33 



4. THE FEATHER-ixvACiS OF SPHENURA BROAD- 



BENTT: McCOY. 



PI. IV. 



By Robert Hall, CM.Z.S. 

 (Read April 10, 1911.) 



The genus Sphenura is represented only in South-East 

 Australia and in "South-West Australia, and in each area by 

 two species. It is a disappearing genus. 



The species occupy a similar type of country, and 

 point to an old and closer connection between the two 

 faunas: a land bridge suitably wooded. 



At the present time the genus is placed in the syl- 

 viidre with a heterogeneous collection of genera. To com- 

 pare the pterylosis of these genera would probably throw 

 further light upon their relationship. 



The specimens* under review represent four phases : 



(A) Approximately four days old. 



(B) Seven days later, with the eyes open. 



(C) One of two nearly ready to leave the nest. 



(D) An adult male for comparison of markings. 



Phase A (fig. 1) may be considered as absolutely naked 

 until the third day. If there are any neossoptiles of more 

 than one kind they are vestigial, being represented by 

 rictal bristles, and those probably closely related to filo- 

 plumes- 



In the earliest stage, as well as in the later ones, the 

 only representation is that of prepennae on the defined 

 tracts, the quills, and the bristle type about' the mouth. 

 Preplumulse are absent. 



*Locality, Otway Forest, Victoria, Oct.-Nov., 1910, by the favour of 

 Mr. Geo. Graham. 



