206 U. Ss. P. R. R. EXP. AND SURVEYS—ZOOLOGY—GENERAL REPORT. 
below. The peculiar condition of the posterior scutellae in Alaudidae will be found detailed 
hereafter. In none of these deviations from the highest character in the exhibition of lateral 
or posterior scales, however, is there any approach to the peculiarities of the Zracheophones, 
and the first primary is always either short, spurious, or wanting. 
It is unnecessary to follow the bill or the tail through its modifications, as the characters of 
‘both are of secondary importance, and only available for purposes of generic distinction. 
