Constat ex unica specie genus Buphaga, cujus rostrum subquadrangulum ad modum quo victum sibi quærens utitur apprime est accommodatum; pecudibus enim solet insidere, et oestrorum larvas e cute excerpere. Depingitur in tabula Buphaga Africana magni­tudine fere dimidiata. Senegaliam incolit, primusque eam descripsit Adansonus.

The genus Buphaga, consisting at present of a single species only, is distinguished by the subquadrangular form of the beak, which is peculiarly calculated for the general manner of feeding in this bird: viz. that of picking out the larvæ of oestri from the backs of cattle. It is a native of Senegal, and was first discovered by Adanson. The plate represents it of somewhat more than half the natural size.

In aquis majoribus stagnantibus innata Nepa linearis corpus quidem non bellum sortita est, sed certe inusi­tatius conformatum. Noctu præcipue volans iisdem fere insectis minoribus vescitur quibus Nepa vulgaris seu cinerea. Eadem, ut plurimum, est magni­tudine quam ostendit tabula.

The Nepa linearis, an insect of a singular rather than agreeable appearance, is a native of the larger kind of stagnant waters, and is generally of the size repre­sented on the plate. Like the Nepa cinerea or common water-scorpion, it preys on the smaller aquatic insects, and, like that species, flies principally by night.

Inter pulcherrimas hujus generis merito numeratur species hic depicta, quæ maria Indica, ut plurimum incolit, et magni­tudine vera in tabula exprimitur.

The present species of Buccinum may justly be consi­dered as one of the most beautiful of the whole tribe: it is principally found in the Indian seas, and is repre­sented on the plate in its natural size.

Aucta est hisce temporibus scientia naturalis miro incremento, visumque est physicis nova multa genera instituere; cumque piscium qui thoracici vocantur ingens sit numerus, inde fit ut quo major diversitas, eo latiori distributione opus sit. E novis igitur est generibus Bodianus, qui multas amplectitur species, nonnullas pulcherrimis coloribus obductas. Maria incolit Brasili­ensia species quam depinximus magni­tudine quasi dimidiata, ab indigenis vulgariter Budiano dicta.

This is one of the new genera into which the vast number of thoracic fishes are, in consequence of the late accessions to natural history, at present distinguished. It contains several species, some of which are remarkable for the beauty of their colours: that repre­sented on the present plate is a native of the Brasilian seas, and is repre­sented of about half the natural size. Its native name among the Brasilians is Budiano.

Avem venustam depinximus in regionibus multis Americanis generatam, quæ magni­tudine saltem æquat, si non paulo exsuperet Loxiam Dominicanam Linnæi. Specimen ipsissimum quod iconi nostræ inserviit, e solo natali in Angliam intulit Dominus Frazerus, plantarum Americanarum, quas commendaverit aut raritas aut pulchritudo, cultor laudabilis, et assiduus.

This elegant species is a native of many parts of America, and in size is at least equal, if not rather superior to the Loxia Dominicana of Linnæus, or Dominican Grosbeak. The specimen here repre­sented was brought from its native regions by the ingenious Mr. Frazer, so well known for his assiduous cultivation of various rare and beautiful species of American plants.

Copiam dedimus lectoribus miram admodum Sepiæ speciem examinandi, a Molina, ut videtur, primo recte descriptam, in historia Chilensi. In maribus enutritur tum Indicis tum Americanis, et in magnam molem crescere dicitur; quingentas nempe libras pondere æquare, si 11011 excedere. Longe tamen minora sunt quæ vulgo spectantur specimina. Hoc ei commune est cum reliquo genere, ut pisces prædetur v et alia marina animalia; ab aliis omnibus quas adhuc novimus sepiis in illo insigniter discrepanti, quod corpus contegat membrana ampla, inflata, pellu­cida, a parte superiore usque ad caudæ initium reflexa, fibris plurimis subnigris, certo intervallo hinc inde se mutuo decussantibus reticulata, extrinsecus iricolor, veluti est pellis Sipunculi saccati. Iconem mutuati sumus ab opere Montfortii, qui suspicatur, nec immerito, ab hac sepia quasi archetypa exortum esse imaginarium piscem reticulatum Aldrovandi; cujus corpus squamis, pinnis, et dentibus instruitur veri piscis. Huic conjecturæ liceat mihi et meam adjicere, non impossibile esse quin Sepia hæc indocte descripta, et minus affabre depicta, origo fuerit piscis reversi Aldrovandi, qui depingitur corpore anguillas non absimili, saccoque vasto et inflato supra caput imposito, quo pisces propius natantes arripere, et ab Americanis in cymbis portari dicitur, ut ad certum spatium in mare demissus una cum præda recipiatur.

