52 Mr. T. C. Eyton's Notes on Birds, 



especially with the genus Grallina of Vieillot, in the compli- 

 cated muscular structure of the inferior larynx. 



The pelvisj as before remarked, is precisely of that form 

 which might be expected to be found in a bird having power- 

 ful legs and a large tail, and therefore presents some similar- 

 ity to the Rasores in this respect, but differs from that order 

 in those portions of it not immediately connected with those 

 parts ; thus the obturator foramen in Menura is large, while 

 in Rasores it is small or altogether obliterated ; the extremity 

 of the OS pubis is turned upward, while in Rasores it is turned 

 downward ; in the former of these particulars it agrees with 

 Insessores and Scansores, but in the latter with most of the 

 Insessores. 



The structure of the sternum agrees with Insessores in 

 having only two fissures on its posterior margin, but differs 

 essentially from any birds I am acquainted with in that order 

 in being much prolonged backwards and rounded between 

 them. The only approach to this structure that I am aware 

 of is among the Psittacidce, some of the Australian Ground- 

 Parrots having nearly the same structure as Pezoporus Jbr- 

 mosus on the posterior margin, with this exception, that fora- 

 mina take the place of fissures*. 



The OS furcatum is slight, and destitute of any terminal pro- 

 cess at its sternal extremity, in which respects it agrees with 

 Scansores. 



The structure of the ribs, in being much broader above the 

 posterior process, coincides both with many Insessores and 

 Scansores ; but this character is most marked in the latter 

 order. 



Such is the mixed and doubtful character which Menura 

 shows, but by far the strongest affinity is shown to Insessores ; 

 in which order this genus may form a family with Pteropto- 

 chos, and perhaps -^ith Alecthelia and Megapodiusf, bearing 

 an affinity to Scansores. Although a full account of the 

 habits of this bird may be shortly expected from the pen of 

 Mr. Gould, I shall here remark, that what has hitherto been 

 considered fabulous, namely, that this bird has the power of 

 song, is far from improbable, considering the structure of its 



* These birds feave also the claws and tarsi considerably lengthened. Some 

 resemblance to the posterior margin of the sternum of Menura is also found 

 among the ScolopacidcB, in the Common Woodcock for instance ; but the 

 remainder of the skeleton is so totally unlike, that I cannot for a moment 

 suppose that any degree of affinity exists. 



t I venture this opinion with very great doubt ; nothing but an anato- 

 mical examination can decide the point ; the habit appears to be different. 

 See Freycinet's Voyage, Zoologie, p. 124. 



