550 Mr. G. L. Bates on the Reversed [Ibis, 



wrist joint, and another on the manus noted in one 

 specimen. The overlap of these coverts in No. 5791 was 

 found to be contrary, while in the last specimen examined 

 it is stated to be undoubtedly conforming. 



Though the birds of this group chance to come next after 

 the Kails in this account, the characters of the reversed 

 under coverts are widely different in the two groups. While 

 in the Rails all or the most of these coverts, of both rows, 

 assume the contrary overlap, in the Game-Birds the major 

 coverts all, or in one case nearly all, have the conforming 

 overlap, and there is even a strong tendency to the con- 

 forming overlap in the median coverts, a thing found in 

 no other birds. 



The great variability of the overlap of the median coverts 

 in two of the three species here named is to be accounted 

 for, perhaps, by the small size of these feathers, giving little 

 margin for overlapping and allowing them to conform some- 

 times to the larger major coverts behind them. 



The strong tendency to reduction in size of the median 

 coverts in this group of birds is carried further in that which 

 follows, so that the juxtaposition in this case is natural. 



Corythceola cristata. Five specimens examined, none 

 skinned. 



Major under coverts a complete row, ten on the manus 

 and fourteen on the cubitus ; overlap of all conforming. 



Median under coverts entirely wanting. The presence is 

 noted in three of the specimens of some small feathers or 

 semiplumes, which from their situation were at first thought 

 to be rudimentary median under coverts ; but upon closer 

 examination tliey were found to have aftershafts on the side 

 next the remiges, and hence could not belong to the reversed 

 coverts. 



Turacus persa. Four specimens examined. No. 5555, and 

 three others not skinned. 



Major under coverts a complete row, undoubtedly ten on 

 the manus (the manual remiges number ten only) ; overlap 

 of all conforming. 



