ORDER PASSERES. 507 



quite perceptible by passing the finger along the bird's head. 

 This cavity may be destined to receive the caruncle in its 

 horizontal elongation ; if so, it would appear that, instead of 

 erecting itself perpendicularly, it only extends and lies along 

 the head. 



In the individual examined by M. Le Vaillant, the caruncle 

 was of a conical form, almost ten hnes in length, and four of 

 circumference in the base, and terminating in a point. It 

 could be drawn out nearly two inches. In its natural state 

 the feathers touched ; but, drawn out thus, they left a space 

 between them. The plumage of this bird, in its perfect state, 

 is of a dazzling white over all parts of the body. 



The Black-headed Chatterer does not appear to have been 

 figured. We presume the opposite bird to be the same species 

 as that described by Prince Maximilian, under the name of 

 Procnias Melanocephalus, which M. Temminck refers to his 

 genus Casmarhinchos . 



The specimen here figured is in the Museum of the Athe- 

 naeum* at Plymouth. The head, neck, and throat are entirely 

 black ; the anterior part of the back is lightish green-yellow ; 

 across the middle of the black, that colour assumes a darker 

 shade, but it again becomes light as it approaches the tail ; the 

 wing-coverts are nearly black with a yellowish edge to each 

 feather ; the tail-feathers are dusky green ; as is also the whole 

 lower part of the bird, though a shade lighter than the tail. 



Prince Maximilian's Procnias is said to be yellowish green 

 underneath, with darker transverse stripes, which do not 

 appear in the present specimen. In all other respects they 

 appear to be the same. 



* We cannot pass by the present opportunity of bestowing a word, how- 

 ever humble, in commendation of provincial societies, similar to the 

 Athenaeum at Plymouth. The sciences, especially those which are 

 grounded essentially on observation, are materially assisted by local 

 exertions ; while the members of such societies have an honourable object 

 worthy the attention of liberal minds, while disengaged from the necessaiy 

 avocations of life. 



