Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 1 (1877).djvu/486

460 finds a place between the Dipper and the Wren! This is, of course, unavoidable in employing Sundevall's method, because, according to his classification, on each side of Melizophilus, and between Cinclus and Troglodytes, numerous genera come in which have no representatives in the British List. The result, how'ever, must seem very unnatural to anyone not acquainted with Sundevall's work.

Again, the Bearded Titmouse is removed from its accustomed proximity to members of the genus Parus, and is placed, not—as might be supposed—near Emberiza, but between Anthus and Accentor, a position as unnatural as that assigned to Melizophilus. Under these circumstances, why the English name "Titmouse" should be retained we are at a loss to know, since if it is not a Parus it is inconsistent to call it a Titmouse. The less objectionable name "Reedling" might be substituted.

To find the Larks separated from the Buntings by such widely different genera as those which include the Crows, Creepers and Swallows, is equally surprising; and to discover the Pigeons in the same order as the Woodpeckers, from which they differ so remarkably both in structure and habits, is no less startling. But for the assignment of these and other positions to which exception might be taken, Mr. Wharton, as we have said, is not responsible. He has taken Professor Sundevall's grouping of the entire class Aves as he has found it, and, arranging the British species in accordance therewith, has only taken upon himself the task of revising the nomenclature.

It must not be supposed, however, that we intend for one moment to disparage the classification of Professor Sundevall, for although we do not agree in all the details, yet, based as it is upon a careful and particular examination and comparison of the external and internal characters of birds, it is in our humble opinion by far the soundest system of any yet propounded. We would merely observe that, in applying it to include only those species which are regarded as British, without at the same time showing, where necessary, the absence of families and genera which form connecting links, is to do, as it were, an injustice to a system intended to apply to the entire class Aves, and not to the birds of any particular country.

In dealing with the nomenclature it is evident that Mr. Wharton has been guided, and very properly so, by the Rules for Zoological