MR. E. DEGEX ON ECDYSIS. 385 



Fortunately, among the specimens procured to supply data for the various stages, 

 No. 15 provides us with the desired information on the subject, where medeoe 

 inferiores 1, 2, and 3 of the inner area, and 7, 8, 9, and 10, belonging to the outer 

 one, are in course of renewal. That it is not a merely accidental circumstance, but 

 a reliable case, is further evidenced by the perfect symmetry of the occurrence on 

 both wings. 



The relative position for the renewal of the ventral series in the juv. s , specimen 15, 

 to their dorsal congeners (see diagram of Table V. fig. 5) can be adequately formu- 

 lated thus : — 



Metacarpo-digital Portion. 



Left wing. Right wing. 



Distal area. Proximal area. Proximal area. Distal area. 

 ^ A A ^ ^ .A ^^^ A ^ 



Dorsal series ... 10, 9, 8, 7, 4, 3, 2, 1 1, 2, 3, (4), (5), — 7, 8, 9, 10 



Ventral series ... 10, 9, 8, 7, 3, 2, I 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 



The symbol o, placed above figures 4 and 5 of the coverts of the dorsal series of 

 the right side, denotes that these feathers were recently shed, thus showing the relative 

 movement for the different constituents of this row to be in nearly perfect synchronism 

 within the two areas ; whereas for the left wing the 4th covert of the dorsal row, having 

 been replaced already, constitutes a case of retardation for the proximal area, the old 

 covert 5 being still retained. 



However, individuals older by a season or two acquire perfect conditions of 

 synchronism for the dorsal and ventral rows within the same area, and a highly 

 instructive example of this is seen in the old male No. 10 (see also Table V. fig. 6), 

 which, moreover, shows the connection of the moult between the inner and the outer 

 area for the ventral medians, as below : — 



Metacarpo-diyitdl Portion. 

 Left wing. Eight wing. 



Distal area. Proximal area. Proximal area. Distal area. 

 , A. . , ^ , , y^ ^, ^ — _, 



-> r ^ 



o 



Dorsal series . . . 9, 8, 7, (4), 3, 2, 1 1, 2, 3, 4, 



Ventral series . . (8), 7, (6), 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 



o o 



It may be seen from the above formula that there is a slight overbalance of 

 synchronism in favour of the first division for the ventrals in the shape of covert 5 on 

 the right side, and, in addition to this covert 5, on the left by the 6th covert being 

 shed preparatory to its immediate renewal. This sectional synchronism can be studied 

 only on those few specimens which represent individuals of middle age, combining 

 Avith the latter requisite that also of this particular phase of the perennial moult. 

 In the specimens procured at a later period, the moult of this series is invariably 

 completed throughout. 



