cuv. Parus, Briss. Sylvia, Lath.

Tenm. Ranz. Regulus, Ray, Vieill. Boie. Brehm.

Bitt short, straight, very slender, subulate, compressed

from the base, narrowed in the middle, with bristles at base ;

edges somewhat inflexed ; upper mandible finely notched,

and a little curved at tip: nostrils basal, oval, half closed

by a membrane, covered by two small, porrect, rigid, decom-

pound feathers: tongue cartilaginous, bristly at tip. Ferret

slender; tarsus longer than the middle toe; lateral toes

subequal; inner free; hind toe stoutest, with a larger and.

thicker nail. Wines short, rather acute ; spurious feather

of the United States. 91

very short; third and fourth primaries longest; first and

seventh equa]. Tait emarginate.

Femate differs but little from the male; young considera-

bly duller. Moult annually. Feathers long and setaceous ;

those of the head when separated, discovering a bright spot

on the crown.

Delight in cold weather, though chiefly insectivorous.

Agile ; take their prey on the wing, or on trees, hanging

to the extremities of flexible branches in search of small

insects in the flowers, and on the leaves. Nest constructed

with great art, and affixed to pensile branches; lay once or

twice a year; eggs numerous, sometimes twelve.,

Inhabit the north of both continents ; very small, in Eu-

rope the smallest of all birds. Intermediate between Sylvia

and Parus; closely allied to both.

145. Reautus cALENDULA, Stephens. Olivaceous; beneath

whitish ; crown vermillion, not margined with black.

Ruby-crowned Wren, Sylvia calendula, Wils. Am. Orn. t.

p. 83. pl. 5 fig.3. Regulus rubineus Vieill.

Inhabits North America except in winter; extending its

migrations to Greenland; seldom observed in the middle

states during summer, as it breeds far to the north; passing

north in spring ; common on its return in autumn.

146. Reeutus cristatus, Vieill. Olivaceous ; beneath whitish ;

crown orange, margined with black ; cheeks pale grayish ;

bill slender from the base.

Female, crown lemon- yellow.

Golden-crested Wren, Sylvia regulus, Wils. Am. Orn. i,

p. 126. pl. gs. fig. 2. male; and Golden-crowned Gold-crest,

Regulus cristatus, Nob. Am. Orn. 1. p. 22. pl. 2. fig. 4. female.

Widely extended in both continents; in Pennsylvania

observed in April, autumn, and early winter only breeds

in the north: common.

92 Synopsis of the Birds

26. TROGLODYTES.

Motacilla, L. Gm. Cur. Ill. Sylvia, Lath. Temm. Ranz

Troglodytes, Thryothorus, Vierll.

Bit very slender, subulate, somewhat arched and elon-

gated, acute, compressed, entire ; mandibles equal: nostrils

basal, oval, half closed by a membrane, obvious: tongue

cartilaginous, slender, terminated by two or three small,

rigid bristles. Fret slender; tarsus longer than the middle

toe; inner toe free; posterior with a larger nail. Wes

short, concave, rounded, with a spurious feather ; third, fourth,

and fifth primaries longest.

Femate and young hardly differ in plumage from the adult

male. Moult annually. Plumage dull, thick, and long.

Body rounded.

Active and eccentric in their movements: tail constantly

erected. Fond of prying into caves and dark places: hide

in thickets and brambles. Feed exclusively on insects, which

they seek among dead branches, wood-piles, &c. Nest con-

structed with much art ; eggs rather nnmerous.

SUBGENUS I. TROGLODYTES.

Troglodytes, Vieil!.

Bill slender from the base. Hind toe equal to the inner.

Spurious feather moderate.

Almost domestic, building on or near houses. Sing agree-

ably.

Found in both continents.

147. TroGropyres xpon, Vieill, Brown, banded with black ;

beneath dull grayish, with obsolete bands; tai! long, rounded.

House Wren, Sylvia domesiica, Wils: Am. Orn. i. p. 129.

pl. 3. fig. 3. Sylvia furva? Lath. (13.) .

Inhabits throughout the Union during summer: common.

of the United States. 93

148. TroGLopyres EURopaus, Leach. Brown, banded with

black; beneath dull rufous-grayish with obsolete bands ; tail

very short.

Winter Wren, Sylvia troglodytes, Wils. Am. Orn. t. p. 139.

pl.s. fig. 6 Trogiodytes hyemalis, Vieill. (14.)

Inhabits both continents ; in America less common, and

retiring to the north in summer.

SUBGENUS II. THRYOTHORUS.

Thryothorus, Vieill.

Bite rather thick at base. Hind toe slender, longer than

theinner. Spurious feather elongated, broad.

Keep chiefly in watery places, amongst reeds and aquatic

plants, which they grasp, ascending the stem by hops. Voice

unpleasant, harsh.

Peculiar to America. Closely allied to Certhia and other

Tenuirostres.

149. TroGLopyres Lupovicianus, Nob. Reddish-brown 5 wings

and tail barred with black ; beneath light rusty ; a yellowish-

white stripe over the eye.

Great Caroline Wren, Certhia Caroliniana, Wils. Am.

Orn. ii. p. 61. pl. 12. fig. 5. Sylvia ludoviciana, sp. 150. Lath.

Inhabits the southern staies; common; resident: only a

summer visitant in the middle states ; rare in Pennsylvania,

more common in New Jersey.

150. Trogtopytes pausrris, Nob. Dark-brown; crown black;

neck and back, black, streaked with white ; a white stripe

over the eye; beneath silvery-whitish; vent tinged with

brown.

Marsh Wren, Buvihia palustris, Wils. Am. Orn. ti. p. 58.

pl. 12. fig. 4.. Thryothorus arundineus, Vieill.

Inhabits reeds and other aquatic plants during summer ;

common ; winters south of the United States.

VOL. TL. 12

94 Synopsis of the Birds

FAMILY XI. TENUIROSTRES.

Tenuirostres, Pygarrhici, Gregaru, Ill. Tenwirostres,

Conirostres, Cuv. Latr. Anerpontes, Epopsides, Vieill.

Anerponti, Epopsip, Ranz. Order Amsodactyli, Temm.

Bie elongated, or moderate, subarched, subulate-filiform,

entire, acute, or cuneate at tip: tongue short, not extensible.

FEET moderate ; tarsus annulated, naked ; hind toe generally

longer and more robust than the others ; outer flattened, united

at base to the middle one: nails long, incurved. Wines

moderate, never acute.

Solitary. Feed on insects, which the greatest part pick

out from holes and fissures of trees. Build generally in hol-

low trees, or cleft rocks, hardly constructing a nest. Some

climb on a vertical surface with admirable facility, by means

of their robust, acute nails. Incapable of being domesticated,

though quite familiar when at liberty, permitting a very near

approach. Voice unpleasant.

Allied to the Sagittilingues by the genera Sitta, Dendro-

colaptes, and even Certhia ; and to the Avgithali by the genus

Sitta ; but, as a whole, connects admirably the Canori and the

Anthomyzi. .

27. CERTHIA.

Certhia, L. Gm. Lath. Briss. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Vieili.

Ranz.

But shorter than the head, arched, entire, compressed-

trigonate, extremely slender, acute: nostrils basal, placed in

grooves, half closed by a small membrane: tongue cartilagi-

nous, acute and horny at tip. Fret slender; tarsus longer

than the middle toe ; inner free and somewhat shorter than

the outer ; hind toe more robust and longer than the others:

nails slender, elongated, incurved, compressed, very acute ;

that of the hind toe largest. Wunes short ; spurious feather

short; third and fourth primaries longest ; first shorter than

of the United States. 95

the seveuth. ‘Tart cuneiform, composed of twelve feathers,

elastic, rigid and acuminate.

Femate and young hardly differing from the male. Moult

annually.

Solitary, or in families or small flocks; frequenting woods

and orchards. Climb upwards and downwards on the trees,

the rigid tail serving as a support. Feed exclusively on in-

sects, their larvee and eggs, which they seek for in the crevices

and mosses of the bark. Lay twice a year in hollow trees;

eggs from three to nine.

Species few, but widely disseminated. Closely allied to

the following family, species of which formed part of it

as constituted by Linné, &c. Intimately allied to the Canori

by some North American species of the genus Troglodytes.

151. Certara rAminraris, L. Dark-cinereous, varied with

whitish, brown and fuscous ; beneath white; rump and tail

rusty-brown. |

Brown Creeper, Certhia familiaris, Wils. Am. Orn. %.

p. 122. pl. 8. fig. 1-

Inhabits the north of both continents; more common in

Europe and in the western and northern states, than in Penn-

sylvania, which it visits only in the autumn and winter.

98. SITTA.

Sitta, L.Briss. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Ranz.

Sitta, Neops, Vieill.

Bitt moderate, very hard, conic-subulate, subrounded, a

little compressed, straight, cuneate at tip; edges sharp;

mandibles equal, lower generally recurved from the middle :

nostrils basal, orbicular, open, half closed by a membrane,

usually covered by setaceous incumbent feathers: tongue

short, cartilaginous, depressed and wide at base, emarginate-

lacerated and horny at tip. Frer robust; hind toe stout,

elongated, with a very robust, aduncate, acute nail. Wunas

96 Synopsis of the Birds

moderate ; spurious feather short ; second, third and fourth

primaries longest. ‘Tain rather short, of twelve feathers

broad and rounded at tip.

Sexes similar: young differing but little from the adult.

Moult once a year.

Participate in the habits of the Pici, of the Certhiee, and of

the Pari. Dwell in woods: climb the trunk and branches of

trees, both ascending and descending. Feed principally on

insects and larvee, which they extract from trees in the man-

ner of the Woodpeckers ; when pressed by hunger perforate

nuts and fruits with their bill. Build in hollow trees; eggs

numerous.

Inhabit all cold and temperate countries. Closely related

to Parus, from which the Anthomyzi ought not to separate

them.*

152. Srrra cAnonrnensis, Briss) Plumbeous ; head and neck

above black ; beneath pure white; vent light ferruginous ;

Jateral tail feathers black and white.

Young, head plumbeous.

White breasted black-capped Nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis,

Wils Am. Orn. i. p. 40. pl. 2. fig. 3.

Inhabits throughout North America : common : resident.

153. Srrra canapensts, L. Plumbeous; head and neck above,

and line through the eye, black; beneath rusty ; lateral tail

feathers black and white.

Young, head plumbeous.

White-breasted black-capped Nuthatch, Wils. Am. Orn. 1%.

p- 40. pl. 2. fig. 4.

*Authors disagree respecting the collocation of this genus. Cuvier

and Illiger, attending only to the character of the bill, place it near Stur-

nus; but almost all other authors, with much more propriety, arrange it

with Dendrocolaptes and Certhia, between which genera its natural sta-

tion seems to be.

of the United States. 97

Inhabits throughout the union: less common than the pre-

ceding species: migratory.

154. Sirra pUsizia, Lath. Plumbeous; head and neck

above light brown; beneath dull white; lateral tail feathers

black, tipped with slate, and crossed with a streak of white.

Brown-headed Nuthatch, Sitta pusilla Wils. Am. Orn. uv.

p- 105. pl. 15. fig. 2.

Inhabits the southern states: rather common: resident.

FAMILY XII. ANTHOMYZI.

Anthomyzi, Vieill. Ranz. Suspensi, Tenuirostres, Ill.

Tenuirostres, Cuv. Latr. Order Anisodactyli, Temm.

Bitz elongated or moderate, slender, entire, very acute, or

tubulous at tip: tongue long, slender, fibrous, extensible.

Fret short, or moderate, slender; tarsus annulated, naked,

or half feathered; hind toe slender, shorter than the inner ;

the latter united at base to the middle one. Tait of ten or

twelve feathers.

Moult semi-annually. Plumage generally brilliant.

Feed chiefly on the nectar of flowers, which they suck by

means of their long and extensible tongue; some species

also partly on insects. Some construct their nest with much

art, and lay several times a year. Generally no voice.

Difficult to domesticate.

29. TROCHILUS.

Trochilus, L. Gm. Luth. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Polytmus, Mellisuga, Briss. Trochilus, Orthorhyncus, Lacep.

Dum. Dumont.

Bix elongated, incurved, recurved or straight, (3 subg.)

slender, rounded, depressed at base where it is as wide as the

front, acute at tip; edges of the upper mandible covering

the lower, the bill thus forming a tube; mouth very small:

nostrils basal, linear, covered behind by a turgid membrane :

tongue greatly elongated, very extensible, entire at base,

98 Synopsis of the Birds

divided into two filaments from the middle to the tip. FrEr

very short; tarsus slender, shorter than the middle toe, gene-

rally more or less feathered ; fore toes almost entirely divided ;

hind toe somewhat larger than the middle one: nails short,

much incurved and retractile, compressed, acute ; hind one

often shorter than the others. Wines very long, acute ; first

primary falcate, longest, the others regularly decreasing.

Tait almost always composed of ten feathers.

Dirrer considerably in appearance according to age, sex,

and season. Colours exceedingly brilliant, like those of

metals and precious stones.

Solitary. Flight extremely rapid; whilst feeding remain

stationary in the air, by means of the horizontal motion of

their wings. Produce a humming sound in flight. Walk

with difficulty ; alight and sleep only on large limbs. Nest

attached to a branch or a leaf, hemispherical or conic, lined

with down, and covered externally with lichen ; eggs two,

whitish.

Peculiar to America; almost exclusively tropical.

SUBGENUS MELLISUGA.

Mellisuga, Briss. Orthorhyncus, Lacépéde.

Bill straight.

155. Trocuitus corusris,L. Golden-green; tail forked,

black ; three outer tail feathers ferruginous-white at tip.

Male, throat ruby. Female and young, throat whitish.

Hunming-bird, Trochilus calubris, Wils. Am. Orn. w. p. 26.

pl. 10. fig. 3. male. fig. 4. female.

Inbabits the United States in summer ; winters in Mexico,

the West Indies and South America: common.

FAMILY XIII. ASGITHALI.

Passerini, Canori, Ill. Dentirostres, Conirostres, Cuv. Latr.

J/Ezithali, Antriades, Vieill. Egitali, Ranz.

Orders Granivores, Insectivores, Temm.

of the United States. 99

Bit short, rather robust, straight, compressed, conic-

subulate: nostrils basal, half closed by a membrane, and

covered by small incumbent feathers. Fret rather robust ;

tarsus annulated, naked; outer toes united at least to the

base ; hind toe and nail largest. Tait of twelve feathers.

Lively and active ; live in woods and on trees; suspend

themselves by the claws to the underside of the branches,

some climbing up and down. Feed chiefly on insects, and

sometimes on fruits. Breed usually in holes of trees ; very

few build skilfully ; eggs numerous. Voice unpleasant.

Remotely distinct from the Anthomyzi. But these being

taken out of the linear series, connects beautifully the Tenui-

rostres, by Sitta, to the Passerini.

30. PARUS.

Parus, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. tl. Cuv. Vieill. Temm. Ranz.

Parus, /Egithalus, Mystacinus, Boie.

Brut short, straight, robust, conic-subulate, compressed,

entire, acute, with bristles at base; upper mandible longer,

rounded above, slightly curved: nostrils-basal, small, round-

ed, concealed by the small incumbent frontlet feathers: tongue

truncated and quadrifid at tip, or entire and acute. Fret

rather robust ; tarsus a little longer than the middle toe ; late-

ral toes subequal; inner free; outer hardly united at base

to the middle one; hind toe more robust: nails rather large,

much compressed and acute; hind one largest. Wines

moderate ; spurious feather short or moderate; second, third,

fourth and fifth primaries, subequal and longest.

Femace and young generally differing but little from the

adult male. Moult annually. Plumage long, slender.

Familiar ; agile ; inquiet ; leaping irregularly from branch

to branch, from which they often suspend themselves.

Live in families, in woods and orchards, sitting on trees or

marsh weeds. Feed on grains, fruits, insects and _ their

larvee, in search of which they sometimes injure the buds

of trees; perforate seed vessels to obtain the grain; some

, Pas

100 Synopsis of the Birds. ej a

feed also on flesh, often peifcaiiicen, the skulls Sf ak ss i: vd

. birds, « even of their own species, and eat the brain. Pugpeeeas .

defend their young courageously. Breed pare) a, years Henee

numerous, in some species eighteen or twenty. Voice un-

pleasant, garrulous. Flesh bitter, unpalatable. Easily tamed,

and fed with cheese and nuts in the aviary. *

Inhabit all climates, except South America.

156. Parus prcoror, L. Crested ; plumbeous ; beneath whitish; |

flanks tinged with dull reddish-orange. i

Crested Titmouse, Parus bicolor, Wils. Am. Orn i. p. 137-

pl. 8. fig. 5.

Inhabits North America as far north as Greenland: rather

rare in Pennsylvania ; more common in northern regions.

157. Parus articapitius, LL. Not crested; plumbeous ;

crown, cervix and throat black ; cheeks and beneath whitish ;

tail two inches long.

Young, crown dirty brownish.

_ Black-capt Titmouse, Parus atricapillus, Wils. Am. Orn.

4. p. 134. pl. 8. fig. 4.

Inhabits the continent of North America; more common

in the northern regions: common. Exceedingly allied to

Parus palustris of Europe.

FAMILY XIV. PASSERINI.

Passerini, Ill. Conirostres, Dentirostres, Cuv. Latr.

Granivores, Pericalles, Canori, Vieill. Conoramfi, Ranz.

Order Granivores, Temm. .

Bit short, robust, conic, slightly curved at tip; edges

generally entire: nostrils basal. Freer moderate; tarsus

rather slender, annulated, naked; inner toe free; outer free,

or united at base only : nails moderate, compressed, incurved,

acute. Wines rather short. ‘Tar. of twelve feathers.

of the United States. 101

Moult annually. Some have rich colouring in the spring,

and assume the humble dress of the female in autumn.

Granivorous; separating the grain from its envelope:

some feed occasionally on insects, and nourish their young

with them. Few build very skilful nests. Generally migra-

tory in the temperate climates of North America and Eu-

rope: some migrate in large flocks i in autumn. sa sing

well. Flesh generally palatable.

Allied to the #githali by the genus Parus; but much

more intimately to the Gregarii, which exhibit an insensible

passage, by the short thick-billed Icteri, to Fringilla.* In-

timately related also to the Canori by Alauda, which is

so closely allied to Anthus, that no natural series ought to

separate them.

31. ALAUDA.

Alauda, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. ll. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Bit rather short, somewhat robust, straight, conic-attenu-

ated, acute, with bristles aty-base; upper mandible convex,

entire ; lower hardly shorter, compressed: nostrils basal,

oval, with an arched membrane, covered by the porrect fea-

thers of the frontlet: tongue cartilaginous, bifid. Tarsus

not very slender, longer than the middle toe ; toes free; hind

toe thickest, and nearly equal to the outer: hind nail nearly

straight, acuminate, generally longer than the toe. Wines

moderate ; spurious feather very short; second and third

primaries longest; first and fourth subequal ; secondaries

emarginate at tip; two of the scapulars nearly as long as

the primaries. Tam generally emarginate.

* The African genus Ploceus is another link between the two families,

as it may be placed with equal propriety in either, though, on account of

its habits, we, with Vieillot, place it in Gregarii.

Vou. I. 13

102 . Synopsis of the Birds

Femate and young hardly different from the adult male.

Moult annually. Feathers of the head more or less erectile.

Live in flocks ; build and dwell almost exclusively on the

ground ; eggs, 4—6. Feed on seeds, herbs, rarely on insects *

fond of dusting themselves. Fly well: run rapidly: tail

motionless. Suspend themselves aloft in the air, singing

sweetly. Flesh excellent.

Widely spread over the globe.

158. ALaupA Aupestris,L. Reddish-drab; beneath whitish ;

a broad patch on the breast and under each eye, and lateral

tail feathers, black ; two outer exteriorly white.

Shore Lark, Alauda alpestris, Wils. Am. Orn. i. p. 85. pl. 5-

fig. 4

Inhabits the north of both continents ; much more com-

mon and migrating farther south in America : only a winter

visitant in the southern and middle states.

32. EMBERIZA.

Enberiza, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Ranz.

Emberiza, Passerina, Vieill.

Bit short, robust, conic, somewhat compressed, entire ; mar-

gins narrowed in, and near the base, a little angular ; upper

mandible rounded above, acute, smaller and narrower than

the lower ; palate with a longitudinal bony tubercle ; lower

mandible rounded beneath, very acute : nostrils basal, small,

rounded, open, partly covered by the frontal feathers: tongue

thick, divided at tip. Tarsus about equal to the middle toe ;

lateral toes equal ; outer united at base to the middle one ; hind

toe hardly thicker than the fore toes and as long as the late-

ral. Wines moderate; first primary almost equal to the

second and third, which are longest. Tam -even or emar-

ginate.

Femate differ from the male. Young resemble the female,

but darker and more deeply spotted. European and North

American species moult annually.

of the United States. 102

Live in pairs or in small families. Peed on farinaceous

seeds and sometimes insects, which they kill with their bill

previously to swallowing them. Build in low bushes and

grass; breed several times a year; eggs, 4—6. Song

limited.

Widely spread in temperate countries.

SUBGENUS PLECTROPHANES.

Genus Plectrophanes, Meyer.

Hind nail long and almost straight. Palatine tubercle ob-

tuse, not very conspicuous. First and second primaries

longest.

Though moulting but once a year, differ much in plumage

from season, owing to the tips of the feathers wearing away.

Live in open countries, plains, mountains, and desert re-

gions, never in forests or thickets. Run rapidly. Resemble

Alauda by the hind nail and habits: connect Emberiza with

Fringilla, by Spiza.

159. Emperiza Nivaris, L, Primaries white, six outer ones

exteriorly black ; tail black, three lateral feathers white at

base.

Male in full dress, head, neck, and beneath white. ‘

Female, young, and male in winter dress, the white parts

tinged with rufous.

Snow-bunting, Emberiza nivalis, Wils. Am. Orn. iit. p. 36-

pl. 21. fig. 2. female in winter dress.

- Inhabits northern regions of both continents, to the pole ;

breeds in the arctic circle; rare, and wintering only in the

middle states.

33. TANAGRA.

Tanagra, L. Gm. Lath. Tl. Cuv. Temm. Ranz. Tangara,

Briss.- Nemosia, Tanagra, Saltator, Ramphocelus, Pyranga,

Tachyphonus, Vierll.

104 Synopsis of the Birds |

Bitz short, robust, hard, conic-compressed, trigonate and

somewhat depressed at base; upper mandible obtusely ca-

rinated, curved and notched at tip, longer and wider,

and overhanging the lower; lower somewhat turgid to-

wards the middle, with the edges inflexed: nostrils basal,

lateral, rounded, open, partly covered by the frontlet

feathers: tongue short, cartilaginous, acute, bifid at tip.

Tarsus rather longer than the middle toe; inner rather

shorter than the outer, which is united at base to the middle

one; hind toe robust, equal in length to the inner ; hind nail

largest. Wines moderate; three first primaries subequal,

longest.

Femate and young differ extremely from the male, in

full plumage, which is subject to extraordinary changes,

according to the season. Moult semi-annually : colours very

brilliant.

Active: incautious. Solitary or in families: reside

in woods and dry places. Feed indifferently on seeds,

berries, and insects, which latter they take on the wing,

or seek carefully among the branches of trees. Build on

trees of middling height. Abrupt in their motions : seldom

descending to the ground, and then proceeding by hops:

flight brisk. Voice not modulated, unpleasant.

Peculiar to America; chiefly between the tropics.

By the relations of some of the species, passes into many

other genera, such as Fringilla, Muscicapa, Lanius, Icterus,

Quiscalus, Vireo, and even Sylvia ; and may be divided into

six subgenera or sections, of which but one is found, during

summer, within the limits of the United States.

SUBGENUS PYRANGA.

Tangaras Cardinals, Cuv.— Genus Pyranga, Vieill.

Upper mandible with an a obtuse tooth each side, near the

middle.

of the United States. 105

160. TaNAGRa RusRA, L. Red; wings and emarginate tail

black ; base of the plumage ash, then white.

Female, young and autumnal male, green; beneath yel-

low ; wings and tail blackish.

Scarlet Tanager, Tanagra- rubra, Wils. ay. Orn. wi. p.

49. pl. 11. fig. 3. male, fig. 4. female.

Inhabits, during summer, all North America, where it

breeds ; winters in tropical America.

161. TanaGra astiva,Gm. Red; imner vanes and tips of

the quill feathers dusky ; tail even.

Female, young, and autumnal male, yellow-olive.

Summer Red-bird, Tanagra estiva, Wils. Am. Orn. i. p.

95. pl. 6. fig.3. male, fig. 4. female.

Inhabits the southern and middle states during summer ;

rare in the latter ; common in the southern and south-western,

Mexico, &c.

162. TANAGRA Luvoviciana, Wils. Greenish-yellow ; anterior

part of the head light scarlet ; back, wings, and tail, black ;

wings bifasciate with yellow.

Louisiana Tanager, Tanagra ludoviciana, Wils. Am. Orn.

tit, p, 27. pl. 20. fig. 1.

Inhabits territories beyond the Mississippi, in the exten-

sive plains of Missouri, cea the Osage and Mandan

nations.

34. FRINGILLA.

Fringilla, Loxia, Emberiza, L. Gm. Lath. Fringilla. Il.

Cuv. Temm. Ranz. Carduelis, Passer, Coccothraustes, Hor-

tulanus, Briss. Coccothraustes, Fringilla, Linaria, Passe-

rina, Arremon, Pipilo, Vierll.

Bict short, robust, conic on all sides, usually entire ; up-

per mandible wider than the lower, somewhat turgid, a lit-

tle inclined at tip ; edges of the lower angular towards the

base : nostrils basal, rounded, open, covered by the frontlet

i06 | Synopsis of the Birds

feathers: tongue thick, cylindrical, acute, compressed and

bifid at tip. F'eer moderate; tarsus shorter than the mid-

dle toe; toes free; lateral toes subequal; hind toe hardly

shorter than the inner; hind nail largest. Wunes rather

short ; first and second primaries but little shorter than the

third or fourth, which is longest.

Femae differ from the male principally in the breeding

dress. Young, after the first season, resemble the adult. Eu-

ropean and North American species chiefly moult once a

year. ;

Live in woods, bushes, and orchards ; alighting generally

on the branches of trees, sometimes on the ground ; travel in

flocks. Breed in trees and thickets; have several broods

annually. Many excel in song: easily tamed and kept in

cages. Flesh good.

Spread all over the earth.

I divide them into four subgenera, which, however, pass

insensibly into each other.

§ 1. Palate rather prominent, sometimes with the rudiment of

a tubercle.

SUBGENUS. 1}. SPIZA.

Spiza, Nob. Obs. Nom. Wils. Orn.

Genera Passerina, Fringilla, Emberiza, Vieill.

Edges of the lower mandible narrowed in.

Connects Fringilla with Emberiza, especiallyPlectrophanes,

by the greater part of the species, and with Tanagra by a few,

which might perhaps constitute a subgenus by themselves.

1 Species forming the passage to Tanagra. Bill subincurved.

163. Frinaitia Amen, Nob, Verdigris-blue ; beneath white ;

breast pale ferrugimous; wings bifasciate with white ;_ bill

notched.

Lazuli Finch, Fringilla amena, Nob. Am. Orn. 2. p. 61.

pl. 6. fig. 4. Emberiza amena, Say.

of the United States. 107

Inhabits near the Rocky Mountains, in summer: rare.

164. Frinciina cyanea, Wils) Blue; wings and tail-feathers

black, edged with blue.

Female, light flaxen, beneath and cheeks clay colour.

Young and autumnal male, like the female, but more or

less tinged with bluish. %.

Indigo-bird, Fringilla cyanea, Wils. Am. Orn. 1. p. 100-

pl. 6. fig. 5. male ; and Nob. Am. Orn. ii. pl. 11. Sigs: 3. pe

Inhabits all the United States during summer ; “common:

winters in Mexico. -

165. FRINGILLA crRIs, Bem. - Red; head and sh above

purplish-blue ; back yellowish- -green; wings dusky red ;

lesser coverts purple ; greater, and tail, green.

Female and young of the first season (the latter changes

gradually until the fourth or fifth year), green- olla bepenai

naples yellow.

Painted Bunting Emberiza ciris, Wils. Am. Orn. wi Dp: 68-

pl. 24. fig. 1. male, fig. 2. female.

Inhabits the southern parts of the United States during

summer; common in Louisiana and Georgia ; rare in North

Carolina.

+t Species forming the passage to Emberiza.

166. Frinaizua AMERICANA, Nob. Breast, line over the eye

and at the lower angle of the bill, yellow ; chin white ; throat

with a black patch.

Female, without the black patch.

Black-throated Bunting, Emberiza americana, Wils. Am.

Orn. i. p. 54. pl. 3. fig. 2.

Emberiza americana and Fringilla flavicollis, Gm. Lath.

Inhabits the United States in summer : common.

167. FRINGILLA LEUCOPHRYS, Temm. Head white, line sur

rounding the crown and through each eye black ; beneath

pale ash ; vent pale ochreous.

White-crowned Bunting, Emberiza leucophrys, Wils. Am.

Orn. iv. p. 49. pl. 31. fig. 4.

108 Synopsis of the Birds

Inhabits the northern and middle states during winter: rare :

common at Hudson’s Bay.

168. Frincinia crammaca, Say. Head Striped with black and

white ; tail rounded, lateral feathers partly white.

Lark Finch, Fringilla grammaca, Nob. Am. Orn. 1. p-

47. pl. 5. fig. 2.

Inhabits the western regions between the Mississippi and

the Rocky Mountains ; and Mexico.

169. Frincinia Pensyivanica, Lath. (15.) Head striped with

black and white; a yellow line from the eye to the nostrils ;

cheeks and breast cinereous ; throat and belly white.

White-throated Sparrow, Fringilla albicollis, Wils. Am.

Orn. iii. p. 51. pl. 22. fig. 2.

* Inhabits the middle and southern states in winter ; more fre-

quent to the north : common.

170. Frinciia Graminea, Gm. Breast and flanks spotted

with brown ; lesser wing-coverts bright ha two outer tail

feathers partly white.

Bay-winged Bunting, Emberiza graminea, Wils. Am. Orn.

iv. p. 51. pl. 31. fig. 5.

Inhabits throughout the Union; wintering in the southern

states ; common.

171. Fginexeris MELODIA, Wils. Crown dark chesnut, divided

bya dirty white line; breast and flanks spotted with blackish ;

tail rounded; first primary shorter than the second.

Song Sparrow, Fringilla melodia, Wils. Am. Orn. ii. p. 25.

pl. 16. fig. 4. Fringilla fasciata? Gm. 16.)

Inhabits throughout the Union ; common: the greater part

resident in the middle states; only during winter in the

southern states.

172. Frineitna savanna, Wils. Eye-brows and auriculars yel-

low ; breast and flanks spotted with blackish ; tail emarginate ;

first primary equal to the second.

of the United States. i09

Savannah Finch, Fringilla savanna, Wils. Am. Orn. iv.

p- 72 pl. 34. fig. 4. male; and wi. p. 55. pl. 22. fig. 3-

female.

Inhabits near the Atlantic coast from Savannah to New-

York : common: resident.

173. FRINGILL.A HYEMALIS, L. nec auct. Blackish ; belly, and

lateral tail feathers, white ; bill whitish.

Snow-bird, Fringilla nivalis (hudsonia), Wils. Am. Orn.

tt. p. 129. pl. 16. fig 6

Inhabits throughout the Union, during winter; very com-

mon: retiring north in summer.

147. FrinGitya PasseRinA, Wils. Breast pale ochre ;_ line

from the nostrils over the eye, shoulder, and lesser coverts,

yellow ; tail feathers subacute, outer partly whitish.

Yellow-winged Sparrow, Fringilla passerina, Wils. Am.

Orn. wii. p. 75. pl. 24. fig. 5. Fringilla savanarum? Gm.

Lath. Fringilla coudacuta 2? 2 Lath.

Inhabits during summer in the middle and northern states :

rather rare.

175, Frinaitua canapensis, Lath. Crown reddish-chesnut ;

stripe over the eye, sides of the neck, chin and breast, pale

ash; wings bifasciate with white; bill black, lower man-

dible yellow.

Tree aie Fringilla arborea, Wils. Am. Orn. tt. p. 123-

pl. 16. fig. Fringilin monticola, Gm.

cheb g arctic America, wintering througheut the Union :

common.

167. FrinaiLia socrAuis, Wils. Frontlet black 5 crown ches-

nut; chin and line over the eye, whitish; breast and sides of

the neck, pale ash ; bill entirely black.

Chipping Sparrow, Fringilla ae Wils. Am. Orn. v,

pF AV aplarrGefise. 5.

inhabits the middle and northern states; passes to the

southern In winter.

Vou. II. 14

110 Synopsis of the Birds

177. Friveitva pusitia, Wils. Crown deep chesnut, with a

drab streak ; cheeks, line over the eye, throat and breast,

brownish clay ; bill reddish-cinnamon.

Field Sparrow, Fringilla pusilla, Wils. Am. Orn. vi. p. 121-

pl. 16. fig. 2.

Inhabits, during summer, the middle and northern states ;

winters in the southern: common.

168. FrincitiA patustris, Wils. Front black; crown bay ; a

whitish spot between the eye and nostril; sides of the neck,

and breast, dark ash; tail emarginate, lobes rounded ; bill

dusky, lower mandible bluish.

Swamp Sparrow, Fringilla palustris, Wils. Am. Orn. iii.

p. 49. pl. 22. fig. 1. adult mate.

Inhabits swamps and river shores; during summer in the

northern and middle states ; winters in the southern : common.

179. Frineiiia caupacura, Wils, nec Lath. Two stripes of

brownish-orange each side of the head; breast pale buff

with small black spots ; tail cuneiform, feathers acute.

Sharp-tailed Finch, Fringilla caudacuta, Wils. Am. Orn.

wv. p. 70. pl. 34. fig. 3. Oriolus caudacutus, Gm. Lath. —

Inhabits the sea-coast from New-York to Georgia ; not rare.

180. Frinertia maritima, Wils. Streak over the eye, and

edge of the shoulder, yellow ; breast cinereous ; tail cunei-

form; bill elongated.

Sea-side Finch, Fringilla maritima, Wils. Am. Orn. iv. p.

68. pl. 34. fig. 2.

Inhabits marshy grounds on the Atlantic coast; rather

common. The last three species, but especially the two

Jatter, have a peculiar form and general habit, which might

entitle them to a separate subgenus or section.

of the United States. M11

§ 2. Palate scooped and grooved.

SUBGENUS II. CARDUELIS.

Carduelis, Linaria Cuv. Section Longicones, Temm.

Genus Carduelis, Briss. Genera F' ringilla, Linaria, Vieill.

Bill subelongated, narrower than the head, straight, com-

pressed : both mandibles acute.

181. Frinerva rristis, L- Wings black, varied with white A

tail feathers black, interiorly white at tip.

Male, in summer dress, yellow; crown black.

Female, young, and autumnal male, brown-olive ; beneath

yellowish-white.

Yellow-bird or Goldfinch, Fringilla tristis, Wils. Am. Orn.

2. p. 20. pl. 1. fig. 2. adult male in summer dress ; and Nob.

Am. Orn. i. p. 57. pl. 6. fig. 4. female.

Inhabits the United States, Mexico, and South America,

extending northward to the Arctic regions; generally leaves

the northern and middle states during winter : common.

182. Frinewtia psanrrta, Say. Olivaceous; beneath wholly

yellow; crown, wings and tail, black; wings varied with

white; three outer tail feathers white on the middle of the

inner web.

Arkansaw Siskin, Fringilla psaltria, Nob. Am, Orn. %. p.

54. pl. 6. fig. 3. male.

Inhabits Missouri and Arkansaw.

183. Frincitta Pinus, Wils. Flaxen, streaked with black ;

wings bifasciate with cream colour; shafts of the wing

feathers rich yellow ; lateral tail feathers yellow at base.

Pine Finch, Fringilla pinus, Wils. dm. Orn. vi. p. 133.

pl. 57. fig. 1. winter plumage.

Inhabits the northern regions; a visitant in the aiddie

and southern states, during winter: rare.

112 Synopsis of the Birds

184. Frineitia uinariA, L. Dusky-gray; beneath whitish ;

frontlet and chin black ; head, neck, and rump (in perfect

males), tinged with crimson ; wing and tail feathers blackish,

margined with whitish.

Lesser Red-poll, Fringilla linaria, Wils. Am. Orn. 1. p-

42. pl. 30. fig. 4. male ; and ix. p. 126.

Inhabits the north of both continents ; visiting the tempe-

rate climates in winter ; rare in Pennsylvania, but in some

years appearing in large flocks.

SUBGENUS III. FRINGILLA.

Pyrgita, Fringilla, Vidua, Cuv. Genus Passer, Briss.

GenusFringilla,Vieill. SectionsBrevicones, Laticones, Temm.

Bill short, narrower than the head, perfectly conic.

185. Freya m1Aca, Merrem. Mottled with reddish-brown

and cinereous; beneath white, with large reddish-brown

blotches ; tail bright ferruginous.

Fox-coloured Sparrow, Fringilla rufa ( ferruginea), Wils.

Am. Orn. wt. p. 53. pl. 22. fig. 4.

Inhabits the northern regions; visiting the middle and

southern states in winter : common.

186. FRingiria ERyrHRopHTHALMA, L. Black; belly white;

flanks and vent bay ; tail rounded, three outer feathers partly

white ; bill black.

Female, reddish-brown where the male is black.

Towhe Bunting, Emberiza erythrophthalma, Wils. Am.

Orn. vi. p. 35. pl. 10. fig. 5. male; and vi. p. 90. pl. 53. fig.

5. female. |

Inhabits throughout the Union during summer ; wintering

also in the southern states: common. Somewhat anoma-

lous. (17.)

of the United States. 113

SUBGENUS IP. COCCOTHRAUSTES.

Coceothraustes, Cuv. Loxia, L.Gm. Lath. Genus Coc-

cothraustes, Lriss. Vieill. Section Laticones, Temm.

Bill very robust, at base as wide as the front, slightly curved

at tip, more or less turgid on the sides.

18%. Fringinta carpinatis, Nob. Crested, red, beneath

brighter ; capistrum and throat black ; bill red.

Female and young, drab; beneath reddish-drab ; tip of

ihe crest, wings and tail, red ; capistrum and chin, light ash.

Cardinal Grosbeak, Loxia cardinalis, Wils. Am. Orn. i.

p- 38. pl. 11. fig. 1. male, fig. 2. female.

Inhabits from New-England to Carthagena, and in the

West Indies ; more numerous east of the Alleghanies : com-

mon and resident in the southern states, and in the lower parts

of Pennsylvania.

188. FRINGILLA VESPERTINA, Cooper. Front and line over the

eye, yellow ; crown, wings and tail, black; secondaries and

inner great coverts, white ; bill yellow.

Evening Grosbeak, Fringill vespertina, Nob. Am. Orn. 1.

pl. 14. fig. 1.

Inhabits the North-western Territory and Canada.

189. FRInGILLA Lupovicrana, Nob. Black; breast and inferior

wing-coverts rosaceous; belly, band on the wing, base of

the primaries, and three outer tail-feathers partly, white ; bill

white.

Female and young, varied with pale flaxen, dark olive,

and whitish ; no rose colour, and less white on the wings. :

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Loxia rosea (ludoviciana), Wils.

Am. Orn. w. p. 135. pl. 17. fig. 1. male ; and Nob. Am. Orn.

i. p. 14. fig. 2. female.

114 Synopsis of the Birds

Lovia ludoviciana,L.Gm.Lath. Fringilla punicea, Gm. Lath.

Inhabits the northern states, and occasionally in winter,

the middle: rare.

190. Frincitia cwruLeA, Nob. Blue; lores, frontlet, wings

and tail, black ; wings skirted with chesnut; bill bluish.

Blue Grosbeak, Loxia cerulea, Wils. Am. Orn. wit. p. 78.

pl. 24. fig. 6.

Inhabits America from Brazil to Virginia ; visits Pennsyl-

vania occasionally in summer: rare.

191. Frincinia purpurea, Gm. Rosaceous; back streaked

with dusky; belly white ; tail emarginate.

Female and young, brown-olive, streaked with dusky ;

no rosaceous ; beneath whitish, streaked with olive-brown.

Autumnal male, the same as the female, but the rump

strongly tinged with yellow.

_ Purple Finch, Fringilla purpurea, Wils. Am. Orn. 2. p.

119. pl. 7. fig. 4. adult male in full plumage ; and v. p. 87. pl.

42. fig. 3. male in winter plumage.

Inhabits the United States, during winter; breeds in the

North of America,whence they arrive in Pennsylvania in large

flocks, in the autumn, and return from the south in April :

rather rare. Hardly belonging to the present subgenus, but

rather to Fringilla ; placed here however on account of its

close affinity to the following species of Pyrrhula.

35. PYRRHULA.

Lona, L. Gm. Lath. Fringilla, Ill. Meyer (subg. Pyrrhula).

Pyrrhula, Briss. Temm. Ranz. Fringilla (subg. Pyrrhula),

Corythus, Cuv. Pyrrhula, Strobilophaga, Vieill.

Bru very short, robust, conic-convex, turgid ; upper man-

dible rather rounded above, dilated each side so as to cover

of the United States. 115

ihe margins of the lower, acute and much incurved at tip ;

palate smooth and scooped ; lower mandible shorter, straight,

rather obtuse: nostrils basal, lateral, small, rounded, en-

tirely or partially covered by the incumbent feathers of the

frontlet: tongue thick, somewhat fleshy, rather obtuse,

entire. ‘Tarsus shorter than the middle toe, which , is

united at base to the outer; lateral toes subequal ; inner

hardly longer than the hind one, which is strongest: hind

nail largest. Wues rather short, acute ; first primary equal

to the fifth; second, third, and fourth longest. Tai hardly

emarginate.

Femace differs considerably from the male. Generally

moult twice a year.

Live in forests. Feed on seeds, drupes, nuts, which they

break, as well ason buds and germs of trees. Build in trees,

thickets: lay 4—5 eggs.

Spread all over the globe.

So closely allied to Fringilla by intermediate species, that

it ought perhaps only to be considered as a subgenus.

193. Pyrrnuna rRonTAxis, Nob. Dusky-brownish ; head, neck,

breast and rump, vivid crimson ; belly whitish, streaked with

dusky ; tail nearly even.

Female dusky-brown, feathers edged with whitish; no

crimson; beneath whitish, streaked with dusky.

Crimson-necked Bull-finch, Pyrrhula frontalis, Nob. Am.

Orn. i. p. 49. pl. 6. fig. 1. male, fig. 2. female.

Fringilla frontalis, Say. nec Lath. |

Inhabits during summer near the Rocky Mountains.

Most closely allied to the preceding as a species, though

generically distinct.

193. Pyrruuta ENucLEATOR, Temm. Wings bifasciate with

white, and with the tail, black, the feathers edged with

whitish.

116 Synopsis of the Birds

Adult male, head, neck, and beneath, orange.

Young male, the same parts and the rump, red.

Female, top of the head and rump, brownish-orange ;

beneath cinereous, slightly tinged with orange.

Pine Grosbeak, Loxia enucleator, Wils. Am. Orn. i. p.

30. pl. 5. fig. 2. young male about one year old.

Inhabits the cold regions of both continents, whence it

occasionally visits temperate climates in winter: very rare

in Pennsylvania. Forms the link between Pyrrhula and

Loxia, to the species of which it is closely allied by its habits.

and by its unusual change of plumage.

36. LOXIA.

Loxia, Briss. L. Gm. Lath. Il. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Crucirostra, Daud. Meyer. Nilson.

Curvirostra, Scopolt. Duméril. Wilson. Brehm.

Britt robust, convex, mandibles crossing each other and

compressed towards the tip: nostrils basal, small, rounded,

covered by the small, incumbent frontlet feathers: tongue

cartilaginous, short, entire, acute at tip. ‘Tarsus subequal

to the middle toe ; toes divided ; lateral subequal, considerably

shorter than the middle one: hind nail largest, much incurv-

ed. Wines moderate, acute; first and second primaries

longest. ‘Tait emarginate.

Femate and young differ considerably from the adult

male, and from each other; the young also, according to

age, and the adult, to season; although they moult but

once a year.

Habits similar to those of the Fringille and Pyrrhulz.

Keep principally in pine forests. Feed on nuts, and seeds of

trees of the pine family, from the cones of which their singu-

lar bill is well formed for extracting them. According

te authors, build and reproduce during winter in our

of the United States. 117

temperate climates; return to the arctic regions on the ap-

proach of summer; migrating at irregular periods, and then

appearing in great numbers in certain countries. Agile ; not

timorous ; easily tamed at all ages.

Confined to northern regions.

194. Loxra curvrirosTRA, L. Wings without bands ; bill as

long as the middle toe ; point of the lower mandible crossing

the top of the bill.

Adult male greenish yellow ; rump yellow.

Female and young before the first moult, greenish; rump

yellowish ; beneath whitish, streaked with dusky.

Young male after the first moult, red.

American Crossbill, Curvirostra americana, Wils. Am. Orn.

iv. p. 44. pl. 31. fig.1. young male! fig. 2. adult male 2?

Inhabits the high northern latitudes of both continents ;

migrates during winter to the northern and middle states,

where a few breed : rather common. (18.)

195. Lox1A LEUCOPTERA, Gm. Wings bifasciate with white.

Different states as in the preceding.

White-winged Cross-bill, Curvirostra leucoptera, Wils. Am.

Orn. iv. p. 48. pl. 41. fig. 4. young male ; and Nob. Am. Orn.

a. pl. 14. fig. 3. female.

Inhabits the northern parts of America ; migrating in win-

ter to the temperate regions of the northern and middle

states: rare.

FAMILY XV. COLUMBINI.

Order Columbe, Lath. Temm. Order Giratores, Blain-

ville. Order Columbini, Stephens. Pigeons (Family of Gal-

line), Cuv. Columbin, Ill. Viel. Latr. Grranti, Ranz.

Bic short, straight, compressed; upper mandible vault-

ed, more or less attenuated in the middle, turgid and curved

at tip, dilated so as to cover the lower, with a soft, fleshy,

Vou. Il. 15

iis Synopsis of the Birds

protuberant membrane, at base : nostrils medial, longitudinal,

perforated in the membrane anteriorly : tongue rather short,

acute, entire. Feet short, rather robust ; tarsi reticulated ;

toes divided ; hind toe twice as long as the inner : nails in-

curved, acute. Wines moderate. Tait of twelve or

fourteen feathers.

Femae generally similar to the male. Young differ con-

siderably before the first moult. Moult annually. Feathers

strong.

Live in high trees in woods, or on high buildings, generally

in societies. Feed on seeds, principally cereal and legumin-

ous, sometimes on fruit: retain the aliment in the crop,

where it is prepared for digestion. The greater part build in

elevated situations; nest loose, flat, formed of small twigs,

and wide enough to contain both sexes; lay generally twe

eggs, several times in the year. Feed their young by regur-

gitating into the mouth the grains macerated in their crop,

Pair for life, but congregate in flocks in the autumn. Make

a rustling with their wings in the breeding season: male ad-

dresses his mate by uttering a peculiar note, by billing, and

by various evolutions. Drink at one draught, immerging the

bill. No song; voice merely a simple cooing.

Inhabit all climates ; species far more numerous in hot

gountries. Almost equally related to Passeres and Galline.

37. COLUMBA.

Columba L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Columba,

Lophyrus, Viel. Columba, Vinago, Goiira, Stephens

Ranzani.

SUBGENUS I. COLUMB4.

Genus Columba, Stephens. Ranz.

_ Bill moderately robust, straight, turgid at tip. Tarsi

of the United States. 119

rather short. Wings long, acute; first primary somewhat

shorter than the second, which is longest.

Live in wooded countries. Build in high trees or in hol-

low trunks: nest composed of sticks, dried leaves, feathers,

&c. Live in pairs constantly : lay two eggs on which both

sexes sit, and afterwards nurse the young. Flight rapid, ac-

companied with noise.

+ Tail short, even, of twelve feathers.

196. CoLumMBA FASCIATA, Say. Purplish-cinereous ; a white

band on the nucha ; tail with a blackish band near the mid-— eS

dle; bill yellow, black at tip.

Band-tail Pigeon, Columba fasciata, Nob. Am. Orn. 2.

p- 77. pl. 8. fig. 3.

Inhabits the Rocky Mountains near the Arkansaw river.

197. Corumpa teucocerHaLa,L. Slate-blue ; crown white ;

bill red, whitish at tip.

White-crowned Pigeon, Columba leucocephala, Nob. Am.

Orn. ti. pl. 15. fig. 1. female.

Inhabits the West Indies and Mexico, and the Bahama

Islands ; an early spring visitor in Florida, where it breeds ;

common on the Florida keys.

198. Corumpa zenarpA, Nob. Brownish-ash; beneath vina-

~ ceous ; an amethystine spot under each ear; tail with a black

band ; three lateral feathers pearl-grey at tip.

Zenaida Dove, Columba zenaida, Nob. Am. Orn. w. pl. 15.

fig. 2. female.

Inhabits the Florida keys early in the spring : rare. (19.)

tt Tail long, cuneiform.

199. CotumsBa cArotinensts, L. Forehead and breast vina-

ceous ; a black spot under each ear ; tail of fourteen feathers ;

four lateral black near the tip, and white at tip.

Carolina Pigeon, or Turtle Dove, Columba carolinensis.

Wils. Am. Orn. v. p. 91. pl. 43. fig. 1.

120 Synopsis of the Birds

Inhabits the United States during summer ; common ; win-

tering chiefly in the southern states.

200. Corumsa migratoria, L. Bluish-slate; belly white ;

throat, breast and sides, vinaceous; tail black, of twelve

eathers ; five lateral whitish.

Female paler ; breast cinereous-brown.

Young dull dirty gray, spotted with whitish.

Passenger Pigeon, Columba migratoria, Wils Am. Orn. v-

p- 102. pl. 44. fig. 1. male.

Inhabits North America east of the Rocky Mountains, ex-

ceedingly numerous : less abundant in the Atlantic states.

SUBGENUS H. GOURA.

Genus Goiira, Stephens. Ranz. Columba, Lophyrus, Vieill.

Columbi-Galling, Le Vaill. Cuv. Temm.

Bill slender, flexible, hardly turgid at tip ; upper mandible

furrowed on the sides: nostrils small, orbicular, situated in

the furrow, Tarsi rather long. Wings short, rounded, con-

cave; first primary shorter than the fifth; third longest.

Tail of twelve feathers.

In structure and habits approach nearer to the Gallinze

than their congeners. The greater number of species keep

generally on the ground, where they build. The young of

some species are said to run from the nest as soon as hatched,

and not to require the care of the parents.

201. Couumpa passerina, LL. Scapulars with dark spots ; tail

rounded, lateral feathers black, tipped and edged with

white ; bill black at tip, and with the feet, yellow.

Ground Dove, Columba passerina, Wils. Am. Orn. vi. p-

15. pl. 46. fig. 2. male, fig. 3. female.

Inhabits the southern states, during summer ; found also in

Mexico and the West Indies: numerous.

of the United States. 121

ORDER If. GALLIN AZ.

Galline, L. Gm. Lath. Cuv. Temm. Ranz.

Rasores, Til. Gallinacer, Vieill. Latr.

Bixt short, hard, convex ; upper mandible vaulted, curved,

the margins projecting over the lower : nostrils lateral, half

covered by an arched, cartilaginous, membrane. Heap small :

neck rather short, thick: body massive, but slightly com-

pressed. Freer stout, covered by a rough coriaceous skin ;

tibiz fleshy, wholly feathered; tarsus short or moderate,

rounded ; toes thick, moderate, scabrous beneath, three be-

fore and generally one behind, articulated with the tarsus

higher than the rest, hardly touching the ground at tip ; sole

callous: nails moderate, somewhat obtuse, convex, but little

incurved, not in the least retractile. Wu4nes generally short,

rounded, concave ; quills stiff and curved. ‘Tam of from

ten to eighteen feathers, very rarely wanting.

Femace smaller, differing considerably from the male; in

most species much less brilliant in plumage. Young at first co-

vered with thick down, gradually replaced by feathers. Moult

generally but once in the year. Contains the most beautiful

of birds.

Keeping on the ground: scratching the earth: dusting

themselves. Granivorous: searching for corn and other

seeds, and feeding sometimes on garden vegetables, berries,

buds of trees, and insects : macerate their food in their mus-

cular crop; aiding digestion by means of small stones, &c.

Chiefly polygamous: females alone attending to the nest, in-

cubation, and education, the males of most species hardly

assisting : nest on the ground, inartificially composed of a few

straws: lay several times in the year; eggs numerous : chicks

122 Synopsis of the Birds

running about as soon as hatched and picking up the

food indicated by the mother, and remaining under her charge

until autumn, or even the following spring. Run swiftly :

take wing with difficulty ; flight low, whirring, limited : but

very few undertake long periodical journeys. ‘Voice unplea-

sant, crowing, cackling, or whistling. Flesh edible, gustful

food ; in domesticity, poultry ; when wild, game. Analogous

to Pecora among Mammalia. .

FAMILY XVI. GALLINACEI.

Gallinacei, Ill. Nudipedes, Plumipedes, Vieill.

Razzolanti, Ranz. Tetradactyli, Latr.

Bit thick : nostrils basal. Fore rors connected at base

by a membrane. Neither hind toe, nor tail ever-wanting.

38. MELEAGRIS,

Meleagris, L. Gm. Lath. Ul. Cuv. Viel. Temm. Ranz.

Gallopavo, Briss. Cynchramus, Moehring.

Bit entire, covered at base by a naked, cerelike membrane

prolonged into a pendulous, fleshy, conic, erectile, hairy,

caruncle : nostrils oblique, situated in the cere : tongue fleshy,

entire. Heap very small, naked, carunculate, as well as half

of the neck: throat with a longitudinal, carunculous appen-

dage: a pendulous bristly tuft on the inferior portion of the

neck. Fret somewhat elongated. Tarsus naked, clypeate, fur-

nished with an obtuse spur in the male ; toes scutellated ; hind

toe half as long as the lateral equal ones; middle toe much

the longest: sole granulated: nails oblong, wide, obtuse

rounded . above, perfectly plane beneath. Wines not

reaching beyond the origin of the tail ; first primary shortest ;

of the United States. 123

second and ninth subequal; fourth and fifth longest. Tarn

of from fourteen to eighteen wide feathers, capable of being

vertically expanded.

Femace considerably smaller and widely different from the

male. Young, at first, similar to the female, destitute of the

bristly tuft. Feathers very long, truncated. . Colours vary-

ing in richness according to the incidence of light.

Gregarious ; forming large flocks, Live generally in fo-

rests, roosting on the branches of large trees: noisy at the

dawn of day. Feed principally on maize and acorns, also

on other vegetable, and even animal, substances.. Courting

their mates by strutting, puffing, wheeling, &c.; very pug-

nacious in the breeding season. Easily secured and domes-

ticated. Flesh exceedingly good and much esteemed.

Peculiar to North America; composed of but two species.

202. Mercaants GALLopPAvo, L. Primaries dull blackish,

banded with white; tail of eighteen feathers, ferruginous,

> skirted with black, and with a black subterminal band.

Male varying from black to refulgent coppery.

Female and young, dusky-gray, with but few metallic re-

flections.

Wild Turkey, Meleagris gallopavo, Nob. Am. Orn. i. p.

79. pl. o. male and female.

Inhabits all North America to the Rocky Mountains : com-

mon in the western and southern states; nearly destroyed in

the eastern and northern: domesticated throughout the

world, producing endless varieties.

39. PERDIX.

Perdix, Briss. Lath. Ill. Vieill. Temm. -

Tetrao, L. Gm. Cuv. Perdixv, Coturniz, Ranz.

Bit. entire, bare: membrane of the nostrils naked:

tongue, fleshy, entire, acute. Heap wholly feathered ; often

a naked space round the eye. Fret naked ; tarsus clypeate-

124 Synopsis of the Birds

scutellate; toes scutellated; hind toe less than half as long

as the inner: nails somewhat compressed, incurved, and

acute. Tai short, rounded, deflexed, of from twelve to

eighteen close feathers.

Femace but very little smaller and not greatly differing

from the male, yet easily’distinguished. Young, after the first

year, similar to the adult. Moult annually.

Reside in fields among high grasses, stubble, &c. Not

avoiding the proximity of man; attracted by cultivation,

Found all over the world: abounding most in warm and

“temperate climates, and much pursued as game every where.

Composed of four subgenera.

SUBGENUS ORTYX.

Ortyx, Stephens. Colins, Buff. Cuv. Temm. Vieill.

Bill short, thick, higher than wide ; upper mandible curved

from the base: no naked skin round the eye. Tarsi desti-

tute of spur or tubercle in both sexes. Wings rounded ;

third and fourth primaries longest. Tail of twelve feathers,

longer than the coverts.

_Alight on bushes, hiding and roosting in trees. Monoga-

mous: male keeping watch while the female sits, and guiding

the chicks carefully, warning them of danger by acry. Gre-

garious until the time of pairing.

Peculiar to America, where the other three subgenera have

no representatives.

203. Perprx viraintana, Lath. Crestless; cinnamon-brown

varied with black and white ; throat white banded with black ;

bill black ; feet ash.

Female and young, stripe over the eye and throat, yellowish.

Quail, or Partridge, Perdix virginiana, Wils. Am. Orn. vi.

p- 21. pl. 47. fig. 2. male.

Inhabits common throughout North America as far as the

Rocky Mountains.

of the United: States. {25

204. PeRpIx catrrornica, Lath. Crested; cinereous-brown,

varied with yellowish; throat black, bounded with white.

Female lighter, destitute of black.

Tetrao californicus, Nat. Misc. tab. 345.

Inhabits, common beyond the Rocky Mountains, especi=

ally the shores of the Oregon, and California.

40. TETRAO.

Tetrao, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Ranz.

Lagopus, Briss. Urogallus,Scopoli. Tetrao,Lagopus,Vieill.

Biv entire, feathered at base; upper mandible curved

from the base; membrane covering the nostrils feathered :

tongue short, fleshy, acuminate, acute: eye-brows naked,

reddish, papillous. Fret moderate ; tarsus feathered, spur-

less in both sexes; toes scutellate; hind toe half as long as

the inner ; nails incurved, acute, generally somewhat flat and

obtuse. Wines short, rounded, concave ; first primary shorter

than the sixth; third and fourth longest. Tait moderate, of

sixteen or eighteen broad close feathers.

Femave of the larger species widely different from the

male, these being glossy blackish, whilst the former are va-

ried with black and rufous: those of the smaller mottled

species differing but little in plumage. Young of the first

year similar to the female, moulting twice before they attain

their full plumage. Moult twice in the year ; some changing

very remarkably at different seasons.

Wild ; shy, almost untameable. Live in families : dwell

in forests, barren countries, far from man and cultivation :

alight on trees. Feed almost exclusively on berries, buds,

and leaves. Polygamous: male abandoning the female as

soon as fecundated, and leaving to her the whole care of the

progeny: eggs from eight to fourteen. Voice sonorous.

Flesh delicious.

Vou. II. 16

126 Synopsis of the Birds

Confined to the cold and temperate climates of the northern

hemisphere.

SUBGENUSI. BONASIA.

Tetrao, Vieill, Cogs de bruy?res, Cuv. Bonasa, Stephens.

Lower portion of the tarsus, and toes naked. Not varying

much with the seasons.

Live in dense forests of different kinds of trees.

205. Terrao umeetuius, L. Crested ; mottled : tail elongated,

rounded, of eighteen feathers, ferruginous, varied with black,

and with a black subterminal band ; toes pectinated.

Male, sides of the neck with a ruff of large black feathers.

Female and young, ruff smaller, dark brown.

Ruffed Grous, Tetrao umbellus, Wils. Am. Orn. vi. p-

45. pl. 49. male.

Inhabits common throughout the Union, Canada, and

higher northern latitudes, in woody countries, especially

mountainous pine districts.

SUBGENUS II. TETRAO.

Tetrao, Vieill. Cogs de bruyéres, Cuv.

Tetrao, Bonuasa, Stephens.

Tarsus wholly feathered, toes naked. Not varying much

with the seasons.

Found in temperate regions, at even a comparatively low

latitude, and in level as well as mountainous districts.

206. Terraocuripo,L. Subcrested, mottled; tail short,

much rounded, of eighteen plain dusky feathers; toes not

‘pectinated.

Male, neck furnished with wing-like appendages, covering

two loose, orange, skinny bags, capable of being inflated.

Female and young, destitute of the cervical appendages

and skinny bags.

of the United States. 127

Pinnated Grous, Tetrao cupido, Wils. Am. Orn. wit. p. 104.

pl. 27. fig. 1. male.

Inhabits desert open plains in particular districts of the

Union, avoiding immense intermediate regions. Found in

Maine, New-Jersey, Long-Island, Pennsylvania, Keatucky,

Louisiana, Indiana: very common beyond the Mississippi,

Missouri, and even on the Oregon.

207. TETRAO OBSCURUS, Say. Slightly crested ; tail rounded,

blackish, with a broad terminal band of whitish-gray, dotted

with black ; middle tail feathers mottled, lateral ones plain ;

toes not pectinated.

Male unknown ; probably glossy black °

Female and young, black brown, varied with ochraceous

and white.

Dusky Grous, Tetrao obscurus, Say, in Long’s Exp. v. p. 14.

Inhabits the territory of the United States near the Rocky

Mountains.

208. Trerrao canavensis,L. Subcrested ; blackish; breast,

superior and inferior tail coverts, banded with white ; tail

moderate, slightly rounded, of sixteen plain black feathers ;

toes not pectinated. |

Male blackish, barred with grey-brown : throat black.

Female and young, much lighter and more varied ; throat

rufous.

Tetrao canadensis, L. (Buff. pl. enl. 131.) male.

Tetrao canace, L. (Buff. pl. enl. 132.) female.

Inhabits the western wilds of the United States beyond

the Mississippi, and the north-western part of Maine and

Michigan: more common in Canada, at Hudson’s Bay, and

other high northern latitudes.

209. Terrao pHastANELLus, L. Subcrested; mottled; tail

short, cuneiform, of eighteen feathers ; two middle ones much

the longest; toes strongly pectinated.

128 Synopsis of the Birds of the United States.

Male, breast chocolate-brown.

Female and young, breast of the same colour with the

rest of the body.

Tetrao phasianellus, Say, in Long’s exp. (20.)

Long-tailed Grous, Edwurds, tab. 117.

Inhabits the western wilds of the United States beyond the

Mississippi : very common at Hudson’s Bay and in other

high latitudes.

[To BE CONCLUDED. |

North American Species of Tillandsia. 129

On the North American Puants of the Genus Tituanpsta,

with descriptions of three new Species. By Captain Joun

Le Conte, U.S. Army, F. L. S. &c. Read August 21)

1826.

» Tue climate of East Florida, particularly on the sea-coast

and in the interior, approaching somewhat to that of the tro-

pics, can boast of productions that are found no where else

within the limits of the United States.

In the spring of the year 1822, whilst engaged in explor-

ing the river St. John, on the borders of the small lake which

forms the source of that stream, I could perceive no effects of

the winter : autumnal plants, such as different species of Eu-

pat rium and of Aster, were in full bloom at the same time

with Violets and Irides, which are peculiarly vernal. A sea-

son thus lengthened out by the absenee of cold, of course

allows many plants to grow in perfection, which a shorter du-

ration of warm weather would not permit to exist.

The extensive savannahs, the boundless swamps, and the

ancient forests, as yet unpolluted by the encroachments of

men, present a variety of objects equally new and interest-

ing. The long fronds of the Acrostichum aureum, fre-

quently eight feet in height, the pendent Isaria, the towering

Palms, and the parasitic plants which clothe the branches and

trunks of many of the trees, all impress upon the mind the

assurance of our having entered a country differing essen-

tially in many things from the temperate regions of the more

northern states.

From among the many plants collected by me in Florida,

I select the following as the more interesting, inasmuch as but

two species of the genus Tillandsia have as yet been with

certainty known to inhabit our country.*

* | have preferred giving these descriptions in Latin: the English lan_

guage, already sufficiently harsh and inharmonious, can ill bear the intro-

: ‘gt

130 North American Species of Tillandsw.

1. TIcLaANDsIA UTRICULATA.

Foliis pallide viridibus, subglaucescenti-pruinosis, conca-

vis, latis, subulatis, apice setaceis, acuminatis, recurvatis

basi dilatissimis : caule tripedali, paniculata,panicula ramosa ;

floribus sessilibus, bracteis subdistichis, calyce brevioribus,

petalis albis, calyce duplo longioribus, erectis, inferne equitan-

tibus, interdum apice distinctis, sepe latere uno hiantibusy

staminibus corolla longioribus. dt

Inhabits on the trunks and branches of trees on the banks

of St. John’s river, scarcely below lake George : the dilated

bases of the leaves collect and retain a considerable quantity

of water. This is the plant mentioned by Bartram in his

travels as the T. monostachya, and by his own account the

only species besides the T. usneoides which he ever saw. It

is vulgarly called Wild Pine. The first English settlers of

this country bringing with them the peculiar habit of their

countrymen of corrupting the name of every thing, probably

intended by this appellation Wild Pine Apple, as it very much

resembles some species of Bromelia.

2. Truuanpsia suncea, Le Conte.

Foliis pallide viridibus, subpruinosis, canaliculatis, subu-

lato-setaceis, rigidis, apice recurvatis, basi dilatatis: caule

pedali foliis breviore, rubescente, folioso, foliis versus apicem

sensim brevioribus : floribus spicatis, spica composita, multi-

flora, disticha, bracteis rubris calyce longioribus imbricata ;

petalis saturate czeruleis equitantibus, ita ut tubum formant

medio dilatatum bracteis triplo longiorem, margineque apice

recurva; staminibus czruleis corolla longioribus antheris

flavis ;stigmate capitato, rotundato, hispido.

Inhabits with the former : this species, with the three next,

differ in some respects from the T. utriculata: they appear

duction of words half English and half Latin (verba privigna); they only

render it more barbarous.

North American Species of Tillandsia. 131

to belong to the genus Bonapartea of the Flora Peruviana ;

indeed this species very much resembles the figure of the Bo-

napartea juncea of that work.

3. TiLuanpsia piniroiia, Le Conte. |

Foliis caulem equantibus, pallide viridibus, suabpubescen-

tibus, non pruinosis, setaceo-subulatis, semi-teretibus, erectis,

basi concavis : caule quinqunciali, rubro, folioso, foliis versus

apicem sensim brevioribus, demum squamiformibus: flori-

bus spicatis, spica simplici pauciflora, bracteis rubris brevibus

imbricata, petalis czruleis equitantibus, ita ut tubum for-

mant bracteis longiorem medio dilatatum margineque apice

recurva; staminibus czeruleis corolla longioribus, antheris

flavis.

Inhabits East Florida with the former; resembles the next,

but differs in its few-flowered spike, and its shorter, more slen-

der, and not hoary leaves. Neither of these three species

will stand the climate of Georgia; they are. destroyed even

in a moderate winter. ;

4. Tituanpsta Bartrrami, Elliott.

Foliis caule longioribus, viridescentibus, pruinoso-pubes-

centibus, setaceo-subulatis, semi teretibus, erectis, basi conca-

vis dilatatis: caule decunciali, rubro, folioso, foliis versus

apicem sensim brevioribus ; floribus spicatis, spica sub-sim-

plici 6—8 flora disticha bracteis rubris imbricata; petalis

ceeruleis, equitantibus ita ut tubum formant medio dilatatum

bracteis longiorem ‘margineque apice recurva, staminibus

czeruleis, antheris flavis.

Inhabits with the former, and in the swamps of the southern

parts of Georgia; in this latter situation however it appears.

to be out of place, as it is frequently destroyed by the frosts

of winter. Mr. Bartram informed me that he never saw this

plant, it has therefore rather improperly been named after

him.

5. Tinuanpsia cxspitosa, Le Conte.

Foliis caule longioribus, rubescenti-cinereis, pruinoso-

132 North American Species of Tillandsia:

pubescentibus, setaceo-subulatis, semi-teretibus, erectis, basi

concaviusculis: caule quadrunciali, rubro, foliorum diminu-

tione squamoso: floribus spicatis spica 3—4—flora bracteis

rubris imbricata ; petalis czeruleis, equitantibus ita ut tubum

formant medio dilatatum, bracteis longiorem,margineque apice

recurva, staminibus czeruleis antheris flavis.

Inhabits East Florida ; resembles the last, but is altogether

smaller, and the leaves have a distinct tinge of red / it grows

in very large roundish clusters on the trunks of trees.

6. TILLANDsIA RECURVATA.

Foliis caule brevioribus, teretibus, curvatis, setaceo-subu-

latis, pruinosis, cinereis,leproso-pubescentibus, anguste canali-

culatis, distichis; caule semipedali, superne nudo, 1—2—

floro, floribus sessilibus ; corolla calyce longiore.

Inhabits on the trunks of trees in East Florida: rare : ap~

pears to connect the species of this sectionof Tillandsia with

the T. usneoides. It has never been found in Georgia, and

will not stand the winter of that country.: on what authority

then Pursh states it to be foundion the Alatamaha river, I

cannot imagine; he never saw it growing there himself, for

he never was in Georgia.

7. TILLANDSIA USNEOIDES.

Cinerea, pruinosa, leproso-pubescens, caule diffuso, fili-

formi, pendulo, ramoso, dichotomo, flexuoso aut etiam spira-

liter torto: foliis subulato-filiformibus, semiteretibus, tortis :

floribus terminalibus, solitariis, sessilibus; calyce glabro

rufescente, tripartito, laciniis subulatis, acutissimis, erectis ;

corolla tripetala, pallide viridi, petalis lato-linearibus, apice |

rotundatis, inferne equitantibus, ita ut tubum formant calycem

zequantem, lamina expansa, plana, staminibus tubo brevioribus.

inhabits on every kind of tree: is found as far north as

Cape Henry in Virginia. Of the various uses of this valu-

able plant, both economical and medical, it would be out of

place here to say any thing; they are sufficiently well known.

133

Description of a new Species of Stren. By Capt. Joun

Le Conte, U.S. Army, F. L. S. &c. Read Aug. 21,

1826. ’

Tuis third species of Siren, which I propose to call Siren

intermedia, is an inhabitant of the same country as the two

other species already known. In its manners and habits it

appears to possess those of the S. lacertina, as well as those of

the S. striata ; at times burrowing in the earth like the former,

at others living in the mud and water like the latter. Its

greatest length is twelve inches: colour uniform dusky, very

slightly paler beneath, sometimes faintly speckled with darker

above: teeth very small, situated on the roof of the mouth in

two clusters: spiracles, three on each side, each furnished

with a fleshy undivided operculum, the lowest one with two

very slight indentations on its exterior edge, the second with

one: feet four-toed, with very small indistinct claws, the points

of the toes darker: tail furnished above and below with a

narrow rayless fin. Length of the feet seven tenths of an

inch.

L have not had an opportunity of seeing an oviferous female

of this animal, but that it is perfectly distinct from any other

species of its genus, is evident for the following reasons: it is

not the young of the S. lacertina; for we have before us a

specimen of that animal, not above four inches in length,

which has the opercula as much fimbriated as one of the

largest size; and it is not the same with the S. striata, for

that has but three toes, and never exceeds in length the young

one of our present species, which accompanies this memoir.

Those pretenders to science who, by the useless multiplica-

tion of genera, are throwing the whole of natural history in-

to confusion, may adopt this as another species of the genus

which has been made of my Siren striata ; or they may form of

it still another genus, on account of its differing in the num-

ber of toes.

Vol. I. 17

134 New Species of Siren.

But nature, who groupes together her productions accord-

ing to their real affinities, abhors this violence ; and whatever

we attempt to effect by our arrangements, will always prove

imperfect and absurd, in the same degree as we depart from

her simplicity.

On the much-disputed question respecting the respiration’

of animals of this genus, I shall merely add to what I have

before said on the subject,* that it is impossible for the oper~

cula of their spiracles to perform the same functions as the

branchiz of fishes; even in that species which has them se

finely fimbriated, inasmuch as they are covered with the

common skin. But allowing that the fringed appendages of

the Siren lacertina are necessary to respiration, or are a kind

of external gills, what shall we say of the two other species

that have these appendages undivided? With regard to the

lungs, or air vessels as they have been called, I really cannot

see that they differ at all from the same organs in all animals

of a similar nature, even the more perfect. ‘The Amphiuma,

likewise,has the same kind of lungs, and its spiracles are merely

opened and closed by the expansile and contractile power of

the surrounding parts.

Future observations will do doubt make us better acquainted

with these anomalies to our systems, and we may probably in

time, increase the number of species of Siren. Ps have little

doubt from the fact of Africans giving a name to the Siren

striata, that some animal resembling it may be found in the

swampy regions of their country.

Pl.\. fig. 1. Siren wwrermepia. Fig. 2. thd. sec

magnified.

* See Annals of the Lyceum, Vol. I. p. 54. Iam happy to have an

opportunity in this place of acknowledging, that I now consider the Lake

Champlain animal to be a perfect animal, and nota larva.

135

Onsenvations on the North American species of the Genus

Viora. By Capt. Jonn Le Conte, U. S. a L. S.

&c. Read October 9, 1826.

Tuts memoir of the Violets of the United States of Ame-

vica, does not profess to be a monograph of that difficult

genus. Fifteen years of close attention to these plants, have

not enabled me to say that I have extricated them from the

confusion into which they have been thrown, nor prepared

me to overcome the obstacles by which such an undertaking

is surrounded. I shall only attempt to relate what my own

labours have induced me to consider as correct, and what my

own observations have led me to conclude was erroneous in

others. The difficulties encountered in prosecuting my in-

quiries into this subject, have arisen from various causes, and

appeared almost insurmountable. Every attempt to introduce

order among the plants at present in question, appears only to

have increased the confusion. ‘The desire which we all pos-

sess of seeming to comprehend the subject which we attempt

to elucidate, inevitably leads us to suppose that our own

vague imaginations are the result of investigation and study ;

and thus a science which ought to be founded entirely upon

facts, becomes as varying and as unsettled as fancy itself, and

our deductions loose, unsatisfactory, and unphilosophical.

He who supposes that the ever-varying forms of nature can be

embraced by the mind at one view, and arranged with as

much ease as the books on the shelves of a library, knows

but little of the science which he holds so cheap.

The principal writers who of late have attempted to reduce

this genus to any order, are the Rev. Mr. von Schweinitz,

of Bethlehem, in Pennsylvania, and M. Gingins Lasarvaz ;

the former in the American Journal of Science and the

Arts—I am proud to consider him as my co-labourer—and

the latter in the Memoirs of the Society of Natural History

136 Observations on the

of Paris. The observations of both these gentlemen are made

use of by M. Decandolle in his Prodromus regni vegetabilis.*

Mr. Nuttall, in his Genera of North American plants, always

judicious, has collected many facts relative to the species

which he had an opportunity of seeing. As the present pub-

lication pretends to contain nothing more than my own per-

sonal knowledge, which I have mentioned as being by no

means perfect, no species will be introduced among my de-

scriptions which I have not myself examined particularly.

In the pursuit of Natural History I early learnt to doubt, and,

finding that I often led myself astray, to distrust the observa-

tions of others: compilation has therefore been avoided.

What I have attempted to do may not be satisfactory, but it

is hoped that all botanists will be content with my endeavours

to elucidate so obscure a subject. After all, in a family of

plants so nearly related as the Violets are, where few species

are found so distinct as not to run into each other, it is a difli-

cult matter to be pleased with any distribution.

The American Violets, like these of every other country,

are divided into two great families; the so-called stemless,

and the caulescent. Of the first I shall describe nineteen

sorts, and of the other eight. But few characters exist in

any that can be considered as decidedly and strictly constant.

The relative proportion of the parts cannot be depended

upon: the villosity of one or more of the petals continually

varies ; pubescence is found in some at one period of the year

and not at another, and a plant which in one situation is

smooth, becomes hairy from some change either of place or

of soil; entire and divided leaves are found upon the same

plant either at the same time or at different periods of its

* Bya curious mistake Mr. Schweinitz is always quoted by Decandolle

as Mr. Lewis, the name being taken for the surname, as if one were to

quote M. Decandolle, as M. Auguste.

Violets of the United States. 137

growth; and an early or late foliation puts on such different

forms as always to mislead.

The stigma has been thought by some to afford an exceed-

ing good character, but the greatest difference in the form of

this organ in any two, even in those where it is most apparent,

V. pedata and V. ovata, the two extremes, is but slight. In

every species with which I am acquainted, the form of the

stigmais essentially the same, and although there may be some

variation, it is scarcely describable. ‘Twenty forms of the

same figure may exist, each differing from the other ; but ex-

cept by actual measurement, and comparison of the parts, we

cannot point out in what the difference consists. Any number

of ellipses for instance, may be taken, all differing in their ec-

centricity, and we may say that one is oblong and another

very oblong, yet these expressions being merely relative, leave

no accurate or definite idea, unless the proportion between the

two axes is discoverable.

Having premised these things, more as an excuse for any

imperfections that may be found in what is to follow, than as

attempting to point out new characteristics, | proceed to an

enumeration of the species.

Viole sic dicte acaules q. d. caulibus non e terra surgenti-

bus, sed quasi subterraneis : stipulis basilaribus, subulatis vel

Janceolato-subulatis, ciliatis, saepissime membranaceis: pe-

duncularibus parvis subulatis.

§ 1. Folits plus minus reniformibus, semper cordatis, junio-

ribus cucullatis ; proprio corolle colore violaceo.

1. V. cucutuata, Willd. De Cand.

Glabra: foliis cordatis, subacuminatis, crenato-dentatis,

autumnalibus majoribus, acuratissime reniformibus : pedun-

culis subtetragonis, foliis longioribus : calycis sepalis subula

tis, acuminatis, postice emarginatis, aut integerrimis ; petalis

(sicut in plurimis speciebus Americanis) obliquis, venosis,

138 Observations on the

integerrimis, basi albidis, superiore ut plurimum nudo, glabro,

lateralibus barbatis cumque superiore paucis lineis czeruleis

notatis.

V. obliqua, Schweinitz et Torrey.

Crescit ubique: species admodum varians: nunc tota gla-

berrima, nunc petiolis pedunculisque villosis, deinde tota

villosa invenitur ; ha tamen omnes dignz non sunt varietates

vocari. Vere et preecipue varietates tres sequuntur.

a. Petiolis et pedunculis longioribus : foliis sub-lanceolato-

ovatis, petalorum lateralium barba sepe flava, que V. papi-

lionacea, Pursh. Habitat in Virginia copiose ad insulam

Analostan fluvii Patomak ex adversus oppidum Georgetown.

8. Pedunculis validis exacte tetragonis, petalis azureis,

aveniis. Crescit prope aquas salsas, virtute cujus causze ope-

rantis heec varietas producitur et ex arbitrio proferatur.

y- Foliis, petiolis, pedunculisque villosis: ad hance V. asa-

rifolia cel.. Schweinitz spectare videtur, ejus planta tamen,

plerumque ad alteram speciem pertinet.

Nullus restare potest scrupulus hanc esse plantam, quam

omnes botanophili Europzi pro Viola cucullata habuerunt.

Diu in hortis eorum culta fuit, et tam e figuris variis, ubique

in libris pervulgatis, quam e descriptione accurata et pro-

ducta Willdenoviana, nunquam pro alia duci potest.

2. V. arrinis, Le Conte.

Glabra: foliis ovatis cordatis, subacuminatis, crenato-

dentatis : pedunculis subtetragonis, foliis brevioribus ; calycis

sepalis postice emarginatis aut integerrimis, ovato-lanceolatis,

sub-obtusis, duobus superioribus ovatis ; petalis omnibus in-

tegerrimis, venosis, basi albidis, superiore ut plurimum villoso,

lateralibus barbatis cumque superiore paucis lineis czeruleis

notatis.

V. cucullata, Schweinitz et Torrey.

V. sororia, Pursh.

V. papilionaceam var. 8. Decandolle etiam esse videtur.

Variat glabrositate foliorum.

Violets of the United States. #139

Nimis precedenti affinis: nullos characteres distinctives

preter pedunculi brevitatem et latiora calycis sepala invenire

possum. Longitudo relativa pedunculos inter et folia, nihili

valet, nisi cum planta perfecte florifera est ; postea, vel cum

flores apetalos profert petioli producuntur, dum pedunculi

ejusdem longitudinis permanent. Quare nulla descriptio fieri

debet nisi cum planta in perfectissimo statu viget.

3. V. neTeRopuyiia, Miihlenberg.

Glabra: foliis cordatis, elongato-ovatis, subacutis, crenato-

dentatis, integris et subpalmato-subquinquelobis, lobo inter-

medio multo majore et latiore ; pedunculis subtetragonis,

foliis longioribus ; calycis sepalis subulatis, postice emargi-

natis: petalis omnibus integerrimis, venosis, basi albidis,

superiore basi villoso (sed non semper, vel potius etate ma-

turiore villositas evanida) lateralibus dense barbatis cumque

superiore paucis lineis czruleis notatis.

Variat floribus albis. Cum primum e terra prodit, foliis

integris, inflorescens lobatis gaudet, dein cum flores apetalos

profert, folia iterum integra habet. Folia esculenta muci-

laginosa sicut et duarum priorum.

Hanc speciem a congeneribus rite distinxit beatus Muhlen-

berg, sed Elliott ad Violam palmatam retulit cum qua vix

affinitatem ullam asserat. Mirum est Elliottum alioquin satis

proclivem ad multiplicandum species hanc pro varietate

habere contentum fuisse: totus aspectus diversus, et multo

similior V. cucullatee pro cujus varietate probe habeatur.

Habitat in Georgize et Carolinz locis humidis, solo argil-

laceo duro, praesertim super aggeres oryzacearum, et ad vias,

nunquam in solo arenoso. In regionibus submontosis non

crescit, cum a clarissimo Schweinitz nunquam visa.

