188 Mr. K. h. Sharpe on the 



covering of the nasal passages remaining membranous in that 

 form." 



In Coracias (PL Vlll. fig. 3) this ossification takes place; but 

 in Atelornis the nasal coverings are not ossified (fig. 4). 



In other respects the crania of the two genera are very similar, 

 though the orbital cavity is larger in Coracias, and the lachrymal 

 bones of a different form, as will be seen from the Plate. 



The next peculiarity in Leptosoma pointed out by Dr. Sclater 

 is the curious axillary plume attached to the base of the body- 

 feathers. In the accompanying Plate are illustrated the body- 

 feathers of all the genera of the Coraciidce ; and it will be seen 

 that in Coracias the axillary plumule is scarcely developed at all, 

 equally in Eurystomus and Brachypteracias, more in Geobiastes, 

 and most in Atelornis and Leptosoma. 



I regret that the rai'ity of Atelornis prevents my destroying 

 a skin for the purpose of more closely examining the ptilosis ; 

 and as the skeleton before mentioned when sent home was already 

 divested of the flesh, there was no opportunity of observing the 

 arrangement of the feathers. Dr. Sclater has pointed out and 

 figured the peculiar sternum of Leptosoma; and subjoined are 

 illustrations of the sterna of Coracias (fig. 11) and Atelornis 

 (fig. 12). 



It will at once be noticed that the general shape of the pos- 

 terior portion of the sternum exhibits the form characteristic of 

 the Picarice; but in Atelornis the posterior fissures are very 

 much deeper than in Coracias. In both genera the episternal 

 process is more developed than in Leptosoma ; and they do not 

 exhibit the " remarkable thickening of the rami of the furcula 

 at their anterior extremities ' to which attention has been drawn 

 by Dr. Sclater in Leptosoma. 



The tongue of Atelornis (fig. 14) is very similar to that of 

 Coracias (fig. 13), and unlike that of Leptosoma, It is thin 

 and horny, and is divided at the tip into distinct lacerations. 

 The greatest dissimilarity between the two genera is, of course, 

 exhibited in the legs, where the immense length of the tarsus 

 in Atelornis (fig. 16) proclaims its different mode of living. For 

 comparison the right leg of Coracias (fig. 15) is also figured. 



I regret that my limited knowledge of osteology does not 



