242 



Genus Numenius. 



1293. The skeleton of the European Ibis, or Whaup Curlew (Numenius arcuatus). 



The skull shows shallow depressions for large superorbital glands. The genus is chiefly- 

 remarkable for the great length and slenderness of the beak, which is slightly curved down- 

 wards. There are 21 vertebrae between the skull and sacrum, of which the last seven support 

 ribs : the first pair of ribs are free ; the next six pairs are articulated to the sternum by hsem- 

 apophyses, which increase in length towards the sacrum ; the eighth pair of ribs are attached 

 to the sacrum, and also to the sternum. There are 8 caudal vertebrae. 



Mus. South. 



1294. The skull of the Whimbrel Curlew (Numenius Phceopus). Purchased. 



Genus Ibis. 



1295. The mandibles of the Scarlet Ibis (Ibis ruler). Mus. Brit. 



Genus Machetes. 



1296. The skeleton of the Ruff, or male of the Machetes put/nox. 



There are 21 vertebrae between the skull and sacrum, the last eight of which support ribs : 

 of these the first and second pairs are free ; the rest progressively increase in length, and are 

 articulated by bony hoemapophyses to the sternum ; the last two pairs of ribs are attached to 

 the sacrum, but do not reach the sternum. There are 8 caudal vertebrae. 



Mm. South. 



Genus Limosa. 



1297. The skeleton of the Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa rufa). 



It is remarkable for the extreme elongation and slendemess of the bones of the bill, anrf 

 for the great depth of the keel of the sternum, the body of which is, however, deeply notched 

 posteriorly on either side. There are 20 vertebrae between the skull and sacrum, of which 

 the last eight support ribs : the first two pairs are rudimentary and free ; the six succeeding 

 ones articulate by bony haemapophyses to the sternum ; the ninth pair of ribs are attached 

 to the sacrum, and do not reach the sternum. 



Mm. South. 



1298. The skull of the Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa rufa). Pure/toned. 