4. V. PALMATA.

Ut plurimum villosa: foliis reniformi-cordatis palmato—5

—7—lobis, lobis polymorphis, saepe angustis et incisis, inter-

medio sepmer majore, interdum utrinque villosis, interduni

140 Observations on the

inferne solum, seepe glabris, omnibus szepissime inferne purpur-

ascentibus, primordialibus vernis, ovatis, integris; petiolis

submarginatis: pedunculis subtetragonis foliis longioribus :

calycis sepalis ovato-lanceolatis, ciliatis, postice integerrimis :

petalis omnibus integerrimis, venosis, basi albidis, superiore

angustiore, minore, interdum basi villoso seepius tamen nudo,

glabro, lateralibus dense barbatis, cote superiore, lineis

paucis czeruleis notatis.

Variat floribus albis.

Varietas fragrans Elliott cessat; num unquam visa?

Habitat a Canada ad Floridam in locis siccis, quercetis

nempe, nunquam in pinetis Georgie et Caroline. Cum flore

apetalos profert, folia maxima evadunt.

Si heec species sola staret sine ulla cum aliis preter V.

hearophyllem consanguinitate ; nulla confusio nullaque hzesita-

tio fieret quin pro distinctissima specie haberetur ; sed quemad-

modum appropinquitatem cum preecedentibus petit, sic etiam

cum duabus sequentibus affinitatem miram habet ; disterminatio

vix erui potest: veruntamen distinctam esse ab omnibus de-

cernere non hesito. Aliquid peculiare in aspectu vel si vis

in physiognomonia singularum est quod non describi potest,

sed primo obtutu distinctas reddit.

5. V. concener, Le Conte.

Semper villosa: foliis lato-ovatis, cordatis, subreniformi-

bus,.crenato-dentatis et grandi-dentatis, quibusdam sublobatis

et fobatis, petiolis valde villosis, magnis, validis, foliorum

decurrentia subulatis: pedunculis subtetragonis foliis brevi-

oribus: calycis sepalis ciliatis, ovatis, obtusis, quam in priore

brevioribus, postice integerrimis ; petalis omnibus integerri-

mis, venosis, basi albidis superiore angustiore, ut plurimam

nudo, glabro, interdum tamen basi villoso, lateralibus dense

barbatis cumque superiore paucis lineis czeruleis notatis.

V. asarifolia et triloba, Schwerntiz.

Variat floribus saturatissime violaceis.

Habitat cum priore: cum qua eandem admittit affinitatem

Violets of the United States. 141

quam cum cucullata, affinis: facile distinguitur colore folio-

rum flavescente-viridi.

Huc referre Violam trilobam cel. Schweinitz vitare non queo,

semper mihi dolet cum auctoritate tam veneranda dissentire,

sed nunquam differentiam aliquam inter ejus plantam, et meam

V. congenerem videre potui que non fortuita fuit.

6. V. asarrrouia, Pursh.

Villosa: foliis praemagnis, subovato-reniformibus, crenato-

dentatis petiolis decurrentibus, semper integris: pedunculis

subtetragonis brevibus vix unquam sescuncialibus: calycis

sepalis, ovatis ciliatis postice integris aut emarginatis : petalis

omnibus integerrimis, venosis, basi albidis, superiore glabro,

nudo, lateralibus dense barbatis cumque superiore paucis

lineis czeruleis notatis.

Rara, habitat in Canada et regionibus caurinis provinciz

Noveboraci.

Distinctissima, sed sine figura peculiaris aspectus et habi-

tus vix intelligi possunt.

7. V. sepremLosa, Le Conte.

Glaberrima, lucida: foliis subsucculentis, ovatis, Gordes

dentatis, infimis integris, ceteris pedatis, septemlobis, lobo

intermedio majore: pedunculis subtetragonis, foliis longiori-

bus: calycis sepalis lanceolatis, postice integerrimis. corolla

magna, petalis omnibus integerrimis, venosis, basi albidis,

superiore amplo, basi villoso, lateralibus dense barbatis cH

que superiore paucis lineis ceruleis notatis. |

Habitat in Carolina et Georgia in pinetis slum, per trac- |

ium que regio inferior vocatur: pedunculi seepe qctaneiales

floribus diametro biunciali ornati.

Affinitatem nullam hzec species cum precedentibus hahet :

facile dignoscitur foliis glaberrimis lucidis, rigidis, succulen-

iis: multo dignior nomine pedate quam species cui consensus

universalis hocce nomen attribuit.

Num hue viol palmate varietas vulgaris Elliott?

Vou. II. 1S

142 Observations on the

“Variat floribus albis.

8. V. soronta, Willdenow.

Polis crassinseulis, planis, ad terram pressis, orbicularibus

ero tindato-ovatis, cordatis, crenatis, sinu seepe clauso, supra

is, villositate erecta, subtus glabris, ut plurimum purpu-

casceniibus ; petiolis validis brevibus, stipulis basilaribus par-

vis; pedunculis subtetragonis folia ecquantibus : calycis sepa-

lis brevibus, subulatis, obtusis, glabris, postice integerrimis :

petalis obovatis, brevibus, omnibus integerrimis, venosis basi

albidis, superiore et lateralibus barbatis paucisque lineis c#ru-

leis notatis.

V. villosa var. 6 cordata, Torrey.

V. villosa, Nuttall.

V. cordifolia, Schweinitz et Decandolle.

‘Habitat in sylvis siccioribus provinciarum borealiorum ;

nullam Viole villosze Walteri similitudinem fert, sed solitaria

stat inter Violas Americanas; forte nunquam a Decandolle

visa, cum affinem Violz papilionacez esse dicit.

Magna ex hac specie orta est confasio, quum pro Viola vil-

losa Walteri habita fuit, cujus planta nulla descriptio a

tempore Walteri extat, nisi in operibus Elliott et Schweinitz.

Nomen Willdenovianum sororia pro cordifolia aliorum mutare

non lubet : sine dubio hec est planta illius celeberrimi Botano-

phili, quam in Horto ejus Berolinensi accurate depinxit:

nomen specificum cordifolia quoque ad fere quemlibet spe-

ciem apte accomodari quit.

—©§ 2. Viole foliis oblongis aut ovatis nunquam rentform bus ;

junioribus cucullatis.

9. V. emarcinata, Le Conte.

Glabra: foliis subsucculentis, oblongo-ovatis, aut etiam

triangulari-ovatis, cordatis, dentatis, interdum ciliatis, superi-

‘oribus basi inzequaliter inciso-grandidentatis, et saepe in petio-

los subdecurrentibus, costa media prominente ; petiolis inter-

dum villosis ; pedunculis tetragonis, foliis longioribus : calycis

sepalis lanceolatis, acutis, postice emarginatis ; petalis venosis,

Violets of the United States. 143.

basi albidis, omnibus emarginatis villosis, superiore den-

sius, lateralibus barbatis, cumque superiore paucis lineis czeru-

leis notatis. :

V.dentata, Pursh.

V. sagittatze varietas, Schweinitz, Nuttall, et Decandolle.

Habitat in sylvis siccioribus a Nova Caesarea ad Carolinam

similitudinem nullam Viole sagittate habet, foliis majoribus

diversiformibusque et floribus majoribus primo obtutu dignos-

catur : foliorum succulentia Violam septemlobam refert.

10. V. sacirrara.

Glabra: foliis ciliatis, oblongis, non acutis, sagittato-cor-

datis, dentatis, basi incisis, q. d dentibus elongatis, divarica-

tis instructis: pedunculis subtetragonis, foliis longioribus :

calycis sepalis lanceolatis, acuminatis, postice emarginatis ;

petalis omnibus integerrimis, venosis, basi albidis, petalo supe-

riore ut plurimum nudo, glabro; Jateralibus dense barbatis,

cumque superiore paucis lineis czruleis notatis, calcare pos-

tice producto.

Variat foliis plus minus villosis. |

Habitat in siccioribus a Noveboraco ad Georgie submon-

tosa.

1i. V. ovata, Nuttall.

Villosa: foliis ciliatis, oblongo-ovatis, subacutis, cordatis,

basi sape obliquis, in petiolos decurrentibus, superioribus

basi incisis ; petiolis breviusculis : calycis sepalis ciliatis, ova-

tis,vel lato-lanceolatis, plus minus postice productis, et profunde

emarginatis vel auriculatis: petalis omnibus integerrimis, ve-

nosis, basi albidis superiore nudo, glabro, lateralibus densis-

sime barbatis, cumque superiore paucis lineis czeruleis notatis ;

calcare lato, utplurimum subproductissimo.

Variat foliis sub-glabriusculis.

V. ciliata, M:-Alenberg quod nomen melius.

V. primulifolia, Pursh.

Varietas Decandolliana 8 Belvisiana fortuita et informis,

forte a terrze ad bases foliorum cumulatione orta.

144 Observations on the’

Habitat a Canada ad Georgie montosa in siccis, ad vias

et in sylvis saxosis, etiam in fissuris rupium.

12. V. vittosa, Walter.

Pubescens (non villosa) foliis planis ad terram pressis, ro-

tundo-ovatis et ovatis, obtusis, cordatis, dentato-crenatis, livi-

do-viridibus venis saturatioribus aut etiamnum purpurascen-

tibus, ita ut variegata dicantur, seepe inferne purpurascentibus,

sinu (rotundatorum) subclauso ; petiolis brevibus : pedunculis

tetragonis foliis longioribus: petalis omnibus integerrimis ut

plurimum villosis (inferioribus interdum glabris, forte a villo-

sitate evanida) lateralibus barbatis, cumque superiore paucis

lineis czruleis notatis.

Deflorate plant folia glaberrima evadunt.

Habitat solum in provinciis australibus, in pinetis et quer-

cetis sabulosis: persola stat sine ulla similitudine speciebus

aliis; cum V. villosa confusa, auctoribus duntaxat quibus nun-

quam visa.

§ 3. Viole folis ovatis aut lanceolatis; corollis albis peta-

lis lateralibus angustioribus.

13. V. ame@na, Le Conte.

Glabra: foliis ovatis, subacuminatis, crenatis, interdum

supra subvillosis; petiolis longis, rubro maculatis: pedun-

culis subtetragonis folia sequantibus aut superantibus, ma-

culatis: floribus odoratis, calycis sepalis lanceolatis ; petalis

omnibus integerrimis, basi viridibus, lateralibus interdum

basi pubescentibus cumque superiore paucis lineis czruleis

notatis.

V. obliqua, Pursh.

Habitat in provinciis Noveboraci et Nove Cesarez in syl-

vis humidis: serotina pra duabus sequentibus.

14. V. BLANDA.

Glabra : foliis rotundis, interdum subovatis, cordatis, crena-

tis, ad terram subpressis, aliquando paucis villis supra adsper-

sis; petiolis pubescentibus: pedunculis subtetragonis, foliis

longioribus : floribus odoratis ; ealycis sepalis lanceolatis, ob-

Violets of the United States. 148

iusis ; petalis omnibus integerrimis, basi viridibus, superiore

et lateralibus raro subvillosis, paucis lineis czeruleis notatis.

Habitat in humidis, inter primitias veris flores profert, parva

humilisque planta in umbrosis gaudens. Pro varietate Viole

lanceolate a cel. Pursh habita.

Hee, cum binis sequentibus, species demonstrat, quas contra

naturam distributiones in quibusdam generibus effici queant.

He tres species tam arcte cognate ut vix distingui possunt et

a Purshio pro eadem habitz sub diversis signis a Decandolle

(aut a Gingins?) militare cogebantur. Si his botanophilis

accuratissimis bene fuissent cognite, viole hc nunquam

infererentur.

15. V. PRIMULIFOLIA.

Stolonifera, glabra: foliis oblongis, vel oblongo-ovatis,

sub-cordatis, acutiusculis, crenatis, in petiolos decurrentibus,

interdum infra nervis subvillosis: pedunculis subtetragonis,

foliis longioribus: floribus odoris ; calycis sepalis lanceolatis,

obtusis ; petalis omnibus integerrimis, basi viridibus, superiore

et lateralibus aliquando villosiusculis, paucis lineis czeruleis

notatis, in superiore szepe obsoletis.

o Foliis saturatius viridibus, cumque petiolis dense villosis,

villositate incanescenti.

Varietas V. lanceolate, Pursh.

Varietates Decandollianz « 8, et 6 pro nihilo habende.

Habitat ubique in humidis: « in Georgia. Huc refervi

debet Viola acuta Bigelow, que planta hujusce speciei est,

infirma, repressa, et frigore vel sterilitate soli moriens.

Plures sunt violze hanc speciem vel precedentem referentes

quas accuratius investigare opere pretium est, duz vel tres

species adhuc elaborentur. ‘Tametsi id mihi studio habuit,

nihil usui aut in statu naturali aut in culta operatus

sum. Opinio hzecce frustraretur; nam licet omnes violz

nostrates in gradus etatis varios ac per diversitatem soli

et aéris polymorphee fiunt, heee vero mihi mutabilior omnibus

apparuit.

146 Observations on the

16. V. LANCEOLATA. ~

Glabra: foliis (interdum paucis villis adspersis) ianceolatis

angustis elongatis basi sensim ad petiolos attenuatis, obtusius-

culis, crenatis: pedunculis subtetragonis, incarnatis, folia

zequantibus : floribus inodoris; calycis sepalis lanceolatis, acu-

tis; petalis omnibus integerrimis, basi viridibus, lateralibus

aliquando ad bases villosiusculis cumque superiore paucis lineis

ceruleis notatis.

Habitat cum priore. Varietas Decandolliana ® V. primu-

lifolia est.

§ 4. Vole que ad priores sectiones referrt non possunt.

17. V. rorunpiro.ia, Michaux.

Glabra: foliis crassiusculis ad terram pressis, lato-ovatis

aut orbiculatis, cordatis, crenatis, infra nervis pubescentibus,

sinu clauso : pedunculis subtetragonis, folia zquantibus ; ca-

lycis sepalis oblongis obtusis; petalis flavis, interdum emar-

ginatis, superiore parvo, lateralibus subbarbatis cumque supe-

riore paucis lineis fuscis notatis ; calcare brevissimo.

Habitat in solo calcareo, sylvis umbrosis a Canada ad Pen-

sylvaniam.

Hec forte V. obligua auctorum est cum dicit in Horto Kew-

ensi Aiton flores stramineos (sen flavos) esse ; quatenus de foliis

acutis in specimine Britanni, nihil valet, nam forma ovata mul-

tum in longitudine et latitudine variet. Lllustrissime Decan-

dolle Bigelovius significavit (Prod. reg. veg. p. 298.) Violam

rotundifoliam primo flores magnos, flavos proferre, dein par-

vos, viridescentes et stolones reptantes; quid sibi vult voce

‘“‘reptantes” non mihi liquet, si repentes, mira inauditaque res ;

at si procumbentes diceret, stolo omnis procumbens est : hance

cum sequente et stolonem cum pedunculo, quemadmodum

Pursh, conturbavit.

18. V. cuanpestina, Pursh.

Glabra: foliis subsuccslentis, saturatissime viridibus nitidis

ad terram pressis lato-ovatis et ovato-oblongis, obtusis, inter-

dum suborbicularibus, crenatis, sinu seepe clauso: pedunculis

Violets of the United States. 147

subietragonis, ramosis 2-8 floris, stipulis binis, parvis ad basim

eujuscunque pedicelli, decumbentibus sub folia emortua arbo-

rum reconditis.

Habitat in sylvis submontosis Noveboraci, Novze Czesareze

et Pensylvaniz ; primum a bono Pursh inventa prope oppi-

dum Easton in Pennsylvania, nunquam stolones profert,

sed pedunculos ramosos* quod mirum in plantis hujusce

familize.

Nunquam Violam hance insignem petalifloram vidi, quare

nihil amplius ad descriptionem addere possum: pedun-

culo tamen satis ab omnibus distinguitur. Eadem ac prior

sit, sed vix credo; pauce occasiones examinandi mihi

venerunt.

Pursh dicit flores chocolatinos esse; quid hoc vult intel-

ligere difficile est, nisi semiadultee capsule quze luridze et ru-

bescenti-fuscze sunt, pro floribus ponuntur: color hic in

petalis cujuscunque hujus generis speciei plane anomalia mira

foret.

19. V. pEpaTa.

Glabra: foliis interdum ciliatis, varie divisis, seepius pe-

datis novem-partitis, laciniis linearibus, et obtuse-lanceolatis,

ut plurimum apice trilobis, saepe simplicibus lanceolatis apice

5-7-lobis: pedunculis subtetragonis ; calycis sepalis lanceo-

latis, acutis, ciliatis, postice emarginatis: floribus magnis

subazureis, petalis omnibus basi albidis, aveniis, integerrimis,

glaberrimis, nudis, superiore truncato paucis lineis saturati-

oris czerulei notato, aliquando obsoletis.

Variat petalis duobus inferioribus saturatissime violaceis et

quasi velutinis, e qua quidem nomine Loddiges speciem novam

formavit.

Variat etiam floribus albis.

Habitat in sylvis siccisa Canada ad Floridam.

* Etiam stolo Bigelovius.

148 Observations on the —

Viole revera caulescentes; caulibus simplicibus aut ramosis.

20. V. CANADENSIS. '

Glabra: caule szepe bipedali, subsimplici, tereti; stipulis

integris, membranaceis, oblongo-subovatis vel lanceolato-ova-

tis: foliis alternis, ovatis, cordatis, subacuminatis, dentatis :

pedunculis subtetragonis, stipulis parvis subulatis: floribus

regularibus, odoratis : calycis sepalis subulatis, acutis, pos-

tice integerrimis: petalis albis omnibus integerrimis, venosis,

basi flavescentibus, inferne pallide violaceis, superiore lato ex-

panso, glabro, nudo, lateralibus barbatis cumque superiore

paucis lineis czruleis notatis ; stigmate brevi, pubescente, vix

rostrato ; calcare brevissimo.

Variat omnibus partibus, etiam capsula, pubescentibus.

Habitat a Canada ad Georgie montosa, per totam esta-

tem florens; petala non sunt obliqua sicut in plurimis speci-

ebus Americanis, sed regularia et expansa ut et in Europeeis.

21. V. ROSTRATA.

Radice lignoso, perpendiculari, fibroso: glabra: caulibus

pluribus, adscendentibus, teretibus: foliis orbicularibus, et ova-

tis, cordatis, crenato-dentatis, interdum paucis villis adspersis,

junioribus cucullatis ; petiolis foliis multo longioribus; stipu-

lis linearibus, acuminaiis, dentibus elongatis linearibus in-

structis: pedunculis filiformibus, subtetragonis, gracilibus,

axillaribus, longissimis, stipulis minutis, subulatis : calycis

sepalis lanceolatis, acutis, postice integris: petalis violaceis,

omnibus integerrimis, aventis, nudis, imberbibus, superiore

lateralibusque paucis lineis czruleis notatis ; calcare recto,

elongato, lineari, compresso, obtuso, petalis duplo longiore.

Habitat in sylvis humidis a Canada ad Virginiam.

22. V. MuHLENBERGIANA, Gingins.

Glabra: caule tereti, debili, subprostrato ; foliis renifor-

mibus, subrotundis, cordatis, superioribus ovatioribus, crena-

tis, seepe inferne purpurascentibus, junioribus cucullatis ; pe-

fiolis foliis longioribus ; stipulis magnis lanceolatis, serrato-

Piolets of the United States. 149

ciliatis, subpinnatis: pedunculis subtetragonis, axillaribus

foliis longioribus ; stipulis minutis, subulatis: calycis sepalis

linearibus, acutis, subciliatis ; petalis violaceis, omnibus inte-

gerrimis, aveniis, superiore nudo, glabro, lateralibus barbatis

cumque superiore paucis lineis czruleis notatis ; calcare longo

porrecto, compresso, obtusissimo, stigmate postice ciliato

rostro adscendente.

V. uliginosa, Muhlenberg V. asarifolia ejusdem.

V. debilis, Pursh, Schweinitz, Nuttall.

V. canina, Walter.

V. punctata, Schweinitz.

V. Muhlenbergii, Torrey.

Habitat a Labradoria usque ad Savannam Georgie.

Sine dubio, species Labradorica Schweinitziana (V. punc-

tata) eadem est; forma calcaris insignis hoc demonstrat. E

Labradoria specimina pluria sub nomine V. canine accepi ;

notatu dignum pro eadem plantam hancce nostratem male

judicavit Walter. Non ab Elliott describitur tametsi prope

Charleston copiose invenitur.

Viola uliginosa Schweinitz (V.. Lewisiana Decandolle) que

hance referre dicitur nunquam mihi obvia fuit.

23. V. striata, Aiton.

Glabra: caulibus obliquis, ramosis, angulatis: foliis subro-

tundis et ovatis, subacuminatis, crenato-dentatis, interdum

subpubentibus ; petiolis longis; stipulis magnis, oblongo-

lanceolatis, ‘ientato-ciliatis: pedunculis tetragonis, foliis longi-

oribus, stipulis majusculis, linearibus : calycis sepalis lanceo-

Jatis, acuminatis, ciliatis, postice emarginatis: petalis ochro-

jeucis, omnibus integerrimis, superiore paucis lineis czruleis

notato, nudo, glabro, raro villosiusculo, lateralibus barbatis,

inferioribus interdum subvillosiusculis, calcare subporrecto;

stigmate postice pubescente.

V. ochroleuca, Schweinttz, Torrey, Decandolle.

V. repens Schweinitz.

Habitat a Canada ad Georgize montosa.

Vou. I. 19

152 Observations on the

Violam repentem cel. Schweinitz. eandem esse ac ilius

VP. ochroleucam paululum a solo vel situ mutatam, edicere

non hesito. Quodam in loco prope fluvium Chenango pro-

vinciz Noveboraci, olim plantam hujus speciei inveni, in solo

pingui alluviali altitudinem bipedalem attingentem, in qua

descriptio Violz ochroleucz luxuriosissimz impleretur : in

horto meo Noveboracopolitano translata, hanc, quee primo

pro distincta specie a me habita fuit, in Violam repentem

mutatam miratus sum.

24. V. pUB <CENS.

Villoso-pubescens, caule simplici, erecto, tereti, infra

aphylla; foliis lato-ovatis, cordatis, dentatis; petiolis brevi-

bus ; stipulis magnis, ovatis, dentatis; pedunculis tetragonis,

folits brevioribus ; stipulis subulatis, minutis: calycis sepalis

lanceolatis : petalis Mavis, omnibus integerrimis, aveniis, su-

periore nudo, glabro, lateralibus barbatis, cumque superiore

paucis lineis czruleis notatis, inferioribus seepe extus rufes~

centibus; calcare brevi, gibbo, acutiusculo; stigmate pubes-

cente vix rostrato, simili Violz canadensis stigmati.

V. Pennsylvanica, Michaue.

-Variat pubescentia ; etiam foliis glabris invenitur, capsula

i nunc lanata, aliquando linea pubescente in utrc-

que latere.

‘Habitat in collibus sylvosis a Canada ad Georgiam.

V. erlocarpa Schweinitziana satis differre ab hac videtur,

nunquam a me visa.

25. V. vaSTaTa.

Glabra: caule simplici, erecto, tereti: foliis ovatis, dila-

tatis, acuminatis, cordatis, dentatis, superioribus ovato-lan-

ceolatis hastatis et deltoideis ; petiolis brevibus, stipulis ovatis

dentatis ; pedunculis subtetragonis, foliis brevioribus, stipulis

minimis, subulatis: calycis sepalis lineari-lanceolatis, subden-

tatis ; petalis flavis, omnibus integerimis, aveniis, superiore

nudo, glabro, lateralibus barbatis, cumque superiore paucis

Hineis ezeruleis notatis, inferioribus spe extus rufescentibus :

Violets of the United States. 151

calcare brevi, gibbo, acutiusculo; stigmate sicut in preece-

dente; capsula glabra aut pubescente in utroque latere.

«. Foliis nullis hastatis aut deltoideis, qu V.- striata

Schweinitz olim a me pro distincta specie habita: sed a cultura,

jnveni ut mera et interdum fortuita varietas fuisset. Revera,

si caulis V. hastatee abrumpitur cum primum e terra prodit,

radix alterum caulem fundit, qui nunquam folia hastata aut

deltoidea producit.

8. Villosa: foliis inferioribus cordatis, et tripartitis, supe-

rioribus deltoideis, interdum tripartitis et hastatis,, hac est

V. tripartita Elliott que etiam mihi olim videbatur distinct-

tam esse speciem, sed varietas est.

Prope montes provinciarum australiorum, semper in sylvis

umbrosis, in declivis ubi terra laxa foliis emortuis et ligno

putrido obducitur, cum Viola pubescente sodali habitat.

Species hee in affinitate magna cum precedente gloriatur

adeo ut interdum dubitari num distincta fuisset. Varietas o.

est V. gibba Rafinesque (No. 92. Decandolle Prod. reg. veg.)

26. V. Norraun,

Glabra: caule simplici, erecto, tereti, folioso: foliis, lanceo-

lato-ovatis, obscure-dentatis aut integerrimis, basi attenuatis ;

stipulis longis lineari-lanceolatis, integris: pedunculis.

tragonis, foliis brevioribus; stipulis minutis: calycis: palis

lineari-lanceolatis, acuminatis, postice integerrimis: petalis.

flavis, omnibus integerrimis, aveniis, lateralibus barbatis,

cumque superiore paucis lineis ceruleis notatis; calcare brevi,

stigmate uti in precedente.

Habitat in desertis Missouriensibus ubi secundum cel. Nut-

tall unica invenitur.

27. V. TENELLA, Maldenbard:

Annua: ut plurimum glabra: radice filiformi: caule tri-

quetro, angulato, erecto, simplici, folioso, foliis dentatis, ra-

dicalibus rotundatis aut spathulatis, superioribus ovatioribus

aut lanceolatis, omnibus ad formam spathulatam spectantibus,

petiolis brevibus; stipulis maximis piunatifidis, palmatisve,

152 Observations on the

lobo intermedio oblongo, longiore et latiore, czeteris lineari-

oblongis, omnibus obtusis, ciliatis: pedunculis tetragonis,

foliis multo longioribus: calycis sepalis ovato-lanceolatis,

acuminatis, ciliatis, postice emarginatis; petalis expansis,

albidis, czerulescenti tinctis, basi flavidis, superiore nudo

glabro, lateralibus barbatis, cumque superiore paucis lineis

czruleis notatis; stigmate sub-pubescente, vix rostrato.

V. bicolor, Pursh et Nuttall. V. arvensis, Elliott.

Habitat a Nova Ceesarea ad Georgize submontosa. Plan-

tam descripsi ut a me visam in collibus rupestribus Novze

Cesaree prope Noveboracopolin sponte crescentem: non

est Viola bicolor Europe, nec similitudinem cum Viola

arvenst (que varietas V. tricoloris) habet. Claris. Schweinitz

refert, hance plantam versus finem zstatis magna fit, sub hac

forma forte PV’. arvensis divi Muhlenberg est, in Catalogo

No.20 adnumerata. Hee species cum V. rostrata sola omnium

Violarum Americanarum radicem fibrosam habet, omnibus

reliquis radix est squamosa.

It now only remains for me to enumerate some obscure and

imperfectly known species; and to give hints of some which

T have seen myself, but not particularly examined. This is

done in order to call the attention of botanists to a subject,

which my own wishes and the study of so many years have

rendered probably more important to me, than it may be to

others: it is to be hoped, however, that it will not be without

its use in making more complete our knowledge of a mcst

difficult family of plants.

The Viola debilis of Michaux, is a very different species

from any described by me. I once found it in the mountains

of South Carolina, but failed in transporting it to a place

where it might be cultivated; not having taken any notes of

it at the time, I am only enabled to state, that the leaves were

broad-ovate and cordate, the stipules lacerate and ciliate, and

the flower large and white; the stem decumbent. Elliott’s

Violets of the United States. 153

V. striaia appears to be it. This plant has unaccountably

been referred by most writers, to one species having blue,

and to another having yellow flowers, although Michaux says

that the flowers are white.

V.. radicans (Decand. prod. 297. No. 38.) appears to be

very distinct ; it was found by the younger Michaux in South

Carolina, probably in the mountains.

_ V. Selkirkii, Pursh. (ibid. 305. No. 97.) deserves inquiry

into; it is said to inhabit the mountains near Montreal.

V.. Alleghanensis. Reem. et Schultes, syst. 5. p. 360. like-

wise appears to be distinct, but may be nothing more than

a variety of V. ovata.

There is a species of this genus inhabiting the calcareous

regions of the state of New-York, which I have never seen

in flower, and which I have failed in cultivating. It is stolo-

niferous; leaves appressed to the earth, round-ovate, of a

thin texture, pale yellowish-green, and polished on the upper

surface, with a considerable villosity; beneath perfectly

smooth, with a remarkable shining bluish tinge. Another

species is met with in the same country, which appears to

belong to my third section, the leaves of which are oblong-

ovate, and more rugous than the V. blanda, to which it

bears considerable resemblance. I have also seen in the

mountains of North Carolina, where the road passes over

Ivy Hill, a stoloniferous species, with leaves resembling those

of the V. cucullata, and which ought to produce violet-

coloured flowers. :

In North Carolina, on the banks of the French Broad

river, near the borders of Tennessee, is a smal leaved caules-

cent violet, perfectly decumbent, forming complete sods; of

its inflorescence | know nothing ;_ this may be the Viola uli-

ginosa of Mr. V. Schweinitz, if that prove to be really distinct

from the V. Muhlenbergiana.

154 Additions to the Ornithology

Further Appvitions to the OnnitHOLOoey of the United States ;

and Observations of the Nomenclature of certain species,

By Cuarues L. Bonaparte. Read November 6, 1826.

Beine constantly occupied with the study of North Ame-

rican Birds, I deem it adviseable to publish any discoveries or

observations | may make, however inconsiderable, in the

order in which they occur; so that they may hereafter be pro-

perly embodied in due time and place. With this view I

now submit to the Lyceum the following observations, which

the plan I have adopted for my ‘‘Genera and Synopsis,”

would not allow me to introduce into that memoir.

ARDEA.

ArpEA PEALI, Nobis. Crested; snowy-white; bill flesh-

color; the point and the legs black; toes beneath yenew

tarsus more than five inches long.

Adult, crest and neck-fringe large, of compact pointed

feathers; back with long straight filiform plumes, reaching

beyond the tail.

Young, destitute of these ornaments.

This nondescript species I dedicate to Mr. Titian Peale,

who not only first procured it, but declared his well founded

suspicions as to its being specifically distinct.

Peale’s Egret Heron, Ardea Pealu, Nob. Am. Orn. iit.

adult.

Inhabits Florida, and probably the analogous climates of

America. Closely allied to the 4. candidissima, Gmel. and

perhaps still more to the European .4. garzetia ! Interme-

diate between these two so closely-related species.

I add here for comparison, the essential distinctive phrases

of the two other North American white Egrets.

ArpEA canpipissimA, Gmel. Crested ; snowy-white ; bill and

feet black ; toes yellow, tarsus less than four inches long.

of the United States. 156

Adult, crest and neck-fringe large, of loose flowing feathers ;

back with long silky plumes curled upwards, reaching but

little beyond the tail.

Young but slightly crested, destitute of the dorsal train.

Snowy Heron, Ardea candidissima, Wils. Am. Orn. vit.

p» 120. pl. 62, fig. 4. adult.

Inhabits both Americas; said to be found also in Asia,

which may be doubted.

Arvra Arga,L. Slightly crested; snowy-white; legs very

long, slender, naked for four inches above the tarsus; toes

much elongated; bill yellow, legs black.

Adult, back with long flowing plumes, stiff and falling,

reaching much beyond the tail.

Young, and moulting, destitute of the dorsal train.

Great White Heron, Ardea egretta, Wils. Am. Orn. vit.

p- 106. pl. 61. fig. 4. adult.

Inhabits the northern hemisphere.

From the above phrases it will be seen that our new Ardea

differs from its allied species, including the European 4. gar-

zetta, by the flesh-color of its bill. With the 4. alba, it can-

not be confounded, being much smaller, though larger than

the two others. From the 4. garzetta, it is moreover distin-

guished by its large compound crest, &c. and from the

Al. candidissima, by the quality and texture of the ornamental

feathers.

ARAMUS.

It is with great satisfaction that we are now able to with-

draw a nominal species, introduced by us, if not into the Or-

nithology of the United States, at least into the general sys-

tem. We mean our supposed new Rallus giganteus, (see addi-

tions to the Orn. of the U. S., Journal of the Acad. Nat. Sc.

Philad. v. pt. 1. p. 31.) This bird, if not Scolopax (Nume-

nius, Lath.) guarauna of Linné, is most undoubtedly the

Ardea scolopacea of Gmelin and Latham, and ought at all

156 Additions to the Ornithology

events to have been called Rallus scolopaceus. It is unne-

cessary to offer an apology for not tracing a species so mis-

placed in the systems, and to which even false characters had

been attributed; for who could with the ordinary means have

traced Turdus felivow, Vieill. (lividus Wils.) in the Muscicapa

carolinensis of Linne? [lliger would certainly, and most

probably did consider our bird a true Railus ; notwithstand-

ing, after a more careful examination of several specimens of

this anomalous species, we have recognised that it is interme-

diate between the genera Ardea, Rallus, and perhaps Nu-

menius; and that it was with great propriety that Vieillot

made it the type of his new genus Aramus, which after Tem-

minck and other naturalists, we have adopted in the body of

our “ Genera of North American Birds.” In the analytical

table prefixed to that essay, the genus ramus, should have

taken its place in the family Herodii, after Ardea, bestia

the number forty-six, (forty-five bis.) and thus carrying t

number of our genera to eighty-one. The family ooakearen

to be thus characterised. s

FAMILY HERODIL.

* Hind toe touching the ground only at tip.

44, GRUS.

** Hind toe bearing on the ground with several joints.

45. Arpea. Fore toes connected at base by a membrane.

46. Aramus. ‘Toes cleft to the base.

As that part of our Synopsis has long been ready for pub-

lication, we omit any other details, our only object at present

being to have it well understood, that our Rallus giganteus,

is the Aramus scolopaceus, Vieill.

SYNONYMS.

Scolopax guaraund, L. Gmel.? Numenius americanus

fuscus, Briss? Nuwmentus guarauna, Lath?

of the United States. 157

Ardea scolopacea, Gmel. Lath.

Courlan ou Courliri, Buffon Ois. 7. p. 442. pl. Enl. 34s.

Scolopaceus Heron, Lath. Syn. iii.

Rallus guarauna, lil. ?

Brazilian Whimbrel Lath. Syn. iit. p. 125?

ramus carau, Vieill. taken from D’ Azara, we hardly think

to be a distinct species.

TRINGA.,

TRINGA HIMANTOPUS, Nobis. Bill much longer than the head,

sub-arched ; legs very long, toes semipalmated ; rump white,

banded with black; tail even, gray, middle feathers longest,

lateral white internally and along the middle.

Total length nearly nine and a half inches. Bill, one and

five eighths. ‘Tarsus one and three quarters. Naked space

of the tibia, one and a quarter.

‘This new species, which I shot from a flock at Long

Branch, New-Jersey, in the middle of July, is very remarka-

ble for its anomalous characters. It connects still more closely

than the other Tringe with subarched bills, the two genera

Numenius and Tringa, since to other common traits, it unites

the semipalmated toes; indeed, instead of placing it at the

head of Tringa, we should place it at the last of Vwmenius,

was it not for its long, slender, and delicate legs and toes. As

a species, in point of form, dimensions, and especially of plu-

mage, this bird resembles greatly the Tringa subarquata of

Temminck, (Vumenius africanus, Lath.) from which it is,

however, eminently distinguished by its still longer and semz-

palmated feet,* in which latter character only it resembles

Tringa semipalmata, Wils. It cannot even at first sight be

mistaken for any other Tinga, differing widely from each

* Might not this be taken for the true Wumenius africanus of Latham ?

Vor. IL 20

ei it

158 Additions to the Ornithology

and all, and resembling much more in general appearance, a

Totanus than a Tringa.

This bird, together with the Tringa semipalmata, forming

_my subgenus Hemipalama, I tere subjoin a distinctive phrase

for the latter bird. on

TRINGA SEMIPALMATA, Wils, - Bill shorter than the head,

straight ; feet moderate, semipalmated 5 rump blackish ; tail

even, gray, middle feathers longest, blackish.

Total length five or six inches. Bill, six-eighths. Tarsus

six-eighths. Naked space of the tibia about three-eighths.

Among a great many specimens of this very common

Sandpiper, | have occasionally met with some of darker plu-

mage and larger proportions, the bill and tarsus being even

proportionally larger. This observation has also been made

by Wilson: we must consider these birds as belonging to a

large variety, although we should not be surprised at their

proving a third species of Hemipalama, strongly allied to

Tringa semipalmata.

PHALAROPUS.

In a note to our observations on the two species of this

genus, described by Mr. Ord in his Supplement to Wilson’s

Orn., in our “Observations on the Nomenclature, &c.” we

left somewhat unsettled, the important point, whether Phala-

ropus Wilsonit, Sabine, was really a new species, or an un-

described state of VA. hyperboreus, Lath. Though perfectly

satisfied that the former was the case, we merely advanced it

as an opinion, partly because Mr. Ord, who had studied the

subject, thought otherwise, and especially because we had

no specimen of Ph. hyperboreus to compare with the Ph. Wil-

sonii, to establish the fact beyond the possibility of doubt.

Having since had the good fortune'to obtain two North Ame-

rican specimens of the true Ph. hyperboreus, we have had the

pleasure to find our conjectures perfectly well grounded, and

thus to add a third species of Phalaropus to the Ornithology

Fis ee m ee

‘a é

of the United States. 159

of these States, which thus comprises all the species that have

hitherto been well ascertained. As all the details relative to

these interesting birds wil be found in my Synopsis, and in

the third volume of my Am. Orn, where the Ph. hyperboreus.

will be correctly represented, we shall only in his paper

show by short, but characteristic aud distinetive phrases,

taken from specimens now before us, the striking differences

between these unaccountably confounded species, without

reference to their plumage, which is subject to so many ex-

traordinary changes according to age and season.

# s, «

1. Paararopus witsont, Sabine. — Bill lone, (one inch and

three-eighths) slender, subulate; toes narrowly banded with

entire membranes. Length nine and half inches.

9. PHALAROPUS HYPERBOREUS,* Latham. Bill moderate, (one

inch) slender, subulate ; toes broadly bordered with deeply

scalloped membranes. Length seven and one third inches.

3. Paacaropus runicarrus, Nob. Bill moderate, (one inch)

stout, depressed; toes bordered with deeply scalloped mem-

branes.

Since writing the above, [ have received Plate 370 of the

<Planches Colorices” of Temminck and Laugier, which I

recognise as our Ph. Wilsonu. On referring to the text, I

find that Temminck has considered it as a new species. He

could certainly never have perused Sabine’s Appendix to

Capt. Franklin’s Expedition, otherwise he must have been

* After much reflection we have decided to retain this name, which is

universally adopted, and also used by Linné in his 12th ed., although that

of lobatus only is found in the 10th. Moreover, in adopting lobutus, we

should have been compelled to quote our own authority, the P. lobutus of

Latham being the fulicarius ; and the P. lobatus of Ord, the P. Wilsonii;

thus the name /obatus would have been successively applied to all the

species, whilst hyperboreus was never misapplied.

_ a

160° Additions to the Grrithology

satisfied from that zoologist’s very accurate description.

Temminck’s observations are most lucid, like every thing else

from his pen; but he is mistaken in supposing, that contrary

to the usual rule this bird is not found in the high northern

latitudes, since it was there obtained by the English expedi-

tion. ‘The only anomaly, as to climate, of this beautiful bird,

is that of not being found in Europe, though extending its

range so far north, whilst it appears to stray farther to the

south than its congeners, ‘emminck having received young

specimens from the Mexican coast-, and the specimen he

figured being said to come from Senegal; which we must

beg leave to doubt, as the species appears to be exclusively

American.

We cannot help noticing the nomenclatural history of this

fine species, as a warning to naturalists not to establish new

species too carelessly, as well as to show the necessity of

describing either in detail or diagnostically. Bad figures, as

this instance well shows, are worse than nothing. In fact,

our bird was first discovered by Wilson, who, had he lived,

might perhaps have misapplied a name; but, as from his well

known accuracy cannot be disputed, would have undoubtedly

most satisfactorily established the species, both by his de-

scription and figure. But his unfinished sketches and notes

being published after his death, a figure was produced im-

possible to be recognised except by actual reference to the

specimen, and to it was applied the erroneous name of

Phalaropus lobotus, Lath. Some years after another speci-

men of this rare bird fell into the hands of Mr. Sabine,

who, though femiliar with Wilson’s work, could not re-

cognise in the defective plate and description his new Pha-

laropus Wilson. Mr. Ord lately published a new edition of

the ninth volume, (and under a new title) in which, whilst with

the exception of the plates, he settled by good descriptions

the species he had in view, he applied to the present the name

of Ph, lobatus, Ord. nec. Lath., thinking it was the Tringa

of the United States. — 161

fobata of Linné, though not Ph. lobatus of Latham; and his

numerous synonyms, and the criticisms upon former authors

based upon them, are all incorrect, as they properly relate to

the Ph. hyperboreus. Here are already three names given to

this bird, when Temminck makes it known under a fourth,

Ph. fimbriatus, against which we here protest in favour of

that given by Mr. Sabine, who besides his right of priority,

has the merit of giving credit to the discoverer of the species.

Some Account of a Couuection or PuLants made during a

journey to and from the Rocky Mountains in the summer of

1820, by Epwin P. James, M. D. Assistant Surgeon U.S.

Army. ByJoun Torrey. Read December 11, 1826.

Dr. James was the botanist appointed to succeed the un-

fortunate and lamented Dr. Baldwin, in the Expedition to the

Rocky Mountains, commanded by Major Stephen H. Long,

He joined the Expedition in the spring of 1820. The region

explored on the west of the Mississippi, is included between

34° 40’ and 41° 30’ of north latitude, and west to the Rocky

Mountains. The expedition proceeded up the Mis:ouri as

far as Council Blufis, thence west to the Pawnee villages, up

the Platte to its sources, among the Rocky Mountains, south

along the base of these mountains, from the 40th to the 38th

degree, when they descended the Arkansa about one hundred

miles. ‘The expedition here divided into two detachments,

one of which continued to follow the Arkansa, while the

other proceeded south to the sources of the Canadian, which

they followed to its junction with the Arkansa, where they

met, and both detachments then continued their journey

homeward to the Mississippi. As this extensive tract of

162 Plants collected during u journey

country was traversed with great rapidity, and the party was

exposed to great hardships and privations, lithe opportunity

was afforded of making observations, or even of recording all

the stations of the plants; and many of the specimens, owing

to the same unfavourable circumstances, are injured or in-

complete.

Very few of the new species collected have yet been pub-

lished. A considerable number are cursorily mentioned in

the account of the Expedition compiled by Dr. James, but

- their characters are not given. In the summer of 1821, Dr.

James communicated to the American Philosophical Society,

a catalogue of all the plants collected on the journey, as far

as he had then determined them. A large proportion of

these were found east of the Mississippi, and are mostly well

known species. This catalogue is inserted in vol. 2. new

series, of the society’s transactions published during the last

year.

The herbarium collected on the expedition, has recently

been placed at my disposal, by my friend Dr. James. A few

of the new or rare plants which it contained, I described se-

veral years since, in two papers published in the first volume

of the Annals of the Lyceum. The following catalogue

includes only the plants collected west of the Mississip-

pi, as it is chiefly these which present much interest to the

botanist. In the examination of the specimens, I have been

greatly assisted by my learned friend Thomas Nuttall, Esq.

who has devoted more attention to the botany of this country

‘qhan any other individual. This gentleman has not yet pub-

lished the plants collected by him during his journey into the

Arkansa country in 1819, though it is his intention to have

Ria account of them succeed this in a short time. J

Some of the species discovered by Dr. James, were found

the year previous by Mr. Nuttall. These I have omitted to

describe, as it would be improper to interfere with that.

tleman’s prior discoveries, especially as he long since

Pee a ne

to the Rocky Mountains. eS 2

nished me with almost a complete set of the specimens col-

jected in his last journey.

A considerable number of the new cach rare plants enume-

rated below, are not contained in Dr. James’ catalogue, as he

had not the books and other necessary means for examining —

them properly at his disposal. Among these are some which

are peculiarly interesting to American botanists, such as Po-

maria glandulosa, Caltha sagittata, &c. which have not been

hitherto found north of Mexice. Indeed, the vegetation about.

the sources of the Arkansa and Canadian very much resem-

bles that of Mexico, so that it was necessary to make a par-

ticular comparison of our plants with those described by

Humboldt Bonpland and Kunth.

DICOTYLEDONE.

RANUNCULACEE.

i. Anemone TeneLLa, Pursh fl. ii. p. 886. A. carolini-

ana, Walt. Ell. Sk. ii. p. 53? 45

Obs. This appears to be distinct from the A. caroliniana

of Walter as described by Elliott, (1. c.) Dr. James collected

his specimens on the Platte.

2. A. pennsyivanica, L. Pursh. fl. ii. p. 387.

3. A. Lupoviciana, Nutt. gen. ii. pe 20. Council

Bluffs.

4. De.puinium virescens, Nutt. gen. ii. p.4. On the.

Missouri.

5, D. azureum, Miche. Near St. Louis.

_6. Hyprastis canapensis, L. Pursh. fi. ii. p. 289.

7. Ranuncutus Pursun, Richardson App. Frank. nar.

ed. 2 Ds 23.° Sources of the Platte. bi

~ Obs. Found also on the barren grounds of Arctic Amie.

rica by i. Richardson, who supposes it to be the R. fistulo-

sus of Pursh. ined. in. Herb. Lambert.

trenue "

164 Planis collected during a journey

;

S. CaLTHA SAGITTATA, scapo unifloro, foliis ovatis inte

gerrimis basi cordato-sagittatis ; auriculis sursum inflexis,

sepalis 9, pistillis 13—15.

C. sagitt:ta, Cav. ic. v. p. 146. t. 414. De Cand. prod.

i. p. 44. C. multicapsularis, Soland. Forst. Lin. Trans.

Vili. p. 324.

Desc. Roof composed of long thick fasciculated fibres. Leaves all

radical, on peduncles 3--6 inches long, cordate-sagittate, very obtuse, en-

tire, smooth on both sides; base auriculate; the appendices turned up-

wards. Scape naked, about four inches long, 1 flowered; flowers rather

smaller than in C. palustris. Sepals 9, elliptical-lanceolate, white, per-

sistent smooth. Stamens numerous, (25 or more) half the length of the

sepals; anthers oblong. Pistils 12—15 (sometimes more?) Capsules—

Has. ‘In streams, within the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. This fine plant, in habit resembling a Ficaria, appears

to be rare. It was first found in the Falkland Islands. In the

system of De Candolle it is placed in the genus Caltha, and

together with C. appendiculata, forms a separate section,

under the name of Psycrophila. De Candolle thinks that

this section will eventually be constituted a distinct genus.

9. AQuiILEGIA C&RULEA, Calcaribus rectis, limbo petalorum

sub-duplo longioribus ; stylis staminibusque corolla breviori-

bus ; sepalis acutis, foliorum segmentis profunde lobatis. —

A. ceerulea, James in Long’s Expedition to Rocky Moun-

taims, ii. p. 15. ‘

Desc. Root perennial. Stem 1—2 feet high, erect, simple, nearly

naked, surrounded at base with vestiges of leaves, slender, terete, smooth,

except near the summit, where it is somewhat pubescent. Leaves mostly

radical, on long petioles, twice ternately divided; segments roundish,

deeply cleft, and incisely crenate, smooth and glaucous, particularly be-—

neath. Flower solitary, terminal, large and spreading, bright blue. Calyx

petaloid, deciduous; sepals rhomboid-ovate, narrowed at base, acute,

Petals shorter than the calyx, very obtuse; spurs very long and slender,

straight. Sfamens numerous, rather shorter than the corolla. Styles

included.

Has. About the higher parts of the Rocky Mountains.

Flowers in June.

to the Rocky Mountains. 165

Obs. Dr. Richardson, in his Botanical Appendix to Frank-

lin’s Narrative, mentions the Aquilegia vulgaris, with a mark

of doubt, as a native of Arctic America. Perhaps the plant

he refers to is our A. coerulea.

ANONACEZ.

10. Asimina TRitoza, Dunal, DC. syst. i. p. 478. Por-

celia triloba, Pers. Pursh fl. ii. p. 383. On the Arkansa,

near Fort Smith. A tree 30 or 40 feet high, Fruit luscious ;

ripe about the middle of September.

MENISPERMACEZ.

1!. Menispermum tyont, Pursh fl. i. p.871. On the

Arkansa.

BERBERIDE.,

12. Manonra aquiroiium, Nutt. gen. i. p. 212. De Cand.

syst. ii. p. 13. Ejusd. prod. i. p. 108. Berberis Aquifolium,

Pursh fl.i. p. 219. t. 4. On the Rocky Mountains. A beau-

tiful shrub, now successfully cultivated, both in this country

and in Europe. Dr. James found it much farther to the

south than where it was discovered by Lewis and Clark.

Brown and D. Don consider the genus Mahonia as not suffi-

ciently distinct from Berberis.

NYMPHAZACEX.

13. Ne umpivm tureum, Willd. DC. syst. ii. p- 47.

Ejusd. prod. i. p. 114. On the Missouri and Arkansa, in

stagnant waters.

PAPAVERACEZ.

14. Meconopsis petionata, DC. prod. i. p. 121. Sty-

lophorum petiolatum, WVutt. gen. ii. p. 8. Near the lead

mines of Missouri.

Vou. Hl. 2}

166 Plants collected during ajourney

' Obs. The genus Meconopsis was established prior to the

Stylophorum of Nuttall, so that the former must be adopted.

Besides, there is a genus Stylephorus in zoology, which is too

near the latter in sound and derivation.

15. Arcemone mexicana, £. albiflora, DC. prod. i. p.

120. Along the Platte and Canadian rivers; abundant.

Desc. Plant erect, robust, about 3 feet high, exuding a yellowish bit-

ter juice when wounded ; the stem and leaves armed with rigid reflexed

prickles. Leaves sinuately pinnatifid, whitish along the veins beneath.

Flowers twice as large as in A. mexicana.

Obs. This is supposed to be a distinct species by some bo-

tanists. It does not, however, appear to differ specifically

from A. mexicana.

16. Saneurnanra canavensis, L. DEC. syst. ii. p. 89.

About the lead mines of Missouri.

CRUCIFERZ.

17. Isenis, n. sp.? caule herbaceo ; pedicellis fructiferis

racemosis ; siliculis planis, biscutatis, utrinque emarginatis ;

lobulis rotundatis.

Obs. ‘The specimens of this plant are without leaves, se

that the species cannot be determined with certainty. The

stem, peduncles, and calyx, are covered with a dense white

ramified pubescence.

18. Sisymprium canescens, Nutt. gen. ii. p.68. DC.

prod. i. p. 194.

19. Vestcaria tupoviciana, DC. |. ¢. p. 159. Alys-

sum ludovicianum, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 63.

20. Erysimum asrerum, DC. prod.i. p. 199. Cheir-

anthus asper, Nutt. gen. ii. p.69. On the Platte.

Obs. Plant very bitter, particularly the root. It is used

as a medicine by the Indians.

21. STaNLEYA INTEGRIFOLIA, James inLong’s ex. il. p. 17.

Sandstone ridges, at the base of Rocky Mountains.

to the Rocky Mountains. 167

Obs. There was but one imperfect specimen of this plant

in the collection, so that I was unable to compare it with S.

pinnatifida. It appears to be very near the S. amplexifolia

of Nuttall. (Plants of Florida, in Sill. Jour, v. p. 297.)

CAPPARIDEX.

22. Periroma serrutatum, DC. prod.i. p. 237. Cle-

ome (Atalanta) serrulata, Nutt. gen. ii. p.73. C. serrulata,

Pursh, fi. ii. p. 441.

Obs. Mr. Nuttall’s name for this genus was changed by

De Candolle, as the Atalantia of Correa, ann. mus. vi., was pub-

lished first.

23. Powanista GRAVEOLENS, Raf. in jour. phys, 1819. p.

98. DC. prod. i. p. 242. Cleome dodecandra Pursh non

Lin.

24. Cuirometva mexicana, DC. prod. i. p. 237.

Desc. Stem herbaceous, branched, smooth, and unarmed; branches

obtusely angular. eaves ternate, petiolate, very smooth; petioles about

an inch long, with several very minute stipules at the base; leaflets lan-

ceolate, very entire, rather acute. Flvwers in terminal corymbose race-

mes, on filiform pedicels, yellow. Sepals 4, acuminate, lanceolate, smooth,

coloured. Petals 4, cruciate, nearly equal, unguiculate, oblong, obtuse.

Stamens 6, subtetradynamous, somewhat declinate, distinct at the base, in-

serted into a subglobose torus ; filaments slender ; anthers linear, revolute.

Germen stipitate, oblong; style filiform, much longer than the stamens ;

stigma simple. Capsule supported on a long stipe, obtusely triangular,

very broad, compressed, truncate; lateral angles rounded, 1—celled 2—

valved ; valves much compressed, membranaceous, not carinate, dehiscent,

Placente 2, between the valves, each tkree-seeded. Seeds subreniform ;

funiculus free ; embryo incurved. -

Obs. ‘This plant is evidently one of the Cleomez, of the

order Capparideze. Except in the leaves it has much the

aspect of an Iberis, and would appear to belong to the Cru-

ciferze.

The Cleomella is not described by Kunth in his account of

the plants collected by Humboldt and Bonpland.

Line |

168 Plants collecied during a journey

25. Cueome, n. sp. Nutt. mss. Perhaps a species of Po-

lanisia. My specimens are not in fruit. This plant was also

found by Mr. Nuttall, in the Arkansa Territory, in 1819.

VIOLARIE.

26. Soxea concotor, Ging. DC. prod.i. p.606. Viola

concolor, Forst. in Lin. trans. vi. p. 309. t. 28. About the

lead mines of Missouri.

27. Toniprum, n. sp. 2? (lineare.) I. foliis angusto-linea-

ribus, margine minute serrulatis.

Obs. A solitary and imperfect specimen of this plant was

in the collection. .

28. Viova patmata, L. DC. prod.i. p.291. On the

grassy plains of the Platte.

29. V. pubescens, fit. DC. prod.i. p.301. Council

Blufis.

30. V.renecia, Mul. cat. p.25. Tor. fl. i. p. 258.

On the Missouri.

Obs. Plant much larger than the variety which occurs in

New-Jersey and Pennsylvania. It appears to be V. tricolor x.

arvensis of De Candolle, prod. i. p. 302.

POLYGALE.

31. Potyeaua, n. sp.? caule ramoso glabro angulato,

foliis linearibus, dissitis, erectis, acutiusculis; racemis sub-

spiciformibus, gracilibus, laxiusculis, carina imberbis.

Obs. Flowers small, greenish white. The specimens of

this plant were imperfect.

32. Potyeava aLBa, Nutt. On the Missouri.

33. KRraAMERIA LANCEOLATA; planta tota incano-pubescens;

foliis lanceolatis acutis villosis ; pedicellis folio subduplo-lon-

gioribus, axillaribus.

Desc. Trunk frutescent? with spreading branches. Leaves alternate,

sessile, lanceolate, half an inch long, entire. Peduncles mostly twice as

to the Rocky Mountains. 169

long as the Jeaves, flat, linear, spreading, axillary, each supporting a sin-

gle flower, which is furnished, a little below the base, with 2 large lanceo-

late bracts, much resembling the leaves in shape and appearance. Flower

about half an inch in diameter. Sepals 5, petaloid, silky externally,

orange-yellow internally, lanceolate, unequal. Petals 3; 2 inferior semi-

orbicular or lunate, the other unguiculate, with an expanded 3-lobed bor-

der. Stamens 4, somewhat monadelphous at the base; anthers oblong,

opening by 2 pores. Pistil: germen bristly, subglobose; style somewhat

curved, slender, smooth, about as long as the stamens; stigma simple.

Has. On the Canadian?

Obs. This is the first species of the genus which has been

found north of Mexico. It is remarkable for its numerous

persistent peduncles and foliaceous bracts.

CARYOPHYLLE.

34. SreLLaRiaA JAMESIANA 3 viscoso-pubescens, foliis lan-

ceolatis, subfalcatis, arcte sessilibus, acutis ; caule subramoso,

flaccido; floribus laxé paniculatis, divaricatis; petalis bilobis,

sepalis oblongis acutis subduplo-longioribus.

Desc. Stem somewhat branched, weak, quadrangular, viscidly pubes-

cent, particularly above. Leaves lanceolate, more or less falcate, about 4

inches Jong and nearly half an inch broad, closely sessile, margin glandu-

larly pubescent. Panicle few- flowered, divaricate ; peduncles slender, at

length reflexed. Calyx pubescent; sepals oblong, acute. Petals oblong

nearly twice as long as the calyx, cleft about one-third their length,

the lobes oblong and obtuse. Stamens 10. Germen ovate, styles 3.

Capsule oblong, deeply valved. Seeds few, suborbicular, compressed,

rugous.

Has. Moist situations within the Rocky Mountains.

35. S.umta, Richardson app. Frank. nar. ed. 2. p. 16.

Rocky Mountains.

Obs. First found by Dr. Richardson on the shores of the

Arctic Ocean. I have received specimens from my esteemed

friend Professor Hooker, collected by Lieut. Ross in Captain

Parry’s second voyage, which exactly agree with those from

the Rocky Mountains.

170 Plants collected during a journey

36. S. Epwarsil, Brown’s supp. Parry’s 1st voy. cclxxi.

and cceviii. S. Edwards v Richardson app.’ Frank. nar.

ed. 2. p.15. With the preceding.

Obs. A variety of this plant is described by Hooker in

Scoresby’s East Coast of West Greenland, as the S. nitida,

a native of high northern latitudes. It was found on the

shores of the Arctic Ocean by Dr. Richardson ; at Melville

Island, [gloolik, &c. by Captain Parry and Captain Sabine.

The plant collected by Dr. James, resembles almost exactly,

specimens in our possession from Melville Island.

37. ARENARIA OBTUSA, czespitosa, multicaulis ; foliis lineari-

subulatis, obtusiusculis, carinatis, subsecundis; caulibus sim-

plicibus, subunifloris ; pedunculis piloso-glandulosis ; sepalis

oblongis obtusis, trinerviis, petalis oblongis calyce subduplo-

longioribus ; capsulis ovatis calyce brevioribus, seminibus or-

biculato-reniformibus.

Desc. Perennial. Stems cespitose, numerous, spreading. Leaves

crowded, smooth, somewhat secund, with a prominent carina beneath;

margin slightly serrulate. Peduncles mostly 1-flowered, usually about

three-fourths of an inch long, but sometimes immersed in the leaves, pi-

losely glandular, mostly supporting a single flower, but sometimes 2-3-

flowered. Sepals oblong, obtuse, scarious on the margin, pubescent and

glandular, strongly 3-nerved. Petals oblong, very obtuse, about half as

long again as the calyx. Stamens 10; anthers yellowish. Capsule ovate,

3-valved, 6-8-seeded, shorter than the calyx. Seed orbicular-reniform,

nearly smooth.

Has. On the higher parts of the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. Allied to A. recurva, of the European Alps, but

differing in the peduncles being mostly 1-flowered, the obtuse

segments of the calyx, longer petals, &c. It also appears to

resemble the A. arctica of Steven, (DC. prod. i. p. 404.)

38. Sipene acauuis, L. Pursh fl. i. p. 313. On the

higher parts of the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. Found also in Baffin’s Bay in Arctic America, and

on the coast of Labrador ; as well as on the White Mountains

in New-Hampshire.

kh.

to the Rocky Mountains. 171

LINE.

89. Linum ricipum, Pursh fl. i. p. 210. On the Mis-

souri.

40. L. Lewrsu, Pursh fl. i. p.210. Sources of the

Platte, near the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. According to De Candolle this is the same as his L.

sibiricum, (L. perenne var. sibiricum, Lin.)

MALVACEZ,

41. Sra sTevuata, densé stellato-pubescens ; foliis lance-

olatis, acutis, eroso-serratis, rugosis ; pedicellis axillaribus, pe-

tiolo brevioribus, 3-5-floris, floribus capitato-glomeratis; car-

pellis 12-14, bimucronatis, 1-2-spermis, lateribus basi reticu-

latis.

Has. Sources of the Arkansa.

Desc. Whole plant densely covered with a grayish stellate pubescence.

Stem branched; upper branches compressed. Leaves lanceolate, 2-3

inches long, rugose; margin erosely-serrate; petioles 4-6 lines long.

Flowers growing in axillary clusters, from 3 to 5 on each common pedun-

cle, scarlet. Calyx campanulate, deeply 5-cleft, naked; segments trian-

gular-lanceolate, acute. Corolla nearly twice as long as the calyx. Peri-

carps 12-14, not inflated, 1-2 seeded, bimucronate at the summit, distinctly

reticulate on the sides towards the base. Seeds triangular-reniform, smooth,

reddish.

Obs. ‘This appears to be a very distinct species. Its flowers

are about as large as those of 8. rhombifolia.

42. Matva coccinea, Nutt. ii. p. 81. Cristaria cocci-

nea, Pursh fl. ii. p. 453. Sida? coccinea, DC. prod. i. p.

465. Frequent on the low plains along the Platte. Accord-

ing to Mr. Nuttall this plant exactly agrees with Malva in the

fruit; but as De Candolle remarks, it is destitute of the exte-

rior calyx. .

43. Nurrauusa paumaTa, Dick. Bart. fl. am. sept. it-

p- 74. Lisi g ats Ny

172 Plants collected during a journey

44, N.pieirata, Dick. Pawnee villages.

45. N.invotucrata, Nutt. ined. Valley of the Loup

Fork. Root large, soft,and edible. The genus Nuttallia was

proposed by Mr. Dick, gardener of the University of Penn-

sylvania. |

46. Husiscus miniraris, Cav. DC. prod. i. p. 451.

Sandy plains of the Canadian.

47. H.cranpirtorus, Miche. DC. prod.1.c. On the

Arkansa.

ACERINE.

48. Acer GLABRouM, foliis subrotundis, 5-7-lobis, basi trun-

catis, lobis acute dentatis, utrinque glabris; corymbis peduncu-

latis ; fructibus glabris, alis divergentibus, lato-ovatis.

Has. On the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. Leaves on long petioles, green on both sides, very

smooth on every part, slightly cordate at the base, 5-7-lobed ;

the sinuses acute. Umbels on peduncles about half an inch

long. Fruit with very broad diverging wings.

There was but one specimen of this plant in the collection,

which was in fruit. ‘The flowers remain to be examined.

49. A.Neeunvo, L. Miche. f. arb. ii. t. 16. A.(Negun-

do) fraxinifolium, Nutt. gen. i. p. 253. DC. prod. i. p. 596.

sub Negundo. On the Missouri, and westward to the valleys

within the Rocky Mountains. :

SAPINDACE. ply!

50. Sapinpus Saronaria, L. DC. prod. i. p. 607. The

station of this plant is not recorded. It was probably found

about the sources of the Platte. aS

51. Carpiospermum Haricacasum, E. DC. prod. i. p.

601. On the Missouri, and very abundant on the Canadian

200 miles above its confluence with the Arkansa. Dr. James

states that it is undoubtedly a native.

to the Rocky Mountains. 173

AMPELIDEZ.

52. Amprtopsis corpata, Miche. fi. i. p. 159. DC.

prod. i. p. 633. Cissus Ampelopsis, Pers. Pursh fl. i. p 170.

On the Arkansa.

53. A. pipinnata, Micha. fl. i. p. 160. DC. prod. |. c.

On the Arkansa and Canadian.

54, A. quinquerotia, Mich. 1.c. A. hederacea, DC.

prod. |.c. With the preceding.

55. Viris,n.sp.2 Abundant on the Arkansa. Fruit of

exquisite flavour, even superior, as stated by Dr. James, to

any other grape, native or exotic, which he had met with in

the United States. (See Long’s Exped. vol. 2. page 126.)

The specimens of this plant, preserved in the herbarium, are

very imperfect, and are insufficient for the determination of

the species.

GERANIACE.

56. Geranium cxspitosum, James in Long’s Exped. iis

p: 3. ‘ Suberect, sparingly branched above, radical leaves

reniform, deeply 5-7-cleft. Flower a little larger than that of

G. Robertianum, but similarly coloured.” There are no spe-

cimens of this plant in the collection. Found on the sand-

stone ledges at the base of the Rocky Mountains.

ZYGOPHYLLE.

57. Tirsuxus maximus, L. DC. prod. i. p. 704. Sta-

tion not recorded ; probably on the Arkansa.

CELASTRINE.

58. Evonymus arropurpureus, L. DC. prod. ii. p. 4.

On the steep banks of the Coquille.

59. Inex opaca, Ait. DC. prod. ii. p. 14. On the

Washita. .

60. J. vomiroria, 4%. DC.1.c. With the preceding.

Vou. II. 22

174 Plants collected during a journey

61. Prinos tayicatus, Pursh fl. i. p. 220. Loutre

Lick, Missouri.

RHAMNE.

62. Ruamnus canouinianus, Walt. DC. prod. ii. p. 26.

63. Cranotuus 1nTERMEDIUS, Pursh fl. i. p.167. DC.

prod. ii. p. 32. On the Missouri.

TEREBINTHACE.

64. Ruus Troxicopenpron, L. DC. prod. ii.p. 69. On

the Rocky Mountains.

LEGUMINOSZ.

65. Sopnora? sericea, Nutt. gen. i. p. 280. DC. prod.

ii. p. 96. On the Platte. ‘

This is placed by De Candolle among the species of So-

phora not well determined. It evidently belongs to his sec-

tion 2. PseuposopHora, and is nearly allied, as stated by Mr.

Nuttall, to S. alopecuroides, Lin. Probably the two, with

perhaps S. acuminata, Desv. should constitute a distinct genus,

differing from Sophora in having subdiadelphous stamina.

The fruit, in my specimens, is not sufficiently mature for ex-

amination. In the young state it is Jong, slender, and tor-

rulous.

66. Tuermopsis rn mBrroLia, Nuit. gen. ii. p. 283. sub

Thermia. DC. prod.ii. p. 99. On the Platte.

67. Baptista tevcopama, WVutt. gen. ii. p. 282. DC.

prod. ii. p. 100. Near St. Louis.

68. B. ausrrauis, &. Brown in hort. kew. iii. p. 6. DC.

prod. ii. p. 100. Podalyria ceerulea, Micha. fl. i. p. 264.

Pursh fl. i. p. 307. Prairies of Grand River.

69. TricoveLia? americana, Nutt. gen.ii. p. 120. DC.

prod..ii. p. 185. Lotus sericeus, Pursh fl. ii. p. 489. On the

Platte.

to the Rocky Mountains. 176

This plant has but little of the habit of Trigonella. It

should, I think, be referred to a distinct genus. I have

specimens also from S. Carolina, collected by Mr. Schweinitzs

so that its geographical range is very extensive.

70. Psoravea arenaria, Nuit. gen. ii. p. 103. DC.

prod. ii. p. 219. P. lanceolata and P. elliptica, Pursh fl. ii.

p- 475. et 741. Sandy plains of the Arkansa and Platte.

71. P.xescurenta, Pursh ‘Nutt. gen. ii. p. 102. DC.

prod. ii. p. 219. (Pomme blanche.) On the Missouri and

Arkansa. Used as food by the Pawnees and Canadian

traders.

72. P.cuspipata, Pursh Nutt. gen. ii. p. 102. DC.

prod. ii. p.219. With the preceding.

73. P. canescens, Miche. fi. ii. p. 57. DC. prod. ii. p>

220. With the preceding.

74. P. onoprycuis, Nuit. gen. ii. p. 104. DC. prod.

ii. p. 210. With the preceding.

75. PP. Jamesit, foliis trifoliolatis ; foliolis obovatis, ob-

tussimis, basi cuneiformibus, integerrimis, utrinque sericeis 5

petiolis pubescentibus; spicis capitatis; bracteis oblongis,

acuminatis ; calycibus hirsutissimis dentibus subulatis, sub-

zequalibus.

Desc. Suffruticose., Stems numerous, about 4 inches high, covered

with a silky appressed pubescence. Leaves ternate; petioles half an inch

long, subterete, with subulate stipules at the base; leaflets very obtuse,

cuneate at the base, silky on both sides, about as long as the petioles.

Flowers in dense capitate spikes which terminate the branches, sessile.

Bracts shorter than the flowers, deciduous. Calyx very hairy, not glan-

dulous ; segments long, subulate, nearly equal. Stamens monadelphous.

Germen 1-seeded, acuminate with the style ; stigma simple, smooth.

Has. Sandy plains of the Canadian.

Obs. This small but beautiful plant is probably not a true

Psoralea, though it agrees, in many respects, with the cha-

racters of that genus. It is suffruticose and apparently de-

cumbent. The stamens are constantly monadelphous, in

176 Plants collected during a journey

which respect, and also in its smooth calyx, it differs from

most of the Psoralez.

76. P.? vatirouta, foliis trifoliolatis ; foliolis lato-ovatis,

acuminatis, subglabris, margine ciliolatis, impari longe peti-

olato; pedunculis axillaribus; spicis laxifloris, elongatis,

bracteis caducis ; calycibus glabris, dentibus acutiusculis.

Desc. Herb perennial. Stem 2-3 feet high, branched, sulcate, strigose.

Leaves on long petioles, ternate ; petioles canaliculate above, with subulate

stipules at the base; leaflets ovate, remarkably acuminate, 2-3 inches long,

membranaceous, slightly pubescent on the nerves beneath, all of them pe-

tiolate, the lateral ones on short petioles; margin ciliate. Pedwncles 3-4

inches long, axillary, angular, strigcsely pubescent ; spikes 2-3 inches long,

linear-lanceolate, at first dense, but loose when mature. Flowers small,

fasciculate, on short pubescent pedicels. Bracts subulate, caducous,

Calyz campanulate, without glands, smooth, except the dentures, which

are sparingly ciliate. V’exil/um roundish, expanded, Stamens diadelphous,

Germen 1-seeded.

Has. Onthe Missouri, near St. Louis, Flowers in June,

Dr. Baldwin.

Obs. In habit, this species resembles P. melilotoides, but

is easily distinguished by its broad acuminate leaves. It is

probably not a genuine Psoralea, but the genus to which it

properly belongs can only be ascertained by examining the

mature fruit.

77. Inpicorera, 7. sp., allied to I. miniata. Flowers scar-

let, This species was discovered in 1819, by Mr. Nuttall, on

the Red River.

78. Curroria vireinica, L. Pursh fi. ii. p. 487. DC.

prod. ii. p. 234. On the Arkansa, near the junction of the

Canadian.

79, PETALOSTEMUM MACROSTACHYUM, spica cylindrica,

compacta, longissima ; bracteis lanceolatis, calycibusque seri-

ceo-villosissimis ; foliolis subtrijugis, lanceolato-oblongis,

glabris.

Desc. Root perennial. Stem two feet high, branched above, erect,

sulcate, smooth. Leaves pinnate, scattered ; petiole subterete, punctate,

to the Rocky Mountains. 177

sparingly glandular, with minute subulate stipules at the base ; leaflets $

pairs with a terminal one, lanceolate-oblong, very smooth, mucronate, en-

tire, slightly punctate beneath. Spikes 1-3 on each plant, terminal, on

long naked peduncles, linear, dense, the central one about 6 inches in

length and not half an inch in diameter. Rachis retrorsely villous. Braets

lanceolate, silky, as long as the calyx. Flowers small, white, sessile. Ca-

lyx 5-cleft, covered with silky hairs; segments acute. Petals with long

claws ; limb oblong. Stamens 5, united below. Germen villous, acumi-

nate with the style. Legume enclosed in the persistent calyx, gibbous,

compressed, hairy. Seed solitary, orbicular-reniform, compressed, brown,

shining.

Has. About the Forks of the Platte, with the three fol-

lowing species.

Obs. The long dense spikes of this’species are very re-

markable. The upper surface of the leaves turns to a deep

bright green colour in the dried plant.

80. P.canpipum, Miche. fi. ii. p. 48. t. 37. f.1. DC.

prod. ii. p. 243.

81. P. vittosum, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 84. Torrey in Sill.

jour. iv. p. 66. DC. prod. ii. p. 243.

Obs. This species has an extensive range, in both latitude

and longitude. Mr. Nuttall found it on the Missouri as high

as Fort Mandan, and Captain Douglass collected it in Cass’s

expedition.

82. P.viotaceum, Miche. 1. c. t. 37. f. 2. DC. prod. ii.

p- 243.

83. Darra, n. sp. On the Platte. A beautiful species,

with scarlet flowers ; found also by Mr. Nuttall in the Ar-

kansa country.

64. D. aurea, Nuit. gen. ii. p. 101. Pursh fi. ii. p. 140.

DC. prod. ii. p. 244.

85. D.vaxiriora, Pursh fl. ii. p. 741. Nutt. gen. ii. p.

101. DC. prod. ii. p. 244.

86. D. rormosa, suffruticosa, ramosissima, glabra ; foliolis

sub 5-jugis, cuneato-oblongis, retusis, subtus nigro-punctatis ;

178 Plants collected during ajourney

spicis laxis, paucifloris, brevi-pedunculatis ; bracteis ovatis,

calyce brevioribus ; calycibus plumoso-villosis.

Desc. Stem suffruticose, much branched, smooth (not tuberculate.)

Leaves pinnate, with a terminal jeaflet; petiole smooth, with subulate sti-

pules at the base; leaflets 4-5 pairs, cuneate, thick, glandular beneath,

retuse, on very short partial petioles, each furnished with a very minute

bract. Spikes 6-10-fiowered, terminating the branches, on short peduncles,

Flowers large and showy, bright purple, sessile. Bracts ovate, shorter than

the calyx, silky on the margin. Calyx campanulate; segments subulate,

plumosely villous, glandular. Carina roundish, shorter than the wings.

Stamens 10, monadelphous.

Has. On the Platte, with the two preceding species.

Obs. Allied to D. tuberculata of Lagasca and De Can-

dolle, but differs in its smooth stem and branches, and loose

few-flowered spikes. It is an elegant plant.

87. Guycyrruiza Lepipota, JVuit. gen. ii. p. 106. DC.

prod. ii. p.247. On the Platte, 200 miles above its conflu-

ence with the Missouri. Root large, long, spreading horizon- _

tally to a great distance. Taste bitter and nauseous. Leaves

often viscid.

88. Amorpua Frruticosa, L. DC. prod. ii. p. 256. On

the Missouri and Platte, to the Rocky Mountains. ‘This

is almost the only woody plant which is found on many exten-

sive tracts of the plain country, above the Platte.” James.

89. A. canescens, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 92. DC. prod. ii.

p- 256. On the Missouri, and on the Platte to its sources.

A small, but elegant shrub. ;

90. Rogira Psevupacacia, L. DC. prod. ii. p. 261.

On the Canadian.

91. Oxyrroris Lamperti, Pursh fl. il. p. 740. Nutt.

gen. ii. p. 98. DC. prod. ii. p. 275. On the Missouri and

Platte.

92. -Asrracatvus Laxmani, Jacg. 1. DC. prod. ii. p.

287. Nutt. gen. ii. p. 99.

93. A. moxutssimus, subacaulis, erectus, undique sericeo-

to the Rocky Mountains. 179

lanuginosus ; stipulis a petiolo liberis, oppositifoliis ; foliolis

(11-14-jugis) ovato-oblongis, mucronulatis ; pedunculis foliis

longioribus ; floribus spicatis, erectis; leguminibus oblongis;

arcuatis, glabris.

Desc. Root perennial. Whole plant covered with a soft silky pu-

bescence. Leuves pinnate; petioles all radical, 4-8 inches long; leaflets

ovate-oblong, obtuse, but slightly mucronate, mostly alternate, nearly an

inch in length. Stipules lanceolate. Peduncles radical, longer than the

leaves. Spikes rather dense, interrupted, 3-4 inches long. Flowers sub-

sessile, large, ochroleucous? Calyx tubular-campanulate, with equal,

subulate segments. Carina obtuse. Legume oblong, arcuate, 2-celled,

coriaceous, smooth.

Haz. On the Platte.

Obs. The flowers have faded in our specimens, so that it

is impossible to ascertain what was their original colour,

which is a circumstance of some importance in this genus.

94. A. racemosus, Pursh fl. ii. p. 740. DC. prod. ii.

p. 294. A. galegoides, Nuit. gen. ii. p. 100. With the

preceding. This is easily distinguished from all the other

North American Astragali, by its stipitate triangular legumes.

95. <A. Hypoeiorris, L. Nutt. gen. ii. p. 99. DC.

prod. ii. p. 281. On the Platte, and about the sources of the

Canadian.

96. A. caryocarpus, Bot. reg. 176. DC. prod. ii.

p- 287. A. carnosus, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 100. nec Pursh,

With the preceding. According to Mr. Nuttall, the A. car-

nosus of Pursh was a species of Sophora, to which, by mis-

take, he applied the fruit of this plant.

97. A. Graciuis, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 100. DC. prod. ii.

p- 284. A. tenellus, Pursh fl. ii. p. 473. With the pre-

ceding.

98. Hepysarum canapensE, L. Pursh fi. ii. p. 481.

Desmopium canaDENsE, DC. prod. ii. p. 328. On the Ca-

nadian, near its junction with the Arkansa.

Obs. The genus Desmodium of De Candolle, is taken

180 Plants collected during a journey

from Hedysarum, of which it includes nearly all the trifoliate

species. .

99. Laruyxus potymorpnus, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 97. DC.

prod. ii. p. 371. L. decaphyllus and Vicia stipulacea, Pursh

fi. ii. pp. 471 and 739. On the Missouri and Platte. June.

Obs. Peduncles 6-8-flowered. Seeds as large as in the

common pea, and abundant. James.

100. L. myrtironius, Muhl.2 Caule erectiusculo, tetra-

gono, non alato; foliis 3-jugis, foliolis oblongo-lanceolatis,

acutiusculis, mucronatis, rigidiusculis, glabris, venoso-striatis ;

stipulis semisagittato-lanceolatis, acuminatis ; pedunculis 4-5-

floris, folio longioribus ; laciniis calycinis lanceolatis, acutis.

Obs. Flowers very large; purple ; leaves 1-2 inches long,

3-4 lines broad, thicker and more rigid than is usual in this

genus ; stipules very narrow.

101. Orosus? Loneiroxius, Nutt. gen. il. p. 95. DC.

prod. ii. p. 380. Psoralea longifolia, Pursh fl. ii. 741.

Forks of the Platte.

Obs. Mr. Nuttall described the legumes of this plant in a

very young state. When mature, they are very much inflated,

as in Colutea arborescens. 'They are about an inch and a half

long, ‘membranaceous, stipitate in the calyx; smooth; seeds

about 12 in each legume, affixed to the upper suture, which is

a little introflexed, as in Oxytropis, reniform, tumid. Funi-

culus free. Hilum punctiform. ‘This plant is probably not

a species of Orobus. It appears to be more nearly allied to

Phaca. I have not seen it in flower.

102. O. pispar, Nutt. gen. il. p. 95. DC. prod. ii. p.

380. With the preceding.

Obs. This also is considered as a doubtful Orobus, by De

Candolle.

103. Puasrotus PERENNIS, Walt. Ell. sk. ii. p. 228.

DC. prod. ii. p. 391. On the Missouri.

Obs. I am satisfied that the P. macrostachyus of Elliott

to the Rocky Mountains. 191

(Jour. Acad. Phil. i. p. 384), and De Candolle (1. c.), is

merely a robust variety of this plant. Mr. Elliott received

the specimens on which he established the species from me.

104. Lupinus pusrunus, Pursh fl. ii. p. 468. Nutt.

gen. ii. p. 93. DC. prod. ii. p. 408.

105. LL. pecumBens, suffruticosus, subdecumbens; flori-

bus pedicellatis, subverticillatis, bracteolatis ; calycibus seri-

ceo-hirsutis, labio utroque integro ; foliolis oblongo-lanceo-

latis, acutis obtusisque, subtus sericeis.

Haz. On the southern branches of the Arkansa.

Obs. Stems cespitose. Flowers scattered, and subverti-

cillate, about half as large as in L. perennis, purple. Leaves

about an inch long, somewhat silky beneath. Legumes small,

hairy. Appears to be allied to L. rupestris of Humboldt.

106. Acacia n. sp. Nutt. mss. Sources of the Canadian.

Leaves bipinnate, very irritable ; legumes linear, elongated,

smooth; flowers capitate, white. Found also by Mr. Nuttall

in the Arkansa Territory.

107. DaRruiInGroNnia INTERMEDIA, inermis, herbacea, gla-

bra; pinnis 8-9-jugis; foliolis 20-24-jugis, oblongo-lineari-

bus, glandula inter pinnas infimas ; capitulis solitariis, axilla-

ribus, pedunculatis ; leguminibus falcatis.

Desc. Stem herbaceous (and suffruticose?); branches somewhat angu-

lar, slightly pubescent. Leaves bipinnate; pinne 8-9 pairs, a small sessile

gland between the lowest pair; leaflets in about 22 pairs, oblong-linear,

scarcely two lines in length, mucronate, slightly faleate, appearing ciliate

on the margin undera lens. Flowers capitate, perfect; heads small, on

long axillary peduncles. Calyx campanulate, 5-7-toothed; teeth acute.

Petals 5, distinct, white. Stamens 5, scarcely exserted; anthers oblong,

smooth. Germen sessile, acuminate with the style. Legumes crowded

(15-20), nearly an inch long, about 2 lines broad, falcate, 2-valved, 5-6-

seeded. Seeds oblong, compressed.

Has. On the Canadian?

Obs. The genus Darlingtonia was established by De Can-

dolle, in 1825.* It included only the Mimosa glandulosa and

* Ann. scien. nat. Jan. 1825, iv, p. 97.

Vot. Il. 23 :

192 Plants collected during a journey

illinoensis of Michaux. The name is in honor of Dr. W.

Darlington, of West-Chester, in Pennsylvania, a zealous bo-

tanist, and author of the Flora Cestrica. The present species

is nearly allied to D. glandulosa, in its faleate legumes, but

resembles D. brachyloba in its leaves.

108. Mrmosa? seu Acacia sp.? M. suffruticosa, iner-

mis, hirsuta; foliis bipinnatis pinnis 10-12-jugis; foliolis

20-24-jugis, oblongis; spicis capitatis, pedunculatis, floribus

pedicellatis, polyandris.

Haz. With the preceding.

Obs. Peduncles” axillary, 1-2 inches long, fasciculate.

