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. Mr. Caley mentions that he saw "this bird in November" (_our European summer_), "when far distant in the mountains, in the roughest part of the country I had then or since visited." _Linn. Tr. 15. p. 245_. Mr. Caley, moreover, as if perfectly aware of its natural affinities, names it the Australian Redstart. So closely, in short, does this bird resemble our European Stonechat, that but for the recent acquisition of more typical species, we should have had doubts whether to characterize it as a distinct type. Linnæan writers, as might be supposed, have always regarded this as a Flycatcher, but as Mess. Horsfield and Vigors have recently dwelt, at some length, on the propriety of such an arrangement, it may be as well to state the leading differences between the two families. In _Muscicapa atricapilla_, (with which these gentlemen have compared our bird,) the bill (fig. 1, 2), like that of every genuine Flycatcher, is depressed from the base to the tip, while that of _Petroica_ (fig. 5, 6), of the Stonechat (fig. 3, 4), and of all _Saxicolæ_, although depressed at the base, is invariably _compressed_ on the sides. By these characters the former preserve their affinity to the Todies, and the latter to the Thrushes. In the garnature of the rictus there is also an essential difference. 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. To facilitate comparison, our figure is of the natural size, and particular care has been taken in the correct delineation of all the proportions and details. * * * * * * [Illustration: PLOCEUS _Textor_ _Rufous necked Weaver_] PLOCEUS textor. _Rufous-necked Weaver._ ---- Family Fringillidæ? GENERIC CHARACTER.