180 MR. W. K. PARKER ON STEATORNIS CARIPENSIS. [Apr. 2, 
The three metacarpals (mt.c', mt.c’, mé.c’) form together the usual 
main part of the manus; the interosseous space is large and 
uncovered above. The single phalanx of the Ist digit (dg.’) has no 
rudiment of a second joint; the distal phalanx of the 2nd (dg.’) 
has a small seed-shaped remnant of the ungual phalanx; the penul- 
timate or 2nd phalanx of the 2nd digit is slightly longer and also 
narrower than the phalanx of the Ist digit. The single phalanx of 
the 3rd digit is the least of the three; it shows no signs of a second 
joint. 
‘ The oblong proximal phalanx of the 2nd digit has a slight perfo- 
ration in its thin dilated distal part. 
Above, returning to the head of the manus, I find a considerable 
thickening of the projecting shoulder of the Ist metacarpal. Also, 
on the extensor face of the 2nd metacarpal (close to the top of the 
interosseous space) there is an oval elevation 2 millim. long, due to 
the presence in the embryo of an intercalary metacarpal (mé.e.”). 
Also, on the flexor face of the 3rd metacarpal, above the interos- 
seous space there is a similar but less-marked elevation, which is 
possibly due to a rudiment of the 4th digit ; as a cartilage it is very 
constant in several families of birds in an early stage. 
Large as these wings are, they nevertheless suggest the idea of 
feebleness ; they are like the bones of a bed-ridden person, slender, 
smooth, and very light; is not this due to the extremely torpid 
habits of the bird, which only spends a very limited time in any 
active exercise? that exercise being simply eating. The extreme 
fatness of this bird favours this view of the case. 
VI. The Hip-girdle and Hind Limbs. 
A few measurements will show the special form of the pelvis in 
this type (Plate XIX. figs. 2, 3, and Plate XX. fig. 6); that part 
can now be studied as a whole—the hip-bones and sacrum together. 
This pelvis may be compared with that of Ceryle aleyon and Ca- 
primulgus europeus ; it is most like that of the former, and has a 
rudiment of the peculiar spur seen on the side of the pre-ilium in 
Kingfishers ; it is very wide. 
In Caprimulgus and Podargus the pelvis is narrower. 
Length Length Breadth Breadth 
of pre- of post- across pre- across tro- 
ilium. ilium. ilium. chanters. 
millim. millim. millim. millim. 
Ceryler eis ie 17°5 16°5 16 28°5 
Caprimulgus .. 15°5 10°5 10 21°5 
Steatornis .... 25 34 30 48 
The width across the pubis, below the greatest interpubic breadth, 
is, in Ceryle 33 millim., in Caprimulgus 23 millim., and in Stea- 
tornis 53 millim. 
One thing to be noticed is, that whilst in many Cuculines the 
“pre-pubic spike” is absent, e.g. in the Alcedinide and Caprimulgidee 