Spikes globose. Flowers distinctly pedicellate, white, poly-

gamous. Calyx nearly entire, minute. Petals 5, distinct.

Stamens more than 100 in each flower ; filaments much exsert-

ed; anthers minute, globose. Stigma minute, simple. Le-

gumes not seen. For want of the fruit, [ am unable satisfac-

torily to determine the genus of this plant. It is evidently

one of the Mimosez, and perhaps an Acacia. It is merely

recorded for future examination.

109. Scuranxra uncinata, Willd. spec. iv. p. 1041.

DC. prod. ii. p. 443. Mimosa horridula, Micha. fl. ii. p. 154.

Plains of the Platte.

Obs. Of this numerous tribe of the Mimosez, though so

abundant in Mexico, very few extend even to the most southern

parts of the United States. The Schrankia uncinata is found

farther north than any other species.

110. Prosopis @LanputLosa, Plate II. P. spinis crassis,

cylindraceo-conicis ; foliis conjugato-pinnatis, seu pinnis uni-

jugis; foliolis distantibus, 6-7-jugis, linearibus, subfalcatis,

obtusis, glabris, subcoriaceis, petiolo inter pinnas, et foliolis

glandulosis ; leguminibus rectis ; spicis cylindricis.

Desc. Branches terete, smooth, flexuous, thickened about the buds,

armed with strong spines about an inch in length. Leaves conjugato-pin-

nate, or with only a single pair of pinnz ; common petioles fasciculate (3

to the Rocky Mountains. 193

or 4 together) about 2 inches long, smooth, canaliculate above; pinnae

glandular at the base, abruptly pinnate; leaflets 6-7 pairs, oblong-linear,

and subfalcate, an inch or more in length, obtuse, subcoriaceous, very en-

tire, articulated by small glands to the petiole, marked with elevated veins,

particularly on the under surface. Spi/ees racemose, 3-4 inches long, ax-

illary, by pairs. Flowers small, on pedicels about a line in length, perfect?

Calyx subcampanulate, 1-sepalled ; border 5-toothed ; the dentures short

and broad. Petals 5, oblong, rather obtuse, twice the length of the calyx,

nearly equal; estivation valvular. Stamens 10, hypogynous, distinct, de-

clinate ? ; filaments nearly equal, smooth, exserted; anthers oblong. Ger-

men stipitate, very villous; style tapering, villous below; stigma simple.

Legume linear, about 6 inches long, straight, compressed, the sides rather

convex, 2-valyed, about 12-seeded, torulose, pulpy within.

Has. On the Canadian ?

Obs. This plant has but little resemblance to the ordinary

Mimosez. It has the appearance of a Gleditschia, in its strong

spines, but is a genuine species of Prosopis.

111. Gymnocuapus canapensis, Lam. Mich. fl. ii. p.

241.t. 51. DC. prod. ii. p. 480. On the Canadian.

112. Pomaria GLanbuLosa, Cav. tc. v. p.i. t. 402. DC.

prod. ii. p. 485.

Desc. Shrub much branched, every part, except the under surface of

the leaves, covered with black punctures, or minute glands; branches

slender, subpubescent. Leaves abruptly bipinnate; pinne 2-3 pairs;

leaflets 7-9 pairs, ovate, oblique at the base, obtuse, entire, sessile, about 3

lines long, somewhat hairy ; under surface covered with round immersed

black glands; upper surface smooth, of a pale green color. Stipules lan-

ceolate? Racemes axillary, longer than the leaves, twice as large as in

Cassia nictitans, yellow. Calyx deeply 5-parted, of a yellowish color;

segments equal in length; the four superior ones Jinear-lanceolate, acute;

the other broader and concave. Corolla 5-petalled, about as long as the

calyx ; petals oblong, obtuse, distinctly unguiculate ; upper one concave,

Stamens 10, not connected, declined, rather shorter than the corolla; jila-

ments dilated, and hairy below the middle; anthers oblong, brown, all fer-

tile. Pustel as long as the stamens; germen oblong, hairy ; style somewhat

declined, hairy below, dilated upwards; stigma capitate. Legume broad,

much compressed, sublunate, margined, 2-valved, 1-celled, punctate with

black glands, and sprinkled with elevated papilla, which are stellately

hispid. Seeds 2-3 in each legume, suborbicular, compressed.

194 Plants collected during a journey

Has. On the Canadian.

Obs. This beautiful plant was first discovered in Mexico,

by Cavanilles. It appears to be but little known, and not to

have been seen by De Candolle.

113. Cassia occipentauis, Lin. Pursh fl. i. p. 305.

DC. prod. ii. p. 497. Sources of the Canadian.

114. C. Cuamacerista, Lin. Pursh fi.l.c. DC. prod.

ii. p. 503. On the Canadian.

115. Cerrcis canapensis, Lin. Pursh fl. i. p. 308. DC.

prod. ii. p. 519. On the Canadian.

ROSACE.

116. Prunus Curcasa, Micha. fi. i. p. 284. sub Ceraso.

Pursh fi. i. p. 331. Cerasus Chicasa, DC. prod. ii. p. 538.

On the Arkansa; common. ‘Truly indigenous. James.

117. Spir#a oputirouia, L. Pursh fl. i. p. 342. DC.

prod. ii. p. 542. On the Missouri.

118. S. Aruncus 8. americana, Miche. fl. i. p. 294. DC.

prod. ii. p. 545. On the Missouri.

119. S. monoeyna, foliis lato-ovatis, subtrilobis, inciso-

serratis, glabris ; floribus corymboso-umbellatis, monogynis ;

pedicellis glabris; calycis lobis erecto-patentibus, ovariis

villosis.

Desc. Fruticose. Branches alternate, covered with a loose bark as

in S. opulifolia. Leaves roundish-ovate, broad and subcordate at the base,

somewhat 3-lobed, incisely toothed, slightly pubescent beneath, smooth

above; petioles without stipules. Umbels corymbose, few-flowered, on

short peduncles ; pedicels filiform, about half an inch long. Flowers per-

fect. Calyx campanulate, 5-lobed; lobes ovate-obtuse, somewhat spread-

ing, pubescent. Petals —. Stamens 20; filaments inserted on a torus,

which is free at the margin. Germen solitary, stipitate, ovate, compressed,

villous, 3-seeded, acuminate with the persistent filiform style; stigma

small, capitate.

Has. On the Rocky Mountains.

to the Rocky Mountains. 195

Obs. This species, so far as I have examined it, is con-

Stantly monogynous. In many respects it resembles the genus

Neillia of Don prod. fl. Nep.

120. S. piscotor, Pursh fl. i. p. 342.2 DC. prod. ii,

p. 545.?

Has. On the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. Fruticose. Leaves ovate, sublobate and dentate,

obtuse, white and sericeous beneath, pale green, and nearly

smooth above, tapering at the base into a short petiole, with-

out stipules. FYowers small, very numerous, in much branch-

ed terminal panicles; branches of the panicle white-pubescent.

Calyx villous; segments ovate, erect. Stamens about 20;

filaments inserted on a torus which is adnate to the calyx, ex-

cept at the margin. Germens very villous.

The description which Pursh gives of this species is so

short, that it is uncertain whether our plant be identical with

his or not.

121. Dryas ocroreraua, Lin. Pursh fl. i. p. 350. DC.

prod. ii. p. 550.

Has. On the Rocky Mountains, in latitude 39°.

Obs. This plant is also found in Canada, and on the

White Hills of New-Hampshire. Dr. Richardson collected

it in Arctic America. It is a native of the high mountains

and northern parts of Europe. I believe it has never before

been found in so southern a latitude.

122. Geum vireinianum, LE. Pursh fl. i. p. 351. DC.

prod. ii. p. 551. On the Missouri. § ? trilobum, foliis ra-

dicalibus trilobis ternatisve. With the preceding.

123. G. TRirLorum, Pursh fl. ii. p. 736. Nutt. gen. ii.

p- 309. DU. prod. ii. p. 553. Potentilla nivalis, nobis, in

Ann. Lyc. nat. hist. New-York, i. p. 32. t. 3. f. 1.

Has. On the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. The specimens of this plant which I first examined,

were not sufficiently mature for ascertaining its genus satisfac-

196 Plants collected during a journey

torily, and I was mistaken in supposing it to be one of the Po-

tentillz with pinnated leaves. | have now better specimens, in

which the stem is two-flowered. There can be little doubt

that the plant is Geum triflorum of Pursh. .It is a species of

Sieversia, according to R. Brown, and much resembles the

S. Rossii, so beautifully figured in the botanical appendix to

Parry’s first voyage. The Sieversia is considered as a sec-

tion of Potentillee, by De Candolle, from which it differs only

in its styles not being geniculate.

124. Rusus Ipmus, var. americanus, ramulis glabriuscu-

lis; caulibus petiolisque teretibus ; foliis omnibus ternatis ;

pedicellis aculeolatis.

Has. In rocky woods, near Council Bluff, on the Mis-

souri. Flowers in May.

125. R.pewiciosus, caule fruticoso, ramosissimo, inermi;

ramis petiolisque pubescentibus; foliis simplicibus, rotundato-

cordatis, brevé 3-5-lobis, villoso-pubescentibus, rugosis; brac-

teis lanceolatis, unidentatis ; floribus subcorymbosis, termina-

libus ; laciniis calycinis ovato-oblongis, acuminatis, apice fo-

liaceis, petalis brevioribus.

Desc. Shrub much branched; branches flexuous, terete, pubescent.

Leaves suborbicular-cordate, 2-24 inches in diameter, villously pubescent,

rugous beneath, 3-5-lobed and serrate; texture firm; petioles half an inch

in length, terete, pubescent; stipules Janceolate, acuminate, shorter than

the petioles, with a single tooth near the base. Flowers 4-6 in a terminal

corymbose panicle, rather smaller than those of R. odoratus, purple. Pe-

dicels 6-8 lines long, not glandular. Calyx about two-thirds as long as the

corolla, pubescent; sepals ovate-oblong, acuminate, somewhat foliaceous

at the extremity. | Petals ovate, obtuse.

Has. On the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. This species resembles R. odoratus, but is more

nearly allied to R. nutkanus. It differs from the latter, par-

ticularly in not being glutinous, and in the smooth calyx,

which is longer than the petals. Dr. James states, that the

fruit is large and delicious.

to the Rocky Mountains. 197

126. PotTEenTiLLa PENNSYLVANICA, 9. arguta, Seringe in

DC. prod. ii. p. 531. P. arguta, Pursh fl. supp. p. 736.

(non Lehm. pot.) Richardson in app. Frank. nar. ed. 2. p. 20.

P. confertiflora, Torrey fl. i. p. 499. Geum agrimonoides,

Pursh fl. i. p. 154. Bootia sylvestris, Big. fl. bost. ed. 2.

p- 206.

Has. On the Missouri.

Obs. There has been a great deal of confusion respect-

ing this plant, chiefly on account of the imperfect manner in

which it was described by Linnzus, and the earlier writers

who have noticed it.* Dr. Richardson found it in Arctic

America. The P. pennsylvanica of Gmelin appears to be a

distinct species.

127. P.supina, L. Pursh fl. i. p. 356. DC. prod. ii.

p- 580. On the Mississippi and Missouri.

128. P. wumrrusa, JVutt. gen. i. p. 310. DC. prod. ii.

p- 574. On the Missouri.

129. P. rruricosa, L. Pursh fi. i. p. 355. DC. prod.

ii. p. 579. On the Rocky Mountains.

130. P. LeucopHyLua, erecta; foliis pinnatisectis, lobis

oblongis, profunde argute serratis, utrinque sericeo-candican-

tibus ; stipulis lanceolatis, acutis, integerrimis vel unidentatis ;

floribus laxé corymbosis ; laciniis calycinis lanceolatis, inte-

gerrimis, bracteolis angustioribus ; receptaculo piloso ; car-

pellis levibus.

Desc. Stem about 15 inches high, erect, terete, villous-pubescent, sim-

ple. Leaves all pinnately divided, petiolate; petioles 1-2 inches long;

leaflets in the radical leaves about 11, oblong, and lanceolate-oblong, an

inch or more in length, rarely with small intermediate ones, very silky on

both sides, particularly beneath, which is nearly white ; margin deeply and |

acutely serrate; the serratures acuminate. Stipules three-fourths of an

inch long, lanceolate, acuminate, entire, or with a single obscure tooth.

* See Flora of the Northern and Middle States, 1. c.

198 Plants collected during a journey

Corymb compound, terminal, loose, about 30-flowered. Flowers small.

Calyx 5-sepalled, 5-bracteate, silky; sepals triangular-lanceolate, acute,

entire; bracts as long as the sepals, but narrower. Petals small, obcor-

date, yellow. Pericarps ovate, smooth, fixed to a dry hairy receptacle.

Perennial.

Has. Sources of the Platte.

Obs. 'This species appears to be allied to P. candicans

of Humboldt and Bonpland. Its leaves are nearly as white

beneath as those of P. Anserina.

131. Rosa rupiroxvia, R. Brown in Ait. kew. ed. 2. iii.

p- 260. Nutt. gen. i. p. 308. DC. prod. ii. p. 598. On

the Missouri. Dr. Baldwin.

Obs. This beautiful rose is accurately described by R.

Brown (I. c.). The flowers in all my specimens are corym-

bose, at the extremity of the branches, as described in the

variety 8. macrophylla of Seringe. Sometimes twenty or

more occur ina single corymb. Pursh marks this species as

doubtful, though it is stated by Mr. Nuttall to inhabit all the

Western States, to Louisiana.

132. Cercocarpus FOTHERGILLOIDES, Humb. Bonpl.

and Kunth, nov. gen. amer. vi. p. 233. t. 559. (ex Kunth Syn.

pl. equinoc. iii. p. 474.) DC. prod. ii. p. 589.

Desc. Shrub much branched; the branches terete, of a dark brown

color, the bark on the smaller ones corrugated. Leaves\alternate, round-

ish-ovate, about three-fourths of an inch in length, subplicate; margin un-

equally and sometimes doubly serrate; under surface villous-pubescent,

strongly nerved; base rather acute; petioles about a line long, with short

subulate stipules at the base. Flowers fasciculate? growing from the ex-

tremity of the branches. Calyx turbinate-cylindrical, colored, persistent,

except the border, which is deciduous. Petals 6. Stamens —. Capsule

cylindrical, enclosed in the persistent calyx, sericeo-villous, 1-celled, 1-

seeded, not opening, caudate with the persistent style, which is more than.

an inch in length. Seed cylindrical.

Has. On the Rocky Mountains. Near the city of Mexico.

Humb. and Bonpl.

to the Rocky Mountains. 199

Obs. I have not had an opportunity of consulting the

figure of Humboldt and Bonpland, quoted above from Kunth.

Our plant appears to differ in some respects from the C. fo-

thergilloides, which is described by De Candolle as having

elliptic, smooth, coriaceous leaves.

SALICARLE.

133. Ammannia Ramosior, L. Tor. fl.i. p. 188. On the

Canadian ?

Obs. _ Differs somewhat from the A. ramosior of the North-

ern States, in the leaves being almost auriculate at the base.

134, Lyrurvum, n. sp. Nutt. mss. On the Missouri. Dr.

James and Dr. Baldwin. Found also in the Arkansa Terri-

tory, and near Detroit, by Mr. Nuttall. It much resembles

L. virgatum, but differs in being hexandrous.

MELASTOMACEZ.

135. Ruexra vineinica, L.. Pursh fl. 1. p. 258... On

the Arkansa, near its junction with the Canadian.

LOASE.

136. Menrzevia aurea, Nutt. gen. i. p. 300. Near the

Rocky Mountains.

137. M. oxuicosperma, Nutt. mss. A decumbent species,

with large flowers. Sources of the Canadian.

138. Barronta ornata, Pursh fl. i. p 327. Nutt. gen. i.

p- 297. On the sandy plains of the Canadian. In bud early

in July.

139. B. nupa, Sims. Pursh fl. i. p. 328. Nutt. gen.

J. c. Sources of the Platte. In flower July 4th.

Obs. The name of this genus should be changed, as the

Bartonia of Muhlenberg and Willdenow was published first.

Vor. I. 24

200 Plants collected during a journey

We think it should be called Nuttallia, in honor of the distin-

guished botanist who has so accurately described it; for the

genera which had hitherto been dedicated to him, are all of

doubtful character.

COMBRETACES.

140. Nyssa pirtora, Willd.2 On the Canadian.

ONAGRARIZ.

141. Gaura montis, Nutt. mss. Humb. and Bonpl.?

Kunth syn. iii. p. 388.? South-west branches of the Ar-

kansa. Leaves lanceolate, entire, clothed with soft hairs.

142. G. xinirotia, Nutt. mss. James in Long’s Exped.

ii. p. 100. On the upper part of the Canadian. A beautiful

species, with white flowers. Mr. Nuttall found this plant on

the Salt River.

143. G. coccinea, WVutt. gen. i. p. 249. Pursh fl. supp.

p- 738. On the Loup Fork, a branch of the Platte.

144. G. viniosa, herbacea; caule superne paniculato,

nudo, glaberrimo; foliis sericeo-villosis, Janceolatis, acutis,

remote denticulatis et integerrimis ; petalis obovatis, obtusis;

staminibus declinatis; floribus octandris ; capsulis lineari- —

oblongis.

Desc. Stem about three feet high, villous below, smooth and panicu-

late above, terete. Leaves about an inch long, sessile, rather crowded,

lanceolate, acute, sericeously villous on both sides; margin entire, or re-

motely and repandly denticulate. FVowers in loose spikes, which termi-

nate the branches, small, numerous. Calyx 4-parted. Petals 4, rose-co-

lored? obovate, obtuse. Stamens 8, declined? Stigma 4-cleft. Capsule

quadrangular, linear-oblong.

Has. Sources of the Canadian.

145. G. coccinea, 8? integerrima, multicaulis, canescenti-

subvillosa ; caulibus simplicibus; foliis oblongo-lanceolatis,

to the Rocky fountains. 201

integerrimis, acutiusculis, basi angustatis; racemis laxis, pau-

cifloris ; petalis ovatis, obtusis, unguibus angustissimis.

Has. About the sources of the Canadian. 2f

Obs. This is perhaps a new species, though it strongly

resembles G. coccinea of Nuttall. It may be considered as a

variety of that plant, until it can be re-examined in a living

State.

146. G. parviroxia, caule glabro, superne paniculato ;

foliis linearibus, hirsutis, integerrimis ; floribus laxé spicatis ;

petalis subrotundis, brevissimé unguiculatis ; capsulis ovato-

oblongis, utrinque angustatis.

Desc. Stem suffruticose? about a foot and a half high, slender, emit,

paniculately branched above. eaves scarcely more than half an inch ia

length, almost subulate, canescently hairy. lowers in loose spikes, ter-

minating the branches, about as large as in G. biennis, scarlet. Petals

roundish, with very short claws. Capsules about three lines long, quad-

rangular, acute at each end, 1-seeded.

Has. On the Canadian.

147. Qinoruera Pinnatiripa, Nutt. gen. i. p. 245. non

Humd. and Bonpl. Qi. albicaulis, Pursh fl. supp. 734. excl.

syn. About the Forks of the Platte.

Obs. Corolla white, slender, two inches long.

148. QE. atpicautis, Nutt. gen. |.c. non Pursh. Bar-

ren deserts, along the Platte.

149. (5. Brennis, LD. Pursh fl. i. p. 261. Base of the

Rocky Mountains. Mr. Nuttall found this species as far up

the Missouri as Fort Mandan.

150. QE&. macrocarpa, Pursh fl. supp. p. 734. KE. alata,

Nutt. gen. i. p. 248. On the Canadian. It differs from the

ordinary variety in the leaves being perfectly smooth.

151. Qé. serruuata, .Vutt. gen. i. p. 246. On the Ca-

nadian or Platte.

Obs. The genus Ginothera is very numerous on the west-

ern branches of the Mississippi. Five or six species, besides

202 Plants collected during a journey

those mentioned above, were collected by Dr. James on the

Platte and Canadian ; but the specimens are too imperfect to

be determined with certainty. One of them has the appear-

ance of CH. biennis, but the flowers are much larger, and the

tube of the calyx about four inches long.

PORTULACE.

152. Porrunaca oneracea, L. Nutt. gen. ii. p. 6.

Sources of the Platte and Canadian. Indigenous. Mr.

Nuttall found it on the Missouri. In the Atlantic States, it is

certainly a naturalized plant.

153. P. pinosa, L. Mul. cat. ed. 2. p. 48. With the

preceding ; common.

Obs. 'The specimens of this plant were all in fruit, so that

the color of the corolla cannot be ascertained. I have speci-

mens also from North Carolina, collected by the Rev. Mr.

Schweinitz.

154. Tarinum, n.sp. Nutt. mss- On the Canadian. A

polyandrous species, with large purple flowers.

OPUNTIACES.

155. Cactus rerox, Vuit. gen. i. p. 296. C. Bonplandii,

Humb. and Bonpl.? Kunth syn. iii. p. 8372.2? On the arid

plains of the Platte and Arkansa, and on the Rocky Moun-

tains, at a great elevation. ‘Thorns formidable. Fruit deep

purple, as large as a hen’s egg. ;

156. C. rracitis, Nuit. gen. i. p. 296. On the Platte

and Canadian, with the two following. Articulations easily

separating, oblong, tapering.

157. C.mammituaris, L. Nutt. gen. i. p. 295.

158. C. viviparus,. Vutt. 1. c.

159. C. Bueo, Humb. and Bonpl.?2 Kunth syn. iii. p.

372.? C. cylindricus, James in Long’s Exped. ii. p. 20.

to the Rocky Mountains. 203

Along the base of the Rocky Mountains, and on the head

waters of the Arkansa and Canadian, extending, it is said,

into the Spanish provinces as far as Monterey.

Obs. Arborescent, much branched, 6-10 feet high, and 5

or 6 inches in diameter near the root ; ultimate divisions con-

sisting of long cylindrical articulations. Flowers as large as

in C. ferox, purple, at the extremity of the articulations. Ar-

mature terrific. Besides the large spines, there are smaller

radiating ones, on little papillae, which cover every part of

the plant. It does not grow in thickets, but each plant forms

an impenetrable cluster by itself. Dr. James observed also,

two other shrubby species of Cactus, growing occasionally

with the preceding ; one of them about four feet high, armed

with long solitary spines, flowers yellow ; fruit about as large

as a cherry, pleasant to the taste.

GROSSULARIA.

160. Rises aureum, Pursh fl. i. p. 164. Mutt. gen. i.

p- 140. About the base of the Rocky Mountains. This

beautiful shrub is now very common in gardens.

SAXIFRAGEZ.

161. Saxirraca nivauis, L. Pursh fl. i. p. 310. R.

Brown, tn supp. Parry’s 1st voy. No.27. On the Rocky Moun-

tains. Found also in Canada and Labrador, Pursh. In

Melville Island, Parry. Shores of the Arctic Sea, Dr. Rich-

ardson.

162. S. ruacetuaris, Sternb. R. Brown, |. c. No. 23.

Hook, in Lin. trans. xiv. 8. setigera, Pursh fl. i. p. 312.

On the Rocky Mountains, as well as all the following. A

species remarkable for its numerous creeping suckers. First

discovered on the North-west Coast, by JVelson. Melville

Island, Capt. Parry. Found also on the Caucasian Alps.

204 Plants collected during a journey

163. S. proncuiauis, Willd. sp. pl. ii. p. 644. Pursh

fl. i. p. 310. On the Rocky Mountains. On the North-west

Coast, Nelson.

164. S. James, foliis reniformibus, crenato-dentatis,

utrinque papilloso-punctatis, glabriusculis ; caule brevi, pau-

cifloro ; laciniis calycinis triangulari-ovatis, acutis, glandu-

loso-pubescentibus ; petalis orbiculatis, longé unguiculatis.

Desc. Root thick, ligneous. Stem simple, 1-2 inches high, bearing

2-3 leaves, glandularly pubescent. Leaves undivided; radical ones on

long petioles, reniform, or broad-cordate ; crenately dentate, both surfaces

appearing papillose under a lens; cauline attenuated at the base into a pe-

tiole. Flowers few, very large, in a loose leafy raceme, Calyx 5-parted;

segments acute, obsoletely nerved. Petals purple, broad-orbicular, on

long claws, very entire, with obscure ramified nerves. Stamens 10; _fila-

ments short; anthers oblong, yellowish, 2-celled. Styles smooth.

Has. On the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. A beautiful species, with bright purple flowers, as

large as in S. oppositifolia.

165. Apoxa Moscnwarenuina, L. (See Ann. Lyceum,

vol. i. p. 32.)

166. Hevcnera americana, L. Tor. fl.i. p. 290. H.

cortusa, Mich. fl. i. p. 171. Prairies of Grand River. May.

167. H. Ricuarpsonu, R. Brown, in Richardson’s app.

Frank. nar. ed. 2. p. 53. t. 29. 82 scapo foliis petiolisque

hirsutis.

Has. Prairies of the Missouri.

Obs. Our plant agrees very nearly with the Heuchera so

accurately described and figured in the work quoted, except

that the leaves, petioles, and scape are hairy. It is very re-

markable for its unequal oblique calyx. In the common H.

americana, however, the calyx is slightly oblique. Dr. Rich-

ardson found his plant on the rocky banks of rivers in Arctic

America, from latitude 54° to 64° North.

168. TuareLua? BRAcTEATA, foliis orbiculato-cordatis,

serrato-incisis, incisuris mucronatis ; scapo racemoso ; flori-

to the Rocky Mountains. 205

bus pentandris, bracteatis ; petalis angustissimis ; staminibus

non exsertis.

Desc. Root large, perennial. Leaves forming a tuft about the root,

petiolate, roundish-cordate, about three-fourths of an inch in diameter, un-

equally incised and serrate, somewhat coriaceous, smooth on both sides;

petioles 1-2 inches in length, slightly pubescent, semiterete ; stipules subu-

late, carious, Scape 3-6 inches long, slender, naked, terete, subpubescent.

Flowers in a spiked raceme, about an inch long, pedicellate ; the pedicels

furnished with lanceolate bracts, 1-2-flowered. Calyx campanulate, equal,

glandularly-pubescent, deeply 5-cleft; the segments obovate, obtuse. Pe-

tals 5, linear, very narrow, inserted between the segments of the calyx,

which they scarcely exceed in length, persistent. Stamens 5; filaments

shorter than the calyx, and inserted opposite their segments, smooth, subu-

late; anthers oblong, 2-celled, yellowish. Styles 2, distinct to the base,

smooth, tapering, rather longer than the stamens; stigma simple. Capsule

semi-inferior, birostrate, opening between the beaks, 1-celled. Seeds mi-

nute, numerous, ovate, corrugated, affixed to two lateral placente.

Has. On the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. A remarkable species, having the appearance of a

Saxifraga. It differs from Tiarella in its pentandrous brac-

teate flowers, and from Heuchera, in its distinct styles, as well

as in habit. It should, perhaps, form a distinct genus.

169. Hyprancea vunearis, 8. cordata. H. cordata,

Pursh fl. i. p. 309. On the Missouri, above St. Louis. Dr.

Baldwin.

CRASSULACEA,

170. Sepum sTENoPETALUM, Pursh fl. i. p. 324. On the

Rocky Mountains.

171. S.,2.sp. Nutt. Near the Rocky Mountains. Leaves

roundish, flat, entire, scattered; cymes terminal, trichotomous.

172. §S. LancEouatum, foliis planis, subalternis, inferiori-

bus confertis, oblongo-lanceolatis, acutiusculis, glabris, mar-

gine glanduloso-serrulatis ; caule ramoso, assurgente ; flori-

bus cymoso-corymbosis ; petalis lanceolatis, patentibus.

206 Plants collected during a journey

Desc. Stem a little branched at the base, creeping. Leaves about half .

an inch long, rather crowded, oblong-lanceolate, obscurely 3-nerved,

smooth, except on the margin, which is glandularly serrate under a lens.

Cyme corymbose, the branches spreading, or reflexed. Flowers white ?

decandrous? Segments of the calyx lanceolate. Petals 7, lanceolate,

acute. Stamens —.

Has. Near the Rocky Mountains.

173. S. Ruoproia, De Cand. pl. gras. t. 143. Ejus.

syn. fl. gall. p. 521. Rhodiola rosea, Lin. Willd. sp. pl.

iv. p. 807. Eng. bot. t. 508. On the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. ‘The specimens of this plant collected by Dr. James,

differ from the common variety of Europe, in the leaves being

almost entire. Professor Hooker informs me that he possesses

the same variety, from Greenland. Captain Sabine collected

it at the North Cape. It has not before been recorded as a

native of the continent of America.

PARONYCHIZ.

174. Paronycuia picnotoma, Nutt. gen. i. p.159.? On

the Arkansa ?

Obs. Leaves subulate; stipules bifid and entire; cyme

crowded ; segments of the calyx mucronate.

MELIACEX.

175. Mexia Azeparacn, L. Willd. sp. pl. ii. p. 558.

On the Canadian. Native.

UMBELLIFER.

176. Ferruva r@enicutacea, Nutt. gen. i. p. 183. Sand-

stone hills in the Prairies of Grand River.

177. Erynerum pirrusum, caule dichotomo-ramoso, dif-

fuso ; foliis omnibus digitato-palmatis, laciniis oblongis, in-

ciso-serratis, spinosis; capitulis subglobosis; foliolis involucri

4-6, trifidis, inciso-serratis, capitulo longioribus; ovariis

squamulosis.

to the Rocky Mountains. 207

Desc. Root annual. Stem 6-8 inches long, dichotomously branched

from the base, thick and rigid, deeply striate, smooth. eaves all pal-

mately divided, rigid; the segments oblong, or lanceolate, about three-

fourths of an inch long, incisely serrate, the midrib prominent beneath.

Heads growing from the forks of the stem, and terminal, sessile, about

half an inch in diameter, shorter than the involucrum, Chaff of the recep-

tacle l.nceolate, acuminate, carinate. Flowers small, white? Calyx with

pungent segments. Germen squamose,

Has. On the Canadian.

178. Sium uatironium, L. Roem. and Schult. vi. p. 331.

Tor. fl. i. p. 311. Base of the Rocky Mountains.

179. Heracteum Spuonpyuium, L. Nutt. gen. i. p. 181.

On the Missouri.

Obs. Besides the above Umbelliferze, there was in Dr.

- James’ Herbarium a small species collected on the Rocky

Mountains, which cannot be determined for want of the ripe

fruit. It is not described by Pursh, Nuttall, or Kunth; and

my learned friend Professor Hooker, informs me that it is

new to him. The following is an imperfect description :—

Root perennial, thick, ligneous. Stem very short, imbricated

with the vestiges of leaves, cespitose. Leaves pinnate, smooth ;

leaflets 3-4 pairs, distinct, deeply 3-parted ; the divisions Jan-

ceolate, acute, entire. Peduncie subradical, about 24 inches

Jong, smooth, naked. Umbel compound; rays 3-5, very

short. Universal tnvolucrum 03 partial 5-6-leaved ; leaflets

Jinear-lanceolate, as long as the flowers. Flowers minute,

sterile and perfect intermixed? crowded. Calyx 5-toothed ;

the dentures subulate. Petals yellow, equal, acute and in-

curved at the apex. Stamens and styles divaricate. Germen

_ovate, deeply sulcate. Immature fruit with three prominent

ribs on each side.

Vor. II. 25

208 Plants collected during a journey

ARALIACE.

180. Araxia spinosa, L. Pursh fl. i. p.209. Tor. fl.

i. p. 328. On the Arkansa.

181. A. nupicautis, E. Pursh lee.” Tor.1.c. Base

of the Rocky Mountains. Ws

182. A. racemosa, L. Pursh 1. c. Tor. 1. c. With

the preceding.

hae

LORANTHACE.

183. Viscum verticinLatum, Nuit. gen. i. p. 235. ? On

the Canadian. Parasitic on elm-trees.

CAPRIFOLIACE.

184. Cornus aupa, l’Herit. Pursh fl. i. p. 109. On

the Canadian.

185. C. circinata, [’Herit. Pursh fl.i. p. 108. With

the preceding.

186. C.Ftoripa, LE. Pursh|.c. On the Arkansa, near

the confluence of the Canadian.

187. Samsucus canapensis, D. Pursh fl. i. p. 203. Tor.

fi. i. p. 321. Sources of the Canadian.

188. Visurnum Lenraco, L. Pursh fl. i. p. 201. On

the Canadian, near its junction with the Arkansa.

Obs. ‘Two other undetermined species of Viburnum were

found about the sources of the Canadian.

189. Sympuoria cuomerata, Pursh fl. i. p. 162. Tor.

fii. p. 246. On the Missouri, from its mouth to the Loup

Village.

190. S. racemosa, Pursh fl. l.c. Tor. 1... Prairies

of the Missouri.

191. Drervitna Tournerortu, Mich. fl. i. p. 238.

Lonicera Diervilla, LZ. Willd. sp. pl. i. p. 989. About the

Rocky Mountains.

192. Xvynosreum citiatum, Pursh fl. i. p. 161.°? On the

Rocky Mountains.

to the Rocky Mountains. 209

Obs. There was but a solitary and imperfect specimen of

this plant. It differs from X. ciliatum in its petioles, which

are slender, and pubescent; and the leaves being scarcely

ciliate. The flowers appear to be spiked ; if so, it is rather

a species of Caprifolium.

RUBIACEZ.

193. CepHaLantuus occiwentaLis, L. Willd. sp. pl. i.

p- 543. On the Canadian.

194. Mitrcueuia rerens, L. Pursh fl.i.p.101. Willd.

sp. pl. i. p. 617. On the Arkansa.

195. Gauium circazans, Mich. fl. i. p. 80. Pursh fi. i.

p- 104. On the Missouri.

196. Spermacoce priopina, Mich. fi. i. p. 72. On the

Canadian.

COMPOSIT A.

197. Hreracrum marianum, Willd. sp. iii. p. 72. On the

Arkansa.

198. H. runcrnatoum, hirsutum ; foliis omnibus radicali-

bus, elliptico-oblongis, runcinatis; scapo paucifloro ; calyci-

bus glanduloso-pilosis. H. runcinatum, James in Long’s

extped. i. p. 453.

Has. In depressed grassy situations along the Platte.

Obs. Plant about a foot high; flowers small. James. Is

it of this genus ?

199. ‘Troximon eiaucum, WVutt. gen. ii. p. 128. Pursh

fi. ii. pp. 505 and 742. Spreng. syst. iii. p. 633. Base of

the Rocky Mountains.

200. 'T. marcinatum, Nutt. gen. l.'c. Spreng. 1. c, On

the Loup Fork, a branch of the Platte.

201. Soncuus Lupovicianus, Nuit. gen. ii. p. 125. On

the Platte.

210 Plants collected during a journey

202. Prenantaes suncea, Pursh fl. ii. p. 498. Nutt.

gen. ii. p. 123. On the Platte and Missouri.

Obs. Near the Rocky Mountains, Dr. James collected two

species of a genus allied to Prenanthes, but diflering in their

plumose and sessile pappus. They will probably hereafter

be referred to a new genus. Their principal characters are

as follows:

1. P.? paucirtora, caule ramoso, flexuoso, superne pani-

culato, ramulis unifloris, floribus erectis ; foliis lineari-lance-

olatis, runcinatis, glabris; calycibus quinquefloris.

2. P.? renuirouia, caule ramoso, glabro ; foliis linea-

ribus, integerrimis; panicula laxa terminali; floribus erectis

calycibus quinquefloris.

203. Carpuus (Cnicus) autisstuus, Willd. sp. pl. ili

p- 1671. Pursh fi. ii. p. 506. On the Missouri.

204. Luiarris cyuinprica, Mich. fl. ii. p.93.? Ell. sk.

ii. p. 276. L. squarrosa, Torrey in Sill. jour. v. p. 66.

Sources of the Platte ?

Obs. Dr. James’ specimens resemble those collected by

Captain Douglass, in Cass’ Expedition, except in not being

above ten inches high, with the leaves hairy on the margin.

205. Vernonia Aautissima, 82 marginata ; caule glabro;

foliis angusto-lanceolatis, glabris, integerrimis ; corymbo fas-

tigiato; involucro turbinato-hemispherico ; squamis ovatis,

acutis, arachnoideo-ciliatis, mucronulatis, arcte appressis.

Desc. Stem terete, striate, smooth. Cuauline leaves narrow, lanceo-

late, very smooth on both sides, entire, glandularly-punctate under a lens,

without nerves. Corymb about 40-flowered, fastigiate. Heads as large

as in VY. noveboracensis, pedunculate. Involucrum subturbinate, about 16-

flowered. Scales ovate, the upper ones slightly acuminate, mucronate,

greenish, bordered with red; margins connected and ciliate, with an

arachnoid web. Receptacle naked. Corolla purple. Pappus double;

the exterior scarcely perceptible, paleaceous; the interior hairy, reddish.

Seed smooth.

Has. On the Arkansa?-

Obs. It is probable that the present species is distinct from

to the Rocky Mountains. 211

V. altissima, which I have never seen, unless it be a variety

of V. prealta.

206. V. Batpwint, caule molliter pubescente; foliis ovato-

lanceolatis, acute serratis, supra scabris, subtus pubescenti-

bus ; corymbo diffuso, subfastigiato ; squamis involucri lan-

ceolatis, squarroso-reflexis, scabro-pubescentibus.

Has. On the Missouri, above St. Louis, and on the lower

part of the Ohio. Dr. Baldwin.

Obs. A tall species, with the flowers numerous, resembling

in size those of V. prealta.

207. CuHrysocoma GravEoLeNs, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 136.

Spreng. syst. iii. p. 425. C. dracunculoides. Pursh fl. ii. p.

517. Station not recorded.

208. Cacauia arripticirotia, ZL. Pursh fl. ii. p. 518.

On the Missouri?

209. Hymenopappus Tenuirouius, Pursh fl. ii. p. 742.

Nutt. gen. ii. p. 139. Valley of the Loup Fork.

210. Artemisia LupDovicrana, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 143.

Arid plains of the Platte, with all the following of Nuttall:

A. SERRATA, COLUMBIENSIS, LONGIFOLIA, CERNUA, and CANA=

DENSIS.

Obs. Besides the above six species, Dr. James found an-

other, which appears to be new, but the specimen is without

lower leaves, and cannot, therefore, be certainly determined.

ARTEMISIA FILIFOLIA, caule herbaceo? ramoso ? foliis cane-

scenti-pubescentibus 5 superioribus simplicibus, filiformibus,

et subpinnatifidis, semiteretibus ; floribus conglomeratis.

211. Baccuaris, foliis sessilibus oblongis basi cuneatis,

obtusiusculis, apicem versus remote denticulatis, vel uniden-

tatis, reticulato-venosis, glabris, subtus ramisque viscido-resi-

nosis ; floribus terminalibus, capitato-conglomeratis ; ramulis

angulatis. B. rupicola, H. B. and Kunth, syn. pl. equin. ii.

p. 378.? On the Canadian.

Obs. ‘This species much resembles B. sessiliflora, Michz.

(B. glomeruliflora, Ph.) The latter appears to differ chiefly

in its smooth leaves and branches.

ph I) Plants collected during a journey

212. Ericrron pumitum, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 147. On the

Platte. ,

213. Inuna vintosa, Vutt. gen. ii. p. 151. Spreng. syst.

iii. p. 523. With the preceding ?

214. I. eraminiroiia, £. tenuifolia, sericeo-lanuginosa ;

foliis angusto-linearibus, nitidis; caule paucifloro, squamis

involucri glabris.

Obs. Leaves narrower than in I. argentea (a variety of

I. graminifolia).

215. 1.? ericorpes, caule inferne ramoso, ramulis elon-

gatis, subsimplicibus, unifloris ; foliis subulatis, imbricatis,

appressis, hispidis ciliatisque.

Desc. Stem five or six inches high, divided a short distance from the

root into several slender ascending branches. Leaves 2-3 lines long, sub-

ulate, rigid, alternate, pungent, very hispid, strongly ciliate. Flowers

solitary at the extremity of the branches, erect, rather smaller than in I.

falcata. Calyx imbricate, hemispherical ; scales linear-lanceolate, acute,

loose, hispid. Rays about 10, ligulate, yellow? florets of the disk 10-12.

Pappus double; the exterior minute, chafly; interior pilose, scabrous.

Seed hairy.

Has. On the Canadian ?

216. Aster sBiennis, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 155. On the

Missouri.

217. A. patuposus, Mit. Pursh fl. ii. p. 547. Nutt. gen.

ii. p. 155. On the Missouri.

218. Bracuyets, n. sp. Vutt. Arkansa.

219. Grinpevia squarrosa, Brown, lin. trans. xii, p.

102. Richardson app. p. 33. Donia squarrosa, Pursh fi. 11.

p. 559. Nutt. gen. il. p. 163. .

Obs. It appears that the genus Donia of R. Brown, is of

more recent date than the Grindelia of Willdenow, founded on

the same plants. Sprengel (syst. il. p. 575) refers the D.

squarrosa to Gr. inuloides of Willdenow and Kunth. Is it

not, as Nuttall suspects, rather a variety of G. glutinosa ?

220. Cineraria intEGrirotia, Willd. sp. pl. iii. p. 2082

Pursh fl. ii. p. 528. On the Missouri.

to the Rocky Mountains. 213

221. Arnica montana, L. Nutt. gen. ii. p. 164. Rich-

ardson’s app. Frank. nar. ed. 2. p. 33. A. fulgens and plan-

taginea, Pursh fl. ii. p. 527. Near the Rocky Mountains.

222. 'TRICHOPHYLLUM OPPOSITIFOLIUM, Nutt. at ll. p.

167. On the Platte. ;

223. AmeLLus? spinuLosus, Pursh fl. ii. p. 564. Spreng.

syst. ill. p. 575. Starkea? pinnata, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 169.

On the Missouri, Platte, &c.

Obs. The genus to which this plant should be referred is

still doubtful. It differs in habit and character both from

Amellus and Starkea. It is probably the type of a new

genus.

224. Ecuipta procumBens, Miche. fl. ii. p. 129. On

the Missouri.

225. Verpesina virginica, L. Pursh fl. iu. p. 564.

With the preceding.

226. ACTINEA ACAULIS, Spreng. syst. ill. p. 574. Acti-

nella acaulis, WVutt. gen. ii. p. 173. ~ Galardia acaulis, Pursh

fi. il. p. 743. On the Platte ?

227. A. INTEGRIFOLIA, caule simplici, scapiformi, uni-

floro, lanato ; foliis lingulatis, sessilibus, integerrimis, sericeo-

lanatis ; radio amplo trifido. A. integrifolia, Kunth syn. il.

p: 512.° Spreng. syst. iil. p. 574.

Desc. Root thick, ligneous, descending. Siem 1-2 inches high, densely

imbricate with the vestiges of leaves, woolly. eaves lingulate, narrow,

and lanceolate-spathulate, obtuse, very entire, covered with a silky wool.

Flowers pedunculate, large ; the peduncle immersed in the leaves. Invo-

tucrum many-leaved, nearly equal; leaflets in a double series, woolly,

about as long as the disk. florets of the ray fertile, ligulate, dilated to-

wards the extremity, 3-toothed, yellow: of the disk, tubular, perfect, sub-

campanulate, yellow, 5-toothed ; border invested with glandular articulate

filaments. Anthers simple at the base. Seed very hairy. Pappus 5-7

leaved, paleaceous, scarious; leaflets lanceolate, awned. Receptacle

naked.

Has. On the highest parts of the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. I suspect that the present species is distinct from

Kunth’s ; but I have not had an opportunity of consulting the

figure in the Nov. gen. et spec. which he quotes.

214 Plants collected during a journey

228. Perctis aNcustTIFoLtA, caule basi ramoso, diffuso ;

foliis angusto-linearibus, mucronatis, basi denticulato-pilife-

ris; floribus terminalibus, solitariis, brevissime pedunculatis 5

involucro octophyllo; pappo brevissimo, quinquedentato.

Desc. Root annual, fibrous. Stem branched, and spreading at the

base, 1-2 inches high; branches pentangular, smooth. Leaves opposite,

an inch or more in length, scarcely half a line broad, entire, mucronate at

the tip, revolute on the margin, furnished on each side of the midrib with

a row of yellowish pellucid glands, towards the base denticulate, the den-

tures terminating in conspicuous hairs. Flowers terminal, on very short

peduncles, which are enveloped in the leaves. Jnvolucrum 8-leaved, sub-

campanulate; leaflets distinct, equal, in a single series, coriaceous and

convex. Flurets of the ray 7-8, yellow, limb entire, oblong: of the disk

tubular, yellow, 5-toothed, smooth. nthers not aristate at the base. S/yle

pubescent and glandular; stigm indistinctly 2-lobed. Seed smooth. Pap-

pus chaffy, minute, 5-toothed! Involucrum naked.

Has. On the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. Allied to P. canescens of Kunth. In the character

of the pappus, this species recedes from Pectis ; but in habit,

it entirely agrees with that genus.

229. Srevia spHacetata, Nutt. mss. A plant with the

habit of Stevia, but with a many-leaved involucrum, enclosing

24-30 flowers. It appears to be more nearly allied to Polyp-

teris or Hymenopappus.

230. Gavarpia BicoLor, Lam. Pursh fl. ii. p. 572.

Ell. sk. ii. p. 449. Bot. mag. 1602. G. lanceolata, Miche. fl.

li. p. 142.

Obs. Differs from the southern plant in its broader leaves

and larger flower. Florets of the disk conspicuously ciliate

with articulate hairs.

231. G. pinnatiripa, foliis pinnatifidis ; laciniis lineari-

lanceolatis, subintegris.

Desc. Slem about a span high, simple, or a little branched towards the

base, pubescent. Leaves alternate, canescently hirsute, pinnatifid; the

divisions few, narrow, mostly entire, rather acute. Flower solitary, ona

long terminal peduncle smaller than in G. bicolor. Involucrum flat, many-

leaved; leaflets in two series; the exterior reflexed. Florets of the ray

deeply S-cleft, purple at the base, yellow towards the extremity: of the

to the Rocky Mountains. She

disk purple, (yellow when first expanded ?) 5-cleft, the segments hairy-

Pappus 7-leaved, paleaceous, lanceolate and awned. Seed hairy.

Has. On the Canadian?

232. Ruppecxra coLumnaris,. Nutt. gen. i Pp: 178.

Sources of the Arkansa.

233. R. Funcima. On'the Missouri. Dr. Bolden

234, Binens cracinis, glaberrima; foliis pinnato-quin-

quepartitis, laciniis angusto-linearibus, integerrimis; caule

subramoso, erecto ; floribus terminalibus, solitariis, longe-pe-

dunculatis, discoidets ; bracteis involucro duplo brevioribus.

Desc. Root perennial. Stem about two feet high, smooth, and some-

what glaucous, striate, divided above into several long naked branches, or

peduncles. Leaves opposite, petiolate, pinnately 5-parted, the divisions

- entire, one line broad, very smooth. Flowers solitary, terminating the

branches, without rays. £mvolucrum smooth, rather shorter than the disk ;

leaflets oblong, obtuse. Bracis scarcely one-third the length of the invo-

lucrum, ovate, obtuse. Fowers yellow? Seed with two awns.

Has. On the Canadian?

Obs. This species is nearly allied to B. angustifolia of

Kunth, which has tripartite leaves, with the segments cuspi-

date.

235. Coreopsis crassirouia, Ait. Ell. sk. ii. p. 435.

C. lanceolata, 6. Miche. fl. ii. p. 137. On the Missouri, near

St. Louis. Dr. Baldwin. j

236, C.paumata, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 180.

237. CrntTauREA AMERICANA, JVuti. in Bart. fl. amer.

sept. ii. t. 50. On the Canadian; abundant.

238. Wenianruus auttissimus, L.? Pursh fl. ii. p. 471.

On the Platte.

939. SinpHium, vn. sp. Nutt. mss. A singular species,

with pinnatifid leaves, and the scales of the involucrum very

narrow. Mr. Nuttall found the same on the Red River.

240. S. TEREBINTHACEUM, Willd. sp. pl. iii, p. 2331.

On the Missouri. Radical leaves a foot and a half long, and

eight inches broad.

Vou. Ul. 26

216 Plants collected during a journey

241. S. nurratuianum. S. (anonymous) Nutt. in Sill.

jour. v. p. 103. ;

Obs. First discovered in Florida by Mr. Ware, and de-

scribed, but not named, by Nuttall.

242. Amprosra nispipa, Pursh supp. ii. p. 743. Spreng.

syst. ill. p. S51.

Obs. A small species, distinguished from the other species

having pinnatifid leaves, by its being canescently hispid on

every part. Pursh first described it from specimens in the

Herbarium of Sherard, collected in Carolina by Catesby.

243. Exeruantorus caroxinranus, L. Willd. sp. pl.

lil. p. 2390. Pursh fl. ii. p. 582.

244, XantTurum Strumarium, L. Willd. sp. pl. iv. p-

374. Pursh fi. ii. p. 551. Near the Rocky Mountains.

CAMPANULACES.

245. Campanuta unirtora, Lin. fl. lapp. No. 85. t. 9.

f.5,6. Willd. sppl. i. p. 890. Wahl. fl. lapp. p. 63. Richard.

app. Frank. nar. ed. 2. p. 6.

Has. Grassy plains about the head waters of the Arkansa,

and on the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. The only localities heretofore recorded of this plant,

are in high northern latitudes. On the continent of Europe

it is only found in Lapland. Dr. Richardson collected it on

the shores of the Arctic Sea, and Captain Parry in Melville

Island and Five-Hawser Bay. Professor Hooker mentions

it in his account of Captain Sabine’s arctic plants, as a native

of the east coast of West Greenland.

246. C.rotunpironia, L. Pursh fl.i. p. 159. Miche.

fi.i. p. 108. Base of the Rocky Mountains.

247. Lopenia FuLGENS, Pursh fl. i. p. 448. On the

Canadian.

to the Rocky Mountains. 217

ERICINEZ.

248. Arsutus Uva ursi, L. Pursh fl.i. p. 283. Mich.

A. i. p. 249. On the Rocky Mountains.

SAPOTE.

249. Bumecta optonerrouia, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 135. On

the Missouri. Dr. Baldwin.

Obs. A tree 15-20 feet high, and about four inches in di-

ameter. Bark rough. ‘Thorns short, strong. The leaves

in my specimens are oblong-obovate, very obtuse, narrowed

at the base, pubescent beneath. They almost exactly agree

with a specimen of 6. oblongifolia received from Mr. Nuttall,

though in his description the leaves are said to be smooth.

EBENACEZ,

250. Drospyros vireinrana, L. Pursh fl.i. p. 265. On

the Canadian, near its junction with the Arkansa.

APOCYNE.

251. AscrieEpias optusirotia, Miche. fl.i. 115. Barren

sandy soils along the Platte. Dr. James. On the Missouri.

Dr. Baldwin.

252. <A. optusiroitia, 82 latifolia, foliis lato-obovatis

obtusis, brevissime mucronatis, basi cordatis, utrinque glabris,

margine planis; umbellis subsessilibus, axillaribus ; coronz

foliolis cucullatis, antheridiis subzequalibus, bidentatis 5 cor-

nibus exsertis.

Desc. Stem smooth. Leaves about four inches long and three inches

broad, rounded or emarginate at the extremity, subsessile, slightly mucro-

nate; texture firm. Umbels on peduncles scarcely one-fourth of an inch long;

pedicels smooth. lowers middle sized, rather smaller than in the ordi-

nary variety of 4. obtusifolia. Calyx smooth; segments lanceolate, acute:

218 Plants collected during a journey

Corolla reflexed, pale, greenish purple? Segments oblong. Leafieis of the

nectary spreading, cucullate, bidentate. Horns subulate-falcate, project-

ing beyond the antheridium.

Has. On the Canadian?

Obs. As there was but a solitary specimen of this plant,

and that destitute of lower leaves, I have considered it only

as a variety of A. obtusifolia, though it is probable that future

observations will prove it to be a distinct species.

253. <A. verTiciuuaTa, LZ. Micha. fl. i. p. 116. Upper

part of the Arkansa, with the two following species.

254, A. xonerrouia, Miche. fl. 1. c.

255. <A. viripirtora, Raf. Pursh fl.i.p.181. Tor. fi.

i. p. 284.

256. A. PpuytotaccoipEs, Lyon. Pursh fl. i. p. 180. On

the Platte.

257. A. TuBErosa, L. Pursh fl. i. p. 183. Miche. fl. i.

p- 117. Sandy barrens along the Canadian and Arkansa.

258. <A. Nurrauuiana, decumbens, pumila, hirsuta; fo-

liis ovato-oblongis, sparsis, acutiusculis, brevi-petiolatis ; um-

bella terminali ; coronz foliolis integris, appressis, antheridiis

brevioribus; cornibus 0. A. lanuginosa, Nutt. gen. 1. p.

168. non Kunth.

Has. On the Canadian.

Obs. Our plant exactly agrees with Mr. Nuttall’s descrip-

tion of his A. lanuginosa, except that it is hairy, instead of

lanuginous. It is about six inches high, and belongs to the

genus Acerates of Mr. Elliott.

259. A.nivea, Willd. sp. pl. i. p. 1266. On the Mis-

souri?

Obs. Scarcely more than a variety of A. parviflora of

Willdenow.

260. A. speciosa, tota planta tenuiter tomentosa ; foliis

ovato-cordatis obtusis, oppositis, brevi-petiolatis; umbellis

axillaribus, terminalibusque solitariis ; coronz foliolis erectis,

lanceolatis, antheridiis triplo longioribus, basi intus obtuse

bidentatis.

to the Rocky Mountains. 219

Desc. Stem erect, branched? Leaves broad, ovate-cordate, very ob-

tuse, on petioles about one-fourth of an inch long, densely tomentose, par

ticularly beneath, of a thick texture. Umbels axillary and terminal,

pedicels white-lanuginous, thick. Flowers twice as large as in A. syriaca.

Calyx woolly ; segments lanceolate, spreading. Corolla pale purple?

Segments reflexed, oblong, obtuse. Leaflets of the nectary lanceolate,

erect, straight, acute. Horn short, incuryed, compressed. Fruit not seen.

Has. On the Canadian? be aks NR Fant

Obs. Flowers larger than in aay other North American

species of this genus. , Su

261. ANATHERIX, n. sp. Nutt. mss. Leaves ovate.

262. A.; nasps Nutt. mss. Leaves linear-lanceolate, ob-

tuse at the base, petiolate.

263. GonoLosus viripirLorus, JVutt. gen. i. p. 163.

Near St. Louis. Dr. Baldwin.

GENTIANA,

264, SpreEnta marmanpica, L. Pursh fl. i. p. 139.

Miche. fl. i. p. 147. Arkansa Territory.

265. Frasera carouinensis, Walt. fl. car. p. 88. F.

Walteri, Michx. fl. i. p. 97. Sources of the Arkansa.

266. Laistanrnus GLaucironius, caule herbaceo, tereti;

foliis oblongo-ovatis, sessilibus, glaucis, acutis, trinerviis; flo-

ribus terminalibus, corymbosis ; pedunculis elongatis ; corol-

lis luteis. Li. glaucifolius, Jacq. ic. rar. t. 33.? '

Has. Sources of the Canadian.

Obs. Mr. Nuttall once considered this plant as the L.

glaucifolius, though I suspect he has changed his opinion on

re-examining it. According to Jacquin, that species has blue

flowers ; and it also appears to differ in several respects. It

is not described by Kunth. Mr. Nuttall found it in the Ar-

kansa Territory.

267. ‘TRiosrzum verrotiatum, LE. Willd. sp. pl. i. p-

990. Pursh fl. i. p. 162. On the Missouri.

220 Plants collected during a journey

BIGNONIACER. | .

268. Bicnonta napicans, L. Willd. sp. iii. p. 301.

Pursh fl. ii. p. 420. On the Arkansa?

269. Marrynia proposcipEa, Ait. Willd. sp. pl. iii. p.

364. M. annua, L. Kunth syn. ii. p. 253. Sources of the

Arkansa. It extends to Mexico.

POLEMONIDE.

270. Potemontum reptans, L. Willd. sp. pl. i. p. 886.

Pursh fl. i. p. 151. On the Mississippi.

271. P. mexicanum, Bot. reg. 460. On the Canadian ?

Obs. Our plant agrees very well with specimens of P.

mexicanum from the Liverpool Botanic Garden, except that

the flowers are smaller.

272. Coxtomra tinearis, Nutt. gen. i. p. 126. Sources

of the Arkansa, near the Rocky Mountains.

273. Puuiox pivaricata, L. Tor. fl. i. p.229. Beck in

Sill. jour. ix. p. 169. On the Missouri.

OFA. Hee sSRISTWEA,, JMIChC tals ps LA4 | hore fleicaD.

220. Valley of the Loup Fork, with the following.

275. P. Hoopu, Richard. app. Frank. nar. ed. 2. p. 6.

t. 28.

Obs. A singular and beautiful species, well represented in

the plate quoted.

276. Cantua coronorirouia, Willd. sp. pl. i. p. 879.

Ell. sk. i. p. 250. Tpomopsis elegans, Michx. fl. i. p. 142.

Ipomopsis coronopifolia, Nutt. gen. i. p. 124. On the Ca-

nadian.

277. C. accreeata, pubescens ; foliis pinnatifidis ; flori-

bus aggregatis, racemosis, subsessilibus ; calycibus hirsutis,

segmentis lato-ovatis ; laciniis corollz angustatis, oblongis ;

stylo incluso, staminibus brevioribus. C. aggregata, Pursh ft.

itp. 147. With the preceding.

vy ra” : ‘ ie ta ice ¢

“ oe 4 rn . Ar

cies

"to the Rocky Nose - oh

278. C. LONGIFLORA, elaberrima ; foliis tenuissime pinna-

tifidis ; floribus terminalibus, laxe paniculato-corymbosis, pe-

dunculatis 5 tubo corolla longissimo, tubseformis, laciniis

orbiculatis, tenuissime acuminatis ; stylo exserto.

Desc. Stem much branched, paniculate above, very smooth. Leaves

scattered, pinnatifid; the lacinize almost filiform, long, distant, cuspidate

at the apex. lowers in loose panicles at the extremity of the branches.

Peduncles half an inch or more in length. Calyx subcampanulate-pris-

matic, 5-cleft; the segments cuspidate. Corolla hypocrateriform; tube

an inch and a half long, very slender, slightly dilated upwards; border

flat, 5-lobed ; the lobes roundish, with a short abrupt acumination. Stamens

5, unequal, exserted a little from the tube of the corolla; anthers oblong.

Germen 3-celled ; style filiform, smooth, exserted 2-4 lines; stigma trifid.

Has. On the Canadian.

Obs. A remarkable species, having much the appearance

of a Phlox. It differs from all the others of the genus in its

hypocrateriform corolla.

279. C.? pungens, foliis sessilibus, digitatis (quasi fasci-

culatis), laciniis subulatis pungentibus ; corollz laciniis obo-

vatis, obtusis.

Desc. Stem erect, simple, or somewhat branched, rigid, nearly smooth.

Leaves alternate, crowded, somewhat imbricate, 5-6 parted nearly to the

base; segments erect, and a little spreading, acicular, rigid and pungent.

Flowers axillary in the upper part of the stem, solitary, sessile. Calya

prismatic, pentagonal, smooth, 5-cleft, with subulate spinous teeth. Corolla

hypocrateritorm; tube long, slender; border 5-cleft; segments obovate,

entire. Stamens 5, included. Capsule oblong, acute, 3-celled, 3-valved ;

cells many-seeded. Seeds angular, naked.

Haz. Valley of the Loup Fork ?

Obs. ‘This singular plant is referred to Cantua with great

hesitation. Its habit is altogether different from any species

of that genus with which [ am acquainted.

po a Plants collected during a journey _ Po

HYDROPHYLLEZ.

280. Puacenia sipinnatiripa, JMiche. fl. i. p. 134.

Pursh fl. i. p. 40. Borders of swamps, on the Missouri.

281. P. inTEGRIFOLIA, erecta, pubescens; foliis petiola-

tis, Ovatis, crenato-serratis; racemis pluribus densifloris.

Tab. III.

Desc. Stem erect, branched, pubescent, terete. Leaves alternate, an

inch or more in length, all of them petiolate, ovate, rather obtuse, covered

with a brownish pubescence; margin crenately dentate or serrate, some-

times doubly serrate ; petioles 2-5 lines long, a little dilated at the base,

without stipules. Racemes 3-4, terminal, diverging, secund, 2-3 inches

long, when young recurved. lowers very numerous, on short pedicels,

without bracts at the base. Calyx subcampanulate, deeply 5-parted, hairy ;

the diyisions nearly equal, oblong, acute. Corolla subcampanulate, longer

than the calyx; border divided into 5 oblong obtuse lobes. Stamens 5,

exserted; filaments slender, smooth ; anthers cblong. Germen subglobose,

pubescent; séyle longer than the stamens, capillary, bipartite, smooth, per-

sistent; stigma simple. Capsule covered by the persistent calyx, sub-

globose, slightly hairy, 2-valved, imperfectly 2-celled ; valves septiferous

in the middle. Seeds 2 in each cell, convex externally, ‘divided on the

inside by an elevated ridge.

Has. Banks of the Platte.

Obs. This is aremarkable species, differing from all those

hitherto described, in its undivided leaves. It however ap-

pears to be a genuine Phacelia, as that genus is now charac-

terised by R. Brown. This distinguished botanist has estab-

lished a new genus* in this natural order, differing from

Phacelia in its many-seeded capsule. He refers to it P. par-

viflora and Hydrophylum lineare of Pursh.

282. Euisia ampreua, Nutt. gen. i. p. 118. About

the lead mines of Missouri.

983. E. Nycretea, L. Nutt. 1.c. On the Missouri.

* Eutoca. R. Br. iv Richardson's app. io Frank. Nar. ed. 2, p. 51.

tones

“ *

Pa to the Rocky Mountains. 223

CONVOLVULACEX.

284. Convotvutus. Several species were collected in

the barren deserts of the Platte, and about the sources of the

Canadian, but the specimens were so imperfect that it was im-

possible to determinethem. Dr. James states that he observed

an annual lactescent species, with a flower as large as that of

Stramonium.

285. Evorvurus Nurrauuianus, Roem. and Schult. syst.

vi. p. 198. E. sericeus, Mutt. gen. i. p. 375. About the

forks of the Platte: found also in Florida, by the late Dr.

Baldwin.

286. Duapensia BaRBULATA, Ell. fl. i. p. 229. Dia-

pensia barbulata, Micha. fl.i. p. 152. Gravelly plains along

the Platte. Dr. James.

Obs. There were no specimens of this plant in the collec-

tion. I suspect there is some mistake in assigning it a sta-

tion so far to the west : in the Atlantic states it is almost ex-

clusively found in sandy pine woods.

287. Cuscura umBELLATA, Kunth syn. ii. p. 2382.

Very abundant about the sources of the Canadian ; parasitic

on Portulaca oleracea.

HYDROLEACE#.

288. Hyproxea spinosa, L. Willd. sp. pl. i. p. 1327.

Kunth syn. ii. 234. On the Canadian? —

Obs. This differs somewhat from the description of Kunth,

in having ovate-oblong, instead of lanceolate leaves. Mr.

Nuttall considers it a distinct species.

Vot. Il. Arf

224 Plants collected during a journey

BORAGINEX.

289. Hewiorrorium curassavicum, L. Willd. sp. pl. i

p- 743. Ell. sk. i. p. 224. Kunth syn. ii. p. 206. Saline

soils on the Platte.

290. PuxnmonaRia ALPina, glabriuscula; caule simplici

assurgente ; foliis ovato-spathulatis, inferioribus acutis, superi-

oribus acuminatis, supra pilosiusculis, margine minute ciliatis 5

floribus fasciculato-terminalibus, subsessilibus, corollis calyce

vix duplo-longioribus, laciniis calycis oblongis, obtusiusculis,

ciliatis.

Desc. Root perennial. Stem assurgent, clothed at the base with vesti-

ges of leaves, smooth, about 6 inches high. Leaves alternate, lower ones

ovate-spathulate, acute, upper ovate, acute, sprinkled with appressed hairs

on the upper surface, very smooth beneath. Flowers in terminal fascicles

crowded, on short pedicels, about 3 lines long, beautiful blue. Calyx

deeply 5-parted, ciliate and somewhat hairy, oblong, rather obtuse, more

than half as long as the corolla. Corolla subcampanulate, with 5 minute

scales in the throat; border 5-lobed; lobes obtuse. Stamens included ;

anthers linear-oblong. :

Has. On the Rocky Mountains.

bs. This species appears to be allied to P. parviflora of

Michaux, a plant which I have never seen.

291. P. cintata, glabra, erecta? foliis ovato-lanceolatis,

utrinque attenuatis, margine ciliatis ; floribus fasciculato-pani-

culatis, pedicellatis, corollis tubuloso-campanulatis, calycibus

abbreviatis quinquepartitis ; laciniis ovatis, obtusis.

P. ciliata, James. Catalog.1. c.

Desc. Stem about a foot high, smooth, simple. Leaves ovate-lanceo-

late, very acute or acuminate, narrowed at the base, smooth, upper surface

punctate, margin distinctly ciliate with short whitish hairs. Flowers nu-

merous in an irregular terminal panicle ; pedicels slender, fasciculate.

Calyx very short, 5-parted; segments ovate, obtuse, smooth. Corolla

tubular-companulate, blue; border erect, 5-lobed; tube slightly ventri-

cose, throat partially closed with 5 yellowish protuberances. Stamens in-

cluded; anthers linear. Style exserted, filiform. Seeds somewhat tuber-

culate,

to the Rocky Mountains. 225

Has. Crevices of rocks along streams, within the Rocky

Mountains.

Obs. Allied to P. paniculata. This and the preceding

species should perhaps be referred to the genus Lithospermum,

as now characterised by Lehmann.

292. Lirnospermum incisum, Lehm. asperif. ii. p. 303.

Batschia longiflora, Pursh fl. i. p. 132. Nutt. gen. i. p. 114.

Valley of the Loup Fork.

293. lL. canescens, Lehm. |. c. Batschia canescens,

Miche. fl. i. p. 130. t. 14.

294. L. pecuMBENS, strigoso-hispidum; foliis oblongo-li-

nearibus; calycis laciniis linearibus, tubo corolle paulo bre-

vioribus ; corolle lobis ovatis integerrimis.

Batschia decumbens, Nutt. gen. i. p. 114?

Obs. Plant very hispid; flowers in a terminal fastigiate

fascicle. 1 have great hesitation in adding the above syno-

nym of Nuttall.

295. L. aneustirotium, Micha. fl. i p. 130. About

Council Bluff on the Missouri.

Obs. Plant 8-10 inches high, slender, with a few erect

branches, strigosely hirsute; flowers minute; seeds turgidly

ovate, smooth and polished. It differs from Michaux’s plant

in some respects, and is perhaps a distinct species. Mr. Nut-

tall found it on the Arkansa.

296. Myosoris scorpioiwes, L. Willd. sp. pl. i. p.

746. Along the Platte.

297. M. nana, Villars. Tor. ann. lyc.i. p.33. Rocky

Mountains. On comparison, this plant appears to be identical

with the European species.

298. M. surrruricosa, caule suffruticoso, ramosissimo,

hirsuto ; foliis lineari-lanceolatis, hispido-pilosis ; spicis ter-

minalibus, pluribus; floribus pedicellatis; calycibus clausis,

seminibus lzvibus, depressis.

Desc. Root thick, ligneous. Stem about a span high, shrubby below,

much branched, pubescent and hirsute, Leaves an inch long, and 2 lines

326 Plants collected during a journey

broad, sessile, hispidly pilose. Sptkes terminating the branches, unilateral.

Flowers on short pedicels. | Culyx campanulate, at first scarcely longer

than the tube of the corolla, but in fruit elongated and closed. Corolla as

large as in WW. palustris, blue? hypocrateriform, border 5-lobed; lobes

very obtuse, entire; throat closed with connivent scales. Stamens includ-

ed; anthers oblong. Style not exserted. Seeds depressed-ovate, convex

externally, inner angle very acute, smooth.

Has. Barren deserts along the Platte.

Obs. ‘This appears to be a genuine species of Myosotis,

and is [ believe the only suffrutescent one in America.

299. Rocuenia GLomerata. Myosotis glomerata, Vutt.

gen. i. p. 112. Barren deserts near the sources of the

Platte.

300. R., n. sp. Myosotis n. sp. Nutt. mss. With the pre-

ceding. Plant densely covered with long hispid hairs.

301. Onosmonium motuE, Miche. fl. i. p. 133. t. 15.

Near St. Louis, and high up on the Missouri. This appears

to differ from a specimen which I received from Mr. Nuttall,

collected by him on the Arkansa. His plant is perhaps the

Onosma strigosum of Kunth.

SOLANE.

302. Puaysauis Lopata; foliis oblongis, subcarnosis, ly-

rato-lobatis, basi in petiolum angustatis, glabris, margine re-

volutis; caule herbaceo, ramoso; pedunculis solitariis.

Desc. Stem smooth, angular. Leaves alternate, solitary or in pairs,

oblong, lyrately lobed, lobes very obtuse. lowers solitary, nodding, on

filiform pedicels about half as long as the leaves, small, greenish. Calyx

subcampanulate, with 5 acute lobes. Corolla campanulate-rotate, 5-lobed,

smooth, with 5 oblong opake spots at the base. Stamens 5; filaments

shorter than the corolla, smooth; anthers oblong, yellow, opening longi-

tudinally. Style shorter than the stamens ; stigma small, capitate. Berry

small, covered with the inflated membranaceous calyx, by abortion 1 celled ?

3-seeded, only one of the seeds ripening. Seed suborbicular, compressed,

reticulated.

Has. On the Canadian ?

to the Rocky Mountains. 227

Obs. A remarkable species apparently differing in seve-

ral respects from Physalis. There was but one ripe berry on

the specimens which I examined, so that 1 am not confident

that the fruit has been correctly described.

303. P. puBescens, Willd. sp. pl.i. p. 1023? On the

Missouri.

Obs. Differs in the leaves being subrepand, but may be

nothing more than a variety.

304. Nycrertum tureum, Donncat.ed.10. Androcera

lobata, Nutt. gen. i. p- 129. Solanum heterandrum, Pursh

fil. i. p. 156. et supp. p. 731. t. 7. Common throughout all

the country along the course of the Platte and upper parts

of the Arkansa.

305. Soianum TRiFLorum, JVutt. gen. i. p. 129. James

Cat. 1. c. On the Platte, commencing near the Pawnee vil-

lages and continuing to the mountains; almost invariably

found near the habitations of the marmots or prairie dogs.

306. S. caroinense, Dun. sol. p. 227. Pursh fl.i. p.

156. Onthe Missouri and along the Platte to the moun-

tains.

307. §. pLarypHyiium, Dun. sol. p. 38? Kunth syn. ii.

p L726, 2

Obs. This is said by Kunth to be a suffruticose species,

but our plant appears to be herbaceous, though I have only

flowering branches.

308. S. Jamesi, herbaceum, pilosiusculum ; caule inermi,

erecto; foliis impari-pinnatis ; foliolis ovato-lanceolatis, basi

abrupte angustatis, obsolete sinuatis; racemis extra-axillari-

bus, paucifloris.

Obs. Root annual, fibrous ; stem about a span high ; ra-

cemes about 4-flowered; flowers white? A well character-

ised species. ‘I'he station was not recorded, but is probably

on the Arkansa.

309. §S. FLavipUM, suffruticosum, utrinque densé tomen-

tosum, ramulis calycibusque aculeatis ; foliis solitariis, oblon-

228 Plants collected during a journey.

gis, obtusiusculis, inferioribus sinuato-repandis, superioribus

obsolete sinuatis; racemis oppositifoliis, subtrifloris.

Desc. Whole plant covered with a dense, yellowish white pubescence.

Stem much branched, armed with simple scattered prickles. Leaves ob-

long, petiolate, often obtuse, with elevated nerves beneath; lower ones

sinuately repand; upper nearly entire. Racemes opposite the leaves,

towards the extremity of the branches, mostly 3-flowered. Flowers large.

Calyx thickly covered with prickles ; segments subulate. Corolla 5-lobed,

lobes triangular-lanceolate.

Obs. The exact locality of this plant is not recorded.

It is a beautiful species, with flowers as large as in S. caroli-

nense.

RHINANTHEZ.

310. PrpicuLaris Graenuanpica, Willd. sp. pl. iii. p.

212. Pursh flii. p. 426. On the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. Found also on the low plains of the Columbia by

Governor Lewis. A very rare plant, remarkable for its long

uncinate galea : about a foot high.

311. P. ruammea, L. Willd. sp. pl. iii. p, 215. Pursh

l.c. Onthe Rocky Mountains. Dr. James.

There were no specimens of this plant in the collection.

312. Grrarpia pepicubaria, 8. pectinata, Nutt. gen. ii.

p- 48. In the Cherokee country.

313. G. auricuLata, Miche. fl. ii. p. 20. Pursh fi. ii. p.

422.

314. G. purpurea, L. Willd. sp. pl. iii. p. 422.

315. PrenrsTeEMON AMBIGUUM, Caule fruticoso, ramosissi-

mo; foliis linearibus, concavis, nitidis, mucronatis, margine

scabris; paniculis simplicibus, sepalis ovatis acuminatis, fila-

mento sterili glabro.

Desc. Shrub 8-10 inches high, fastigiately branched; bark of the

trunk grayish ; branches numerous, shining, but somewhat scabrous, of a

dark brown colour, obscurely quadrangular. Leaves opposite, linear,

scarcely an inch long, and about one line broad, concave, shining, the sides,

and particularly the margin, scabrous, mucronate and somewhat recurved

at the apex. Flowers in terminal loose simple panicles. Pedicels nearly

to the Rocky Mountains. 229

an inch long below, diminishing in length upward, bibracteate in the mid-

dle. Calyx 5-leaved; leaflets equal, imbricate, ovate, acuminate, brown,

bordered with white, about one sixth as long as the corolla, very smooth.

Corolla bilabiate, smooth, purple; tube scarcely ventricose ; upper lip 2-

lobed, lower lip 3-lobed; lobes all roundish. Stamens four, with a fifth

sterile, didynamous; filaments smooth; anthers 2-lobed, smooth; lobes

divaricate ; sterile filament as long as the shorter fertile ones, smooth, ob-

tuse. Germen ovate, acute, 2-celled. Style filiform, smooth, persistent ;

stigma simple.

Has. Near the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. A beautiful species, allied to P. frutescens of Lam-

bert and Pursh. It recedes from the character of Pentstemon

in its smooth sterile filament, but it appears more nearly to re-

semble that genus than Chelone.

316. P. Gracive, Vutt. gen. ii. p. 52. Along the Platte.

317. P GranpirLorum, Vutt. in Fras. Cat. 1813. Ejusd.

gen.il.p.53. P. Bradburii, Pursh fl. supp. p. 738. Mouth of

the Platte to the Rocky Mountains. Also on the Canadian.

Flowers May—Aug. .

318. P. arpipum, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 53. Near the Rocky

Mountains.

319. P. ertanruera, Nutt. gen. il. p. 52. PP. glabra

Pursh. fl. supp. Sources of the Platte.

320. P. crisratum, Nuit. gen. 1. c. PP. erianthera,

Pursh fl. supp. 1.c. Forks of the Platte.

321. P.caruteum, Nutt. gen. 1. c.? PP. imberbis,

Kunth syn. ii. p. 122°?

Obs. Radical leaves lanceolate ; cauline linear, all very

entire ; peduncles 2-flowered ; segments of the calyx ovate,

obtuse or slightly mucronate; anthers smooth; sterile fila-

ment shorter than the fertile stamens, retuse, and nearly

smooth at the apex. Whole plant very smooth and slightly

glaucous. The flowers in my specimens are faded too much

to ascertain what was their original colour. They appear to

have been purple.

230 Plants collected during a journey

322. Evcuroma cranpirLora, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 55.

Castilleja sessiliflora Pursh fl. supp. p. 738. Mouth of the

Platte.

323. HE. coccinea, Nutt. 1. c. Bartsia coccinea, L. Near

the lead mines of Missouri.

324. E. purpurea, Nutt. mss. On the Arkansa.

Obs. The genus Euchroma of Nuttall is nearly allied to

Castilleja. Perhaps the character of the latter should be

modified so as to receive it. According to Kunth, the Bart-

sia pallida of Michaux is a species of Castilleja.

325. CasTILLEJA OCCIDENTALIS, caule herbaceo, simpli-

ci, piloso; foliis lineari-lanceolatis, apice attenuatis, minute

pubescentibus, integerrimis, acutiusculis ; floribus spicatis, ses-

silibus ; corolla calycem vix superante; bracteis trifidis, la-

ciniis erectis.

Desc. Root perennial. Stem 3-4 inches high, cespitese? hairy above,

Lower leaves short, lanceolate, acute; upper ones linear-lanceolate, ses-

sile, rather crowded, attenuated towards the extremity, minutely pubes-

cent on both sides, 3-nerved. Spike terminal. oblong, simple. Bracts

very large in proportion, concealing the flowers, oblong, coloured ? very

pubescent, trifid: segments erect, lateral entire, middle sometimes

3-toothed. Flowersscarcely more than one-third of aninchlong. Calyx

spathiform, a little cleft, 4-toothed. Corolla bilabiate. Stamens didyna-

mous ; anthers linear, yellow. Style smooth; stigma capitate.

Has. On the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. Allied to C. lithospermoides, Kunth syn. ii. p. 100.

326. Lepranpra vireinica, uit. gen. 1. p. 7. Veroni-

ca virginica, L. Pursh fl. i. p.10. On the Arkansa.

327. Veronica Anacauiis, L. Pursh fl.i. p.10. On

the Platte.

SCROPHULARINE.

328. ScRoPHULARIA LANCEOLATA, Pursh fi. ii. p. 419.

Sources of the Platte. Dr. James.

Obs. This plant is not in the collection.

to the Rocky Mountains. 231

329. Lanpernra vinatata, Muhl. Tor. fl. i. p. 14. On

the Canadian.

330. Conxinsta verna, Nutt. jour. acad. Philad. i. p.

190. t. 9. Eyusd. gen. ii. p. 46. Common on the Missouri.

Mr. Nuttall found another species of this interesting genus on

the Arkansa.

331. Oropancue Lupoviciana, JVuti. gen. il. p. 58.

Sources of the Canadian.

332. O. untrLora, L. Pursh fi. ii. p. 431. On the Mis-

souri.

LABIATZ.

333. Satvia TRIcHosTEMorDEs, Pursh fl. i. p. 19. On

the Missouri. m,

334. S.ELoneata, Kunth syn. ii. p. 79.

Obs. Our specimens agree accurately with the description

of Kunth, except that the calyx is rather pubescent than

hairy. Perhaps this is an intermediate species, between S.

elongata and S. mexicana.

335. Trvcrium vaciniarum, fruticulosum; foliis pin-

nato-quinquepartitis, summis tripartitis; laciniis linearibus ;

floribus axillaribus, solitariis, pedicellatis; pedicellis folio

multo brevioribus.

Desc. Stem frutescent, branched,smooth. Leaves opposite; the lower

ones pinnately .5-parted, sessile; segments linear, rather obtuse, nearly

smooth, punctate; upper ones trifid, cuneate at the base. Flowers axil-

lary, solitary, on pedicels about 2 lines long, large in proportion to the

plant. Calyx subcampanulate, 5-cleft, smooth; segments lanceolate,

acute, the lowest ene 2-cleft or 3-toothed. Corolla violet? hairy exter-

nally ; segments of the lower lip ovate, acute. Stamens exserted; anthers

roundish.

Has. On the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. The specimen of this plant is only about four inches

high, and appears to have been broken off at the root.

336. DracocrpHaLuM ParvirLorum, Nutt. gen. ii. p.

35. Upper part of -the Platte.

Vou. I. . 26

232 Plants collected during a journey

337. Scure.taria versicotor, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 38? On

the Missouri, near St. Louis.

Obs. Differs from Nuttall’s plant in the leaves being pub-

escent beneath, and nearly smooth above; stem, petioles, and

raceme covered with soft but not glandular pubescence ;

flowers as large as in S. ovalifolia.

338. S. amBicua, Vutt. gen. il. p. 37. 8. missouriensis,

foliis oblongo-ovatis ; inferioribus ovatis, brevissime petiola-

tis, omnibus integerrimis.

Haz. Council Bluff, on the Missouri.

Obs. Stem about six inches high, divaricately branched at

the base. Leaves somewhat hairy on the veins beneath.

Flowers axillary, solitary, hairy, very small. Very near S.

minor, of Europe. ;

339. S. Resinosa, minute glanduloso-pubescens ; caule

ramosissimo ; foliis ovatis, obtusissimis, basi abrupte angusta-

tis, integerrimis, utrinque atomis resinosis irroratis; floribus

axillaribus, villosis.

Desc. Séem much branched, herbaceous. Leaves numerous, perfect-

ly ovate, about half an inch long, abruptly narrowed into a short petiole,

of a firm, almost coriaceous texture, prominently nerved beneath, sprinkled

with very minute resinous particles. lowers axillary, solitary, as large

as in S, galericulatea, on short pedicels. Corolla blue, villous.

Has. On the Canadian.

Obs. A very distinct species, but having some affinity to

S. gracilis of Nuttall.

340. Monarpa punctata, Pursh fl. i. p. 17. On the

Missouri ?

341. M.Russexuiana, Vutt. travels in the Arkansa Terri-

tory, p- 141. Hook. exot. bot. 130.

342. M. ristunosa, L. Pursh fl.i. p. 18. On the Mis-

souri, near Franklin.

343. M. Brappuriana Beck in Sill. jour. x. p. 260.

M. maculata, Baldwin mss. On the Missouri and Ohio.

to the Rocky Mountains. 233

Obs. Remarkable for its almost sessile leaves. Dr. Bald-

win had considered it as a new species, but as Dr. Beck’s des-

cription was published first, his name must be adopted. The

upper lip of the corolla is not always remarkably villous.

344. M. uirsura, Pursh fl. i. p. 19. Tor. fl. i. p.27.

On the Missouri.

345. M. ciniara, Pursh fl. |. c. 62 M. caule pilis al-

bidis hirsutissimo; foliis ovato-oblongis petiolatis, serratis,

acutiusculis, subpilosis; floribus parvis, verticillatis ; bracteis

ovatis, glabris, venosis, calyce paulo brevioribus ; calyeibus

bilabiatis, dentibus superioribus subulatis.

