On the other hand the Ornithological writings of Sonnini, Le Vaillant, Wilson, and Azara, are never failing sources of information to the searcher after truth. The observations of such men, who recorded Nature as she really is, and who cared very little for the fashionable systems of the day, may be for a time neglected: but they must finally assume that importance which is ever attached to unbiassed and disinterested testimony. To this honourable list our own country can furnish other names. The habits and economy of our native birds have been accurately and patiently investigated by those lyncean naturalists, White, Montague, and Selby, while their internal structure is now engaging the attention of Mr. Yarrell, a Gentleman eminently qualified by long study, and matured reflection, for such a task. In Conchology we have been more desirous to illustrate groups, than species; the latter will be done, on a very extensive scale, in the forthcoming work of Mess. Sowerby. From the patient labours, and cautious deductions, of Dr. Horsfield, we expect a more perfect elucidation of the Lepidopterous Insects than has yet, perhaps, been attempted. As this will be the result of careful analysis, we shall place a high degree of confidence in the views it may develope. In conclusion, it may be as well to add, that our views on several of the higher groups, here but slightly noticed, will be more fully explained in another work, now preparing for Publication. _Tittenhanger Green, St. Albans,_ _24th July, 1829._ * * * * * * [Illustration: _Sapphire crowned Parrot_ _fem._] PSITTACULUS vernalis. _Vernal Parrakeet._ ---- Family Psittacidæ.--Vigors. Genus Psittaculus.--(Lesson. Man. 2. p. 148.) ---- SPECIFIC CHARACTER. _Green, with the head more splendid; bill red; rump and upper tail covers scarlet; spot on the throat orange._ Psittacus vernalis. _Sparman Mus. Carl. Pl. 29._ Psittacula vernalis. _Gen. Zool. 14. p. 144._ ---- The Vernal Parrakeet has hitherto remained unfigured, except in the scarce and little known work of Sparman: nor was its native country ascertained, until recent travellers discovered it in the islands of Java and Teinor. This is one of the smallest of parrots, scarcely exceeding five inches in length; the feathers of the head have a silky texture, and their colour, in some lights, is particularly vivid: the tail and the wings are green above, but of a rich deep blue beneath; a character said to be equally conspicuous in P. _galgulus_ L. The spot on the throat, in our specimen, is orange.