198 Dr. J. Murie on the Upupidae. 



scooped, and the inner one longer ; and, lastly, the metatarsal 

 ossicle with which the hind toe articulates is lengthened com- 

 pared with Upupa. 



The digits have the ordinary number of phalanges, the 

 distal claw-bearing ones stronger and with greater curvature 

 than in the Hoopoe. 



I have examined the pterylosis, which substantiates 

 Nitzsch's observations. Concerning the toes I find there is 

 adherence of the basal innermost phalanges ; and the bones of 

 same, as in the Hoopoe, have a certain coadaptation of cur- 

 vature fitting the one to the other. 



3. Rhinopomastus, tyc. — In this form, irrespective of color- 

 ation of plumage, I recognize points which seem to substantiate 

 its generic separation from the preceding. Its osteology I shall 

 briefly advert to ; for in most particulars, size excepted, it 

 agrees with Irrisor. 



The wing-bones require no comment. The tibia has shal- 

 lower musculo-tendinous grooves ; is likest therefore Upupa. 

 The tarsal ridges are weaker than in Irrisor ; the inferior 

 articular knuckles and the hind-toe metatarsal ossicle agree. 

 The head of the tarsus is pushed a grade further from Upupa 

 and Irrisor in the minor prominence of the postcalcaneal 

 eminence and shallowness of its sulcus, and in breadth to 

 antero- posterior depth of the head. The following are the 

 absolute lengths of the limb-bones in this specimen: — 



RJmiopomastns cyanomelas, <$ . 



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



Wing 1-0 inch, 1-25 05 04 3-15 



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



Leg ....0-7 inch, 1-2 0-8 075 3-45 



The configuration of the skull has sensibly altered from 

 that of Irrisor, deflexion and tenuity of the praem axillae being 

 marked and simulating what obtains in Drepanus and like 

 genera. This curvature is very apparent in the lower man- 

 dible ; and this bone has its postarticular angle almost vertical. 

 The brain-section of the cranium is full, globose, and without 



