1848.] 63 



agglomerated granules ; ten of these large masses may be counted upon its sur- 

 face; the general colour of the spleen is brownish-red. The s/owafA measures 

 three and a half inches transversely, by two inches four lines in its small diameter, 

 when moderately distended; the fibres of its muscular coat are seen very distinctly 

 through the peritoneum; it is quite pale externally, and no tubercular deposites 

 are observed upon it; it contains a large quantity of pultaceous matter resem- 

 bling thin gruel mingled with portions of a bright yePovv colour ; the mucous 

 membrane is pale, presenting, however, a slate coloured tinge, which is most 

 marked at its pyloric portion, where it is much softened ; the mucous fol- 

 licles are not apparent. 'I'he large intestine contains a considerable quantity 

 of foecal matter, of a bright orange co/our throughout; the lining membrane is pale; 

 the small intestine measures seven feet, eight and a half inches in length; the 

 large intestine measures ten feet, three and a half inches in extent, exclusive of 

 the cspcnm, which is two and a half inches in length; there is no appendicula 

 vermiformis ; the mucous membrane of the large intestine is much corrugated, 

 but pale and apparently healthy. The mucous follicles are quite distinct when 

 the intestine is held up to the light; there are no valvulsE conniventes in the 

 small intestine, nor are any glands of Peyer to be seen; the solitary glands 

 of the small intestine also, are not apparent; the mucous lining of the small in- 

 testine in quite pa'e throughout, and no tubercles or ulcerations are observed in 

 any part of it, or of tne large intestine; it contains a quantity of brownish looking 

 matter. Tho general api^earance of the large intestine, viewed externally, is pals, 

 with a slight rosy tint, in portions mingled with yellow, the lat'er colour being 

 that of its contents; n> tubercles are observed in the subp ritoneal tissue of 

 either the small or large intestine ; several of the mesenteric glands are enlarged, 

 the largest being six lines in length, by five in breadth. The kidneys, when cut 

 into, present nothing remarkable; no tuber Ics are observed upon their surface; 

 Xhe pancreas is a slender organ, measuring four inches (Fr.) transversely, by half 

 an inch in breadth, of a brownish colour, throughout presenting no tubercles ; 

 bladder pale. 



The Committee on the following communication by Major McCall, 

 reported in favor of publication in the Proceedings. 



Some Notes on Mexican Birds, heretofore not fully described. 

 By George A. McCall, U. S. .\. 

 Orpueus curvirostris,* Swainson. 



Length 10 inches, 5 lines. The bill is curved and rounded on the ridge, the 

 upper mandible slightly projecting; measured on the ridge it is 1 in. 2 1 ; the 

 commissure I in. 5 1. its colour dusky. Irides bright carmine, of conspicuous 

 lustre; indeed, the eye is a striking feature of this bird. Tarsus rather robust, 

 and 1 in. 5 1. in length ; middle toe and nail 1 in. 3 1. 



General colour above, light hair-brown, fading to ash-colour about the head, 

 ■while towards the tail it deepens to chesnut. The feathers of the back are 

 loose-webbed; and all the feathers at base are slate-colour. Chin, throat, breast, 

 belly and vent, whitish; the breast obscurely mottled with light brown. Pri- 



* Called by Mexican peasants " Ouitacoche." 



