Sir W. Jardine’s Ll/ustrations of Ornithology. 175 
basal, linear, pierced in an oval membrane ; wings broad, concave ; 
quills acuminated, second, third, fourth nearly equal; bend of 
the wing with a small tubercle ; tarsi short (the tarsi here are im- 
perfect and cannot be defined) ; feet gressorial ; toes unconnected 
at the base, exterior and interior equal in length; claws slightly 
curved. Type G. strigirostris. 
Zs 
Gnathodon strigirostris, nat. size. 
Gnathodon strigirostris (Plate 1X.).—We are indebted to Lady 
Harvey, whose extensive collection of natural history in Edin- 
burgh is always open when science can be promoted, for a speci- 
men of this very remarkable bird. It was purchased at a sale 
of various Australian productions, and although we cannot fix 
upon the district or locality whence they were obtained, we have 
little doubt of the specimen having come to this country with the 
others. 
The size is about that of the common stock dove. The maxilla, 
strigine-like, hooked and sharp-pointed, has been yellowish 
orange. The nostrils are externally linear, and are pierced in an 
oval membrane ; the mandible is proportionally strong, and at 
the tip is cut imto three distinct angular teeth, orange-yellow, 
red at the base. Space between the nostrils and eyes, and a small 
patch on each side of the throat bare of feathers. The head, neck, 
upper part of the back, breast and belly are black with green re- 
flections, brightest on the upper back and sides of the breast, and 
there having each feather tipped with a broad margin of gray 
conspicuous in some positions, and appearing at times to occupy 
the whole space. The back, rump, wings except the quills, tail 
and under tail-covers rich orange-brown ; quills and secondaries 
grayish black. The tarsi and feet have been pink or scarlet. 
Entire length of the stuffed specimen from 11} to 12 inches; 
bill to gape, 1 ; to forehead, {7 ; of wing to the end of third 
quill, 8. 
The first general appearance of this bird is somewhat dove-like, 
