XIV 



with either of the series of cubital coverts, it would be rash 

 to jump at this conclusion off-hand, especially when it is 

 remembered that it is not unfrequently found in closer 

 proximity to the metacarpals than the cubitals. A certain 

 independency of station might not unreasonably be accorded 

 to it, if its position in the wing of the Duck be noticed. 



In the Anatidce the disputed " covert ^^ is placed midway 

 between the metacarpals and the cubitals (fig. 4). 



Fiff. 4, 



LIcx 



/.//'f/t / iiv'm 



m0mm 





Ik 



/W'N Vk 

 w 



f3 



Carpal region of the left wintr of a Wild Duck {Anas bnscas), showiiiir 

 the carpal covert and accessory remex (cai-pal remex) lying in the 

 diastema between the metacarpal and cubital remiges. 



C.c. Carpal covert. C.r. Carpal remex. Cb.c. Cubital coverts. 

 Cb.b. Cubital remiges. Mc.R. Metocarpal remiges, Mc.c. ^Meta- 

 carpal coverts. 



The space between these two series of feathers is greater in 

 the Ducks than in any other birds with which I am acquainted, 

 and is far in excess of the interspace between any two of the 

 cubital remiges. In the wing of Dendromjgna, which I have 

 made the subject of my observations, the position of the 

 " covert " is seen to perfection, though that of any Duck 

 answers the purpose equally well. Here we find the " covert "' 

 resting on the metacarpus, leaving the carpus proper free 

 from contact with any flight-feather. Its position is seen 



