Dr. J. Murie on the Upupidse. 197 



In all the three above-mentioned species of the genus the 

 scapula more or less agrees, viz. is straightish or very slightly 

 curved. There is no backwardly developed episternal process 

 to the furcula, though a tiny elevation marks the inferior 

 union of the clavicles ; the upper end (so-called prrecoracoid) 

 presents a flattened discoid expansion as in Upupa. The co- 

 racoid is short, with a moderate shaft, its inferior end (epico- 

 racoid) broad and outwardly expanded. At the superior ex- 

 tremity there is a full development of the inner extra process 

 (mesocoracoid of Parker) , and consequently a deep groove be- 

 tween it and the head of the bone ; in Upupa an ossific bridge 

 converts this into a foramen. 



Irrisor erythrorhynchus, $ . 



Humerus. Ulna. Metacarpus. Mid phalanges. Tot. length. 



Wing 1-2 inch, 16 0-75 00 4-15 



Femur. Tibia. Tarso-metatarse. Mid-toe phalanges. Tot. length. 



Leg .... 0-9 inch, 20 0-9 1-15 4-95 



As respects the humerus of /. erythrorhynchus, its inferior 

 internal condylar tuberosity is longer than in Upupa. The 

 ulna and other bones of the wing agree, difference of size being 

 taken into account. 



The tibia, a longer bone with enlarged extremities, is kindred 

 in pattern to that of the Hoopoe. The tubercle below, bony 

 bridge, and fibular projection are all there; but it is distin- 

 guished by a greater prominence of the head, defined pouting 

 tuberosity, and longer knife-like supero-inner ridge — all tan- 

 tamount to increased grooving of the muscular impressions. 



The construction of the tarso-metatarse is of exceeding in- 

 terest ; in it we find a repetition of those characters which dis- 

 tinguish and, indeed, isolate Upupa from other birds. Irrisor, 

 notwithstanding, has points intimating commencement of di- 

 vergence. The calcaneal eminence is pronounced and deeply 

 grooved. There are two foramina at its root ; but the head is 

 wider transversely than in Upupa. The tendinous grooves of 

 the shaft are better marked, and this gives greater angularity 

 to the bone. The knuckles of the inferior end are deeply 



