THE TONGUE OF THE PSITTACINE GENUS NESTOR. 115 
In the typical Parrots this unguis of the tongue is broader than 
long, horny in texture, semicylindroid, with its lateral margins extend- 
ing up the sides of the organ and encroaching on the borders of the 
superior surface for a short distance; not imbedded at the sides as is 
anail. Its anterior border is nearly straight. 
In the Trichoglossi this horny plate is also present, and is similarly Page 788. 
constructed; but on the superior surface of the tongue, between the 
lateral edges of the unguis, in the part which in others is covered by 
a smooth longitudinally plicated epithelium, there is an arrangement 
of retroverted papille forming a spinous covering; and their mechanism 
is such that when the tongue is protruded beyond the mouth to grasp 
Fig. 1. Head of Lorius tibialis, showing the bird stretching out its bill for food, 
in which case, the tongue being protruded, the spines covering the superior surface 
of its apex are directed forwards instead of being recurved and inconspicuous, which 
is the case when it is at rest. 
Figs. 2 and 3. Inferior and superior views of the tongue of Nestor hypopolius, 
4 showing the fringe of hairs which springs from the anterior border of the margins, 
, and which extends forwards beyond the tip. 
_ Figs. 4 and 5. Inferior and superior views of the tongue of Stringops habro- 
By ptilus, which is like that of the typical Parrots. 
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