1871.] MR. J. H. GURNEY ON ABYSSINIAN BIRDS. 147 



ceedings,' and thus to make this, amongst its kindred, truly gigantic 

 form better known. 



It seems to me very doubtful whether this species ought to be left 

 together in the same genus with Tarda lata and similar forms ; for 

 although the organ for fastening the animal chain does not show 

 any essential difference, still the discrepancy of the complete forms 

 is so great that it seems justifiable to separate them as a peculiar 

 group, for which I propose the name Plagiotania, on account of 

 their peculiar aud enormous development in the transverse direction *. 



2. Remarks on certain Species of Abyssinian Birds. 

 By J. H. Gurney, F.Z.S. 



[Received February 1, 1871.] 



I am desirous of laying before the meeting of the Zoological 

 Society some brief remarks on a few paragraphs contained in Dr. 

 Finsch's admirable paper on Abyssinian birds, read on June 10, 

 1869, aud recently published in the Society's 'Transactions,' vol. vii. 

 p. 197. 



Falco barbarus, Linn. 



As Dr. Finsch does not speak very positively as to his identifi- 

 cation of Mr. Jesse's specimen, I may state that I have recently 

 examined it, and think that there is no doubt as to the correctness 

 of Dr. Finsch's determination of it as a young bird of Falco bar- 

 barus. 



I may add that, for the opportunity of examining this and most 

 of the other specimens referred to in the following notes, I have been 

 indebted to the kindness of Viscount Walden, in whose possession 

 they now are. 



P. 318. Falco sacer. 



Dr. Finsch supposes that "there is some doubt about the deter- 

 mination of this species ;" but having seen Mr. Blanford's specimen, 

 I can state positively that it is an example of Falco sacer, and has 

 therefore been correctly identified. 



P. 205. Nisus badius (Gmel.). 



Dr. Finsch expresses a strong opinion that there is "no diffe- 

 rence between Riippell's Micronisus sphenurus and the Indian M. 

 badius ;" but it is worthy of remark that Mr. Blanford, who has 



* I should not have recognized the worm bv the description without the 

 figures ; for Dr. Murie says, in the description, p. 010, " The larger segments 

 measure fully 1£ inch broad and 1 inch long ; the smaller segments have a 

 diameter of an inch lengthwise and across," which 1 do not understand the 

 greatest length being 3 millims., or one-eighth of an inch. 



