700 Mr. P. R. Lowe on the 



in the Chatham Island Snipe, in which we have an approach 

 to the Eroliine condition (c/. fig. 3). The same may he said 

 in regard to the Painted Snipe (fig. 1). 



(c) In the Chatham Island Snipe the outer edges of the 

 orbital processes of the lacrymals make an angle with the 

 orbital rims, instead of gradually merging with tliem in a 

 continuous and uninterrupted curve, so characteristic of the 

 typical Scolopacine form. A reference to the figures already 

 indicated should make this point clear. In figures 5-7, for 

 instance, the lacrymals are observed to be very typical ear- 

 shaped processes gradually curving forwards, inwards, and 

 downwards to a pointed extremity, v/hile in fig. 4 the 

 lacrymals of C. pusilla are projected laterally in a more 

 abrupt and conspicuous way. Anteriorly (but this cannot 

 be seen in the figure) the lacrymals of C. pusilla are noted 

 to be Scolopacine in general shape, but they are aberrant in 

 tlieir narrow elongate form and in their more intimate 

 contact with the outer nasal processes. 



In respect of the lacrymals of the Painted Snipe these 

 (in an actual specimen) are seen to come nearer the Vanelline 

 form and shape than to any other form with which I am 

 acquainted. In the true Scolopacine type, as we shall later 

 see, the entire posterior surface of the descending lacrymals 

 fuses with the antorbital plate, this part of the lacrymal 

 almost losing its identity in the process. In Rhynchaa the 

 descending lacrymal is free and independent throughout 

 most of its extent. Its distal extremity merely fuses with 

 the extero-inferior angle of the antorbital plate, and the 

 Avhole lacrymal has, as I have said, very nearly the same form 

 and shape as in Vanellus. Attention is also directed to the 

 sharp outwardly projecting process formed by the orbital 

 portion of the lacrymal in Rhynchaa and its un-Snipe-like 

 appearance. 



{d) If an imaginary line be drawn at right angles to the 

 longitudinal axis of the skulls of the Chatham Island Snipe, 

 Dunlin, and Painted Snipe from the hinder margins of 

 the orbit of either side, we are at once struck Avith the much 



