108 Transactions.—Zoology. 
strongest in the upper, and the inner series strongest in the lower, and 
extending to only half the gape. V-shaped patch on vomer. Ventral fin 
with two first rays simple, second ray produced and equal in length to the 
head. Caudal rounded, almost continuous with the dorsal and anal. Scales 
minute, cycloid oblong, width being half the length. No lateral line visible. 
Colour, in spirit, reddish-brown, uniform, but yellowish beneath. Differs in 
its proportions and fin-rays from M. pacifica, Schleg. (Günth., IV., 367 ), and 
from M. capensis, Kaup, (Exp. Novara, Zool. Theil. Bd., I., 279). 
Collected by Mr. Robinson, Cape Campbell, in November, 1873. 
Total length seven inches. 
Авт. XXIIL.—On a New Genus of Rallide. By Capt. F. W, HUTTON. 
Pl XX., figs. 1 and 2. 
[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, lst September, 1873.] 
IN a paper read to this Society last year I described a new species 
of Rail from the Chatham Islands, under the name of Rallus? modestus 
(Trans. N.Z. Inst., V., p. 223), at the same time expressing an opinion that 
it would form the type of a new genus. Since then the skeleton of the other 
specimen obtained by Mr. H. Travers has been prepared by the late Dr. Knox, 
and an inspection of this skeleton has so confirmed my previous opinion 
that I now no longer hesitate to place it in a new genus, of which the 
following is a diagnosis ;— 
CABALUS, gen. nov. 
БШ longer than the head, moderately slender and slightly curved, 
compressed in the middle and slightly expanding towards the tip; nostrils 
placed in a membranous groove which extends beyond the middle of the bill, 
openings exposed, oval, near the middle of the groove. Wings very short, 
rounded ; quills soft, the outer webs as soft as the inner, fourth and fifth the 
longest, first nearly as long as the second ; & short compressed claw at the end 
of the thumb. Tail very short and soft, hidden by the coverts. Tarsi 
moderate, shorter than the middle toe, flattened in front, and covered with 
transverse scales; toes long and slender, inner nearly as long as the outer ; 
hind toe short, very slender, and placed on the inner side of the tarsus ; claws 
short, compressed, blunt. 
The bird is incapable of flight, and the stomach of the specimen dissected 
by Dr. Knox contained only the legs and elytra of beetles. 
The skeleton is so very remarkable that I feel compelled to make a few 
