Mr. J. Gould on a new Species of Bower-bird. 73 



efferent apertures of horizontal radial canals. Surface with 

 coarse pores. 



The anastomosing fibres of the skeleton are comparatively 

 thin and form a loose web. 



This genus, hitherto known only in the Upper Jura, is 

 readily distinguished from Peronella by the well-developed 

 system of horizontal canals. 



1. Scyphia Bronni, Miinst. Goldf. Taf. xxxiii. fig. 9 ; 

 Quenst. Petr. Taf. cxxiv. fig. 1-15. 



Siphonocalia elegans, From, (nee Goldf.) Intr. pi. i. fig. 7. 

 Pareudea gracilis, Etal. Leth. Bruntr. pi. lviii. fig. 30. 



2. Scyphia intermedia, Miinst. Goldf. Taf. xxxiv. fig. 1 ; 

 Quenst. Petr. Taf. exxv. figs. 55-58. 



3. Scyphia jperplexa, Quenst. ib. Taf. exxv. figs. 56-63. 



[To be continued.] 



VII. — Observations on the Chlamydoderae or Bower-birds, 

 with Desertion of a new Species. By John Gould, 

 F.R.S. 



The Bower-birds are so named from their extraordinary habit 

 of building " playing-places " or " halls of assembly," placed 

 on a thick platform of sand, turf, &c, variously decorated 

 with shells, bleached bones, or any glittering substance which 

 may be at hand. The Bower-birds are naturally shy in dis- 

 position, and consequently seldom seen in the forest unless 

 closely looked for. In affinity they are generally supposed 

 to be allied to the " Birds of Paradise," an opinion with 

 which I am inclined to agree. Beside's these extraordi- 

 nary feats of building " playing-places," constructed of fine 

 branches of trees, where the birds meet to have their gam- 

 bols, most of them are also distinguished by peculiarities in 

 their plumage. Many of the species have a decorative patch 

 at the nape of the neck of an extremely beautiful lilac ; others 

 have no such decoration. One pleasing feature belongs to 

 the members of this group : it is that they appear to become 

 easily domesticated, bearing captivity well ; and if one or 

 more are placed in an aviary, and materials be thrown about, 

 they commence building their curious bower, and play and 

 coquet in the most pleasing manner : this was the case with 

 the Bower-birds at different times in the Zoological Gardens. 

 It must not be supposed that these structures on the ground 

 are for the purpose of breeding : the little known on this sub- 



