184 PLATYSTERA. 



bristled, the wings lengthened, and the tail-feathers 

 broad and obtuse; but its two most remarkable 

 characters are as follows : on the upper part of each 

 eyelid is a semicircular, naked, and detached skin; 

 completely analogous to what we see in Perspicilla, 

 its corresponding type in the circle of the water-chats, 

 (FluvicoUncB); while, as if Nature determined that 

 this peculiarity should not disturb the analogy of 

 this group to the typical todies, she has given to 

 this bird the feet of Todus viridis ; the inner toe is 

 connected to the middle as far as the first joint, 

 while the connexion of the outer extends as far as 

 the second joint. The syndactyle structure in both 

 birds is the same, not only in sort, but in degree ; 

 and yet this is accompanied by so many differences 

 in other respects, that no one would ever think of 

 taking this relation for one of absolute affinity; that 

 is, of placing the two birds next to each other. 



