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



than half, of the hancl^ the contrary one on the proximal 

 half or less. 



Median under coverts present on the cubitus, with one at 

 the carpal joint ; overlap contrary. 



In at least the smaller Kinufishers the reversed under 

 coverts have the appearance, at first sight, of forming one 

 continuous series on the two sections of the wing. That 

 they do not really do so, is proved in the first place, by the 

 extra one always found at the carpal joint, which is 

 the continuation of the cubital series a little way past 

 the end of the manual one, showing the former to be the 

 median coverts; and in the second place, by the rudi- 

 mentai'y major under coverts on the cubitus, sometimes 

 large enough to be evidently the real continuation of the 

 manual series, though sometimes they are mere small down- 

 feathers and sometimes even quite absent. 



Melittophagus mulleri. Three specimens examined, Nos. 

 5523, 5533 & 5766. 



Major under coverts present on the manus, ten in number ; 

 none on the cubitus, not even in a rudimentary condition. 

 Overlap on the proximal portion (half or less) of the hand 

 contrary, on the remainder half or more, conforming. 



Median under coverts present on the cubitus, with one at 

 the carpal joint noted in the last specimen, No. 5766 — not 

 noted in the others ; overlap contrary. 



Melittophagus australis. Two specimens examined, Nos. 

 5562 & 5823. 



Major under coverts present on the manus, none on the 

 cubitus ; but in specimen No. 5823, on one wing only, 

 a single small downy rudimentary feather near the first 

 cubital remex seems to be a remnant of this series on the 

 cubitus. Overlap on the proximal portion of the manus 

 contrary, on the distal portion conforming. 



Median under coverts present on the cubitus, with one at 

 the carpal joint noted in the last specimen — not noted in the 

 other ; overlap contrary. 