Depingitur ab Aldrovando phocam e mari attollens.

The highly singular species of Cuttle-Fish repre­sented on the present plate is a native of the Indian and American seas, and seems to have been first distinctly described by Molina in his natural history of Chili. It is said to grow to an enormous size, and to the weight of five hundred pounds, or even more, though the speci­mens usually seen are of far v inferior magnitude. Like the rest of its tribe, it is of a predacious nature, feeding on fishes and various other marine animals, and differs from every other species of Sepia yet discovered in the extra­ordinary envelopement of its body, which is covered by an ample, inflated, and transparent skin or membrane, reflected from the upper parts, and continued to the commencement of the tail or terminal part of the body. This membrane is reticulated or decussated by numerous dark-coloured fibres, crossing each other at certain distances, and is tinged externally with iridescent hues, like that of the Sipunculus saccatus.

The figure here given is taken from the work of the ingenious Mons. Denys-Montfort, who imagines this species to be the archetype of the imaginary piscis reticulatus of Aldrovandus, in which the body of the animal is repre­sented like that of a real fish, with scales, fins, teeth, &c. I may venture to add, that it is not impossible but that some hasty and inaccurate drawing and description of this same species of Sepia may have also given rise to the piscis reversus of Aldrovandus, which is described as having a body not unlike that of an eel, with a vast inflated bag or pouch on the head, with which it is said to seize on such fishes as happen to swim near it, and to be employed by the South-American Indians for that purpose; being carried in a canoe, and lowered to a certain depth into the sea, till it has taken its prize. Aldro­vandus represents it in the act of drawing up a large seal.

Ex iis Linnæani Chætodontis speciebus constat novum genus Acanthurus dictum, quarum dentes modice lati validique præcipuo characteri repugnant quo signatur genus Chætodon, et quarum prope caudam utrinque situs est mobilis aculeus. Acanthurorum speciem selegimus notatu dignissimam, veramque magni­tudinem depin­ximus, cui adjicitur auctus ope speculi ordo dentium. In maribus Americanis alitur Acanthurus velifer.

The new genus Acanthurus consists of such species of the Linnæan genus Chætodon as, in contradiction to the principal character of that genus, have moderately broad and strong teeth, and are also furnished on each side the tail with a moveable spine. Among the species of Acan­thurus one of the most remarkable is that repre­sented on the present plate, which is a native of the American seas. It is figured in its natural size, and is also accompanied by a magnified outline of some of the teeth.

Germaniæ et aliarum Europearum regionum incola pulcherrima hæc species in insula Britannica nondum videtur fuisse conspecta. Larva est modice magna, valde hirsuta, fusca vel nigricans, subtus rufa; pupa quoque seu chrysalis nigricat.

This highly beautiful species is a native of Germany and some other parts of Europe, but seems not to have been hitherto observed in our own country. The larva or caterpillar is moderately large, very hairy, and of a blackish or dusky colour, rufous beneath. The chrysalis is also of a blackish cast.

Corvo glandario conceditur locus in pulcherrimis avibus Europæis. Amat præcipue sylvas et colles arboribus obsitos; vesciturque glande faginea et quema, nec non baccis et frugibus. Interdum etiam aviculas prædatur. Vocem emittit raucam, argutam, stridulam, injucundam; docetur tamen varios sonos, et ipsam etiam vocem humanam imitari. Dicitur, perturbatis nuper et confusis rebus Gallicis, postquam restricta diu eruperat apud omnes v ordines feras venandi licentia, ingentem corvorum glandariorum multitudinem, strepitu insolito et tormentis displosis perterritam, non in interiora se surri­puisse, sed litora petiisse proxime opposita; et in oris nonnullis Britannicis conspectas fuisse magnas catervas longo volatu fessas et debilitatas, antequam umbrosos sylvarum recessus contingere potuissent.

