289 



down. UN surangular \ua a (null rlli|iUeal perforation, and a unall fimare is U-A between 

 thi* bone, the angular, and the drntary piece* of the lower jaw. The sternum is very nar- 

 row, with a posterior median notch and two lateral long fissures : the keel is very feebly 

 developed and with a bifid apex, front which two obtuse ridges diverge to the coracoid articu- 

 lations. There is a notch in place of the episternal process. The lower surface of the ster- 

 num presents a ihallow novation on each tide, between the keel and the costal articulations. 

 The humenis equals six dorsal vertrbnr of the same skeleton in length. The antibrachinm 

 is one-fourth shorter than the humerus. The metacarpus supporU the rudiment* of two 

 digits, each provided with two plialanges, one of than being supported by the short anterior 

 anchylosed metacaqial. The femur u one-third longer than the humerus, and the tibia i 

 one-third longer than die femur: both procuemial and ectocuemial processes are welUlru-- 

 loped : the fibular ridge is short but well-marked, terminating abruptly below : there is a 

 bony bridge in the usual place above the trochlea of the tibia. The calcaueal process of thr 

 metatarsus is moderately Urge, but not perforated. There is a small rudimental mrtatamal 

 supporting a hind-toe of two joints : the trochlea for the inner toe does not extend so far 

 down as the outer one : there is perforation in the interspace between this trochlea anil tin- 

 middle one. The ischiuin coalesces in great part of its extent with thr ilium. The ischiatir 

 foramen is circular. The ischium aUo joins the pubis, completing an elongated oval foramen. 



Pnrcka*f<l. 

 Genus Triboityx. 



1281. The skeleton of the Native Hen of Australia (Tribonyx Morticri). 



This bird, in the disproportionate shortness of the wings as compared with the legs, re- 

 sembles, like the preceding bird, the Struthious family ; but it equally belongs, by the length 

 and narrowness of the sternum, by iu two deep posterior notches, and its keel, to the lUil 

 tribe. There are 23 vertebrae between the skull and sacrum, of whkh the last ten support 

 ribs: the first two pain are free; the succeeding eight pairs articulate with the sternum by 

 bony hsemapophyses ; the last (eleventh) pair of ribs are rudimental, and are attached to the 

 sacrum : these do not reach the sternum. There are 7 caudal vertebras. 



M**. Gouhl. 



Genus Ftilica. 



1282. The skeleton of the Coot (Fulica atra). 



There are 22 vertebrae between the skull and sacrum, the last eight of which support ribs , 

 the first pair are free and floating. The succeeding rib* reach the sternum by means of bony 

 haemapophyses : the last or ninth pair of ribs are attached to the sacrum and do not rearh 

 the sternum. There are 7 caudal vertebne. The procneraial and epicnemial ridge* of the 

 tibia are well-developed, and support an elongated patella, in this diving specie* of the Gral- 

 latorial Order. 



Mm* 8o*tk. 



