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



the genus Cycloum ; — it being circular in this^ while it is ob- 

 long in the genus Alcyonidium, 



I have frequently noticed a species of zoophyte lining the 

 interior of old shells of Buccinum undatum, and covering the 

 under surface of stones, which I consider to be identical with 

 this. If a portion of the polypidora of this species, in a living 

 condition, be suddenly plunged into spirits, an instantaneous 

 protrusion of the polypi takes place, having their feelers ar- 

 ranged, as in life, in the form of a graceful bell. In this state 

 they may be kept, for a time, for the purposes of future ex- 

 amination. The cause of this protrusion is readily explained. 

 The polypes being already contracted within their cells, — on 

 the application of the irritating spirit are compelled to start 

 outwards;— the only motion of which they are capable when 

 folded up within these cells*. 



I have, in conclusion, to acknowledge the assistance I re- 

 ceived from the classical attainments of my talented and va- 

 lued friend, G. J. Allman, Esq. of Bandon, in the naming of 

 the genera. 



Ijh— Notes on Birds. By T. C. Eyton, Esq., F.L.S. 

 No. III. 



Merops Melanura, Vig. and Horsf. 

 Tongue long, pointed, but soft at the extremity and without bristles, 

 posteriorly armed with two strong spines on each side, between which 

 there are a few smaller ones. 



(Esophagus small, of nearly uniform diameter; proventriculus 

 large, nearly globular, and slightly contracted at its entrance into 

 the stomach, which is somewhat oval and slightly muscular, with the 

 epithelium hardened. 



The intestinal canal was much damaged, but appeared to be of 

 rather large diameter. I could not perceive any cseca : liver large, 

 bilobed, right lobe nearly twice the size of the left. 



Sternum rather elongated, with a deep keel considerably produced 

 anteriorly, and much rounded on its inferior edge. The posterior 

 margin of the sternum indented on each side with two very deep 

 fissures, the lateral ones deepest, broader posteriorly than anteriorly ; 

 the manubrial process not distinct and prominent, but merged into 

 the keel, which is continued forwards between the coracoids. • 



Os furcatum with the rami much flattened laterally, strong and 

 slightly arched, without any process at the point where it approaches 

 the sternum ; coracoids of moderate length and strength, with a very 

 broad articulation to the sternum. 



Pelvis very broad ; obturator foramen linear, nearly obliterated ; 



* Drawings of these two genera have been forwarded by myself to Dr. 

 Johnston, and will, I suppose, appear in his Supplement. 