The Jay, one of the most beautiful of the European birds, is principally an inhabitant of woody and hilly regions; living on mast, berries, acorns, and fruit: it is also observed sometimes to prey on smaller birds. Its natural note is loud, sharp, and unpleasant; but it maybe taught to imitate various sounds, and even that of the human voice itself. v It is said that, during the early period of the French Revolution, when persons of all ranks had suddenly obtained the unlimited power of ranging the woods and forests in quest of game, vast flocks of Jays, terrified by the unusual noise of the guns, flew over to the nearest opposite coasts of England, instead of endea­vouring to escape by retreating into other parts of the country; and that on some of our own coasts these birds were observed in vast numbers, seemingly exhausted with fatigue, yet endeavouring to gain the nearest wooded retreats.

Ostenditur in tabula papilionum duorum exoticorum vera magni­tudo, quorum qui altius depingitur Indiam, qui inferius Americani meridionalem incolit.

Of the two exotic Butterflies exhibited on the present plate the superior is a native of India, and the inferior of South America. Both are repre­sented in their natural size.

Maria incolit Indica Chætodon setifer, cujus veram magni­tudinem cernere est in tabula.

The red-striped Chætodon is an inhabitant of the Indian seas, and is repre­sented on the annexed plate in its natural size.

E maribus extrahitur Indicis et Americanis rara hæc testa, in pulcherrimis sui generis merito habenda. Major interdum est quam in tabula ostenditur.

The rare shell on the present plate is a native of the Indian and American seas, and is justly numbered among the most beautiful of its tribe. It is occasionally found of larger size than here repre­sented.

Indiam insulasque indicas incolit Corvus brachyurus, magni­tudine, ut plurimum, merulam vulgarem æquans; coloribus non raro variat.

The Short-Tailed Crow is an inhabitant of India and the Indian islands, and is generally about the size of a black­bird: in colours it often varies considerably.

Maria Americana incolit hæc species, lepadi anatiferæ in hoc opere antea depictæ admodum affinis. Magni­tudine vera in tabula exprimitur.

The present species of Lepas, very nearly allied to the Lepas anatifera, before figured in the present work, is an inhabitant of the American seas, and is repre­sented in its natural size.

In Italia, Germania, Gallia, aliisque Europæ regionibus invenitur Papilio Apollo, in insulis Britannicis nunquam conspectus: larva atra, rubro-punctata, telephii folia præcipue depascitur, et in chrysalidem fuscam pulvere quasi glauco seu potius violaceo conspersam convertitur.

This elegant insect is a native of Italy, Germany, France, and some other parts of Europe, but is not found in the British dominions: the caterpillar is of a black colour, spotted with red, and changes into a brown chrysalis covered with a kind of glaucous or rather violet-coloured powder.

Hunc piscem primus, ut opinor, descripsit celeberrimus Rondeletius: liceat mihi igitur ipsius auctoris verba subjungere.

“Nec potui nec debui studiose lector silentio præterire miram Cyprini speciem quæ Lugduni in foro piscatorio viva empta est, dum hæc commentaria mea prelo jamjam committenda essent. Nullus fuit qui non, demptis capite et rostro, Cyprinum esse judicarit hunc piscem; nam squamarum figura et colore, pinnis, earundem situ, cauda idem plane est cum Cyprino. Pinna dorsi initio aculeum incisum habet, ut in Cyprino. Eundem aculeum habet alia pinna quæ excrementorum meatum sequitur, quæ rubescit, item caudæ pars ei respondens. Tota cauda lata est ut in Cyprino. Duas alias pinnas habet ad branchias, similiter duas in ventre. Caput habet non protensum ut Cyprinus sed Delphini capiti simile, rostrum satis longum sed obtusum quale revera pictura repreesentat. Ex superiore rostri parts juxta oris scissuram appendix carnosa utrinque una dependet, ut in Cyprino, hac superior est alia brevis et vix apparens nisi propius inspicias utrinque etiam unica.”

