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MR. A. H. GARROD ON THE GENUS NESTOR. [June 18, 



111 the Trichoglossi this horny plate is also present, and is simi- 

 larly constructed ; but on the superior surface of the tongue, between 

 the lateral edges of the unguis, in the part which in others is covered 

 by a smooth longitudinally plicated epithelium, there is an arrange- 

 ment of retroverted papillae forming a spinous covering ; and their 



K ff l 



Fig. 1. Head of Lorius tibialis, showing the bird stretching out its bill for 

 food, in which case, the tongue being protruded, the spines covering the superior 

 surface of its apex are directed forwards instead of being recurved and inconspi- 

 cuous, which is the case when it is at rest. 



Figs. 2 and 3. Inferior and superior views of the tongue of Nestor hypopolius, 

 showing the fringe of hairs which springs from the anterior border of the mar- 

 gins, and which extends forwards beyond the tip. 



Figs. 4 and 5. Inferior and superior views of the tongue of Stringops habro- 

 ptihis, which is like that of the typical Parrots. 



mechanism is such that when the tongue is protruded beyond the 

 mouth to grasp any object, the papillae stand upright or are even 

 directed somewhat forward. 



In Nestor there are no papillae of this description, but the tongue 

 is here, as Dr. Buller says, " soft, rounded on the edges, with a broad 

 central groove," and it is as smooth as in other Parrots. Therefore 



