It is seldom that the notes of the feathered race are absolutely disagreeable, but we never remember to have heard a bird with a voice of such astounding discord, as that now before us. Its particular note, if note it could be called, we do not now recollect; but it was so shrill, grating, and monotonous, that we have frequently rushed out of the house, to drive away the babbling disturbers. This happened at the hospitable residence of our friend Mr. Pinches, of Pernambucco, whose house was close to a small swamp, overgrown with reeds, among which these birds delight to dwell; and which in fact, they never quit. Clinging to the smooth stems by their strong feet and acute claws, they were incessantly uttering discord with the most provoking perseverance: all the time moving their body from one side to the other, spreading out their tail, and straining their throats, in the most grotesque way imaginable. On each side of the neck, is a long space of bare skin of a deep yellow colour: they live in pairs, and build a pensile nest among the reeds: their flight is very slow and feeble. * * * * * * [Illustration: MURICINÆ. Pl. 2. _Murex erythrostomus._] MUREX erythrostomus. _Pink-mouthed Murex._ ---- Family Buccinidæ. Sub-family Muricinæ. _Nob._ ---- SPECIFIC CHARACTER. (Type 1.) _Shell spinous: varices between the two lips four; armed with conic, generally pointed spines, the upper and lower of which are vaulted; colour reddish white, articulated with brown: false varices intermediate; aperture rosey: inner lip smooth._ ---- Messrs. Stuchbury obligingly forwarded us fine specimens of this lovely species, for comparison with _M. Regius_ and _Imperialis_. In general habit it has a close affinity to the first, but is distinguished by intermediate false varices, which in that species are wanting; while the upper and lower spines are alone vaulted: from _Imperialis_ our shell is further removed, by the varices being spinous, instead of nodulous; this latter character being seen only in the intermediate protuberances, and in the false varices.