Rond. aquat. hist. 2. p. 155.

This singular fish seems to have been first described by the celebrated Rondeletius, from a living specimen, brought into the fish-market at Lyons at the time his work was printing.

No one, says he, who saw the fish, (supposing the head taken away,) would imagine it to be any thing but a Carp, which it exactly resembles in the shape and colour of its scales, and situation of the fins and tail. The dorsal fin at its commencement has a strong serrated spine, as in the Carp, and a similar one at the commencement of the vent-fin, which latter, as well as the tail, is of a reddish colour, and shaped like that of a Carp: at the gills are two fins, and likewise two at the abdomen: the head is not stretched forwards as in the Carp, but resembles that of a Dolphin; having a longish but obtuse snout, as repre­sented in the figure: from the upper part of the snout, on each side the opening of the mouth, hangs a fleshy appendix or beard, as in the Carp, and above this, on each side, is a much smaller one, scarce perceptible without close inspection.

Cochinchinam incolit pulchra hæc species, et magni­tudine vera in tabula exprimitur.

This beautiful species is a native of Cochinchina, and is repre­sented on the plate in its natural size.

Volutæ Hebrææ, quam antea descripsimus, affinis admodum Voluta Vespertilio maria incolit Indica, a seipsa non raro discrepans quo ad formam et proportionem testæ. Alia scilicet specimina ventriosa sunt, prominentiis circa basin conspicuis et mucronatis; alia tenuiora sunt, prominentiis minoribus, vix et ne vix mucronatis. Color testæ generalis flavo-ferrugineo-pallet, subnigro vel rufo-fusco variatus.

The present species, considerably allied to the Voluta Hebræa, figured in a former number of the present work, is a native of the Indian seas, and is subject to consi­derable variety as to the form and proportions of the shell, some specimens being very ventricose, and furnished with greatly prominent and pointed processes round the base, while others are of a more slender form, with very slightly projecting processes. Its general colour is pale or yellow-ferruginous, with dusky or rufous-brown variegations.

Platystacum cotylephorum in opere nostro non ita pridem descripsimus. Ab hoc differt species de qua jam agitur capite magis elongato, spinis thoracicis minoribus, præcipue vero acetabulis nullis sub abdomine sitis. Eadem incolit maria quæ Platystacus cotylephorus.

The Platystacus cotylephorus has before been repre­sented in the present publication: the species now figured is a native of the same seas, and differs in the more lengthened form of the head, the smaller size of the thoracic aculei, and particularly in the want of those numerous acetabular processes situated beneath the abdomen.

In America meridionali invenitur Scarabæus dicho­tomus, cujus veram magni­tudinem ostendit tabula.

This remarkable insect is a native of South America. The plate represents it in its natural size.

Avis elegantis nondum forsitan descriptæ, in Africa, ut vulgo creditur, generatæ dimidiatam magni­tudinem depinximus. Si plumas erectas et quasi sericeas quibus rostri basis circumdatur respicimus, cognatio quædam videtur esse illi cum genere quod Paradisea dicitur: cætera autem corvo simillima est; cui generi fas sit ut annume­retur veluti species quædam anomala.

De modo vivendi nihil pro certo compertum est.

This elegant bird, hitherto perhaps undescribed, is supposed to be a native of Africa, and is repre­sented on the plate of half the natural size. In the erect downy or velvet-like feathers surrounding the base of the beak it is in some degree allied to the genus Paradisea, but in other respects is closely approximated to that of Corvus, under which genus it may be allowed to stand as a kind of anomalous species. Nothing particular is known of its history or manners.

Elegantia saltem si non raritate commendata non cedit congeneribus species quam depinximus. Maria incolit Indica et Americana, sæpius major specimine quod in tabula monstratur.

In elegance, tho’ not in rarity, the present species may perhaps be allowed to equal most of its congeners. It is a native of the Indian and American seas, and is frequently larger than the specimen here exhibited.

A Blochio institutum genus Synbranchus piscium species continet qui juxta Linnæanam dispositionem apte satis ordinarentur in genere Murænæ; a quo præcipue differunt, quod spiraculum habeant solitarium sub collo situm.

