8o The Bird 



the body of the chicken, and is very different from our 

 own breast-bone, which is long and narrow. The pos- 

 terior edge of the sternum is of many shapes, varying in 

 birds of different species. Deep channels may extend 

 into each side, leaving long slender splinters or spines 



Fig. 57. — Ribs and sternum of Flamingo; notice what a complex box of bone 

 is formed by the vertebrae, scapula, ribs with their uncinate processes, and 

 the sternum; notice large keel for the attachment of flight-muscles, 



of projecting bone, or this channel may be partly closed, 

 forming a round hole quite through the bone. The 

 sternum and its various processes are of considerable 

 value in classification, the same configuration being found 

 throughout allied groups, in consequence, doubtless, of 

 the slight chance of modification resulting directly from 

 any specialized habits in the life of the bird. The portion 



