90 PTERYLOGRAPHY. 



siderable extent from the narrow main stem, which consists from the first of two rows of smaller 

 feathers, and takes a more outward direction upon the ventral surface, where it runs along the 

 margin and terminates in the vicinity of the anus. The simple spinal tract is less remarkable ; this 

 precisely resembles that of Prionites, but is somewhat dilated behind the scapulae. The humeral 

 and lumbar tracts are distinct, but narrow, especially the latter. Nineteen remiges ; ten on the 

 hand, the first to the fifth graduated, the fifth the longest, but only slightly exceeding the fourth 

 and sixth. Oil-gland with a conical tip. T. viridis. 



B. Wit It an inner branch at the end of the gular portion of the inferior tract. 



5. Gcdbula. Tracts remarkably narrow, not composed of more than two rows of feathers on 

 any part of the body, otherwise very similar to those of Merops, differing, indeed, chiefly in the 

 above-mentioned inner branch (Plate IV, fig. 7). Pectoral band not dilated, but with a short outer 

 branch at the end of the breast, and a row of feathers issuing from the axilla and running to the 

 hypopterum. Spinal tract simple as far as to between the shoulders (PI. IV, fig. 8), then dividing 

 and enclosing a broad, lanceolate space, which reaches to the caudal pit, but showing no differ- 

 ence in the plumage between the scapular and rump portions. Lumbar tracts weak ; humeral 

 tracts more distinct. Twenty (G. grandis} or twenty-two (G. viridis) remiges, of which ten are on 

 the hand ; the first very short ; the second and third graduated ; the fourth to the sixth the 

 longest, but the last primary but one nearly of the same length. Oil-gland with a conical tip. 

 Tail-feathers sometimes graduated (G. grandis). 



4. 



(Cuculinee veree, NITZSCH.) 



This group, to which I refer the genera Cucuhts, Coccygius^ Saurothera, Crotophaga, Scythrops, 

 Phcenicophanes, Leptosomus, Prodotes (Indicator, AUCTT.), and Trogon, has no definite pterylographic 

 character ; the only character that appears to occur in all of them is the nakedness of the tip of 

 the oil-gland, which is not furnished with a circlet of feathers. Perhaps, however, the want of 

 down among the contour-feathers (although all the spaces are clothed with semiplumes), observed 

 in Cuculus canorus, may be a general charcter of the group. Most of them, indeed, are destitute 

 of the accessory plume on the contour- feathers ; but this is present in Prodotes and Trogon. 

 These genera and Leptosomus, again, have twelve rectrices, and the rest only ten. The genera 

 differ still more in the form of the tracts ; and only the chief typical members of the family, such 

 as Coccygius, Saurothera, Centropus, Scytltrops, and Crotophaga, agree so closely in all their tracts, 

 that they might be regarded as forming one pterylographic group. Accordingly the following 

 arrangement may be established : 



1 Thus written by Nitzsch; Vieillot writes the name Coccyzus (Buaiu.). 