Maria incolit Indica? species quam depinximus, crescitque in magni­tudinem veluti anguillæ vulgaris.

The genus Synbranchus, instituted by Dr. Bloch, consists of species which, in the Linnæan arrangement, might be not improperly placed in the genus Muræna; differing chiefly in the circumstance of having a single spiracle beneath the neck. The species here repre­sented grows to the size of the common eel, and is a native of the Indian? seas.

Americam australem incolit rarissimus hic papilio, in elegantissimo opere Domini Drury primum fortasse depictus. Magnitudine vera in tabula annexa exprimitur.

This extremely rare Butterfly is a native of South America, and seems to have been first figured in the elegant work of Mr. Drury. The plate represents it in its natural size.

Avem grandem et magnificam depinximus in America Australi calidiori generatam, locorum, ut plurimum, paludosorum incolam, variorum reptilium prædatricem. Præcipue eam insignit cornu quasi callosum et acumi­natum, e fronte assurgens in altitudinem trium seu quatuor unciarum. Alta est ipsa avis circiter quatuor pedes. E rarioribus est quæ Grallæ nominantur, nec sæpe in Europam invehitur. Vocem emittere dicitur raucam et clamosam.

The large and stately bird here represented is a native of the hotter parts of South America, residing in marshy places, and feeding principally on various kinds of reptiles: its most striking external character is the upright callous process or pointed horn on the top of the head, which rises to the v height of three or four inches. The general height of the bird is about four feet. It is one of the rarest of the Grallæ, and is but seldom imported into the European continent. Its voice is said to resemble a harsh scream.

Americam Australem, præcipue Surinamiam incolit Sphinx Annonæ. Memoravit et depinxit hanc speciem celeberrima Domina Merian: larva Annonæ squamosæ folia depascitur.

The present species is a native of South America, and particularly of Surinam. It is described and figured by the celebrated Madam Merian. The Caterpillar feeds on the leaves of the Annona Squamosa.

Cochleam hanc rarissimam, cujus vera magni­tudo in tabula exprimitur, descripsit celeberrimus Born, in opere quod conscripsit de Testaceis Musei Vindobonensis. Habitu generali quam proxime affinis v videtur generibus Helicis et Turbinis; illi nempe facie similis; huic forma et apertura oris. Ab utrisque tamen in hoc differt, quod spiræ minime connectantur. De patria ambigitur.

The very rare shell exhibited in its natural size on the present plate is described and figured by Baron Born in his work on the Testacea of the Imperial Museum at Vienna. In its general appearance it makes an extremely near approach to the genera of Helix and Turbo; agreeing most in habit with the former, and in the shape of its mouth or opening with the latter; but differs from both in the produced and unconnected disposition of its spires. Its native country is unknown.

Avis pulcherrimæ in America australi generatæ veram magni­tudinem ostendit tabula. A mari differt femina coloribus longe obscurioribus, et capite nulla crista insignito.

This beautiful bird is a native of South America, and is repre­sented on the plate in its natural size: the female differs in being far less brilliant in colour, as well as in wanting the crest on the head.

Perpusilli hujus Lemuris imago, juxta veram magni­tudinem depingitur. Quod ut fieret, pulchrum specimen, communicavit nobiscum Dominus Lathamus, ob amplam rerum naturalium supellectilem merito insignis. De historia et modo vivendi nihil compertum est.

The very small Lemur here represented in its natural size is accurately copied from an elegant specimen in the possession of Mr. Latham, well known for his ample assortment of the curiosities of Nature. Mr. Latham received the specimen unaccompanied by any particulars relative to its history or manners.

Genus quod Serpula dicitur incolunt animalia a reliquis testaceis longe diversa, et quibus nonnulla esse videtur affinitas cum Aphroditis et Nereidibus apud Mollusca; et Scolopendris apud Insecta. Plurimorum tamen manca et incerta est notitia; nec adhuc descripsit aliquis incolam speciei de qua jam loquimur. Ipsius testæ mira omnino est conformatio. Tubus nempe e quo constat, quique in diversis speciminibus varias subit coloris et inflexionis vices, insignitur per totam longi­tudinem rima seu fissura, quas continuam exhibet parvorum et oblongorum fora­minum. E maribus extrahitur Indicis Serpula anguina.

