200 



MR. J. G. GOODCHILD ON THE 



[Apr. 6, 



normal Ciconiine pattern, represented by that of Dissura maguari 

 (fig. 31), leads the way through Mijcteria (fig. 32), to Leptoptilus 



Fig. 31. 



Fig. 32. 









Mijcteria. 



(fig. 33), which, in respect of the feature under consideration, stands 

 midway between the Ciconiine birds and the Tubinares. Between 

 the style of the median cubital coverts in Leptoptilus and that of 



Fisr. 33. 



Leptoptilus. 



tlie Cathartidae (fig. 34), I have hitherto failed to detect any difference 

 of importance in respect of the feature specially under notice. So 

 far as the imbrication of the wing-coverts is concerned, Leptoptilus 

 and the Cathartidse might even stand in the same family. How far 

 the purely superficial feature at present specially under notice can 

 be regarded as affording data of any value in corroborating the view 

 advocated by Messrs. Garrod and Forbes that there is a close genetic 

 affinity between the Storks and Petrels on the one hand and the 

 Cathartidae on the other, must be left to competent zoologists to judge. 

 After a careful examination of living specimens of Diomedea, Ossi- 

 fraga. Fuffinus, Fregata, Leptoptilus, Catharles, Saicorkafnphus, and 



