GKALL-ffl. 251 



founded with any of the other grallae. In those that fol- 

 low, the points of' v resemblance are so numerous, that it is 

 difficult to select marks for classification, from among the 

 numerous modifications which are exhibited by the same 

 organs. 



CULTRIROSTRES. Bill strong, long pointed, and sharp 

 edged. This form of bill enables the species, according to 

 their size, to seize fish and frogs. The second group, or 

 Presserostres, have bills so feeble, that they are confined 

 in their prey to worms, insects, and the smaller crustaceous 

 animals. 



Margin of the bill serrated. 



151. PIKENICOPTERUS. Flamingo. Bill bent, as if 

 broken. Anterior toes webbed nearly to the extremity. 

 Legs very long. P. ruber. This genus may be consi- 

 dered as the connecting link between the Grallae and Pal- 

 mipedes. 



Margin of the bill plain. 



(a.) A membranaceous space around the nostrils. 



Upper mandible notched at the extremity. 



152. CANCROMA. Boat-bill. Bill gibbous. Nostrils 

 at the base with a produced groove. C. cochlearia. 



Upper mandible destitute of a notch. 



Gape extending so far back as the eyes. 



153. ARDEA. Heron. Nasal groove reaching nearly 

 to the end of the bill. Legs reticulated. 



This genus may admit of a subdivision, even from the 

 structure of the bill, but still more readily by the disposi- 

 tion of the feathers. It is probably in this place of the 

 system, where the genus Microdactylus of GEOFFROY, the 

 Decholophus of ILLIGER, should be placed, represented by 

 the Palamedia cristata of GMELIN. 



