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Show 442 MESSRS. SCLATER A N D SALVIN [June 25, because it belongs to his supposed Bornean species. He says " It was purchased from a dealer and has been marked 'R. sondaicus, Cuv., Java,' by some previous possessor. The habitat may depend on the person having decided it to be R. sondaicus." " H e that is giddy thinks the world turns round." In the same spirit the person who has now decided it to be B. nasalis has given it the habitat of Borneo, that being boldly and unqualifiedly given as the habitat of the species in the diagnosis. This is no doubt ingenious, but it is not logical. Were we to act on this principle, natural history must be removed altogether from the category of sciences of fact, and removed into those of conjecture and imagination. In estimating the import of the foregoing facts I would only add that, seeing that the conclusions to which I demur rest so absolutely and entirely on the opinion and inquiries of one individual, the bent and tone of that individual's mind must form fair elements to be taken into account in arriving at a decision. If, for example, the individual belonged to that section of naturalists who are more disposed to diminish than increase the number of species, then his opinion in favour of an additional species would of course have more weight. But if, as I imagine m y excellent friend Dr. Gray will not dispute, his mind rather belongs to that class whose discrimination of differences is keener than their perception of resemblances, then greater caution ought to be exercised in accepting his conclusions. So dealing with the present question, I think it rests exactly as it did before Dr. Gray touched it. The Rhinoceros may be a native of Borneo ; but as yet we have not the slightest evidence of it; while the fact of its presence never having been authenticated, although well-known to be disputed, is in itself a strong presumption to the contrary. 4. Synopsis of the American Rails (Ralliclce). By P. L. S C L A T E R , M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S., and O S B E R T SALVIN, M.A., F.L.S., &c. (Plate XXXV.) The Rallidce, when restricted to the genera Rallus, Crex, Gallinula, Fulica, and their immediate allies, constitute a very natural family of birds allied to the Cranes (Gruidee) and to their somewhat abnormal relatives the genera Eurypyga, Psophia, and Aramus, and form part of Prof. Huxley's group Geranomorphce*. To these, however, we must add the genus Heliornis, which, according to the best authorities, both on anatomical and pterylographical grounds belongs here. The American Rallidce, which are alone considered in this com- * See P. Z. S. 1867, p. 457. |
