1868.] DR. .1. MURIE ON GEOPSITTACUS OCCIDENTALIS. 



163 



Fig. 5. 



Fig. 4. 



Figs. 4 & 5. Ventral and lateral views of tlie 



Nat. size. 



:terniim of G. occir/enfalis. 



The rostrum projects rather upwards than forwards ; its anterior 

 groove is shallow. 



The coracoids are moderately long and stout, the epicoracoids 

 well-defined. 



The furcula, or conjoined clavicles, is absent. 



The mesoscapular segment is of fair dimensions, and partly con- 

 joined with the mesocoraco- and mesoscapular spurs. 



Each scapula is of considerable length, strong, though only of 

 moderate thickness ; its upper ensiform-shaped half is terminated by 

 a sharp point. 



As regards the visceral anatomy of Geopsittacus occidentalis, 

 I shall proceed simply to describe the several parts and organs 

 examined by me, leaving structural comparisons for after-consi- 

 deration. 



At the angles of the gape, but within the buccal cavity, two un- 

 usually large lobe-like flaps are observed. These folds correspond 

 to the fjlandulce anguli oris, said to be found in some birds of prey. 

 Whether identical with what Tiedemann has taken to be the parotid 

 gland or not, the above exist in all the Parrots I have examined, 

 but are unusually large in Geopsittacus. 



Their minute structure I have only examined sufficiently to ascer- 

 tain they are tolerably vascular and covered with tough cuticle. No 

 doubt they serve an important office in deglution, or may possibly be 

 tactile organs. 



The tongue has a number of minute longitudinal striations upon 

 its upper surface, disposed in such a manner that the elevations and 

 furrows resemble a diminutive fan. The narrow end of these is 



