]28 PERDICINiE. 



then arcuato-declinate, the edges sharp and overlapping, the tip 

 rounded but sharp-edged ; the gape-line more or less arched ; 

 the lower mandible narrower, with involute edges, and a 

 slightly convex dorsal outline. Both mandibles are internally 

 concave ; the palate flat ; the tongue short, triangular, flat above, 

 and acute. The pharynx is of moderate width, or rather nar- 

 row. The oesophagus, Plate VI, Fig. 1, is narrow, but opens 

 on the middle of the neck by a small aperture into a very large 

 globular membranous crop, c, d ; the proventriculus bulbiform, 

 and studded w4th ovato -oblong glandules of large size. The 

 stomach, Figs. 8, 4, is a powerful gizzard, roundish, com- 

 pressed, w^ith two strong lateral muscles d^ e^ having radiated, 

 tendons, a lower distinct muscle, g ; and a dense tough, longi- 

 tudinally rugous inner coat. Fig. 4, h. The intestine is of 

 moderate length, of nearly uniform diameter throughout, and 

 having tw^o extremely long, internally ridged, generally cylin- 

 drical coeca. Fig. 2, c, c?, ^, ^, /^, the capacity of which is often 

 equal to that of the intestines. 



The eyes are of moderate size ; the eyelids feathered or bare, 

 their edges crenate. External ear of moderate size, roundish. 

 Nostrils oblong, in a rather broad, feathered membrane, co- 

 vered with a horny operculum, and generally concealed by the 

 feathers. 



The legs are short or of moderate length ; the tarsus with a 

 double row of scutella before, and scutellate or scaly behind, 

 or covered with feathers. Some species have a spur or knob 

 behind, indicating their affinity to the Pavoninae and Gallinas, 

 while those that approach the Grouse have none. Toes rather 

 strong, with numerous scutella above, or feathered ; three be- 

 fore, one behind, first toe very small and elevated, second a 

 little shorter than the fourth, w^hich is much exceeded by the 

 third, the anterior slightly webbed at the base. Claws rather 

 strong, arched, blunt. 



The plumage is generally full, soft and blended, but some- 

 times compact ; the feathers generally ovate, with a long tufty 

 plumule ; those at the base of the bill small and rounded. The 

 wings are short, broad, concave, and rounded or blunt; the 

 primary quills ten, strong, narrow^ed towards the end; the secon- 



