18(i8.] DR. J. MURIli ON THE GULAR POUCH OF OTIS. 471 



5. Observiitions couoeruing the presence and function of the 

 Gular Pouch in Otis kori and Otis australis. By James 

 MuRiE, F.L.S., F.G.S., &c.. Prosector to the Society. 



(Plate XXXVI ) 



Iiitroiluctori/. — A remarkable paper appeared in the 'Ibis' * for 

 1862, — remarkable alike for the able defence therein sustained of 

 the veracity of the observations of three eminent British naturalists 

 impugned by Dr. Gloger of Berlin, and for the facts substantiating 

 the following curious anomaly. The data given showed that in 

 some male Bustards a large gular jiouch had been found, while in 

 other birds of the same species uo trace of such a structure or organ 

 existed. 



The substance of the above discussion supports the individual 

 statements and opinions of between twenty and thirty trustworthy 

 persons. While thus bearing the impress* of science and of facts, 

 it nevertheless, with our more extended jiresent knowledge, savours 

 and reminds one of Merrick's well-known verses upon the varyino- 

 colour of the Chameleon. All seem to have had truth on their side 

 when viewed in a certain li2;ht. 



Since the publication of the above elaborate and historical article 

 by Professor Newton, the careful observations of Dr. Cullen (Ibis, 

 1865, p. 1J3) and of Mr. Flower (P. Z. S. 18G5, p. 747) have fur- 

 ther proved the occasional existence of a large gular sac in the male 

 of Otis tarda, Linn., to be a circumstance about which not a shadow 

 of doubt can be entertained. 



The subject, however, is one which still calls for more extended 

 examination in other species of the family Otidce. For example, 

 the use which such a curious appendage subserves is still within 

 certain limits a matter of discussion ; as it too often happens that 

 organic function, where obscure, puzzles by the apparent multipli- 

 city of uses to which it may be applied. 



It has appeared to me, therefore, that the observations which I 

 shall here communicate are not without interest, concerning the 

 function of this httle less than wonderful a])paratus. The gular- 

 pouch question, though to all intents and purposes amicably settled, 

 is not yet entirely known. Some anomalies thereon are certainly 

 difficult of explanation. 



The present communication is mainly based upon the examination 

 of the dead body of a male specimen of Burchell's Bustard {Otis 

 kori, Burchell), and upon observations on a living Australian Bus- 

 tard {Otis australis, Gray), both the property of tlie Society. 



Gular Pouch in O. kori. — The former bird, a male but not old 

 sj)ecimen of Otis kori, was forwarded from South Africa, and pur- 

 chased by the Society May 10th, 18G6. Its death occurred in March 



*• "On the supposed Gular Pouch of the Male Bustard {OHa tarda, Linn ) " 

 by Alfred Newton, M.A., F.I^S. (The Ibis, April 1862, pp. 107-127). 



