The species forming this genus, instituted by Curier, are small, oriental, have more or less of scarlet in their plumage, and differ from the true Certhice, inasmuch as their tails are not worn, nor do they creep. It is questionable whether they do not belong to the Necta rinida ; but their position will principally depend upon their habits and the form of their tongue. envier places the genus next to Le Fournier (Mcrops rufus) and under Nectarinia, Fumes-tar (Opetiorhynchos), Temm., Figulus, Spix. Bill shorter than the head, as wide as it is high, compressed laterally, but little curved, entire, pointed ; tongue moderate, straight, worn at the point; wings feeble. (Vieillot.) Type, Me raps refus, OmeL P. fallginosus, Lesson (C. antaretica, Garnot).
"The genus Ternaries," writes M. Lesson, "was established by M. Vieillot for the reception of some small birds of Paraguay, the most celebrated among which have been placed among the Thruahes, the Creepers, the Bee-Eaters, and the Promeropitlx. The most anciently known, the Fournier of Buenos Ayres (Merops swims. GrncL ; Figulus alhogularis, Spix), is often noticed on account of the manner In which it constructs its nest, namely, in the form of an oven (' four'), whence comes its name. On this point we know nothing of the
habits of the Fournier Brun, which lives in South America, and which approaches much in other respects to Jferops rufus, figured by Commerson under the name of //ornere Boaarieneium and of Turdus feral:Aber, and which is said to be an object of veneration at La Plata. As it ought to be, the genus Ferneries should only contain the three species indicated by WAzara, and that which we add under the name of Furnarial fuliginosna " This bird le five inches and a half in length ; the bill is eight liner' long, the tarsi an Inch, and the tail two inc es eight lines. The bill is slightly con-lin-eased, convex above, with tho upper mandible slightly curved, entire, and exceeding the lower ono ; the tail is nearly rectilinear, composed of twelve feathers ; the legs are feathered down to the bind, which are slender, elongated, with largo but little appa rent acutella; the middle too Is longest, the two outside ones