No. 2.] APHRIZA VIRGATA. 317 
presents two large deficiencies, or often one imperfectly divided 
by a backward-extending remnant of the septum springing from 
the mesethmoid (Fig. 3). 
In the Sandpipers (Ac¢z¢7s) the entire anterior wall of the 
brain-case is, mesiad, wonderfully lacking in bony support; on 
the other hand, in the black Oyster-catcher the foramina for the 
first pair, as well as for the optic nerves, are entire and com- 
pletely encircled by bone. All the species that we have thus far 
mentioned in this memoir possess a straight and slender zxzfra- 
orbito maxillary bar of nearly uniform calibre throughout. 
Figure 1 of the plate will show the peculiar orbital processes 
of the guadrates in the Surf-bird, and indeed they are nothing 
less than unusually enlarged, thin, and compressed lamina of 
bone, which in no small degree contribute to the floor of the 
orbit on either side. We also find the two remaining apophyses 
of a quadrate to be more than commonly large and stout, and 
each of these bones has a double mastoidal facet ; two mandib- 
ular facets, the inner one being as good as two in Aphriza, 
though less markedly divided in Turnstones, Oyster-catchers, 
or Sandpipers; and finally, a proportionately large pterygoidal 
facet situated upon the internal aspect of the bone, just above 
mandibular articulation. Few departures are to be detected 
from this almost common pattern of the quadrate among the 
Limicole; where, too, I may add, this bone is always found to 
be perfectly pneumatic, as is the greater share of the skull itself 
among these shore-birds. Still confining ourselves to the lateral 
aspect of the skull, we are to note the long, spicula-form, sphe- 
notic process possessed by Aphriza, and the less conspicuous and 
bifurcated squamosal apophysis ; both of which features are far 
better marked in this species than they are in any of its allies 
now beforeme. Turnstones show quite deeply marked temporal 
foss@ that lack something less than a centimetre of meeting 
posteriorly over the supraoccipital prominence. Hematopus also 
show these, but here they are strictly confined on either side to 
the squamosal region, and do not encroach in the slightest 
degree upon the posterior aspect of the cranium. Charadrius 
likewise faintly displays the same feature, a feature which is 
so prominently seen in any of the skulls of the Lavide and 
their kin. 
Careful search through my material fails to detect the presence 
