recently given an additional interest to this group, by publishing an account of the structure of the animal.

African Jacana
Parra Africana.

PARRA Africana.

African Jacana.

Family Rallidæ.
Generic Character.—See Lesson Man. 2. p. 285.

Specific Character.

In Mus. Par. Nostro.

The Jacanas are wading birds, somewhat analagous, both in structure and habits, to the European water-hen; but in their native haunts, from not being disturbed, they are less shy. The number of these birds on the lakes of Brazil, the elegance of their movements, and their fearlessness of man, excite an interest in the traveller who journeys through regions, ornamented alone by Nature.

Most of the Jacanas inhabit South America—a few occur in India; and this, as its name implies, is found in Africa. The typical species have the wings armed with a strong and very acute bony spur; but in P. Africana, this is so small, as not to be perceived when the wing is closed.—Bruce mentions this bird by the name of Meylie, as inhabiting Abyssinia; and Mr. Salt found it at Mozambique. Our specimen was received from Western Africa, by Mr. Ward, Animal Preserver, Broad Street, Golden Square.

The peculiar structure of the feet of these birds is highly singular, but their particular use has not, we believe, been explained. The Jacanas are very light birds; and their long toes, spreading over a wide surface, enable them to walk on the floating leaves of aquatic plants, with as much facility as if they were on land. In such situations their appearance is really delusive; for their pressure being sufficient to sink the supporting leaf just below the surface, the birds actually appear to walk upon the water.

Total length, ab. 10½; bill, 12⁄10; wings, 52⁄10; tarsi, 22⁄10; hind toe and claw, 51⁄10.

African Black Cuckow.
Cuculus nigricans.

CUCULUS nigricans.

African Black Cuckow.

Family Cuculidæ.
Generic Character.—See Lesson. Man. 2. 119.

Specific Character.

The genus Cuculus, even as now restricted, contains a number of species, dispersed over the continents and islands of the Old World. In America they are not known: but the genus Coccyzus, which there represents the group, is one of those few which are common to both hemispheres.

The specific distinctions of birds having a uniform black plumage, is at all times difficult; and more so, when we attempt to identify them with the descriptions of authors. Of the black Cuckows of Africa, our bird comes nearest to the Coucou criard of Levaillant, (Ois. d'Af. pl. 204-5,) but differs in having the bill and feet black instead of yellow: it cannot be the Cuculus Indicus niger of Brisson, as that has the quills, internally, "tout à fait noir:" neither is it the black Indian Cuckow of Edwards, pl. 58, (Cuculus niger Lin.,) whose bill and feet are red. We were inclined to think that the second species of Buffon's Coukeels might be our bird, notwithstanding the difference of their locality; but Commerson's original description decides the question; his words are "Cuculus cristatus mindanensis cœruleo nigricans totus," (Buff. ed. Son. 54. p. 54.) Our bird has no crest. We have here consulted only original writers; for subsequent transcribers have so blended these birds under one name, that it is scarcely possible to disentangle their synonyms. M. Vieillot has increased the confusion, by transposing the specific names of Linnæus: the true C. niger, L. being his Orientalis (En. Meth. Orn. 1331).

Our bird was sent to us for examination by Mr. Ward. It is a genuine Cuckow: the nostrils being round, the third quill longest, and the second shorter than the fourth. It came from Western Africa.

Total length, 12½; bill, 11⁄10; wings, 6¾; tail, 6½.

Blue necked Lory

LORIUS Isidorii.

Blue-necked Lory.

Family Psittacidæ.
Generic Character.—Lesson. Man. 2. 148.

Specific Character.

A splendid specimen of this lovely bird (the only one we believe in this kingdom), came into our possession some years ago through Mr. Warwick, a travelling naturalist of great merit. It was purchased by him, alive, in the Isle of France, where