M. ciliata, Beck, 1. c.?

Has. On the Missouri. Dr. Baldwin.

Obs. This appears to be a species intermediate between

M. ciliata and hirsuta. From the former it differs in its very

hairy white stem, petiolate and more acute leaves, and more

distinctly bilabiate calyx; from the latter in its longer leaves

and bracts, shorter petioles, and particularly in its calyx;

the upper teeth in M. hirsuta being very short and ovate.

Dr. L. C. Beck seems to’have found the same plant near St.

Louis on the Missouri, and supposes it may be a new species.

346. Hepeoma nirta, Vutt. gen. i. p. 16. About the

Pawnee villages.

347. Conia marrana, L. Pursh fl. ii. 406. On the

Washita.

348. Lycorus virainicus, L. Pursh fl.i. p. 16. Base of

the Rocky Mountains.

VERBENACE.

349. VERBENA BIPINNATIFIDA, Nutt. in jour acad. Phil.

ii. p. 123. About the lead mines of Missouri.

350. V. stricta, Vent. hort cels. p. 53. Pursh fi. ii. p.

417. V. rigens, Michr. fl. ii. p. 14. Near St. Louis. Dr.

Baldwin.

234 Plants collected during a journey

22 mollis, caule erecto, simplici, tereti, villoso; foliis

ovatis, acutiusculis, inequaliter inciso-serratis, serraturis

acutis, supra hirsutis, subtus molliter villosis ; spicis densiflo-~

ris, strictis, terminalibus, subternis.

Obs. Flowers purple. Probably a distinct species. On

the Arkansa?

351. V.aneustirotia, Miche. |. c. V.rugosa, Willd.

enum. 683. Pursh fl. ii. p. 417. Near St. Louis.

352. ZAapantA LaNceoLata, Pursh fl. ii. p.418. Lippia

lanceolata, Micha. fl. ii. p. 15. On the Platte?

Obs. Easily distinguished from Z. nodiflora, by its rhom-

bic-lanceolate acute leaves.

303. Z. CUNEIFOLIA, caule herbaceo, procumbente?

scabriusculo; foliis angusto-cuneatis, crebris, glabriusculis,

apicem versus argute et grosse serratis; bracteis obovato-

cuneatis, apice dilatatis, mucronatis ; capitulis globoso-ovatis,

longe pedunculatis, solitariis.

Desc. Stem herbaceous, trichotomously branched, (apparently pro-

cumbent, but not creeping) terete, slightly scabrous. Leaves opposite,

narrow-cuneiform, somewhat coriaceous, nearly smooth, acute, with a few

(3-5) coarse acute serratures at the extremily. Peduncles axillary, sub-

compressed, 2-3 times as long as the leaves. Heads short-ovate, nearly

half an inch long; involucrum about 6-leaved; leaflets ovate-lanceolate,

acute. Bracts dilated-cbovate, mucronate, shorter than the flowers.

Calyx 2-valved, as long as the tube of the corolla; valves lanceolate,

smooth. Corolla with the border bilabiate; upper lip emarginately 2-lobed ;

lower much larger, 3-lobed. Stamens 5, didynamous, included. Pericarp

2-celled, 2-seeded, oval, divisible, smooth, covered with the persistent

calyx.

Has. On the Platte.

Obs. Differs from Z. nodifiora in its thick leaves, rigid

habit, &c.

to the Rocky Mountains. 235

ACANTHACEZ.

354. Justicia pracuiata, Pursh fl. i. p. 13. On the

Arkansa?

Obs. Our specimens agree in almost every character with

the description of Pursh, except that the stem isa little hairy.

Upper lip of the corolla entire; lower 3-toothed. It con-

nects the present genus with Diclyptera, and is allied to D.

multiflora of Kunth, syn. ii. p. 34. Besides this species there

were specimens of another in the collection, which could

not be determined for want of the flowers. The following

are some of the principal characters. J. caule fruticoso,

brachiatim ramoso, ramulis pubescentibus; foliis ovalibus

brevi-petiolatis, acutis, integerrimis subtus ad venas hirsutis,

ciliatis ; pedunculis axillaribus, 1—2-floris, bracteis lineari-

lanceolatis, acutis; laciniis calycinis subulato-filiformibus,

ciliatis, fructu duplo longioribus ; fructibus oblongis, utrin-

que attenuatis, bilocularibus; loculis 2-spermis; seminibus

lenticularibus, hispidis.

LENTIBULARI&.

355. Urricunaria vutearis, DL. Willd. sp. pl. i. p. 198 ?

Ponds near the Platte. j

PRIMULACES.

356. Primuta aneustironia, Tor. Ann. Lyc. i. p. 34,

t. 3. f. 3. Rocky Mountains.

357. ANDROSACE caninaTa, Jor. J. c. f. i. With the

preceding.

358. A. occipENTaLis, Nutt. gen. i. p. 118. On the

Platte. Dentures of the calyx ovate.

359. A. sEPTENTRIONALIS, Willd. sp. pl. ip. 798 ?

Richardson app. p. 5. With the preceding ?

236 Plants collected during a journey

Obs. Our plant agrees with specimens collected by Dr.

Richardson in Arctic America, but the leaves in both are

pubescent. Stems, many from the same root, smooth, a span

high ; fructiferous pedicels 1-2 inches long, capillary ; calyx

angular ; teeth subulate.

360. Dopecaraeon Meanpia, L. Pursh fl. i. p. 136.

Within the Rocky Mountains.

361. Lysmacuia ciniata, DZ. Pursh fl. |.c. With the

preceding. ;

362. Samonus Vaterannl, L. Pursh fl. i. p. 158. On

the Canadian.

363. S. epracteatus, Kunth syn. ii. p. 23. Saline

soils near the base of the Rocky Mountains.

Desc. Root perennial. Stemshort, smooth, divided at the base, robust.

Leaves obovate, two inches long, somewhat fleshy, obtuse, attenuate at

base. Racemes very long, (6-8 inches) many-flowered, somewhat pubes-

cent under a lens. Pedicels 1-flowered, three-fourths of an inch long,

filiform, without bracts! Calyx hemispherical, half superior, with ten ele-

vated nerves; teeth 5, acute, sinuses obtuse. Corolla hypocrateriform,

twice as long as the calyx, white, 5-lobed; the lobes rounded. Stamens

5; filaments inserted into the corolla opposite its segments ; anthers oblong,

incumbent. Germen roundish, smooth, 5-grooved above; style short,

straight; sligma small, indistinctly 3-lobed. Capsule depressed-globose,

enclosed in the persistent calyx, 1-celled, splitting at the summit into 5

acute teeth; receptacle unconnected, obscurely 5-angled. Seeds nume-

rous, angular, papillose.

Obs. Capsules three times as large asin S. Valerandi. I

have not had an opportunity of consulting the figure in the

Nov. gen. et spec. plan. (ii. t. 129.) quoted by Kunth, but

his description applies very well to our plant.

PLANTAGINEZ.

364. Puanraco GNapHaLoipes, Nutt. gen. i. p. 100.

P. Lagopus, Pursh fl. i. p. 99. non Lin. On the Platte.

Obs. Scape, when in fruit, twice as long as the leaves ;

spike at first oblong ; cells of the capsules 1-seeded.

to the Rocky Mountains. 237

365. P.pusiua, Nutt. gen. i.p. 100. Tor. fl. i.p. 154.

On the Missouri.

366. P. cuapra, Nutt. 1. c. Moist soils on the upper

part of the Platte.

367. PP. eriopopa, acaulis, petiolis basi lana longissima

vestitis; foliis lato-lanceolatis, utrinque attenuatis, longe

petiolatis, glaberrimis, integerrimis, quinquenerviis; scapo

tereti, glaberrimo; spica cylindrica, folia superante; flori-

bus remotis ; staminibus stylisque longissimis ; bracteis lato-

ovatis, obtusiusculis ; capsulis dispermis.

P. attenuata ? James in Long’s Exped. i. p. 445.

Desc. Root perennial. Base of the leaves and scape invested with

long dense wool, of a rusty brown colour. Leaves nearly a foot long and

an inch broad, attenuate at the base into a very long petiole, acute, very

smooth and entire, distinctly 5-nerved. Scape longer than the leaves,

smooth, a little compressed? Spike (when in fruit) 3 inches long. Flow-

ers scattered and clustered; segments of the calyx ovate acute. Stamens

much exserted. Style as long as the stamens, pubescent; stigma simple.

Bracts broad-ovate, scarious on the margin, mostly obtuse. Capsule 2-

celled; cells 5-seeded.

Has. Depressed and moist situations along the Platte.

Obs. Ihave seen this plant in the herbarium of Mr. and

Mrs. Sheppard, of Woodfield, near Quebec, collected by

Pursh on the island of Anticosti. The woolly base is usually

concealed in the soil.

, at

NYCTAGINES.

368. OxyBapHus aNcustiFoLius. Calymenia angusti-

folia, Nutt. gen. i. p. 26. C. linearis, Pursh fl. supp. ii. p.

728. Onthe Platte. Fruit becoming coated with a viscid

mucilage when moistened. Aa

369. O. muLTIFLOoRUS, pulverulente minuteque pubes- —

cens; foliis lato-cordatis, acutis, integerrimis ; involucro

magno 5—7-floro, quinquefido; floribus sub- Pelggneries pss

staminibus vix exsertis.

238 Plants collected during a journey

Desc. Plant covered witha minute pulverulent pubescence. Stemsub-

quadrangular, erect, branched, with enlarged joints. Leaves opposite, broad-

ly cordate, acute or acuminate, opake and rather thick ; petioles 4:5 lines

long. Flowers axillary and terminal. Involucrum campanulate, nearly

an inch long, 5-cleft, including 4-7 flowers, pedunculate; segments ovate,

acute. Calyx coralloid, infundibuliform, an inch and a half long, persis-—

tent, 5-lobed; lobes acuminate. Stamens 5-6, about as long as the calyx;

Jilaments smooth, capillary ; anthers large, yellow, 1-celled? Germen 1-

seeded, ovate; style capillary, exserted; stigma capitate. Seeds oblong,

covered with the indurated coriaceous base of the calyx.

Has. About the Forks of the Platte.

Obs. Remarkable for its many-flowered involucrum, and

also for the large size of its flowers.

370. O.nycracines. Allionia nyctaginea, Micha. fi. i.

p- 100. Calymenia nyctaginea, Vutt. gen. i. p. 26.

v. Obs. Involucrum about three fourths of an inch in diame-

"ter, pubescent ; leaves scabrous on the margin, the rest of the

plant smooth.

AMARANTHACEE.

fi. Amer. sept. ii. t. 69. Gomphrena floridana, Spreng. On

the Canadian or Arkansa.

Obs. The genus Oplotheca, of Nuttall, was founded on

the present plant and Gomphrena interrupta of Jamaica.

The latter was long since supposed, by Jussieu, to differ ge-

nerically from Gomphrena. (vid. gen. pl. p. S9.) The

G. lanata of Kunth, is a third species of this genus. In Dr.

W.P.C. Barton’s account of the Oplotheca, (1. c.) it is erro-

neously stated to be a perennial. The figure he has given is

remarkably accurate.

to the Rocky Mountains. | 239

CHENOPODEZ.

372. CuHeNnoropium susspicatum, Nutt. gen. i. p. 199.

Saline plains of the Canadian. .

Obs. Annual; stem branched, scarcely a foot high, re-

markably quadrangular.

- 373. C. uyBripum, 62 simplex ; caule simplici, 5-angu-

lare ; foliis ovatis, subcordatis, grosse repando-dentatis ; spica

simplici, terminali, nuda.

Has. Near Council Bluff, on the Missouri.

Obs. Annual; stem quite simple, smooth ; leaves green

on both sides; spike solitary, terminal ; glomerules approxi-

mate. Perhaps a new species.

374. C. maritrimum, L.? C. cauleramoso, glabro ; foliis

linearibus, semi-cylindricis ? succulentis, integerrimis, mucro-

natis ; floribus axillaribus, pentandris.

Has. Upper part of the Canadian.

Obs. Whole plant very smooth and free from furfuraceous

scales, turning black in drying. ‘The specimen was with-

out fruit. ;

375. Kocnia pentata, Willd. hort. berol. 1%. t.. 28.

Pursh fl.i. p. 206. On the Platte.

376. K. proica, Nutt. gen. i. p. 200. With the pre-

ceding.

377. Sausoua prostrata, Pursh fl. i. p. 197. With the

preceding.

Obs. ‘This is considered by Nuttall as a mere variety of

Chenopodium maritimum, L. and indeed it scarcely appears

to differ. It is, however, very distinct in general appearance,

from our variety described above, which it is very probable

will hereafter prove to be a separate species.

378. ATRIPLEX CANESCENS, Nuit. gen. i. p.197. Calli-

gonum canescens, Pursh fl. i. p. 370. Near the Pawnee

villages.

Wor. Ls 29

240 Plants collected during a journey

379. A. arcenTEA, WVutt. 1.c. On the Platte.

Obs. ‘There was another species of Atriplex in the collec-

tion, but the specimen was imperfect and could not be deter-

mined satisfactorily. A. fruticosa ? undique canescens ; foliis

lineari-oblongis, obtusiusculis, integerrimis; floribus glomera-

tis, subterminalibus ; calycibus fructiferis latissimis, dentatis,

pedicellatis. Allied to A. linifolia, Kunth ?

380. Buirum cuenopopoipes, uit. gen. i. p. 4. Arid

and saline soils on the Platte and Arkansa.

381. CorispERMUM HyssoPiroLium, 8.americanum, Nutt.

gen. i. p. 4. On the Missouri.

382. Potycnemum americanum, Nutt. gen. i. p. 30. On

the Platte.

383. Puyroracca pecanpra, L. Willd. sp. pl. iii. p. 822.

Pursh fl. i. p. 324. On the Canadian and upper part of the

- Arkansa. P. bogotensis, Kunth ?

Fits

Cipe POLYGONEZ,

$84. Potyconum vivirarum, L. Torr. Ann. Lyc.i. p. 34.

Rocky Mountains.

Obs. On examining other specimens of this plant col-

lected by Dr. James, I find some that are viviparous, with

cylindrical spikes, so that the variety which I formerly de-

scribed, is accidental.

385. P. avicunare, 8. glaucum. P. glaucum, Vutt. gen.

i. p. 254. Torr. fl. i. p.400. Common on the Platte and

Arkansa, near the Rocky Mountains.

386. Oxyria renirormis, R. Brown, Torr. 4nn. Lye. i.

p. 31. Rocky Mountains.

Obs This interesting plant has also been found on the

White Hills of New Hampshire, by W. Oakes, Esq. Capt.

Parry collected it in Melville Island, and Capt. Sabine in

West Greenland.

to the Rocky Mountains. 241

387. Rumex venosus, Pursh fl. ii. p. 733. Nutt. gen.

i. p. 240. Sandy plains on the upper part of the Platte.

388. Erioconum sericeum, Pursh fl. i. p. 277. E. flavum,

Nutt. gen. i. p. 26. Ejusd. jour. acad. Phil. i. p. 33.

Sources of the Platte.

359. E. annuum, n. sp. Nuit. mss. Near the Rocky

Mountains. Found also on the Arkansa by Mr. Nuttall.

Root annual !

390. E. renextum, caule dichotomo, nudo, gracili, gla-

berrimo ; ramis elongatis, apice fasciculum florum gerentibus ;

floribus minutissimis; calycis laciniis subrotundis, obtusis,

glabris ; foliis ovatis, subcordatis, subtus (junioribus utrinque)

niveo-tomentosis, supra pubescentibus.

Desc. Root perennial, thick, descending. Stem cespitose, only leafy

about the root, branched; branches very slender and smooth, terete.

Leaves petiolate, scarcely three-fourths of an inch long; the older ones

subcordate, white and very tomentose beneath, pubescent and greenish

above; young ones white and densely tomentose on both sides. Flowers

very minute, growing in solitary fasciculi at the extremity of the almost

filiform branches. Involucrum smooth, turbinate, 10-12-flowered ; border

5-6-toothed. Calyx very smooth; segments roundish, unequal.

Has. With the preceding.

Obs. Scarcely a foot high. Involucrum sometimes pro-

liferous.

391. E. umpeLiatum, caule nudo, simplici ; pedunculis

elongatis (sub-senis) umbellatis, apice involucrum singulum ge-

rentibus ; calycibus glabris ; laciniis obovatis, basi angusta-

tis, obtusis; foliis obovato-spathulatis, subtus lanuginosis,

supra glabriusculis.

Desc. Perennial, herbaceous, cespitose. Cauder divided at the base

into several branches; most of the branches short, bearing fasciculi of

leaves at the extremity, one of them elongated and resembling a scape;

covered with a copious loose tomentum. Leaves obovate-spathulate, about

an inch long, and less than half an inch broad, white-tomentose beneath,

smoothish above. Flowering stem aspan high, bearing asimple umbel at the

extremity. Peduncles or rays an inch and a half long, woolly, thick, fur-

nished with several oblong-lanceolate leaves at the base. Involucrum

242 Plants collected during a journey

about 20-flowered, campanulate, with lanceolate obtuse teeth. Filorets

distinctly pedicellate. Calyx very smooth; segments obovate-oblong,

obtuse, narrowed at the base. Stamens 9. Seed acutely triangular.

Has. With the preceding.

Obs. Flowers larger than in E. tomentosum. It is re-

markable that Humboldt and Bonpland did not observe any

species of Eriogonum in Mexico, as they abound, according

to Dr. James, about the sources of the Canadian.

LAURINEZ.

392. Laurus Sassarras, L. Pursh fl. i. p. 277. On

the Arkansa, near the junction of the Canadian.

ELEAGNEZ.

393. SHEPHERDIA ARGENTEA, Nutt. gen. ii. p. 240.

Hippophaé argentea, Pursh fl. i. p. 115. On the Platte.

ARISTOLOCHIE.

394. ArisTOLocHta, n. sp. ? caule volubili, levi, glabro ;

pedunculis unifloris; foliis subcoriaceis, subrotundis, corda-

tis, brevi acuminatis, supra glabris, subtus tomentosis.

Has. On the Canadian.

Obs. ‘The only specimen of this plant was in fruit. The

leaves are large, and the capsule two inches in length.

CUCURBITACE.

395.. Srcyos ancuata, L. JVilld. sp. pl. iv. p. 605.

On the Missouri. Dr. Baldwin.

396. Cucumis? PERENNIS, James in Long’s exped. ii.

p. 20. Cucurbita foetidissima, Kunth syn. ii. p. 429?

Desc. ‘Root fusiform, somewhat ligneous, from 4-5 inches in diame-

ter, descending from 4 to 6 feet perpendicularly into the earth. Stems her-

baceous, numerous, procumbent, sulcate. Leaves alternate, on long

to the Rocky Mountains. 243

petioles which are mostly erect, triangularly cordate, 6-8 inches long, and

4-5 inches broad, scabrous, of a glaucous-green colour, thick and robust;

margin sinuate and undulate. Tendrils trichotomous. Flowers monoecious,

nearly as large as in Cucurbila pepo. Calyx petaloid, campanulate, ru-

gose; exterior divisions subulate, Srermer re. Stamens 3; filaments

short and closely cohering, covering the central disk. Fentmer ru. Style

short, stigmas 3, 2-parted; germen inferior, subgiobose, Pepo as large as.

an orange, globose, smooth, nearly sessile, about 4-celled; dissepiments

spongy. Seeds in a double order, ovate; margin acute.” Dr. James.

Has. On the arid and sandy wastes along the base of the

Rocky Mountains, from the confluence of the Arkansa and

Boiling-spring Fork, to the sources of the Red River.

Flowers in July, and continues flowering and perfecting fruit

during the summer.

Obs. This plant, by its long and somewhat succulent root,

is enabled to thrive in these sandy deserts, where scarcely any

other vegetable can exist. It emits a fetid disagreeable odour.

The petioles and the extremities of the stems, are usually

affected with morbid enlargements resembling galls, but

Dr. James never saw any insect feeding on it.

IT have little doubt that this will prove to be the Cucurbita

foetidissima of Kunth, which, according to Humboldt, is abun--

dant near Guanaxuato in Mexico. Their plant, it is true, is said

to be annual, but this may be a mistake, as it does not appear,

by Kunth’s account, to have been particularly examined.

The Cucumis of Dr. James is undoubtedly perennial, a plant

of it having flourished several years in the garden of the Uni-

versity of Pennsylvania, where I saw itin 1824. It was unfor-

tunately destroyed before producing flowers, so that it must

for the present remain undetermined to what genus it pro-

petly belongs.

(244 Plants collected during a journey

EUPHORBIACES.

397. Evupnorsta marernata, Pursh fl. ii. p. 607. Spreng.

syst. iii. p. 795. non Kunth. Sources of the Platte. Annual.

Obs. A beautiful species, now cultivated in many of the

gardens about New-York, from seeds collected by Dr. James.

This appears to be a distinct plant from Kunth’s, described

under the same name (Syn. i. p. 390.) ; that being perennial,

with the leaves narrowed at the base.

398. E. wexacona, Nutt. Spreng. syst. ill. p. 79h.

Sources of the Canadian. Found also on the Arkansa, by

Mr. Nuttall. A tall, slender, much branched species, with

linear Jeaves, and small flowers in axillary clusters.

399. E. oprusara, Pursh fl. 1. p. 606. On the Missouri.

400. E. portrunacowes, Willd? Pursh fl. i. p. 606.

On the Missouri, near Franklin.

Obs. Probably distinct from the Peruvian plant. Stem

dichotomous ; leaves oblong, retuse; flowers axillary, on

pedicels about half as long as the leaves. Whole plant very

smooth; much resembling E. polygonifolia. Annual. Mr.

“Nuttall found the same on the Arkansa.

401. E. corotuata, L. Willd. sp. ii. p. 916. On the

Canadian. :

402. KE. nyrericirouia, Willd. 1. c. ii. p. 895. On the

Missouri.

403. Diraxis? On the Canadian. I have specimens

of the same plant from Mr. Nuttall, which he collected on the

Arkansa. They are labelled, ‘‘ A new genus allied to Mer-

curialis,” but at the time he named them there was no good

description of Ditaxis published. Our plant agrees minutely

with the detailed character of this genus, as given by Kunth,

(Synop. iv. p. 204.) but Ditaxis dioica, the only species re-

corded, is arborescent, whilst this is herbaceous.

to the Rocky Mountains. 245

404. Srinninera sytvatica, L. f. salicifolva, foliis lan-

ceolatis, acutiusculis, crenato-serrulatis.

Has. On the Canadian ?

Obs. This may be a distinct species, but 1 am unable to

discover sufficient characters to separate it from S. sylvatica.

Except in the leaves being much narrower, and more distinct-

ly serrate, they appear to resemble each other exactly.

405. Croron evuieticum, Nutt. gen. ll. p. 225. excl.

syn. Sources of the Canadian.

Obs. Very distinct from C. capitatum, Micha. with which

Mr. Elliott appears to have confounded it. A variety of this

plant was found by Dr. James, with the leaves larger and

distinctly stellato-pubescent.

406. C. euanputosum, L. Pursh fl. i. p. 603. Kunth

syn. ii. p» 397. With the preceding.

Obs. This differs in some respects from the southern plant,

in the stem being minutely stellato-pubescent, whilst that is

crisped, with long spreading hairs, besides the stelle.

407. 'Tracia ramosa, caule herbaceo, piloso, ramosissi-

mo; foliis petiolatis, ovato-lanceolatis, argute serratis, sub-

tus hirsutis, basi subcordatis; racemis 4 filiformibus, pauci-

floris, basi 9

Desc. Stem about a span high, much branched, slender, hairy. Leaves

alternate, ovate-lanceolate, coarsely serrate, with acuminate serratures,

base acute or subcordate; under surface hirsute, upper with a few ap-

pressed hairs; petioles one-third of an inch long, with subulate stipules at

the base. Racemes axillary towards the upper part of the stem. Slerile

flowers superior, 6-8, on short, filiform, bracteate pedicels. Calyx 4-parted,

segments lanceolate, recurved, apex inflexed. Stamens 4. Pistil abor-

tive. Fertile flowers. Calyx 5-parted. Sligmas 3, large, recurved.

Capsule tricoccous, hispid. Seeds perfectly spherical, smooth.

Has. Sources of the Canadian?

Obs. Resembles T. urticifolia, but differs in its narrow

leaves, much branched, and smoother stem.

408. JarropHa stimuLosa, Micha. fl. ii. p. 216. On

the Canadian.

246 Plants collected during a journey

409. RuiciNis COMMUNIS, I. ‘On the Arkansa, near the

junction of the Canadian, apparently indigenous, but more

probably introduced.

URTICEZ.

410. Humunus Luruuus, L. Willd. sp. pl. iv. p. 769.

Pursh fl. i. p. 199. On the Missouri, and about the base of

the Rocky Mountains ; indigenous.

411. Panreraria PENNsyLvanica, Willd... p. 955.

Pursh fi. i. p. 114.

412. Morus rupra, LD. Pursh fl. ii. p. 639. On the

lower part of the Canadian.

413. Brovussonetra TINCTORIA, Kunth syn. 1}, p.Go7d.

Spreng. syst. iii. p. 901. Morus tinctoria, Jacq. Amer. 247.

Willd. sp. pl. iv. p. 371. Maclura aurantiaca, Nutt. gen.

ii. p. 234. James in Long’s Exped. ii. p. 158. In deep and

fertile soils along the Arkansa and Canadian.

Obs. ‘This tree rises to the height of twenty-five or thirty

feet, dividing near the ground into a number of long, slender,

and flexuous branches. The wood is of a yellowish colour,

uncommonly fine and elastic, aflording the material most used

for bows by ail the savages from the Mississippi to the Rocky

Mountains. The bark, fruit, &c. when wounded, discharge

a copious milky sap which soon dries in the air, and is after-_

wards insoluble in water; containing probably a large quan-

tity of caoutchouc. The leaves are oval and entire, five or

six inches long, and from two to three inches broad; smooth

and shining onthe upper surface. The fruit, in size and ex-

ternal appearance, resembles the largest oranges. It consists

of radiating and woody fibres, terminating in a tuberculated

and slightly papillose surface. In this fibrous mass, the seeds,

which are nearly as large as those of a quince, are dissemi-

nated.”? James, |. c.

to the Rocky Mountains. 247

Dr. James thinks the fruit of this plant never becomes pul-

py and succulent, and we believe, such is now the opinion of

Mr. Nuttall, since he has had an opportunity of examining it

m its native situation.

We have followed Kunth and Sprengel in referring the Ma~

clura to Broussonetia, and in considering it identical with the

Morus tinctoria of Sloane and others. The Arkansa appears

to be the most northern limit of this tree. To the south, it

extends into Mexico, and thence to New Grenada and Brazil,

and is also a native of the West Indies.

414. Ceutis retricunata, foliis lato-cordatis, subcoria-

ceis, subintegerrimis, obtusiusculis, basi inequalibus, supra

papilloso-scaberrimis, subtus venis elevatis reticulatis, pubes- |

centibus ; pedunculis 1-floris.

Has. Base of the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. A tall shrub. Branches compressed ; younger ones

villous. Leaves about an inch and half long, obtuse, or a

little acute, not acuminate, of a firm and almost coriaceous

texture; margin with sometimes three or four serratures ;

upper surface shining, but very scabrous; beneath reticulated

with prominent veins, pubescent and slightly scabrous ; peti-

oles about three lines long. fruit globose, solitary, on re-

curved pedicels one fourth of an inch in length.

This species is very distinct from C. occidentalis 8. integri-

folia of Nuttall.

AMENTACE.

+ Cupulifere.

415. Quercus auBa, LE. Miche. arb. ii. p. 13. t. 1.

On the Canadian.

416. Q. srenuata, Willd. Q. obtusiloba, Michzx. 1. ¢.

“ii. p. 194. t. 4. With the preceding.

417. Q. pHeLLos, Willd. Miche. |. c. t. xii. On the

Arkansa, ce.

Vor. Il. 30

248 Plants collected during a journey

418. Q.unpuLaTa, fruticosa, ramosissima; foliis brevipe-

tiolatis, oblongis, obtusiusculis, coriaceis, repando-dentatis,

undulatis, basi zequalibus, subtus pulverulento-tomentosis, su-

pra nitidis: fructibus solitariis vel geminis, sessilibus, de-

presso-hemisphericis ; squamis appressis.

Tab. LV.

Desc. A small straggling shrub; smaller branches, and under surface

of the leaves covered with a dense yellowish-brown tomentum. Leaves

rather crowded, an inch and a half or two inches long, obtuse and equal at

the base; margin much undulated and repandly dentate; teeth very short

and mucronate ; under surface reticulately veined ; upper shining, but very

minutely pubescent; petioles about three lines long. Fruit rather large,

closely sessile, solitary, or in pairs; cup depressed pei agin nut ob-

long-ovate, mucronate.

Has. Sources of the Canadian, and the Rocky Mountains:

Obs. Allied to Q. ilicifolia, and apparently also to Q. re-

panda of Humboldt and Bonpland.

5 Zs Billline.

419. Caan PUMILA, Willd. Michx. arb. ii. p. 166.

t.'7. On the Canadian.

420. Osrrya virarnica, L. Miche. 1. c. iii. t. 7. Near

the Rocky Mountains.. , +

421. Puavanus occipentatis, DL. Miche. 1. Gs U8. On

the Missouri and Canadian.

tT T Juglandee. +e

422. Jueians niera, L. Willd. sp. pl. iv. p- 456. On

the Canadian.

ttt t+ Salicine.

423. Sanix Lonerrouia, Muhl2 8. angustata, Pursh,

fl. ii. p. 613? S. foliis angusto-linearibus, utrinque attenu-

atis, glabris, concoloribus, remote denticulatis; stipulis ex-

iguis; amentis serotinis, linearibus. erectis ; fertilibus tomen-

to the Rocky Mountans. 249

tosis; germinibus sessilibus ; squamis acuminatis; stigmatibus

sessilibus, sub-bilobis.

Has. On the western rivers, to the Rocky Mountains;

common.

Obs. A shrub with smooth fuscous branches. Leaves 3-6

inches long, subfalcate, scarcely two lines broad. Probably

a new species, but nearly allied to Salix Humboldtiana of

Willdenow.

424, Poprutus TremuLomes, Miche. arb. iii. p. 285. t. 8.

f. 1. On the upper part of the Arkansa, and about the base

of the Rocky Mountains.

425. P. ancustirouia, foliis ovato-lanceolatis, attenuatis,

basi acutis, glabris, crenato-serratis ; ramulis teretibus, glabris.

P. angustifolia, James in Long’s Ex. i. p. 497. Narrow-

leaved Cotton-wood of Lewis and FfSiaclee!

Has. Sources of the Platte.

Obs. This species is found intermixed with the common

cotton-wood, which it resembles in size and habit, but its trunk

is smoother, and its branches more slender and flexile.

426. P.aneurata, Willd. sp. pl. iv. p. 805. Pursh fl. ii.

p. 619. On all the western rivers to the Mountains.

CONIFERZ.

427. Pinus restnosa, L. Pursh. fl. ii. p. 642. On the

Rocky Mountains.

428, =P. riextis, James in Long’s Ex. ii. pp. 27. and 35.

On the Rocky Mountains, extending from their base to the

region of perpetual frost.

Obs. Leaves in fives, short and rather rigid; sheaths

short and lacerate. Strobile erect; scales large, unarmed,

(something like those of P. rigida,) exuding much resin.

Branches leafy, chiefly at the extremity, remarkable for their

250 Plants collected during a journey

flexibility, numerous and recurved, forming a large dense top.

The hunters and Indians use the seeds for food. This species

appears to be allied to Pinus occidentalis of Mexico.

429. P. nigra, Pursh fl. ii. p. 640. On the Rocky

Mountains, with the two following.

430. P. canadensis, Pursh |. c.

Ee ee ee BALSAMEA, L. Pursh fl. ii. p. 639.

432. Juniperus communis, L. Pursh fl. ii. p.646. On

the Rocky Mountains. |

433. J. vireiniana, L. Pursh 1. c. p. 647. . Sources of

the Arkansa and Platte to the Rocky Mountains.

MONOCOTYLEDONEZ.

ORCHIDEZ,

434. Orcuis piwatTata, Pursh fi. ii. p. 588. Sources of

the Platte and Arkansa.

IRIDE.

435. Sisyrincnium mucronatum, Wich. Torr. fl. i.p. 42.

On the Missouri and Platte.

LILIACE.

436. Yucca rimamentosa, Willd. Pursh fl.i. p. 227.

Summit of dry sandy ridges on the upper part of the Platte.

Obs. Root 2-3 inches in diameter, descending undivided

to a great depth, and then branching. .

437. Catocuortus ELEGANS, Pursh fl. i. p. 240. Base

of the Rocky Mountains.

3 te

. ww? t -

* 7

to the Rocky Mountatns. 251

ASPHODELEZ.

438. ZicaDENus evecans, Pursh fl. i. p. 241. paren and

waste places along the Arkansa. .

439. Z. curoranruvus, Richards. app. ed...2. pa), 12.

Melanthium glaucum, WVutt gen. i. p. 232. On the Platte.

440. Sciuna escutenta, Bot. mag. 1574. Phalangiam

esculentum, Nutt. gen. i. p. 219. P. Quamash, Pursh fli,

p- 226. On the Arkansa, &c. oR

441. Anum striatum, D. Don monog. all. p. 100. Willd.

sp. ple ii. p. 77. Pursh fl. i. p. 223. About the lead mines

of Missouri.

442. Mervantuium uysripum, Walt. Pursh fl. i. p. QAI.

On the Missouri.

443. OnrNITHOGALUM BRACTEATUM, scapo bracteato, uni-

floro, tereti; petalis oblongo-lanceolatis, obtusiusculis ; fila-

mentis linearibus ; foliis filiformibus, canaliculatis. .

Desc. Roof perennial. Scape about four inches high, clothed at the

base with numerous lanceolate marcescent sheaths, erect, terete, smooths

slender, furnished at regular intervals with linear-lanceolate bracts, one of

which is immediately below the flower. Flower pale purple, erect ; exterior

petals oblong-lanceolate, rather obtuse, obscurely three nerved ; interior,

somewhat narrower, without nerves. S¢amens 6, shorter than the corolla ;

Jilaments narrow-linear, smooth ; anthers oblong, yellow. Germen oblong,

obtusely triangular, 3-celled ; style subtriangular, dilated upwards, pmogtl,

stigma capitate, somewhat 3-lobed.

Has. Onthe Rocky Mountains.

Obs. Resembles O. spathaceum of Europe, but differs in

its 1-flowered scape, Nc.

ALISMACE.

444, Auisma Puantaco, L. Willd. sp. pl. ii. p. 276.

Sources of the Platte.

445. Saairraria sacitrirois, L. Willd. sp. pl. iv. p. 408.

Sources of the Platte.

253) Plants collected during a journey

COMMELINEZ.

446. Trapescantia vireinica, L. Pursh fl. i. p. 218.

Dry gravelly hills about the lead mines of Missouri.

447. Commetina ancustironia, Micha. fl. i. p. 24?

Sources of the Canadian.

Obs. The flowers are rather too much injured to enable

me to determine the species of this plant satisfactorily.

FLUVIALES.

448. Poramocrron navans, L. Willd. sp. pls is ps i712.

Ponds near the Platte.

449. P. riuitans, L. Willd. |. c. p. 713. With the

preceding.

450. P. piversirouium, Bart. Torr. fl. i. p. 197. Sources

of the Canadian ?

451. Myniopuytitum verticityatum, L. Willd. sp.

pl. iv. p. 406. Ponds near the Platte.

CYPERACE.

452. Cyperus mnrLexus, Muhl. Torr. fl.i. p. 59. C.

uncinatus, Pursh fl. i. p. 50. C. Purshii, R. & S.ii. p. 177.

Upper part of the Arkansa and Platte.

453. Scirpus macrostacuyos, Muhl. Torr. fl. i. p. 50.

Swamps along the Missouri. Dr. Baldwin.

454. S. uineatus, Miche. fl. i. p. 32. Torr. fl. i. p. 51.

With the preceding.

455. Furrena squarrosa, Michx. jl. i. p. 37. On the

Arkansa ?

to the Rocky Mountains. 253

GRAMINE.

456. Cencurus ecuinatus, L. Willd. sp. pl. i. p. 117.

Torr. fl. i. p. 68.. Sources of the Canadian.

Obs. Extremely annoying to travellers, the spines of the

flowers adhering tenaciously to the dress, and penetrating to

the skin.

457. _SparTINa cynosuroipEs, Willd. On the Platte.

Obs. Mr. Nuttall informs me that it was this species, and

not S. glabra, which he found on the upper Missouri.

458. . Mrecra MacrosperMA, Pers. syn.i. p. 102. Pursh ne

i. p- 59. On the Arkansa and Canadian.

459. AGROsTIS CrypTANDRA, &c. vid. Ann. Lye. i. p.

L5L..and, 152.

460. Potyrocon racemosus, Nutt. Torr. fl. i. p. 92.

On the Missouri.

461. ArisripA PALLENS, Nutt. About the Forks of

the Platte.

462. A. rascicunata, Torr. in Ann. 3, 0 te pe 1 58:

On the Canadian.

463. BeckmManniIA ERUCIFoRMIS, Jacq. Nutt or p- 48.

On the Platte.

464. Eriocoma cuspipaTa, Nutt. gen. i. p. 40. On the

Platte.

465. Stipa parsBata, Miche. fl. i. p. 53. Sources of the

Platte and Canadian.

Obs. Grows with the Cenchrus echinatus, and like that

plant is very troublesome ; the bearded awns adhering to and

penetrating the dress.

466. Keoxrmria nitipa, Nutt. gen. i. p. 74. On the

Missouri.

467. ‘Txicusris sesLeriowEs, Torr. fl. i. p. 118. Poa

seslerioides, Michw. fl. i. p. 68. Sources of the Platte.

254 Plants collected during a journey

468. Sesieria pactyLomweEs, Nutt. gen. i. p. 65. On

the Platte.

469. Unroua spicata, L. Torr. fl. p. 105. Missouri.

470. U.srricta, Torr. in Ann. Lyc.}.c. On the Canadian.

471. Leprurus panicutatus, Vutt. gen. i. p.81. Platte.

472. Aicitops HysTRIx, JVult. gen. i. p. 86. On the

Missouri and Platte.

473... ANpropoGon Furcatum, Juhl. Torr. fl. i. p. 157.

Upper part of the Arkansa.

474, A. euavcum, Torr. in Ann. Lyc. |. c. Canadian.

475. AtTHErropogon apLupowEs, Muhl. Torr. fl. i. p. 139.

On the Platte.

476. A.? onicosracuyum, Nutt. gen. i. p. 78. Torr. in

Sill. jour. iv. p. 58. On the Platte.

Obs. ‘Scarcely of the same genus with the preceding.

477. Enxymus striatus, Willd. Pursh jl.i.p. 89. Upper

part of the Arkansa.

478. Horpreum supatum, Ait. Pursh fl. i. p. 89. On |

the Missouri and Platte.

479. H. pusinium, Nutt. gen. i. p. 87. On the Missouri.

480. Puevrapuis Jamesir, Torr. in Ann. Lyc. i. p. 149.

t.x. Sources of the Canadian.

481. Crypsis? squarrosa, JVutt. gen. 1. p- 49. Near

the Rocky Mountains.

Obs. This cannot be a congener with C. schcenoides, Lam.

(C. virginica. Nutt. I]. c. excl."syn.) I should rather be in-

clined to consider it the type of a new genus.

Experiments on the Sanguinaria canadensis. 245

sete

An Account of some Experiments on the Root laf the San-

GUINARIA CANADENSIS. By James Freeman Dana, M.D.

Professor of Chemistry in the University of the State 2

New-York. Read March 26, 1827.

§1.

In July 1824, I commenced a series of experiments on

the blood-root, with a view to discover some method of

separating the coloring principle, and of making it useful in

the arts. The abies of the experiments was not attained;

but in the course of the investigation, some circumstances

occurred which indicated the presence of alkaline matter, and

the researches which have been made on it, have led to the

inference that it is a peculiar vegeto-alkali. Whether it be

entitled to rank or not, it will, in the following account, be

called Sanguinarine, or Sanguinayina.*

§ 2.

The root, by drying, loses about one-seventh part of its

weight. When the recent root is boiled in water, and the

liquid filtered, a brownish yellow solution is obtained, which

presents the following results by the action of re-agents:

J. Solution of pure potash produces a greenish precipitate,

which, on the addition of acids, becomes of a fine red color.

*In April 1826, a friend showed me a notice in the New-York Medical

and Physical Journal, of a chemical examination of Blood-root by Dr.

Brirp, who made it the subject of an Inaugural Dissertation. Alkaline

matter was found in it, and supposed to be the same as that afforded by Po-

ruvian Bark. I have never seen the original memoir.

Vou. II. 31

246 Experiments on the Sanguinaria canadensis.

2. Solution of chloride of gold produces a brown-colored

precipitate, in which the gold is reduced to the metallic state.

3. Solution of deuto-chloride of mercury affords two dis-

tinct precipitates ; one of a brick-red color, the other of a

dark brownish-red hue.

4. Solution of proto-chloride of tin, produces a light flesh-

red precipitate ;

5. Solution of per-chloride of iron, a brown precipitate ;

6. Solution of binacetate of lead, a light clay-colored pre-

cipitate ;

7. Solution of nitrate of silver, a dark brown precipitate;

8. Solution of per-sulphate of iron, a reddish brown pre-

cipitate ; and,

9. Tincture of iodine produces a precipitate; but

10. The watery solution of iodine produces none, but a

change only of color.

11. The infusion of the root in cold water, gave the same

results with the above-named tests, and afforded also a pre-

cipitate with solution of silicated potash.

12. Water distilled from the recent root, has a slight em-

pyreumatic odor, and nauseous taste.

13. A very dilute solution of carbonate of potash boiled

on the root, acquired a fine tint of reddish brown: an acid

dropped into it, caused the whole to become gelatinous.

14. Alcohol digested on the recent root, acquires a slight

color: when this solution is poured into cold water, a milky

fluid is the result.

15. Sulphuric ether digested on the dry powdered root,

acquires, after a few hours, a yellowish color, and leaves a

reddish brown matter undissolved. The etherial solution,

when evaporated, leaves a resinous matter of a brown red

color, slightly adhesive, and of a very acrid taste.

16. Pure dilute acetic acid digested on the root, acquires

a bright red color, having an acrid taste like that of the root.

The acetic solution, evaporated to dryness, leaves a red-co-

Experiments on the Sanguinaria canadensis. 247

lored mass, slightly adhesive, and of a very acrid taste. This

red matter is soluble in water; and this watery solution affords

a bright red precipitate, with proto-chloride of tin; is not

altered by solution of alum, but is changed to a yellowish

brown color by carbonate of potash. Some unsuccessful

attempts were made to fix this color on cotton.

§ 3.

An analysis of the root of the §. canadensis, with a view

to separate its proximate principles, was attempted, but the

results were not satisfactory. A detail of the experiments is

here stated, rather to show the utter insufficiency of some of

the usual modes of vegetable analysis, than for any other

purpose.

(1.) ‘Two hundred grains of the dried root in fine powder,

were rubbed to a paste with cold water, in a clean glass mor-

tar, and the whole transferred to a glass jar; cold water was

then added, and the whole suffered to stand, with occasional

stirring, for twenty-four hours. <A clear yellow solution was

thus obtained, which was cautiously decanted, and the remain-

ing portion was repeatedly washed with cold water, as long

as it appeared to extract any soluble matter. The solution

thus procured was then concentrated by evaporation, and

during this process its color became darker, and changed to

a brown, and small insoluble flakes appeared. The whole was

now evaporated to dryness at 212° F., and weighed 26 grains.

The color of the substance thus procured, was not altered by

acids, nor did it affect litmus paper. After standing a few

days, it was found to have deliquiated; and on the addition

of cold water, a partial solution was effected, which had a

brown color, and produced on turmeric paper the usual effect

of alkalies. A careful examination of this fluid showed that

it contained carbonate of soda, nitrate of potash, sulphate of

lime, and a trace of some compound containing chlorine.

243. Experiments on the Sanguinaria canadensis.

(2.) The reddish brown residuum left after the action of

cold water, was then digested in dilute alcohol, as long as that

fluid acquired any color from it. The clear solution thus

obtained, was of a beautiful red color; the aleohol was dis-

tilled off, the liquid became turbid, and when evaporated

afforded a residuum weighing 2.1 grains. It contained resin,

a trace of starch, by. solution of iodine, and extractive matter

probably altered. at

(3.) The insoluble residuum of process (2.) was boiled in a

large quantity of water; the insoluble portion separated by

filtration, and well washed: it consisted of ligneous fibre prin-

cipally, and when dried at 212°, weighed 102 grains.

(4.) The fluid (3.) was concentrated, and became darker

colored: evaporated to dryness, a brown matter was obtained,

which presented the characteristics of starch. Dried at 212°,

it weighed 75 grains.

(5.) Two hundred grains of the dried root, when consumed

in a crucible, left five grains of earthy and saline matter; in

which carbonate of potash, carbonate of soda, carbonate and

sulphate of lime, were detected: indications also of magnesia

were observed. ,

The results of this analysis then are:

Grains.

Matters soluble in cold water, Go extractive

and saline) ANE Be io: o 6) QE

Matters soluble in dilute aieottol eau -extrac-

tive) ies Haein: aps ; : 2.1

- Matters soluble in iailtae water, caticele be ) 75.

Remi bcolible residues. si-)o<<) ecm fein, lok » LORE

vie 203.1

Experiments on the Sanguinaria canadensis. 249

“Ory Vegetable matter, . . . 195 grs.

Saline and earthy matter, . 5

: 200

§ 4.

_The analysis of vegetable substances, made in the manner

above-mentioned, can be of very limited utility, except per-

haps for the purposes of pharmacy. This analysis has failed

altogether in separating the coloring principle, and the prin-

ciple in which resides the acrid quality of the root; and the

substances which it has presented to us, may perhaps with

_ propriety be considered as products of the processes, formed

by the re-action of the vegetable principles upon each other.

Other experiments were therefore instituted, both with a view

of obtaining the coloring and the acrid principle.

A portion of the dried root in fine powder was digested in

absolute alcohol: the liquid, after the lapse of several hours,

was separated by filtration; it was of a deep red color. A

few drops of this solution evaporated to dryness on a watch-

glass, afforded a light brown matter; water digested on it a

yellow color, and an acrid taste; and the portion insoluble in

water, became of a lighter color by the action of that liquid,

and changed the color of turmeric paper to a reddish brown.

It appeared probable that this effect was produced by a

vegeto-alkali. A few drops of the aqueous solution of ammo-

nia were added to a portion of the solution, which threw down

a gray precipitate: this was allowed to subside, and the fluid

was decanted: water was then added, and boiled, with some

freshly prepared and finely pulverized charcoal, and the whole ~

filtered, and the portion on the filter was washed with cold

water. Alcohol was then digested on the matter remaining:

on the filter, and afterward was evaporated to dryness: a white

pearly substance remained, having an acrid taste, and render-

ing brown the yellow of the turmeric, and changing the infu-

250 Experiments on the Sanguinaria canadensis.

sions, and paper stained with the infusion of the purple cabbage,

to a green.

§ 5.

To the substance thus obtained, I have ventured to give

the name Sanguinarina, or Sanguinarine ; but the first name

is preferable, as the termination in a is in accordance with the

name of the other alkaline bodies.

Sanguinarina may be obtained from the roots of the S.

canadensis by several processes :

Ist. By infusing the powdered root in warm water, and

- adding to it a small quantity of ammonia, potash, lime, or

magnesia, a precipitate falls, consisting of the impure sangui-

narina, which may be purified in the manner to be mentioned

below.

2nd. By infusing the powdered root in water acidulated

with muriatic, or acetic acid, (and probably other acids would

produce the same effect,) a very red-colored solution is pro-

cured, from which ammonia, potash, lime or magnesia sepa-

rate the impure sanguinarina. When thus procured, it is of

a dark color, but may be purified by dissolving it in pure

alcohol, and pouring the solution into cold water; a white

precipitate instantly appears, which after some time subsides:

or the alkali may be obtained pure, by boiling the impure

substance with recently prepared charcoal, suffering the liquor

to cool, and filtering. Alcohol poured on the filter, will dis-

solve the sanguinarina.

Sanguinarina has the following properties: When first

obtained, it is white and colorless, but becomes of a yellowish

white, or nearly bufi-colored, when exposed for a long time

to the air—a change which is probably due to the action of

carbonic acid. It is in the form of fine grains; its taste is

Officers

Elected February 1827.

President.

JOSEPH DELAFIELD.

Vice-Presidents.

ABRAHAM HALSEY, JAMES E. DEKAY.

Corresponding Secretary.

JEREMIAH VAN RENSSELAER.

Recording Secretary and Librarian.

JOHN I. GRAVES.

Treasurer.

WILLIAM COOPER.

Curators.

I. COZZENS, J. DELAFIELD, D. H. BARNES,

J. I. GRAVES, dy F. DANA,

Conmittee of Publication.

Messrs. COOPER,

DELAFIELD,

DEKAY,

BARNES,

HALSEY.

[The Binder can place this leaf at the beginning of the Volums.}

Experiments on the Sanguinaria canadensis, 251

extremely acrid; but it requires a long time to develope its

taste, in consequence of its little solubility. ‘The impression

gradually extends over the mouth and fauces, and down the

cesophagus, and becomes painful: sickness and debility

ensue.

Sanguinarina is very sparingly soluble in water; but is

soluble in ether, and very soluble in alcohol. It affords a pre-

cipitate with tincture of galls, insoluble in ammonia, but

soluble in alcohol.

The alcoholic solution evaporated, leaves a white pearly

crystalline crust or mass.

Sanguinarina combines with acids, and forms salts: all the

salts are olored, and present some shade of red, crimson, or

scarlet, and the color is of great intensity and beauty. ‘The

change of color which takes place when the white alkali is

combined with a white and colorless acid, is a peculiarly

striking effect. The muriate, sulphate, nitrate, phosphate,

acetate, and tartrate, have been made the subjects of experi-

ment: they all have more or less of an acrid taste: the mu-

riate and the acetate are peculiarly pungent and acrid. The

salts are soluble in water and in alcohol, and form red-colored

solutions of great beauty. The white alkali, when exposed

to vapor of acids, instantly changes to a red.

When ammonia, potash, lime or magnesia, is added to the

solutions of the combinations of sanguinarina with acids, the

vegeto-alkaline matter is separated, or its salts are decomposed,

and the sanguinarina is obtained in an unaltered state, if it has

been acted on by a dilute acid; but if it have been combined

with a concentrated acid, ammonia or the other alkalies will.

separate it in an altered state. ‘Thus if the veeto-alkali be

added to strong muriatic acid, or strong nitric acid, a red-

colored compound is procured, from which ammonia sepa-

rates a dark purple precipitate. This precipitate is soluble

in alcohol, and forms a reddish-colored solution, and appears

Vox. Il. 32 ;

252 Experiments on the Sangurnaria canadensis.

to be a compound of the alkali and acid, in proportions dif-

ferent from those existing in the soluble compounds.

The coloring matter in the root of the S. canadensis, is a

compound of the sanguinarina and an acid, or a salt; and it

is not known with certainty what acid exists in it, whether it

be a peculiar acid, or one which is already well known. Mr.

Augustus A. Hayes, an indefatigable and successful cultivator

of science,—who was formerly my pupil, and subsequently

assistant in my Lectures, and to whom I am indebted for much

assistance in the examination of this vegetable,—is favorably

situated for ascertaining the nature of the acid contained in

the blood-root, and is engaged in prosecuting the inquiry. It

is not improbable that the coloring matter of other vegetables

may be found to consist of a salifiable basis and an acid: but

[ forbear to enter into the speculations which might arise from

the facts now presented to the Lyceum. I believe that it may

be considered established—

1. That the S. canadensis contains a peculiar vegeto-

alkali, or salifiable basis.

2. That this vegeto-alkali possesses the general properties

of similar bodies, but is distinguished from all others by form-

ing colored salts with acids: and,

3. That the coloring matter of the blood-root is a vege-

table salt. ;

An early opportunity will be embraced to present a more

particular account of the combinations of this substance.

[dp |

Analysis of the Copper Ore of Franconia.

Analysis of the Copper Ore of Franconia, New-Hampshire,

with remarks on Pyrirous Copper. By James FREEMAN

Dana, M.D. Professor of Chemistry in the University of

the State of New-York. Read April 2, 1827. |

Tue chemical constitution of pyritous copper, in common

with that of many other minerals, has been involved in great

obscurity. The ore is known to contain not only copper

and sulphur, but also iron, as a constant constituent and in

variable proportions ; the proportion of copper having been

stated from 35.5 to 40, of iron from 33 to 40, and sulphur

from 20 to 25, and the mineral has been regarded as a me-

chanical mixture of these bodies, rather than as an atomic

compound of sulphurets of copper, and sulphurets of iron.

‘“‘ There does not,’’ says Professor Cleveland, ‘“ appear to be

sufficient sulphur to produce two sulphurets.”* A different

view of the subject, however, is embraced by Proust, and a

gleam of light has been thrown on the constitution of pyritous

copper, by the analysis of Mr. Rose.

It appears to be established by the experiments of Thom-

son, to whom the atomic theory is so much indebted for its

elaborate experimental conr mation, that there are three dis-

tinct compounds of sulphur and iron, viz.

1. Protosulphuret of iron, containing 1 atom ofiron -+- 1 atom ofsulph.

2. Sesquisulphuret of iron, do. l do. 1} do.

3. Bisulpburet of iren, do. 1 do. 2 do.

Two of these compounds, the first and the third under the

names of magnetic pyrites, and of sulphuret of iron, have

been long known to mineralogists ; and their composition was

* Mineralogy, 2d ed. Vol. II. p. 55%.

+ First Princ. pp 19). 192. Vol. II.

254 Analysis of the Copper Ore of Franconia.

ascertained by the masterly and accurate analysis of Mr.

-Hatchett.* It is evident that the sesquisulphuret may be

considered 2s a compound of one atom of the sulphuret, and

‘one atom of the bisulphuret. There are also several com-

pounds of sulphur and copper, and different views have been

entertained of their constitution by different chemists, which

depend on the adoption of the number 32, or of 64, as repre-

senting the atomic weight of copper on the hydrogene scale.

Taking with Wollaston, Thompson, and others, the number

32, as the equivalent number of copper, the three sulphurets

of that metal will be constituted as follows :+

1. Disulphuret of copper, containing 2 atoms of copper +- 1 atom of sulph.

2. Sulphuret of copper, do. 1 do. 1 do.

3. Bisulphuret of copper, do. 1 do, 2 do.

The first compound is the sulphuret of copper, or cepper

elance of mineralogists; the latter is a product of art; the

second has not been formed artificially, but exists in the va-

riety of pyritous copper, analysed by Mr. Rose; a variety

which he has shown to contain copper, sulphur and iron, in

such proportions as to form one atom of the sulphuret of

iron, and cne atom of the sulphuret of copper above named.

The variable proportions of the constituents of pyritous cop-

per, which accurate chemical analysis proves to exist in dif-

ferent specimens of the ore, will not permit us to consider

them as possessing the same atomic constitution, as that which

was the subject of the experiments of Mr. Rose. My atten-

tion has recently been called to this subject, in consequence

of the observations of Dr. Thomson on sesquisulphuret of

iron, and J submit to the Lyceum, the results of a careful

* Phil. Trans. 1804,

+ First. Prine. p. 199. Vol. II.

Analysis of the Copper Ore of Franconi. 255

analysis of the Franconia ore, which was made about three

Yeats aee- ts 2a

The ore occurs in a vein of quartz traversing the mica

slate, which forms the mountains of Franconia, a part of the

group of the White Hills; it presents the usual characters of

lustre, colour, tarnish, &c. of pyritous copper, and it is asso-

ciated with the sulphuret of iron of mineralogists, from which

it can be separated by mechanical means. Arsenical cobalt*

iS found imbedded in the mica slate, and the rock itself pre-

sents a distinct blush of peach blossom colour.

The specific gravity of the ore, from two specimens, was in

one 4.039, the other 4.040. The presence of iron, copper,

and sulphur, having been detected in this ore by preliminary

experiments, a portion was selected as being pure and appa-

rently unmexed with sulphuret of iron, and analyzed in the

following manner.

(A.) Fifty grains in fine powder were digested in dilute

nitric acid; the green coloured solution thus obtained was

decanted, and a few drops of muriatic acid were added to the

insoluble residue ; the solutions were mingled, and the inso-

Juble residue was well washed.

(B.) To the solution thus obtained, after concentration,

aqueous ammonia in excess was added; the whole was thrown

on a filter, and the precipitate thoroughly edulcorated, dried

and weighed; it was oxide of iron equivalent to 14.09 of

metal.

(C.) The ammoniacal solution was heated with pure potash

water, and the precipitate obtained was washed and dried ; it

* Silliman’s Journal, Vol. VIII.

256 Anulysis of the Copper Ore of Franconia.

consisted of oxide of copper, the weight of which was alee

valent to 15.95 of the metal.

(D.) The insoluble portion (A.) was carefully dried, and

weighed 7.50 grains ; exposed to heat it took fire and burnt

with a blue flame, losing in this manner 7.40 grains, equiva-

lent to sulphur 7.40.

(E.) The portion remaining after the combustion of the

sulphur was silex; it weighed as nearly as could be ascer-

tained 0.05 grains.

(F.) 'To the liquor separated by filtration from the pre-

cipitate (C.), a solution of chloride of Barium (mur. barytes)

was added; sulphate of Baryta was precipitated ; it was well

washed, and dried, and its weight was equivalent to 12.50

grains of sulphur.

Hence, fifty grains of the Franconia ore contain by analysis,

Copper, (C) 15.95. or, per cent. 31.90

Iron, (B) 14.09 do. 28.18

Sulphur, (D & F) 19.90 do. 39.80

Silex, 00.05 do. 00.10

49.99 99°98

Loss 0.01 2

50.00 100.00

If the silex which exists in very small quantity be neglected

as an accidental admixture, the remaining substances will ex-

ist nearly in such proportions as constitute one atom of sul-

phuret of copper, and one atom of the sesquisulphuret of

iron. Such an ore would consist of one atom * el

pe cena

“Analysis of the Copper Ore of Franconia. 257

+ one atom of iron, + two and a half atoms of sulphur, or

should contain in 100 parts,

By theory. And we have by experiment,

Copper = =n BP ym oo manu al wee

Iron, - = 28 - - - - 28.20

Sulphur, - - 40 - - - - 39.85

100 100.00

The slight differences presented between the experimental

results and theoretical composition, are, no doubt, to be as-

cribed to unavoidable errors of manipulation, and we may

conclude, therefore, that the specimen of the Franconia ore

which was the subject of experiment, is composed of,

One atom of sulphuret of copper -- one atom of sesquisul-

phuret of iron.

An attempt was made at the time the analysis was perform-

ed, to reduce the composition to an atomic expression, but

being unacquainted with the sesquisulphuret of iron, at that

period, I was unable to do it.

It appears highly probable that there are, at least, two

distinct species of copper pyrites, which have always been

confounded with each other, viz. a pyritous copper consist-

ing of,

Sulphuret of copper, 1 atom = 45

Sulphuret of iron, 1 atom = 44, analyzed

by Mr. Rose, and the ore of Franconia consisting of,

Sulphuret of copper, 1 atom = 48.

Sesquisulphuret of iron, 1 atom = 52.

One of these varieties contains 40 per cent. of sulphur, and

the other 34.78. Notwithstanding the difference in the com-

258 Analysis of the Copper Ore of Franconia.

position of these varieties of pyritous copper, they do not pre-

sent any specific characters which will guide the minal

in distinguishing them, except, indeed, it be possible that the

specific gravity may be taken as a sufficiently precise character

for this purpose. It does not appear probable that bodies having

exactly the same chemical constitution, will differ essentially in

their gravity. It would be desirable that some of the heavier

copper pyrites should be subjected to a chemical analysis,

with the express object of ascertaining whether they do or do

not agree in composition with that of the double sulphuret of —

copper and iron, while the less heavy may be found to agree

with thai of the Franconia ore.

The mineralogical characters of pyritous copper do not,

nor, so far asa careful inspection of the cleavage will warrant

the inference, do the crystallographical characters, present

any marks for making a subdivision of the species, and yet it

may be considered as sufficiently established, that there are

essential differences in the chemical constitution.

¢ PHACELIA INTEGRIFOLIA .

ey ea eee or

QUERCUS

UNDULATA

Toh PUA

Dissection of two doubtful reptiles. mS” gal59

ie 4 po .

Account of the dissection of a Proteus of the Lakes

(Menobranchus) ; with remarks on the SIREN INTERMEDIA.

By J. Avcustine Smirn. Read May 14, 1827.

Tue length of the Proteus was ten inches. Its color -

gray, interspersed with blue circular spots. The tail was

broad and anguilliform. The head was large, the mouth

wide, and both jaws, particularly the upper one, well fur-

nished with sharp teeth. ‘The under part of the throat, and

the central portion of the abdomen, were white. The late-

ral portions of this last resembled the back, except that its

tints were lighter.

The two anterior extremities were longer, but more slender

than the hinder ones. Every foot was furnished with four

toes. The soles of these feet were covered with a thick

brown cuticle. This extended a short distance up the toes

like the fingers of a glove, and terminated abruptly, as if these

fingers had been cut off. At the extremities of the toes, this

cuticular covering was very dark and conical, exhibiting the

appearance of nails, but these appendages did not exist.

The feet, exceedingly resembled small hands without the

middle finger.

The gills, or branchia, were large, trilobate, and beautifully

fringed or tufted.

There were two oblong spiracula on each side of unequal

size, the larger half, an inch long, the smaller, about half that

length. They both communicated freely with the throat.

Dissection.

The liver was large, its edges considerably indented, form-

ing irregular lobes. It was connected with the anterior part

of the abdomen by a fold of peritoneum, forming a long deli-

cate suspensory ligament. The stomach was long, and full

of food in various states of digestion ; one insect, however,

Vou.: II. 33

260 Dissection of two doubtful reptiles.

was still so perfect, that I have presented it to the Lyceum.

It was recognised as the larva of a species of libellula.

The pyloric contraction of the stomach was very evident,

and an inch below it, the hepatic duct entered the duodenum.

The spleen was connected with the left side of the stomach,

there were no pancreas.

The heart was contained in a very large pericardium. It

was large, membranous, and irregular; but the quicksilver

with which I attempted to inject it escaped, so that I could

not determine its real shape. One vessel alone, I presume

the aorta, arose from its right side. 'The inferior cava en-

tered below. From the length of time the animal had been

kept in spirits, I could not trace these vessels to my satisfac-

tion. Dr. Mitchill, I understand, expects a further supply,

when I hope to be more fortunate.

In the inferior part of the throat the glottis opened. The

passage was one eighth of an inch in its antero-posterior

diameter, but very narrow. I have passed a thread through

it of a red color, so as to mark it, as otherwise it would not

be very perceptible. This passage communicated with the

lungs, only one of which I could inflate. This lung is a sac

about three eighths of an inch in diameter, and four and a half

inches long when inflated.

Here then is an animal furnished with one organ for the in-

halation of air, and with another for extricating oxygen from

the water, so that it is really and truly amphibious. This

anatomical conclusion is confirmed by observation, our learn-

ed President, Major Delafield, having frequently seen the

Proteus on the shores of the lakes, although the water be its

proper element. ;

The celebrated Cuvier* admits that animals of this de-

* See Observations de Zoologie, par Humboldt and Bonpland, Vol. I.

p- 93. et seq. Paris. 1811.

Dissection of two doubtful reptiles. 261

scription can live in either air or water, but then he considers

them as permanent larva. With all proper deference to the

great comparative anatomist, this appears to me to be a con-

tradiction in terms. By a larva, is understood an animal in

a state of transition from a less perfect to a more perfect

form of existence; permanency, therefore, is excluded by the

definition. :

The only objection which I am aware of, to the really am-

phibious nature of the Proteus is, that some of the Sirens

have branchial projections, which certainly will not answer

the purpose of gills. The reply to this is, that nature never

makes sudden and violent transitions ; and the projections in

question, consequently, are to perfect branchia, what the ru-

diments of posterior extremities in the Boa, are to the same

members in ordinary quadrupeds.

In conclusion, I have to inform the Lyceum, that I have

made a preparation of the Proteus, proving the facts which

have been stated. It will be placed on the table, as soon as

I can obtain a jar proper for its exhibition.

Since the above was written, I have examined another ani-

mal belonging to the same family, which has recently been

made known by our associate, Captain Le Conte, as the Siren

intermedia. (See p. 133 of this volume.)

The length of the specimen is seven inches and a quarter,

but a portion of the tail appears to have been lost by some

accident. Its color is a very dark uniform blue. It has two

limbs corresponding to the anterior members of the Proteus,

but no vestige of posterior extremities is to be seen; so that

had Diogenes been able to procure one of these Sirens, he

would not have been under the necessity of plucking the un-

fortunate cock, to produce the man of Plato.

The branchia are trilobate, but much less fringed or tufted

than the corresponding parts in the Proteus, and consequent-

262 Dissection of two doubtful reptiles.

ly, less adapted to the purpose of aérating the blood. As,

however, blood and air will act reciprocally upon each other

through bladder, this circumstance will not of necessity pre-

vent these projections from performing the office of gills.

The internal structure of the animal was found so precisely

to resemble that of the Proteus, that a detailed account of it

is deemed superfluous. I may remark, however, that the

mouth is devoid of teeth.

The Edinburgh Philosophical Journal,Vol.V. contains some

remarks on the Szren lacertina and Proteus anguinus. 'The

author of these remarks admits the former of these animals to

be amphibious; the latter, he insists, is exclusively aquatic.

The former he considers a larva, the latter he concedes, of

course, to be perfect. That the Siren, however, is no larva,

has been proved in this city, where one has been kept alive

for two or three years until it died, without its showing any

disposition to change its form.

The reasons assigned for supposing the Proteus to be a fish,

as far as respiration is concerned, are as follows: First, the

want of a distinct pulmonary circulation. Secondly, their

being no apparatus for filling and emptying, what Cuvier and

myself consider as lungs, but what the authors in question

contend, are nothing more than the ordinary air-bladders of

fish. Thirdly, the length and intricacy of the passage by

which these lungs or air-bags, communicate with the atmos-

phere. Lastly, the inability, as they say, under which the

Proteus labours, of existing any where except in the water.

This last remark, if well founded, is doubtless conclusive ;

but the other arguments, although ingenious and not without

their weight, are not insuperable.

It is admitted that blood* is sent to the organs in question;

* Note. According to Cuvier, the whole of the blood passes through

the pulmonary system, an arrangement altogether incompatible with the

idea of mere nutrition.

Dissection of two doubtful reptiles. 263

and whether it is carried by a distinct pulmonary artery, and

returned by one or more separate pulmonary veins, proves

nothing. ‘That the pulmonic circulation is independent in

the superior animals, I acknowledge; but among the inferior

orders of creation, the two systems become more or less blend-

ed, and it is quite impossible to say, to what extent this com-

bination is carried.

With regard to the lungs, as I suppose them to be, that they

do communicate with the external air is certain ; that they

do contain that fluid is also certain; our inability, therefore,

to explain how this is brought about, does not appear to be so

important.

But this last point is, in fact, the true one, and the evidence

in its favour seems to me to be conclusive. Our learned and

indefatigable President, as I before stated, having seen the

Proteus running from the shore, where they had been lying,

into the water, informs me, that the inhabitants of the lakes

uniformly aver, that these animals are in the habit of leaving

the water, and of remaining upon the dry land for an indefi-

nite length of time, until they are disturbed and alarmed,

when they immediately hurry into the water. On the whole

then, I conceive, that the opinion above stated by me is

correct ; ‘‘ that here is a race of animals really amphibious,

and consequently, capable of living either in the air or water.”

264 Description of a new species of Diodon.

Description of an apparently new species of Diopon. By

S. L. Mircuinu. Read May 28, 1827.

I RECEIVED a short time since, through Lieutenant Abraham

L. Sands, late of the United States Army, a small fish, which

he said was washed on board the brig Ganges of Boston, in

latitude 38° N. and longitude 62° W. from Greenwich. The

specimen was in such excellent preservation, that all the ich-

thyological characters were entire. On examination it seemed

to have escaped the attention of former observers; and of

course, to be worthy of being announced to the scientific

world. It had the orbicular figure, the two-toothed mouth,

and the prickly skin of the Diodon family. (See pl. 5. fig 1.)

It may be ranked among fishes of the smallest size ; for the

depth from back to belly, was not more than three quarters

of an inch; and the length, from the mouth to the end of the

tail, scarcely an inch; so that deducting the length of the

tail, which does not amount to a quarter of an inch, the figure

was a sort of ellipsis, of which the back was one extremity,

and the belly the other. The body was rather thick and

chubby. ‘Though so small, there was every appearance of

full growth. The colours were olive-brown on the back, and

silver-white on the sides and belly.

Eyes large in proportion to the magnitude of the fish, with

white and shining irides; and situated high in the head,

which was associated with the body in such a manner that

there was no proper neck.

The mouth though distinct, was small, with but little pro-

minency, and furnished with lips.

There were no more than four fins, two pectorals, one dor-

sal, and the caudal. ‘The pectorals were situated about the

centre of the broad side, and consisted, as nearly as I could

count them, of sixteen or seventeen rays. The dorsal was

situated posterior to the vertex of the back ; stood very erect ;

Description of a new species of Diodon. 265

had a sort of wrinkled or puckered skin at the base ; and con-

sisted of about twenty-three rays, of which the foremost was

considerably longer than the rest, which shortened as they

approached the tail. ‘Though on minute examination, there

was a series of delicate rays like hairs, all the distance to the

caudal fin. This latter, as far as could be ascertained, had

thirteen rays, and was somewhat rugose at the base. There

were neither ventral nor anal fins. Above the mouth, there

was a space between the eyes, which may be called the front,

that was almost flat.

Prickles, or spines, were distributed over ie skin in the

following manner. ‘There were three distinctly planted be-

tween the dorsal fin and the front; and one between the front

and the mouth. ‘There was a spine in advance of each eye,

which with another above each eye, and three others, extend-

ed toward the tail in a curvilinear course, above the pectoral

fins. Below the pectoral fins, there was a row of three spines

an side, more nearly horizontal.

_ Butone of the greatest peculiarities of this small animal, was

ss its deeply carinated belly, which was armed with three spines,

“ and considerable asperities between them, more especially

_ between the middle one and the hindmost.

I propose to distinguish the species by the name of Diodon

carimatus.

266 On the Habitat of the Schizea pusilla.

Note on the Habitat of the Scuizma pusiuua of Pursh. By

Wituiam Coorer. Read July 16, 1827.

Tue Schizzea pusilla was first discovered about the year

1507, by a party of botanists, of whom Pursh was one,

during an excursion to the Pine-barrens of New Jersey. A

specimen having been communicated to Muhlenberg, he in-

serted it in his catalogue under the specific name of tortuosa,

but no description of it was given before Pursh published his

Flora. After Pursh, several years elapsed, during which it

was not again seen by any botanist, and it remained an ob-

scure species, until during a visit which I made to Quaker-

bridge in the month of June 1818, in company with Dr. Tor-

rey, we had the good fortune to meet with it in abundance.

Since that time it has been repeatedly gathered in the same

locality by different botanists.

It is not generally known, however, that this singular fern

has been discovered within a few years, at two of the most re-

mote points on this continent; a fact which I have lately been

enabled to determine in the most satisfactory manner.

In the Annales des Sciences Naturelles for February 1825,

M. de la Pylaie announces his discovery of a species of

Schizzea in Newfoundland, mentioning that the same fern had

been found in the Falkland Islands, by M. Gaudichaud, bota-

nist to the expedition of Freycinet. ‘The name proposed by

M. de la Pylaie for his plant, filifolia, induced me to suspect

that it might be identical with our Schizea pusilla, that

having filiform leaves. ‘This, through the assistance of my

excellent friend, M. Victor Jacquemont of Paris, I have as-

certained to be indeed the fact. ‘That gentleman having, at

my request, compared the plants both of Newfoundland and

the Falkland Islands, with specimens from New Jersey which

I had sent him, assures me that they prove to be in all re-

spects absolutely alike. It appears, therefore, that this

Fossil bones in Georgia. 267

diminutive plant has been found about the same time, at the

northern and southern extremities of this hemisphere, while

the only intermediate locality known is that of New-Jersey,

where it was originally discovered about twenty years ago.

Very few plants of this order are known to have such an

extensive range north and south, which renders the present

instance the more remarkable. In the other orders of Cryp-

togamia they are more common, and they are not wanting

among the phzenogamous plants. The Caltha sagittata, ori-

ginally from the Falkland Islands, and recently brought by

Dr. James from the Rocky Mountains, is in this respect par-

ticularly analogous.

Forruer discovery of Fossit Bonss in Georgia; and remarks

on their identity with those of the Megatherium of Paraguay.

By Wiuuram Cooper. Read July 23, 1827.

‘Since my former communication on the subject of the fos-

sil bones of Skidaway Island, the second part of the fifth

volume of Cuvier’s Recherches has appeared ; in the appendix

to which, after mentioning what had been stated by Doctor

Mitchill and myself, he observes, though without expressing

any doubt of these bones belonging to the Megatherium, that

it would be desirable to obtain something more complete.

Through the kindness of Dr. Habersham, to whom I take

this opportunity of again expressing my obligations, I have

obtained several other parts of the skeleton of this animal. I

am thus enabled to lay before the Society some additional in-

formation, which I trust will be sufficient to remove any doubts

that may still remain with regard to this subject.

The collection last received consists of numerous pieces,

nearly all fragments of the large bones of the extremities.

Vor. Ii. 34

268 Fossil bones in Georgia.

They all have marine shells adhering to them, on the frac-

tured surfaces as well as the others, a circumstance which

seems to show that their comminuted state is not owing to any

violence used in obtaining them. What could have occasion-

ed it, it is difficult to conjecture, and it appears the more re-

markable, when we consider their extraordinary hardness.

I intend to confine my remarks to two or three of these

pieces, whose peculiar conformation renders them of the great-

est utility for the comparison we have in view. ‘The first of

these are the tibia and fibula, which in this animal form in

fact but one bone.

Perhaps there is no part of the skeleton, after the head,

which was more useful for our purpose than this. It is,

unfortunately, broken into three pieces, which when brought

together, form nearly the entire bone. The parts deficient

are, a large piece from one side of the upper extremity of the

tibia, including the cavity for receiving the inner condyle of

the femur, and a small piece from the lower extremity of the

fibula. The other articulating surface of the upper extremity,

which is flat, remains very entire, as well’as all the lower ex-

tremity of the tibia. Upon comparing the bone in this state,

with the minute description of Bru, and with the figures re-

cently published by Pander and D’Alton, the resemblance is

nearly perfect. ‘The only disagreement that 1 can perceive

is, that the bone from Georgia has not the suture between

the tibia and fibula at their lower extremities, which is repre-

sented in those figures. The union is as perfect at this ex-

tremity as at the upper, so that they form but one bone, with

a large foramen in the middle.. The disappearance of the

suture may however be accounted for, by supposing the in-

dividual from Georgia to have been an older animal.

This bone belonged to the left side, as appears from the

deep groove near the lower extremity, probably for the ten-

don of the tibialis posticus muscle. This being turned behind,

Fossil bones in Georgia. 269

the fibula is on the left side. The following are the principal

dimensions in inches and tenths.

From the anterior border of the upper extremity, to

the anterior border of the lower, - - - - 24.1

From the posterior border of the upper extremity, to

the posterior point of the lower, —- - )- - 25.6

Breadth at its widest part, including fibula, - - 12.5

Breadth at its narrowest part just below the foramen, 10.4

These dimensions though somewhat longer, agree suffi-

ciently with those which M. Cuvier, calculating from the pro-

portions of the plates, assigns to the corresponding bone of

the Megatherium. The anatomists who examined the skele-

ton at Madrid, have omitted giving its dimensions.

The other portion which I shall notice at present, is one

of the metacarpal bones, andis quite perfect. Upon comparing

it with the bones of the Megalonyx, of which there are good

casts in the cabinet of the Lyceum, I was immediately struck

with its great resemblance to that which M. Cuvier considers

as the metacarpal of the middle finger of the left hand; and

a further examination satisfied me, that it was in fact the cor-

responding bone. ‘This was a discovery of some interest, as

it enabled me to compare two corresponding parts of these

extraordinary animals, of which so little is known, and which

were supposed to be so nearly related, that some naturalists

have thought it advisable to include them in the same genus.

See Desmarest’s Mammalogie, p. 365.

The first thing that strikes us on making this comparison,

is the vast difference in size. Cuvier speaks of the ‘ enorme

grosseur” of the metacarpal bones of the Megalonyx. But,

enormous as they are, this of the Megatherium is at least ten

times as large. It is not probable, however, that the same

relative proportions existed throughout the skeleton. In

other respects there is a great general resemblance, though

the bone from Georgia is shorter in proportion to its thick-

270 Fossil bones in Georgia.

ness and height ; and from the appearance of the vertical

ridge at the lower extremity, could not have admitted of as

much motion at the articulation with the first phalanx. ‘There

is also in this ridge a pretty deep notch, which is not found in

the Megalonyx.

This comparison serves also to throw light upon another

question. M. Cuvier conjectures, that in setting up the

skeleton of Madrid, the fore feet have been transposed, and

that the right is on the left side, and vice versa. But this

can hardly be the case, for the bone we have been examining,

which the comparison with the Megalonyx shows to have

belonged to the left side, agrees also with that which is so

placed in Pander’s figure of the Madrid skeleton, pl. iv. f. 28.

If, however, this error has been committed, there must also

be an error in referring the bone fig. 4. of the plate of the

Megalonyx, in the “‘ Ossemens Fossiles,”’ to the left side.

I am informed that a gentleman of Savannah has in his

possession, from the same Island, an entire lower maxillary

bone, which is said to agree in all respects, with the descrip-

tion of the Megatherium. This must have belonged to a dif-

ferent individual from that whose remains are now in the

Cabinet of the Lyceum; so that there have been discovered

in the United States, parts of at least two different skeletons

of this animal.

Discovery of a fossil Walrus in Virginia. 271

Discovery of a Fossu, Watrus in Virginia. Report of

Messrs. Mircuitt, J. A. Suit, and Coorer, on a fossil

skull sent to Dr. Mitchill by Mr. Cropper of Accomac

County, Virginia. Read August 7, 1827. '

Tue fossil from Accomac county, Virginia, exhibited to

the Society at a late session, is the anterior portion of the

cranium of a species of Morse, or Walrus.

It comprises the entire sockets of the two great tusks, the

palatine and maxillary bones, with the sockets of eight molar

teeth; and the bony isthmus, which in this animal, connects

these parts with the true skull containing the brains. Both

the tusks remain, though much mutilated. Four of the

molars are also left, and one other has but recently dropped

out. From the appearance of the three remaining sockets,

the teeth must have been lost out of them at a very distant

period, and probably during the life of the animal.

The skull is remarkably hard and heavy, and no sutures

are visible, except between the palatine bones. The tusks

have become almost agatized, and their fracture is conchoidal,

presenting a very smooth surface, and a flinty color and con-

sistence.

This fragment bears the greatest resemblance to the analo-

gous part in the existing species, T'richechus rosmarus, of

whose osteology such admirable figures are given by Cuvier,

in the fifth volnme of the Recherches sur les Ossemens Fossiles.

The extraordinary enlargement of the muzzle, caused by the

great size of the canine sockets, and the peculiar disposition

of the molars, between the canine teeth, instead of posterior

to them as in other mammalia, render it impossible for any

person who has had an opportunity of consulting that pro-

found work, to mistake this genus for any other.

Dr. Mitchill hopes yet to succeed in obtaining an exact

description of the locality where it was discovered. It bears

272 Discovery of a fossil Walrus in Virginia.

marks of having been in the salt water, and is said to have

been found on the sea beach, where it has probably been

washed out of its bed by the waves. ‘That it is a fossil, and

not a recent skull, we think there can be no doubt. The

change which the substance of the teeth has undergone, and

the appearance which the whole bears of having long lain

buried in the earth, are sufficient proofs of this. More-

over, the country in the vicinity whence it was sent, is

known to belong to a marine formation; and ribs and other

parts of a vertebrated animal have been dug up there, which

were supposed to be those of a species of Lamantin or Ma-

nati, an animal related to the Morse.

Fossil bones of the Morse are exceedingly rare. ‘This is in

fact the first instance in which any portion so considerable has

been found; and it is only in the notes to the concluding

volume of his great work, that Cuvier admits that there is

any evidence of this animal having ever been met with ina

fossil state. He there mentions a few molar teeth and pieces

of bone disinterred in France, which, in his opinion, belong

to the Morse.

The existing species inhabits the northern parts of the

Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, chiefly frequenting the regions

near the Arctic Circle. It has also been seen in the Gulf of

St. Lawrence, in latitude 47° or 48°, but is not known to

wander to the southward of this.

Whether or not our fossil head is to be referred to this

species, we have not sufficient materials to enable us to

decide with certainty ; but it is not improbable that a more

extensive comparison than we yet have the means of making,

will demonstrate it to belong to another, now no longer in

existence.

Report on Organic Remains. 273

Report on several fossil multilocular shells from the State

of Delaware: with observations on a second specimen of the

new fossil Genus Evryprrerus. By J. E. Dexay. Read

October 1, 1827.

No. 1. Is a segment of an apparently new species of Am-

monite. It was obtained in excavating the Delaware and

Chesapeake canal, by Mr. Cyril Pascalis, and presented,

through Dr. Mitchill, to the Cabinet of the Lyceum. This

canal passes through a bluish marl, as it is termed, forming a

part of that extensive diluvial region, extending along our sea

coast from the Hudson river, beyond the mouths of the Mis-

sissippi. This region is remarkably rich in fossil remains ;

and it is to be hoped that the opportunities now offered, by the

excavation of canals in different parts of the country, will

not be suffered to escape the attention of the engineers, and

others employed in the construction of these public works.

