492 New species of Scolopacidce, Indian Snipes. [Junb, 



are narrowed almost to threads, and very rigid. 11 inches long by 

 17 wide, and 5 oz. in weight; bill 2\: tail 2\: tarsus 1|-: central toe 

 1± hind t%. 



4th Species, Uniclavus, nobis. 



Common Indian field snipe, with the lining of the wings faintly 

 barred, the bill long, and tail of 14 to 16 uniform plumes. 11^ 

 inches long by 1 7 wide*, and 5 ounces in weight : bill 2f : tail 2| : 

 tarsus l£ : central toe 1^, hind -g. 



Remarks. The two last species are the ordinary snipes of the 

 plains and hills : their general structure and aspect are quite typical, 

 but their size is less than that of their European analogue. The dif- 

 ferences noted in the two species are permanent, as I have proved by 

 the examination of numberless specimens of both sexes, and in all 

 stages of moult. Both the bill and the tail of Uniclavus are conspi- 

 cuously longer than those of Biclavus. In characterising these four 

 species of Gallinago, I have chosen purposely to rely on size, propor- 

 tions, and the structure of the tail — points which I have no doubt 

 will serve to fix my species without reference to colors, in relation to 

 which it may be observed that the uniformity of aspect (except in our 

 Nemoricola, which has the woodcock bars below) is calculated only 

 to confuse those who are referred to it for specifical differences. 

 The expressions dark and pale, in the specific characters of Nemori- 

 cola and Solitaria, have careful reference to the average tone and 

 intensity of color in the type of Gallinago. 



In Biclavus, the wings are seldom so much as an inch short of the 

 tail : whereas in Uniclavus, they are generally 1^ at least. This is 

 caused by the superior length of the tail in the latter : for the wings 

 of both are of equal size, and 5 inches long from the bend of the 

 shoulder to the tip of the longest quill. 



* The Rev. R. Everest, in 1825, killed a bird of this species, 12§ inches long 

 and 7 oz in weight 1 I But monsters are abnormal ; and I take occasion to say that 

 all my sizes, weights and proportions in this paper are mean maxima, deduced 

 from numberless trials. I may add, that the sexual defferences are purposely 

 overlooked, having been found to be inappreciably small. The females, however, 

 are the larger ; and the males, the deeper toned in color. 



