582 



MR. P. L. SCLATER ON THE CAPRIMULGID.E. [Dec. 13, 



I have been able lately to make a more accurate examination of the 

 structure of the abnormal form Podargus, which has tended very 

 much to strengthen my views as to the necessity of referring this 

 bird and its allies to a different family from the typical Caprimul- 

 gidce. A specimen of a bird of this genus (probably Podargus 

 cuvieri, Vig. & Horsf.), which died in the Society's Gardens a short 

 time since, and was examined by Dr. Murie and myself, presented 

 the following appearances : — 



No external opening to the oil-gland could be found, nor any 

 traces of this organ, on dissection. 



Two large powder-down patches were discovered, placed on each 

 side of the rump. Each patch consists of about forty feathers, 



Fig. 1. 



Powder-down patches of Podargus. Nat. size. 



placed in a line extending from above the outer end of the root of 

 the rectrices towards the femur. A few straggling feathers of the 

 same character border the patch externally towards the knee-joint. 