The specimens we are about to exhibit, are remains of marine

molluscous animals, formerly living in the depths of the ocean

with Encrinites, Belemnites, Baculites, &c. and are found

associated together in great abundance in the diluvial above

mentioned.

The Ammonites belong, according to Lamarck, to the

cephalopodal order of invertebrated animals. They have

hitherto been found only in the fossil state, and of course, all

our knowledge of the animal inhabiting the shell, must be

derived from analogy.*

The collections of naturalists have long contained speci.

* Note. Since writing the above, we have remarked in the Specification

des Genres des Mollusques, de la Collection de F. G. Heninghaus, of Cre-

feld on the Rhine, that he has both the Ammonite and Orthocerite in a re-

cent state. (Veh S< ‘

274 Report on Organic Remains.

mens of the recent Nautilus, a multilocular shell resembling

the Ammonite, but with the exception of a figure given by

Rumphius, which was generally considered as apocryphal,

nothing was known respecting the animal inhabiting the shell.

The voyage of Peron and Lesueur, furnished many speci-

mens of the Nautilus spirula, L. Gm. now the Spirula australis,

another multilocular shell. Many of these shells contained

the living animal, which was ascertained to belong to the true

cephalopodal mollusca. The animal resides in the last cham-

ber, or rather the sides of the shell are imbedded in its body.

Lamarck supposes that in the N.-pompilius, a distinct line

within, shows how far this last chamber is imbedded in the

body of the animal. By means of a siphunculus, which is

partly calcareous and partly membranous, a communication

is established between the animal and all the chambers of

the shell. The use of the chamber seems to be intended

to counteract the increasing weight of the shell; and the

siphunculus, admitting air or other gaseous products at the

will of the animal, would necessarily alter and vary its spe-

cific gravity, for the purposes of locomotion. This will

serve to explain the organization not only of the Ammonites,

but also of the Orthocerites, Belemnites, Baculites, and all

other multilocular shells.

The species of Ammonites have not as yet been well studied

and arranged; and it is some what remarkable, that the simple

and clear division proposed by Professor Wahlenberg, in the

Transactions of the Royal Society of Sweden, has not been

generally adopted.*

Professor Wahlenberg divides all Ammonites into two

classes, founded on the arrangement of the septa, or partitions

between the chambers.

* We have not had an opportunity of consulting the recent labors of

M. D’Orbigny, on this class of mollusca, contained in the Annales des Sc.

Naturelles,

Report on Organic Remains. 277

(4) Gyrost. Those with simple septa. Ex. JV. pompilius.

(6) Fronvost. With irregular septa, presenting a leafy

aspect, and thought more particularly to resemble the crisped

leaves of the common parsley.

The first division comprises by far the greater number of

species. ‘T'o the second division we refer the specimen under

consideration, and as we find nothing similar to it in the

works to which we have had access, it may be designated as

A. kippacrepis, (Vit ete os

Simplegades? De Montfort Conchyliolygie systematique.

Externally smooth, with slight transverse elevations, which

in the smaller whirls are very distinct ; each whirl envelopes

one half of the internal contiguous whirl, and thus gives to

the septum a peculiar lunated appearance. ‘This is sup-

posed to be the last chamber, and a considerable promi-

nence on each side near the outer lip, may be considered

as analogous to corresponding parts in the Nautilus, where

the lips fold round in order to be connected with the sides.

The septum irregular, with tubercles on its surface, which

towards its junction, with the sides of the shell, assume a

branched appearance, similar to the divisions of the Baculite.

The outline of the septum, as may be seen by reference to the

figure, is semilunated, with the horns produced and somewhat

approximated. Thickness one inch. Conjectured diameter

of the whole shell two inches.

Cabinet of the Lyceum.

Bev fig. & Ss ys

No. 2. Impression of one of the rugose internal whirls of

the same species, from the same locality.

Cabinet of the Lyceum.

Vor. If. 35

278 Report on Organic Remains.

No. 3. Cast of one of the segments of a remarkable unde-

scribed Ammonite. It may be recognised by the following

characters. A. placenta. Orbicular. Sides diminishing

rapidly from the centre to the circumference, where they

form with each other a very acute angle. ‘The whole exter-

nal and internal surfaces marked by numerous minute arbores-

cent sutures. Septum sinuous, smooth, except where it united

with the points of the shell. Here the septum is furnished

with robust branched tubercles, and corresponding depres-

sions for the reception of similar tubercles from the adjoining

septum. Siphunculus conspicuous, cylifidrical, and. funnel-

shaped as it approaches the septa. Placed on the margin

nearest the centre of the whole shell. Thickness 1°8. Pre-

sumed diameter 6:5

Cabinet of the Lyceum.

BLN fig eB. on'p

The position and size of the siphunculus will probably be

found to cause a distinct semi-cylindrical furrow on the ex-

ternal edge of the whirls. This character our imperfect spe-

cimen does not exhibit, and we must wait until others more

entire shall be discovered. The perfect’ shell will, doubtless,

be found to resemble in its general appearance, the Phonemus

of de Montfort, a recent microscopic shell from the Adriatic

and Mediterranean ; but the position of the siphunculus and

the smooth septum, sufficiently distinguish it from our spe-

cimen. Locality same as the preceding.

No. 4. Undetermined. Probably a fragment of an Am-

monite. From the same locality. Imperfect as it is, it is

figured in order to invite the attention of our naturalists to

the subject.

Cabinet of the Lyceum.

Pl. V. fig. 4. and 5.

Report on Organic Remains. 279

EvRYPTERUS REMIPES.

No. 5. Is the impression of the head, and first abdominal

segment of this remarkable crustaceous animal, which I de-

scribed in the first volume of the Annals, and established on a

single specimen in the Cabinet of the Lyceum. This is the

second that has been discovered. It offers no appearance of feet

or branchial appendages. The reniform appearance of the eyes,

their situation, the outline of the head, and the shape of the

first segment of the abdomen in this specimen, corresponds en-

tirely with that already published. ‘The animal is somewhat

larger, the length of the head being 1°5, and its breadth near the

abdominal segment 2°1. It is highly satisfactory, as con-

firming us in the propriety of having established a new genus

for its reception. We are indebted to Mr. S. Davies of this

city, for the specimen. He obtained it from the vicinity of

Lake Erie. The impression is in a gray limestone, and it is

highly probable, that our very extensive secondary region

will furnish us with many new fossil genera, more particularly

among the crustacea. While upon this subject I would ob-

serve, that Professor Desmarest in his remarks on the Euryp-

terus, (in Férussac’s Bulletin, Feb. 1827.) seems to consider

the specimen from which the description was first made as

being in very bad preservation. The idea was suggested

from the mistake made by a previous writer as to its nature.

This error is, doubtless, to be attributed to the fact, that a

thin coating of earth may have then concealed its distinctive

characters. The specimen was certainly far from being per-

fect, but the engraving gives an exact representation of it.

They have been carefully compared together by many

naturalists, (among whom I may refer to M. Jacquemont | of

Paris,) and they all testify to the fidelity of the engraving.

280 On a fossil Ox from the Mississippi.

Nores on a fossil skull in the Cabinet of the Lyceum, of the

Genus Bos, from the banks of the Mississippi; with ob-

servations on the American species of that Genus.

By J. E. Drxay. Read July 9, 1827.

Amone the many rare and interesting articles contained in

that part of the Cabinet of the Lyceum, for which we are in-

debted to our associate Dr. Mitchill, is the fragment of a

cranium which has hitherto been unnoticed. The label ac-

companying it, purports it to be ‘“‘a petrified occiput, and the

horn processes of the American Bison, from New-Madrid, as

ejected by the shock of an earthquake in 1812.”

Although a period of fifteen years has elapsed since these

convulsions occurred, it is still remembered as a day of horror

by the inhabitants of that country. New-Madrid was the

centre of its destructive influence, and that flourishing town

was sunk and totally destroyed. A spectator of this appalling

scene, describes in an impressive manner the following phe-

nomena. ‘‘ The violence of the earthquake having disturbed

the earthy strata impending over the subterraneous cavities,

existing probably in an extensive bed of wood highly carbon-

ized, occasioned the whole superior mass to settle. This,

pressing with all its weight upon the water that had filled the

lower cavities, occasioned a displacement of this fluid which

forced its passage through, blowing up the earth with loud

explosions. It rushed out in all quarters, bringing with it an

enormous quantity of carbonized wood reduced mostly into

dust, which was ejected to the height of ten or fifteen feet,

and fell in a black shower mixed with sand, which its rapid

motion had forced along ; at the same time, the roaring and

whistling produced by the impetuosity of the air escaping

from its confinement, seemed to increase: the horrible disorder

of the trees which every where encountered each other, being

blown up, cracking and splitting, and falling by thousands at

On a fossil Ox from the Mississippi. 281

a time. In the mean time the surface was sinking, and a

black liquid was rising up to the belly of my horse, who

stood motionless, struck with a panic terror.”*

It was by one of these eruptions, that the fossil skull now

under examination was ejected. Its numerous cavities and

foramina were, accordingly, filled with sand, pebbles of various

sizes, and numerous pieces of carbonized wood, thus corrobo-

rating if necessary its subterranean origin.

The comparatively rare occurrence of the bones of the genus

Bos in a fossil state, naturally gives much interest to this spe-

cimen, and it was at once perceived that the skull in question

could not with propriety be referred to any animal at present

existing within the limits of the United States.

The whole anterior part of the cranium, (with the excep-

tion of the hollow space between the horns) and all the bones

of the face are wanting. The parts remaining are fragments

of the bony processes supporting the horns, a small part of

the os frontis, the posterior part of the cranium, the foramen

magnum entire, and the base of the skull. The whole speci-

men, either from previous accidents, or from rough treatment

by those who first discovered it, bears numerous marks of

injury. Many of the inequalities are rolled smooth, and to

these causes must be attributed, whatever obscurity or doubt

may arise during the present investigation, as to the proper

species to which it should be referred.

The weight of this fragment is twelve pounds. Its texture is

evidently altered, and although not mineralized, is exceeding-

ly dense and compact.

The following details are offered to the Lyceum. It is

hoped that other crania more perfect, may at no distant day

be discovered, to remove any doubts remaining from the

investigation of this mutilated specimen. a

* Bringier American Jour. Sc. IIT. 20 et seq.

282 On a fossil Ox from the Mississippi.

This organic relic may be described as quadrangular in its

form, truncated obliquely at the base, where the sphenoid goes

off posteriorly, to meet the occipital process of the temporal

bone. The following are its dimensions in English inches

and tenths.

From the summit of the condyloid processes of the oc-

cipital foramen, to a line drawn across the anterior surfaces

of the horns 8-1. The distance in a straight line between

the mastoid processes of the temporal bones 7°33; but it

should be remarked that this last measurement is merely

an approximation, as the mastoid processes are much worn

down and rounded. Diameter of the skull over the foramen

ovale 4°5.

The horn processes are of a flattened shape, and make a

sudden turn downwards, almost immediately after originating

the cranium. It is impossible from the fragments that remain,

to judge whether they subsequently turn outwards or forwards.

The more entire of the two, is on the left side. It is nearly

complete for the distance of three inches. On the opposite

side it is broken off short, at a distance of 2°5 from its base.

The longest portion is 6°5 in length, measured along the

anterior convexity of the bone. The circumference at the base

is eleven inches, the longest diameter 4, and the shortest 2°5.

The circumference at the base, and distance in a strait line

between the fractured ends of the horn processes 13°3.

These processes arise entirely from the anterior part of the

frontal bone, and their longest diameter is in the same plane

with the bones of the face. ‘They are separated from each

other bya large holiow or depression, which was so dissimilar

to any thing observed among the animals whose structure we

had observed, that it was at first supposed there must have been

an entire destruction of the greater portion of the frontal bone.

We shall, however, have occasion to show that this is a natu-

ral appearance, analogous to what has been observed among

a few living animals. This depression is apparently covered

On a fossil Ox from the Mississippt. 283

with a reddish-brown substance, possibly the vestige of a pe-

riosteum. And the whole surface is marked by numerous

protuberances and rugosities, which had doubtless been cover-

ed by the bases of the horns. Four cells of different sizes

and irregular shape, and three small and regular foramina,

are observed in the frontal depression. ‘They communicate

with similar cells in the horn processes, and the regularity

of the smaller foramina, would lead to a belief that they

served for the passage of nutritive vessels to these cells. One

of them (the lowest on the right side) when freed from the

sand and charcoal which obstructed it, was traced to one of

the frontal sinuses. The length of this depression, from its

most elevated part to the place where the bones of the face

are broken off, is seven inches. Its depth was measured by

drawing a line across the flat anterior surface of the horn

processes. ‘The distance from this line to the centre of the

depression was 1-5. From the centre of this depressed por-

tion, where a slight and nearly obliterated fissure seems to

mark the place of a former suture, a line drawn over the an-

terior surface of the most entire horn process to its extremity,

was nine inches.

The posterior part of the cranium is composed of the parie-

tal and occipital, but there is nothing visible in this specimen

to define their boundaries. It is only by the rugosities for

the insertion of the requisite cervical muscles, that we are en-

abled to conjecture the original place of the sutures; and the

crest of the parietal is so far obliterated, that this latter makes

with the posterior part of the frontal, and with the occipital

bone, almost a continuous plane.

The width of the skull across the narrowest part is 4°7;

but as this is wider than the actual transverse diameter of the

cranium through its centre, which it will be recollected was

only 4:5. Hence it may be stated, that the sides of the

cranium approach each other as they descend. The sides of

the head are much compressed, and three distinct parallel

284 On a fossil Ox from the Mississippi.

furrows, separated by intervening ridges, are observed on its

surface. ‘The most anterior of these ridges is presumed to

have been the posterior limits of the base of the horns.

If we now turn our attention to the anterior part of this

cranium, where it has been separated from the bones of the

face, we observe numerous irregular cells communicating

with each other, and with the cells on the hollow surface be-

tween the horns previously described. ‘These are, doubtless,

the frontal sinuses. Below these again we notice the nasal

opening, formerly covered by the cribriform plate, of which

nothing now remains, but the crest which separates these

openings from each other. Situated more posteriorly, are

the round and oval foramina at the base of the skull, for the

transmission of the superior and inferior nerves, Xc.

Pursuing the order proposed in the investigation of this

relic, we arrive at the base of the skull, and it-is deemed

necessary to state, that the very rounded and worn condition

of the specimen, injuring its principal features, must serve as

an apology for any errors that may arise either in the dimen-

sions or the description.

The occipital bone which, as is known, is double in

many quadrupeds, exhibits a small vestige at the occipital

foramen, of its former division into two parts. ‘The condyloid

processes are large and elongated. ‘Their articulating sur-

face broad, and not separated by a prominent ridge. In the

substance of the processes, the foramina for the transmission

of the ninth pair are still visible.

The cuneiform process is broad, and its junction with the

sphenoidal indistinct. ‘The antero-posterior, and transverse

diameters of the occipital foramen, are equal.

A little in advance of the external auditory hole, we may

trace the vestiges of a broken process, which is supposed to

have been the commencement of that process which is sent off

in many quadrupeds, to unite anteriorly with a similar process

On a fossil Ox from the Mississippt. 285

of the malar , before this last meets the orbital process to form

the zygomatic arch.

A portion of the external meatus auditorius is preserved on

both sides. The distance between them in a strait line is 6-7.

We have already alluded to the remarkable thickness of

the parietes of this cranium. The following dimensions taken

with much care, will give a more accurate idea on this sub-

ject.

The thickness of the occipital IME an inch above the

great foramen, - - - ~ - - ey Gs

The frontal, measured between the bases of the ese 1:9

Parietes of the temples, - - - - ee!

At the occipital crest, - - - - ae

Within the cavity of the cranium, the longitudinal furrow

for the insertion of the falx of the dura mater was observed.

It was deep and strongly marked. We,also noticed within,

the part corresponding to the posterior clinoid sphenoidal

processes in man. ‘The antero-posterior diameter of the

cavity of the cranium, was 4°5. ‘Transverse diameter 2°7.

We might enter into more minute details, but it is con-

ceived that enough has been said to enable us to compare it

with the skulls of those recent or fossil animals, with which

we are acquainted. The remarkable frontal processes former-

ly supporting the horns would naturally, in the absence of

other evidence, lead us to refer our specimen to the ruminant

family of quadrupeds, and to the genus Bos. But none of

that genus are now to be found in our country, whose crania

in the slightest degree resembles the one under consideration.

The Bos americanus, or bison, has short, round, and straight

horns, which, of course, are very different from our fossil.

All naturalists and travellers, who have had occasion to

speak of the extensive collection of fossil bones found at the

Big-bone Lick, speak of the bones of the ox, or bison, as

associated with those of the mastodon. Few of the former

Vor. II. 36

286 On a fossil Ox from the Mississippi.

have, however, found their way into our collections. Dr.

Wistar* has described and figured one of these bovine skulls,

and shown its total dissimilarity to that of the bison.

Dr. Harlan,+ considering it justly as a new species, has

named it the Bos bombifrons. The horns are curved, but at the

same time rounded, like most others of this genus.}

The same gentleman has also described another fossil head

from the same locality, which is preserved in the Museum of

the American Philosophical Society. It comprises part of

the skull, with the core of one horn attached. The horn

arises two inches before the line formed by the union of the

facial and occipital surfaces; it is round, and twenty-eight

inches in circumference at its base. He thinks it sufliciently

characterised to rank as a distinct species, and proposes for

it the name of Bos latifrons, or broad-headed ox.

Of those which have curved, flattened horns, but two living

species are at present known to naturalists. They inhabit

opposite regions of the globe. One, the Bos caffer, with two

enormous protuberances on its front, from the southern ex-

tremity of the old world; the other, the Bos moschatus, or

musk ox, from the northern extremity of the new. ©

The differences between our specimen and the Bos caffer,

are too obvious to be insisted on; we need only allude to the

fact, that although this species has flattened horns, their bases,

* Transactions, Am. Phil. Soc.

+ Fauna Americana, p. 271.

{ In a pamphlet published in 1806, explanatory of a collection of fossil

bones from America, at that time exhibited at Liverpool as curiosities, the

author speaks in general terms of a horn, as appertaining to some huge

animal of the ox kind. His account is so loosely worded, that it is im-

possible to ascertain whether it is to the horn of this species he alludes,

when he says:—‘‘ The defense is better than six feet, not running in a

spiral volute, but rising nearly perpendicular, and turning off at the point.’

This collection is now, we believe, in the Museum of the College of Sur-

geons, London.

On a fossil Ox from the Mississippi. 287

are not parallel, but form a considerable angle with each

other. It remains to compare it with the only living ani-

mal to which it bears any resemblance.

The musk ox is now only found within the arctic circle,

although we have abundant reason to believe, that it formerly

extended as far south as 55°, and 50° north latitude. Indeed,

Pennant states,* on the authority of Lopes Gomarra, that

they descended formerly as low down as the fortieth degree of

north latitude. Our specimen comes from New-Madrid, in

36° 15! north latitude.

We have carefully compared it with the excellent descrip-

tion given by Cuvier of the musk ox, and find strong points

of resemblance. We notice the following differences. 1. The

front of the musk ox, according to Cuvier, is perfectly flat.

In our fossil it is deeply depressed, but this depression, as we

before stated, may not have existed to such an extent in the

living animal. And it is not improbable, that the whole

external plate of the os frontis has been entirely removed.

2. The distance from the occipital foramen, to the facial

surface of the os frontis, is greater than in the musk ox.

3. The most remarkable difference is to be found in the posi-

tion of the horns. From the remains of the bony processes

in the New-Madrid specimen, it is, I think, evident that

the longest axis of the horns has been in the same direction

with the bones of the face. This, it will be perceived, is im-

portant, as modifying in a great degree, the whole structure

and configuration of the cranium.

Failing then in our attempts to discover a perfect resem-

blance between this specimen and similar parts in the musk

ox, let us inquire whether any of the fossil remains found in

any part of the world, will throw further light on the subject.

Pallas+ was the first who described the cranium of an ani-

* Arctic Zoology, I. + Noy. Comm. Petropol. XVII. p. 601.

288 On a fossil Ox from the Mississippi.

mal of this genus found in Siberia, within, or rather under the

arctic circle. He perceived at once, that it must be referred

to one of the two living species with flat horns just mentioned,

or, according to the notions prevalent at that day, it must

have belonged to a third species, which would one day be

discovered in the interior of Asia. He afterwards had an

opportunity of examining a skull of the musk ox, and his

friend Sparrman communicated to him, from the Cape of Good

Hope, his observations on the Bos caffer.

With these facts before him, he was finally induced to con-

sider his two mutilated crania, as having belonged to the

Bos moschatus. Probably, as Cuvier suggests, he was influ-

enced in his opinion, bythe supposition that these skulls

might have been brought to Siberia from America, the native

country of the musk ox, by the currents of the Icy Sea.

The following are some of the more remarkable peculiari-

ties observed by Pallas, in the more perfect of the two Sibe-

~rian fossil skulls. 1 am indebted for them to the great work

of Cuvier, the original paper not being in any library in this

city. |

The cranium was excessively thick. The front flat. The

bases of the cores (noyaux) of the horns, occupying all the

space from the orbits to the occipital crest, approaching each

other in a straight line, and leaving between them a space

hardly large enough to lodge the little finger. ‘Their inter-

nal part is hollowed out into many cells. ‘The horns turn

almost vertically down along the temples. The cerebral

cavity was six inches long, and two and a half inches in

breadth. The occipital hole, and all the arterial canals, were

smaller in proportion than among others of this family.

With the single exception of the great proportional length

of the cerebral cavity, Cuvier thinks it would be difficult to

distinguish this from the skull of the musk ox. It will be

perceived that this description also coincides with that of the

New-Madrid specimen.

On a fossil Ox from the Mississippi. 289

But the two crania from which this description was made,

were very imperfect ; indeed, too much so to enable natural-

ists to pronounce decisively on the subject.

At a subsequent period, M. Ozeretskovsky obtained another

skull almost entire, which he has described very minutely in

the Memoirs of the Royal Academy of St. Petersburg, for

1809-10. '

In reference to this description, Cuvier makes the follow-

ing remarks. ‘ From an inspection of the figure given by

M. Ozeretskovsky, and comparing it with that of the musk

ox, there are marked and evident differences, which neither

the description nor figure of Pallas exhibits. ‘The snout is

shorter and larger. ‘The pterygoid region, and the space

between the pterygoid regions and the arcade, is much shorter ;

finally, it would be impossible from the cranium of the living

musk ox, to make such a figure as M. Ozeretskovsky has

given, in which we see at the same time, the bones of the

palate, and the anterior surface of the horns.” But in the

Mississippi specimen, although the facial bones are wanting,

yet their position and direction is apparent; the horns have

been evidently in the same line with the bones of the face, or

to speak more definitely, the axis of the longest diameter of

the horns, is parallel with the bones of the palate; so that in

fact, had the bones of the face been fortunately preserved,

one might have seen in our specimen, from a single point of

view, the os palati, and the flat anterior surface of the horns.

It is to be regretted, that the most important measurements

which have been omitted, both by Pallas and M. Ozerets-

kovsky, are also not to be obtained from our mutilated speci-

men. ‘These are, the distance from the posterior part of the

palate, to the edge of the foramen magnum; and from the

same part, to the tip of the pterygoid process; the distance

between the tips of these processes; the length and breadth

of the zygomatic fossa. ‘These measurements, according to

Cuvier, are requisite to determine with absolute certainty,

290 On a fossil Ox from the Mississippi.

the fact of its being an animal, allied in many particulars to

the musk ox, but at the same time specifically distinct.

From the facts stated above, and the observations of others,

we are warranted in drawing the following conclusions.

That there formerly existed within the actual limits of the

United States, four, and probably five species of the genus

Bos. Of these only one is at the present day, found in our

country in a living state. ‘The B. americanus, or bison, for-

merly existing in great numbers in the States bordering on the

Atlantic,* is now driven to the boundless regions of the west,

and ere long will probably share the fate of the former com-

panions of his race.

The second and third species have long since ceased to

exist. Their specific differences are not yet completely ascer-

tained ; but the animals seem to have been numerous, if one

may judge from the accounts of travellers, who speak of their

remains as occurring in great abundance. From the fact of

their having been found associated with remains of the mas-

todon and deer, it is presumed that they were co-existent with

those species. .

The fourth species is the B. moschatus. From the testi-

mony of travellers already cited, it has been shown that this

species formerly lived in the latitude of 40° and even lower.

It is now confined within the limits of the arctic circle. They

live in herds, feed on lichens, leaves of the willow, and are

fond of mountainous rocky regions. ‘The horns of the male,

which are larger than those of the female, sometimes weigh

sixty pounds. ‘This species has been recently separated by

Blainville, from the genus Bos, and forms the new genus

* A new voyage to Carolina, &c, by John Lawson, London, 1709.

An account of East Floride, by John Bartram, London. No date.

On the Murex Corona. 201

Ovibos; a division which does not seem to be generally adopted

by subsequent naturalists.

Under the name of Bos Pallasii, we would propose to

designate the species to which we refer the fossil crania of

Pallas and Ozeretskovsky, and provisionally, the specimen

from the banks of the Mississippi, which has given rise to the

preceding remarks.

This animal was, as far as we know, an inhabitant of the

extreme northern regions of Europe and America. In the

latter country, its remains have been found as low as 379

north, as the locality of our specimen indicates. It was,

doubtless, allied in many particulars to the musk ox; but

from this, the observations of Cuvier, and the imperfect noti-

ces contained in the preceding remarks, show the great pro-

bability of its being specifically distinct.

Nore on the Murex Corona of Gmelin. By D. H. Barnes.

Read October 8, 1827.

Murex Corona, Gm. Dil. Fusus Corona, Lamarck.

The Mexican Crown.

Description.—Shell shortish-spindle-shaped, ventricose,

coronate, reddish-brown, banded with white. Whirls angu-

lated and flat above. The angle crowned with bent, acute,

erect, spiniform plates. Beak ribbed transversely: aperture

whitish: lip smooth within.

Length, - - - . - 3°8 inches.

Length of the spire, - - - 1°5

Transverse diameter, - - - LS

Conjugate diameter, - - : o-

The last whirl has two more conspicuous white bands,

which appear on the inside, and numerous smaller ones, which

292 On the Murex Corona.

do not show through the substance of the shell. The right

lip slopes gradually to the end of the beak. The spire re-

sembles a spiral staircase formed of undulated, imbricated,

membranaceous scales, which rise into arched spines on the

angle of the whirls. This rare and beautiful shell was lately

brought from its proper habitat in the Gulf of Mexico. Dill-

wyn had never seen it, and Lamarck calls it very rare. This

specimen is much larger than any hitherto known to be de-

scribed. The back of the shell has very much the appear-

ance of the Murex melongena, but the flat channeled, coro-

nate, plaited spire, renders it remarkably distinct from any

other known species. The plates on the spire serve to

mark the lines of growth, or periods of spontaneous enlarge-

ment ; and they may be counted to more than one hundred,

before they become indistinct on the point of the spire.

These periods of increase have never, to my knowledge, been

observed; but from what we see in analogous cases, we may

perhaps conjecture that they are annual. If so, the specimen

before us has weathered the storms of more than a hundred

years unhurt, amidst the ceaseless chafing of the tides and

tradewinds.

P.S. There is reason to believe that the Natica patula of

Sowerby, as mentioned in vol. I. p. 136, properly belongs to

the genus Sigaretus, as some very similar shells have lately

been found entirely enveloped by the animal; of which, in-

cluding several new species, a full account may be given

hereafter...

The Genera of Norra American Birps, and a Synopsis

of the Species found within the territory of the UntrEp

States; systematically arranged in Orders and Families.

By Cuarces Lucian Bonaparte. Read January 24, 1826.

(ConTINUED FROM PAGE 128.)

ORDER IV. GRALL.

Gralle, L. Cuv. Latr. Gralle, Galline, Gm. Gralle,

Galline, Struthiones, Pinnatipedes, Palmipedes, Lath. Cur-

sores, Grallatores, Ill. Grallatores, Viel. Alectorides, Cur-

sores, Grallatores, Pinnatipedes, Temm. Gralla, Ratite,

Ranz. Grallatores, Rasores, Vigors.

Bit generally elongated, sub-cylindrical. Ferr elonga-

ted or moderate, covered by a tender, coriaceous skin ; tibiee

but partially fleshy, partly naked (subgenera Rusticola and

Ardeola excepted*); tarsi generally slender, rounded, naked,

reticulated or annulated ; toes disposed 2-0, 3-0, 3-1, either

divided, or connected at base by a membrane : nails in no de-

gree retractile. Neck generally long; body compressed ;

skin very thin. Wues generally long, though occasionally

too short for flight ; scapulars elongated. ‘Tatu short, of from

ten to twenty feathers, very rarely wanting.

Femate generally similar to the male in plumage. Young

generally differing for a time from the adult, with the joints

thicker. Some moult twice a year, changing their plumage

periodically. But few distinguished by brilliant colors.

* Even in these the character is somewhat preserved by the articulation

being exposed.

Vou. I. 37

294 Synopsis of the Burds

Sad, shy, cunning. Live on the ground, especially

along waters, and in marshy places, wading by means of their

long legs. Mostly semi-nocturnal. Feed on insects and

worms, which they seek in the mud; the larger species also

on fishes, and reptiles ; a few on weeds and seeds. In breeding

various, but only once in the year: the polygamous species

build on the ground, and often leave the hatching of their

eggs ii) part to the sun; their young running about as soon as

hatched, and searching for food under the eye of the

mother only: while the monogamous build generally on

high trees, and feed their young in the nest until full-fledged.

Flight swift, long sustained, the feet stretched out behind.

Migrate in large flocks periodically to great distances, cros-

sing seas in search of warmer climates, even different species

together, but the young and adult always separately; the

latter departing first, and arriving last. Voice harsh, loud,

tuneless. Flesh sapid ; some species ranked among the most

valuable game. Analogous to Belluz.*

FAMILY XVII. PRESSIROSTRES.

Pressirostres, Longirostres, Cuv. Latr. Campestres, Litto-

yales, Limicola, Ill. Pedionomi, /Egialites, Helonomi,

Vieill. Tachidromi, Limose, Ranz. Charadriade, Vigors.

Bitt short or moderate, compressed. Neck moderate.

Feet rather short; toes short, 3—0, 3—1; hind toe when

present articulated higher on the tarsus than the rest, very

short: nails small. Wines moderate or Jong.

Prefer dry places, sandy beaches, &c. Run and fly swiftly.

Feed principally on insects, mollusca, and other marine ani-

mals. Monogamous: lay on the ground: both sexes sit

alternately on the eggs: young leave the nest as soon as

hatched.

* We think them analogous to Bellua, though Linné states them to be

analogous fo his Bruta.

of the United Stutes. 295

42, CHARADRIUS.

Charadrius, Tringa, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cur. Pluviahs,

Vanellus, Briss. Charadrius, Vanellus, Temm. Viel. Ranz.

Bixu shorter than the head, rather slender, straight, cylin-

drical, depressed at base, obtuse, and somewhat turgid at tip ;

upper mandible longitudinally furrowed on two-thirds of its

length ; lower shorter: nostrils lateral, concave, linear, half

covered by a prominent membrane : tongue lanceolate, entire,

somewhat cylindrical at tip. Head and eyes large: front

prominent. Ferr 3, or 4-toed, with the hind toe exceedingly

small, and elevated from the ground: naked part of the tibia

moderate: tarsus clypeate-scutellate ; toes scutellate, mar-

gined by a narrow membrane ; outer toes connected at base

by a small membrane: nails compressed, curved, acute.

Wines elongated, subacute, tuberculated ; first primary long-

est. Tait more or less rounded, of twelve feathers.

Femace similar to the male in most species. Young dif-

fer somewhat from the adult. Moult generally twice in the

year, changing somewhat in color. Some foreign species dis-

tinguished by spurred wings, and fleshy appendages on the

head or bill.

Gregarious : keep in meadows, or on the sea shore. Stir-

ring the soil with their feet, to put in motion worms and

aquatic insects, their exclusive food. Lay in the sand about

four large eggs.

Inhabit throughout the world ; traversing temperate coun-

tries in the spring and autumn.

SUBGENUS I. CHARADRIUS.

Charadrius, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Pluvialis, Briss.

Feet three toed; no rudiment of hind ‘oe.

+ All the toes connected at base by @ membrane:

296 Synopsis of the Birds

216.* CHaAnaprius semipatmarus, Nob. Brownish-ash;_ front,

collar, and beneath, white; frontlet, and a broad ring around

the base of the neck, black ; bill and feet orange, the former

black at tip.

Adult, sincipital band and auriculars, black.

Young and autumnal, neck-ring dusky ; bill wholly black-

ish.

Ring Plover, Charadrius (Tringa!) hiaticula, Wils. Am.

Orn. vii. p. 65. pl. 59. fig. 3. adult in spring dress; and Semt-

palmated Plover, Charadrius semipalmatus, Nob. “lm. Orn.

young’. ;

Inhabits common all along the sea coast of the union: re-

tiring to high northern Jatitudes during summer to breed.

tt Inner toe cleft.

217, CHaraprius metopus, Ord. Whitish-ash; front, collar

and beneath, white ; no black on the frontlet ; a narrow black

ring around the base of the neck; bill and feet orange, the

former black at tip.

Adult, a black sincipital band.

Young and autumnal, no neck-ring; no sincipital band ;

bill entirely blackish.

Ringed Plover, Charadrius hiaticula, Wils. Am. Orn. v.

p- 30. pl. 37. fig. 3. adultin spring dress; and Piping Plover,

Charadrius melodus, Nob. Am. Orn. autumnal.

Inhabits common all along the eastern sea coast of North

America; not migrating as far to the north as the preceding

species, and remaining throughout the summer in the tem-

perate regions ; departing sooner for the south.

218. Cuaraprivs witsonius, Ord. QOlive-ash; front, collar

* The discovery since the publication of the former part of this paper, of

SiX species to be added to the first three orders, making the entire number

belonging to them 215, renders it necessary to number the first species in

this order 216.

of the United States. 297

and beneath, white; frontlet, and a broad ring around the

base of the neck, black ; bill black ; feet flesh color.

Adult, a black sincipital band.

Young, sincipital band; frontlet and neck-ring, dusky.

Wilson’s Plover, Charadrius wilsonius, Wils. Am. Orn. wx.

p- 77. pl. 73. fig. 5.

Inhabits the sea shores of the southern and middle states

during summer. .

219. Cuaraprius vocirerus L. Olive-ash; rump orange ;

front, collar and beneath, white ; a broad neck ring and pec-

toral belt, black ; tail cuneiform.

Kildeer Plover, Charadrius vociferus, Wils. Am. Orn. vit.

p- 73. pl. 59. fig. 6.

Inhabits common throughout the union; more numerous

during winter in the southern states, though resident in the

middle ones.

220. Cuaraprius piuviais, L. Mottled with black and golden-

yellow ; long axillary feathers dingy white.

Summer plumage, beneath black : winter, beneath whitish.

Moulting and young duller; beneath varied with black and

whitish.

Golden Plover, Charadrius pluvialis, Wils. Am. Orn. vit.

p. 11. pl. 59. fig. 5. winter plumage ; and Nob. Am. Orn. sum-

mer dress.

Inhabits throughout the world; retiring in the summer to

the north to breed.

SUBGENUS Il. SQUATAROLA.

Squatarola, Cuv. Tringa, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Vanellus,

Briss. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Feet four-toed ; hind toe exceedingly small.

Connects our genus Charadrius with our genus Vanellus,

which has no representative in the United States, and of

which authors make it a section.

298 Synopsis of the Burds

291. Cuaraprius ueLveticus Nob. Mottled; long axillary

feathers black.

Summer plumage, mottled with black and white ; beneath

black: winter, mottled with black and yellow; beneath

whitish. Moulting and young, beneath varied with black and

whitish.

Black-bellied Plover, Charadrius apricarius, Wils. Am.

Orn. vit. p. 41. pl. 59. fig. 4. summer dress ; and Swiss Plover,

Charadrius helveticus, Nob. Am. Orn. winter plumage. Tringa

helvetica, L. WVanellus helveticus, Briss.

Inhabits the north of both continents.

43. STREPSILAS.

Tringa, L. Gm. Lath. Arenaria, Briss. Vieill. Strep-

selas, Ill. Temm. Ranz. Scolopax (subgenus Strepsilas) Cuv,

Morinella, Meyer.

Bitt shorter than the head, robust, hard, straight, conic-

attenuated, compressed, slightly flattened above, truncated

at the point; upper mandible straight, slightly recurved

from the middle; lower somewhat recurved at tip: nostrils

placed in a short furrow, basal, lateral, oblong-linear, half

covered by a membrane, pervious: tongue short, compres-

sed, canaliculate, acute. Ferr rather short, four-toed; a

very small part of the tibia bare ; tarsus not longer than the

middle toe, rather robust, scutellated; toes with a narrow

margin, divided to the origin; hind toe touching the ground

at tip: nails curved, acute ; middle one dilated on the inner

margin. Wines long, acuminate, tuberculated ; first primary

longest. ‘Tarn rather short, of twelve feathers.

Femae similar to the male. Young differing from the

adult, and changing repeatedly until the third year. Moult

semi-annually.

Solitary: follow the retreating waves: dextrously turn

over heavy stones with their bills, and examine carefully

every recess in search of their favourite food, marine insects,

of the United States. 299

Mollusca, &c. Male and female remarkably faithful to each

other. Lay in sand holes or in the grass ; eggs about four.

Flight very swift.

Inhabit both continents : composed of but one species.

222. Srrepsiias inreRPRES, Ill. Throat, rump, and base of

the tail, white; bill black; feet red.

Adult, varied with black, white and ferruginous ; breast

black ; belly white.

Young, cinereous-brown varied with white ; breast whitish.

Turn-stone, Tringa interpres, Wils. Am. Orn. vii. p. 32.

pl. 57. fig. 1. adult.

Inhabits all parts of the world.

44. HE MATOPUS.

Hematopus, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Ostralega, Briss.

Bitt longer than the head, robust, straight, cuneate, and

much compressed at tip; upper mandible flattened above

to the middle: nostrils basal, lateral, placed in a short fur-

row, linear, pervious: tongue short, entire: eyelids naked.

Fret moderate, three-toed; bare space of the tibia mode-

rate ; tarsus somewhat longer than the middle toe, robust, re-

ticulated ; toes short, thick, scutulate, (covered with scales)

scabrous beneath, colligated, bordered by a rough warty

edge; outer toes connected at base by a membrane; the

inner membrane rudimental : nails short, tile-shaped, curved,

acute. Wines sub-elongated, acute; first primary longest.

Tart slightly rounded, of twelve feathers.

Femate similar to the male. Young differing but little

from the adult, at first covered with grayish down. Moult

twice in the year, the plumage changing slightly. but con-

stantly. Color black, or blackish, with more or less of

white.

Shy : solitary, or in small parties. Live on sea shores,

rocks, sandy beaches, &c. Running in and following the

300 Synopsis of the Bards

retreating surf in search of food; probing the mud with their

strong and well adapted bill; breaking thin shells, and dex-

trously removing the animal from bard ones. Laying a

few eggs amongst the grass in salt marshes, or in dry sand.

Flight swift, vigorous, long continued; collect in large flocks

to migrate. Voice loud and shrill.

Found in all quarters of the globe ; composed of but three

species.

223. Hamarorus osrratecus L. Blackish ; rump, band on

the wing, base of the quills and tail feathers, and from the

breast beneath, white ; bill and feet red.

Summer plumage, glossy black : winter, a white crescent on

the throat.

Young, back and wings sooty-brownish ; bill and feet

dusky.

Pied Oyster-catcher, Hamatopus ostralegus, Wils. Am. Orn. -

Vit. p. 15. pl. 64. fig. 2. summer dress.

Inhabits the north of both continents.

FAMILY XVIII. HERODII.

Herodii, Ill. Cultirostres, Cuv. Latr. Herodiones, La-

tirostres, Avrophoni, Vieill. Erodie, Latirostre, Ranz.

Grude, Ardeide, Vigors.

Bit longer than the head, very robust, generally sharp,

edges cutting. Neck elongated. Freer elongated, four-toed ;

tarsus longer than the middle toe, reticulated ; toes 3—1, and

nails, long. Wines moderate, obtuse. 'T six of ten or twelve

feathers.

Femate differing but little, if any, from the male. Young

differing much from the adult until the third year.

Gait slow, grave. Flight slow, though light, and elevated.

Monogamous : build in trees, thickets, aquatic grasses, some-

times on edifices: female only sits on the eggs, whilst the

male watches, and supplies her with food; both sexes nurse

and rear the young, which only leave the nest when full-

fledged. Flesh unpalatable.

of the United States. 301

45. GRUS.

Ardea, L.Gm. Lath. Grus, Pallas. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Ranz.

Balearica, Ciconia, Briss. Grus, Anthropoides, Vieill.

Biui not much cleft, straight, compressed, attenuated at

the point, somewhat obtuse at tip; mandibles subequal, mar-

gins vertical, upper convex with a wide furrow on each side

at base, obliterated before the middle: nostrils placed in the

furrow, medial, concave, elliptical, pervious, posteriorly closed

by a membrane ; tongue fleshy, broad, acute: ophthalmic

region and lora feathered: head generally bald, verrucose,

sometimes crested: body cylindrical. Frxrr long, stout;

naked space above the tarsus extensive; tarsus more than

twice the length of the middle toe ; toes moderate, scutellated,

submargined ; outer connected at base by a rudimental mem-

brane; inner free; hind toe shorter than a phalanx of the

middle one, articulated high on the tarsus, elevated from the

ground : nails short, tile-shaped-falculate, obtuse ; middle nail

with its cutting edge entire; hind one longest: sole reticula-

ted. Wines moderate; first and fifth primaries subequal ;

second, third and fourth, longest ; secondaries broader and

wider than the primaries; tertials arched, or much elongated.

Tar short, of twelve feathers.

Femate hardly differing from the male. Young very dif-

ferent from the adult. Moult annually.

Habits terrestrial. Live in fields, marshes, and salt mea-

dows, which they leave at night to rest on adjacent trees.

Food chiefly vegetable, pick up the seeds in ploughed and

newly planted grounds; feed also on insects, worms, small

reptiles, spawn and small fishes, which they seek in marshy

grounds. Build in bushes, in Europe also on the roofs of

houses ; in marshes on clods and tufts, nest raised to the

height of their body with grasses and reeds, lining the tops

Vou. II. 38

302 Synopsis of the Birds

with soft substances; lay but two eggs, which each sex

cover alternately standing, the other at the same time watch-

ing ; taking great care of their young. Migrate in flocks:

notwithstanding their size, undertake periodically more won-

derful aud hazardous journeys than any other bird: ascend-

ing out of sight, moving in an isosceles triangle, especially

at night, and performing evolutions suited to the state of

the wind, or attacks of rapacious birds. The shrill voice of

the leader, re-echoed by the whole flock, indicates their unseen

passage. Flight high and silent in fine, low and noisy in

stormy weather. ‘Take wing with difficulty. Vigilant: a

sentinel watching whilst the whole troop sleeps standing upon

one leg, with the head under the wing, and giving alarm

at the slightest approach of danger. Venerated, even in some

civilized countries.

Inhabit both continents. Analogous, perhaps even some-

what allied to the Gallinz: closely related to the genus

Psophia, by the subgenus Anthropoides, and might, perhaps,

be placed in the family Alectorides, thus rendering the

character of both families (Alectorides and Herodii) more

precise.

224, GRus AMERICANA, Temm. White; primaries black, with

black shafts; whole crown and cheeks bald.

Young tawny.

Hooping Crane, Ardea americana, Wils. Am. Orn. vit. p. 20.

pl. 64. fig. 3. adult male.

Inhabits throughout North America and the West Indies ;

probably also the north of Asia.

225. GrRus CANADENSIS, Temm. Cinereous; wings varied

with testaceous ; primaries brown, with white shafts ; anterior

portion of the head bald.

Brown Crane, Grus canadensis, Nob. Am. Orn. i. adult

male. Grus fusca, Vieill. Ardea canadensis, L.

of the United States. 303

Inhabits throughout North America: rarely seen in the

middle states.

46. ARDEA.

Ardea, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Ardea, Herodias, Botaurus, Nycticorax, Ardeola, Bove.

Bit long, cleft beneath the eyes, straight, compressed-

cultrate, acuminate, acute; mandibles subequal, generally

serrated in a slight degree near the extremity ; the upper slight-

ly furrowed on each side at base, notched ; ridge rounded,

somewhat distinct at base, curved gradually at the point:

nostrils placed in the furrow, basal, linear, longitudinal,

covered behind by a membrane: tongue moderate, membra-

nous, oblong, plain, acute: lora and orbits naked. Body

much compressed. Frerr long, slender; tarsus but little

longer than the middle toe, generally clypeate, superior scales

scutelliform, rarely scutellate; toes scuteilated, elongated,

slender, slightly margined, flattened beneath ; outer connected

at base by a membrane; inner nearly free; hind toe articu-

lated internally on a Jevel with the rest, at least half as long

as the middle one, resting on the ground, connected at base

with the inner: nails long, slender, acute; middle one sérrated

internally; hind nail largest, much curved, very acute.

WinGs moderate, obtuse, tuberculated ; first primary subequal

to the second and third, which are longest. "Tart short, round-

ed, of ten or twelve feathers.

Frma.e similar to the male. Young different from the

adult, obtaining their full plumage only after the third year.

Moult annually. Varying greatly in size in the different spe-

cies. Adult more ornamented by long slender feathers, lost

in moulting, and not renewed for some time. Down silky.

Dull: sitting on trees near the water, or inhabiting mo-

rasses. [eed exclusively on animals, especially fishes and

reptiles. Build socially in high trees; eggs about four.

304 ; Synopsis of the Birds

Fly gracefully with the neck bent backwards, and the head

resting against the back.

Inhabit throughout the world.

SUBGENUS I. ARDEA.

Hérons proprement dits, Buff. Vieill. Temm. Hérons vrais,

Aigrettes, Cuv. Ardea, Stephens.

Bill much longer than the head, at base as oe or

broader than high, quite straight. Neck very long, slender,

beneath with slender, elongated, pendent plumes: body thin-

flanked. Legs very long; naked space above the tarsus

extensive.

Diurnal. Feed principally on fishes. The largest of the

genus.

226. ArpEAnrropias,L. Crested; bluish-ash; thighs fer-

ruginous ; middle toe much shorter than the tarsus.

Adult, crown black and white, with two long tapering black

feathers ; back with long, narrow, white, tapering plumes.

Young, crown dark slate ; no long feathers on the back.

Great Heron, Ardea herodias, Wils. Am. Orn. vii. p. 28.

pl. 65. fig. 2. adult.

Inhabits common, and resident in the union: rare, and mi-

gratory in the North-eastern states.

227. AnpEA arpa, L. Slightly crested; snowy white; bill

yellow; legs black, very long, slender, naked for four inches

above the tarsus.

Adult, back with long flowing plumes stiff and falling, ©

reaching beyond the tail.

Young and moulting destitute of the dorsal train.

Great White Heron, Ardea egretta, Wils. Am. Orn. vit.

p- 106. pl. 61. fig. 1.

Inhabits the northern hemisphere.

228. ArpEA pratt, Nob. Crested ; snowy white ; bill flesh-

color, the point and legs black ; toes beneath yellow; tarsus

more than five inches long.

of the United States. 305

Adult, crest and neck-fringe large, of compact pointed

feathers ; back with long, straight, filiform plumes, reaching

beyond the tail.

Young destitute of these ornaments.

Peale’s Egret Heron, Ardea pealii, Nob. Am. Orn. adult.

Inhabits Florida, and probably the analogous climates of

America. Closely allied to the following, and perhaps still

more so to the European Ardea garzetta! Intermediate be-

tween those two so closely related species! (21.)

229. ARDEA cANpipissimA, Gm. Crested; snowy white ; bill

and legs black; toes yellow; tarsus less than four inches long.

Adult, crest and neck-fringe large, of loose flowing feathers;

back with long, silky, recurved plumes, hardly reaching be-

yond the tail.

Young but slightly crested, destitute of the dorsal train.

Snowy Heron, Ardea candidissima, Wils. Am. Orn. vii.

p- 120. pl. 62. fig. 4. adult.

Inhabits both Americas; said to be found also in Asia,

which is doubtful.

230. ARDEA LupoviciANA, Wils. nec auct. Crested; bluish-

slate; back, rump and beneath, white; neck feathers pur-

plish ; back with long, capillary, purplish plumes.

Young destitute of the ornamental feathers.

Louisiana Heron, Ardea ludoviciana, Wils. Am. Orn. viii.

p- 13. pl. 64. fig. 1. adult.

Inhabits during the fine season, the south and south-western

states ; probably also all the warmer portion of America.

SUBGENUS II. BOTAURUS.

Bthoreau et Butor, Temm. Butors, Bihoreaur, Cuv.

Hérons-Bihoreaux, Hérons-Butors, Hérons-Crabiers, Vieill.

Botaurus, Nycticorax, Stephens.

Bill hardly longer than the head, much compressed, higher

than broad ; upper mandible somewhat curved. Legs com-

paratively short; naked space of the tibize restricted. Neck

306 Synopsis of the Burds

rather short, thick, densely covered with long, broad, loose,

erectile feathers, merely downy above. Body plump.

Chiefly nocturnal. Keep in marshes, sedgy places. Feed

principally on reptiles, insects, worms, and spawn; seldom

on fishes. When excited erect their neck feathers.

} Adult with long, narrow, tapering, occipital feathers.

231. ArprA vioracea,L. Crested; ash, beneath paler; up-

per parts streaked with black, with long; loosely-webbed

tapering feathers; crown, and spot on each cheek white;

two occipital feathers. eh ee A

Yellow-crowned Heron, Ardea violacea, Wils. Am. Orn.

viii. p. 26. pl. 65. fig. 1. adult.

Inhabits common in the southern and south-western states,

and the West Indies ; extending its migrations occasionally

to the middle ones.

232, ArprA nycricorax, L. Whitish; crown and back green-

ish-black ; rump, wings and tail, pale ash; three whitish

occipital feathers.

Young, brown streaked with reddish-white ; beneath white,

streaked with dusky ; wing and tail feathers plain dusky, the

former with a spot of white at tip: no occipital feathers.

Night Heron, or Qua bird, Ardea nycticorax, Wils. Am.

Orn. vit. p. 111. pl. 51. fig. 2. adult. fig. 3. young.

Inhabits both continents: common in Pennsylvania and

New-Jersey : leaves the northern and middle states during

winter.

933. ArpEA camrutea,L, Crested; bluish-slate; feathers of

the back and breast, slender and elongated; head and neck

purplish-brown ; three occipital feathers.

Young not crested, head and neck of the same color with

the body.

Blue Crane, or Heron, Ardea caerulea, Wils. Am. Orn. vii.

p. 117. pl. 62. fig. 3. adult.

of the United States. 307

Inhabits common in the south and south-western states :

wintering in tropical America: migrates in spring throughout

the union; rare in the middle, and especially the northern

states.

tt No long occipital feathers.

224, ArprA minor, Wils, Yellowish-ferruginous, mottled and

sprinkled with deep brown; throat white, streaked with

brownish ; crown, a wide patch each side of the neck, and

quill feathers, plain black.

Young, colors less decided.

American Bit ittern, Ardea minor, Wils, 4m. Orn. vit. p. 35-

pl. 65. fig. 3. adult.

Inhabits throughout North America, leaving cold regions

during winter. Closely allied to Ardea stellaris of Europe.

235. ArpEA virescens, L. Crested; glossy green; neck and

breast dark vinaceous; a line from the chin down the throat,

white streaked with blackish.

Adult, back with long tapering pointed feathers.

Young much less brilliant, destitute of the dorsal train.

Green Heron, Ardea virescens, Wils. Am. Orn. vii. p. 97.

pl. 61. fig. 1.

Inhabits throughout North America during the fine season :

common: some wintering in the southern states. Found also

in the Island of Java!

SUBGENUS III. ARDEOLA,

Bill longer than the head, higher than broad at base;

upper mandible nearly straight. Neck elongated, rather

slender, thickly covered with long, broad, loose, erectile

feathers, merely downy alone: body slender, much compres-

sed. Legs comparatively short: tibize wholly feathered :

membrane uniting the toes merely rudimental.

Female somewhat differing from the male. Young differ-

ing from both. Smallest of the genus.

308 Synopsis of the Bards

Chiefly nocturnal. Live and build in marshy grounds,

hiding closely amongst the reeds, and running a great way

in them rather than take flight. Feed on small fishes, rep-

tiles, spawn, but especially aquatic insects.

236. ArprA exinis,Gm. Chesnut, beneath whitish; neck

above rufous; sides and wing coverts, cream; crown,

primaries, tail, and tuft each side of the breast, black. Length

less than twelve inches.

Least Bittern, Ardea exilis, Wils. vit. p. 37. pl. 65. fig. 4-

Inhabits the United States and West Indies: rather rare,

and found in summer only, in the northern and middle states.

The smallest of the genus: closely related to A. minuta of

Europe, from which it is hardly distinguished but by its

inferior size.

47. ARAMUS.

Scolopax, L. Numenius, Briss. Scolopax, Ardea, Gm.

Ardea, Numenius, Lath. Rallus. Ill? Nob. Jour. Acad. Phil.

Grus! Cuv. Aramus, Vieill. Temm. Ranz.

Bitz much longer than the head, cleft beneath the eyes,

compressed, straight, curved and somewhat turgid at tip,

entire; upper mandible slightly furrowed; lower turgid

towards the middle, angular beneath, acute: nostrils in wide

orifices, rather distant from the base, lateral, longitudi-

nal, linear, pervious: tongue short, narrow, acute. Head

wholly feathered; lora naked. Fert elongated; naked

space above the tarsus extensive ; toes entirely divided ; fore

toes elongated, slender, smooth beneath ; hind toe articulated

posteriorly with the tarsus, half the length of the inner,

bearing on the ground with several joints: nails long, slen-

der, compressed, curved, acute, middle one dilated and entire

on the inner edge, the posterior longest and stoutest. Wines

moderate ; first primary rather short, falciform; third long-

est. Tait short, rounded, of twelve feathers.

of the United States. 309

Femace similar to the male. Young but little distinguished

from the parents. Moult annually.

Solitary: quiet: shy. Live in arid, desert plains, care-

fully concealed, and starting rapidly to a great elevation, as

soon as aware of being discovered. Alight on trees: walk

with great agility, moving the tail when frightened. Feed

principal:y on frogs and insects. Build in the grass. Voice

loud, shrill.

Peculiar to the warmer parts of America. Composed of

but one well ascertained species. Almost intermediate be-

tween Ardea and Numenius: closely related to Rallus, (Fami-

ly Macrodactyli) with which it has been classed by Liliger and

myself.

237. Axamus scoropacevs, Vieill. Brown, glossed with green;

feathers longitudinally white in the middle; rump, quills, and

tail feathers, immaculate.

Scolopaceous Courlan, Aramus scolopaceus, Nob. Am.

Orn. 1it.

Inhabits Florida, and other warm parts of America : visits

occasionally the shores of the middle states. Common in

the island of Cuba.

FAMILY XIX. FALCATI.

Filcati, fl. Falcirostres, Vieill. Ranz.

Cultrirostres, Longirostres, Cuv. Latr. Ardeide, Vigors.

Biut very long, stout at base, subulate, falcate, cylindri-

cal at up; edges much beut in, sharp. Face naked ; throat

dilatable. Neck elongated. Fret elongated, 4-toed ; naked

space of the tibia extensive ; tarsus reticulated ; toes elonga-

ted, bordered with a narrow membrane, connecting the fore

toes at base; hind toe articulated with the tarsus low

down, half as long as the middle one, bearing almost its whole

length on the ground. Wrneés moderate, obtuse, tubercula-

ted. Tatu short, of twelve feathers.

Vou. I. 39

310 Synopsis of the Birds

Femate much smaller, but similar in color to the male.

Young differing greatly from the adult until the third year.

Moult annually.

Dull, stupid, fearless, easily approached and shot. Fre-

quent inundated places, the shores of lakes and rivers Feed

on small fishes, reptiles, mollusca, and insects: when satia~

ted, retire to the highest trees, where they stand erect, resting

their heavy bill on the breast. Monogamons : build on high

trees; lay two or three eggs: female only incubating, but

is fed by the male, and both feed their young, which leave

the nest only when able to flutter. Walk slowly, often sinking

deeply in the mud, while watching for their prey. Flight

heavy, but high and protracted.

Intermediate between the two families Limicole and Hero-

dii, but much more closely relaied to the latter: connecting

them admirably.

48. TANTALUS.

Tantalus, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Vieill. Temm.

Numenius, Briss.

Bit stout, as wide as the face at base, compressed, atten-

uated, curved only towards the point; upper mandible not

furrowed, trigonal at base, then cylindrical, notched; edges

approaching each other so closely as to form a narrow chan-

nel; lower mandible not channelled: nostrils basal, approxi-

mated, longitudinal, elliptic, open, pervious : tongue very

short, deep in the throat. Head naked, verrucose, cheeks

with scattered feathers. ‘Tarsus twice as long as the middle

toe: nails short, somewhat flattened, rather obtuse. First

and second primaries subequal and longest.

Composed of but four species, one in each division of the

globe except Europe.

238. TanraLus Locutator, L. White, face and head bluish;

quills and tail glossy black.

of the United States. 311

Young, blackish; head and neck yellowish-white; belly

cinereous.

Wood Ibis, Tantalus loculator, Wils. Am. Orn. vitt. p. 39.

pl. 66. fig. 1. adult.

Inhabits America from Carolina to Brazil: in the United

States during summer only.

49. IBIS.

Tantalus, L. Gm. Lath. Numenius, Briss. Falcinellus,

Bechst. Meyer. Ibis, Lacep. Ill. Cuv. Vierll. Temm.

Biit slender, thicker at base, tetragonal-cylindrical, arcua-

ted, depressed, obtuse at tip; upper mandible deeply furrow-

ed its whole length, entire; lower deeply channelled beneath :

nostrils in the furrow, basal, lateral, longitudinal, linear, half

closed by a membrane: tongue very short, deep in the throat,

triangular, thick, smooth, cartilaginous, fimbriated at base.

Face and throat naked. ‘Tarsus longer than the middle

toe: nails short, somewhat curved, rather obtuse, middle one

often pectinated. First primary hardly shorter than the

second and third, which are longest.

Feed exclusively on insects, worms, mollusca, and also

vegetable substances. Migrate periodically, and to wonder-

ful distances; the migration of some species being limited only

by the boundaries of our globe.

Inhabit all quarters of the world. Venerated by the an-

cient Egyptians.

239. Isis nuBRA, Vieill. Scarlet, richer and brighter accord-

ing to age; outer quill-feathers blue-black at tip; face

reddish.

Young cinereous, back and wings blackish ; rump and be-

neath white.

Scarlet Ibis, Tantalus ruber, Wils. 4m. Orn. viii. p. 41.

pl. 66. fig. 2. adult. Tantalus fuscus, L. young. (22)

Inhabits the warmer parts of America: during summer

only, the southern extremity of the union: rare.

sy ae Synopsis of the Birds

240. Inis Ave, Vieill. White, old bird tinged with rose

color ; outer quill-feathers blue-black at tip: face reddish.

White Ibis, Tantalus albus, Hils. Am. Orn. vitt. p- 43

pl. 66. fig. 3.

Inhabits as the preceding: common in Florida on the sea

shore during summer.

241. Ipis FALCINELLUS, Vieill. Purplish-chesnut 5 top of the

head, middle of the back, wings and tail, metallic green;

face blackish.

Young, head and neck feathers streaked with blackish, and

margined with whitish; back and scapulars, brownish-cine-.

reous; beneath blackish-cinereous ; wings and tail duller.

Glossy Ibis, ibis falcinellus, Nob. Am. Orn. tit. adult.

Tantalus mexicanus, Ord, J. vic. Phil.

Inhabits warm and temperate shores throughout the globe :

a rare visitant of the United States.

FAMILY XX. LIMICOL.

Limicola, Littorales, Ill. Longirostres, Cuv. Latr. He-

honomi, /figialites, Vieill. Limicole, Tachidrome, Ranz.

Scolopacide, Charadriada, Vigors.

Bitt generally long, slender, feeble, soft, cylindrical,

mostly obtuse at the point. Face feathered. Neck mode-

rate. Frer moderate or elongated, tender; naked space of

the tibia more or less extensive ; tarsus reticulated ; hind toe

slender, short, articulated high on the tarsus, hardly touch-

ing the ground at tip, sometimes wanting. Wunes elonga-

ted, falciform, acute, tuberculated. Tait rather short.

Femace larger, similar to the male in color. Young dif-

fering more or less from the adult. Moult twice in the

year.

Live in marshes, muddy places, and around water : never

alighting on trees. Run swiftly. Feed on insects, worms,

of the United States. 31S

mollusea, and other marine animals, which they seek in the

mud; feeling and taking their prey without seeing it, by

means of their sensible bill.* Monogamous; breed on the

ground in marshy grasses, or in the sand; lay generally four

pyriform eggs; both sexes incubating, and attending the

young: young leave the nest, ran about, and pick up their food

as soonas hatched. Flesh esculent.

50. NUMENIUS,

Numenius, Briss. Lath. Cuv. Ill. Viewll. Temm. Ranz-.

Scolopax, L. Gm. Tantalus, Lacep.

Bit very long, slender, almost cylindrical, slightly com-

pressed, arcuated, entire; upper mandible longer, furrowed

for three fourths of its length, dilated, and rounded towards

tip ; nostrils in the furrow, basal, lateral, longitudinal, oblong :

tongue very short, acute. Fret rather elongated, slender,

4-toed; naked space of the tibia moderate ; tarsus half longer

than the middle toe; toes short, stout, bordered, somewhat

rough beneath; fore toes connected at base by a shart mem-

brane to the first articulation; hind toe a little longer than

a phalanx of the middle one, bearing on the ground at tip:

nails compressed, curved, acute, the cutting edge of the mid-

dle one entire. First primary longest. ‘Tain somewhat

rounded, of twelve feathers.

Femace similar to the male both in size andcolor. Young

differing but little from the adult, but well distinguished by

their much shorter and straighter bill. Moult annually,

late in the season. Colors dull, a mixture of grayish-brown,

rusty, white and blackish, hardly varying in the different

species.

* In these birds the bill is wholly or partially covered with a nervous and

sensitive skin.

314 Synopsis of the Birds

Extremely shy, wary and cunning. Solitary, except when

migrating, then uniting in large flocks. Live in the neigh-

bourhood of salt water and marshes, during summer advan-

cing inland. Feed on worms, insects, small fishes and mol-

lusca, which they seek in the sand or in the mud Nestle

on tufts in prairies and marshes. Flight high, rapid, and

protracted. Voice loud, whistling.

Spread all over the globe: three species in Europe: three

in North America.

242. Numenrus Lonerrostris, Wils. Crown blackish, with

whitish streaks, no medial line; rump uniform with the rest;

long axillary feathers rusty ; bill very long, much arcuated.

Long-billed Curlew, Numenius longirostris, Wils. vit. p. 23.

pl. 64. fig. 4.

Inhabits throughout North America: common in spring

and autumn in the middle states. .

243, Numentus nupsonticus, Lath. Crown deep brown, with a

whitish medial line; rump uniform with the rest; long axil-

lary feathers banded with black and rusty ; bill short, much

arcuated.

Esquimaux Curlew, Scolopax borealis, Wils. vit. p. 22.

pl. 66. fig. 1.

Inbabits throughout North America: breeding to the

north, wintering to the south: common on their double pas-

sage in the middle states.

244, NuMENIUS BOREALIS, Lath. nec Ord. Crown blackish,

streaked with whitish, no medial line; rump uniform with

the rest; long axillary feathers banded with black and rusty ;

bill very short, but little arcuated.

Esquimaux Curlew, Numenius borealis, Nob. Am. Orn. ui.

Numenius brevirostris, Temm. pl. col. 381. (24)

Inhabits throughout North and South America: rare in the

United States, found at Hudson’s Bay, in the western territory,

Brazil, Paraguay, &c.

of the United States. 315

51. TRINGA.

Tringa, Charadrius, Scolopax, L. Gm. Tringa, Chara-

drius, Numenius, Lath. Tringa, Arenaria, Priss. Actitis,

Calidris, lil.* Calidris, Pelidna, Machetes, Arenaria, Cuv.

Tringa, Arenaria, Vieill. Tringa, Calidris, Temm. Ranz.

Biv moderate, slender, sub-cylindrical, straight, or slight-

ly curved, soft and flexible its whole length, compressed at

base, point smooth, depressed, somewhat dilated, obtuse:

both mandibles furrowed each side their whole length;

lower a little shorter: nostrils in the furrows, basal, linear,

pervious, covered by a membrane: tongue moderate, slender,

subfiliform, canaliculated above, entire, acute. Frrt 3 or

4-toed ; tarsus slender; fore toes rather elongated, slender,

generally divided ; hind toe extremely short, slender, much

elevated, hardly touching the ground at tip, or wanting: nails

curved, acute. Wines moderate ; first primary longest. Tar

rather short, of twelve feathers.

Femate similar in color to the male, somewhat larger.

Young differ from the adult. Moult twice a year, changing

greatly the color of their plumage. Colors a mixture of

white and cinereous, changing in summer to rufous and

black.

Live in flocks, often composed of different species, on sandy

beaches, muddy shores, preferring salt water. Migrate

according to season along shores and rivers. Feed on in-

sects, mollusca, and other small animals, which they seek in

soft ground by inserting their flexible bill. Breed socially

among the grass near water.

* Tlliger, however, does not quote under his genus Actitis a single

typical Tringa; he probably never examined one, as they do not possess

the character he assigns to the group ‘“ pedes colligati.”

316 Synopsis of the Birds

Spread all over the world, even some of the species.

Wantonly multiplied by superficial observers; most difficult

to distinguish correctly by brief descriptions.

SUBGENUS f. HEM!IPALAM4A.

Hemipalama, Nob. Cbs. Nom. Wils. Orn.

Feet 4-toed ; anterior connected at base by a membrane.

Peculiar to America. Connects admirably the two allied

genera Numenius and Tringa. Well marked, but perhaps

artificial.

245 Trinca nimantopus, Nob. Bill much longer than the

head, sub-arched ; tarsus longer than the bill ; rump white,

banded with black ; middle tail feathers longest.

Long-legged Sandpiper, Tringa himantopus, Nob. Am.

Orn. ii.

Iuhabits the middle states in summer and autumn.

Avomalous: closely related to Numenius, and as to natu-

ral affinity, still more so to Totanus! Ought not to be

separated from T. subarquata, Temm. by the straight-billed

T. semipalmata, Wils. with which it claims no alliance,

except on account of its semipalmated feet.

246. Trinca semipatmata, Wils. Bill shorter than the head,

straight; feet moderate ; rump blackish ; middle tail feathers

jongest.

Semipalmated Sandpiper, Tringa semipalmata, Wils. vit.

p. 131. pl. 63. fig. 4-

Inhabits common throughout the United States. Except

by its feet, closely related to T. pusilla, minuta, Xc.

SUBGENUS I. TRINGA.

Calidris, Pelidna, Cuv.

Feet 4-toed ; auterior cleft to the base.

Spread all over the world. Connected much more with

the preceding by the European subgenus Machetes, Cav. in

of the United States. 317

Cuv. in which the outer toe is connected by a membrane

as in the typical Totani.

247. Tarvaa sussrquata, Temm. Bill much longer than the

head, subarched ; rump white ; middle tail feathers longest,

lateral white internally ; tarsus shorter than the bill, one inch

and a quarter long.

Summer plumage varied with black and rufous, beneath

rufous : winter, cinereous, beneath white.

Cape Curlew, Numenius africanus, Lath. Meyer and Wolf,

Ois. dAilem. livr. viv. pl. 4. fig. 1. adult in full dress. fig. 9.

young.

{nhabits throughout the world ; extremely rare, and merely

a transient visitor in the United States.

248. Trinea atpina, L. Bill longer than the head, slightly

curved at the point, entirely black ; rump blackish; middle

tail feathers longest ; tarsus little more than one inch long.

Summer plumage varied with black and rufous, beneath

black and white: winter, ashy brown, beneath white.

Red-buked Sandpiper, Tringa alpina, Wils. Am. Orn.

vit. p. 5. pl. 56. fig. 2. summer dress; and the Purre, Tringa

cinclus, Wils. Am Orn. vn. p. 39. pl. 57. fig. 3. winter dress.

Inhabits both continents: very common throughout the

United States and Europe.

249. TrinGA scHtInzit, Brehm. Bill hardly longer than the

head, hardly curved, entirely black; rump blackish; mid-

dle tail feathers longest; tarsus three quarters of an inch

long. 2

Summer plumage varied with blackish and dull rufous;

beneath black and white: winter, ashy brown, beneath white.

Schinz’s Sandpiper, Tringa Srhinzii, Nob. Am. Orn 3.

Pelidna cinclus, var. Say in Long’s expedition.

Inhabits both continents; found from beyond the Missis-

Vou. I. 40

318 Synopsis of the Birds

sippi to the Atlantic shores ; rather common in the autumn

on the coasts of New-Jersey. Exceedingly allied to the pre-

ceding ; hardly distinguished but by its inferior size, and

shorter bill and tarsi.

250. Taringa prcrorants, Nob. Bill shorter than the head,

compressed and reddish-yellow at base; ramp black 5 mid-

dle tail feathers longest ; feet greenish-yellow, tarsus one inch

long.

Summer plumage varied with black and rufous, beneath

white ; breast cinereous, strongly lineated with blackish.

Winter, cinereous-brown, beneath white.

Pectoral Sandpiper, Tringa pecturalis, Nob. Am. Orn.

iit. Pelidna pectoralis, Say in Long’s. exp.

Inhabits throughout the United States and West Indies :

common beyond the Mississippi; often met with on the coasts

of New-Jersey in the latter end of summer.

251. TRINGA PLATYRHINCA, Temm. Bill longer than the head,

slightly curved at the point, much depressed and reddish at

base ; rump black; middle tail feathers longest; feet green-

ish-ash; tarsus less than one inch long.

Summer plumage varied with black and rufous; beneath

pure white: winter, cinereous, beneath white.

Numenius pygmaeus, Lath. nec Bechst. Naum. Vog. t. 10-

2. 22. adult in summer plumae.

Inhabits both continents: extremely rare in the United

States.

252. Trinca maritima, Bruon. Bill longer than the head,

hardly curved at the point, compressed and reddish at base ;

rump black ; middie tail feathers longest; feet yellow; naked

space above the tarsus very small.

Summer dress purplish-black varied with white and rufous,

beneath whitish with blackish spots: winier, blackish, beneath

whitish streaked with dusky.

of the United States. 31g

Purple Sandpiper, Tringa maritima, Nob. Am. Orn. 3.

Jnhabits both continents on rocky shores only, hardly

ever seen on the eastern coasts of the union; common at

Hadson’s Bay, in England, &c. found in Holland only where

artificial moles have been formed, making its appearance as

they are built.

253. Trinca temuinckit, Leister. Bill shorter than the head,

nearly straight; rump blackish; tail graduated, the outer

feathers pure white.

Summer plumage black, varied with rufous, beneath white :

winter, cinereous-brown, beneath white.

Tringa pusilla, Bechst. nec auct. Temm. Pl. Col. 41. fig 1.

Inhabits the Arctic circle, whence it migrates periodically

to temperate climates : exceedingly rare in the United States.

254. Tringa minuta, Leisl. Bill shorter than the head,

straight; rump blackish; middle and outer tail feathers

longest, lateral, dark cinereous, edged with white; tarsus

longer than the bill, ten lines long.

Summer plumage blackish varied with rufous, beneath

white: winter, cinereous, beneath white.

Tringa minuta, Temm. Naum. Vog. t. 21. fig. 30.

Inhabits throughout the world: rare in the United States :

common in Switzerland, Italy.

255. Tringa pusitiA, Wils. Bill shorter than the head,

straight ; rump blackish; middle tail feathers longest, lateral

equal, dark cinereous, edged with white; tarsus equal to the

bill eight lines long.

Summer plumage blackish varied with rufous, beneath

white : winter, cinereous, beneath wiite.

Little Sandpiper, Tringa pusilla, Wils. Am. Orn. v.

p. 32. pl. 37. fir. 4.

Inhabits in great numbers the shores of North and South

America: not found in Europe. Hardly differing from the

preceding, but by its shorter tarsi.

320 Synopsis of the Birds

256. Trinca is.AnpicA, L. Bill hardly longer than the head,

straight; rump white, varied with black ; tail perfectly even.

Summer plumage black varied with rusty, beneath rusty :

winter, light ash, beneath white.

Young, dark ash, varied with black and white, beneath

white.

Red-breasted Sandpiper, Tringa rufa, Wils. Am. On. vit.

p. 43. pl. 57. fig. 5. summer dress; and ash-colored Sand-

prper, Tringa cinerea, Wils. Am. Orn. vit. p. 36. pl. 57. fig: 2-

winter dress.

Iuhabits both continents: common during spring and

autumn in the middle states. C2

SUBGENUS III. CALIDRIS.

Tringa, Charadrius, Gm. Charadrius, Lath. Arenaria,

Briss. Cuv. Vieill. Calidris, Ill. Temm. Ranz.

Feet 3-toed ; toes cleft from the base; no rudiment of

hind toe.

Keeping almost exclusively on sandy beaches; closely

following the flux and refiux of the surf, to pick up the small

animals left on the sand.

Cosmopolite. Formed of but a single species, which can-

not be separated from the Tringz in a natural arrangement,

though authors, taking no other characters in consideration,

but the want of hind toe, place it artificially even in a

distinct Family or Order!

257. Tringa arenarta,L. Bill shorter than the head,

straight; rump ash; middle tail feathers longest. ‘

Summer plumage varied with black, white and rufous,

beneath white: winter, light ash, sices of the head, and all

beneath white.

Ruddy Plover, Charadrius rubidus, Wils. Am. Orn. vii.

p. 129. pl. 63. fig. 3. summer dress. Sanderling Plover, Chara-

of the United States. 321

drius calidris, Wils. Am. Orn. vii. p. 68. pl. 59. fig. 4. winter

dress.

Inhabits all over the globe: migrating periodically along

the coasts of the middle states.

52. HIMANTOPUS.

Himantopus, Briss. Ill. Cuv. Temm. VPieill. Ranz. Chara-

drius, L. Gm. Lath. Macrotarsus, Lacepede, Recurvirostra,

Wilson.

Brit long, very slender, smooth, subulate, cylindrical,

somewhat recurved from the middle, rather depressed at base,

compressed and acute at the point, both mandibles furrowed

on each side half their length: nostrils in the furrows,

basal, linear, pervious: tongue short, slender, acuminate.

Head small; eyes very small: neck long. Frer 3-toed;

tibize disproportionately long, thin, flexible, almost entirely

naked ; tarsus thrice as long as the middle toe, very slender

and flexible, somewhat compressed ; toes rather short, narrow,

flattened beneath, edged by a narrow membrane ; middle toe

longest, connected to the outer by a broad membrane, as far

as the first joint, and to the inner by a very small one: nails

very small, hardly compressed, rounded above, curved,

and rather acute at tip. Wines very long, extremely acute ;

quills stiff; first primary much the longest. Tai short,

even, of twelve feathers.

Femate hardly differing from the male. Young somewhat

different from the adult. Moult twice in the year.

Live in small flocks. near waters, preferring salt marshes

and sea-pools. Feed on insects, mollusea, &c. which they

catch both in the air and mud. Breed socially, raising

their nest as it becomes advisable; lay four or six eggs,

which they hatch standing. Fly with great rapidity and

steadiness, their stiffly protruded legs making up for the de-

ficiency of their tail as a rudder. Walk with difficulty on

hard ground, bending their body, on account of their weak

322 | Synopsis of the Birds

legs; at ease only on sinking soil, for which their feet

are admirably calculated : wade deeply in the mud and water,

swim ming occasionally when losing their depth.

Spread all over the globe. Formed of but two well ascer-

tained species, one of which is reckoned as cosmopolite,

though we cannot trace it in America. Ought not to separate

Tringa from Totanus: somewhat anomalous in their most

natural family : forms, in our system, a small solitary collate-

ral branch, to which might be joined the genus Recurvi- .

rostra.

258. Hrmanropus nigricorcis, Vieill. White, neck above,

scapulars and wings black.*

Long-legged Avocet, Recurvirostra himantopus, Wils. vit.

p. 48. pl. 55. fig. 1.

Inhabits North and South America: not rare during sum-

mer in the northern and middle states.

53. TOTANUS.

Tringa, Scolopax, L. Gm. Lath. Wils. Tringa, Briss.

Chevaliers, Buffon. Actitis, Ill. Tetanus, Bechst. Cuv. Temm.

Vieill. Ranz.

Bitt moderate, slender, sub-cylindrical, straight, or a little

recurved, much compressed its whole length, flexible at base,

narrow, hard, smooth, acute, and a little curved at the point ;

both mandibles furrowed each side to the middle; lower

shorter, somewhat recurved at tip: nostrils in the furrows,

basal, lateral, linear, pervious: tongue moderate, filiform,

acute. Frer 4-toed; tarsus long, slender; toes slender,

smooth beneath ; outer connected at base by a membrane ;

hind toe short, slender, much elevated, touching the ground

* Fimantopus melanopterus, Meyer. (albicollis, Vieill.) White, scapulars

and wings blacl:.

of the United States. 323

at tip: nails compressed, curved, acute. Wines moderate;

first primary longest. Tart generally short, of twelve feathers.

Femace similar to the male, somewhat larger. Young

differ but little from the adult in winter plumage. Moult

twice in the year, changing somewhat.

Live in flocks, some species solitary, in damp meadows,

near water, preferring river shores and fresh water marshes;

wade deeply. Migrate according to season. Feed on in-

sects, mollusca, which they seek on hard ground, among

gravel, or in hard bottomed rivulets, by means of their solid

and less sensible bill. Breed socially among the grass near

water.

Spread all over the globe, many of the species themselves.

Resembling each other closely, very difficult to distinguish

without a thorough acquaintance. Closely allied to the genus

Scolopax, by its subgenus Macroramphus, to Limosa by our

subgenus Glottis, and especially to Tringa by Machetes :

well distinguished, however, by the union of the two charac-

ters of the feet and bill.

SUBGENUS I. CATOPTROPHORUS.

Part of Chevaliers proprement dits, Temm. Part of Glot-

tis, Nilsson.

Bill straight, stout, solid almost its whole length, furrows

only at the base, those of the lower mandible obliterated.

Fore toes all connected at base by a membrane.

Female conspicuously larger.

Not only wade, but swim occasionally.

259. 'TorANUS SEMIPALMATUS, Temm. Rump white ; lower wing

coverts, black ; quills white, for two thirds of their length

from the base.

Summer plumage brownish, varied with blackish and

whitish, beneath white, spotted with blackish: winter, light

ash, beneath white.

324 Synopsis of the Birds

Semipalmated Snipe, Scolopax semipalmata, Wils. Am.

Orn. vii. p. 27. pl. 56. fig. 3. summer dress.

Inbabits throughout North America; an accidental visi-

tant on the western European shores: common during sum-

mer in the middle states, where it breeds in great numbers.*

SUBGENUS II. TOTANUS.

Bill straight, slender, hard, furrowed and flexible nearly

to the middle. Inner toe cleft.

More allied to Tringa, (especially Machetes,) by their

more sensible bill.

260. Toranus meLANoLeucus, Vieill. Ashy brown, spotted

with black and white; rump white; tail white, barred with

brown ; feet yellow ; bill entirely blackish, slightly recurved.

Length fourteen and a half inches.

Tell-tale Godwit, or Snipe, Scol pax vocifera, Wils. vit.

p. 57. fig. 5. summer dress.

Inhabits throughout North America in suitable places:

common from April to November in. the middle states,

where it breeds.

261, Toranus riavires, Vieill. Ashy-brown, spotted with

black and white ; rump white ; tail white, barred with brown;

feet yellow, bill entirely black, straight. Length ten inches.

Yellow shanks Snipe, Scolopax jiavipes, Wils. vu. p. 55.

pl. 58. fig. 4. summer dress.

* Following the mania of the day, we have formed a new subgenus for

the reception of this bird, which deserves the distinction quite as well, and

better than a great many others. We adopt Glottis, Nilsson, for those

with stout but recurved bills, and inner toe cleft. None are found in the

United States, and but one in Europe.

of the United States. $25

Inhabits throughout North America: very common during

summer and autumn in the middle states. Hardly differing

from the preceding but by its smaller size : exceedingly like

several European Totani, from each and all of which, how-

ever, the above phrase distinguishes it.

262. Toranus narrramius, Temm. Rump black; tail very

long, tapering, reaching much beyond the wings! Bill very

short.

Bartram’s Sandpiper, Tringa bartramia, Wils. Am. Orn.

vu. p. 63. pl. 59. fig. 2. :

Inhabits North and South America: an accidental visitant

in northern and western Europe: common during summer,

on the plains near the sea coast of New-Jersey and Long

Island, and in great numbers on the extensive prairies beyond

‘the Mississippi.

263. Toranus catoropyetus, Vieill. Brown-olive, spotted with

white ; rump, and middle tail feathers uniform with the rest ;

tail white, barred with broad, regular, blackish bands; quills

and their shafts entirely black.

Solitary Sandpiper, Tringa solitaria, Wils. Am. Orn. vii.

p- 53. pl. 58. fig. 3.

Inhabits the United States, during summer in the mountains

where it breeds; during winter in the plains and shores:

not rare, but by no means numerous in autumn in the mid-

dle states. Solitary. Allied to T. Glareola of Europe, but

totally distinct.

264. Toranus MAcunARius, Temm. Olive-brown, waved with

blackish ; rump and tail olive-brown; three outer tail feathers

white, barred with black ; quills black, with a white spot on

the inner web.

Adult, beneath white, with roundish black spots ; bill

orange beneath.

Young, beneath pure white; wing coverts undulated with

rufous lines; bill wholly blackish.

Vou. II. 41

326 Synopsis of the Birds

Spotted Sandpiper, Tringe macularia, Wils. Am. Orn.

vit. p. 60. pl. 59. fig. 1. adult; Totanus macularius, Nob.

Im. Orn. itt. young.

Inhabits throughout North America: though an arctic

bird, merely an accidental visitant in the north of Europe!

very common during the fair season in the middle states where

it breeds. Solitary.

