240 



1283. The skull and feet of a Coot (Fulica atra). Purchased. 



Genus GaUinula. 



1284. The skeleton of the Gallinule orWater-Hen (GaUinula chloropus). 



The lobated membranes have been left upon the toes. The large procnemial process of 

 the tibia also indicates the diving power of this bird. The sternum is narrow, and deeply 

 notched behind, but the keel is deep. There are 21 vertebrae between the skull and sacrum, 

 of which the last eight support ribs : the first pair of ribs are rudimentary ; the succeeding 

 seven pairs are articulated by progressively increasing haemapophyses with the sternum ; the 

 last or ninth pair of ribs are attached to the sacrum, but neither this nor the preceding pair 

 reach the sternum. There are 8 caudal vertebrae. 



Mus. Brookes. 



1285. The dried head of the Gallinule (Gallinula chloropus). 



Presented by W. Bullock, Esq. 



Genus Rallus. 



1286. The dried head of the Black Rail (Rallus niger). 



Hab. The Cape of Good Hope. 



Presented by W. Bullock, Esq. 



Genus Palamedea. ' 



1287. The radius, ulna, carpus, metacarpus and phalanges of the right wing, show- 

 ing its strong spurs, of the American Horned Screamer (Palamedea cornutd). 



Mus. Brit. 



Genus Parra. 



1288. The skeleton of the Long-toed Coot (Parra Jacana). 



There are 1 9 vertebrae between the skull and sacrum, of which the last four support ribs, 

 reaching the sternum by their bony haemapophyses. The antecedent probably false ribs are 

 missing in this skeleton ; the last pair of ribs is attached to the sacrum, but does not reach 

 the sternum. There are 7 caudal vertebrae. The depth of the keel of the sternum is twice 

 the breadth of that bone, the body of which presents two deep and wide posterior notches. 

 The toes are remarkable for their length and slenderness. 



This species inhabits the marshes of South America, and walks with facility on the float- 

 ing leaves of aquatic plants, by means of its long toes. 



Mus. South. 



