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 Limicolse, 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 Desmognathse, and that is so 

 nearly absent in the Pigeons, is again represented more or less 

 perfectly in the majority of the Limicolae. The distal overlap of all 



Chauna. 



the feathers next the manual region of the wing, that serves to dis- 

 tinguish the Pigeons from the Gallinje, is a well-marked and 

 constant feature in all the Limicolse. 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 ou 

 that side, up to the alula, while on the proximal side of the saa)e 

 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 bv 

 means of a diagram, such as that of the wing of Gallinago ccelestis, 

 fig. 22, p. 198, which well exemplifies the style current throughout 

 not only all the Limicolse, 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 CEdienemiis, 

 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 