The genus Serpula is inhabited by a very different race of animals from the rest of the testaceous tribe, and which seem to bear some analogy to the Amphitritæ and Nereides among the Mollusca, and to the Scolopendræ among Insects. Few however of the inhabitants of the Serpulæ are very distinctly known, and among others that of the present species still remains undescribed. The structure of the shell itself is highly singular; the tube of which it consists, and which in different specimens v exhibits considerable diversities of flexure and colour, being marked throughout its whole length by a fissure formed of a continued series of oblong perforations. It is a native of the Indian seas.

Magnitudine vera in tabula exprimitur Papilio Antimachus, in Sierra Leona præcipue conspectus, & in elegantissimo opere Domini Drury primum fortasse depictus.

The Papilio Antimachus is chiefly observed in Sierra Leona, and is repre­sented on the plate in its natural size. It seems to have been first figured in the elegant work of Mr. Drury.

E rarissimis est avium Britannicarum Otis Tetrax. Pulchrum tamen specimen non ita pridem scloppeto in Anglia confectum communicavit Dominus Thompsonus, avium, quas jactat Museum Britannicum et Leverianum, exsiccator ingeniosus. Magnitudo est quasi Fulicæ Porphy­rionis Linnæi.

The Otis Tetrax, or Little Bustard, may be numbered among the rarest of the British birds. The elegant specimen repre­sented on the present plate, and which was lately shot in our own country, was communicated by Mr. Thompson, preparer of birds, &c. to the British and Leverian Museums.

Americam Australem incolit Papilio Cyparissias, cujus veram magni­tudinem ostendit tabula.

The Papilio Cyparissias is a native of South America, and is repre­sented on the plate in its natural size.

A Serpula anguina, quam nuperrime depinximus, in eo differt Serpula muricata, quod tota superficies tuberculis brevibus acuminatis sit exasperata. Ad cætera, eadem fere est generalis similitudo, quæque in longi­tudinem ducitur fissura, e foraminibus ovatis conflata. In iisdem generatur maribus quibus Serpula anguina. Veram magni­tudinem cernere est in tabula.

This shell, in its general shape, as well as in the longi­tudinal figure, composed of oval perforations, agrees with the Serpula anguina, repre­sented in the preceding number of the present work; but differs in being strongly roughened or muricated with short, pointed protuber­ances. It is a native of the same seas with the Serpula anguina, and is repre­sented in its natural size.

In India præcipue conspicitur Helix ampullacea, loca, ut plurimum, paludosa amans. Magnitudine vera in tabula exprimitur.

The Helix ampullacea is a native of India, and is said principally to be found in marshy situations: it is repre­sented in its natural size on the annexed plate.

Paradiseam Parkinsonianam novæ Hollandiæ incolam insignit peculiaris quidam habitus et aspectus; nullus autem colorum splendor. Sordide infuscatur, interspersa hinc inde leviore albedinis mistura. Crura pedesque maxima et validissima. Insolitum et rarissimum est, a pennarum caudæ longissimarum latere latiori abscissa videri quasi multa fragmenta; quod si penitius inspi­ciatur, monstrabitur oriri a fibris hac in parte tenuissimis, et adeo delicatulis, ut falsam vacui spatii imaginem præ se ferant. Cedit paululum magni­tudine hæc species phasiano communi, v longa ab apice rostri ad extremitates pennarum, quas supra memoravimus, quatuor fere pedes.

De hac avi notandum est quod primo mane canere incipit, (vocem enim emittere dicitur suaviter canoram,) ascensoque gradatim rupestri quodam et eminenti loco, phasianorum nonnullorum more terram scalpit, caudam simul erigens, et certis intervallis aves omnes quas circum undique cantantes audiverit, imitatur; hoc modo se exercens per spatium quasi horarum duarum; quando in valles agrosque iterum descendit.

