Ornithichnology. 315 



A few tracks of the domesticated turkey, (Meleagris gallipavo,) 

 are shown in Fig. 18, taken from impressions in snow. The foot 

 (that of a large cock turkey,) is four inches long, and the step twelve 

 inches. The hind toe points inward, so as to be nearly on a con- 

 tinuation backward of the outer toe. 



In Fig. 19, a view is given of the tracks of the peahen, (Pavo 

 cristatus.) They very much resemble those of the turkey, except 

 that in those of the peahen, the impression of the hind toe appears 

 rather as a hole made by the end of a stick, and does not extend so 

 as to reach the other toes, except where the snow is deep. Not in- 

 cluding the hind toe, the length of the foot is three and a half inch- 

 es ; and of the step nine inches. 



The tracks of living birds on Figs. 12, 13, 14, 18, 19 and 20, are 

 laid down on a much larger scale, than the fossil foot marks. But 

 the resemblance between them, cannot escape notice ; and it is 

 much more obvious in the real specimens. The Gallinae, however, 

 present a more distinct impression of a heel, than I have seen in the 

 fossil species, except one. This is shown by the small circle near the 

 point, from which the toes diverge. Where the impression was very 

 perfect, I have observed all the little protuberances and depressions 

 of the bottom of the foot ; but generally they are not visible, and the 

 claws are very rarely seen, as a distinct part of the impression. 



Assuming it then as established, that the tracks under considera- 

 tion on stone, were those of birds, I shall proceed to give a more spe- 

 cific description of the several sorts, which, I think I can recognize. 

 And since this is a department of oryctology hitherto unexplored, I 

 suppose I shall be justified in proposing some new terms. 



I include all the varieties of tracks under the term Ornithichnites ; 

 (opvitf and Ti-xyod^ signifying stony bird tracks : and if it be conven- 

 ient to speak of the subject as a distinct branch of knowledge, I 

 should call it Ornithichnology. 



All the varieties of tracks which I have discovered, I include un- 

 der two divisions: 1, the Fachydactyli, or thick toed: 2, the Lep- 

 todactyli, or slender toed. In the former, the toes are of almost 

 equal thickness through their whole extent, except that they are 

 somewhat tuberous ; and they terminate rather abruptly ; not, how- 

 ever, without a claw. In the latter, the toes are far narrower, and 

 less thick, with an equal span : and, indeed, some of them are quite 

 delicate, (Ex. gr. Fig. 15.) They taper gradually to a point, and 

 the claw is not often distinctly perceived. Under these divisions, I 



