by William Swainson

“ The analagous resemblances between the species and groups of one region, and those by which they are represented in another, are among the most curious and remarkable facts in Natural History: whether we look to them as proofs of a Divine plan, vast in its extent, and wonderful in its details, or as exemplifying that system of symbolical relationship by which every part of the animated world is mutually connected. Both appear intended for one great purpose, the partial initiation of man into earthly mysteries, that he may have greater faith in those which regard his eternal welfare. ”

“ The Robin, spread over the whole of Europe, is represented in temperate America by the Blue Bird of Wilson (Sialia Wilsonii, Sw.) . Neither of these are found in New Holland, but the bird before us may be considered their representative. Lewin, who wrote upon the spot, observes that although in some respects solitary, it frequents the abodes of man in winter, like the Robin; which it further resembles in its note. Our European bird is intimately connected with the Stonechats (Saxicolæ) .—The remark of another eye witness, proves the Australian species to have the same relation. ”

“ The bristles of the Muscicapæ (f. 1, 2) , are always rigid and directed forwards: while those of the Saxicolæ, although sometimes remarkably long, are generally weak, and diverge in different directions. Thus much may be stated on the chief peculiarities of the groups in question: they may for the present be termed analogies, but there are considerations which induce us to suspect they are more intimately connected by affinity than is generally supposed. ”