Elegantissimam hujus avis iconem nuperrime publi­cavit Dominus Viellot, in splendido suo opere de Paradiseis, &c. Avem nominavit ille Paradiseam Parkinson. A filio nempe Domini Parkinsoni, quem penes est Museum Leverianum, figuram archetypam manu ingeniosi Domini Sydenhami Edwardi effictam receperat. Juxta illam effigiem fideliter delineata est hæc nostra similitudo.

This highly singular bird is a native of Australasia or New Holland, and is more remarkable for the peculiarity of its aspect than for any beauty of colour, the general cast being a dusky brown, with v a few paler variegations. The legs and feet in this species are uncommonly large and strong, and the two principal or longest tail-feathers exhibit a very unusual appearance, seeming as if notched into several segments or divisions on the wider part of the web; which appearance, when accurately surveyed, is found to be merely owing to the extreme delicacy of the fibres, which is so great as to cause a deceptive trans­parency in that part of the feather. The size of this species is nearly equal to that of a common pheasant, and the length, from the tip of the beak to the ends of the long tail-feathers above-mentioned is nearly four feet.

The manners of this bird are singular. At the early part of the morning it begins singing, having (as is reported,) a very fine natural note; and, gradually ascending some rocky eminence, scratches up the ground in the manner of some of the Pheasant tribe, elevating its tail, and at intervals imitating the notes of every other bird within hearing; and after having continued this exercise for about two hours, again descends into the vallies or lower grounds.

A very beautiful figure of this bird has been lately published by Mons. Viellot, in his splendid work on the Paradiseæ, &c. under the name of Le Parkinson, in honour of John Parkinson, esq. of the Leverian Museum, through whose means Mons. Viellot received a most elegant drawing of the bird, by the r accurate hand of that ingenious artist Mr. Sydenham Edwards. From the above figure the present representation is faithfully copied.

Si quid ab externa facie colligendum sit, e Sphingum familia esse dicamus larvam quam depinximus, notabilem admodum cauda seu extremo corporis articulo, capiti feroci simillimo, cui os latum, oculi nigri, magni, et minaces, benigne forsan a natura dato ad absterrendos hostes. Cum hujusce nec non aliorum plurimorum animalium Australiacorum manca adhuc nec satis explorata sit historia, nihil pro certo affirmare ausim nisi quod habitu seu forma generali larvæ Sphingis populi affinis esse videatur larva Australasiæ. Ostendit tabula naturalem magni­tudinem.

The caterpillar here represented, which, so far as can be judged from its general appearance, is the larva of some species of Sphinx, is remarkable for the singular appear­ance of the tail or terminal joint of the body, which is so formed as to bear a striking resemblance to a formidable head, with wide mouth, and black prominent eyes. This particularity is perhaps a provision of Nature for the security of the insect against some of its enemies, which may thus be deterred from attacking it during its larva state. Its particular history, however, like that of many other Australasian animals, is as yet unknown, and it can only be added, that in its general habit it is allied to the larva of the Sphinx Populi. It is repre­sented on the plate in its natural size.

De animali Nautilum Pompilium incolente, ad hoc usque tempus magna ex parte parum cognito et explorato, scripsit tandem ingeniosus Dionysius Montfortus, addita icone satis accurata: unde constat affinitatem quandam esse ei cum genere Sepiæ. Carens brachiis longis, eorum loco serie multiplici tentaculorum latorum apicibus palmatis os radiorum more circum­euntium instruitur; nec non cucullo, seu velo, quo expanso creditur ad libitum posse navigare.

In prima nostra figura ostenditur animal in testa sedens; in secunda, e testa exemptum, ut probe pateat plena et perfecta corporis conformatio.

The inhabiting animal of the Nautilus Pompilius or Great Pearly Nautilus, hitherto but very obscurely known to naturalists, has at length been described and figured with sufficient accuracy by the ingenious Mons. Denys Montfort. It appears that the animal is in some degree allied to the genus Sepia, but is destitute of long arms or claspers, instead of which it is furnished with several rows of short, broad, subdivided or palmated tentacula, spreading in a radiated direction round the mouth or beak: it is also provided with a concave expansile hood or process, which it is supposed occasionally to extend by way of a sail.

