1865.] MR. P. L. SCLATER ON LEPTOSOMA DISCOLOR. 687 
The sternum of Leptosoma, a specimen of which Mr. A. Newton 
has kindly lent me from his extensive collection of these objects, 
does not, I must admit, present us with any very close resemblance 
to that of Coracias. At the same time I do not see that it is in any 
respect more like that of the Cuculide. 
Fig. 6. 
Sternum of Leptosoma. 
The two posterior fissures so characteristic of the greater number 
of forms of the order Picariz are here run together, forming but one 
large opening, the apophysis between them not reaching to the line 
of the posterior margin, and the outer fissures being smaller and not 
so deep as the inner pair. In Coracias and Eurystomus the outer 
fissures are deeper, and the separating apophysis advances quite to the 
posterior margin. There are two other points in which the sternum 
of Leptosoma differs considerably from that of the Coracitde. These 
are (1) the very rudimentary condition of the episternal process 
(e. p., fig. 7), and (2) the remarkable thickening of the rami of the 
furcula at their anterior extremities, and their attachment to the 
front of the coracoid by a massive head. In Coracias and Eury- 
stomus* the episternal apophysis is well-developed and terminates 
in a point, which advances some way forward between the coracoids, 
nor are the rami of the furcula thickened to any noticeable extent 
where they join the coracoids. It may also be noticed that the co- 
racoids of Leptosoma overlap one another a little at their junction 
with the sternum, as is the case with some of the Accipitres. 
The tongue of Leptosoma, of which Mr. Newton has also kindly 
lent me a specimen, is remarkable for its thin horny nature and pel- 
* Cf. Blanchard, Recherches sur les caractéres ostéologiques des oiseaux, Ann. 
d. Se. Nat. ser. 4. Zool. vol. xi. p. 127. 
