734 



DR. O. FINSCH ON LAMPROLIA VICTORIA. [Nov. 18, 



second, which is shortened and nearly equal to the eighth ; fourth and 

 fifth quills equal and longest, third scarcely shorter ; projecting point 

 of primaries very short ; quills, especially the secondaries, very 

 broad, with rounded tips ; ten primaries and nine secondaries. 



■■> Mmi 



Ptff2. 



Head, wing, and tail of Lamprolia victories. 



Tail (fig. 2) short, broad, and moderately rounded, with twelve 

 feathers, which at the end are broad, rounded, subtruncate, and 

 exhibit a singular concavity. 



Tarsi long, slender, and covered by a single scale in front (cali- 

 gated), with the inner toe shorter than the outer toe, which is united 

 at its base with the middle toe ; the hind toe long, nearly equal to 

 the middle toe, and armed with a strong curved claw. 



I scarcely remember a bird which has puzzled me in respect of its 

 generic position so much as this curious little creature. At first 

 glance it reminds one of a Paradiseine bird by the luxuriance of its 

 coloration and the extraordinary structure of its plumage. The fea- 

 thers on the back show the singular velvet-black observed in the genus 

 Ptilorhis, whereas the shining steel-blue tips of the feathers on the 

 head and neck, in their scale-like appearance, resemble those of Ma- 

 nucodia. Quite singular are the tail-feathers as regards the loose 

 and separated disposition of their radii, and the splendid shining 

 silky white coloration which they show on their basal portions, like 

 the rump and upper tail-coverts. After a careful examination I 

 come to the conclusion that this new form ranges nearest to Pen- 



