1886. ] CUBITAL COVERTS OF BIRDS. 197 
I am at present unable to state definitely, but they appear to do so, 
judging from stuffed specimens. 
The pterographical characters of the Limicole, if we start with 
the Plovers as the representative of the Order, nearly approach those 
of the Pigeons. The principal difference lies in the fact that the 
proximal or backward overlap that characterizes the lowest two, or 
three, rows of median coverts in all the Desmognathz, and that is so 
nearly absent in the Pigeons, is again represented more or less 
perfectly in the majority of the Limicole. ‘The distal overlap of all 
the feathers next the manual region of the wing, that serves to dis- 
tinguish the Pigeons from the Galline, is a well-marked and 
constant feature in all the Limicole. There is one group‘of feathers, 
firm on each edge, that extends backwards from the carpal joint 
down to the greater wing-coverts ; on the distal side of this the 
median coverts all overlap towards the margin of the wings on 
that side, up to the alula, while on the proximal side of the same 
firm-edged feathers the median coverts overlap in the opposite 
direction as far as the point where they are met by that of the 
proximal area, which, again, lap forward. It is difficult to convey 
an exact idea of this somewhat complex arrangement except by 
means of a diagram, such as that of the wing of Gallinago celestis, 
fig. 22, p. 198, which well exemplifies the style current throughout 
not only all the Limicolz, but throughout nearly all birds with a 
Schizognathous palate. 
Variations of a minor character occur within the limits of this 
Order. Even in the case of two birds so closely related as the Common 
Snipe and the Woodcock (figs. 22, 23), such differences may be 
detected. The Snipe follows the normal Limicoline style, while that 
of the Woodcock more resembles aberrant forms such as @dicnemus, 
which comes nearer to the Bustards. I was so much struck with 
the difference alluded to, that I sought for evidence of a deeper-seated 
and more reliable nature, with a view to getting further information 
upon this point. Such differences do exist, notably in the structure 
of the skull; but I have not yet had an opportunity of following 
