62 



MR. F. E. BEDDARD ON THE 



The jejunum has certainly two definite loops and thus, 

 agreeing with Bucorvus, differs from other Picopasseres. The 

 pancreas in a most abnormal fashion extends into the first of 

 these and is perhaps responsible for its formation. 



It is, of course, possible that the intestinal tract of Melanerpes 

 superciliaris differs from that of other Picidje, But if it agree 

 with that of the three species reported on by Dr. Mitchell, 

 then I find myself in total disagreement with that writer as to 



Text-fig. 16. 



d. 



Intestinal tract of Melanerpes superciliaris. 

 Lettering as before. 



the relationships of the Woodpeckers. He observes of the Picidse 

 that " the conformation of the gut is in every important respect 

 similar to that found in Megcdcema." I have not dissected 

 Megalcema for the purposes of the present communication, but 

 I have examined three species of Toucatis, of which family 

 (Rhamphastidse) Dr. Mitchell remarks that '• Meckel's tract 

 and the short rectum do not dififer from the form found in 

 Megalcema." Now in Megaloima asiatica, as is plainly shown in 



