1865.] MR. E. P. RAMSAY ON MIRAFRA HORSFIELDI. 689 
sively to its proper place in the natural series, an examination of the 
soft parts of its structure still remains to be made, which as yet I 
have had no opportunity of doing. But it appears to me that suffi- 
cient is known to show that Leptosoma can no longer be left as a 
genus of the family Cuculide, from which it differs in many im- 
portant points, particularly in the form of the nostrils, in the pre- 
sence of an auxiliary plume on the body-feathers, in having twelve 
tail-feathers, and in the structure of its feet. As far as I can at 
present form an opinion, a more natural situation for Leptosoma 
would be as the type of a separate family in the neighbourhood of 
the Coraciide. The singular structure of the nostrils very much 
resembles that of Zurystomus. Eurystomus also has the auxiliary 
plume, and the same number of tail-feathers—although differing 
from Leptosoma in the form of the sternum and the structure of the 
feet, so that they could hardly be associated together in the same 
family. 
I have as yet had no opportunity of seeing more than a stuffed 
specimen of another singular Madagascar type—the Brachypteracias 
leptosomus ; but I think it very probable, from the superficial exami- 
nation I have made of it, that this, as suggested by Lesson, may be 
the missing link which connects Leptosoma with the Coraciide. 
EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES. 
Fig. 1. Head of Leptosoma, showing the projection of the loral and frontal plumes, 
and the position of the nostrils. 
Fig. 2. Outline of the skull of Leptosoma, showing the position and form of the 
nasal apertures (a) and the ossified covering (4). 
Fig. 3. Lower surface of a feather from the back of a male Leptosoma, with part of 
the inner web removed, so as to show the auxiliary plume more clearly. 
Fig. 4. Lower surface of a feather from the breast of a female. 
Fig. 5. Upper surface of Leptosoma with feathers removed (reduced), showing the 
bifurcation of the spinal tract and the position of the two powder-down 
patches (p, p) and oil-gland (0). 
Figs. 6, 7. Sternum of Leptosoma. 
Fig. 8. Tongue and hyoid bones of Leptosoma. 
6. Note on THE NIDIFICATION OF MIRAFRA HORSFIELDI. 
By E. P. Ramsay, or Dosroypg, N.S.W. 
Not having hitherto met with any description of the nest and 
eggs of Mirafra horsfieldi of this colony, and deeming it a subject 
of regret that the eggs of so common a bird in our neighbourhood 
should remain any longer undescribed, I beg leave to offer a few 
remarks upon the habits and nidification of this Lark. 
Our Mirafra (for, as far as is yet known, we have only one 
species) shows a decided preference for the cultivated parts of the 
country, although it may be found upon the grassy slopes, on the 
borders of creeks, and on the plains in the interior. 
It is very plentiful in the hay-, barley-, and wheat-fields, where it 
may be frequently seen perched upon the top of a sheaf, pecking the 
Proc. Zoox. Soc.—1865, No. XLV. 
