210 



Order 11. KATIT^. 



The sternum is keelless, and the wings are more or less rudimen- 

 tary. The long axes of the scapula and coracoid arc placed approx- 

 imatelyin the same line, or form a very obtuse angle at their junction, 

 the latter bone being short and broad ; the furcula is incomplete, 

 without median union of the rami. The ischium docs not unite with 

 the hinder part of the ilium ; the preacetabular portion of the ilium 

 is very large, and may exceed the postacetabular moiety in length ; 

 and the two ilia are parallel. The uncinate processes of the ribs 

 are small, rudimentary, or absent, and do not exceed three in num- 

 ber. In the skull the quadrate is overlapped by a descending process 

 of the squamosal ; the proximal articular head of the quadrate is 

 undivided ; and the vomer is broad behind, and interposed between 

 the pterygoids, palatines, and basisphenoidal rostrum. 



Very frequently there is no bony bridge over the extensor groove 

 of the tibio-tarsus ; the fibula always remains free from the latter 

 bone ; and the talon (hypotarsus) of the tarso-metatarsus is simple, 

 usually consisting of two low crests, separated by a wide channel, 

 but in StruiJiio with only one crest. The lateral arches of the cer- 

 vical vertebrae never unite beneath the centrum. 



The species are of purely terrestrial habits, and generally of large 

 size. Teeth are absent; and the centra of the vertebrae saddle- 

 shaped. 



Family STEUTHIONIDiE. 



The beak is short, the humerus long ; there is no hallux, or 

 second digit to the pes, and no extensor bridge to the tibio-tarsus ; 

 and the pubes unite in a ventral symphysis. 



The tarso-metatarsus is very long and slender, grooved anteriorl}^, 

 with only one ridge to the talon, and of the two trochlcaj the fourth 

 is very much smaller than the third. The tibio-tarsus is long and 

 slender, flattened from back to front, with no distinct extensor groove, 

 and its condyles very similar to those of the Casuariidce, but the 

 lateral borders of the posterior trochlear surface more prominent ; 

 its cnemial crest does not extend above the level of the articular 

 surface. The pelvis is sufficiently characterized by its pubic sym- 

 physis. The coracoid has a very large central foutanelle, sug- 