This beautiful species, together with its close relative

T. hypoleucos of Europe, has the bill furrowed, soft, and

flexible to the point, hard merely at the tip, and therefore,

almost as sensible as that of the Tringa, to which they form

the passage: they might constitute a section or subgenus,

under the name of Tringoides.

54. LIMOSA.

Scolopar, L. Gm. Lath. Limosa, Briss. Cuv. Leisler.

Temm. Ranz. Actitis, Ill. Limicola, Vieill.

Bit very long, straight, a little recurved from the mid-

dle, sub-cylindrical, rather slender, thick at base, very

soft and flexible its whole length, at the point smooth, much

depressed, dilated, turgid and obtuse ; both mandibles deeply

furrowed on each side nearly their whole length; lower

shorter; the upper ending in an internal knob: nostrils in

the furrows, basal, lateral, covered by a membrane, linear,

open, pervious: tongue moderate, filiform, acute. Head

large; eyes very large, central. Neck moderate, stout :

body inclined, compressed. Fert long, slender, 4-toed ;

naked space of -the tibia extensive ; fore toes somewhat sca-

brous beneath; middle one longest, connected to the outer

at base by a membrane ; inner free, hardly shorter than the

outer; hind toe short, slender, touching the ground at tip :

nails falculate, the middle one with a: projecting ridge, hol-

lowed out beneath on the inner side. Wines long, extremely

acute; quills stiff; first primary longest. Tari moderate, of

twelve feathers,

of the United States. 327

Femae larger; colors somewhat duller. Young hardly

differing from the adult in winter plumage. Moult twice in

the year, changing greatly their plumage, the female later

than the male, hence said to differ. Larger than the allied

genera, except Numenius.

Timid, melancholy, shy, suspicious, watchful. Migrate

according to season. Live in flocks, keeping constantly in

moist grounds, morasses near water, preferring salt marshes,

rarely found far from the sea; affecting muddy places above

all things. Chiefly nocturnal, hiding and keeping quiet

during day-time among grasses, reeds, and going out in the

morning and evening only. Feeding at twilight and by

moonshine on insects, &c. which they seek in the softest mud:

thrust their bill into it continually in search of small ani-

mals and vegetables. Sight weak and short, supplied by

their exquisitely sensible bill, which being furnished with

nerves to the tip, is capable of tasting whatever it seizes.

Like the gallinaceous birds, assist digestion by taking sand and

small stones into their gizzard for trituration. Breed socially

in damp meadows; lay on the ground among grass, bushes.

Voice hoarse, shrill, compared to that of a goat. Escaping

rapidly among reeds and swampy grounds when perceived.

Spread all over the cold and temperate regions of the globe.

Formed of but three well established species, two of which

are found in Europe, and two also in the United States.

More closely allied to Totanus by its European subgenus

Glottis, Nob.

265. Limosa mcocepnata, Nob, Bill straightish; rump and

tail black ; base of the quills and tail feathers white ; middle

nail long, serrated.

Summer plumage, black varied with rufous; beneath ru-

fous, varied with blackish: winter, ashy-brown, beneath white-

ish ; tail tipped with white.

Black-tailed Goduit, Limosa egocephala, Nob. Am. Orn.

328 Synopsis of the Birds

iii. Ia Barge commune, Buff. pl. enl. 974. *Limostthela-

nura, Leisl. Temm. Scolopax limosa, and S. egocephala. L.

~ Jnhabits both continents: common at Hudson’s Bay, and

in high. northern American latitudes ; a transient visiter du-

ring spring and autumn in the middle states: extremely

common in the Netherlands.

266, Limosa repoa, Vieill.* Bill recurved; rump uniform

with the rest; tail brownish, banded with black ; ; middle

nail short, entire.

Summer plumage, black varied with rufous, beneath rusty :

winter, cinereous, beneath whitish.

Great Marbled Godwit, Scolopax fedoa, Wils. Am. Orn. vit.

p- 30. pl. 56. fig. 4. female.

Inhabits throughout North America ; a transient visiter in

spring and autumn in the middle states: not very common.

. SCOLOPAX.

silanes DL. A eiae Gm. Lath. Civ: Ill. Temm. Ranz.

Rusticola, Scolopax, Vieill. Scolopax, Gallinago, Macro-

ramphus, Steph.

Brix long, slender, straight, sub-cylindrical, compressed,

soft and flexible its whole length, point depressed, dilated,

tumid, obtuse, wrinkled after death:+ both mandibles furrow-

ed to the middle; upper terminated by an internal knob;

lower shorter, canaliculated, truncated: nostrils in the furrows,

basal, marginal, linear, pervious, covered by a membrane:

tongue moderate, filiform, acute. Head large, compressed,

* Limosa rufa, Briss. Bill recurved; rump white; tail banded with

black, middle nail short, entire.

Summer dress, black varied with rufous, head and beneath rufous, the

former streaked with brown: winter, cinereous, beneath pure white.

La Barge rousse, Buff. pl. enl. 900. summer dress.

Inhabits the north of the old continent: common in northern and wes-

tern Europe.

+ Owing to the desiccation of their exquisite nervous apparatus.

of the United States. 329

somewhat angular, low forward, high behind ; eyes very

large, placed high and far back. Neck moderate, stout. Body

compressed, very fleshy. Frrr moderate, slender, 4-toed ;

naked space on the tibia small: tarsus rather shorter than

the middle toe; anterior toes rather long, slender, scabrous

beneath ; middle toe longest; inner free; hind toe short,

slender, touching the ground at tip: nails falculate. Wines

moderate; first and second primaries subequal, longest.

Try short, rounded, of from twelve to sixteen feathers.

Frmate similar to the male, a little larger. Moult twice a

year.

Stupid. Live in swampy woods, forests, or in open marsh-

es and morasses. Feed exclusively on insects and other small

animals, which they seek in the mud and slime, and turning

over decayed leaves. Breed on the ground; eggs about

four. Nocturnal, go about in the morning and evening.

When pursued keep close to the ground, and by hiding their

head in their feathers, think to avoid their numerous enemies;

when close chased, start on the wing with great rapidity.

Flesh exquisite.

Spread all over the world. Composed of three subgenera.

SUBGENUS I. MACRORAMPHUS.

’

Bécassine-Chevalier, Temm. Macroramphus, Leach.

Scolopax, Vieill.

Feet elongated ; tibize partly naked; outer toe connected

by a membrane to the middle as far as the first joint ; hind

nail projecting over the toe, acute. Tail of twelve feathers.

Vary according to age and season.

Gregarious ; keep and flyin flocks. Inhabit open marshy

grounds in the neighbourhood of the sea; not hiding in the

grass. Flight high, and rapid. .

Formed of a single species, of which seven or eight nomi-

nal have been made. More related in form, colors, changes

330 Synopsis of the Burds

and habits, to the other genera of the family. Connects

Scolopax with Totanus and Limosa.

267. Sconopax erisEA,Gm. Rump white ; tail banded with

black and white; shaft of the first primary white.

Summer dress, black varied with reddish and cinereous ;

eyebrows and breast reddish: winter, cinereous, beneath white.

Red-breasted Snipe, Scolopax noveboracensis, Wils. Am.

Orn. vit. p. 48. pl. 58. fig. 2. summer dress.

Inhabits throughout North America: very common in the

middle states at its double passage: an accidental and very

rare visitant in the north of Europe.

SUBGENUS II. SCOLOPAX.

Bécassine, Temm. Scolopax, Vieill. Gallinago, Steph.

Feet moderate ; tibia partly naked ; all the toes cleft; hind

nail projecting over the toe, acute. ‘Tail of from twelve to

sixteen feathers. Young similar to the adult: do not change

in moulting.

Colors a mixture of black, white, rufous, and cinereous.

Solitary. Live in open marshes, on the borders of rivers,

fresh water pools, in damp, and sometimes even dry prairies;

always hiding in the grass, not perceived until started. Flight

high, very rapid, and irregular.

Spread all over the globe, even some of the few species of

which it is formed.

268. ScoLopax wizsoni1, Temm. (24.) Tail rounded, of six-

teen feathers, all barred with black at tip, the lateral half as

broad as the middle ones.

Snipe, Scolopax gallinago, Wils. Am. Orn. vi. p. 18. pl. 47.

fig. 2

Inhabits North and South America: very common during

autumn in the middle states, where a few breed. Resembling

excessively S. gallinago, and S. Brehmii of the old conti-

nent: perhaps they form but a single species.

of the United States. 331

SUBGENUS III. RUSTICOLA.

Bécasse proprement dite. Temm. Rusticola, Vierll.

Scolopax, Steph.

Feet short; tibia wholly feathered ; ‘toes cleft eon the

very base ; hind nail not projecting beyond the toe, obtuse.

Three first primaries very narrow, linear, subequal ; fourth

and fifth longest. Tail of twelve feathers.

Female conspicuously larger, with a much longer bill.

Young similar to the adult. Do not change in moulting.

Colors a mixture of black, rufous, and cinereous.

Solitary. Live in forests, wooded swamps and thickets,

fond of Indian corn fields, seldom seen in open grounds.

Carefully watch their young, even carrying them from danger

on their back.

Flight low, slow, direct. Cosmopolite. But two species,

one in each continent.

269. Scoropax minor, Gm.* Hind head black, with three

yellowish bands, beneath plain yellowish-rusty ; quills plain

dusky.

Woodcock, Scolopax minor, Wils. vi. p. 40. pl. 48. fig. 2

Inhabits throughout temperate America, wintering between

the tropics : very common during the fair season in the mid-

dle states where they breed, and a few appear to winter.

FAMILY XXI. MACRODACTYLIT.

Macrodactyli, Lobipedes, Ill. Macrodactyli, Cuv. Latr.

Macrodactyli, Macroniches, Pinnatipedes, Vieill.

Macrodattil, Pinnatipedi, Ranz. Rallide, Vigors.

Brix short or moderate, hard, thick at base, straight, com-

pressed, entire, curved at the point, sharp on the edges. Head

* Scolopar rusticola, L. Wead transversely banded; beneath rusty,

undulated with blackish; quills banded with biack and rufous.

La Becusse, Buff. pl. enl. 885.

inhabits throughout the old continent: breeding in aretic regions.

332 Synopsis of the Birds

small: neck well proportioned: body slender, much compres:

sed. Fert moderate, rather robust, 4-toed; naked space of

the tibia rather small; tarsus not longer than the middle toe,

reticulated ; toes three before, one behind, very long, slender,

divided, edged by a decurrent membrane; hind toe rather

long, articulated almost ona level with the others, bearing on

the ground good part of its length: nails slender, compressed,

acute. Wunes rather short, wide, somewhat rounded, con-

cave, tuberculated; third or fourth primary longest. Tarn

short, of twelve feathers.

Femaze smaller, differing but little from the male. Young

differing often from the parents. Moult once or twice in the

year, without changing their colors.

Solitary. Keep mostly near or in water; moving nimbly

on marshy weeds. Fond of concealment. Feed on small

animals, and on seeds and other vegetable substances. Mono-

gamous: lay once or twice in the year: both sexes sit in

turn: eggs rounded, from five to sixteen. Young run about

under the parental care, and provide for themselves as soon

as hatched. Run swiftly. Fly slowly, at short distances,

the feet hanging down. Prefer running to flying. When

hard pushed, stop short and squat down, resorting to wing

only at extremity. Flight only rapid when elevated. Voice

hoarse. Flesh sapid.

56. RALLUS. .

Rallus, L. Cuv. Vierll. Rallus, Porphyrio, Briss. Rallus,

Parra, Fulica, Gm. Rallus, Gallinula, Lath. Temm. Ranz.

Rallus, Crex. Ill. Rallus, Ortygometra, Zapornia, Leach.

Brix varying in length, thick at base, generally straight,

compressed ; upper mandible furrowed each side, somewhat

vaulted and curved at tip, base extending upwards between

the feathers of the front; nostrils in the furrows, medial,

oblong or longitudinal, open and pervious beneath, covered

at base by a membrane: tongue moderate, narrow, com-

of the United States. 333

pressed, entire, acute, fibrous at tip. Forehead feathered.

Body very compressed. Nakep space on the tibia small ;

tarsus subequal to the middle toe, somewhat compressed ;

toes entirely divided; decurrent membrane very narrow; hind

toe equal to a phalanx of the middle one, inserted a little

higher than the others: nails short, compressed, curved,

acute. First primary shorter than the fifth; second, third and

fourth longest. Tarn very short, feathers flaccid, not appear-

ing beyond the coverts.

Fremae generally similar to the male. Young differing

much from the adult. Moult twice in the year.

Timid: shy: solitary. Most of the species live and breed in

marshes, among weeds, thickets, preferring the neighbourhood

of stagnant waters, where the grass is very high; not entering

much in the water: swim but rarely, and never from choice.

Avoid above all, sands and exposed shores. Notwithstand-

ing their apparently limited flight, undertake great periodical

journeys. Walk with agility and grace, raising their head,

elevating their feet, and jerking their tail. Alight sometimes

on low branches, never on trees, unless to escape a close

chase. Lives nocturnal: hide closely during day time in the

thickest grasses, and seek their food in the morning and even-

ing, or by moonlight.

Inhabit throughout the world. Closely related to Fulica,

Gallinula, but especially Porphyrio; distinguished from all

by their feathered front.

SUBGENUS I. RALLUS.

Rallus, Briss. Lath. Ill. Temm. Ranz.

Bill longer than the head, slender, straight, subequal

throughout, compressed at base, cylindrical and obtuse at

the point; upper mandible furrowed beyond the middle;

nostrils more basal, linear.

270. Rauuus creritans,Gm. Black, skirted with brown, be-

neath rufous; throat white: wing coverts chesnut: first

Vou. II. 42

534 Synopsis of the Birds

primary edged externally with pale rusty. Length fourteen

inches.

Young, greenish-ash, beneath whitish.

Clapper rail, Rallus crepitans, Wils. Am. Orn. vit. p. 112.

pl. 62. fig. 2. adult.

Inhabits all along the Atlantic coasts of the Union: com-

mon from spring to autumn in the middle states, where it

breeds ; a few wintering in the southern.

271, Rauivus viremranus, L. Black, skirted with brown, be-

neath rufous ; throat white ; wing coverts chesnut; first pri-

mary entirely black. Length ten inches.

Female and young much paler.

Virginia Rail, Rallus virginianus, Wils. Am. Orn. vi.

p. 109. pl. 62.fig. 2.

Inhabits throughout North America; extending its migra-

tions far to the north: rare, and during the fair season only,

in the middle states, where it breeds; wintering to the south.

SUBGENUS II. CREX.

Crex, Bechst. Ill. Porphyrio, Briss.

Gallinula, Lath. Temm. Ranz. Crex, Gallinula, Meyer.

Bill shorter than the head, robust, much higher than wide

at base, tapering, compressed, and acute at the point ; upper

mandible furrowed at base only, a little curved at tip; lower

navicular; nostrils exactly medial, oblong.

Apparently well defined, but not so in nature, as the spe-

cies pass from one form to the other by insensible degrees :

may be separated from Rallus, but not united to Gallinula,

from which it differs in form and habit, the latter being more

closely allied to Fulica, where Linné placed it.

272. Rarius caroxinus, L. Olive-brown, skirted with black ;

back and wings streaked with white lengthwise ; beneath slate

color ; first primary edged externally with pure white.

Male, throat black.

Female and young, throat white.

of the United States. 335

Rail, Rallus carolinus, (virginianus) Wils. Am. Orn. vi.

p- 24. pl. ag. fig. 2. male.

Inhabits at proper seasons throughout North, and in South

America: very common during summer and part of the

autumn in the middle states : wintering in tropical America.

273. Rauuvus noveporacensts, Nob. Black, skirted with rusty,

all over with transverse white lines ; beneath yellowish-rusty ;

lower wing coverts pure white.

Female and young duller, less lineated.

Yellow-breasted Rail, Rallus noveboracensis, Nob. Am.

Orn. iii. pl. 24. Fulica noveboracensis, Gm. Gallinula nove-

boracensis, Lath. Rallus ruficollis, Vieill. Gal. des Ois.

pl. 266. bad fig. Perdixhudsonica? Lath.

Inhabits throughout North America: rare: found in the

neighbourhood of New-York, the western states, and on the

remotest limits of the North-western territories.

57. GALLINULA.

Gallinula, Briss. Lath. Cuv. Temm. Ranz. Fulica, L.

Gm. Crex, Ill. Hydrogallina, Lacepede. Gallinula, Por-

phyrio, Vieill.

Bit shorter than the head, rather stout, much higher than

wide, tapering, compressed, straight, convex at the point; both

mandibles furrowed ; upper covering the margins of the lower,

inclined at the point, the base spreading into a naked mem-

brane covering the forehead; lower navicular ; nostrils in the

furrow, medial, lateral, oblong, pervious, half closed by a

turgid membrane: tongue moderate, compressed, entire.

ANTERIOR TOES extremely long, flattened beneath, bordered

by a narrow membrane; hind toe bearing on the ground

with several joints: nails compressed, subarched, rather

acute. Wunés concave, rounded ; first primary shorter than

the fifth ; second and third longest. Tarn short, hardly ap-

pearing from under the coverts.

336 Synopsis of the Birds

Frmave scarcely differing from the male. Young very dif-

ferent from the adult. Moult annually.

Live near fresh water, preferring rivers and springs, in

which they swim easily, striking the water continually with

their tail; diving when frightened, but not after food. Feed

on small fishes, mollusea, insects, vegetables. Buildin marshes,

always in the same spot, attaching their nests to aquatic

plants ; nest formed of coarse materials in great abundance ;

careful parents. Run rapidly: fly badly. Do not under-

take other journeys than from mountainous districts to the

plain, thus obtaining a change of season. Hide mostly during

day time among grass and roots ; seen sporting on the water

towards evening.

Spread all over the temperate and hot climates of the world,

even the same species in both continents, though in restricted

and northern latitudes! Formed of but three well ascertained

species, two of which North American.

274. GALLINULA MARTINICA, Gmel. Lower wing-coverts blue ;

all the under tail-coverts pure white: no colored circle around

the tibia.

Adult, purple, back and tail green, sides of the neck and

wings blue.

Young varied with dull purplish and dusky, beneath with

black and white.

Purple Gallinule, Gallinula porphyrio, Wils. Am. Orn.

ix. p. 67. pl. 73. fig. 2.

Inhabits during summer only the most southern states where

it breeds ; wintering in tropical America. Resembling much

by its brilliant colors, the species of the connecting genus

Porphyrio; hence placed in it by Vieillot.

275. GALLINULA CHLororus, Lath, Lower wing-coverts slate

color; lateral under tail-coverts only white; a red circle

around the tibia.

Adult, dark slate, tinged with olivaceous on the back.

of the United States. 337

Young, brownish-olive, beneath whitish.

Common Gallinule, Gallinula chloropus, Nob. Am. Orn.

aut. pl. adult.

Inhabits throughout the year in the southern states only :

common in Europe, and found with little or no variations in

all warm and temperate climates! A most singular fact,

which would lead to the belief of the existence of as many

species. Corresponds exactly with my European, and espe-

cially Java specimens.

58. FULICA.

Fulica, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm.. Vierll. Ranz.

Bixx shorter than the head, stout, nearly straight, conico-

convex, compressed, higher than broad at base, tapering,

acute at tip; mandibles equal ; upper covering the margins

of the lower, furrowed each side at base, subvaulted, the base

running far up, and spreading out into a naked membrane

covering the forehead, sometimes furnished with crest-like

appendages ; lower mandible navicular: nostrils in the fur-

row, medial, lateral, concave, oblong, pervious, half closed

by a turgid membrane: tongue compressed, entire. FEET

placed far back, moderate ; naked crural space small ; tarsus

shorter than the middle toe, compressed, rounded before,

somewhat sharp behind; anterior toes very long, slender,

nearly divided, edged on both sides by a broad scalloped

membrane ; hind toe equal to a phalanx of the middle one,

bearing on the ground nearly its whole length, edged on the

inner side by an entire membrane: nails short, compressed,

curved, very acute. Wunes moderate, rounded, concave;

first primary equal to the fifth; second and third longest.

Tart short, narrow, of twelve or fourteen feathers.

Fema hardly differing from the male. Young but little

dissimilar to the adult. Old birds exhibiting striking differ-

ences in the form and color of the frontal disk. Moult twice

308 Synopsis of the Burds

a year, but do not change their colors. Plumage thick and

close, impermeable. Colors blackish.

Aquatic. Live in fresh as well as salt water, but always

near the shore. Among the best of swimmers and divers ;

swim on the surface, or beneath, quite as well and better

than many of the web-footed tribes, keeping longer under

water than most of them. Nocturnal: old birds never seen

in day time: young less shy, playful, easily approached, fix-

ing the gunner, and by diving at the flash, avoid the shot ;

diving also for their food. Feed on small fishes, insects,

mollusca, aquatic plants. Copulate in the water: breed in

marshes, among the grass; nest large, composed of aquatic

weeds; eggs numerous, large; both sexes incubate, and

take care of the young; young taking the water as soon as

hatched. Walk with difficulty, and hardly ever but from one

pond to another, taking wing if the distance is at all con-

siderable. Rise on the water, spreading the wings, flutter-

ing and running along the surface. Seldom seen on the

ground, where they are so awkward as to suffer themselves

to be caught. Take wing with difficulty, and during day

time, only in great emergencies, even in preference burrow-

ing into the mud. Flight when raised, rapid. Flesh black,

unpalatable.

Spread all over the world. Species few ; one in Europe;

one closely allied in North America; one in Africa, two or

three in South America. Nearly related to Gallinula, cer-

tainly of this family : artificially, but most unnaturally, united

to any other bird.

276. Furica AMericANA, Gm, Slate color, under tail coverts

and exterior lining of the wings pure white; tail of fourteen

feathers.

Adult, head and neck deep black ; membrane white.*

* As soon as the bird is dead, the membrane becomes tinged with reddish

or dark chesnut in the European, as well as the American species.

of the United States. 339

Young, head and neck brownish-black, beneath paler, and

somewhat mixed with white.

Common Coot, Fulica atra, Wils. ix. p. 61. pl. 73. fig. 1-

Inhabits throughout North America: wintering and breed-

ing in the south, retiring to the north during summer: not

rare in autumn in the middle ‘states.

FAMILY XXII. PINNATIPEDES.

Order Pinnatipedes, Lath. Temm. Lobipedes, Ill. Lon-

girostres, Cuv. Pinnatipedes, Vieill. Ranz. Pterodactyli,

(Pinnidactyli) Latr. Scolopacide, Vigors.

Bitt moderate, slender, straight, sub-cylindrical ; both

mandibles furrowed each side nearly their whole length;

upper one somewhat curved at the point; lower hardly

shorter, quite straight, point subulate: nostrils in the fur-

row, basal, lateral, longitudinal, linear, half covered by a

membrane. Heap small, wholly feathered, compressed,

rounded above; eyes small; neck well proportioned ; body

roundish. Ferrer moderate, 4-toed ; naked space on the tibia

rather extensive ; tarsus as long as the middle toe, moderate,

robust, somewhat compressed, reticulated; toes moderate,

rather slender; three anterior bordered by a festooned or

lobed membrane ; outer connected at base to the middle one ;

hind toe short, bordered only internally with a small, entire

membrane, articulated rather high and internally, touching the

ground at tip: nails short, curved, acute. Wunes long, fal-

ciform, acute ; first and second primaries subequal, longest.

Tait short, of twelve feathers, under coverts extending to

its tip.

Femate differing a little from the male, larger ; handsomer

in full plumage. Young very different from the adult,

and varying much according to age. Moult twice in the

year, changing their colors wonderfully. Plumage close,

thick, abundantly furnished with down, impermeable. Colors

340 Synopsis of the Burds

Colors in summer brownish and reddish, changing in winter

to gray and white.

Essentially aquatic. Not shy. Live in small flocks on

sea coasts, and rarely fresh-water lakes, venturing far at sea.

Feed on aquatic insects and other small animals, which they

seek in lakes or the sea. Strictly monogamous: copulate in

the water: build on shore, among grass: eggs 4—6: both

sexes incubate and attend the young ; young leave the nest,

run about and swim as soon as hatched. Flight rapid, ele-

gant. Hardly ever seen ondry ground. Smallest of swim-

mers: swim expertly, resisting the heaviest waves, never

diving. Flesh oily, unpalatable.

Inhabit Arctic seas, whence they migrate in the autumn and

winter, to the temperate regions of both continents. Formed

of but one genus; only three species, all found in North

America, though two only in Europe; very much embroiled,

and of which several nominal have been formed ; each fully

deserves to constitute a subgenus. Placed by authors in dif-

ferent families and even orders. In form and habits different

from all, and deserving a separate station. Connects the

Family Limicolz, with the Order Auseres.

59. PHALAROPUS.

Phalaropus, Briss. Lath. Ill. Temm. Ranz. Tringa,

L. Gm. Phalaropus, Lobipes, Cuv. Phalaropus, Crymophi-

lus, Vieill.

SUBGENUS I. PHALAROPUS,

Phalaropus, Cuv. nec Vieill. Crymophilus, Vieill.

Bill moderate, stout, much depressed throughout, some-

what trigonal at base, point dilated, rounded, curved : nostrils

not quite basal, subovate: tongue short, broad, fleshy, ob-

tuse at tip. Tarsi short, robust, but little compressed ; ante-

rior toes shortish ; middle one connected with the outer to

of the United States. 341

the second joint, with the inner to the first ; edging membrane

broad, deeply scalloped ; hind toe very short, the nail only

touching the ground. Wings moderate. Tail rather long,

much rounded. General form robust.

Resembling Tringa, especially Hemipalama. Formed of

but one species.

277. Poararopus runicarius, Nob. Blackish varied with

rusty, beneath rufous.

Winter dress cinereous, beneath white.

Young, ashy-brown, varied with yellowish-rufous, beneath

white.

Red Phalarope, Phalaropus kyperboreus, Wils. Am. Orn.

Ww. p. 15. pl. 73. fig. 4.

Inhabits the north of both continents: rare, and accidental,

and during winter only, in the United States; extending its

migrations to Florida: common in high northern American

and Asiatic latitudes, where it breeds.

SUBGENUS Il. LOBIPES.

Lobipes, Cuv. Phalaropus, Vieill. nec Cuv.

Bill moderate, slender, smooth, cylindrical throughout,

a little stoutish at base, subulate to the tip, point narrow,

sharp; upper mandible slightly curved upon the lower at

tip, not exactly meeting, as in some Totani: nostrils not

quite basal, linear: tongue filiform, acute. Tarsi rather long,

moderately compressed; toes somewhat elongated; middle

one connected with the inner to the first, and with the outer to

the second joint ; edging membrane broad, deeply scalloped ;

hind toe very short, the nail only touching the ground. Wings

elongated. Tailrather short. General form slender.

Swim more expertly, taking the water even far at sea.

Resembling Totanus, especially its subgenus Catoptropho-

rus. But one species.

Vou. Il. 43

342 Synopsis of the Birds

978, PHALAROPUS HYPERBOREUS, Lath. Black varied with ru-

fous, beneath white ; sides of the neck bright rufous.

Winter plumage, cinereous, beneath white.

Young, brownish varied with pale rufous, beneath white.

Hyperborean Phalarope, Phalaropus hyperboreus, Nob.

Am. Orn. ivi. Tringa lobata, and hyperborea, L.

Inhabits the north of both continents: exceedingly rare

and accidental in the United States, very common in the

northern British Islands.

SUBGENUS If]. HOLOPODIUS.

Phalaropus, Vieill. Lobipes, Nob. Obs. Jardine and

Selby Illus. of Orn.

Bill long, very slender, smooth, flexible, cylindrical and of

equal breadth throughout, subulate to the tip, point narrow,

sharp, slightly curved: nostrils quite basal, linear-elongated :

tongue filiform, acute. T'arsi elongated, much compressed ;

toes elongated ; outer connected as far as the first joint only

to the middle one; inner almost divided; edging membrane

narrow, sub-entire ; hind toe long, resting on the ground.

Wings elongated. ‘Tail moderate. General form slender.

Resembling greatly the subgenus Totanus.

279. PHALARoPuUs witsont, Sabine. Bluish-gray, beneath

white ; a chesnut patch, and a black band each side of the

neck.

Summer plumage unknown.

Young, ashy-brown, varied with white and rufous, beneath

white ; sides of the neck tinged with rufous, no black line.

Gray Phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus, Wils. ix. p. 72.

pl. 73. fig. 2. and Wilson’s Phalarope, Phalaropus wrisonia,

Nob. Am. Orn. wi. adult and young. Lobipes incanus,

Illus. of Orn. pl. 16. young (25).

Inhabits the north of America, extending its winter migra-

of the United States. 343

tions to the coast of Mexico:* rare and accidental in the

United States.

Differs more essentially from the two others, than they do

between themselves.

FAMILY XXUI. HYGROBATZ.

Palmipedes pedibus longioribus, Lath. Hygrobate, Ill.

Cultrirostres, Longirostres, Phenicopteres, Cuv. Palmipedes,

Latirostres, Vieill. Igrobate, Latirostre, Ranz. Pterodac-

ryli, (Pinnidactyli,) Cultrirostres, Pyaxidirostres, Latr. Ar-

dada, Scolopacida, Vigors.

Bixu longer than the head, singularly shaped: nostrils

basal, longitudinal, narrow. Heap small; neck more or less

elongated, slender: body somewhat compressed. Fret long,

4-toed; naked space of the tibia longer than the middle toe ;

tarsus much longer than the middle toe, reticulated ; fore toes

palmated, membrane emarginated ; hind toe free. Wunes

moderate, tuberculated ; first or second primary longest.

Tar short, of twelve or sixteen feathers.

Essentially waders. Live onthe sea shore. Run rapidly

even in the water: swimming occasionally, but never from

choice, nor after food. Undertake great periodical journeys.

Monogamous: breed on shores or inundated places, some on

trees by the sea: eggs few. Voice shrill, acute. Flesh not

good.

Spread all over the world. Connects the Order Gralle

with that of Anseres, certainly belonging to the former.

Perhaps artificial: formed of three very different genera, each

of which may constitute a family, or be distributed among the

others ; the common character of the palmated feet, being

considered as one of analogy simply.

* Erroneously given as African, and South American.

344 Synopsis of the Birds

60. RECURVIROSTRA.

Recurvirostra, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Avocetta, Briss. Scopolt. |

Bitz very long, weak, slender, smooth, much depressed

throughout, flexible and recurved from the middle, subulate,

acuminate, and almost membranaceous at the point, slightly

curved at tip; margins internally canaliculated ; mandibles

subequal, furrowed each side at base: nostrils in the furrow,

basal, linear, elongated, open: tongue short, entire. Heap

small: eyes moderate: neck slender, not much elongated :

body slender. ‘Tarsus one third longer than the middle toe,

slender, compressed ; anterior toes moderate, slender ; webs

deeply indented ; hind toe exceedingly short, articulated high

upon the tarsus, entirely raised from the ground : nails short,

but little curved, not very acute. Wrves Jong, acute:

quills twenty-six; first primary longest. ‘Tarn of twelve

feathers.

Femate similar to the male, smaller. Young differing but

little from the adult. Moult but once a year, in the autumn ;

acquiring, however, in spring, many additional feathers.

Plumage rather thick and close, abundantly furnished with

down. Colors white and black, often with reddish tints.

Remarkably shy. Helpless: justly timorous. Noisy.

Live by pairs or small parties in inundated marshes, almost

always half leg deep in water. Run rapidly in or out of the

water, and swim with agility. Feed on small insects and

spawn, which they catch by beating the water, their bill per-

mitting them only to seek in liquid mud or water. Breed in

small cavities lined with a few weeds, or on the bare sand:

eggs 2—4, pyriform: both sexes incubate, folding their long

legs to the body. Young run about and provide for them-

selves as soon as hatched, hiding carefully, and attentively

protected by the parents. 'light rapid, long sustained.

of the United States. 345

Traced all over the world. Formed of four species, one

in each quarter of the globe. In form and especially habits,

closely allied to the Family of the Limicole, in which it may

be placed with propriety, in the small collateral branch of its

near relation Himantopus. Also much allied to the Phala-

ropes! They would form a very natural small family, to

which might be united Himantopus, the family of Limicole

remaining then perfectly natural and uninterrupted.

280. RecurvirosrrA Americana, L. White, tail tinged with

cinereous ; back and wings black; whole head and neck

pale rufous.

American Avocet, Recurvirostra americana, Wils. vit. p. 126.

pl. 63. fig. 2.

Inhabits during summer the United States, where it breeds:

not very common: winters in tropical America.

61. PLATALEA.

Platalea, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Platea, Briss.

Bixu very long, large, flexible, straight, much flattened

throughout, dilated and orbicular at the point, covered by a

skin wrinkled, knotted, and scaly at base; both mandibles fur-

nished internally with dense symmetrical striz, and a channel

denticulated on its borders; upper deeply furrowed each side

from the base round the end, terminated by a hooked nail:

nostrils in the furrow, basal, approximated, oblong, open,

margined by a membrane: tongue very short, slender, trian-

gular, acute. Head moderate, more or less naked; bare

skin of the throat dilatable ; eyes moderate, placed high near

the base of the bill; orbitsnaked : neck rather long and slen-

der: body rather plump. ‘Tarsus but little longer than the

middle toe, robust ; fore toes long, webs very deeply indented;

hind toe elongated, articulated nearly on a level with the

rest, bearing on the ground nearly its whole length; nails

345 Synopsis of the Birds

short, convex, curved, acute. Wunes moderate, ample ; first

primary a little shorter than the second, second longest.

Tai of twelve feathers.

Fremae scarcely differing from the male. Young very dif-

ferent from the adult, and changing repeatedly for several

years, the bill also developed by degrees. Moult simple,

annual. Colors in large masses.

Noisy. Live in small flocks in woody marshes, principal-

ly near the mouths of rivers. Alight on trees. Wade slowly

deep into the water, but never beyond their depth. Flight

easy, slow, elevated. Feed on small fishes, reptiles, spawn,

mollusca, and vegetables, probing the mud with their sensi-

ble bill: produce a clattering noise by striking their power-

less mandibles rapidly together, thus frightening other birds

out of their prey. Build generally on trees near the sea side,

or on bushes, &c. Eggs from 2 to 4. Female only incu-

bates, but is fed by the male, who shares the parental duties.

Young fed by the parents, remaining in the nest until full-

fledged.

Spread throughout warm and temperate climates. Formed

of four species, one in Europe, one in America. Allied in

form and habits, to the Family Herodii, where, according to

nature, it should be placed.

281. PuaTaLea AsAsA, L. Whole head bald.

Adult, red. Middle aged, rose color. Young, white

Chick, blackish-chesnut.

Roseate Spoonbill, Platalea ajaja, Wils. Am. Orn. vii.

p- 123. pl. 63. fig. 1. middle age.

Inhabits during summer only, the most southern states :

rare: common throughout tropical America.

of the United States. 347

62. PHOZENICOPTERUS.

Phenicopterus, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm.

Viewll. Ranz.

Butt longer than the head, large, higher than wide, light

and hollow, furnished at base with a membrane, suddenly

bent downward in the middle: upper mandible furrowed each

side, convex, high and trigonate at base, beyond the bend

very thin and almost plane, narrow, curved, and rather obtuse

at tip; lower wider, oval, forming a broad deep channel, at

base not so high as the upper, very deep at the bend ; mar-

gins of both wide, finely toothed, those of the upper densely

striated internally ; palate carinated : nostrils in the furrow,

somewhat distant from the base, approximated, narrow, lon-

gitudinal, pervious, furnished above with an extensible mem-

brane: tongue thick, fleshy, covered by recurved, hooked

papille, glandular at base, cartilaginous and acute at tip.

Head small, near the bill naked; eyes large: neck exceed- |

ingly long, very slender: body rounded. Fret very slen-

der; naked space of the tibia twice, tarsus thrice, as long

as the middle toe; tarsus hardly compressed, reticulated ;

anterior toes moderate; webs almost entire; hind toe ex-

ceedingly short, articulated high upon the tarsus, touching the

ground at tip: nails short, laminar, the middle tile-shaped.

Wines moderate, quills forty; first and second primaries

subequal, longest. ‘Tain short, of sixteen feathers.

Femate smaller, and a little paler than the male. Young

differing greatly from the adult, and changing their plumage

repeatedly. Moult simple, annual. Colors red, at first white

and rose.

Living and migrating in large flocks, frequenting desert sea

shores and salt marshes. Extremely shy and watchful: es-

tablish sentinels to give warning of danger by a loud sound,

and lead their flight. When flying form a triangle, a line

when alighting, and especially when fishing. Solitary only

348 Synopsis of the Birds

when advancing inland, where they appear astray. Feed

on mollusca, spawn, insects, which they fish up by means of

their long neck, turning their bill upside down to take advan-

tage of its peculiar form. Breed socially in inundated

marshes: raising the nest to the height of their body, by

heaping up the mud with their feet into a hillock concave at

top, where they lay and hatch, standing, often in the water:

eggs two or three, elongated. Young run swiftly as soon as

hatched. Sleep standing on one leg, the neck folded back

upon the body, and the head under one wing. In walking

assist themselves by placing their upper mandible to the

ground. Run swiftly. Never swim from choice. Hearing

and smell very acute. Voice trumpet-like.

Spread all over the warm countries of the globe, visiting

occasionally the temperate shores. Formed of four species,

one of which visits Europe, and one also, North America.

May be forced into Herodii in an arbitrary system. By the

‘pill and toes, (not however, like Phalaropus, or even Recur-

virostra, by the texture of the plumage,) approaches the

Family Lamellosodentati.

282. Puenicoprerus ruseR, L. Red, quills black.

Young, grayish-white.

Red Flamingo, Phenicopterus ruber, Wils. Am. Orn. vit.

p. 45. pl. 66. fig. 4. adult; and Nob. Am. Orn. wi. young.

Inhabits tropical America; migrating in summer to the

southern, and accidentally to the middle states : rare.*

* Phenicopterus antiquorum, Temm. Rose color; wings red; quills

black.

Young, whitish, with strongly marked long brownish blotches.

Le Phenicoptere, Buffon Pl. enl. 63. adult.

Inhabits the warm regions of the old continent: migrating in summer to

southern, and accidentally to central Europe: rare.

of the United States. 349

ORDER V. ANSERES.

Anseres, I. Gm. Pinnatipedes, Palmipedes, Lath. Temm.

Grallatores, Natatores, Ill. Vigors. Palmipedes, Cuv.

Natatores, Vieill. Ranz. Latr.

Butt generally short, or moderate. rrr placed more or

less back, short, covered by a tender coriaceous skin; tibie

but partially fleshy, naked for a small space, (genera Phala-

crocorax, Tachypetes, Aptenodytes excepted,) tarsi much

shorter than the neck, compressed, naked, (half feathered

before in Tachypetes only,) reticulated; toes four, or three,

palmated or lobated, disposed 3—1, 3—0, 4—O ; hind toe

when present, articulated internally : nails short, inno degree

retractile. Body boat-shaped. ‘Tam of from twelve to

twenty feathers, or wanting.

Femave smaller. Young differing greatly from the adult.

Moult generally twice a year. Plumage thick and close,

abundantly furnished with down, oily, impermeable: rump

having a glandulous apparatus, whence the oil spreads.

Aquatic. Live near water, preferring salt; admirable

swimmers. Feed on fishes, insects, mollusca, some on vege-

tables, diving for their submerged food. Monogamous,

though in breeding and rearing various. Nest generally on

the ground, often in the cavities of rocks, and even on trees.

Divided into five Families, very natural both as to form

and habits.

FAMILY XXIV. LONGIPENNES.

Longipennes, Cuv. Latr. Longipennes, Tubinares, Vagi-

natt, Ill. Pelagii, Siphorini, Coleoramphi, Vie. Pelagit,

~ Stforinit, Chionis, Ranz. Idrochelidones, Goldfuss. Laride,

Rallida, Vigors.

Vou. I. 44

350 Synopsis of the Birds

Bix rather longer than the head, hard, straight, or only

curved at the point, compressed, rarely cylindrical, acute ;

margins entire, sharp; lower mandible more or less navicu-

lar, ascending at tip: tongue short, fleshy. Hrap and neck

moderate. F'cer almost central; tibia free, not drawn up

into the belly, anterior toes moderate, connected by a mem-

brane, sometimes entire, sometimes indented ; hind toe small,

free, simple, raised from the ground, touching it only at tip,

or wanting: nails curved, acute. Wunes very long, acute ;

two first primaries longest. Tain rather long, of twelve

feathers.

Femate hardly smaller, similar in color to the male.

Young differing much from the adult, and changing gradual-

ly with age.

Aerial: excel in flight. Fly constantly on or about waters,

in which all can swim, but the greater part merely sit motion-

less, resting occasionally on the beach, or on bare poles, never

on trees. Unite in flocks, and undertake periodical journies ;

decoyed in great numbers around a wounded bird of their

kind, or any thing resembling it. Somewhat rapacious: food

exclusively animal, fishes, mollusca, eggs, and young water

birds ; seldom attacking living animals out of their favourite

element. Lay without much preparation in the clefts of

rocks, among the grass, or on sandy beaches, in holes dug

with their feet: eggs from one to four, generally two: sit

only during night and stormy weather ; both sexes incubate

and feed the young; young only leave the nest when full-

fledged. Voice harsh, screaming. Flesh tough, bad tasted.

Intermediate between the waders, and the diving aquatic birds.

Bill of one piece. Nostrils immarginate. Feet 4-toed.

Longipennes, Ill. Pelagii, Vieill. Ranz. Lari, Oken-

Lari, Sterne, Boie.

of the United States. 351

63. RHINCOPS.

Rhincops, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Vieill. Temm. Ranz.

Rigcopsalia, Barrere, Brisson. Phalacrocorax, Moehring.

Birt longer than the head, straight, almost tetragonal at

base, then exceedingly compressed ; upper mandible much

shorter than the lower, somewhat curved from the base to the

point, rather acute at tip, grooved so as to receive the

edge of the lower; edges much bent in forming a narrow

channel ; lower mandible narrower, truncated at tip, lineated

obliquely on the sides, with the edges distinct only at base,

being so well united as to appear a mere blade, fitting into

the channel of the upper: nostrils basal, marginal, concave,

oblong, longitudinal, open, pervious: tongue very short,

narrow, acute. Frrr moderate, slender ; tarsus somewhat

longer than the middle toe; middle toe longest ; inner short-

er than the outer; webs emarginate; lateral toes bordered

exteriorly with a narrow membrane ; hind toe shorter than a

phalanx of the middle one, articulated rather high on the

tarsus, touching the ground at tip: nails rather elongated,

curved, acute; the middle nail twice as long as the lateral ;

hind nail much the smallest. Wines extremely long, folding

across each other, falcate upwards; first primary longest,

and with the second much longer than the others. ‘Tam of

moderate length, forked.

Femace similar to the male. Young differing from the

adult. Moult twice in the year, but without much changing

their appearance.

Keep in small parties near the shores, seldom venturing far

atsea. Resting on shores and in marshes: walk awkwardly :

seldom alight, hardly ever on the water ; never swim. Flight

slow, flapping when looking after food, swift and tortuous

when it is discovered. Feed on small fishes, and other marine

animals, skim the water, ploughing it with their lower man-

dible, the upper being kept out until the prey is felt by

352 Synopsis of the Birds

the lower. Breed socially on the rocks, or on sandy beaches,

without any preparation ; lay but once a year; eggs 3, oval.

Voice strong, harsh, screaming.

Chiefly tropical : found in all longitudes. Composed of

but three species.

283. Ruincors nigra, L. Black ; beneath white; bill and

feet red, the former black at the point.

Black Skimmer, or Shearwater, Rhincops nigra, Wils. Am.

Orn. p. 89. pl. 60. fig. 4.

Inhabits the tropical coasts of America: migrating during

summer to the coasts of the United States. where it breeds:

not rare in New-Jersey.

64. STERNA. “7

Sterna, L. Gm. Briss. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Vieill. Temm. Ranz.

Sterna, Thalasseus, Sternula, Hydrochelydon, Bove.

Bit longer than the head, robust, straight, compressed,

more or less subulate, acute; edges sharp, bent in for a

space beyond the middle; upper mandible more or less

curved at the point, never hooked; lower equal to the upper,

slightly angular beneath: gape wide: nostrils somewhat dis-

tant from the base, lateral, longitudinal, linear, pervious :

tongue moderate, slender, cleft and acute at tip. Heap

and neck moderate: body elongated, slender, compressed.

Fert small; naked space on the tibia well marked; tarsus

shorter than the middle toe: anterior toes slender: the

webs more or less indented; lateral toes margined exteriorly

with a narrow membrane; outer toes longer than the inner;

the middle one longest; hind toe shorter than a phalanx of

the middle toe, touching the ground merely at tip; anterior

nails curved, acute ; middle one thrice as long as the lateral ;

hind nail extremely short. Wunes very long, when folded,

crossing each other, extremely faleate, acuminate ; first pri-

mary longest. Tarn rather long, generally forked.

of the United States. 353

Sexes perfectly similar in color. Female a little smaller.

Young differing from the adult, but only before their first or

second moult. Moult twice in the year, changing the colors

of the head only. Plumage silky. Colors white, with bluish

tints, with some black; or black with scme white. Young

skirted with blackish, ferruginous, Nc.

Live in small flocks near water, especially onthe sea. Fly

almost continually high in the air, playing in different direc-

tions, or skim the surface of the water, alighting occasionally

on the beach, on rocks, or naked poles, but hardly ever on

the water: swim awkwardly, and never from choice. Feed on

living animals, principally fishes, which they catch by turning |

rapidly near the surface of the water, or by flying at a mode-

rate height, and darting headlong upon their prey as soon as

discovered ; the larger and more powerful species prey also

on the young of water birds and their eggs : some do not

avoid swallowing insects as they fly along, and the weaker

pecies feed entirely upon them. Lay socially on the ground,

sandy beaches, or on rocks, without the least preparation :

eggs few, 2—4; sedulously protect their offspring. Voice

sharp, shrill, often repeated, especially in fine weather, when

soaring.

Widely spread over the waters of the globe. Closely

allied to the following genus, into which they pass insensibly.

Analogeus to the Swallows. |

* White, back wings and tail, pearl-gray.

284. Srmrna cavana, Lath. Bill elongated, stout, orange ;

quill shafts white; tail not much forked; tarsus one inch

and a quarter long, black ; webs entire.

Summer plumage, whole crown black: winter, hind head

only marked with black.

Cayenne Tern, Sterna cayana, Nob. Am. Orn wt. pl.

Inhabits the tropical seas of America: common on _ the

coasts of the southern states.

354 Synopsis of the Birds

285. Sterna AnanEA, Wils. Bill very short, stout, black ;

quill shafts white ; tail slightly forked; tarsus one inch and

a half Jong, black, equal to the middle toe ; webs deeply in-

dented ; hind nail straight.

Summer plumage, crown deep black: winter, crown white,

a black spot each side of the eye.

Marsh Tern, Sterna aranea, Wils. Am. Orn. viii. p. 143.

pl. 72. fig. 6.

Inhabits both continents, and is found in both hemispheres:

not rare during summer on the coasts of New-Jersey, where

it breeds.

"986. Sterna urrunvo,L. Bill long, slender. red tipped with

black ; crown black; quill shafts white ; outer vane of the

first primary bluish-white ; tail greatly forked; tarsus red,

nearly one inch long; webs entire.

Adult, both in summer and winter, crown black.

Young dingy white, varied with gray, brown and rufous ;

hind head only marked with black.

Great Tern, Sterna hirundo, Wils. Am. Orn. vii. p. 76.

60. |

Inhabits both continents: common during summer on the

coasts of the northern and middle states, where it breeds.

_, 287. Srerna ancrica, Temm.* Bill moderate, very slender,

red to the tip; crown black ; quill shafts white ; outer vane

of the first primary black; tail greatly forked; tarsus three

quarters of an inch. '

* The back and wings are still paler than 8. Hirundo, (and by no means

darker, as Temm, states) in our specimens. It may be somewhat doubtful,

whether this species is Sterna Arctica, Temm. (macroura of Germ. Orn.)

as it does not well agree with their description; it coincides better with

S. argentata, Brehm. but not precisely even with that; we, however, think

them all one and the same.

of the United States. ; 355

Adult, both in summer and winter, crown black.

Young as the preceding.

Arctic Tern, Sterna arctica, Nob. Am. Orn. iv. pl. Sterna

argentata, Brehm.

Inhabits the nerth of both continents : not rare in autumn

on the coasts of New-Jersey.

288. Sterna minuta, L. Bill long, slender, orange, black at

tip; crown black ; front white; quill shafts black ; tail great-

ly forked ; tarsus half an inch long; webs entire.

Young somewhat dingy and spotted; black of the head

obsolete.

Lesser Tern, Sterna minuta, Wils. Am. Orn. vii. p. Pi,

pl. 60. fig. 2.

Tnhabits the north of both continents, extending widely ;

common during summer on the coasts of the northern and

middle states, where it breeds. Closely resembling Sterna

argentea, P. Max. Neuy. from which our phrase distin-

guishes it.

** Black, or blackish.

289. Srernanicra,L. Bill slender, black; tail slightly

forked ; tarsus five eighths of an inch 5 webs deeply indented.

Summer plumage, wholly blackish-cinereous: winter,

plumbeous, head and neck deep black; front, throat and

vent, white.

Young white; hind head blackish; back, wings and tail,

brownish, skirted with dingy-whitish.

Short-tailed Tern, Sterna plumbea, Wils. Am Orn. vii.

p- 83. pl. 60. fig. s- young ; and Black Tern, Sterna nigra,

Nob. Alm. Orn. w. pl. adult.

Inhabits both continents: common during autumn on the

coasts of New-Jersey.

290. Sterna rurrerosa,Gm. Bill black; front, exterior

edge of the outer tail feathers and all beneath, white; tail

deeply forked ; webs entire.

aie z i

356 Synopsis of the Birds : Sn

- Pre

‘ mi: 3

' Sooty Tern, Sterna fuliginosa, Wils. Am. e ait. p. 145.

pl. 72. fig. 7-

Inhabits the tropical seas: common hae te onthe

southern and south-eastern coasts of the United States.

291. Srerna sroripa, L. Bill ba crown whitish ; tail

rounded ; webs entire.

Noddy, Sterna stolida, Nob. Am. Orn. iv. Hitrondelle

de mer brune de la Louisiane. Buff. pl. enl. 997.

Inhabits all parts of the tropical seas, migrating oceasion-

ally to the North American coasts: not very rare.

be 65. LARUS.

Larus, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Larus, Gavia, Xema, Bote.

Bixt moderate, robust, hard, straight, comprcadlated

at base, edges bent inward, sharp; upper mandible rounded

above, curved at the point, sharpish ; lower somewhat shorter,

sibbous and angular beneath the point, obliquely truncated

at tip: nostrils medial, lateral, longitudinal, linear, wider and

rounded anteriorly, open, pervious: tongue acute, hardly cleft

at tip. Heap rather large; eyes moderate ; neck moderate,

stout; body plump, compressed. Frer moderate, rather slen-

der; tarsus nearly equal to the middle toe; webs entire; lateral

toes margined exteriorly with anarrow membrane; middle toe

longest, but of moderate length; outer longer than the inner ;

hind toe very small, articulated high and posteriorly with the

tarsus, raised from the ground: nails small, curved, rather

acute, dilated interiorly into an edge; middle twice as large

as the others ; bind nail sometimes wanting. Wines long,

acute; quills stiff; first and second primaries subequal, long-

est. Tar almost always even, of twelve feathers.

FemaLe somewhat smaller, but perfectly similar in color

to the male. Young for several years, | the larger species

four or five, very different from the adult. Moult ere ae

Velo eh wv.

ULVEVEC:

Lith -

; i

ee spans ig Pre eer RD GT pares yeh en, F

BMavertck.

Lith

“wet€ Dez.

uyear, Eneeane the colo ( nately ; the young moult- =

ing continually. Plumage sil cy, ela P slentifally supplied :

i n. Colors, including the ge) _always pure ee ,

ith a distinct mantle; mantle white, pearl- gray, or de , =

Enifick. Young mottled with dull gray and various tints

of brownish, confusedly spotted, passing by infinite gradations;

: bill, feet and iris, dark ; light in the adult.

Timid : cowardly except in defending their young. very

numerous, covering whole shores. Keep generally in large

flocks, young and old separate, the larger species on the

sea, the smaller along rivers and lakes. A light on rocks,

beaches, or on the water. Walk tolerably well: swim with

ease ; incapable of diving. Keeping much upon the wing ;

flight rapid, straight, equal, long sustained, even against the

strongest gales. Contract Lee Hage and gray one foot up

when resting. Voracious : ing and fighting against

their own <fiies for prey; a atta cin a +h other without

any apparent reason. Fall on and devodielll wounded.

€ e Patient of hunger. Feed on every kind of animal food, dead. -

~ or alive, fresh or putrid. Great purgators—sea_ Vultures ;

the larger species prey on eggs and young a but all} :

°, cipally | on fishes, of which they. follow the shag 8, ¢a

arting

like an arrow, and submerging their head ; dice 4 Ps calte: Pe

- feathers, and even putrid matter; when irritated disgorge their ety

digested food. Breed se an only, prine pally in desert EBs

with little a A

ae leaving the nest soon %

Fa au fed for several we by 3

2 loud, shrill, often repeat * i

bad tasted. Feathers valuable.

Spread all over the world. pecs D pumerou™ preeat

each other greatly in all their different s

Vou. II. (ABR aes

. ae

| ors re

‘ r pale

‘ i a ai ; . ;

358 — Synopsis of the Birds

292. Larus minutus, Pallas. Mantle pearl-gray; quills white

at the point, shafts blackish ; tarsus one inch long ; a ioe

very small, nail straight, hardly apparent.

Summer plumage, a black hood: winter, no hood.

Young spotted with cinereous and blackish, tail some-

what forked, with a black subterminal band.

Tatile Gull, Latham. Larus minutus, Gm. Lath. Sabine.

Naum. Vog. t. 3. f. 72. adult in full dress.

Inhabits the north of both continents: very seldom seen in

the United States, common in Asia and eastern Europe.

293, Larus caristratus, Temm. Mantle pearl-gray; quills

black at the point, outer white, internally pale ash; shafts

white ; bill very slender ; tarsus less than one inch and a half ;

tail sub-emarginate.

Summer plumage, head only with a light-brown hood:

winter, no hood. "

Young spotted with grayish and blackish ; tail with a black

subterminal band.

Brown-masked Gull, Larus capistratus, Nob. Am. Orn.

iv. pl.

Inhabits the north of both continents: not very rare during

autumn on the Delaware, and especially the Chesapeake;

found as far inland as Trenton: very rare on the coasts of

Europe. Together with the preceding, unite the genera

Larus and Sterna. Closely allied, and extremely similar to

Larus ridibundus of Europe, hardly distinguished but by its

smaller size, and its still more slender, Tern-like bill.*

* Larus ridibundus, L. Mantle pearl-gray ; quills black at the point;

outer white; internally blackish; shafts white; bill. slender; tarsus one

inch and three quarters; tail slightly rounded.

Summer plumage, head and part of the neck, with a dark brown hood ;

winter, no hood.

Young spotted with brownish and yellowish, tail with a black subtermi-

nal band.

of the United States. 359

294. Lanus arricizua,L. Mantle dark bluish-ash; quills

entirely black ; billrobust, and with the feet dark red; tarsus

nearly two inches.

Summer plumage, a dark plumbeous hood on the head and

neck, descending lower before: winter, no hood.

Young brownish skirted with whitish and rusty ; tail with

a black subterminal baud.

Black-headed Gull, Larus ridibundus, Wils. Am. Orn. ix.

p- 89. pl. 74. fig. 4.

Inhabits both continents, found throughout North America,

very common during summer and autumn on the coasts of

New-Jersey, where it breeds: found also on the south-wes-

tern coasts of Europe.

295. Larus trRipactytus, L. Mantle blue-gray ; quills black

at the point; hind toe obsolete, destitute of nail.

Summer plumage, head and neck pure white: winter,

head and neck bluish-gray ; fine black lines before the eye.

Young dingy, spotted ; tail with a black subterminal band.

Kittiwake Gull, Latham. Wilson’s list. Buff. pl. enl. 387.

Inhabits the north of both continents.

296. Larus canus,L- Mantle bluish-gray; quills black at

the point, reaching much beyond the tail; shafts black ;

bill small; feet bluish ; tarsus little more than two inches.

Summer plumage, head and neck pure white: winter, head

and neck with blackish spots.

| Young brownish-cinereous, varied with rusty.

~ Common Gull, Lath. Wilson’s list. Buff. pl. enl. 977.

Inhabits both continents: common: numerous during

winter in the middle states.

Buff. pl. enl. 970. summer dress, 969 winter dress.

Inhabits throughout Europe and northern Africa: very common at

Rome. Said to be found also in North America, by respectable authorities:

never ascertained by us.

360 Synopsis of the Birds

297. Larus rsurnevs,Gm. Pure white; bill stout; feet

black ; naked space above the tarsus very small; webs some-

what indented ; tarsus one inch and a half; first primary

longest. |

Young dingy cinereous, somewhat mottled.

Ivory Gull, Lath. Buff. pl. enl. 994.

Inhabits the Arctic circle, whence it migrates occasionally

to the temperate regions of both continents. Forms another

transition to Sterna, by its feet and wings.

298. Larus ruscus,L. Mantle slate black; quills almost

entirely black, reaching two inches beyond the tail; bill short,

not stout ; teet yellow; tarsus two and a half inches.

Summer plumage, head and neck pure white : winter, head

and neck streaked with light brown.

Young, blackish cinereous, mottled with yellowish-rusty.

Silvery gull, Lath. Meyer Vog. Deutsch. i. pl. 18.

Inhabits both continents: very common during winter near

Philadelphia and New-York.

299. Larus ARGENTATOIDES, Brehm.. Back and wings bluish-

gray; quills black at the point, tipped with white, reaching

but little beyond the tail; shafts black ; first primary broadly

white at tip; second with a round white spot besides ; tar-

sus less than two and a half inches; nostrils oval. Length

twenty inches.

Summer plumage, head and neck pure white: winter, head

and neck streaked with brown.

Young, dirty mottled, varied with rusty.

Notnoticed in my Catalogue. Somewhat doubtful whether it

is Brehm’s species. ;

Inhabits both continents: common near New-York and

Philadelphia. We have shot it also on the southern coasts

of England.

300, Larus arcentatus, Brunn. Mantle bluish-gray; quills

of the United Siates. | 361

black at the point, tipped with white, reaching much beyond

the tail ; shafts black; first primary only, with a white spot

besides the narrow tip ;* tarsus nearly three inches; nostrils

linear. Length two feet.

Summer plumage, head and neck pure white: winter, head

and neck with brown lines.

Young blackish cinereous, mottled with yellowish-rusty.

Herring Gull, Lath. Wilson’s list. Buff. pl. enl. 253.

Larus argenteus, Macgillivray ; (who, however, evidently con-

siders this and the preceding but one species.) Larus ar-

gentatus, and Larus argenteus, Brehm, (which Ido not think

distinct. )

Inhabits both continents: not uncommon near New-York

and Philadelphia, as well as in Italy.

301. Larus reucorprerus, Faber. Mantle pale bluish-ash ;

quills grayish-white, white at the point, reaching to the

tip of the tail ; shafts pure white ; tarsus two inches.

Summer plumage, head and neck pure white : winter, head

and neck streaked with brown.

Young dingy, mottled.

Larus glaucoides, Temm. Larus argentatus, Capt. Sabine.

Larus arcticus, Macgillivray. Omitted in my catalogue.

Never figured.

Inhabits the Arctic circle, whence it migrates in winter to

the boreal regions of both continents, advancing farther south

in America: not rare in the northern and middle states.

302. Larus auaucus, Brunn. Mantle bluish-gray 5 quills

grayish-white, white at the point; shafts white, tinged with

* Though I have found them constant in all the Italian, English, and

North American specimens of both species that I have examined, I cannot

give these markings as sure tests of the two species, which, however,

are certainly distinct, and though closely allied, may at once be distin-

guished by the size.

362 Synopsis of the Birds

ash; tarsus three inches; tail reaching two inches beyond

the wings.

Summer plumage, head and neck pure white: winter, head

and neck with brown streaks.

Young dingy, mottled.

Glaucous Gull, Lath. Naum. Vog. pl. 25.

Inhabits the Arctic regions of both continents: exceeding-

ly rare in the United States.

303. Larus marinus, L. Back and wingsslate-black; quills

black at the point, tipped with white; shafts black; wings

not reaching beyond the tail ; tarsus three inches.

Summer plumage, head and neck pure white: winter, head

and neck with brownish streaks.

Young dingy, mottled.

Black-backed Gull, Lath. Walson’s list. Buff. pl. enl. 990.

and 266. young.

Inhabits both continents: not uncommon during winter

in the middle states.

Bill of several pieces. Nostrils immarginate. Feet 4-toed.

Longipennes, lll. Pelagi, Vieill. Ranz. Lari, Bote.

66. LESTRIS.

Larus, L. Gm. Lath. Buphaga, Moehring. Catharracta,

Brunn. Stercorarius, Briss. Vieill. Lestris, Ill. Cuv. Temm.

Labbes, Buff.

Bitu moderate, robust, hard, cylindrical, compressed,

hooked at tip, edges sharp; upper mandible with the ridge

and tip distinct, covered beyond the nostrils by acere ; lower

of one piece, shorter, angular beneath, obtuse at tip: nostrils

subterminal, lateral, oblique, linear, wider before, pervious,

of the United States. 563

closed posteriorly by the cere: tongue canaliculated, acute,

slightly bifid at tip. Head large; eyes large: neck rather

stout: body rather plump. Ferrer slender; naked space of

the tibia moderate; tarsus equal to the middle toe, scaly

behind; webs full, entire; lateral toes edged exteriorly with

a narrow membrane; middle toe longest; inner shorter than

the outer; hind toe very small, placed almost on a level with

the anterior, resting on the ground: nails strong, much in-

curved, very acute. Wines moderate, acute; quills strong ;

first primary longest. Tai slightly rounded, of twelve

feathers, two middle feathers elongated.

Femare similar to the male. Young differing from the

adult, and changing repeatedly. Moult twice in the year

without changing their colors. Colors dark brown, with

some white or light tints on the neck and beneath. Young

more spotted, and with the middle tail feathers hardly longer.

Adult eminently distinguished by having these feathers much

the longest.

Bold: fierce: indefatigable. Tyrants of the sea. Soli-

tary, seldom several in one neighbourhood. Extremely

voracious: feed on fishes, which are caught by other birds.

Great enemies to the Terns, Gulls, and even the gigantic

Albatros, on which they prey; attacking them on the wing,

and beating them until they drop their prey, or even forcing

them to disgorge their food, which they seize in the air with

great agility before it reaches the water, the Gulls only escape

by settling in the sea. Never diving, only procure themselves

floating objects; feed also on mollusca, eggs, and young

water birds. Breed socially in Arctic marshes, on rocks, or

among sands: build in tufts with grass: eggs one or two:

courageous in behalf of their young ; attacking man himself

in their defence. Walk erect. Flight peculiar, irregular,

rapid, describing short curves, and occasionally tumbling

over.

Inhabit the Arctic seas all around the globe, migrating but

364 Synopsis of the Birds

little to southern regions. Formed of but our four spe

cies. Though united with. Larus by authors, very distinct

from them in nature, and perhaps claiming less alliance with

them than with Procellaria and Diomedea. Somewhat analo-

gous to the Eagles.

304. Lestris CATARRACTES, Ill. Bill short, very stout, much

curved; middle tail feathers equally broad throughout; tarsus

two inches and three quarters long, moderately rough.

Adult dark brown, neck and beneath grayish rufous.

Young wholly brownish varied with rusty.

Skua Gull, (Wilson’s list?) Lath. Penn. Brit. Zool. t. L.

jig: 6-

Inhabits the most northern parts of both continents, migra-

ting occasionally during winter to the temperate regions.

305. Lesrris pomarina, Temm. Bill short, much curved ;

long tail feathers equally broad throughout; tarsus little

more than two inches long, exceedingly rough.

Adult dark brown, beneath white; feathers of the neck

above long, slender, pointed, glossy yellow.

Young wholly brownish, varied with rufous.

Larus parasiticus, Meyer. Vog. Deut. ii. pl. 21.

Inhabits the Arctic circle, whence it migrates in winter to

more genial regions: very rare and accidental in the United

States.

306. Lesrris surront, Boié. Bill one inch and a quarter from

the front, straight, notched; middle tail feathers gradually

tapering, narrow for several inches, ending in a point; tarsus

one inch and a half long, almost smooth.

Adult brown, neck and beneath white, the former tinged

with yellow.

Young wholly brownish.

Arctic Bird, Edward’s Glean. pl. 148. Buff. pl. enl. 762.

Lestris cremdata, Brehm. Not noticed in my Catalogue.

of the United States. ~ 365

Inhabits the Arctic seas, migrating during the winter to

the temperate shores of North America and Europe: very

rare and accidental in the United States, where the young

only have been observed.

307. Lesrris parasitica, Boie. Bill one inch and a half long,

straight, broad at base, entire; middle tail feathers very long,

still wide one inch and a half from the tip, abruptly narrow-

ing, slender and acute at the point; tarsus one inch and three

eighths long, protuberances obsolete.

Adult blackish-brown, neck and beneath white, the former

tinged with yellow.

Young wholly brownish.

Arctic Gull, Lath. Die Polméue, Lepechin’s Reise.

Phau 8.242 C018:

Inhabits the Arctic seas, migrating during winter on the

temperate shores of North America and Europe. Rare, and

the young only occasionally seen near the United States.

Bill of several pieces. Nostrils tubular. Feet 3-toed,

or in place of the hind toe, a sharp nail.

Tubinares, Ill. Syphorini, Vieill. Ranz. Procellaria,

Boie, Syphonorhini, Blainville.

* A sharp hind nail.

Procellaria, auct. Procellaria, Pachyptila, Ill. Temm.

Ranz.

67. THALASSIDROMA.*

Procellaria, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Viel. Ranz.

* This genus and Puffinus are not mentioned in our Analytical Table, as

we considered them subgenera of Procellaria, but have since decided to

adopt them as genera. See note (26.)

Vou. Il. 46

366 ' Synopsis of the Birds

Thalassidroma, Vigors. Hydrobates, Bore.

Petrel-Hirondelle, Temm.

Butt shorter than the head, slender, feeble, attenuated, ex-

tremely compressed, hooked at the point, acute ; edges sharp,

greatly approximated; upper mandible slightly seamed

each side: lower shorter, hardly angular beneath, more or

less curved and acute at tip, end hardly distinct: nostrils

contained in a single tube on the top of the bill: tongue

moderate, depressed, entire, slender, acuminate, acute. Head

small, rounded above ; eyes large ; neck short: body slender.

Fret long, slender; naked space of the tibia extensive; tarsus

longer than the middle toe, slender, perfectly smooth; toes

rather short, slender; middle toe subequal to the outer ;

inner shortest; the lateral margined exteriorly by a narrow

membrane ; webs small, somewhat indented ; hind toe merely

a slender, acute nail: nails small, rounded above, in one

species quite flat and laminar, but generally curved, com-

pressed, and acute. Wunes long, acuminate; first primary

shorter than the third ;* second longest. ‘Tarn emarginate,

or slightly forked, of twelve feathers.

Femace similar to the male. Young hardly differing from

the adult. Moult twice a year without changing their colors.

Colors black, with more or Jess of white, especially on the

rump. Species very small: the smallest of web-footed birds.

Semi-nocturnal : wandering. Seen all over the ocean at

wonderful distances from land, principally at twilight, or

in stormy weather ; hiding from the sun in clefts of rocks, or

in the burrows of quadrupeds. Feed on small marine ani-

mals and seeds of sea-weeds; very fond of greasy substan-

* The character assigned by Mr. Vigors, of the first primary being

longer than the fourth, though perfectly correct as to P. pelagica, cannot

stand as generic, since in P. Leachii, it is shorter. We have not been

able to verify the character on P. Wilsonii, the specimens we examined for

that purpose being in moult.

of the United States. 367

ces, for which, more than for protection, they follow vessels

under way, playing in their wake, where they pick up the

animals put in motion, and the floating weeds. Breed soci-

ally in holes and cavities of rocks overhanging the sea: lay

one or two eges. Feed their young by regurgitation. Rest

easily on the water, suspending their light bodies on the top

of the waves with extended wings, riding on them, touching

with their feet. Flight rapid, irregular, always low and

skimming the water in day time. Voice chattering : silent

during the day; clamorous at night.

Spread in all latitudes and longitudes. A small and ex-

ceedingly natural genus, formed of but five well ascertained

species, so closely allied to each other, as to be generally

confounded. Resembling the Swallows.

Differs from Procellaria, as Lestris from Larus.

308. THALassmRroma witsonmt, Nob. Deep sooty black ; upper

tail coverts wholly white ; tail even, the wings reaching a lit-

tle beyond its tip ; tube of the nostrils recurved ; tarsus one

inch and a half long; a yellow spot on the webs.

Stormy Petrel, Procellaria pelagica, Wils. Am. Orn. vit.

p- 90. pl. 60. Procellaria wilson, Nob. J. Ac. Ph. vi. p. 2316

pl. 9. lower figure.

Inhabits throughout the tropical and temperate Atlantic

Ocean, not extending far to the north; more common on the

coasts of the southern states and on the banks: found also

on the coasts of Africa, and even those of Spain, thus entitled

to a place in European Ornithology.

309. THALASSIDROMA LEACHII, Nob. Brownish-black ; upper

tail-coverts white, with dusky shafts; tail forked, the wings

not reaching beyond the tip; tube of the nostrils straight ;

tarsus one inch Jong.

Procellaria Leachii, Temm. Nob. J. Ac. Ph. vi. p. 229.

pl. 9. upper figure. Fork-tail Petrel? Procellaria furcata ?

Lath. (27.)

365 Synopsis of the Birds

Inhabits throughout the Atlantic Ocean: not rare on the

banks of Newfoundland, and in the northern British islands.

68. PROCELLARIA.

Procellaria, L. Gm. Lath. Briss. Ill. Cuv. Vieill. Ranz.

Procellaria, Bote. (as restricted.) Petrel propr. dit, Temm.

Bitz as. long as the head, robust, broad, hard, sub-cylin-

drical, depressed at base, compressed and suddenly swelled

towards the point, edges sharp: upper mandible deeply

seamed each side, strongly hooked and acute at tip; lower

shorter, narrower, ascending, angular beneath, truncated

at tip, with the end very distinct: nostrils united in a com-

mon tube on the top of the bill: tongue moderate, entire,

conic. Head large, somewhat rounded above ; eyes rather

large; neck short, thick: body rounded, plump. Fret

stout, moderate ; naked space of the tibia much restricted ;

tarsus shorter than the middle toe; toes very long; middle

one subequal to the outer; inner shortest; the lateral edged

exteriorly by a narrow membrane; webs full, entire, large ;

hind toe merely a thick and obtuse nail: nails large, curved,

compressed, acute, channelled beneath, middle one largest,

dilated internally into a sharp edge. Wines very long,

acute ; quills numerous; first primary longest. ‘Tait of four-

teen feathers, rounded or cuneiform.

Femae similar to the male. Young differing but little

from the adult. Moult twice a year without changing their

colors. Species large. Prevailing color white.

Diurnal. Keep generally far at sea among rocks and ice-

bergs, seldom approaching the shore. Venturing farther

than any other bird, regardless of heavy seas and gales:

most active and numerous when a storm is approaching.

Fly, rest, and even walk on the waves. Flight with the wings

expanded, motionless. Feed on fishes, the flesh of dead ceta-

cea, mollusca, and other marine animals, and even vegeta-

bles. Breed in great companies in the clefts of Arctic rocks,

of the United States. 369

or in holes in the earth, where they also retire during bad

weather; lay but one very large egg. Feed their young by

regurgitating into their bill their half digested and oily ma-

rine food. Defend their offspring boldly, and blind their

enemies by spurting in their face an oily, acrimonious liquor.

Voice hoarse, stridulous, singular when subterranean.

Found in all latitudes. Formed of but few species, one

only in our hemisphere. Allied to the larger Gulls.

310. PRocELLARIA GLACTIALIS, L. White ; back and wings

bluish-gray ; tail cuneiform ; bill and feet yellow.

Summer plumage, a blackish spot before the eye.

Young pale-cinereous, varied with brown; bill and feet

yellowish-gray.

Fulmar Petrel, Lath. Penn. brit. zool. p. 145. t. M. fig. L.

Petrel de I’ Isle de St. Kilda, Buff: pl. enl. 59.

Inhabits in great numbers the Arctic seas; very rare and

accidental on the temperate coasts of North America and

Europe.

69. PUFFINUS.

Puffinus, Briss. Cuv. Bowe. Brehm. Nectris, Forst. Petrel-

Puffin, Temm. Procellaria, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Temm.

Vieill. Ranz.

Bitt longer than the head, slender, robust, hard, much com-

pressed at the point ; both mandibles much curved and acute

at tip; upper seamed each side, turgid at the point; lower

somewhat shorter, angular beneath, with the end very distinct:

nostrils basal, opening in two tubes, approximated and dor-

sal: tongue moderate, entire, conic. Head small, narrowed

behind ; eyes very large: body compressed. Frrr mode-

rate, stout, large ; naked space of the tibia extensive ; tarsus

equal to the middle toe ; toes long ; middle one subequal to

the outer; inner shortest; the lateral margined exteriorly

370 Synopsis of the Birds

by a narrow membrane ; webs full, entire; hind toe merely

a sharp nail: nails long, compressed, curved, acute. Wunes

long, slender, rather acute; first primary longest. ‘Tam

moderate, rounded, of twelve feathers.

Femace similar to the male. Young but little different

from the adult. Moult twice a year without changing their

colors. Colors more or less grayish. Species of middling

size.

Chiefly nocturnal: chasing at twilight, or in stormy days,

and hiding from the sun in clefts of rocks, or in the bur-

rows of small quadrupeds, which they dislodge. Much

more aquatic than any bird of their family ; combine the

powers of flying and diving. Keep on the wing for several

days, and dive even for their food, escaping from danger by

either means. Constantly at sea, residing among breakers,

hardly ever seen onshore. Feed almost exclusively on fishes.

Breed socially : dig with their sharp nails deep holes in the

ground, where they lay but one egg. Young born with long

down. Furnish the wretched inhabitants of the Frozen

Zone with food and clothing.

Spread all over the world. A natural genus, eminently

distinguished by its power of diving, much less allied than it

appears to Procellaria. Forms the link between the Longi-.,

pennes, and the diving web-focted birds.

$11. Purrinus CINEREUS, Cuy. Bill more than two inches

long, depressed at base, compressed where the point swells ;

tail cuneiform ; tarsus two inches long.

Adult light cinereous, wings and tail blackish-ash ;_be-

neath white ; bill and feet yellowish.

Young slate-color, beneath varied with cinereous; bill

blackish.

Cinereous Petrel, Lath. Le Puffin, Buff. pl. enl. 962. young.

Shear-water Petrel of Wilson’s list 2 Procellaria puffinus and

cinerea, L.

of the United States. 371

Inhabits the sea throughout the globe: common between

the banks of Newfoundland and the United States, in the

Mediterranean, &c.

312. Purrrnus ancLorum, Ray. Bill one inch and three quar-

ters long, very slender; tail rounded, the wings reaching

somewhat beyond its tip; tarsus little more than one inch

and three quarters long.

Adult glossy black, beneath pure white ; bill blackish.

Shear-water Petrel, Penn. nec Lath. Manks Puffin,

Edwards, t. 359. Procellaria anglorum, Temm. Meyer.

Omitted in my catalogue.

Inhabits the Arctic seas of both continents : rare and acci-

dental in the United States, very common in the northern

British islands.

313. Purrimvus opscurus, Cuv, Bill one inch and a quarter

long, very slender ; tail rounded, the wings reaching to its

tip ; tarsus little more than one inch long.

Adult glossy brownish-black, beneath white: bill blackish.

Dusky Petrel, Lath. Penn. St. degli Ucc. V. pl. 538.

Inhabits throughout the temperate and warm seas, never to

the north: very rare and accidental in the middle states and

Europe. Not easy to distinguish from the preceding.

** No hind nail.

Diomedea, Haladroma, Ill. Temm. Ranz.

70. DIOMEDEA.

Diomedea, L. Briss. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Vieill. Temm.

Ranz.

Bitz longer than the head, very robust, hard, compres-

sed, straight, suddenly curved at the point; edges cutting ;

upper mandible deeply seamed each side, strongly hooked

at tip, palate with two or three raised, cutting, serrated

372 Synopsis of the Birds

processes ; lower mandible smooth, end distinct, compressed

and truncated at tip, internally on each side with a ser-

rated, sharp process: nostrils in the furrow, distant from the

base, separate, covered on the sides, open before ; tubes very

short, subconical, wider before than behind, lying on the

sides of the bill; tongue very short, fleshy, truncated at tip.

Head large; eyes large, near the top: neck short, stout:

body massive. Ferer short, robust : tarsus one fourth shorter

than the middle toe; toes very long; the middle one sub-

equal to the outer; inner shortest; the lateral edged ex-

teriorly by a narrow membrane; webs full, entire; no rudi-

ment of hind toe nor nail: nails short, obtuse. Wines very

long, very narrow: quills short; secondaries hardly reach-

ing beyond their coverts. ‘Tari moderate, rounded, of four-

teen feathers.

Femae similar to the male. Young differing much from

the adult. Moult twice a year, without changing their colors.

. The largest of marine birds.

Notwithstanding their strength and gigantic stature, very

cowardly ; escape from the attacks of other birds, even

considerably weaker, by descending rapidly and settling in

the sea; even the Gulls in small parties incessantly attack

and harass them. Voracious beyond conception. Feed on

fishes, especially of the flying kind, on mollusca, and above

all, gelatinous animals. Gorging themselves to such a degree

as to be often unable either to fly or swim, being sometimes

seen with large fishes partly hanging out of their mouth,

partly swallowed, in which state their feathered enemies

compel them to disgorge their food, and they may be caught

by hand. Build with clay a rounded nest two or three feet

high : eggs very large, numerous for the family. Fly skim-

ming the water, soaring to the high regions of the atmosphere

during strong gales and stormy weather only. Venturing

great distances from land, occasionally compelled to seek re-

pose, and even to sleep on the sea, or on the rigging of vessels.

of the United States. 373

Voice harsh, somewhat resembling the braying of an ass.

Flesh tough, badly tasted, hardly palatable even to starving

men. Kegs eatable.

Spread throughout both hemispheres, but especially the

southern. Formed of but four well ascertained species,

only one of which is seen on the Atlantic. Remarkably allied

to the larger species of the genus Larus. :

314. DiomepEA ExuLAns, L. Whitish : back and wings linea-

ted with black; quills black, shafts yellow ; tail plumbeous,

rounded.

Young dusky; head, wings and tail, blackish ; round the

eye white.

Albatros of Wilson’s list. Wandering Albatros, Lath. ad.

Sooty, or Brown Albatros, Lath. young. Buff. pl. enl. 237.

Inhabits the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans : rare and acci-

dental on the coasts of the middle states: common at the

Cape of Good Hope and in South America.

FAMILY XXV. LAMELLOSODENTATI.

Lamellosodentati, Ill. Serrirostres, Dumeril. Lamelliros-

tres, Cuv. Latr. Anseride, Goldfuss. Dermorhyncht, Vieill.

Ranz. Anates, Oken. Cygni, Anseres, Anates, Mergi, Bote.

Colymbini alati, Blainville. Anatidea, Leach Vigors.

BILL moderate, stout, straight, covered with a soft mem-

branous skin, rounded above, depressed, rounded and obtuse

at the point, unguiculated at tip, margins denticulated ;

nostrils distinct, a little distant from the base, superficial,

oblong, half closed by a flat membrane ; tongue thick, fleshy.

Head small; neck various: body plump. Ferrer 4-toed,

nearly central, drawn up into the beily, turned outward,

short ; tibia almost entirely feathered ; tarsus short; toes dis-

posed 3—1, anterior palmated ; webs full, entire; hind toe

free, short, nails curved, compressed, acute. Wines mode-

rate, acute ; quills strong, stiff; first primary subequal to the

Vou. Il. AT

374 Synopsis of the Birds

second, which is generally longest. Tain short, of from

twelve to twenty feathers.

Femate smaller, in many species differing greatly, and far

less brilliant than the male. Young very different from the

adult, resembling the female, sometimes not getting their full

dress until the second or third year.

Gregarious, except in breeding time, when they pair, and

then prefer fresh water; during winter and autumn affecting

the sea coasts. Feed on fishes, reptiles, mollusca, insects,

some species also on vegetable substances, especially seeds,

getting their food from the shore or from under water, by

means of their sensible bill. Monogamous: build on the

ground: eggs numerous, of one color. Female only incu-

bating. Young leave the nest, swim, and provide for them-

selves as soon as hatched, the parents merely leading and pro-

tecting them. Walk in a vacillating and embarrassed man-

ner. Swim with great facility and much grace, some with

agility above or beneath the surface, many plunging merely

their head under water, when searching for prey, while others.

submerge their entire body, and continue under for a long

period. Flight rapid, sustained for several days at a time.

The greater part easily tamed. Highly useful to man: flesh

and eggs excellent : down employed for several uses ; feathers

most valuable of all, best for graphic purposes.

A. Bill stout, depressed, obtuse.

71. ANSER.

Anser, Briss. Bechst. Meyer. Ill. Vieill. Brehm. Anser,

Cygnus, Cuv. Anas, L. Gm. Lath. Temm. Ranz. Ote,

Temm. Plectropterus, Cygnus, Anser, Chenalopex, Bernicla,

Cheniscus, of modern English authors. Tadorna, Bernicla,

Cheu, Anser, Boie.

