1867.] PROF. HUXLEY ON THE CLASSIFICATION OF BIRDS. 447 



terminates by a sharp, free, curved edge ; and in the dry skull, 

 though probably not in the recent state, the nasal chambers of the 

 two sides freely communicate. Lower down they are separated by 

 the vomer, and terminate in the posterior nares. 



Alcedo and Dacelo repeat the structure observed in Geococcyx, 

 with minor modifications. For example, the postero-external angles 

 of the palatines are even more produced backwards than in Bucco 

 (fig. 29). 



Fig. 29. 



Dacelo gigantca. 

 The palatine aspect of the skull. The letters have the same signification as before. 



This is still more the case in Upiq^a. Here the postero-external 

 angle of the palatine is elongated into a slender, pointed process. 

 The septum is ossified and unites with the maxillo-palatines, which 

 form a transverse bony rafter across the palate. 



