Vol. xv.] 100 



Mr. "W. P.Tycraft gave a short account of the results of 

 a careful study of a skeleton of the Musk-Duck [Biziura 

 lobata) . 



The evidence afforded by the osteology of this bird all 

 tended to show that it must be regarded as a primitive type, 

 although in many respects it had undergone considerable 

 specialization, especially as regards the hip-girdle and 

 hind-limb. These, he pointed out, had become very con- 

 siderably modified by adaptation to diving habits, the trans- 

 formation being most noticeable in the hip-girdle, which 

 had come to bear a close resemblance to that of Colymbus 

 and Hesperornis. 



As touching the systematic position of this bird ; he remarked 

 that it had been placed by Count Salvadori, together with 

 the Ducks of the genera Erismatura, Nomonyx, and Thalass- 

 ornis, in a separate subfamily, Erismaturince. But the 

 evidence, as obtained from a study of the skeletons, seemed 

 to show that the subfamily might very well be merged in 

 the Fuligulina. On the other hand, the genera Harelda, 

 Histrionicus , (Edemia, Heniconetta, Arctonetta, Somateria, 

 and Erionetta, might very properly be removed from the 

 Fuligulina and placed in a separate subfamily Somateriinte. 



The next Meeting of the Club will be held on Wednesday, 

 the ]8th of October, 1905, at the Restaurant Frascati, 

 32 Oxford Street ; the Dinner at 7 p.m. Members of the 

 Club intending to dine are requested to inform Mr. Witherby, 

 at 326 High Holborn, W.C. 



[N.B. — Members who intend to make any communication 

 at the next meeting of the Club are requested to 

 give notice beforehand to the Editor, also to supply 

 him with a written account of anything intended for 

 publication.] 



(Signed) 



P. L. Sclater, W. R. Ogilvie-Grant, H. F. Witherby, 

 Chairman. Editor. Sec. § TVeos. 



