SYNOPSIS OF THE b 



Order IV. Clamatores. — Toes, three anterior and one pos- 

 terior (not versatile). Primaries always ten; the first nearly as 

 long as the second. Tail-feathers usually twelve. 



b. Anterior face of the tarsus in one continuous plate, or divided 

 transversely into large quadrate scales. Plates on either the pos- 

 terior surface of the tarsus or the sides, without subdivisions, never 

 both divided together : when divided, the divisions correspond 

 with the anterior ones. Larynx with peculiar complex singing- 

 muscles. 



Order V. Oscines. — Toes, three anterior, one posterior 

 Primaries, either nine only ; or, if ten, the first usually short or 

 spurious. 



B. — Hind Toe raised above the Level of the Rest. 



Order VI. Rasores. — Nostrils arched over by an incumbent 

 thick, fleshy valve. Bill not longer than the head, obtuse anteri- 

 orly. Nails broad, obtusely rounded. 



Order VII. Grallatores. — Legs lengthened, adapted for 

 walking, naked above the knee. Nostrils naked. Thighs usually 

 quite free from the body. Toes not connected by a membrane, or 

 for a short distance only ; sometimes with a lobed margin. 



Order VIII. Natatores. — Adapted for swimming. Legs 

 generally short. Toes united by a continuous membrane. Thighs 

 mostly buried in the muscles of the body. 



