Dr. J. Murie on the Upupidse. 205 



5. To the Bee-eaters, Kingfishers, Rollers, and Motmots. — 

 Nitzsch's Lipoglossse certainly combines Alcedo with Upupa 

 through pterylosis ; but even in this respect important con- 

 trast obtains. Giving plumage all due importance, the above 

 four groups, though Desmognathous (united maxillo-palatines 

 and slender anteriorly pointed vomer as in Upupa), still exhibit 

 trenchant separation. Their breast-bone is four-notched; and 

 its shoulder-girdle and part of wing-bones manifestly show 

 other morphological changes. The proportional length of 

 limb-segments, difference in construction of the tibia, tarsus, 

 and greater syndactylism, the shape and disposition of the 

 nares, orbital, mandibular, and tongue- bone parts, and a host 

 of such like osteological data are unlike. They usually have 

 twelve rectrices and double carotid arteries, tongue and in- 

 ternal viscera departing in type; and in egg, nidification, 

 habits, food, &c. (and still more so the Rollers and Motmots), 

 they do not coincide sufficiently to award them claim of 

 nearest relationship. I must say, however, that in outline of 

 skull, and particularly disposition of bill and palate, species of 

 Merops and Alcedo offer more than a mere passing likeness. 



Such characters are aberrant lines which approach similarly 

 tangentially specific ones (videttes) of the Hoopoe group with- 

 out closest alliance necessarily supervening. 



6. To the Hornbills. — Lastly, what in exterior appearance 

 can be more opposed to each other than such a great unwieldy 

 horned bird as the Rhinoceros Hornbill {Buceros rhinoceros) 

 and the graceful Hoopoe ? Yet patient inquiry leads apace 

 to trace the steps of graduation. Admitting that exuberance 

 of casque and many other external characteristics of the above- 

 mentioned Hornbill can hardly be reconciled with the idea of 

 family relationship to the Hoopoes and Irrisors it cannot be 

 gainsaid that the Bucerotidse present extremes. When 

 Toccus is reached, size and outward peculiarities dwindle till 

 we have a form in which can be recognized semblance to 

 certain of the Upupidas. There is still a gap ; but the very 

 manifold structural agreements and adaptations thereof to 

 habits &c. are strong evidence of congruity. Reiteration of 

 what has been well told by others is superfluous ; it suffices 