Of the present plates the first represents it seated in its shell; the second as taken out of the shell, in order to exhibit the complete form of the body.

Africæ partes inferiores incolit rarissima hæc Tanagræ species, cujus magni­tudinem veram cernere est in tabula. Primus illam descripsit Dominus Daudin in opere Gallico cui titulus “Annales du Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle.”

The very rare species here exhibited is an inhabitant of the lower parts of Africa, and is repre­sented on the plate in its natural size. It was first described by Mons. Daudin in the French publication entitled Annales du Museum National d’Histoire Naturelle.

In America Australi reperta sedem sibi jure vindicat hæc Phalæna inter rarissimas sui generis. Magnitudinem naturalem ostendit tabula.

This species, which may be justly considered as one of the rarest of its tribe, is a native of South America, and is repre­sented on the plate in its natural size.

In maribus Indicis præcipue conspicitur elegantissima hæc cochlea, coloribus interdum varians: in opere Bornii exhibetur pulchrum specimen in tabula depictum.

This highly elegant shell is principally found in the Indian seas: the beautiful specimen here repre­sented is figured in Baron Born’s work, entitled Testacea Musei Cæsarei Vindobonensis.

In mari Mediterraneo generatur Centriscus Scolopax. Crescere solet in longi­tudinem quinque vel sex unciarum, vermesque et insecta minora marina prædari.

The scaly Centriscus or Bellows-Fish is a native of the Mediterranean sea, and grows to the length of five or six inches: it feeds on worms, and the smaller kind of marine insects.

Inter aves quas plurimas alit insula Cerne haud facile elegantiorem reperies Turdo lunulato, cui pennæ fere omnes nigerrimæ margine luteo seu velut aureo decoratæ: magni­tudinem veram ostendit tabula.

Among the most elegant of the Madagascar birds may be numbered the species of Thrush exhibited on the present plate: the general colour is a deep velvet black, almost all the feathers being edged with bright yellow or gold-colour. The figure represents it in its natural size.

Maria Indica et Americana incolit Gymnotus rostratus, longi­tudine duos fere pedes æquans: color ejus rufo-flavet, maculis parvis fuscis variatus.

The Gymnotus rostratus is an inhabitant of the Indian and American seas, and is nearly two feet in length: its usual colour is a pale rufous yellow, variegated with small brown spots.

Indiam incolit rarissimus hic Papilio, et magni­tudine vera in tabula depingitur.

This very rare Butterfly is a native of India, and is repre­sented on the plate in its natural size.

Hujus speciei descriptionem a celeberrimo Sebæ thesauro in opus nostrum transferre non dubitavimus. “Cancer Uka una Brasiliæ incolis sic vocatur, quia in paludibus et rivis vivit. Corpus ejus breve est, oblongo-latum, scutiforme, saturate flavescens. Pes anticus dextri lateris forcipes gerit quam vastissimos; perpusillos contra sinister: ut nimirum horum ope in os queat ingeri, quod majoribus illis arreptum est; siquidem hi adeo intorqueri nequeant. Pateat ergo rursus supremi conditoris sapientia creatis singulis quam benignissime prospiciens. Supra os binas cernuntur vaginulas longiusculæ, in quibus globuli, tanquam capitula acicularum, hærent, oculorum munere fungentes, qui hinc ad utrumque latus longum emitti possunt et undequaque dispicere, rursumque subito sub testa recondi, si quid occurrat periculi, ne ab allisu lædantur. Octo reliqui pedes e tribus singuli constant articulis, computatis simul unguibus; primoresque articuli tantum pilosi sunt. Cauda perparva est et angusta. Subtus dilute cinerea regnat flavedo.”

This species is taken from the work of Seba, who informs us that it is called by the Brasilians by the name of Uka una, from its frequenting marshes and rivulets. Its general colour is deep yellow on the upper parts, and pale greyish yellow beneath: it is chiefly remarkable for the very large size of its right claw which is calculated for seizing its prey, while the left, which is small and slender, is formed for conveying the food to its mouth: the eyes are small, and situated on long, moveable footstalks, and are capable of being occasionally retracted under the shell, the tail is very small and slender.