258 WALKING DRONGO. 



observation, imported direct from Senegal, so as to 

 leave no doubt as to the propriety of its entering 

 into our present volume. 



The ornithologist will derive much instruction 

 and interest from possessing this bird, and from 

 comparing it with any one of the true Drongo 

 Shrikes. The bills of both are formed upon the 

 same model ; but this is considerably smaller ; the 

 rictal bristles are proportionably equal, but in this 

 type those which are in front are not directed over 

 the nostrils. The wings of both are of the same 

 general structure, but in this they are considerably 

 shorter, and reach but a little way beyond the base of 

 the tail, while this latter member, although equally 

 long, is considerably rounded. This partial resem- 

 blance between the two genera extends to the feet ; 

 the hind-toe of both are alike, and fully developed ; 

 but in Dicrurus it is as long, while in Melasoma it 

 is much shorter, than the tarsus. In both, again, 

 the outer toe is connected to the middle, as far as 

 the first joint, but in this the two external toes are 

 equal, and the middle one considerably longer than 

 the hinder ; whereas, in Dicrurus the inner toe is 

 shortest, and the middle one nearly equal to the 

 hinder. From this comparison we gather the fact, 

 highly important to our view of the natural arrange- 

 ment of this unique form, that by the length of 

 the foot and the structure of the toes, Melasoma is 

 enabled to walk upon the ground ; a faculty which 

 we know, both from analogy and collateral evidence, 

 is not possessed by the Drongo Shrikes. 



