106 



STRIGID.E. 



broad, and strong, affording a permanent support to tlie 

 shoulders. 



By an extended examination of the different species of 

 Buzzards and Harriers, it Avill be found that the characters 

 described as necessary to produce rapid flight decline gra- 

 dually. The sternum decreases in size, the keel loses part 

 of its depth, the coracoid bones and furcula become more 

 slight ; "while the form of the cranium, the loose ruffled fea- 

 thers of the neck, as well as the softer and more downy 

 texture of the plumage generally, indicate an approach to the 

 family next in succession. 



A representation of the sternum of an Owl will be inserted 

 as a vignette to one of the species, to afford a comparative 

 view of the size and structure of the same part in the diurnal 

 and nocturnal Birds of Prey. 



