132 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



considerably more than twice the length of the long diameter of the 

 skull. Internal condyle of femur extended as a blunt process nearly 

 across the very deep popliteal fossa. Fibula complete; condyles of 

 tibiotarsus prominently produced posteriorly. Hypotarsus of tarso- 

 metatarsus in one solid distinct process which is once perforated 

 for tendons. On the anterior aspect of the shaft of this bone, just 

 below its summit, the inner half develops a narrow arched span of 

 bone for the confinement of the tendons. The tubercle for the 

 tibialis anticus is in the middle of the shaft. The tarsometatarsus 

 measures only two thirds as much as the long diameter of the skull. 

 Outer toe of the foot reversible, and its first three joints much 

 abbreviated. There is also great shortening of the basal joint of 

 the second toe, and the prebasal joint of the third. 



Cathartoidea 



4 Cathartidae. Vulturine birds, which have very large, subellip- 

 tical narial apertures in the osseous upper beak ; septum narium 

 entirely absent ; lamelliform, nonspongy, subvertical portions of 

 maxillopalatines well separated from each other in median line, 

 but joined above by a transverse bar. Mesethmoid considerably in 

 advance of pars plana anteriorly. Upper part of a lacrymal more 

 or less surrounded internally by nasal and frontal bone, and is 

 without projecting processes. Nasals separated mesially. Vomer 

 absent (?). Basipterygoid processes present and more or less 

 functional. Mandible without ramal vacuity in the adult, and 

 posterior ends entirely without processes. 



Upper free end of clavicle very much enlarged, somewhat trans- 

 versely compressed, and extensive pneumatic fossa upon its external 

 aspect. Coracoids do not decussate in coracoidal grooves of ster- 

 num, and the scapular process of either one of these bones is not 

 produced beyond the scapula. Sternum large with its manubrium 

 quite rudimentary, its xiphoidal extremity with two notches upon 

 either side of the deep keel, which by more or less extensive ossifica- 

 tion may be converted into four or less fenestrae, or be partially so 

 converted. Midepipleural appendages of dorsal ribs may develop 

 a conspicuous descending process. 



Pelvis has its postpubic element entire ; with a deep rounded notch 

 occupying the posterior ilioischial border ; and with regularly ar- 

 ranged parial interdiapophysial foramina through the posterior part 

 of the sacrum. A claw on the pollex digit in the pectoral limb. 



