1867.] PROF. HUXLEY ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF BIRDS. 44^ 



Fig. 27. 



Under view of the skull of Podargus kmneralis. From a specimen in 

 Museum of the Eojal College of Surgeons. 



The letters as before. 



In Podaryus the disposition of the parts is essentially the same as 

 in Bucco and Galbula ; but the palatines are exceedingly broad, the 

 oblique ridge in each being very distinct and often having the appear- 

 ance of a suture. At its external termination the palatine is pro- 

 duced outwards and backwards into a strong process. The inner 

 edges of the palatines unite for a considerable distance ; and the 

 form of the beak is completely changed, its great width giving it 

 somewhat the appearance of an ace of spades. 



Buceros, leaving aside the mere form of the beak and its frontal 

 enlargement, resembles Geococcyx and Bucco in the structure of its 

 palate. There are rudimentary basipterygoid processes, but the 

 pterygoids do not articulate with them. The palatines have their 

 postero-external angles completely rounded oflF and enter into solid 

 union with one another and with the vomer, which has the form of 

 a thin vertical lamella. The internal laminae of the palatines incline 

 towards one another anteriorl}', and meet in front of the posterior 

 nasal aperture, as in Galbula and Rhamphastos. Anterior to this 

 junction again are situated two considerable apertures {a) divided by 



