When I characterized this species in the ‘Proceedings of the Zoological Society of London,’ I had only seen a single example; I have since received a second, proving the correctness of my view of its being quite distinct from the _H. pyrrhopygia_, a fact disputed by Mr. Strickland, who had stated it to be his opinion that my figures were referable to one and the same species, but who upon an examination of the specimens themselves acknowledged he was in error. Subfamily ——? Genus CYSTICOLA, _Less._ However numerous birds of this form may be in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Indian Islands, Australia outvies them all in the number of species that frequent its grassy plains. With the exception of Van Diemen’s Land, every colony is inhabited by one or more species performing there precisely similar offices to those executed by the remaining species in the other parts of the world. 194. Cysticola magna, _Gould_ Vol. II. Pl. 41. 195. Cysticola exilis Vol. II. Pl. 42. 196. Cysticola lineocapilla, _Gould_ Vol. II. Pl. 43. 197. Cysticola isura, _Gould_ Vol. II. Pl. 44. 198. Cysticola ruficeps, _Gould_ Vol. II. Pl. 45. Subfamily ——? Genus SERICORNIS, _Gould_. Generic characters. _Bill_ strong, straight, nearly as long as the head, compressed laterally towards and notched at the tip; _nostrils_ basal, lateral, oval, and covered by an operculum; _wings_ moderate, rounded, the first quill very short, the fourth, fifth and sixth nearly equal and the longest; _tail_ moderate and square; _tarsi_ long; hind-toe and claw strong, and nearly equal to the middle toe and claw in length; outer and inner toes equal; _plumage_ soft and silky to the touch. A group of small birds peculiar to Australia, and confined almost exclusively to the southern portion of the country. Their habits lead them to frequent the most retired parts of the forests, damp and secluded places and scrubby gullies where the herbage is thick and dense; but some species are found on the flat islands near the coast, covered with _Salsolæ_ and other shrub-like trees; they usually frequent the ground, over which they pass with celerity, and when their haunts are intruded upon conceal themselves under the fallen or elided herbage. Their flight is peculiar and never protracted, and they all build domed nests like that of the common Wren (_Troglodytes Europæus_). 199. Sericornis citreogularis, _Gould_ Vol. II. Pl. 46. _Muscicapa barbata_, Lath. Gen. Hist. vol. vi. p. 215?