294 THE MYOLOGY OF THE RAVEN. 



and fourth, and fourth and third, and third and second, 

 that the fasciculi may extend so as to include two 

 vertebrae. 



Owen is of the opinion that this series of muscles 

 in the Apteryx are the direct continuation of the 

 obliquo-spinales of the back, in that bird. 



137. The obliquo-transversales are absent in the dorsal 

 region of the back in the Corvidce and our present 

 subject. The Apteryx possesses them, where they 

 " appear to be a continuation of the multifidus spines 

 in the neck" (Owen). 



In the Raven they are best studied as they connect 

 the ultimate cervical vertebrae, say the ninth to the 

 twelfth inclusive. Here we find them passing obliquely 

 between the transverse process of one vertebra to the 

 postzygapophysis of the same side of the vertebra next 

 beyond but one. 



They lie external to the short, straight inter - 

 articulares, being situated more on the sides of the 

 vertebrae, and are best brought into view by dividing 

 the main origin of the longus colli posticus, and care- 

 fully dissecting it away, as we proceed in the direction 

 of the head. 



138. TJie intertransversales are represented by an 

 intimately connected though double series of short, 

 thick muscles, throughout the cervical division of the 



7 O 



column, commencing between the third and fourth 

 vertebrae. 



The stronger set extend between the transverse 

 processes of the contiguous vertebrae, while the lower 

 or anterior set connect the consecutive parapophyses. 



It will be seen upon dissection that this series of 

 muscles also fulfil another function, as they are so 

 arranged that they continue the lateral canals, or rather 



