576 



TOOTHED AND LIZARD-TAILED BIRDS. 



directed backwards. In the absence of hook-like (uncinate) processes to the ribs, 

 Archceopteryx would appear to be more specialised than ordinary birds, seeing that 

 these elements exist in many reptiles; while in the possession of a perfectly 

 formed cannon-bone, it would appear to be on a higher level than the penguins. 



Finally, it will not fail to be noticed that although some of these toothed birds 

 exhibit certain specialised features suggesting that they are not the direct ancestors 

 of modern birds, yet that, on the whole, they afford a most valuable contribution 

 in favour of the doctrine of evolution, approximating more and more, as we descend 

 in the geological scale, to reptiles, from which it may be confidently stated the 

 Avian class has originated. 



SKELETON OF LIZARD-TAILED BIRD. 