Bit short or moderate, stout, at base higher than broad,

somewhat conic, cylindrical, depressed towards the point,

of the United States. 375

narrowed and rounded at tip, end of both mandibles distinct;

upper mandible not covering the margins of the lower,

ridge broad, elevated ; nail sub-orbicular, curved, obtuse ;

lower plane; marginal teeth short, conic, acute: nostrils

medial, lateral, longitudinal, large, elliptic, open, pervious,

covered by a membrane; tongue thick, fleshy, fimbriated on

the sides. Head small, lora feathered; neck moderate: body

cylindrical. Ferrer central, stout; tarsi rather longer than

the middle toe; toes moderate; webs full, entire ; hind toe

equal to a phalanx of the middle, simple, touching the ground

at tip ; middle toe longest; outer longer than the inner: nails

falculate, the middle dilated into a sharp edge. Wines

moderate, acute, sometimes spurred; quills strong, primaries

much lounger than the secondaries; first and second, or second

only, longest. Tain of numerous feathers, rounded.

Femace similar to the male. Young of some species dif-

fering extremely from the adult, and changing repeatedly.

Moult annual, but protracted. Plumage moderately thick.

Colors dull, more or less of light, or very dark, cinereous.

Size large. ‘Trachea simple.

Habits terrestrial: keep in flocks, mostly in marshes and

low grounds, and migrate according to season, from cold to

temperate regions. Shy: cunning: vigilant: when sleeping

or feeding, establishing sentinels to give warning of any dan-

ger. Altogether diurnal. Retiring at night to the water :

very clamorous when uniting: go to pasture by day; feed

principally on vegetables, which they nibble off, on roots and

seeds; some also on fishes, reptiles, and small aquatic ani-

mals: commit great devastation in corn-fields, by cutting or

rooting up the young plants. Disposed to polygamy. Build

on the ground. Walk with less awkwardness than the allied

genera. Swim but little, and deeper in the water, neither

their body, feet, nor plumage being calculated for it: hardly

ever dive, and never by choice. Flight exceedingly high,

376 Synopsis of the Birds

slow, but long sustained ; fly either in straight or convergent

lines. Sight and hearing excellent.

Spread all over the world, but much more numerous in

cold and temperate countries, to and from which they migrate.

Species numerous,

315. Anser nypersorevs, Palias. Bill rising high upon the

forehead ; sides of the bill with longitudinal furrows and den-

ticulations ; tail of sixteen feathers.

Adult white, quills black at the point: bill and feet red.

Young purplish-brown; wing-coverts and rump, bluish-ash;

more or less white according to age.

Snow Goose, Anas hyperborea, Wils. Am. Orn. viii. p. 76.

pl. 68. fig. 5. adult male; and p. sg. pl. 69. fig. 5. young.

Anser niveus. Briss. Anas hyperborea and caerulescens, L.

{nhabits within the Arctic circle ; migrating during winter

to the more temperate regions of both continents : not uncom-

mon during winter in the middle states.

316. Anser acztrrRons, Bechst. Brownish, beneath white varied

with black ; frontlet and throat white, margined with black-

ish; bill and feet orange; nails whitish.

White-fronted Goose, Lath. Laughing Goose, Edward’s

Glean. t. 153. Anas albifrons, Gm.

Inhabits the Arctic regions, migrating during winter to

the temperate climes of both continents: rare and accidental

in the middle states, as well as in Italy.

317. Anser secrrum, Meyer. Dark cinereous, beneath whitish;

rump blackish ; tolded wings reaching beyond the tail; bill

long, depressed, black and orange, nail black, tail of eigh-

teen feathers.

Bean Goose, Latham. L’oie sauvage, Buff. pl. enl. 985.

Anas segetum, Gm. Anser sylvestris, Briss.

Inhabits the Arctic regions of both continents, migrating

periodically to more genial climates : hardly ever seen even

of the United States. 377

in the northern states or Canada, which is rather extraordi-

nary, as in the old continent, it migrates much farther south.*

318. Anser canapensis, Vieill. Dark ash; head, neck and

tail black ; cheeks and throat white; bill and feet black ;

tail of eighteen feathers.

Canada Goose, Anas canadensis, Wils. Am. Orn. vir.

p» 52. pl. 67. fig. 4.. Bernicla canadensis, Bote.

Inhabits North America: common during winter in the

middle states: domesticated in both continents, and produ-_

cing mongrels with Anser cinereus.

319. Anser Leucopsis, Bechst. Dark cinereous; neck and

tail black ; face, and beneath from the breast, white; bill

and feet black.

Bernicla or Clakis, Lath. La Bernache, Buffon, pl. enl.

$85. Anas leucopsis, Temm. Anas erythopus, L.

Inhabits the Arctic circle, migrating during winter to more

* 1. Anser cinereus, Meyer. Light cinereous, beneath whitish; rump

cinereous ; wings not reaching to the tip of the tail; bill stout, orange,

nail whitish ; feet yellowish.

Gray-lag Goose, Latham. Oca paglietana, Stor. degli uccelli. v. pl. 559.

Anas anser, L. Temm.

Inhabits the cold and temperate regions of eastern Europe and Asia:

not uncommon during winter iu Italy: never observed wild in America:

domesticated throughout the world.

2, Anser rufescens, Brehm. Dark cinereous, beneath whitish, strongly

tinged with rusty; wings not reaching to the tip of the tail; bill short,

stoutish, hardly depressed, black and orange.

Inhabits the Arctic regions : common in Iceland: strays accidentally to

the north of Europe.

3. Anser medius, Temm. Dark cinereous, beneath whitish; rump black-

ish; wings when closed reaching to the tip of the tail; bill and feet yellow.

Length less than two feet.

Anser cineraceus? Brehm. Anser medius, Meyer. Never figured.

Inhabits the Arctic regions: migrating accidentally to the north of

Europe. All these species are probably accidental visitants of the United

States; we therefore mention them in notes.

378 Synopsis of the Birds

temperate regions: very rare and accidental in the United

States.

320. ANSER BERNICLA, Nob, Blackish-ash ; head neck and

breast, black ; a white patch each side of the neck ; beneath

whitish ; bill and feet black ; tail of sixteen feathers.

The Brant, Anas bernicla, Wils. Am. Orn. viii. p. 131

pl. 72. fig. 1. Anser torquatus, Frisch Vieill.

Inhabits the Arctic regions, migratory in both continents :

very common and numerous in the middle states at its double

passage, when great havoc is made among them.

72. CYGNUS.

Anas, L. Gm. Lath. Il. Temm. Ranz. Anser, Briss.

Cygnus, Bechst. Cuv. Vieill. Brehm Stephens Bote. Cygne,

Temm.

Bitt at base higher than broad, gibbous, subcylindric

above, of equal breadth throughout, obtuse ; teeth lamelli-

form; upper mandible unguiculated and curved at tip;

lower shorter, narrower, covered by the margins of the

upper, flattened: nostrils medial, oval, open, pervious, cover-

ed by a membrane: tongue thick, fleshy, broad, fimbriated on

the sides, obtuse. Head smal!, lora naked: neck exceed-

ingly long, much Jonger than the body, slender; body much

compressed, elegantly shaped. Ferrr placed far back, very

short, stout, large; tarsus shorter than the middle toe ; mid-

dle toe longest, outer longer than the inner, webs full, entire,

very broad ; hind toe equal to a phalanx of the middle, sim-

ple, touching the ground merely at tip. Wurves very long,

when folded, the primaries hardly reach beyond the seconda-

ries; first and fourth primaries equal; second and _ third

longest. Tai. cuneiform, of numerous feathers.

Frmate somewhat smaller, perfectly similar to the male.

Young differing from the adult for two or three years. Moult

simple, annual, but protracted. Plumage excessively close

of the United States. 379

and thick, very soft and light. Colors uniform. Size very

large ; largest of the Order.

Habits aquatic. Live on fresh water, rivers or ponds: ad-

mirably built for swimming, surpassing all other birds in grace

and elegance on the water: often in swimming spread out their

wings as if sailing. Feed in the water, reaching to the bottom

in shallow places, by means of their long neck : from their

conformation and the lightness of their plumage, unable to sink

their body. Food chiefly vegetable, also reptiles, especially

frogs, and small aquatic animals, which they seek in the mud

under water, hardly ever preying on fishes, which they even

protect ; hence, and for their beauty and elegance, kept on fish

ponds as ornaments. Strictly monogamous: unlike all other

birds, copulate standing and facing each other in the water :

build on ground in the vicinity of, or surrounded by water: nest

composed of marsh plants in large quantity. Male protect-

ing the female while sitting, and partaking the parental cares.

When resting, place one foot on the back. Walk awkwardly.

Flight very heavy ; when elevated, rapid and protracted.

Inhabit all over the globe. Four species only, though

others have been injudiciously added: one in North, one in

South America, one in New Holland, and two in Europe,

of which one is identical with the North American. Connects

Anser with Anas, perhaps more closely allied to the latter.

321. CyaGnus mustcus, Bechst. White, top of the head yel-

lowish ; bill black, without protuberance; bare space round

the eye yellow.

Young light cinereous, bare space round the eye flesh-

color.

Whistling Swan, Lath. Cigno salvatico, St. degli uce. it.

pl. 554. Anas cygnus, L. Lath. Swan of Wilson’s list. €.

melanorhyncus, Meyer.

Inhabits the Arctic circle, whence it migrates in both con-

tinents : very numerous in winter in Chesapeake Bay; arare

380 Synopsis of the Birds

and accidental visitant in Italy. Trachea forming two cir-

cumvolutions before entering the sternum.*

73. ANAS.

Anas, L. Gm. Briss. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Vieill. Temm. Ranz.

Anas, Brehm. Nob. Obs. and Cat. of birds of the U. S.

Tadorna, Cairina, Anas, Rhynchaspis, Dafila, Mareca, Quer-

quedula, Steph.

Bix broader than high at base, more or less broader at

tip than at base, somewhat flattened, much depressed towards

the point, obtuse, marginal teeth lamelliform, weak ; upper

mandible convex, curved and unguiculated at tip, nail slen-

der ; lower narrower, flat, entirely covered by the margins

of the upper: nostrils basal, approximated, oval, small, open,

pervious, covered by a membrane: tongue fleshy, thick,

broad, fimbriated on the sides, obtuse. Head small; neck

slender, subequal to the body: body much compressed, slen-

der. Fret nearly central, rather small and feeble ; tarsi sub-

* 2, Cygnus olor, Vieill. White ; bill red margined with black ; bare

space round the eye, and a fleshy knob on the forehead, black.

Young dark cinereous.

Mute Swan, Lath. Cigno reale, St. degh. ucc. v. pl. 554. Cygnus gib-

bus, Bechst. Anas olor, Gm.

Inhabits the eastern part of Europe, and Asia: never observed wild in

America. Domesticated throughout the world. Trachea without cir-

cumyolutions.

3. Cygnus nigricollis, Steph. White, head and neck black, bill red.

Black-necked Swan, Lath. Anas nigricollis et melanocephala, Gm.

Not figured. Scudder’s Museum, New-York.

Inhabits South America: common at the Falkland Islands, and the

Straits of Magellan.

4. Cygnus atratus, Steph. Black, quill feathers white, bill red.

Black Swan, Lath. Anas atrata, Lath. Anas plutonia, Shaw Nat.

Misc. pl. 108. Philadelphia and New-York Museums.

Inhabits Australia.

of the United States. 381

equal to the middle toe, not extremely compressed ; tibia

smooth ; toes moderate, middle longest, inner shortest; webs

full, entire, but not very large ;_ hind toe equal to a phalanx

of the middle, simple, touching the ground at tip. Wunes

moderate, acute; primaries elongated, first and second, or

second only, longest. Tart of from fourteen to twenty

feathers. :

Fremare very different from the male in full plumage.

Young generally more or less resembling the female. Moult

twice in the year, the female partially, the male completely,

assuming in summer the humble dress of the female. Piu-

mage thicker than in the Geese, but not so thick as in the

Swans and Fuligule. A mirror or speculum on the wing in

most species. Colors of the female dull, grayish. ‘Trachea

swelling at the bifurcation into cartilaginous capsules.

Migrate in large flocks: in autumn and winter keep in fresh

water and rivers, affecting green shores and sedgy places, es-

pecially shallow water, where they can reach the bottom with

their bill, without diving. Somewhat nocturnal: feed and

travel by night. Food chiefly vegetable, plants and seeds,

but also aquatic animals. Disposed to polygamy: build in

the grass, more or less near water, some in- hollow trees :

nest lined with down: eggs numerous. Female alone incu-

bates, without any assistancé from the male, and covers. the

eggs with the lining of the nest and other materials when

obliged to leave them. The male does not trouble himself

about the young. Walk comparatively well, but not so well

as the Geese, with the body poised, and the feet close

together. While swimming raise the tail and stretch their

body. Avoid deep water: dive only when compelled by

necessity, or in the breeding season. Flight comparatively

light, often high, whistling.

Spread all over the globe: species numerous, more so in

temperate regions. We divide them into four subgenera, two

only of which are found in the United States.

Vor. If. 48

382 Synopsis of the Birds

SUBGENUS I. RHYNCHASPIS.

Rhynchaspis, Leach. Steph.* Spatula, Bote. Les Sou-

chets, Cuv.

Bill long, without fleshy protuberance ; upper mandible

semi-cylindric, broad and sub-orbicular at the end, pail small,

much incurved ; -lamelliform teeth very long, fine and slender.

Head wholly feathered.

Female diflering greatly from the male.

Feed chiefly on small aquatic animals, which they obtain

by sifting the mud between their teeth. Bill very sensible,

as appears by the desiccation of the nervous apparatus.

322, Anas crypeara, L. Mirror green, margined above with

white, below black; wing-coverts light bluish.

Male brown; head and neck green; belly chesnut.

Female and young wholly brownish, varied with yellowish

and blackish.

Shoveller, Anas clypeata, Wils. Am. Orn. viii. p. 65. pl. 67-

fig. 7

Inhabits the north of both continents, extending its periodi-

cal migrations far to the south : not uncommon during winter

throughout the United States and Mexico.

SUBGENUS JI. ANAS.

Anas, Dafila, Mareca, Querquedula, Steph.

Bill moderate, subequal in breadth throughout, without

fleshy protuberance; teeth small, comparatively coarse.

Head wholly feathered.

* Stephens, however, in his genus Rhynchaspis, includes species belong-

ing to our genus Fuligula, as well as toour Anas. According to his sys-

tem they even belong to different stirpes, and the common character being

one of analogy simply, ie must form a new genus, for which names enough

may be found. Spatula might be applied to the present, Rhynchaspis to

the latter.

a nw

of the United States. 383

Female very different from the male.

Feed on tender aquatic plants, chiefly seeds and grains, also

on spawn, fry, and other aquatic animals.

323. Anas Boscnas, L. Mirror violet, bounded with black and

white ; rump blackish, tail of twenty feathers. |

Male, head and neck green; a white collar; middle tail-

feathers recurved.

Female and young wholly brownish, varied with yellowis

and blackish.

The Mallard, Anas boschas, Wils. Am. Orn. viii. p. 112.

pl. 7. fig. 7.

Inhabits the north of both continents, advancing far to the

south in its periodical journeys: common during winter

throughout the United States where a few breed.

324. Anas srreperna, L. Mirror white, bordered by black

and chesnut; feet orange, webs blackish; tail of sixteen

feathers.

Male blackish waved with white; rump black.

Female duller, rump uniform with the rest.

The Gadwall, Anas strepera, Wils, Am. Orn. viii. p. 190.

ge di. fio. 1

Inhabits the north of both continents, whence it migrates in

winter : rather rare*in the United States.

325. Anas acuta, L. Mirror green, margined with black

and white, above with rusty; tail very long, cuneiform,

acute, of sixteen feathers; bill very long, linear, slate color.

Male light ash, a white stripe each side of the neck; two

middle tail feathers greatly elongated, tapering ; vent black.

Female dusky, speckled with white; speculum and vent

uniform with the rest; middle tail feathers not elongated.

Pintaitl Dusk, Anas acuta, Wils. Am Orn. vii. p. 72.

pl. 68. fig. 3.

Inhabits the north of both continents, migrating far to the

384 Synopsis of the Birds

south: very common in the United States and Italy during

winter.

326. ANAS AMERICANA, Gm. Mirror green, surrounded by

black; wing-coverts white; tail cuneiform, of sixteen feathers.

Male, black waved with reddish ; head and neck yellowish-

white ; crown cream color; a green band each side of the

neck ; breast vinaceous ; throat whitish.

Female, dark brown, whole head and neck yellowish-

white, sprinkled with black.

American Widgeon, Anas americana, Wils. Am. Orn. viit.

p- 86. pl. 69. fig. 4.

Inhabits throughout North America and the West Indies:

common during winter in the middle states, breeding to the

north, Hudson’s Bay, but not extending so far north as

the preceding species. Closely allied to the European wid-

geon, Anas penelope, of the old continent.*

327. Anas opscuna,Gm. Mirror violet blue, margined with

black; under wing coverts pure white; tail of sixteen

feathers.

Male and female, blackish brown mixed with paler; nearly

alike, female only more brownish.

Dusky Duck, Anas obscura, Wils. 4m. Orn. viii. p. 141.

pl. 72. fig. 5. ;

Inhabits throughout temperate America, where it breeds:

* Anas penelope, l, Mirror green, surrounded by black; wing-coverts

white.

Male, black waved with white ; head and neck reddish-chesnut; crown

cream color, no green band; breast vinaceous; throat black.

Female, dark brown; whole head and neck reddish, sprinkled with

black.

Wigeon, Whewer or Whim, Lath. Le Canard Siffleur, Buff. pl. enl. 825.

Inhabits the north of the old continent, not extending to the Arctic cir-

cle; common during winter in Italy ; a few breed in temperate Europe,

especially to the east.

of the United States. 385

very common from Florida to Canada; not farther north ;

partially migrating, more numerous during winter in the

middle and southern states.

328. Anas sponss, L. Metallic, throat white; a pendent

crest; mirror purplish-blue, tipped with white ; under wing-

coverts white, spotted with black ; tail of fourteen feathers.

Bill small, tapering.

Male, head and crest golden green, with two white stripes ;

breast and sides of the rump, dark chesnut.

Female, head and crest brownish ; a white space round

the eye.

Summer Duck, or Wood Duck, Anas sponsa, Wils. Am.

Orn. vit. p. 97. pl. 78. fig. 3.

Inhabits throughout North America, Mexico, and the West

Indies, not extending far to the north: common during sum-

mer in the northern and middle states, where it breeds: mi-

gratory : a few resident in the southern. Builds on trees.

329. Anas piscors, 4. Mirror green, bordered above witha

single white band; wing coverts light-blue; quill shafts

dusky ; tail of fourteen feathers.

Male, head and neck purple-green ; crown black ; a white

crescent each side of the head before the eye.

Female, head and neck wholly dusky.

Blue-winged Teal, Anas discors, Wils. Am. Orn. vii. p. 74.

pl. 68. fig. 4.

Inhabits throughout North America, Mexico, and the West

Indies, breeding to the north, wintering to the south: com-

mon in the middle states at their double passage in spring

and autumn: very numerous during winter in the southern

states : do not extend far north. Closely allied to Anas quer-

quedula of the old world.*

* Anas querquedula, LL, Mirror ashy-green, bordered with two white

bands, one above, the other below ; wing-coveris bluish-ash; quill shafts

pure white; tail of fourteen feathers.

386 Synopsis of the Birds

$30. Anas creccs,L.. Mirror rich green, black on the sides,

margined with white and rufous ; wing coverts brownish-ash ;

tail of sixteen feathers.

Male, head and neck glossy chesnut; a green band each

side of the head ; throat black.

Female wholly dusky, skirted with whitish ; throat white.

Green-winged Teal, Anas crecca, Wils. Am. Orn. viii. p. 101.

pl. 70. fig. 4.

Inhabits the north of both continents, migrating periodi-

cally far to the south: very common during winter through-

out the United States and Italy.

74. FULIGULA.

Anas, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Vieill. Ranz. Anas, Anser,

Briss. Fuligula, Nob. Orn. Rom. (ined.) Nom. Wils. Orn.

Cat. of birds U.S. Specchio Comp. Rom. Ph. (as a sub-

genus.) Platypus, Brehm. Hydrobates, Temm.* Harelda,

Clangula, Fuligula, Oidemia, Biziura, Somateria, Rhyn-

chaspis, Steph.t Nyroca, Ania, &c. of other English authors.

Male, head and neck reddish-brown, sprinkled with white ; crown black-

ish; a white line above the eye.

Female, wholly dusky, skirted with whitish; blue of the wings, and

green of the mirror, obsolete.

Garganey, and Summer Teal, Lath. La Sarcelle d’Ele, Buff pl. enl. 946.

Inhabits the north of the old continent, not extending to the Arctic cir-

cle; common in temperate Europe, where it breeds.

* This name has been applied by Vieillot to the genus Cinclus of authors,

and by Boie to Mr. Vigors’ Thalassidroma, and is too closely resembling

the Family name Hygrobate of Iliger, having precisely the same mean-

ing and derivation. The name of Platypus is also preoccupied in Zoology ,

having been applied to a,genus of minor animals. My name of Fuligula

has, moreover, the priority, as a subgenus, over any other ; and as we have

since ascertained, has the advantage of having been used by Ray.

y In this genus are placed birds with and without the hind toe mem-

brane, and of more or less aquatic form and habits.

of the United States. 387

Macreuses, Gurrots, Eiders, Millowins, Cuv. Clangula, Me-

lanilta, Somateria, Aythya, Bove.

But broader than high at base, not of equal breadth

throughout, somewhat flattened, much depressed towards

the poiut, obtuse; upper mandible convex, curved and un-

guiculated at tip, nail slender; lower narrower, flat: nostrils

basal or medial, oval, open, pervious, covered by a mem-

brane ; tongue fleshy, thick, broad, fimbriated on the sides,

obtuse. Head thick, wholly feathered ; neck stout, much

shorter than the body: body plumpish. Frer placed very

far back, large and stout; tibia partly covered by the skin

of the belly, furnished before with an acute prominence ; tarsi

much shorter than the middle toe, extremely compressed ;

toes rather long, middle one longest ; inner shorter than the

outer ; webs full, entire, very broad; hind toe equal toa

phalanx of the middle one, furnished with a membrane, touch-

ing the ground at tip. Wines shortish; quills very stiff;

first and second primaries subequal. Tar stiff, of from

twelve to eighteen feathers. )

Femate very different from the male. Male hardly chang-

ing from season. Young similar to the female, not assuming

their adult dress before the second or third year. Moult

twice a year without changing their colors. Plumage short,

not so light, but closer and thicker than in the preceding

genus. Capsule of the windpipe of the male much larger.

Migrate in large flocks. Found mostly in the north, affect-

ing in autumn and winter, the sea shore and brackish water ;

fond of deep water, enjoying even the most boisterous sea.

Swim and dive with great agility, and make long distances

under water, diving for food or in sport. Somewhat noctur-

nal; feed and travel by night. Food chiefly animal, espe-

cially mollusca, also a few vegetables, after which they dive.

Strictly monogamous: build chiefly on fresh water: nest

downy within: eggs numerous. Female only sits, and

leads her young to the water as soon as hatched, after food.

388 Synopsis of the Birds

Hardly able to walk, standing with the body erect, the

feet wide apart, and turned out: run rather rapidly, but

awkwardly, appearing to fall at every step. Swim very deep

in the water.. Flight heavy, rapid, whistling.

Spread all over the globe ; chiefly Arctic. Species nume-

rous. Deserve generic separation, as is proved by their

form, habits, and especially their skeleton, the best test of

genera. We divide the North American species into five

subgenera.

SUBGENUS I. SOMATERIA.

Les Eiders, Cuv. Anser, Briss. Somateria, Leach.

Bove. Steph.

Bill small, elevated at base, extending up the forehead,

and divided by a triangular projection of feathers, towards the

point narrow and blunt: nostrils medial. - Secondaries gene-

rally curved outwards, overlapping the primaries. Tail of

fourteen feathers.*

_ Plumage remarkably thick and close: down of an exqui-

site softness, valuable. Size large.

Exclusively pelagic : breeding near the sea: eggs com-

paratively few. Connects this genus with Anser.

331. Furiauia motuissima, Nob. Branches of the bill narrow,

linear : no mirror.

Male black, head and back white ; crown black.

Female, wholly reddish-drab, ‘spotted with black; two

white bands across the wings.

* It is lamentable to find authors generally attribute twelve feathers to

the tail of all the Geese, Ducks, &c. We have made use of this charac-

ter in our specific phrases, more to excite inquiry on that point than for

any thing else, for we are well aware that the number is variable in some

cases, and for that reason left out by authors: we think, however, that in

most cases the characteris excellent, and at all events, we have constantly

given it as additional.

of the United States. 389

Eider Duck, Anas mollissima, Wils. Am. Orn. vitt. p. 122

pl. 72. fig. 2. male. and p. 125. pl. 71. fig. 9. female.

Inhabits the extreme north of both continents ; an occasion-

al winter visitant in the middle states, breeding sometimes

in the most northern part of the union: very common in

Iceland.

332. Funraura specrazitis, Nob. Branches of the bill broad,

circular. No mirror.

Male black ; head and back white, crown light ashy-blue ;

an arrow-shaped black mark on the throat.

Female, reddish-drab spotted with black ; a single white

band across the wings.

King Duck, Lath. Gray-headed Duck, Edw. pl. 154.

Anas spectabilis, L.

Inhabits the extreme north of both continents : an acciden-

tal visitant during winter in the northern states : common in

the northern British Islands.

SUBGENUS UU. OIDEMIA.

Macreuses, Cuv. Melanilta, Bote. Oidemia, Fleming.

Oidemia, Biziura, Leach. Otdemia, Biziura, Steph.

Bill broad, gibbous above the nostrils; margins dilated,

lamelliform teeth coarse. Nostrils sub-medial, large, eleva-

ted. ‘Tail of fourteen feathers.

Colors black. Female brown.

Live chiefly near the edge of the surf.

333. Furicuva perspicittata, Nob. No mirror; feet red;

bill with a prominence each side.

Male glossy black; crown and hind neck marked with white.

Female wholly sooty-brown, near the bill and auriculars,

whitish.

Black, or Surf Duck, Wils. Am.Orn. viii. p. 49. pl. 67. fig. 2.

Inhabits the Arctic regions of America, whence it migrates

periodically in great numbers, all along the coasts of the

Vou. II. 49

390 Synopsis of the Birds

union : very common throughout the winter, from Canada to

Florida: an accidental visitor in north-western Europe.

334. Furiauta ntera, Nob. No mirror; feet dusky ; bill

protuberant at base ; tail cuneiform.

Male glossy black ; a large red knob at the base of the bill.

Female sooty-brown, beneath grayish-white.

Scoter Duck, Anas nigra, Wils. Am. Orn. viii. p. 135.

pl. 72. fig. 2.

Inhabits the north of both continents, whence it migrates

in winter to temperate climates: very rare in the middle

states as well as in Italy: very common in northern Asia and

eastern Europe.

335. Furiauia ruscA, Nob. Mirror white; feet red.

Male black, a white spot under the eye.

Female blackish-brown.

Velvet Duck, Anas fusca, Wils. Am. Orn. viii. p. 137.

Inhabits the north of both continents, migrating during

winter to temperate climates: not uncommon in the middle

states; rare in Italy : very common in Siberia.

SUBGENUS III. OXYURA.

Rhynchaspis, Oidemia, Steph. Macreuses, Cuv.

Bill broad at tip, nail very small. Wings very short, con-

cave. Tail long, cuneiform, of eighteen narrow pointed,

rigid, canaliculate feathers.

Plumage remarkably thick, compact, and beneath silvery.

336. Furreuta rupipa, Nob. No mirror; bill plane at base ;

nostrils small, linear; tail-feathers canaliculated at tip only.

Male reddish-brown; crown and neck above, black ; cheeks

and throat white.

Female blackish, finely mixed with whitish ; crown black-

ish ; sides of the head and throat whitish.

Ruddy Duck, Anas rubida, Wils. Am. Orn. viit. p. 187.

pl. 71. fig. 5. male. p. 130. fig. 6. young male. female Wiis.

of the United States. 391

Inhabits throughout North America, breeding in the north,

wintering in the south: not uncommon during spring end

autumn in the middle states. Closely allied to F. leuco-

cephala, of the old continent, and apparently also to A. ja-

maicensis, Lath. with which it is perhaps identical.*

SUBGENUS IV. FULIGULA.

Les Millowins, Cuv. Fuligula, Leach. Steph. Nyroca,

Flem. Aythya, Boie.

Bill long, broad, flat, hardly gibbous at base, somewhat

dilated at the end. Nostrils basal, suboval. ‘Tail short, of

fourteen feathers.

Trachea dilating to the left into a partly membranous cap-

sule, sustained by an osseous frame, and osseous ramifications.

337. Furiguta paprapora Nob. Mirror broadly white; bill

soft and membranous at tip, orange and cerelike at base.

Male black; head, neck, breast, scapulars, wing-coverts

and secondaries, white ; crown, and a collar round the neck,

black.

Female ashy-gray.

Pied Duck, Anas labradora, Wils. Am. Orn. viit. p. 91.

pl. 69. fig. 6. male.

Inhabits the north of America, where it breeds, not extend-

* Fuligula leucocephala, Nob. No mirror; bill gibbous and with two

ridges, with a channel between, at base; nostrils large, subrounded, pro-

jecting; tail-feathers canaliculated throughout.

Male reddish-brown; top of the head and neck above, black; front, nape,

cheeks and threat, white.

Female finely mixed with blackish, whitish, and rusty ; crown wholly

blackish; sides of the head and throat white.

Whaite-headed Duck, Lath. Anatra Winverno, St. degl Ucc. v. pl. 557.

male. Anas mersa et leucocephala, Gm.

Inhabits northern Asia and eastern Europe: an accidental winter visi-

tant in Italy, and even the northern coasts of Africa.

392 Synopsis of the Birds

ing to the Arctic circle : very rare during winter in the mid-

dle states.

338. Futiguna vALLIsnertA, Steph. Mirror gray; bill straight,

more than two and a half inches long, sides parallel.

Male white, waved with black; head tinged with black

anteriorly, and with the neck glossy chesnut; a black pec-

toral belt.

Female dull whitish, waved with black; head, neck and

breast, brownish.

Canvas-backed Duck, Anas valisneria, Wils. Am. Orn. vin.

p. 103. pl. 70. fig. 5.

Inhabits North America, not extending to the Arctic circle:

common during winter in the middle states: breeds to the

north. Flesh exquisite, and in high repute, while feeding on

certain vegetables, in peculiar districts.

339. FuriguLa FERiNA, Steph. Mirror gray; bill rather re-

curved, little more than two inches long, dilated at tip.

Male ash, thickly waved with black lines; head and ante-

rior part of the neck only, wholly chesnut ; a broad black

pectoral belt.

Female wholly brown of various tints.

Red-headed Duck, Anas ferina, Wils. Am. Orn. viit. p. 110.

pl. 70. fig. 6

Inbabits the north of both continents, spreading widely in

its hybernal migrations: common during winter in the mid-

dle states, and also in Italy.

340. Funrcuia maAriwA, Steph. Mirror white ; bill very broad;

no crest.

Male glossy black, scapulars waved with white.

Female brown, near the bill whitish.

Scaup Duck, Anas marila, Wils. Am. Orn. viit. p. 84.

pl. 69. figs 8.

Inhabits the north of both continents, whence it migrates

in winter to temperate climates: very common throughout

of the United States. 393

the winter in the middle states’: very numerous in several

parts of Europe.

341. Furicuna rurrrorques, Nob. Mirror bluish-ash; chin

white ; a bluish-white band across the bill; no crest.

Male black, belly white, sides waved with gray 5 a chesnut

collar.

Female glossy brownish, face and belly white.

Tufted Duck, Anas fuligula, Wils. Am. Orn. vui. p. 60.

pl. 67. fig. 5. Anas rufitorques, Nob.

Inhabits North America, where it is widely spread: not

uncommon in autumn and early spring in the middle states.

Resembling Fuligula cristata, of the old continent.*

SUBGENUS V. CLANGULA.

Garrots, Cuv. Clangula, Bote. Clangula, Harelda,

Leach. Steph.

Bill short, narrow, elevated, somewhat attenuated at the

end. Nostrils basal, suboval. Tail long, mostly of sixteen

feathers.

Live in extreme northern latitudes.

342. Furiguia crangua, Nob. Mirror white; under wing-

coverts black ; tail rounded, of sixteen rounded feathers.

Male white; back wings and tail black, head tumid, pur-

plish-green, a white spot each side of the head.

* Fuligula cristata, Steph. Mirror white; bill much wider at tip than

at base; crested.

Male glossy black, belly white; head with a large flowing crest.

Female similar to the male, colors brownish-black ; crest shorter.

Young destitute of the crest, brown tinged with rusty; round the eyes

whitish.

Anas fuligula, et scandiaca, Gm. Anas cristata, Ray. Tufted Duck,

Lath. Le Morillon, Buff. pl. enl. 1001. adult male.

Inhabits the Arctic regions of the old continent, whence it spreads

widely in Europe, Asia, and the north of Africa: never found as yet in

America, which is extraordinary for an Arctic bird.

394 Synopsis of the Birds

Female cinereous, beneath white; head wholly drab.

Golden eye, Anas clangula, Wils. Am. Orn. viii. p. 62.

pl. 67. fig. 6:

Inhabits the north of both continents, extending far south in

its migrations : common during winter in the middle states,

and in Italy.

343. Funrsura argeota, Nob- Mirror white; under wing-

coverts white ; tail rounded, of sixteen rounded feathers.

Male varied with black and white; head tumid, purplish-

green; a large white space on the top of the head from each

eye.

Female wholly sooty black, a white spot each side of the

head.

Buffel-headed Duck, Anas albeola, Wils. Am. Orn. viii.

p- 51. pl. 67. fig. 2. male. fig. 3. female.

Inhabits North America, not extending to the Arctic circle:

very common during winter throughout the union; breeding

to the north.

$44. Funicuia sretiert, Nob. Mirror metallic black, mar-

gined with white; bill blackish-green; tail cuneiform, of

twelve feathers.

Male white, beneath rusty ; forehead and band on the hind

head greenish ; orbits, throat, collar, and back black.

Female reddish-brown, skirted with ash.

Western Duck, Lath. Anas dispar and Stelleri, Gm.

Platypus Stelleri, Brehm. Steller’s And, Swensk, Zool. ii.

fase. vi. pl. 62. Omitted in my catalogue.

Inhabits the western coast of North America, and the op-

posite shores of Kamtschatka ; very common at Oonalashka:

strays accidentally in northern and eastern Europe, and most

probably also in Atlantic America. Allied to the subgenus

Oidemia.

345. Funicuia mistrionicA, Nob. Mirror blue-black; space

of the United States. 395

before the eye and auriculars, white ; tail cuneiform of four-

teen pointed feathers; bill very slender, naii curved.

Male bluish-slate, varied with black and white; eyebrows

and flanks rufous.

Female uniform slatish-brown, belly whitish.

Harlequin Duck, Anas histrionica, Wils. Am. Orn. vii.

pl. 139. pl. 72. fig. 4.

Inhabits the Arctic regions of both continents, extending

but little to temperate countries: rare and accidental during

winter in the middle states.

346. Funicguna exacrauis, Nob. Mirror brown, subuniform

with the wing ; a whitish space around the eye; tail cunei-

form, of fourteen pointed feathers.

Male varied with black and white; middle tail feathers

greatly elongated.

Female sooty brown, beneath white ; crown blackish.

Long-tailed Duck, Anas glacialis, Wils. Am. Orn. viii.

p- 93. pl. 70. fig. 1. male. p. 96. pl. 70 fig. 2. female.

Inhabits the Arctic regions of both continents, whence it

migrates periodically in winter: very common all along the

coasts of the union: found in temperate Europe, but rare

and accidental.

75. MERGUS.

Mergus, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Merganser, Briss. Mergus, Merganser, Steph.

Bit moderate, straight, somewhat cylindrical, depressed

and broader than high at base, narrow, subulate, and somewhat

compressed at the point ; edges serrated, teeth inclined back-

ward, subulate, acute; upper mandible hooked and unguicu-

lated at tip; lower shorter, narrower, quite straight, obtuse :

nostrils submedial, lateral, longitudinal, very small, elliptic,

open, pervious, covered by a membrane: tongue thick, fleshy,

almost subulate, furnished above with hard, recurved papillz.

Heap moderate, somewhat compressed ; neck well propor-

o26 Synopsis of Birds

tioned ; body large, hardly compressed. Frnt placed far

back, turned outward, robust ; tibia much drawn up into the

belly ; tarsus one third shorter than the middle toe, much

compressed; outer toe longest; inner shortest; webs full,

entire ; hind toe equal to a phalanx of the middle one, touch-

ing the ground only at tip, furnished with a broad membrane :

nails falculate. Wines moderate, very acute; quills stiff;

first and second primaries subequal, longest. Tai short,

rounded, of from sixteen to twenty feathers.

Femate and young differing greatly from the adult male.

Moult annually, the adult male in spring, the female and

young in autumn? Plumage extremely thick and compact.

Trachea of the male with two large expansions.

Wild: untameable. Live on waters. Migrate according

to season, from cold to temperate countries. Keep in flocks,

the adult males generally by themselves, leaving the young

with the females. Extremely voracious :. great destroyers of

fish. Feed almost exclusively on fishes, of which they swal-

low surprising large ones, also on reptiles and insects. Build

among grass near fresh water, rarely on bushes, or in hollow

trees ; nest lined with down; eggs from eight to fourteen,

The male keeps near the nest while the female alone incu-

bates : young led to the water after food as soon as hatched,

by the mother only, the father showing great unconcern.

Swim deep in the water, the body submerged, the head only

out: dive by plunging, very deeply, and keep under water as

long as they can go without breathing ; reappearing at great

distances, moving with great speed under the surface. Walk

very awkwardly, in an erect posture. Fly very well, rapidly,

and for a long time. Flesh tough, bad tasted.

Inhabit Arctic regions whence they migrate periodically.

Formed of but five species, wantonly multiplied: all the

European, and one besides, found in North America, the other

is South American. Connects its own Family with that of the

Pygopodes, which it resembles closely in habits.

Pe Se

of the United States. 397°

347. Mercus meraanser, L, Mirror white uninterrupted ;

bill and feet red ; nostrils, medial.

Male black, neck and beneath white ; head tufted, purplish-

green.

Female cinereous, beneath white; head rufous.

Goosander, Mergus merganser, Wils. Am. Orn. viit. p. 68.

pl. 68. fig. 2. female.

Inhabits the north of both continents, whence it spreads far

to the south during winter: not uncommon all along the

coasts and rivers of the union, as well as in several parts of

Europe.

348. Mexeus serraror, L. Mirror white, crossed with black ;

bill and feet red ; nostrils basal; a long slender pendent crest.

Male black, neck and beneath white ; head and crest pur-

plish-green.

Female cinereous, head rufous.

Red-breasted Merganser, Mergus serrator, Wils. Am. Orn.

vit. p. 91. pl. 6a. fig. 2. male.

Inhabits the north of both continents, visiting during winter

the temperate climes of North America and Europe: com-

mon in spring and autumn in the middle states.

349. Mreneus cucuttatus, L. Mirror white, crossed with

black ; bill blackish-red; feet flesh color; a large circular

crest.

Male black, beneath white ; crest black, white on each side.

Female sooty brown, beneath white; crest wholly rusty-

cinereous.

Hooded Merganser, Mergus cucullatus, Wils. Am. Orn.

viit. p. 79. pl. 69. fig. 1. male.

Inhabits North America, breeding in the north, winter-

ing in the south ; common in spring and autumn in the mid-

dle states.

350. Mrereus atpenius, L, Mirror black, crossed with white :

bill and feet bluish.

Vou. Il. ‘ 50

398 - Synopsis of the Birds

Male white, varied with black ; crown white.

Female cinereous, beneath white ; crown reddish-brown.

Smew, or White Nun, Mergus albellus, Wils. Am. Orn

viii. p. 126. pl. 71. fig. 4. male.

Inhabits the north of both continents: very rare in the

middle states : common in the northern, and in most parts of

Europe.

FAMILY XXVI. SFEGANOPODES.

Steganopodes, Lobipedes, Ill. Pinnipedes, Dumeril. To-

tipalmes, Cuv. Syndactyli, Urinatores, Vieill. Pelecanidi,

Goldfuss. Pelecani, Oken, Bote. Cryptorini, Blainville.

Unodactyli, Latr. Steganopodi, Podoa, Ranz. Pelecanida,

Rallide, Vigors. Steganopodes, Lobipedes, Nob. View of

the Families. (23.)

Brix longer than the head: nostrils linear, often incon-

spicuous: tongue very short. Skin of the throat generally

naked, dilatable. Ferrer nearlycentral, short, robust, 4-toed ;

tibia half, or entirely feathered ; (in one genus tarsus also

half feathered ;) a great portion of the tibia drawn up into

the belly ; toes long, all four connected by a broad mem-

brane, in one genus only, deeply scalloped ; hind toe articu-

lated with the tarsus internally, almost on a level with the

others, directed forward: nails robust, curved, acute. Wines

long ; one of the first two primaries longest. ‘Tar of twelve,

fourteen, or twenty feathers. i

Femate smaller, similar to the male. Young differing

greatly from the adult, and changing repeatedly. Moult once

or twice in the year, scarcely changing the colors of their

plumage.

Walk awkwardly. Rest on the branches of trees, which,

as well as other objects, they are capable of grasping, though

they may be styled web-footed by eminence. Dive with

great agility, several also under water: the long-winged

of the United States. 399

species hardly ever walk or swim. Excel in flight, some spe-

cies flying continually day and night for several days, without

resting. Feed chiefly on fishes : voracious: great consumers.

Breed on trees or rocks, very few on the ground: eggs few :

both sexes incubate, nurse, and feed by regurgitation, the

young, which only leave the nest when full-fledged. Flesh

black, oily, bad tasted. Some species may be trained to fish

for man.

Traced in all latitudes and longitudes. More closely re-

lated to the Longipennes, than to any other Family: ought

not to be separated from them by the Lamellosodentati, nor

ought they to separate these from the Pygopodes.

A. Bill seamed above.

76. PELECANUS.

Pelecanus, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Onocrotalus, Briss. Scopoli.

Bitt very long, broad, stout, straight, much depressed ;

upper mandible convex at base, then plane, seamed on each

side, ridge distinct, ending in a compressed, robust, and

strongly hooked nail ; lower broader, formed of two flexible

cartilaginous branches united at tip, supporting a naked

membrane, capable of forming by distention a pouch of great

size, extending beyond the throat; edges of the upper man-

dible plane internally, separated from the palate by two lon-

gitudinal, approximated, sharp processes, palate carinated ;

lower edges sharp: nostrils in the furrow, basal, linear, lon-

gitudinal, hardly distinguishable : tongue cartilaginous, very

small, obtuse and arcuated at tip. Head moderate, face and

cheeks naked; eyesrather large ; neck long, stoutish : body

massive. Fret nearly central, short, robust; tibia naked

below; tarsi shorter than the second toe, stout, naked;

middle toe longest, one third longer than the outer; hind toe

shortest, hardly half as long as the middle one ; connecting

400 Synopsis of the Birds

membrane broad, full, entire: nails falculate ; the middle one

with its edge entire or pectinated. Wines moderate, ample ;

second primary longest; secondaries reaching to the prima-

ries. ‘Tain rounded, of twenty feathers.

Femare similar to the male. Young differing greatly from

the adult fora long period. Moult annually. Plamage short,

very thick and close. Colors white or cinereous. Size ex-

ceedingly large ; largest of the Family.

Live near water, either fresh or salt. Fly for long periods,

reaching the highest regions of the atmosphere. Swim and

dive admirably. Alight on the branches of trees, grasping

firmly. Feed on fishes, which they catch with great adroit-

ness, and keep in their gular pouch, emptying it by degrees

as the digestion proceeds. Exceedingly voracious: consu-

ming at a single meal more than six men. Rise sometimes

to a great height, sometimes skimming the surface of the

water, or balancing at a moderate elevation, and pouncing

headlong with a loud noise and great agitation of the water:

fishing in the morning and evening until their large bag is

quite full, then retiring to a large rock or tree, to eat and di-

gest at ease: when wishing to disgorge a fish, press their bag

against their breast, hence fabulously said to feed their young

by tearing their own body. Often uniting in great numbers

to chase more successfully, encircling and beating a large

piece of water, employing different stratagems to frighten the

fish into a restricted space, where they seize them. Breed

on rocks near water, nest flat on the ground, deep, lined with

soft weeds: eggs from two to four. Affectionate parents.

Sight keen, discerning their prey from a great elevation.

Voice hoarse, powerful.

Spread all over the warm and temperate regions of the

globe, even one of the species. Formed of five species,

351. Peiecanus onocrotatus, L. Middle nail entire ; prima-

ries black ; first much longer thar. the fifth.

Adult white tinged with rose color; a slender crest.

of the United Siates. “oh

oung whitish-gray ; back and wings dark cinereous.

The Pelican, Edw. Glean. pl. 92. adult. Le Pelican,

Buff: pl. enl. 97. adult. Le Pelican des Philippines, Buff. »i.

enl. 965. young. P. onocrotalus, roseus, manillensis, philippen-

sis, auct.

Inhabits throughout the world: rare and accidental on the

coasts of the middle states.

352. Perecanus Fuscus, L. Middle nail serrated internally :

primaries black, shafts white; first equal to the fifth.

Adult blackish-ash, back and wings hoary; crown yel-

iowish ; neck deep chesnut, margined each side with white.

Young wholly brownish.

Brown Pelican, Pelecanus fuscus, Nob. Am. Orn. v. pl.

P. fuscus, Viell. Gal. des Oiseaux pl. 276. Pelican brun

d’Amerique, Buff. pl. enl. 957. P. fuscus, carolinensis, tra-

chyrhyneos or erythrorhyncos, auct.

Inhabits the southern states, the West Indies, Mexico, and

South America: common in the southern states, where it

breeds.

77. PHALACROCORAX.

Pelecanus, L. Gm. Lath. Phalacrocoraz, Briss. Cuv. Du-

meril. Dumont. Ranz. Halieus, Ill. Oken. Carbo, iacep.

Meyer. Temm. Brehm. Hydrocorax, Vieill.

Bit moderate, robust, thick, straight, compressed ; upper

mandible seamed and rounded above, with the ridge distinct,

unguiculated and hooked at the point, rather obtuse ; lower

somewhat shorter, truncated at tip, osseous throughout, fur-

nished at base with a small naked coriaceous membrane pro-

duced on the throat: nostrils in the furrows, basal, lateral,

linear, hardly visible: tongue cartilaginous, very short, carina-

ted above, papillous beneath, obtuse. Hind head very protu-

berant ; face and small pouch naked; neck rather short, of |

moderate strength: body compressed. Text short, robust,

402 Synopsis of the Birds

somewhat turned outward; tibia much drawn up jnto the

belly, wholly feathered ; tarsus naked, one third shorter than

the outer toe, much compressed, carinated before and behind ;

outer toe longest, edged externally by a small membrane ;

connecting membrane broad, full, entire; hind toe half as

long as the middle: nails moderate, curved, broad, bluntish ;

middle nail serrated on the inner edge, equal to the others.

Wines moderate, slender ; quills stiff; second and third pri-

maries longest. Tam rounded, of twelve or fourteen rigid

feathers.

FeEmae similar to the male. Young, especially yearling,

differing greatly from the adult. Moult twice in the year,

acquiring additional ornaments in winter. Plumage very

thick and close. Colors black.

Keep in families near water. Fly well and rapidly. Alight

on branches, or sit for hours on high rocks, with their wings

spread open. Walk in an erect posture, awkwardly, resting

on their rigid tail. Swim admirably, deep in the water, ge-

nerally their head only appearing. Dive after their prey:

remain Jong, and advance rapidly under water, pursuing their

prey with the aid of their wings. Feed almost exclusively on

fishes. Retire from the water with their prey in their bill;

in order to swallow it head foremost, toss it up in the air,

catching it as it falls. Build on high trees or rocks, or even

on the ground among reeds: nest made with little art, and of

coarse materials ; eggs three or four, whitish. May be trained

to fish for man.

Spread all over the world. Species rather numerous,

about fifteen.

353. PHaLaAcrocorAx cArnzo, Dumont. Bill four inches long ;

tail moderate, rounded, of fourteen feathers.

Adult glossy black ; a white collar on the throat ; in win-

ter, a golden green crest; head, neck and thighs with long,

-slender, silky, white feathers.

Young blackish, beneath mixed with whitish.

—

of the United States. 403

Pelecanus carbo, L. Carbo cormoranus, Temm. Le Cor-

morans “Buff. pl. enl. 927. adult in full dress. Corvorant of

Wilson’s list.

Inhabits the north of both continents: rare and migratory

in the United States.

354. Pnauacrocorax GracuLus, Dumont. Bill three anda half

inches long ; tail very long, conic, of twelve feathers.

Adult greenish-black ; a few scattered white streaks on the

neck; in winter bronzed, a golden-green crest; head, neck

and thighs, with short small white feathers.

Young blackish, more or less mixed with whitish beneath.

Pelecanus graculus, L. Carbo graculus, Temm. Fou

brun de Cayenne, Buff. pl. enl. 974. young. Pelecanus parvus,

Gm. Lath. young.

Inhabits both continents and both hemispheres: not un-

common in spring and autumn in the middle states: very com-

mon in Florida, where it breeds! though very abundant in

the Arctic and Antarctic circles.

355. PaaLacrocorax cristatus, Dumont. Bill very slender,

three and a half inches long; tail very short, rounded, of

twelve feathers.

Adult bright golden-green, without white feathers: in win-

ter a broad, long, golden tuft on the top of the head, and

a slender crest behind.

Young blackish, beneath more or less whitish.

Crested Shag, Lath. Pelecanus cristatus, Gm. Carbo

cristatus, Temm. pl. col. 322. adult in full dress. . Carbo bra-

chyurus, Brehm.

Inhabits the north of both continents: rather rare, and

during winter only, in the United States.

356. PHALACROcORAX PyGmzus, Dumont. Bill one inch and a

half long, shorter than the head; tail long, cuneiform, of

twelve feathers : scapulars long, subulate.

Adult black, slightly glossed with green ; eyebrows dotted

£04 Syn opsis of the Birds

with white ; orbits and pouch black : even in winter no cres‘,

head, neck and thighs, finely streaked with white.

Young blackish, beneath whitish ; orbits and pouch yei-

lowish.

Dwarf Shag, Lath. Pelecanus pygmaeus, Pallas, Reise. ti.

p. 712. pl. G. Carbo pygmaeus, Temm.

Inhabits the north of both continents ? common in northern

Asia, and eastern Europe.

357. PwALAcRocorax Arricanus, Dumont. Bill two inches

ong, longer than the head; tail long, rounded, of twelve

feathers; scapulars long, subulate ; size very small.

Adult black, slightly glossed with green; throat white.

Young blackish, beneath whitish.

African Shag. Pelecanus africanus, Gm. Lath. ivet ia

my Catalogue.

Inhabits both continents :* not found in Europe.

78. TACHYPETES.

Pelecanus, LE. Gm. Lath. Scopoli. Sula, Briss. Fregaia,

Lacep. Cuv. Dumeril. Halieus, Ill. Oken. Tachypetes, Vieill.

Temm. Ranz.

Bit longer than the head, robust, dilated ‘and entire on

the margins ; both mandibles strongly hooked and acuminate

-at the point; upper unguiculated, very acute, depressed at

* We are somewhat doubtful, whether this and the preceding species

are entitled to a place in this Synopsis, particularly P. pygmzeus, of which |

we have seen but one specimen said to be American, and there is reason

to doubt, whether that was really killed in the United States. We have

less reason for suspecting the nativity of P. africanus, having seen several

reported American, specimens, At all events, in such a case as this, as it

is not introducing a nominal species, we have preferred abundance to de-

ficiency. A species of this genus which we are not prepared to exem-

plify, perhaps the P. brasilianus, inhabits the United States.

of the United States. 405

base, ridge deeply grooved each side, edges dilated, sharp,

entire: nostrils in the furrows, basal, linear, obsolete:

tongue very short, lanceolate: gape very wide: orbits and

lores naked : throat dilatable, pouch large. Head moderate ;

eyes large: neck moderate: body compressed, elongated.

Frnt very short, drawn up into the belly; tibize wholly

feathered ; tarsus one third shorter than the outer toe, much

compressed, carinated before and behind, half feathered ; toes

long, semipalmated, the connecting membrane being deeply

indented ; second much the longest; outer longer, but

subequal to the inner, edged exteriorly by a small mem-

brane; hind toe half as long as the middle; nails large,

curved, acute: middle serrated on the inner edge, twice as

large as the others. Wrnes extremely long, very narrow 5

first primary longest, the others decreasing successively very

much. Tart deeply forked, of twelve flaccid feathers.

Femate similar to the male. Young differing from the

adult, and changing repeatedly. Moult twice a year, chang-

ing somewhat in color. Plumage not water proof. Colors

black.

Tyrants of the ocean. Associate in small flocks. Keep

constantly on the wing, flying swiftly against the strongest

gales, and rising above the clouds. Easily distinguished at

a distance. Traversing rapidly vast spaces, and appearing

farthest at sea, though hardly able to rest on the water

on account of the nature of their plumage. Never dive

nor swim. Resting only on trees, or on high rocks : unable

to rise, and easily caught when on the ground. Following

large voracious fishes in pursuit of small ones, in order to

catch the latter as they leap out of water, often seizing the

pursuer himself. Prey also on the Pelicans, but especially

on the Gulls and Boobies, which they compel, always keep-

ing above them, to drop the fruits of their industry, or even

to disgorge what they had swallowed, seizing it before it

reaches the water. Flight very rapid. Sight very keen.

Vor, Il. 51

: v

**. », .

406 Synopsis of the Birds

Pouncing from the sky on flying fishes, and never missing

in the air; unable to fish in water, from which they could

not rise again ; skim the surface, or lie suspended with their

wings raised over their back. Breed on trees on desert

shores, or on elevated rocks: eggs one or two.

Chiefly tropical. Formed of but two species, of which

one is even doubtful. Analogous in form and habits to the

Accipitres, especially the Eagles, which they replace on the

sea.*

358. TACHYPETES AQuILUS, Vieill. Purplish-black : orbits

black ; shaft of the outer tail feather white beneath.

Adult, summer plumage ? head white.

Young, part of the breast and belly white.

Frigate, Tachypetes aquilus, Nob. Am. Orn. v. Grande

Fregate de Cayenne, Buff. pl. enl. 961. Pelecanus aquilus,

leucocephalus, et palmerstoni, Gm. Lath. Tachypetes aquila,

Vieill. Gal. des Ors. pl. 274.

Inhabits the tropical seas, spreading somewhat in each

temperate zone: not uncommon during summer on the

coasts of the United States, as far north as South Carolina.

The changes of plumage in this species, are not yet wel]

known.

* 79. SULA.

Sula, Briss. Cuv. Temm. Ranz. Pelecanus, L. Gm. Lath.

Dysporus, Ill. Morus, (since Sula) Vieill.

Bit longer than the head, cleft beyond the eyes, robust,

straight, conic-elongated, very stout at base, compressed,

mandibles subequal ; upper seamed each side, ridge distinct,

* This analogy, observed by Linné, as is evident from his specific name,

has lately been mistaken for affinity.

of the United States. 407

rounded, slightly curved at the point, edges obliquely serra-

ted: nostrils in the furrows, basal, linear, much elongated,

hardly distinguishable: tongue very short, oval : gape wide.

Head rather small; eyes rather large; lores and orbits

naked, pouch small; neck rather short and robust; body

rather large. Fert short, robust, drawn up into the belly ;

tarsi naked, one third shorter than the outer toe, rounded be-

fore, carinated behind; outer toe somewhat longest, bor-

dered exteriorly by a small membrane; hind toe one third the

length of the outer ; connecting membrane broad, full entire ;

nails moderate, curved, rather acute; middle serrated on its

inner edge; hind nail merely rudimental, rounded, not pro-

jecting beyond the toe. Wunes long, acute, tuberculated ;

firs. and second primaries longest. Tam cuneiform, of

twelve rigid feathers.

FrMALe similar to the male, smaller. Young very differ-

ent from the adult, and changing repeatedly for several years,

even increasing in size. Moult annually. Plumage thick

and close. Colors white or dusky.

Cowardly and stupid to excess: though strong and well

armed, neither resist or try to escape danger: suffer them-

selves to be taken or killed, and permit the Frigate or Les-

tris, to deprive them of their prey, disgorging when hard

pushed what they have swallowed. Live on rocks near

the sea, constantly flying about, usually not far from the

shore, though not certain indications of land. Fly with the

neck stretched out, and the tail spread. Hardly ever swim,

never dive. Walk awkwardly, standing erect, and supported

by their rigid tail: cannot take a start from the ground,

hence alight on elevated points. Fish by hovering with still,

expanded wings, falling on their prey while at the surface of

the water. Resort in great numbers to desert islands, where

they breed in society. Build on trees, rocks, or even on

the ground; eggs one, or two at most. Young for a long

time covered with very soft, pure, white down.

408 Synopsis of the Birds

Spread all over the warm and temperate regions of the

globe, some species even ; others migrating in summer very

far north. Species extremely few : two in the United States.

Closely related in form and habits to the Family Longi-

pennes, especially to the larger, stout-billed Sterne. Con-

necting the Longipennes and Steganopodes.

359. SuLA BAssANA, Lacep. White, crown yellowish; quill-

feathers black ; shafts inferiorly white; face bluish.

Young blackish brown, spotted with white, beneath brown-

ish-cinereous.

Gannet of Wilson’s list. Pelecanus bassanus, L. Peleca-

nus maculatus, Gm. young. Sula alba, Temm. Le Fou de

Bassan, Buff. pl. enl. 278. ad. Le fou tacheté de Cayenne,

Buff. pl. enl. 986. young.

Inhabits both continents: common during summer on the

coasts of the United States, especially the southern.

360. Suna rusca, Briss) Blackish-brown, beneath white ;

primaries black ; face red.

Young spotted with white and brown:

Booby, Catesby Car. i. pl. sz. Sula fusca, Vieill. Gal.

des Ots. pl. 277. Pelecanus sula, L. Buff. pl. enl. 973. Sula,

et Sula fusca, Briss. Omitted in my Catalogue.

Inhabits sea coasts throughout the warm parts of the globe:

common in summer on the coasts of the southern states.

B. Upper mandible of one piece.

80. PHAETON.

Phaeton, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Lepturus, Briss.

Bix as long as the head, stout, somewhat robust, hard,

much compressed, convex above, straight and acute at tip ;

mandibles equal; upper slightly curved towards the point,

margins dilated and sharp at base, then compressed, and

finely serrated obliquely: nostrils basal, lateral, longitudinal,

of the United States. 409

concave, narrow, pervious, half closed by a membrane :

tongue very short. Head and throat wholly feathered, the

former depressed, moderate ; eyes rather large; neck short,

thick ; body moderate, rather plump. Fret very short ; tarsi

naked, shorter than the second toe: exterior elongated, mid-

dle longest; outer edged exteriorly by a small membrane ;

hind toe one third the length of the middle one: connecting

membrane broad, full, entire: nails moderately curved, acute ;

middle with the inner edge entire. Wrnes long, tubercula-

ted; first primary longest. ‘Tain short, of twelve or fourteen

feathers ; middle one very narrow, much elongated.

Femate similar in color to the male, but much smaller.

Young differ greatly from the adult, changing repeatedly.

Moult twice a year. Plumage thick and close. Colors white.

Keep in families, chiefly in remote aud desert islands, ap-

pearing at wonderful distances fromthe land. Excel in flight,

able to rest for a long time, and even sleep on the water.

Never dive, even partially. Hardly able to walk, alighting

on trees, or rocks, occasionally on the rigging of vessels.

Feed chiefly on the flying fishes abounding between the

tropics: seize them by skimming the surface of the water.

Build in hollow trees, or on inaccessible cliffs : eggs two:

young at first covered with very fine soft white down.

Sight keen. Remarkable in their appearance: sure indi-

cations of the torrid zone, not, however, of the proximity of

land.

Tropical, spread all around the globe. Composed of but

three species, multiplied, owing to their changes. Related

to the Family Longipennes, especially the genus Sterna.

361. Puarron #ruereus, L. White varied with black; bill

red; tail cuneiform, of fourteen feathers.

Adult somewhat tinged with rose; long tail feathers red.

Tropic bird of Wilson’s list. Buff. pl. enl. 979. ad. Id. 998.

young. Phaeton phenicurus, Vierll, Gal. des Ors. pl. 279. ad.

410 Synopsis of the Birds

Inhabits the tropical seas: common during summer on the

coasts of the southern states.

81. PLOTUS.

Plotus, L. Gm. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Vieill. Temm. Ranz.

Anhinga, Briss. Forster. Ptinx, Moehring. Merganser, Bar-

rere Klein.

Bitt longer than the head, very slender, straight, conic-

elongated, acuminate, much compressed, very acute, mandi-

bles equal; edges finely serrated obliquely at the point;

upper mandible perfectly straight throughout, margins dila-

ted at base, compressed and bent in towards the point ; lower

hardly shorter, somewhat obtusely angular beneath: nostrils

in a slight obliterated furrow, basal, longitudinal, linear,

scarcely apparent : tongue very short, involved in the mem-

brane of the mouth. Head small, elongated, cylindrical ;

face and throat naked ; eyes moderate: neck very long and

slender, bent in the middle: body massive. Fert short,

stout, drawn up into the belly ; tarsus half shorter than the

middle toe, robust, naked ; outer toe somewhat longest; hind -

toe half as long as the outer: connecting membrane broad,

full, entire: nails robust, curved, very acute, the middle pec-

tinated on the inner edge. Wunes moderate, tuberculated ;

first primary equal to the fourth; second and third longest.

Tart long, spreading, of twelve feathers ; feathers broad,

rounded, rigid, deeply striated, and appearing figured.

Femate similar to the male. Young differing much from

the adult, and changing repeatedly. Moult twice in the year,

acquiring additional ornamental feathers in the spring. Plu-

mage very soft, close, and downy. Colors black.

Exceedingly aquatic. Extremely shy and vigilant. Live

in families, keeping in fresh water, far from the sea. Never

walk nor remain on the wing, resting only on trees, whence

they plunge directly into their favorite element: swim very

deep, their head only appearing above water, and even that

of the United States. 411

is withdrawn at the least appearance of danger. Neck kept

constantly vibrating, in flight stretched forward. When alarm-

ed, drop from the limbs where they sit in company, silently

sliding into the water, re-appearing at a distance, their slender

neck and small head being easily mistaken for a snake. Feed

on fishes, which they catch dexterously, darting at them with

their sharp bill and long neck, swallowing small ones entire,

and retiring to a rock to tear the larger in pieces with their

claws. Build in trees, nest constructed with sticks: eggs

few in number.

Confined to the warm parts of both continents. Species

only two.

362. Puorus annincsa, L. Black, varied with hoary : scapu-

lars short, lanceolate; naked space on the throat extensive,

black.

Adult, belly black ; in spring, hind head with long, slen-

der, black feathers.

Young, neck and beneath whitish.

Black-bellied Darter, Plotus melanogaster, Wils. ix. p. 79.

pl. 14. fig. 1. adult. and p. 82. pl. 74. fig. 2. young. P. me-

lanogaster, Viewll. Gal. des Ois. pl. 278. ad. bad figure.

Buff. pl. enl. 960. ad. pl. enl. 959. young.

Inhabits during summer the rivers of the southern states:

also Mexico and South America: common throughout the

year in Florida.*

* Plotus Vaillanti, Temm. Black varied wih hoary; crown rufous,

scapulars long, subulate ; naked space of the throat very small, yellow.

Adult, beneath black; in breeding season, sides of the neck with long,

slender, white feathers.

Young, beneath pale rufous.

Plotus Vaillant, Temm. pl. col. 380. ad. in full dress. Buffi pil.

enl. 106. bad figure.

Inhabits eastern and southern Africa, India, and Oceania.

412 Synopsis of the Birds

82. HELIORNIS.*

Plotus, Gm. Lath. Grebe-Foulques, Buff. Colymbus,

Lhacepede. Heliornis, Bonaterre. Vieill. Podoa, Ill. Temm.

Ranz. Nob. An. Table.

Bill moderate, straight, cylindric-compressed, subulate,

somewhat curved and notched at tip, acute; edges sharp,

entire ; mandibles equal; upper slightly furrowed each side

nearly its whole length, depressed above, margins dilated

at base; lower straight, angular beneath: nostrils in the

furrow, medial, lateral, longitudinal, concave, oblong, cover-

ed by a membrane, open in the middle, pervious. Head

small, entirely feathered; eyes moderate; neck moderate,

slender: “body elongated. Frer short; tibize almost

entirely feathered ; tarsi somewhat rounded: anterior toes

- long, rather slender; hind toe short, touching the ground at

tip only ; connecting membrane much indented, very deeply

scalloped, merely bordering the anterior toes; hind toe not

only free, but simple: nails short, compressed, curved, acute.

Wines moderate, acute, sub-tuberculated ; second and third

primaries longest. ‘Tarn spreading, of twelve feathers.

F'emaLeE similar to the male. Young differing somewhat

from the adult. Moult twice a year, hardly changing the

colors of their plumage. Plumage very thick, close, and

downy. Colors brownish.

Very active. Keep on rivers and creeks, fly well: swim

and dive admirably: walk very awkwardly, hardly ever rest-

ing but on their favourite element. Feed on fishes and

aquatic animals, but especially winged insects, which they

seize in the air with great dexterity. Breed on the ground

in marshes, near water. Often expanding their wings and tail.

* Waving ascertained the priority of this name, we make it a duty to

adopt it in preference to that given by Mlliger.

of the United States. 413

Confined to warm portions of America and Africa. Formed

of but two species, differing from each other as the subgenus

Holopodius from the other Phalaropodes. Anomalous: buffet-

ted about in different Families, and even Orders. Whatever be

its artificial character, its natural station is undoubtedly next

to Plotus, as is evident from its form, habits, and especially

its skeleton. The digital membrane is so deeply indented,

as to give rise to some doubt whether it exists ; but the cha-

racter, though almost obsolete, is still preserved.

363. Henrornts surtnAmeEnsis, Vieill. Brown, beneath whitish ;

sides of the neck striped with black and white ; bill and feet

dusky, the latter barred with black, toes semipalmated ; tail

rounded, feathers broad.

Surinam Darter, Plotus surinamensis, Lath. Podoa ‘suri-

namensis, Ill. Le Grebe-Foulque, Buff. pl. enl. 393.

Inbabits the warmest parts of America: an accidental visi-

tant in summer in the middle states.*

FAMILY XXVIII. PYGOPODES.

Pygopodes, Ill. Goldfuss. Brevipennes, Dumeril. Bra-

chypteres, Cuv. Latr. Urinatores, Brachypteri, Vieull.

Urie, Oken. Colymbini subalati, Blainville. Colymbi, Alce,

Fratercule, Boie. Marangoni, Ditichi, Ranz. Colymbide,

Alcade, Vigors. Pygopodes, Lobipedes, Nob. An. Tab.

Fam.

Bix short or moderate, more or Jess compressed, straight,

or curved towards the point, acute ; margins entire, bent in ;

nostrils basal, lateral, narrow, pervious, half closed by a

* Hfeliornis senegalensis, Vieili. Brown, beneath white; sides of the

neck and back speckled with black; bill and feet red; outer toes con-

nected at base only; inner cleft! tail cuneiform, feathers narrow.

Heliornis senegalensis, Vieill. Gal. des. Ois. pl. 280.

Inhabits Africa, particularly Senegal.

Vor. If. 52

414 Synopsis of the Birds

membrane. Head small, oblong, depressed above, more or

less attenuated before ; base of the bill more or less feathered :

neck of moderate length and strength; body thick, more or

less depressed. Ferrr placed very far back, turned outward,

a great portion of the tibia enveloped in the skin of the belly ;

tarsus shorter than the middle toe, extremely compressed ;

toes three or four, disposed 3—0, 3—1; three anterior long,

slender, either wholly palmated, or lobated; hind toe free,

short or wanting: nails moderate, curved, acute, depressed.

Wines short ; first, or first second and third primaries long-

est. ‘Tait very short, of from twelve to twenty feathers, or

wanting, and in its place a tuft of downy feathers.

Femate smaller, similar in color to the male. Young dif-

fering much from the adult, and changing for several years.

Moult twice a year, almost always changing their colors, and

in full plumage, sometimes displaying ornamental feathers.

Plumage excessively close, often smooth and silvery: down

soft, shining, impermeable. Colors generally dull, dark

above, beneath white. F

Eminently aquatic. Keep almost always in the water,

diving and swimming below the surface with unrivalled agili-

ty, spreading their wings and using them as fins. Hardly

ever walk, and then with the greatest difficulty and awkward-

ness, the body erect, and resting on the tarsus as well as the

toes, almost falling at every step, and when down unable to

rise. Flight limited, wings in some totally unfit forit. Feed on

fishes, reptiles, insects, and rarely, aquatic plants. Breed in

the clefts of rocks, or among water plants near the shore,

some in society. Monogamous: eggs very few, mostly one,

rarely two. Both sexes sit, and feed the young for some time.

Flesh dry, hard, oily, bad tasted, though relished by the

Arctic tribes, to whom they are highly useful, supplying them

with food and clothing, dresses being made of their skins.

Eggs good ; young edible.

Spread all over the globe, but chiefly Arctic. Formed of

of the United States. 415

our seven genera. Related by some links to the Longipen-

nes, by Mergus to the Lamellosodentati, and by Alca impen-

nis to the Impennes, which return into the Steganopodes.

A. Feet 4-toed.

Urinatores, Vieill. Colymbi, Bote. Marangoni, Ranz.

Colymbide, Vigors.

* Toes lobated.

83. PODICEPRS.

Colymbus, L. Gm. Briss. Ill. Ranz. Podiceps, Temm.

Vieill.

Brut moderate, rather slender, robust, hard, straight, com-

pressed, conic-elongated, acute, entire; upper mandible

deeply and broadly furrowed each side at base, somewhat

curved at tip; lower navicular; edges bent in: nostrils in

the furrows, basal, lateral, concave, oblong, pervious, poste-

riorly half closed by a membrane: tongue moderate, acute,

slightly emarginate at tip. Head small, oblong; lores naked;

eyes near the bill; neck rather long, slender: body boat-

shaped, back elevated. Ferrer turned outward, placed ex-

tremely far back; tibia almost hidden in the belly ; tarsus

shorter than the outer toe, exceedingly compressed, carinated

before and behind, posterior carina doubly serrated ; anterior

toes greatly depressed, connected at base by a membrane

forming a broad lobe all around each toe, outer toe longest,

lobe of the middle toe broad, subequal, thrice as broad as

that of the lateral; hind toe compressed, articulated inter-

nally with the tarsus, equal to a phalanx of the fore toe,

edged with a very narrow membrane, internally with a broad

rounded one: nails much depressed, quite plane, broad ob-

tuse, not reaching beyond the lobes; middle one largest,

slightly pectinated; hind nails very small. Wuves short,

narrow; three outer primaries subequal, Jongest. ‘Tarn

wanting, in its place a small tuft of short downy feathers.

416 Synopsis of the Birds

Femate similar to the male. Young extremely different

from the adult, not assuming their full dress before the second

year of their life. Adult generally greatly distinguished by

crest and ruffs. Moult in spring and autumn, changing

greatly their colors, and periodically losing their ornaments.

Plumage remarkably thick, compact and silky, beneath glos-

sy- Colors blackish above, beneath silvery white.

Exclusively aquatic. Live, sleep and breed on the water :

keep chiefly on fresh water, very active, swim and dive

admirably, springing in the water, moving rapidly on or

below the surface ; when submerged the neck is stretched,

the body elongated, and the wings brought close to it, in

order to offer the least resistance, paddling with great speed,

the feet moving laterally ; descending to great depths in pur-

suit of fish ; owing to which they are often caught in fisher-

men’s nets. Migrate by water: when cast on shore, move

their feet and wings unsuccessfully for a long time; never come

willingly to land, except to breed: hardly able to walk,

standing erect on account of the position of their legs. Flight

limited, when elevated, sufficiently rapid. Feed on fishes,

reptiles, insects, and occasionally on water plants. Breed in

submerged marshes, fixing their nest to reeds and marsh plants

near fresh water, often afloat: nest composed of dry grass,

lined with down from their own bodies: eggs 3—6, which

they cover with down and abandon reluctantly. Young

covered with soft down, beautifully spotted, led by both parents

into the water, and soon able to provide for themselves. The

mother swims with her young on her back, and keeps them

under her wing when diving.

Spread all over the world, but chiefly Arctic, most of the

species retiring in summer to cold regions to breed.

+ Billslender from the base, subcylindric, point straight,

subulate. Nostrils elongated.

of the United States. 417

364. PopicEps CRISTATUS, Lath. Bill longer ‘than the head,

from the front to the tip two inches, reddish, white at the

point ; neck beneath, front, and secondaries, white.

Adult in full plumage, neck and breast white; sides of the

head reddish, a flat occipital tuft and a broad ruff on each

side of the neck, black.

Young dull, obscurely spotted, destitute of the ornamental

feathers. ° |

Crested Grebe of Wilson’s list. Buff. pl. enl. 400. adult.

Id. 944. and 941. young in different stages. Colymbus podi-

ceps, eristatus et urinator, auct.

Inhabits the north of both continents: rare in the middle

states, and only during winter: common in the interior and

on the lakes.

365. Popicers RupRicottis, Lath. Bill as long as the head,

from the front to the tip one inch and a half, yellow, point

black; neck beneath reddish; front black; secondaries

white.

Adult, cheeks and throat ash-color ; neck and beneath ru-

fous; crown, and neck above narrowly, black ; a short oc-

cipital black crest; no ruff.

Young much duller and spotted; no occipital crest ; cheeks

and throat white, the former striped with black.

Red-necked Grebe, Lath. Colymbus rubricollis, subcrista-

tus et parotis, auct. Buff. pl. enl. 931.

Inhabits the north of both continents: rare, and during

winter only in the middle states: very common in Arctic

America.

366. Popicers cornutus, Lath. Bill shorter than the head,

one inch long from the front, compressed throughout ; secon-

daries white ; twelve outer primaries entirely brown.

Adult blackish, beneath white; neck and breast rufous; a

broad black ruff round the neck ; a long tuft of reddish

feathers behind each eye above.

418 Synopsis of the Birds

Young pure white beneath, nearly meeting on the back of

the neck ; no ornamental feathers.

Horned Grebe, or Dobchick, Edw. Glean. pl. 145. adult.

Black and white Dobchick, Id. pl. 96. fig. 1 young. Buff. pl.

enl. 404. fig. 2. adult. 942. young. Colymbus, or Podiceps

cornutus, caspicus, nigricans, et obscurus, auct.

Inhabits the north of both continents : common during win-

ter, the young especially, in the middle states.*

+f Bill very stout, especially at base, much compressed,

curved at the point. Nostrils rounded.

367. Popicers cARotriNEnsts, Lath. Bill much shorter than the

head, three quarters of an inch long from the front, much

compressed throughout, hooked at tip ; neck beneath dusky ;

all the quills brown.

Adult, none of the quills white, feathers of the hind neck

elongated, throat black ; bill with a black band.

Young ferruginous on the sides; throat white; bill with-

out a band.

Pied-bill Dobchick, Catesb. Car. 1. pl. 91. adult. Buff. pl.

enl. 943. young. Colymbus podiceps, ludovicianus,Gm. Little

Grebe of Wilson’s list.

Inhabits the whole continent of America, not extending as

* Podiceps auritus Lath. Bill shorter than the head, five eighths of an

nch long from the front, depressed at base, recurved at the point, black;

secondaries white; inner primaries white on the inner vane.

Adult blackish, beneath white; neck and breast black; crest and ruff

very short, black; a long slender tuft of reddish feathers behind each eye

and beneath, covering the ears.

Young pure white beneath, this color extending but little on the occi-

put; no ornaments.

Eared Dobchick, Edw. Glean. pl. 96. fig. 2. Colymbus auritus, Gm.

Inhabits the north of the old continent, and possibly of America: com-

mon in eastern Europe, found in Italy.

of the United States. 419

far to the north; common from Canada to Louisiana, migra-

ting in the middle states. Resembles Podiceps minor of the

old continent, with which it has been confounded, but is well

distinguished by the bill.

** ‘Toes palmated.

84, COLYMBUS.

Colymbus, L. Gm. Lath. Temm. Vieill. Urinator, Lacep.

Mergus, Briss. Eudytes, Ill. Ranz.

Butt longer than the head, stout, robust, straight, nearly

cylindric, compressed, point subulate, acute; edges bent in,

sharp, entire; upper mandible somewhat rounded above,

slightly curved at the point; lower hardly shorter, quite

straight, navicular: nostrils basal, lateral, concave, longitu-

dinal, oblong, pervious, half covered by a membrane: tongue

lanceolate, fimbriated baekwards at base. Head rather large,

narrowed before, the feathers advancing between the nostrils ;

lores feathered ; eyes small, placed near the bill: neck mode-

rate, rather stout : body massive, somewhat depressed. FEET.

large, placed very far back; tibia almost entirely drawn up

into the belly ; tarsus shorter than the outer toe, exceedingly

compressed, sharp on both sides, posterior edge simple, en-

tire; anterior toes long, wholly palmated ; outer longest ;

inner shorter than the middle one; hind toe small, touching

the ground merely at tip, connected to the outer by a very

small rudimental membrane, bordering the inner toe inter-

nally at base; nails short, compressed, but somewhat flat-

tened, not reaching beyond the web; middle nail longest,

hind nail small, acuminate. Wines moderate; quills stiff,

first and second primaries longest. ‘Tait very short, rounded,

of eighteen or twenty feathers.

Femace similar to the male. Young very different from

the adult until the third or fourth year. Moult twice in the

year without changing their colors. Plumage very thick and

420 Synopsis of the Birds

glossy. Colors above remarkably bright for this Family,

beneath white.

Live by pairs or small parties: keep during winter at sea,

in summer on fresh water. ‘Travel principally by water, very

seldom employing the power of flying, which they possess in

no inconsiderable degree: fly only in breeding time, or when

leading their young to the sea, then high and rapidly. Dive

to the bottom of the deepest rivers with noise, and motion of

their wings, but not springing in the water, in paddling move

their feet diagonally : dive instantaneously at the flash of a

gun, and avoid the shot. When compelled to walk, use their

wings against the ground. Feed principally on fishes, which

they catch under water and devour on the surface ; also on

small aquatic animals and plants. Breed near fresh water,

generally in some islet: nest of dry aquatic weeds: eggs

2—4, elongated. Young follow the mother, plunging into

water when the nest is disturbed. Voice shrill, acute, terrific.

Inhabit the northern hemisphere, retiring in summer to the

highest northern latitndes. Species five, wantonly multiplied.

368. Cotymsus Guacratis, L. Bill more than four and a

quarter inches long; upper mandible straight ; lower wider

in the middle, channelled beneath, recurved: tail of twenty

feathers.

Adult black, speckled with white, beneath white; head

and neck glossy black ; an interrupted collar and gular band,

white.

Young wholly brownish, beneath white.

Great Northern Diver or Loon, Colymbus glacialis, Wils.

Am. Orn. ix. pl. 74. fig.'3.

Inhabits the north of both continents : common of all ages,

during winter, in the middle states.

369. Cotymeus arcricus, L. Bill more than three and a half

inches long; upper mandible slightly curved; lower not

wider in the middle than at base, not channelled beneath ;

tail of eighteen feathers.

of the United States. 421

Adult black, slightly marked with white, back unspotted ;

beneath white; head brownish gray; neck beneath glossy

black ; a stripe each side of the neck marked with white.

Young ashy-brown, beneath white.

Black-throated Diver, Edw. Glean. pl. 146. adult. Buff.

pl. enl. 914. young.

Inhabits the arctic parts of both continents: very rare and

accidental during winter in the middle states: common in

Arctic America, as well as in some northern parts of Europe.

370. CorymeBus seprentrrionaLis, L, Bill three inches long,

slightly recurved; edges much bent in; lower mandible

channelled ; tail of twenty feathers.

Adult blackish, beneath white, head and neck glossy cine-

reous ; neck beneath with a long reddish stripe.

Young ashy-brown, spotted with white, beneath white.

Red-throated Diver, Edw. Glean. pl. 97. adult. Buff. pl.

enl. 308. adult. 992. young. Colymbus septentrionalis, striatus,

stellatus, et borealis. auct. C. septentrionalis, Vieill. Gal.

des Otis. 282. adult.

Inhabits the north of both continents: the young only com-

mon during winter in the middle states, as well as in Italy.

B. Feet 3-toed.

Brachyptert, Vieill. Alcea, Fratercule, Bote. Ditichi,

Ranz. Alcadea, Vigors.

85. URIA.

Alcea, Colymbus, L. Gm. Ura, Briss. Ill. Temm. Ranz.

Uria, Alca, Lath. Cephus, Pallas. Uria, Cephus, Cuv. Uria,

Cephus, Mergulus, Bote. Uria, Mergulus, Vieill. Brehm.

Brit moderate, slender, robust, smooth, straight, compres-

sed, acute, base feathered; upper mandible convex, some-

what curved at the point, notched; lower hardly shorter,

slightly navicular ; edges of both bent in, sharp: nostrils in

Vou. Il. 53

422 Synopsis of the Birds

a slight rudimental furrow, sub-basal, lateral, concave, lon-

gitudinal, linear, pervious, covered partially by the feathers

of the front advancing far on the bill: tongue moderate,

linear, acute, entire. Head oblong, depressed, narrowed be-

fore, rounded posteriorly; eyes small: neck short, moderately

robust: body stout, elongated. Fret placed very far back ;

lower extremity only of the tibia apparent ; tarsus one-fourth

shorter than the middle toe, slender, compressed, carinated

anteriorly : middle toe longest; inner by one third shortest,

subequal to the tarsus; webs not very broad: nails compres-

sed, moderately curved, acute; middle one larger, dilated

internally into a sharp edge. Wines short, narrow, acute ;

first primary longest. ‘Tain very short, rounded, of twelve

feathers.

Femave smaller, similar to the male. Young differing from

the adult, but almost similar to their winter dress. Moult

twice a year, changing the colors of their plumage. Colors

black and white.

