ALIMEXTARY TRACT OF CERIVI-V BIRDS. 



63 



Dr. Mitchell's figure *, there is a distinct ileic loop, which is wide 

 as in Picopasseres genendly. In the Toucans Aulacorhamphus 

 sidcaius, Rhanvphastos ariel, Eh. carinatiis, there is also a perfectly 

 distinct ileic loop a little less distinct than in some Picopasseres, 

 but still distinct. 



In Melanerpes superciliaris the only properly marked intestinal 

 loop is the duodena], down to the very end of which extends 

 the pancreas. There is absolutely no ileic loop, as is shown in 

 the figure (text-fig. 16). The jejunum simply passes forward 

 and is connected by ligaments with the gizzard and with the 

 duodenum quite far from the free end of the loop ; it then turns 

 abruptly backwards, passing straight to the cloaca. 



The arrangement of the gut is, in fact, precisely that of the 

 Gallinaceous birds, though, of course, the gut is shorter than that 

 of most. 



Text-fig. 17. 



id. 



\ 



..^^ 



I. 



Intestinal tract of Gecinus viridis. 

 Lettering as before. 



There is, indeed, no great disparity in length between the gvit 

 of Melanerpes and that of an equisized Gallinaceous bird, such 

 as Coturnix chinensis. In view of the primitive nature of the 

 palate as urged by Huxley and Parker, though not held by some 



* Trnns. Linn, Soo. torn. rit. tig'. 71, p. 253. 



