1865. | OF THE GENUS NASITERNA. 621 
the anatomy and osteology of this form of Parrot, of which nothing 
has been hitherto recorded. 
The oil-gland in Nasiterna is very distinct, though small ; it is 
feathered at the apex, as is usual in the Psittacide, except in cases 
where it is altogether absent. 
The wings are rather long, reaching to within 0°4 inch of the end 
of the tail, and consist of ten primaries and eight secondaries. The 
three first primaries are nearly equal in length and longest, the 
fourth, fifth, and sixth rapidly decreasing in length. 
The tail is rounded, the lateral rectrices being about 0°3 inch 
shorter than the medial. The three outer are but slightly rigid, 
and only the third from the outside has the spinous apex of the 
rachis slightly projecting. The six middle feathers are more rigid, 
and have the rachis sharply pointed and projecting 0°5 inch beyond 
the barb. 
The nostrils of Nasiterna are placed high in the cere, and form a 
prominent fleshy ring which surrounds the circular aperture. In 
this respect they resemble those of the Platycerci rather than those 
of Cacatua, in which there is no such apparent elevation, and the 
opening is more or less elliptical. 
Of the two medial digits, which are united to the end of the first 
phalanx and placed in front, the third or outer one is the longer. 
Of the two reversed digits, the first and fourth, the latter is the longest 
of all the four digits, the former being the shortest of all the four. 
The tongue is thick and fleshy, as is usual in the Parrots. - It is 
nearly cylindrical in shape, and somewhat truncated at the apex. 
Upon its upper surface there is a rather deep median sulcus running 
from the apex to the base, which I have not observed in other Psit- 
tacide. At the posterior part of the tongue there are indications 
of transverse rugee. The upper portion of the cesophagus measures 
half an inch in length, and terminates in a large and yery distinct 
ovoid crop (0:4 inch in length), having a pouch below the com- 
mencement of the lower cesophagus. The lower cesophagus is nar- 
rower than the upper, measuring 0°5 inch in length to where the 
proventriculus commences. ‘The latter is moderately developed, and 
fully 0°3 inch in length. The gizzard is small and strongly mus- 
cular, nearly round, about 0°3 inch in diameter; the contents were 
only minute fragments of stones and mucous matter. The intestinal 
canal is nearly uniform in diameter throughout, 7°5 inches in length. 
No ceca were discernible, and they are, I believe, always absent in 
Psittacide. 
These particulars were noted upon the specimen preserved in 
spirits. Dr. Murie, who examined the bird set up by Mr. Bartlett, 
kindly gives me the following notes :— 
“ Sex uncertain. 
** Muscles: Pectoralis major.—Very strong and well developed. 
Origin, whole front of sternum, overlapping the outer edge and cla- 
vicular interspace. Insertion, by tendon into forearm. 
‘** Pectoralis minor.—Smaller and narrower. Origin, anterior 
edge of sternum tapering to a point at the clavicle. 