Keep always near the sea, leaving it only when breeding, not

found on fresh water except when straying inland. Walk with

difficulty, and only when obliged to cross the ice, in an erect

posture. Flight short, though rapid, just skimming the sur-

face of the water: reaching the top of high rocks by jump-

ing and fluttering from point to point. Swim and dive ad-

mirably, even beneath the ice, driving their submarine prey

by employing their wings as fins, appearing to fly under

water. Feed principally on fishes. Breed socially in the

clefts of perpendicular rocks: lay without the least preparation

on the naked rock, one or two eggs at most, disproportion-

ately large, and with a very hard shell: feed their young

with fishes, which they carry to them in their bill. Eggs,

feathers, and flesh of the young, sought after.

Inhabit the Arctic seas, -whence they migrate in summer to

the temperate coasts all round the globe. Our five species

are the only well ascertained of the genus.

of the United States. 423

SUBGENUS I. URIA.

Colymbus, L. Gm. Alea, Lath. Uria, Cav. Vierll. Bote.

Bill longer than the head, straight, compressed, subulate,

perfectly smooth. Nostrils linear.

* Lower mandible straight along its edge to a small

notch at tip.

Cephus? Cuv. Genus Grylle? Leach ?

Colors black, changing greatly in moulting. Not adult

before the fourth year. Eggs one or two.

371. Urta cryiie, Lath. A large white space on the mid-

dle of the wings ; feet red.

Summer plumage entirely black, wing coverts white; win-

ter, black, cheeks and beneath white.

Black Guillemot, Edw. pl. 50. back fig. summer dr. Spot-

ted Greenland Dove, Id. 1. c. front fig. moulting ind. Uria

grylle, balthica, grylloides, lacteola, auct. Uria grylle, Vieill.

Gal. des Ois. pl. 294. ad.

Inhabits the north of both continents: not uncommon

during winter along the coasts of the United States.

372. Uria mMArmorArA, Lath. Brown, undulated with ches-

nut; beneath dusky, spotted with white; feet orange ; bill

black, one inch long.

Marbled Guillemot, Lath. Syn. vi. p. 336. pl. 96. Young

of Uria grylle, Vieill.

Inhabits the north-western coasts of America, and the oppo-

site shore of Asia.

** Both mandibles curved at the point.

Uria, Leach 2

Colors beneath white at all times; the throat only chang-

ing from black to white in moulting. Young obtain the adult

plumage in the second year: lay but one egg.

424 Synopsis of the Birds

373. Urnra rroiwe, Lath. Blackish, beneath white; seconda-

ries white at tip ; feet dusky ; bill longer than the head, much

compressed throughout, upper mandible four times as long as

broad.

Adult, a black stripe behind the eyes; summer plumage,

whole head jet black.

Young duller, no black stripe behind the eye.

Lesser and Foolish Guillemot, Lath. Buff. pl. enl. 903.

summer dress. Foolish Guillemot, Edw. Glean. pl. 359. fig. 1-

summer dress. Uria lomvia, Brunn. Colymbus troile, L.

Inhabits the Arctic regions of both continents: common

during winter on the coasts of the United States.

374. Urra prunnicuu, Sabine. Sooty-blackish, beneath white ;

secondaries white at tip; feet greenish; bill as long as the

head, dilated and broad at base, upper mandible three times

as long as broad.

Summer plumage, whole head black.

Uria franesu, Leach. Uria troile, Brunn. nec auct.

Inhabits the Arctic seas of both continents: not uncommon

during winter on the coasts of the northern and middle states :

very numerous in Davis’ Straits, Baffin’s Bay, &c.

SUBGENUS II. MERGULUS.

Mergulus, Ray Vieill. Bove. Brehm. Uria, Lath. Alca,

L. Gm. Cephus, Cuv 2*

Bill very short, a little curved, conic-convex, hardly com-

pressed, nearly as broad as high: both mandibles notched ;

upper slightly sulcated: nostrils rounded; tongue thick,

entire: smailest of the Order.

* We now adopt the generally received and older name Mergulus, and

reject Cephus, which we had heretofore used, principally because Cuvier,

who instituted that subgenus, has made an inextricable confusion, by giving

as the type Uria grylle, though he probably intended for it this bird.

of the United States. 425

Feed on small crustacea, which they collect under their

tongue. Breed socially: eggs but one, bluish-white. Flight

rapid, long sustained: travel as much in the air as in the

water: walk better than the other species.

Form the passage to the genus Phaleris, by Phaleris cris-

tatella.

375. UrntA atte, Temm. Black, beneath and tips of the

secondaries white, under the wings black ; bill and feet black ;

bill very short, half as long as the head, a little curved.

Summer plumage, whole head black.

Luttle Auk, Alca alle, Wils. Am. Orn. ix. p. 94. pl. 74.

jig. 5. Buff. pl. enl. 917. winter dress. Uria minor, Briss.

Mergulus alle. Vieill. Gal. des Ots. 295. adult.

Inhabits the north of both continents, migrating in winter

to the coasts of the United States and Europe.

86. PHALERIS.

~ Alca, L. Gm. Lath. Vieill. Mormon, Fratercula, Cuv.

Phaleris, Temm. Ranz.

Bitt shorter than the head, dilated on the margins, almost

quadrangular, notched near the tip ; upper mandible depres-

sed on the sides, convex above; curved at the point ; lower

somewhat compressed, angular beneath, truncated at tip:

nostrils medial, marginal, linear, pervious, half closed by a

naked membrane: tongue thick, entire. Head small, capis-

trum advancing but little on the base of the bill: eyes small :

neck short, stout, body massive. Frerr placed very far

back : tibize almost entirely drawn up into the belly ; tarsus

shorter than the middle toe, slender, compressed, sharply

carinated on both sides; toes long, very slender, middle toe

longest ; inner shortest: webs full, entire: nails much in-

curved, very acute; middle one longer, dilated internally.

Wines short, acute; first primary longest. ‘Taiz of fourteen

feathers, of which the middJe and outer are shortest.

426 Synopsis of the Birds

Femace similar to the male. Young differing from the

adult. Moult twice in the year, undergoing little or no

change of color.

Reside throughout the year in Arctic regions, very con-

fined in their migrations. Live socially at sea, swimming

among the ice with much grace and dexterity, retiring at

night to the clefts of rocks, or to burrows dug with their bill

and feet. Feed on crustacea, mollusca, and other small ma-

rine animals. Lay without any preparation, in holes of rocks,

or in their burrows, a single egg. Exceedingly stupid: easily

killed or taken. Eggs and skin useful te the Arctic tribes.

Inhabit the Polar seas between Asia and America. Formed

of three species, of which one is not well determined.

376. PHALERIS PSITTACULA, Temm. Black ; belly white ; a

line behind the eyes, and a spot above, white; ridge of the

bill compressed.

Adult, bill red.

Young, bill yellowish-dusky.

Alca psittacula et tetracula, Lath. Perroquet, and Dusky

Auk, Syn. v. 95. fig. 2. and 3. the head.

Inhabits the north-western coasts of America, and the op-

posite ones of Asia: common in Kamtschatka.*

* Phaleris cristatella, Temm. SBlackish, beneath lighter, tinged with

bluish on the breast, and yellowish on the vent; a frontal tuft of six or

eight feathers curling over the bill; sides of the head ornamented with long,

slender, white feathers ; ridge of the bill hardly compressed, lower mandi-

ble with a groove each side from the throat.

Young black, beneath white; no tuft.

“lca cristatella, et pygmea, Lath. Crested, or Flat-billed Auk, Lath.

Syn. itt. pl. 95. fig. 4. the head. Phaleris cristatella, Temm. pl. col. 200.

adult. Alca cristatella, Vieill. Gal. Ois. pl. 297. adult.

Inhabits the seas of Japan, and the north-eastern coast of Asia, especial-

ly Kamtschatka. Visits also in all probability, the opposite western shores

of North America. Allied to our last Uria. Alca antiqua of Lath. is most

probably a third North American species of Phaleris.

of the United States. 427

87, CERORHINCA.

Phaleris, Nob. Suppl. Am. Gen. in Zool. Journal. (29)

Brite shorter than the head, much compressed throughout,

much longer than high; perfectly smooth, base not much

feathered, covered by a callous membrane, surmounted by a

long, obtuse, horn-like process, (rising perpendicularly on

the base of the bill); both mandibles curved and slightly

notched at tip; lower strongly angular beneath, not trunca-

ted, acute, from the angle to the base each side inferiorly

avery deep, linear, inconspicuous groove ; edges sharp, those

of the upper mandible much dilated, of the lower remarkably

bent in at base: nostrils situated beneath the callous cere,

marginal, long, linear, pervious, very apparent, half closed

by the membrane ; tongue short, slender, depressed and bifid

at tip? Head globular, orbits feathered; eyes small; neck

short, stout: body plump. Ferrr placed exceedingly far

back ; tibia almost entirely drawn in; tarsus moderately com-

pressed, one-third shorter than the middle toe, very rough

behind ; toes long, slender, smooth beneath ; middle longest ;

inner one third shortest, equal to the tarsus: webs moderately

broad, entire : nails compressed, curved, acute; middle one

largest, dilated internally into a sharp edge. Wines short,

~ slender, rather acute; quills blunt, first a little the longest,

secondaries much abbreviated. Tarn very short, slightly

rounded, of fourteen feathers, much rounded at tip.

Changes and habits most probably similar to those of the

allied genera.

Inhabits the sea between America and Asia, hitherto only

obtained from the western coast of North America. Well en-

titled to generic distinction. Not more allied to any other

genus of Pygopodes than they are to each other, intermedi-

ate between Phaleris and Mormon, but more closely related

to the latter by the sheath covering the bill, which differs in

form only, and the great depression of that member.

428 Synopsis of Birds

377. Crrorninca occipenratis, Nob. Blackish, belly whitish;

a few slender, elongated, white feathers at the corners of the

eyes and mouth: bill yellow.

Phaleris cerorhinca, Nob. l. c. Id. Am. Orn. wv. pl. Not

mentioned in my catalogue.

Inhabits the western coasts of North America.

88. MORMON.

Alca, L. Gm. Lath. Spheniscus, Moehring. Fratercula,

Briss. Cuv. Mormon, Ill. Temm. Ranz. Larva, (since Fra-

tercula), Vierll.

Bix shorter than the head, exceedingly compressed, higher

than long, at base as high as the head, obliquely sulcated on

the sides, covered at base by a wrinkled, callous membrane ;

both mandibles much curved and notched ; upper with the

base on a level with the crown, ridge sharp, higher than the

front; lower a little shorter, obtuse: angles of the mouth

margined with an extensible membrane: nostrils placed near

the callous cere, marginal, long, linear, obsolete, almost en-

tirely closed by a naked membrane: tongue short, compres-

sed, very acute. Head globular; orbits naked ; eyes small ;

neck short, thick: body plump. Fret placed exceedingly

far back ; thighs almost entirely drawn in; tarsus one third

shorter than the middle toe, rather slender, carinated above

and behind; toes slender; middle somewhat longest; inner

one third shorter than the outer: webs moderately broad,

slightly indented, projecting a little beyond the toes: nails

compressed, much curved, very acute, middle one largest,

the inner most incurved. Wiunes short, slender, acute. ‘Tarn

short, of sixteen feathers, the middle and outer shortest.

Femate similar to the male. Young differing but little

from the adult, except by their small and smoother bill.

Moult twice a year, colors of their plumage changing but

* of the United States. 429

little. Chick at first covered with a very long down, much

longer than that of the adult.

Live socially in Arctic seas, whence they migrate parti-

ally in winter: keeping near the shores and retiring at

night, and in stormy weather, to clefts or burrows. Swim

and dive admirably, to great depths: walk better than the

allied species. Flight short, skimming the water, assisting

it by striking the surface with their feet, rarely a little eleva-

ted. Feed on crustacea, mollusca, and other small marine

animals, with a few sea-weeds, cutting their food with their

bill before swallowing it. Build in great numbers on cliffs,

generally digging burrows with their bill and claws in the

earth coilected in the cavities of rocks; lay a single hard-

shelled egg, of greatly disproportioned size. Very affection-

ate parents, fighting boldly in defence of their young. Seen

flying among the rocks only when carrying them food in

their bill.

Confined to the most northern latitudes throughout the

globe. Species well ascertained, only our three.

378. Mormon crrruatus, Temm. Blackish, quill shafts white ;

eye-brows white, posteriorly cirrhated ; bill moderately com-

pressed, furnished at base with an osseous sheath, upper man-

dible only grooved.

Young, bill smooth, no ornaments.

Tufted Auk, Alca cirrhata, Lath. Buff. pl. enl.761. Fra-

tercula cirrhata, Vieill. Gal. 296. adult. Omitted in my

Catalogue.

Inhabits the sea between North America and Kamtschatka,

often seen on the western coasts of the United States in winter.

Appears to come nearest to Cerorhinca, by the sheath of its

bill only differing in shape from that of that singular bird.

379. Mormon Gracrais, Leach. Black, beneath white, a broad

black collar; bill exceedingly high, moderately compressed,

both mandibles with at most two grooves before the nostrils,

lower extremely curved.

Vou. II. 54

45 Synopsis of the Birds

Young, bill much smaller, hardly grooved.

Puffin of Wilson’s list? Mormon glacialis, Leach. Never

figured. Omitted in my Catalogue.

Inhabits the Arctic parts of both continents: not uncom-

mon in winter on the coasts of the United States: a rare and

accidental winter visitant in northern Europe.

380. Mormon arcricus, lll. Black, beneath white ; a broad

collar round the neck black ; bill red, exceedingly compres-

sed, both mandibles with at least three lateral grooves before

the nostrils, lower but little curved.

Young, bill yellowish-dusky, smooth.

Puffin of Wilson’s list? Buff. pl. enl. 275. adult. Alea

arctica, L. A. labradora, et deleata, auct. Mormon fra-

tercula, Temm.

Inhabits the north of both continents, migrating in winter

to the temperate shores of the United States and Europe.

g9.* ALCA.

Alca, L. Gm. Briss. Lath. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Vieill. Ranz.

Chenalopex, Moehring. Torda, Dumeril. Penguin, Lacep.

Bity shorter than the head, robust, cultrate-compressed,

broad at base, higher in the middle, feathered to the nostrils,

hence much compressed, swoln, grooved and plaited on the

sides, hooked at the point; margins angular; upper mandi-

ble convex, strongly curved from the middle, hooked and

acute at tip; lower gibbous below the point, shorter, oblique-

ly truncated ; thick feathers of the face advancing on both

mandibles to the middle: nostrils medial, marginal, short,

linear, pervious, half closed by the feathered membrane, not

perceptible: tongue thick, oblong, entire, acute. Head

* Having decided to adopt Garrulus as an independent genus, composed

of Garrulus and Pica, subgenera of Corvus, the total nnmber of our North

American genera is carried to ninety.

of the United States. 431

moderate, depressed, narrow before, rounded behind; eyes

small: neck short, thick: body massive. 'T1s1# much drawn

in; tarsus one third shorter than the middle toe, moderately

robust, carinated on both sides; toes rather stout, middle

slightly longest; inner shortest: webs not very broad, entire :

nails moderately curved, acute, middle largest, dilated slight-

ly into an edge. Wines short, acute; quills acute; first

primary longest; secondaries much abbreviated. ‘Tam or

twelve or sixteen acute feathers.

Femace perfectly similar to the male. Young well distin-

guished from the adult by their small and nearly smooth bill.

Moult twice in the year, changing the colors of their head,

Feathers short.

Live at sea among the ice, not far from shore: those that

can, fly rapidly, though short distances : throwing themselves

into the sea instantaneously without alighting on the surface.

Walk with extreme awkwardness, and bearing much upon the

tarsus, so that the species that cannot fly, must either swim of

crawl. Feed on fishes and smaller marine animals, which they

catch by diving: swim and dive admirably well. Breed soci-

ally in caves and clefts of rocks, where they also retire at

night: lay but a single egg, disproportionately large. Young

abundantly fed by the parents, even for some time after leav-

ing the nest.

Arctic: formed of two widely different species, one of

which does not leave the polar circle.

381. Arca torpa, L. Black, beneath white ; wings capable

of flight, when folded reaching to the rump; tail moderate,

cuneiform, of twelve feathers. “

Adult, bill with three or four lateral grooves: summer plu-

mage, whole head black : a white line from the bill to the eye.

Young, bill smooth.

Razor-bill of Wilson’s list. Buff. pl. enl. 1003. summer dr.

1004. winter plumage. Alca pica and torda, L. A. balthica,

unt-sulcata, et minor, auct.

432 Synopsis of the Birds

Inhabits the north of both continents : common in winter

along the coasts of the United States : found occasionally on

those of Italy. Forms the transition from the genus Uria,

especially Uria troile, which it closely resembles in plumage.”

* Alca impennis, L. Black, beneath white; wings extremely short,

useless for flight; tail rounded, very short, of sixteen feathers.

Adult, bill sulcate; summer plumage, whole head and throat black; a

large white spot each side of the bill.

Young, bill smooth; no white spot on the front.

Great Auk, Edw. pl. 147. Buff. pl. enl. 367.

Inhabits the Arctic seas of both continents, where it is almost constantly

resident. Connects the Family Pygopodes, with the last of all, that of

Impennes, having no representative in our hemisphere.

433

APPENDIX

To the ** Genera of North American Birds, and Synopsis

of the Species found in the United States.”

Jote 1. Fatco vrtox. We have in another place quoted as

doubtful synonymes of this species, Falco dubius, and Falco obscu-

rus of authors, but have not restored to the species its old name,

finding it next to impossible to arrive at any certainty relative to

these meagre indications. Simce this note was first written, how-

ever, we have had sufficient proofs to warrant us in asserting that

Falco obscurus is ‘«a young female”’ of F. columbarius ; and that

Faico dubius is undoubtedly Wilson’s supposed new species. Falco

jfuscus of authors is another and still prior name for the same, and

we shall therefore adopt it.

We have also a new species to be added to the same section.

These discoveries render it necessary to replace this part of the

Synopsis with the following.

13 bis. Fanco cooper, Nob. ‘Tail rounded, with four black-

ish bands, and tipped with white; wings reaching to the second

band; second quill subequal to the sixth, third to the fifth.

Length eighteen inches or more.

Adult unknown. Young dusky-brown, skirted with ferru-

ginous; beneath white, with oblanceolate dusky-brown spots.

Cooper’s Hawk, Falco cooperti, Nob. Am. Orn. w. pl. 10.

fig. 1. young.

Inhabits North America: appearing in autumn and the

beginning of winter in the middle states.

14. Farco ruscus,Gm- ‘Tail even, with four blackish bands,

434

and tipped with white ; wings reaching to the second band ;

second quill much shorter than the sixth; third than the fifth.

Length about one foot.

Adult, slate-color, beneath white, barred with ferruginous.

Young, dark brown, skirted with ferruginous; beneath

white, with oblong ferruginous spots.

Falco pensylvanicus, and Falco velox, Wilson. Falco

dubius, Gm. Lath. Dubious Falcon, Penn. Arct. Zool.

Lath. Syn. Falco fuscus, (Miller. Ill. pl. 152) Gm. Lath.

American Brown Hawk, Lath. Syn.

Note 2. Fatco zorraxts. It will be proper to remark, that this

species is almost as much an Astur of the first section as a Buteo.

Falco hyemalis on the contrary, is decidedly a typical Buteo: the

very young of these two species are so similar, that they can only

be distinguished by the slight differences of the bill and claws, and

by the length of the primaries, the fourth being the Jongest in F.

borealis, while it is the fifth in F. hyemalis. 'To one or other of

these species, in their various states, most probably to the former,

must be referred Buteo ferruginicaudus, B. fuscus, and B. galli-

nivorus, of Vieill. Ois. d’Amerique. This conjecture is founded

on the examination of a fine series of specimens. of Falco borealis

in my collection, of all ages, and exhibiting all the gradations of

color. The changes of F. hyemalis are not yet satisfactorily ex-

plained, and we would direct the attention of American Ornitholo-

gists to the subject.

The Broad-winged Hawk of Wilson, Falco pensylvanicus, of

which we lately examined several specimens, is erroneously referred

to Asiur ; it is atypical Buteo. The young wants the white on

the tail, that part being obsoletely banded with black and dusky,

the inferior parts are pure white, with rare blackish oblanceolate

spots. It may at once be known from the two other Buteones, by

jts much smaller size, and wider, though more obscure tail-bands.

The female is, however, even more than is usual, larger than the

male. ‘The adult is clouded beneath ; tail barred with white.

Fatco MELANopTEeRvus. We are now of opinion, that the bird

described by us under this name, is a distinct species peculiar to

America, and may be characterised as follows.

435

16. Fanco ptspar, Temm. Bluish-gray, beneath white; wing-

coverts black ; tail even, outer feather shortest.

White-tailed Hawk, Falco dispar, Nob. Am. Orn. u. pl. 11.

jig. 2 adult female. Milan a queue irreguliere, F. dispar,

Temm. pl. col. young.

Inhabits the southern states, Mexico, and South America.*

Note 3. Srrix cuntcunarta, We may now dismiss any doubt

as to the identity of the North and South American, as well as the

West Indian Burrowing Owl. They all belong to one and the same

species, and there will be no need of my proposed conditional

name, hypudea. So different from our bird is 'Temminck’s plate

of his Strix grallaria, that when he stated his bird to be the S. cu-

nicularia of the systems, that I had almost taken it for granted, that

my name was to be adopted. The difference, however, is owing

to the inaccuracy of the French plate, for I have identified the spe-

cimens. This owl is well described by d’Azzara, who gives an ex-

cellent account of its habits.

Note 4. Srrix virerntana. Cuvier errs in arranging this bird

in his subgenus Otus, of which the auricular conch is semicircularly

extended from the bill to the top of the head, and furnished with a

large membranous operculum. In the character of the ear, the

S. virginiana corresponds with S. bubo of Europe, and this learned

naturalist ought, therefore, to have referred our species to his sub-

genus Bubo. In these two closely allied species, we begin to ob-

serve the enlarged opening of the ears, so conspicuous in the fol-

lowing subgenus, Ulula. 'They are perfectly intermediate between

our two subgenera Surnia and Ulula, and with the Syrnia of

Savigny, might indeed form a separate subgenus.

Since writing the above, having ascertained the existence in this

—$—$___.

* Falco melanopterus, Dand. Bluish-gray, beneath white, wing-coverts

black; tail even, outer feather longest.

Black-winged Hawk, Lath. Le Blac, Le Vaill. Ois. @Afrique, adult

and young’.

Inhabits the whole continent of Africa, widely spread in the hot climates

of Asia, found in Java, New Holland, &c.

436

country, of another species of the same group, we think proper to

introduce it regularly into the Fauna of the United States.

SUBGENUS I. bis. BUBO.

Bubo, Syrnium, Sav. Cuv.

Conch of the ear moderate, oval, with a membranous oper-

culum. Feet thickly covered to the claws with short feathers.

* Head tufted. (Bubo, Cuv.)

Disk of feathers not well marked.

27, STRIX VIRGINIANA, Gm.

** Head not tufted. (Syrnium, Cuv.)

Disk of feathers perfect and well marked.

27, bis. Srrrx crneREA, Gm, Dark brown mottled with whit-

ish; face white, with black concentric circles ; tail reaching

beyond the wings; both fasciated, the bands mottled; bill

yellowish-white ; irides yellow.

Cinereous Owl, Strix cinerea, Nob. Am. Orn. pl. 23. fig. 2.

Strix lapponica? Retz? Temm 2?

Inhabits Arctic America: an accidental winter visitant of

the north-western territory : common throughout the year at

Hudson’s Bay: found in winter at Fort William on Lake

Superior. Length more than two feet. The largest Ameri-

can species.

Note 5. Srrix acapica. Ona recent examination of this bird,

I ascertained that the auricular conch and its operculum, are as

large as in any of the genus, by which it may at once be known

from S. passerina. We cannot sufficiently regret, that authors

should be so unanimous in neglecting this important character of

the ears in owls. Owing to this neglect, we are unable, even at the

present moment, to decide whether our S. acadica is the S. aca-

dica, or S. Tengmalmi of Temm. and other modern authors.

Note 6.. Strix rrammea. SS. bubo, and S. phalenoides of

Daud. are also indicated by Say in Long’s Ex. and several other

species are stated to inhabit North America. We have also heard

Mr. Audubon mention a small species with a deeply forked tail!

437

Note 7. Coccyzus pERyTHROPTHALMUS. We strongly suspect

C. cinereus, Vieill. taken from D’Azzara, to be no other than

Wilson’s C. erythropthalmus: according to the same author, Cu-

culus seniculus is also a summer visitant of the southern states.

Note 8. Picus rripactyius. Misled by Temminck and all

other authors, we have fallen into several errors regarding this spe-

cies. Having lately carefully studied it, we are now enabled to

characterize it accurately in all its states.

46. Picus tripacryius, L. Bill very broad, depressed ; tar-

sus feathered above; sides of the head striped with black and

white.

Male glossy black, beneath white ; top of the head yellow.

Female glossy black, beneath white; crown wholly black.

Young, black lineated with white ; crown finely streaked

with white.

Northern three-toed Woodpecker, Picus tridactylus, Nob.

Am. Orn. i. pl. 14. fig. 2

Inhabits the north of both continents.

Note 9. Quiscatus FERRUGINEUS. Oriolus niger, Black Oriole,

Gm. Lath, quoted by Wilson, and at first by myself in my Observa-

tions, under the above species, is a different bird, inhabiting the

West Indies and South America. It forms a fourth well ascer-

tained species of this genus. In the general system, its place is

between Q. versicolor and Q. ferrugineus, and as it may easily be

mistaken, I shall characterise it.

Quiscalus baritus, Nob. Glossy black; tail much rounded,

reaching beyond the wings more than two inches ; osseous carina

small: length ten inches.

Female but little smaller, dull brownish ; beneath and eyebrows,

whitish.

Synonyms. Gracula barita, L. (Gm? applies to the present as

well as to Q. versicolor,) not of Lath. Icterus niger, Briss. Quis-

calus baritus, Vieill? Agelaius niger, Vieill. Oriolus niger, Gm.

Lath. Oriolus oryzivorus? Gm. Lath. Troupiale noir de St.

Domingue, Buff. pl. enl. 534. Black Oriole, Penn. Lath. Syn.

Rice Oriole ? Lath. syn. Ploceus oryzivorus, or niger, Cuv.

Vou. II. 55

438

Inhabits the West Indies and South America.

Note 10. Corvus rica. A second North American magpie is

described by Mr. Sabine, in the Zoo]. App. to Franklin Ex. under

the name of C. hudsonius, but it has not yet been found within the .

limits of the U. 8.

The following species of the subgenus Garrulus, (which we

shall hereafter adopt as a genus), and the Bombycilla garrula

have lately been discovered to inhabit the United States.

63. bis. Corvus sreLrtER1,Gm- Crested; blue; head and

neck blackish ; secondaries and tail-feathers slightly banded

with black, tail rounded.

Corvus stelleri, Gm. Lath. Nob. Am. Orn. vw. pl. 13. fig. 1-

Inhabits the western coasts of North America, especially

the shores of the Oregan, and Nootka Sound. Found also in

Mexico.

65. bis. Bompycrnia GARRULA, Vieill. Drab; throat, frontlets

and line over the eye, black ; belly cinereous, vent rufous ;

wings and tail blackish, the latter tipped with yellow.

Bombycilla garrula, Nob. Am. Orn. wit. pl. 16. fig. 2.

Ampelis garrulus, L.

Inhabits near the Rocky Mountains: for a long time well

known in the north of Europe and Asia.

Note 11. Lantus sepTentrionauis. Being now convinced that

Lanius borealis, Vieill. is identical with L. septentrionalis, Gm.

Lath. we accordingly restore the original name to this species. Syn.

Northern Shrike, Lath. Synops. Great Shrike, Penn. Arct. Zool.

After Myiothera, p. 74. introduce the following genus.

20. bis. CINCLUS.

Sturnus, L. Gm. Tringa! Briss. Motacilla, Scopoli. Tur-

dus, Lath. Cinclus, Bechst. Ill. Cuv. Temm. Ranz. Hydro-

bata, Vieill.

Birt moderate, slender, straight, compressed-subulate,

feathered at the base ; edges sharp, slightly incurved ; upper

439

mandible curved at tip, slightly notched, somewhat obtuse ;

lower slightly recurved at the point: nostrils basal, lateral,

concave, longitudinal, covered by a membrane : tongue carti-

_ laginous, bifid at tip. Tarsi longer than the middle toe,

smooth ; heel naked; inner toe free, hardly longer than the

hind one: lateral toes equal. Wines short, rounded; spu-

rious feather very short; third and fourth primaries longest.

Tait short.

Femate hardly differing in plumage from the male: young

more tinged with reddish. Moult annually. Plumage water

proof.

Solitary. Frequent brooks and clear streams, diving, and

walking on the gravelly bottom beneath the surface of the

water, which appears to be their favourite element. Feed on

aquatic insects, and small crustacea. Build in the vicinity of

rivulets, hiding the nest carefully. Flight rapid, straight,

skimming the surface of the water. Voice feeble, shrill.

Inhabit the north of both continents. Composed of but two

intimately allied species, both probably Asiatic, though one

is found in Europe, and the other in North America. Re-

motely allied to the order Grallz by their habits, and naked

heel ; but belonging decidedly to this Family (Canori).

94. bis. CrncLus PALLASII, Temm. Wholly dark cinereous.

Cinclus Pallasii, Nob. Am. Orn. iii. pl. 16. fig. 1+.

Cinclus mexicanus, Swainson in Phil. Mag. new series.

Inhabits near the Rocky Mountains, and in Mexico: also

probably north-eastern Asia.

Note 12. Svyuvia pereGRtNa. I can hardly doubt of the iden-

tity of this and S. bicolor of Vieill. pl. 90. bis. They differ only in

one being described as blue, and the other as green, which colors

sometimes interchange. according to the incidence of light. If I

am right, V’s name of course must be adopted.

Note 13. Since this part of the Synopsis was printed, we have

determined by comparison, the identity of Troglodytes edon and

440

Sylvia furva. The species ought therefore to be called Troglody-

tes furvus ( fulvus 7)

Note 14. Troctopyrrs EuRopmus. We have not been able to

detect any distinctive mark between the European and American

Wren, although their habits are different. If they should prove dis-

tinct, the appropriate name Tr. hyemalis, Vieill. must prevail.

Page 103. Emperiza. Add the following species.

SUBGENUS PLECTROPHANES.

158. bis. Emperiz rapponica, Nilss. Quills black ; two outer

tail-feathers brownish-black, with a white spot at tip; hind

nail very long, straight.

Male in full plumage, head and breast black ; beneath

white, neck above bright rufous.

Male in winter, female and young, blackish skirted with

rufous, beneath white.

Lapland Longspur, Emberiza lapponica, Nob. wi. pl. 13.

jig. 2. male. fig. young female. Fringilla lapponica, L.

Emberiza calcarata, Temm.

Inhabits the northern regions of both continents, breeding

within the Arctic circle, descending in severe winters in large

flocks to the most northern parts of the United States.

159. Emperiza nrivavis,. Quills white, the six exterior

widely black at the point; tail black, three outer feathers

white at base ; hind nail curved.

Note 15. FRrine1tua pensytvanica. This species and the fol-

lowing, approach very near the subgenus Fringilla. The truth is,

that this and Spiza, like many others, pass insensibly into each

other.

Note 16. If this synonym be correct, the ungrammatical name

melodia, must give place to that of fasciata.

Note 17. FRINGILLA ERYTHROPTHALMA. This somewhat anom-

alous species, forms the type of Vieillot’s genus Pipilo. Several

441

species allied to it, have very recently been discovered in Mexico :

they form a small, very natural group, which it is but just to adopt

at least as a subgenus, under the name of Pipilo.

Note 18. Loxrta curvirostra. Another species, which from

its close resemblance to this, may perhaps have been mistaken for

it, probably inhabits America. It is somewhat larger, and may be

distinguished by the following phrase.

Loxia pytiopsittacus, Bechst. Wings without bands ; bill shorter

than the middle toe, very stout, very much incurved, point of the

upper mandible not crossing the top of the bill.

Inhabits the Arctic circle, descending in winter to more temper-

ate countries: said by authors to be found in America.

Note 19. Cotumpa zenampa. Another species of Pigeon, pro-

bably Columba rufina, Temm. inhabits the keys of East Florida ac-

cording to Mr. Peale, who was unable to procure it, though it is

well known to the wreckers. Other West Indian Pigeons most

probably resort there either periodically or accidentally.

Note 20. TrTRsao PHASIANELLUs. Other species of grouse,

which inhabit high northern latitudes, may hereafter be found to

stray occasionally to the extreme northern parts of the U.S.

Since this was written, having detected several errors in our ac-

count of this genus, owing principally to the bad state of the speci-

mens we first examined, and having, moreover, a stately new species

to add, we give the following amended version of this part of the

Synopsis, page 126.

SUBGENUS I. BONASIA.

(Add to thecharacters.) ‘Tail elongated, rounded. Adorned

with crests and ruffs. Female similar to the male. Flesh

white.

205. TeTRAo umBEtius, L. Mottled; tail of eighteen mot-

tled feathers, all ferruginous, and with a black subterminal

band.

Male, a ruff of large black feathers on the sides of the neck.

Female and young, ruff smaller, dark brown.

442

SUBGENUS II. TETRAO,

Flesh black. |

206. Terrao cupipo, L. Mottled; tail rather short, much

rounded, of eighteen plain dusky feathers ; primaries spotted

with white outside.

Male, neck furnished with wing-like appendages, &c.

206. bis. TrTRAo uRopHAsrANUS, Nob. Tail cuneiform, of twen-

ty narrow, tapering, acute feathers.

Male black.

Female and young mottled.

Cock of the plains, Tetrao urophasianus, Nob. Am. Orn.

11. pl. 21. fig. 2.

Inhabits the extensive plains near the sources of the Mis-

souri. The largest of North American Grouse. Size of

T. urogallus, which replaces it in Europe.

207. Terrao orscurus, Say. Tail slightly rounded, of twenty

broad, rounded, blackish feathers; primaries unspotted.

Male black. Female and young dusky, somewhat mottled.

Dusky Grous, Tetrao obscurus, Nob. Am. Orn. wit. pl. is.

female.

Inhabits near the Rocky Mountains. Size of T. tetrix of

Europe, of which it is the analogue.

208. Terrao canApensis, L. ‘Tail moderate, rounded, of six-

teen black, rounded feathers ; breast, flanks, and tail-coverts

spotted with white.

Male black, waved with gray; throat and breast deep

black.

Female mottled ; throat and breast banded with black and

rufous.

Spotted Grous, Tetrao canadensis, Nob. Am. Orn. iit.

pl. 22. male. pl. 23. fig. 1. female.

Inhabits the north of America, extending to the Rocky

Mountains : found in Maine, Michigan, and New-York.

443

209. Terrao pnastanettus, Mottled; tail short, cuneiform,

of eighteen narrow, square feathers, the two middle much the

longest, the outer white at the point.

Female similar to the male. Winter plumage, much darker

and more glossy.

Sharp-tailed Grous, Tetrao phasianellus, Nob. Am. Orn.

2. pl. 29.

Tnhabits the high northern regions of America, as well as

the high range of the Rocky Mountains.

Note 21. Arpra peat. We think proper to give the equiva-

lent phrase for the European Little Egret.

Ardea garzetta, L. Crested; snowy white ; bill very slender,

four inches long, and with the legs, black ; toes yellowish ; tarsus

less than four inches long.

Adult, crest small, of but two or three slender, elongated feath-

ers ; a large neck-fringe of compact, subulate feathers ; back with

long flowing silky plumes.

Young and moulting hardly crested, and without the dorsal train.

Little Egret, Lath. Sgarza minore bianca, St. degli uccelli. iv.

pl. 423. and 424,

Inhabits Asia, and eastern, as well as southern Europe.

Note 22. Tantalus fuscus. It is now well ascertained that

there is an Ibis fusca, distinct from the young of I. rubra, but we

have not been able to trace it in the United States.

Note 23. (24. by mistake.) Numenius brevirostris, Temm. In

stating that this new species of Lichtenstein differs essentially from

Latham’s NN. borealis, Temminck, who, like all modern writers,

appears to be very little acquainted with the North American Nume-

nit, must have had in view our N. hudsonicus, Lath. (Scolopax

borealis, Gm.) ‘These two birds have always been confounded or

mistaken for each other, and even by Latham himself, through in-

advertence, as is proved by the name he has selected from Gmelin,

and above all by its synonymy.

The fact is, that the North American Numenii have never been

properly understood; but we hope that the phrases we have

given will settle them as three distinct species; and as they are

444

besides, even at the present advanced state of the science, con-

founded with the European, of which there are also three species,

which, contrary to the generally received opinion, are all and each

distinct from the American, (though two only are reckoned by the

best authorities, one of which is even referred to an American, ) we

take this opportunity of giving phrases also for the European spe-

cies, thus carrying to six instead of three, the number of European

and North American Numenii. For a detailed description and ac-

count of each species, and the extrication of the almost endless

confusion reigning throughout the works of preceding authors, see

our ‘« Monography of the genus Numenius,”’ (ined.) and our ‘+ Ob-

servations Nom. Wils. Orn.”

European Numenii.

1. Numenius arquata, Lath. Crown deep brown, with whitish

streaks, no medial line ; rump white ; long axillary feathers pure

white ; bill long, not much arcuated.

Le Courlis, Buffon pl. enl. 818.

Inhabits common throughout Europe, Asia, and northern Africa:

abounding most to the north, from western Iceland to eastern

Kamtschatka: found in England at all times, in Italy only a winter

visitant. Analogous to N. longirostris.

2. Numenius pheopus, Lath. Crown deep brown, with a whitish

medial line ; rump white; long axillary feathers banded with black

and white; bill short, much arcuated.

Le Corlieu, Buff. pl. enl. 842.

Inhabits throughout the old continent, New Holland, and the ad-

jacent islands: breeds within the Arctic circle : we have ourselves

identified specimens from Java. Rare in the vicinity of Rome.

Analogous to NV. hudsonicus.

3. Numenius tenuirostris, Vieill. Crown brown, streaked with

whitish ; rump and ground color of the tail, pure white ; long axil-

lary feathers pure white; bill short, slender, not much arcuated.

Never figured.

Iwas the first to discover this species in Europe ; and following

the practice of modern ornithologists, ought to have considered it as

new: but on referring to the pages of Vieillot, in the second edition

445

of the new Dict. of Nat. His. I found the indication of an Egyptian

species, which agreed very well with my Italian specimens, and

thought better to adopt his appropriate name, than to coin a new one.

Inhabits Italy during winter: never observed elsewhere but in

Egypt. In-the neighbourhood of Rome it is the most common

species, (the arquata is also common, but the pkeopus extremely

rare.) From the circumstance of its being entirely a winter bird, I

am led to suppose that it may be feund all over Europe, where it

may have been taken for the young of NV. arquata, which it resem-

bles greatly ; but its pure white tail-feathers, andits beautiful arrow-

shaped spots (instead of streaks) on the beast, together with its

diminutive size, and shorter and smaller tarsi and toes, will always

distinguish it. It comes to us in September and October, and departs

in April. It is observed in large flocks in the damp meadows bor-

dering on the Tyber, where they sometimes sit the whole day facing

the wind. They sing loudly and incessantly, are very suspicious,

and keep sentinels to warn them of danger. They are caught in

great numbers in nets, being decoyed by imitating their whistle, or

by showisg them a living, or even a stuffed specimen, of their own

species, or of the Vanellus cristatus. Analogous to N. borealis;

but the similarity is not quite so striking as that of the others.

It is remarkable that all the European species of the genus Nu-

menius, have white rumps and white under wing-coverts, whilst

each and all the American have the former uniform with the rest,

and the Jatter rusty.

Note 24. Scoropax witsonm. J was the first to perceive that

this species was distinct from S. galiinago, (See ‘‘ Observations on

the Nom. of Wils. Orn. sp. 204.”) and intended to distinguish

it by the very equitable name it now bears, but waited until it

could be proved distinct from S$. Brehmit, another European spe-

cies. This was first done by Temminck. Our right, therefore, to

impose a name on the species, cannot justly be disputed.

Temminck is, however, mistaken when, judging from dried skins,

he states that the American snipe is by an inch shorter than both

the above mentioned European, for it is generally as large, and

often larger.

Note 25. That the authors of the “ Illustrations of Ornithology,”

Vou. If. 56

446

should not have recognised in their Lobipes incanus, the young of a

well known species, and should have given in that state a sixth spe-

cific name to a bird only discovered a few years ago, is not much

to be wondered ut; but what is not a little extraordinary, is that

they, who are so justly scrupulous about priority, should adopt for

Phalaropus wilsonii, Sabine, the much posterior name of 'Temm.

posterior even to that of Vieillot, thus slighting over one of the

few and best positive zoological labours of their countrymen, even

after it had been sanctioned by others.

Note 26. The abolition of one Family, the addition of seven

genera, and other important modifications of the Order ANSEREs,

render it necessary to give the following improved edition of that

part of our Analytical Table.

ORDER V. ANSERES.

Tarsi compressed, abbreviated : tibia almost always partly

naked : toes palmated.

32. LONGIPENNES. Hind toe free, or wanting: margins of

the bill entire: wings long, acute.

* Bill of one piece, nostrils simple.

** Upper mandible seamed, nostrils simple.

**# Both mandibles seamed : nostrils tubular.

33. LAMELLOSODENTATI. Hind toe free: margins of the

bill denticulated.

* Teeth lamelliform. ** Teeth conic.

34. STEGANOPODES. Toes four, al] connected by a broad

membrane.

* Bill seamed. ** Bill not seamed.

35. PycopopEs. Hind toe free or wanting : margins of the

bill entire, wings short, rounded.

* Four-toed. ** 'Three-toed.

36. IMPENNES. Hind toe free, directed forwards: no quills

nor tail.

447

ORDER ANSERES.

Family LONGIPENNES.

* Bill of one piece: nostrils immarginate : 4-toed.

64. Ruincorps. Lower mandible much longer than the

upper, truncated.

65. Sterna. Bill subulate, straightish, compressed, acute.

66. Larus. Upper mandible hooked.

** Upper mand. seamed: nostrils immarginate: 4-toed.

67. Lestris. Upper mandible hooked, covered at base

with a cere.

*** Both mandibles seamed : nostrils tubular: 4-toed.

A. Hind toe only a sharp nail.

68. Tuatassiproma. Bill weak, both mandibles curved ;

nostrils united in a common tube; second and third

primaries longest.

69. Procetuaria. Bill robust, lower mandible trunca-

ted ; nostrils in a single tube: first primary longest.

Tail of fourteen feathers.

70. Purrinus. Both mandibles strongly curved : opening

of the nostrils distinct.

B. No hind nail.

71. DiromepeEa.

Family LAMELLOSODENTATI

72. Anser. Bill higher than broad, stout, conic ; teeth

short, conic-acute ; lora feathered.

73. Cyenus. Bill at base higher than broad, depressed ;

teeth laminar ; lora naked.

19.

fe 3) OF

81.

82.

83.

84.

. Cotympus. ‘Toes palmated: lora feathered.

86.

448

. Anas. Bill broader than high, depressed; teeth

long, Jamelliform; hind toe simple.

. Fuuteuta. Bill broader than high, depressed ; teeth

lamelliform ; hind toe lobated.

. Merecus. Bill slender, hooked; teeth subulate.

Family STEGANOPODES.

* Bill seamed above.

. Pexvecanus. Bill much depressed ; edges entire.

. Puatacrocorax. Bill ‘cylindrical, hooked; edges

entire, feet entirely palmated ; outer toe longest ; tail

rounded.

Tacuyperes. Bill cylindrical, both mandibles hook-

ed, edges entire ; feet semipalmated ; middle toe much

the longest; tarsi feathered ; tail forked.

Suxa.. Bill stout, straight, compressed; ed_es serrated.

** Bill not seamed.

Puartron. Bill cultrate; edges serrated; face

feathered.

Puiotus. Bill subulate; edges serrated ; face naked.

Heurornis. Bill subulate; edges entire; face

feathered. Toes lobated, lobes scalloped, connecting

membrane rudimentary.

Family PyGopopes,

* Four-toed.

Popicers. Toes lobated: lora naked; no tail.

** Three-toed.

Uria. Bill nearly straight, pointed: nostrils half

closed by a feathered membrane.

449

87. Paaueris. Bill very short, curved, sub-quadrangu-

lar: nostrils pervious, half closed by a naked mem-

brane.

88. Creroruinca. Bill curved, compressed, longer than

high, surmounted at base by a long obtuse process :

nostrils pervious, not feathered.

89. Mormon. Bill curved, exceedingly compressed, high-

er than long: nostrils half closed by a naked mem-

brane.

90. Auca. Bill curved, exceedingly compressed : nostrils

half closed by a feathered membrane.

Note 27. Tuatasstproma. We shall here add the specific

phrases of the two other species of this genus with which we are

acquainted, and which we have ourselves distinguished from those

in the text.

3. Thalassidroma pelagica, Vigors. Sooty-black; upper tail-

coverts white with black tips ; tail even, the wings reaching a little

beyond it ; tube of the nostrils straightish ; tarsus seven-eighths of

an inch long.

Procellaria pelagica, Temm. Nob. Jour. Ac. Phil. iv. p. 227.

pl viii..

Inhabits the coasts of Europe, principally those of Great Britain

and its northern isles : found also in the Mediterranean.

4. Thalassidroma oceanica, Nob. Brownish-black ; upper tail-

coverts wholly white ; tail slightly emarginate, the wings reaching

more than an inch beyond it; tube of the nostrils recurved ; tarsus

nearly one inch and three quarters long.

Stormy petrel, Lath. Synop. Le Petrel ou oiseau tempete, Buff.

pl. enl. 993. Procellaria oceanica, Nob. Zool. Jour. Lond. iv. p. 7.

Inhabits the South Seas : common near the Cape of Good Hope,

and the island of Tristan d’Acunha.

In the Turin Museum, superintended by the learned Bonelli, I

had the good fortune to find a second specimen of this interesting

species, which was obtained near the island Tristan da Acunha.

The following observations were made at the time.

450

Length eight and a half inches (French) ; tarsus eighteen lines.

Bill ten lines, with the nasal tube recurved : feet remarkably broad,

without yellow spots: tail perfectly even. The colors are the same as

in the other specimens on which I established the species ; there is

no white on the wings, but the lower parts from the breast, including

the flanks, are pure white, (the other, if I recollect right, though

we remarked that even in that state, it had more white than any

other, was merely varied with white), with the exception of the tips

of the lower coverts and femorals: a few white feathers appear also

on the throat, the bottom of the plumage of which, as well as that

of the breast is, moreover, pure white, leading us to suspect that

those parts may become entirely white according to season. The

outer tail feather is also white at base, as well as the shaft: the

same thing is observed in Thalassidroma pelagica, but the shaft is

black even in the white. The principal and most remarkable cha-

racter, however, of this species, a character which I also observed

in the other specimen, but did not notice, fearing it to be artificial,

is the following :

The nails are plane, (quite flat) dilated and rounded at tip, quite

different from those of the other species, though a slight tendency to

that form is observable in Th. wilsonii, and somewhat resembling

those of the species of the genus Podiceps.

Shall we place in a separate group an account of this remarkable

anomaly, a bird which in all other respects is a decided Thalasst-

droma? According to Temm. this species is the Procellaria ma-

rina, (verbal communication) but judging from Vieillot’s plate and

description in the Gal. des Ois. pl. 292. even making allowance for

the white, we cannot admit such an identity, though the birds are

certainly much alike. .

Note 28. Our 35th Family (Lobipedes) must be abolished. Of

the two genera which composed it, the first, Podoa, belongs de-

cidedly to the Steganopodes ; and the other, Podiceps, no less cer-

tainly to the Pygopodes, and in a natural arrangement should not

be separated from Colymbus, any more than Podoa from Plotus.

Our apology for proposing this artificial group, may be found in the

remains of a prejudice in favour of the long since established Order

of Pinnatipedes. Latham was the first to force into that most un-

natural assemblage, the three genera Podiceps, Fulica, and Pha-

451

laropus; and'Temminck made it still more heterogeneous, by adding

the genus Podoa. No four genera are in fact, less allied as a group

than these, and when in our arrangement we restored to their true

situation, Fulica and Phalaropus, it was through prejudice only

that we left Podiceps and Podoa together in the same Family.

Note 29. Cxrroruinca. The new species which forms the type

of this genus, was first announced by us in the Journal here cited,

and we then referred it to the genus Phaleris, under the name of

P. cerorhynca, suggesting, however, that it might form a group by

itself, and upon further consideration, we have decided to propose

it as such.

The total number of our North American genera, has been

increased from eighty, toninety. The genera added are, Garrulus,

Cinclus, Aramus, Thalassidroma, Puffinus, Anser, Cygnus,

Fuligula, Phaleris, Cerorhinca.

The six species of birds referred to in the note, p. 296. to be

added to the first three Orders, are Strix cinerea, Corvus stelleri,

Bombycilla garrula, Cinclus pallasii, Emberiza lapponica, and

Tetrao urophasianus. To these must now be added, Falco

cooperii, so that the total number of United States species com-

prised in our Synopsis and AppENDIx, amounts to 382.

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CATALOGUE OF BOOKS

IN THE

LIBRARY OF THE LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY,

DECEMBER 1827.

IN CONTINUATION.

480 Accum, F. Chemical amusement. 12mo. Philadelphia, 1818. =:

481 Agardh, C. A. Uber den in der polar zone gefunden rothen schnet a 9 .

4to. Petersburgh. B. T. A.

482 Albin, E. Natural History of English insects, illustrated with one

hundred copperplates, with notes by W. Derham. 4to. London.

483 Atkinson, J. Compendium of the Ornithology of Great Britain, with

a reference to the Anatomy and Physiology of birds. 8vo. Lon-

don, 1820.

484 Audouin, V. Anatomie d’une larve apode trouvee dans le Bourdon

des pierres. Paris, 1818. Z.T. A.

485 Recherches sur les rapports naturels qui existent entre les

trilobites et les animaux articulés. Bruxelles, 1821. Z. T. 1.

486 Lettre sur la generation des insectes. Paris, 1824.

he Toa.

487 Recherches anatomiques sur la femelle du Drille jaunatre

et sur le male de cette espece. Paris, 1824. A. T. 1.

488 Memoire sur |’Achlysie, nouveau genre d’Arachnides

tracheennes. Paris, 1821. Z,.T. A.

489 Bang, H. De usu confervarum in /conomia naturae. Hafniac,

TONGS BRM ee

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521 Report on several fossil multilocular shells, &c. with obser-

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536 Egede, Hans. Description of Greenland. 8vo. London, 1818.

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548 Fries, E. Systema mycologicum, sistens Fungorum ordines, genera

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583 Monographie du Trigonocephale des Antilles

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584 ——-——_-——_-—_—_—.._ Monographie du Gecko mabouia des Antilles.

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585 —— Voyages physiques dans les Montagnes de

la Martinique, ala recherche des volcans eteints de cette ile,

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586 —— —. Notice sur les enquetes officielles constatant

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587 Jussieu, 4. L.de. Cinquieme Memoire sur les caracteres generaux

588

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594 Lariviere, E. Essai Geognostique sur les environs de St. Peters-

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595 Lallarve. Novorum Vegetabilium descriptiones. Fasc. 2. Mexici,

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596 Laugier, 4. Memoire sur Existence du Chrome dans les pierres

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597 Analyse de Pactinolite de Zillerthal. Z. T. C.

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600 ——

614 Monroe, J. Message from the President of the United States, trans-

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624

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625 Rafinesque, C. S. Ancient History, or Annals of Kentucky, with a

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626 Ichthyologia Ohioensis, or Natural History of the

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Analysis of the Ballston Mineral Waters. 1807. M. T, 4.

Catalogue of books in the Boston Atheneum, with the laws, &c. of

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Catalogue of the Library of Congress. (Supplement.)

689

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Catalogue des Lepidopteres de la collection de M. Franck. Stras-

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Catalogue de mineraux de F. Moldenhaur. 1825. M. T. 1.

Circular from the Treasury Department, with regard to the introduc-

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Circular from the Columbian Institute Washington. December 1827.

1 8 a GM Be

Coal Dealers’ New Guide. 12mo. London, 1820.

Constitution and laws of the College of Natural History of the Uni-

versity of Vermont. T. 3.

Laws of the Stannaries of Cornwall, with marginal notes and referen-

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Letters on the Natural History and internal resources of the State of

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Le Naturaliste, ou VPhomme fossile, Folie, Vaudeville. Z. T. 5.

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Report on the route of canals from Boston to the Connecticut and

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St. Helena Calendar and Directory. St. tai, 1827.

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JOURNALS. TRANSACTIONS, &c.

American Journal of Sciences and Arts. 1826—27.

Another copy.

Annales de la Societe Linneene de Paris. 1824—1826,

Annals of the Lyceum of Natural History New-York. 2vols. 8yo.

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Bulletin des Sciences Naturelles. 10vols. 8vo, Paris.

Bulletin Linneen for 1825, 26, 27.

Bibliotheque Canadienne. 5 vols. 8vo. Montreal.

Contributions of the Maclurian Lyceum to the Arts and Sciences,

Philadelphia. Vol. 1. Nos. 1 and 2.

Dictionnaire des Sciences Naturelles. 13 vols. toSERQ. 1827.

Edinburgh Journal of Medical Science. 3 vols. 8yo. Ed. 1826-27.

ol of Science, conducted by D. Brewster. Vols. 4 & 5.

Franklin Journal and Am. Mechanics’ Magazine. Vol. 4. 1824.

Farmers’, Mechanics’ and Manufacturers’ Magazine.

704 Journal de Physique, de Chimie, d’histoire naturelle, &c. 12 vols. 4to

1816-21.

705 Journal des Conaissances usuelles par M. C. de Lasteyrie. 5 vols.

706 Journal des Artistes. 15 Juillet. 1827. T. 3.

707 Journal of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia. Vol. 5.

708 List of members and regulations for the Royal Asiatic Society of Great

Britain and Ireland. T. A.

709 Magazin der Auslandischen Literatur von G. H. Gerson, and N. H.

Julius. Vols. 9—12. Hamburg.

710 Medical Repository and Review. Old Series. 14 vols. 8yo.

711 New Series. vols. 8vo.

712 Messager des Sciences et des Arts, for 1826.

713 O Propagador das scientias Medicas por I. I’. Sigaud. Rio Janeiro,

1827.

714 Philadelphia Medical and Physical Journal. 2 vols. 8vo. Philadel-

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715 Programme des prix de la Societe de Geographie. T. 3.

716 Reglement de la Societe de Geographie. T. 3.

717 Recueil du discours prononces dans la seance annuelle de |’{nstitut.

18245) Ls As

718 Societe Asiatique. Rapport sur leur travaux pendant 1826. T. 3.

719 Societe d’Horticulture de Paris. (Prospectus.) T. A.

720 Transactions of the American Philosophical Society held at Philadel-

phia. Vol. 3. part 1.

* Map of the City of New-York, 1767. on rollers.

} Eddy’s circular map of the environs of New-York.

} Map of Connecticut, on rollers.

¢ Map of the northern part of the State of New-York, on rollers.

DONORS TO THE LIBRARY.

Academy of Natural Sciences. Philadelphia. 707.

American Antiquarian Society. Massachusetts. 672, 693.

American Philosophical Society. Philadelphia. 496, 720.

Asiatic Society. Bengal. 534, 694.

Common Council of the City of New-York. 510.

Literary and Philosophical Society. New-Jersey. 610.

Maclurian Lyceum. Philadelphia, 698.

Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland. 512, 708.

Societe Asiatique de Paris. 718.

Societé Royale et Centrale d’Agriculture. Paris. 715, 716.

Societe Linneene de Paris. 691, 696.

Societé Royale d’Agriculture et de Botanique de Gand. 712.

Societé d’Horticulture de Paris. 719.

Agardh, C. A. Professor of Botany, Lund, Sweden. 481, 542, 576, 601,

606.

Anthon, John. 598.

Audouin, V. Paris. 484, 485, 486, 48'7, 488, 515.

Barnes, D. H. 490, 497, 640, 647, 666.

Bass, S. Boston. 674.

Berneand, T. de. Secretary of the Linnean Society. Paris. 492, 619.

Bonaparte, C. L. Prince of Musignano. 499, 500, 501.

Brongniart, Ad. Paris. 504.

Cambreling, C. C. Member of Congress. 675, 678, 679.

Carter, N. H. 508.

Casstrom, S. N. of Sweden. 509, 548, 580, 637, 638, 651, 665, 667.

Cooper, J. Fenimore. U.S. Consul at Lyons. 671.

Cooper, W. 493, 495, 514, 530, 592, 621, 628, 654, 655, 658, 688.

Cozzens, Issachar. 527, 687. * + { $.

Darlington, Dr. W. Westchester, Penn. 518.

Dekay, J. E. 483, 506, 519, 520, 521, 522, 537, 544, 551, 558, 563,

565, 587, 593, 599, 625, 626, 627, 631, 650, 683, 684, 697,

702, 703, 710, 713, 714.

Delafield, Jos. 523, 536, 573, 574, 575, 604, 614, 632, 644, 680, 681,

682.

Delafield, E. Professor of Obstetrics, &c. in the University of the State of

New-York. 571.

Delafield, H. 561, 562.

Desmarest, A. G. Professor of Zoology. Paris. 528.

Dilwyn,L. W. Penllegare, Wales. 602, 616.

Ferussac, Baronde. Paris. 538, 695.

Gale, L. D. 590.

Gerson and Julius, Drs. Hamburgh. 709.

Graves, E. A. 480, 635.

Greville, R. K. Esq. Edinburgh, Scotland. 560, 700.

Harlan, R. Dr. Prof. Zoology and Comp. Anat. Philadelphia. 566, 567,

568, 569, 570.

Hooker, Dr. W. J. Professor of Botany, London University. 701.

Hosack, Dr. Prof. Practice of Physic, Rutgers Medical College. 489,

491, 502, 513, 517, 525, 526, 529, 539, 543, 545, 553, 578,

582, 583, 584, 685, 686, 605, 617, 618, 653, 660.

Inman, H. 524, 620, 668.

King, Dr. F.G. 498, 530, 556.

Kirckkoff, Chevalier de. Antwerp. 591.

Llarve. P. Minister of Grace and Justice. Mexico. 595.

Lasteyrie, le Compte de. Paris. 705.

Lariviere, E.de. Bruxelles. 594.

Lindley, J. Esq. London. 600.

Lovell, Dr. J. U.S. Army. Washington City. 603.

Manley, Dr. J. R. 607.

Mease, Dr. J. Philadelphia. 659. -

Mitchill, Dr. S.L. 552, 612, 613, 643.

Morgan, G. C. 482.

Pascalis, Dr. F. 711.

Porter, Dr. J. Plainfield, Mass. 685, 686.

Ranzani, C. Prof. Min. and Zool. Bologna. 622, 623, 624.

Sagra, Don Ramon de la. Professor of Botany. Havana. 634.

Schoolcraft, H. Sault Ste Marie. 639.

Schwaegrichen, F. Professor of Botany. Leipzig. 672.

Scrope, G. P. Esq. Sec. Geological Society. London. 642.

Silliman, B. Professor of Chemistry. Yale College. 690.

Sloat, Capt. J.D. U.S. Navy. 547.

Smith, S. R. 559.

Sommé, Professor. Antwerp. 648, 649.

Swainson, W. Esq. London. 652.

Swift, Dr. W. U.S. Navy. 531, 564.

Torrey, Dr. J. Prof. Chemistry, University of the State of New-York.

629, 630, 633, 641, 656, 657.

Van Mons, C. J. Bruxelles. 662, 663, 664.

Warden, D. B. Esq. Paris. 541, 550, 581, 608, 715, 716, 717.

Williams, J. L. Esq. Philadelphia. 670.

467

DONATIONS

TO THE CABINET OF THE

LYCEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY,

From January 1826 to January 1828.

Date. Description. Donors.

1826.

Janry. 2. Minerals from Lanes’s mine in Connecticut. 3B. D. Silliman

Cinnamon stone fromCeylon, and Zircon from

North Carolina. R. Gilmor

Mica from Baltimore. Dr. Hayden

16. Brucite, Orange County. Major Delafield

Glauberite, Prehnite, Analcime, &e. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila.

Seven species of foreign fishes. Dr. Dekay & J. Cozzens

23, Native Magnet, Spinelle, &. Warwick. Major Delafield

30. Selenite. Lockport. Mr. Scott

Feby. 6. Fossil ostrea, Buenos Ayres. Don Bart. Munos

Lepades. Mr. Thompson

20. A collection of fishes from the Mediterranean,

consisting of several species of Blennius, Cre-

nilabris, Gobius, Julis, Ophidium, Cepola,

Echineis, and Clupea. Dr. Dekay, & J. Cozzens

Gum copal from the East Indies. J. Cozzens

Several species of Cypreea, including C. pus-

tulata. Dr. Dekay

27. Condylura cristata. Dr. Clark

March 6. A collection of dried plants, and a Salamandra

ocellata, from East Hartford. Mr. Olmstead

13. Prairie dog of Louisiana. Col. Leavenworth

Collection of shells from Panama. Dr. Dekay

Two specimens of the Proteus of the Lakes. Major Delafield

Testudo clausa. D. H. Barnes

Date.

April 10

24.

May 1

29.

468

Description.

. Four species Salamanders.

. A collection of shells from China.

Boracic acid.

Pectinites and fossil teeth of Sharks.

Planorbis, fossil. New-Jersey.

Varieties of clay, from Georgia.

Three cases containing Crustacea.

A collection of fishes from the great Lakes.

Donors.

Dr. Harlan

D. H. Barnes

J. Cozzens

W. R. Swift

Major Delafield

Mr. Baones

Gen. J. G. Swift

Major Delafield

F. Cozzens, & Dr. Bronson

. Anthracite—Poughkeepsie.

. Minerals from Connecticut.

Shells from West Indies.

Crystalized Garnet, Haddam.

. Minerals from Vermont.

Testudo, three species.

. Emys serrata.

Strombus gigas.

Insects—Canton.

Albatros.

Echeneis Remora, and maratime plants.

Several species of fishes and crustacea.

Green Feldspar from Beverly, Mass.

Turbo. .

Sapphire from Newton, New-Jersey.

A collection of foreign and American minerals.

Amphiuma means, Coluber, &c.

Actynolites from Rhode Island.

Series of Tadpoles, illustrating their growth.

Ricinula horrida.

Mustela martes.

June 9. Hippopus maculatus

19.

Pitchstone— Arran.

Vegetable impressions on slate—Germany.

Three specimens Axolotl from Mexico.

Corallines from Curacoa.

D. H. Barnes

Mr. Catlin

Dr. Townsend

Dr. Dekay

S. M. Smith

D. H. Barnes

do.

Dr. Townsend

do.

J. Cozzens

do.

Dr. J. Fowler

Maj. Delafield

Dr. Harlan

Dr. Eddy

Dr. Wagstaff

D. H. Barnes

E. A. Graves

Dr. Harlan

Dr. Dekay

Major Delafield

Dr. Woodbury

E. A. Graves

Valuable donation of Austrian minerals. Baron de Lederer

Horns of Cervus canadensis, very large. Dr. S. L. Mitchill

Reptiles from Peru. do.

Pelicans from Java. do.

Iron ores from New-Jersey. L. D. Gale

Sphene & e-*?ate from Norway.

Major Delafield

Date.

June 26.

July 10.

24.

31.

Aug. 7.

Octr. 2.

16.

Noy. 6.

iey

20.

Q7.

469

Description. ; Donors.

An extensive collection of fossils and minerals, ~

occupying a large cabinet appropriated by the

society for their exhibition, and described in a

printed catalogue. Dr. S. L. Mitchill

Pterocéra Lambis, and Cassis madagascaren-

sis. Capt. G. C. Dekay

Coluber familiaris from Louisiana. Mr. Audubon

Coluber leptocephalus. Capt. Le Conte

Coluber sirtalis, do.

Native Muriate of Soda, Mr. Stone

Native copper from New-Jersey, M. L. Davis

Eleven species of Reptiles. Capt. Le Conte

Coluber cacodemon, and Trionyx ferox. Dr. Dekay

Thirty specimens of Minerals from Easton,

Pennsylvania. Major Delafield

Quartz crystal, very large. Dr. Dekay

Zeus crinitus. Dr. Mitchill

Chimera Atlantica. do.

Byssus of Pinna, Mediterranean. Dr. A. E. Hosack

Young of Crocodilus Lucius, C. Redon

Fossils from Cape May. Mr. Dewey

Hydrus fasciatus, and Hydrus bicolor. Dr. 8. L. Mitchill

Two skulls from Saltpetre Cave in Kentucky. Dr. Harlan

Minerals from Bennington. J. Doolittle

The Chrysoprase? of New-Fane. Major Delafield

Turbos from China, Capt. Keene

Two cases of Insects, and one of minerals. Dr. Rhinelander

Agama cornuta—Proteus maculatus.of Mitch.

from JLouisiana—Siren lacertina, and some

fishes from the Arkansas. Dr. 8. L. Mitchill

A case of insects. Dr. F. G. King

Bituminous coal from Cayuga County, N. Y. Goy. Clinton

Jaws ofashark. Ostracion dried. W. Cooper

Testudo punctata. J. Cozzens

Fossil remains from Ohio. J. T. Plummer

Pteropus edulis, from Java. Dr. Swift

Box of seeds from Mexico. Dr. Woodbury

Python Tigris, from Batavia. H. & W. Delafield

Marbles from Vermont. Mr. Judd

Melanite and plumbago from Orange Co. Major Delafield

Vou. II. 59

470

Date. Description. Donors.

Fossils, Titaniferous Iron and Spinelle, from :

Orange County. Mr. Booth

Dec. 11. A singular apple, (lusus nature) Dr. Mitchill

Geological specimens from the N. W. Major Delafield

Umber, nodular, from Vermont. . Dr. Paine

1827.

Jan. 8. Planorbis from Mud Lake, Vermont. Dr. Dana

22. Perca argus—Gadus merlucius, and Coryphena

Equiselis. J. Cozzens

29. Buccinum, Murex, Voluta, &c. S. Smith

Feb. 5. Palate of a Ray. D. H. Barnes

Solanum Laurentii. Dr. Mitchill

192

March.5.

19.

26.

April 2.

23.

30.

May 14,

Granite and crystalized Feldspar from Norway. Maj. Delafield

Spines of fossil Echinus, and fossil palate ofa fish

from Warminster, England. do.

Fossil fish from Verona. do.

Fossil Mya, and Venus mercenaria from Maryland. do.

Skins of two Prairie wolves from Upp. Mississippi. Dr. James

Skull of a Sioux Indian. do.

Sulphuret of Copper from Franconia, Vermont. Dr. Dana

Ameiva lemniscata from Laguira. Major Delafield

Milk of the Cow-tree of Rio Chico. Dr. Mitchill

A suite of geological specimens from Rhode-Island. J. Cozzens

Bituminous coal from Tioga. Dr. Swift.

Amethbystine Quartz from Westboro, Mass. Mr. Gale

Geological specimens from Alabama. Seth Hunt

Package of dried plants from Eslingen. Dr. Steudel

Tron ore from Cumberland, Rhode-Isiand. Mr. Holbrooke

Volcanic specimens from France, Italy, and

Germany. W. Cooper

Ores of lead from Ecton mine, Peru. Mr. Dewey

Six specimens of Aleyonium, from Warminster,

England. Major Delafield

Lavas from St. Helena. J. Cozzens

Minerals from Sterling, Mass. & Corlaers Hook. L. D. Gale

Insects from Para, and dried plants from the Alps. | Dr. Mitchill

- Silicious chain coral from Lake Huron. Major Delafield

Encrinites in sand-stone, Rochester, New-York. do.

Radiated Asbestus from Corlaers Hook. do.

. Radiated Asbestus—-Serpentine and granite

found in situ—-Bloomingdale, New-York. _ J. Cozzens

a a ee

Date.

June 4.

July 2,

16.

Aug. 13.

Sep. 3.

10.

17.

471

Description.

Magnetic Serpentine and Petalite, from West-

field, Mass.

Crystallized brown carbonate of Magnesia

Minerals from Plainfield, Mass.

Insects and reptiles. do.

Native muriate of Soda, from Coquimbo.

Serpentine, Amianthus and Granite, New-York

Dr Van Renssalaer

Island.

Andalusite crystallized, from the Tyrol.

Testudo reticulata from Georgia,

Geological specimens from Mohawk River.

Donors.

*. E. Davis

D. H. Barnes

Dr. J. Porter

do.

Dr. Mitchill

Major Delafield

Capt. Le Conte

Mr. Mc Auley

Asterias Helianthus from Chili, Capt. J. Sloat

Volcanic products from the island of Juan Fer-

nandez. do.

An extensive collection of agatized, and other

fossil woods from Antigua. do.

Gryphite from Delaware and Chesapeake ae Dr, Pascalis

Serpentine from Staten-Island. W. Cooper

A valuable and choice collection of British mine-

rals, including a large suite of Fluates of Lime,

and the Cumberland minerals generally. Mr. Thos. Dixon

Crustacea from Porto Rico.

Capt. Sloat

Talons of the gray Eagle, and a singular Fun-

gus.

- Skull from Peru.

Citrus decumana.

Testudo Mydas from West Indies.

Ulna of a whale

Crystalized brown carbonate of magnesia

Skull of an aboriginal Peruvian, from Lima.

Geological specimens from Bahia.

Calcareous Tufa.

Chalcedony with Asphaltum, Auvergne

Two cases of insects from Geneva, Switz.

KEchini in chalk from England. .

Sulimanite from Saybrook

Fossil Ostrea from South America.

Minerals from Staten-Island.

Franklinite, ores of Zinc, Pyroxene, from N. J.

Seeds from South America.

Dr. J. A. Smith

Capt. Aikin

D. HW. Barnes

Major Delafield

Mr. Allaire

D. H. Barnes

Dr. Dekay

do.

Dr. N. S. Jarvis

Major Delafield

Dr. Duval

Dr. Mitchill

W. Sloat

C: Baldwin

Mr. Keyser

L. D. Gale

Dr. Paine

Date.

24,

15.

22.

29.

Noy. 12.

26.

Dec. 3.

10.

17.

24,

3l.

“

472

Description. Donors.

Geological specimens from Serpentine locality,

New-York Island. J. Cozzens

Fossil remains from Lake Erie. Mr. Davies

Polyphemus occidentalis. J. Cozzens

Fossil Eurypterus, from Lake Erie. Mr. Davies

Minerals of Sweden. N.S. Castrom

Ore of Zinc with lead, from New Hampshire. J.B. Murray

Curious specimen of Gourd. Mr. Houghton

Hura crepitans. D. H. Barnes

Horns of Cervus alces. Mr. Matthews

Mytilus margaritiferus. W. Moore

Cheirostemon pentadactylon. do.

Two species of Ostracion. D. H. Barnes

Pleione tetrahedra, from Hayti. 8. L. Mitchill

Shells from Rio Janeiro. Dr. Dekay

Ores of silver and copper from Colombia. Mr. Lyle

A large collection of shells and minerals from the

Mediterranean. Capt. Perry

Seeds of Achras Sapota. ) Mr. Chilton

Granite from Gottenburg. Capt. Aikin

Topaz from Monroe, Con. Mr,

Limestone, Pyrites, Clay, &c. from HerkimerCo. Mr. Bartow

Stipa pennata from Florence, Italy. Major Delafield

Spinelle, green and black, with Brucite in carb.

Lime, from Orange Co. do

An extensive collection of fossil ferns in shale,

with Anthracite, from R. I. Col. Totten

Coluber guttatus—fishes, and shells from Key

West. Dr. Swift

Anthracite from Poughkeepsie. D. H. Barnes

Plants and seeds from Mexico. W. #H. Mitchill

Fistularia from Brazil. Dr. Dekay

Stalactical incrustation, (carb, lime) on Serpen-

tine from Hoboken. Prof. N. F. Moore

Prepared skull of Hapale penicillatus. J. Cozzens

Several specimens of fish—Mineral and vege-

table productions from Para, S. A. Dr. Vache

EXPLANATION OF THE PLATES OF VOL. II.

Pu. I. Fig. 1. Siren intermedia.

2. Opercula of do. magnified.

Pu. Il. Prosopis glandulosa.

a. Flower.

b. Germ.

ce. Legume.

Pu. Ill. Phacelia integrifolia.

a. Corolla.

6. Calyx and germ.

c. d. Capsule.

e. Seed.

Pu. ITV. Quercus undulata.

Put. V. Fig. 1. Diodon carinatus.

2. Ammonites hippocrepis.

3. <A. placenta.

4. & 5. Undetermined Ammonite.

Px. VI. Fossil Ox from the Mississippi.

Fig. 1.

2.> Different views of the skull.

bien eat

oan

“aifnx0 “Kore .

i ini) ” ae ef Ny bid,

aby rites E x TRE ey Ba “Shea be ri

a : ‘orp bom iene are

Pee es ee ae’

: me ab 9 altigag. negate

sige pea Soxssmtabt bt eon fe

ee me ‘t reoonantatet aaegt ui

ate sa Fe a aL PRROR 4; SA i CNvawiae |,

eee si tiie tac inf os Bihaont'sy ‘ ta, Laas

De toch hct ak pees HR

“BAN! Mee Seay ne ee Pee a NN cane

vi ats 4 Aiaieo! " whet thy t | Galterot? - ee ) ce ee BY Ae

: ty a, aa i

a f as . * ae a &

ee Wy . er SS hase P- a

i - ; are. neue? Sx ;

hee: Ris ED ais 10 is

a . *: ibs : AR Teta : are :

bee Ds ‘s ee paincite ai ai

a es rong anigomathe nis. ie

ar mek oa yer ty ‘haabteeenla be <a

1 esihconan attra ite Led ee

( Huu ahi pK

oe oti et

, hep ‘ et iG er nt eae co

a yvitne ent pee

~ Sue ERED hacerlo: kai

aint A te ;

Ws oe,

Acacia

ACANTHACES

ACCIPITRES

Acer

ACERINEE

Actinea

Adoxa

JEGITHALI

AXgilops

Agrostis

Alauda

Alca

Alcedo

ALISMACEX

Alisma

Allium

AMARANTHACEA

Ambrosia

AMBULATORES

AMENTACEX

Amellus

Ammannia

Ammonites

Amorpha

AMPELIDEX

Ampelopsis

AMPHIBOLI

Anas

Anatherix

Androsace

Andropogon

Anemone.

ANGULIROSTRES

ANONACES®

ANSERES

Auser

ANTHOMYZI

Anthus

APOCINE®

Aquilegia

Aquila

Aramus

ARALIACEX

Aralia

Arbutus

Ardea

Ardeola

Arenaria

Argemone

Aristida

Aristolochia

Arnica

Artemisia

Asclepias

INDEX.

155,

303,

Asimina

ASPHODELEE

Aster

Astur

Atheropogon

Atriplex

Baccharis

Bartonia

Beckmannia

BERBERIDEX

Bidens

BIGNONIACEE

Bignonia

Blitum

Bombycilla

Bonasia

>| BORAGINE

Bos

Botaurus

Brachyris

Broussonetia

Bumelia

Buteo

Cacalia

Cactus

Calidris

Calochortus

Caltha

CAMPANULACEE

Campanula

CANORI

Cantua

CAPPARIDE®

Caprimulgus

CAPRIFOLIACE®

Cardiospermum

Carduelis

Carduus

CaRYOPHYLLEX

Cassia

Castanea

Castilleja

Cathartes

Catoptrophorus

CELASTRINE®

Celtis

Cenchrus

Centaurea

Cephalanthus

Cercis

476

Cercocarpus

Cerorhinca

Charadrius

CHELIDONES

CHENOPODE

Chenopodium

Chrysocoma

Cinclus

Cineraria

Circus

Clangula

Cleome

Cleomella

Clitoria

Coccothraustes

Coccyzus

Collinsia

Collomia

Columba

CoLUMBINE

Colymbus

CoMBRETACEZ

CoMMELINE

Commelina

Composit

ConIFER

ConvVOLVULACEZ

Convolvulus

Copper ore, Analysis of,

CoRACES

Coreopsis

Cornus

Corvus

Corispermum

CRASSULACEX

Crex

Croton

CRUCIFERAE

Crypsis

Cucumis

CucuRBITACE

Cunila

Cuseuta

Cygnus

CYPERACE

Cyperus

Cypselus

Dacnis

Dalea

Darlingtonia

Delphinium

Diapensia

Diervilla

Diodon

Diomedea

Diospyros

Ditaxis

INDEX.

Dodecatheon

Dracocephalum

Dryas

EBENACEZ

Eclipta

Elanus

ELEAGNEZ

EJephantopus

Ellisia

Elymus

Emberiza

Emberizoides

Erigeron

ERICINE®

Eriocoma

Eriogonum

Eryngium

Erysimum

Euchroma

Euonymus

EUPHORBIACEX

Euphorbia

Eurypteras

Evolvulus

FALCATI

Falco

Ferula

Fluviales

Frasera

Fringilla

Fuirena

Fulica

Fuligula

Fusus

Galardia

GALLINZE

GALLINACEI

Gallinula

Galium

Garrulus

Gaura

GENTIANE

GERANIACEX

| Geranium

Gerardia

Geum

Gonolobus

Gouia

GRALLE

GRAMINE

ae ee ee

Gregarii

Grindelia

GROSSULARIE

Grus

Gymnocladus

Hematopus

Halietos

Hedeoma

Hedysarum

Helianthus

Heliornis

Heliotropium

Hemipalama

Heraclium

HERODII

Heuchera

Hibiscus

Himantopus

Hirundo

Holopedius

Hordeum

Humulus

Hydrangea

Hydrastis

HyDROLEACE

Hydrolea

HyDRoPHYLLEZ

HyYGROBATZ

Hymenopappus

Iberis

Tbis

Icterus

Icteria

Ictinia

Ilex

Indigofera

Inula

Tonidium

IRIDEX

Jatropha

Juniperus

Justicia

Kochia

Koeleria

Krameria

Vou. Il.

LABIATZES

LAMELLOSODENTATI

Lanius

Larus

Lathyrus

LAURINEE

Laurus

LEGUIMINOS®

LENTIBULRLE

Lepturus

Lestris

Liatiis

LILIACE

Limosa

LimicoL=

Lindernia

LINE

Linum

Lisianthus

Lithespermum

LOASEE

Lobipes

Lobelia

Longipennes

LORANTHACEZ

>| Loxia

Lupinus

Lycopus

Lysimachia

Lythrum

Macroramphus

MACRODACTYLI

Mahonia

MALVACEZ

Malva

Martynia

Meconopsis

Megatherium

Melanthium

Meleagris

MELASTOMACEZE

MELIACE

Melia

Mellisuga

MENISPERMACE®

Menispermum

Mentzelia

Mergulus

Mergus

Miegia

Mimosa

Mitchella

Monarda

MonocoTyYLEDONE®

Mormon

477

231

373

356

180

242

174

235

254

362

210

250

326

312

231

171

219

225

199

341

216

349

208

116

191

233

236

199

329

165

251

122

206

478

Morus

Murex

Muscicapa

Myiothera

Myosotis

Myriophyllum

Natica

Nelumbium

Wumepius

Nuttallia

NxcTAGINEX

Nycterium

NYMPH#ACEE

Oenothera

Oidemia

ONAGRARIZE

Onosmodium

Oplotheca

OPUNTIACES

ORCHIDEX

Orchis

Ornithogalum

Orobanche

Orobus

Ortyx

Ostrya

Oxyura

Oxy baphus

Oxyria

Pandion

PAPAVERACE

Parictaria

PARONYCHLE

Paronychia

Parus

PASSERES

Passerini

Pectis

Pedicularis

Pelecanus

Pentstemon

Perdix

Peritoma

Phacelia

Phaeton

Phalacrocorax

Phalaropus

Phaleris

Phaseolus

Phlox

158,

INDEX.

Phceenicopterus

Physalis

Phytolacca

Pica

Picus

Pinnatipedes

Pinus

PLANTAGINES

Plantago

Platalea

Platanus

Plectrophanes

Pleuraphis

Plotus

Podiceps

Polanisia

PoLEMONIDEX

Polemonium

Polycnemum

Polygala

POLYGONE

Polygonum

Polypogon

Pomaria

Populus

PORTULACEE

Portulaca

Potamogeton

Potentilla

Prenanthes

Pressirostres

PrRIMULACEE

Primula

Procellaria

Prosopis

Proteus, Dissection of,

Prupus

PsITTACINI

Psoralea

Pulmonaria

Puffinus

Pygopodes

Pyranga

Pyrrhula

Quercus

Quiscalus

Rallus

RANUNCULACES

Ranunculus

RAPACES

Recurvirostra

Regulus

RHAMNEX

103,

Rhexia

RHINANTHE

Rhincops

Rhynchaspis

Ribes

Ricinus

Rochelia

Rosa

RUBIACEE

Rubus

Rudbeckia

Rusticola

SAGITTILINGUES

Sagittaria

SALICARLE

Salix

Salsola

Salvia

Sambucus

Samolus

Sanguinaria, Experiments on,

Saxicola

SAXIFRAGEE

Saxifraga

SCANSORES

Schizea

Schrankia

Scilla

Scirpus

Scolopax

ScRoPHULARINE

Scutellaria

Sedum

SERICATI

Sesleria

Shepherdia

Sicyos

Sida

Silene

Silphium

Siren

Sisymbrium

Sisyrinchium

Sitta

Sium

SoLANE®

Solanum

Somateria

Sonchus

Sophora

Spartina

Spermacoce

Spigelia

Spirea

Spiza

Squatarola

INDEX.

199

228

351

382

203

246

226

198

209

199

215

331

195

106

297

Stanleya

STEGANOPODES

Sterna

Stevia

Stillingia

Stipa

Strepsiias

Strix

Sturnella

Sturnus

Sula

Surnia

SYLVANI

Sylvia

Symphoria

Tachypetes

Talinum

Tanagra

Tantalus

| TENUIROSTRES

Tetrao

Teucrium

Thalassidroma

Thryothorus

Tillandsia

Tribulus

Totanus

Tradescantia

Trichechus

Tricophyllum

Tricuspis

Tringa

Tricsteum

Trochilus

Troglodytes

Troximon

Turdus

Ulula

Uniola

UMBELLIFERZ

Uria

URTICE®%

UTRICULARIE

VERBENACES

Verbena

Verbesina

Vernonia

Veronica

Vesicaria

Viburnum

157, :