EASTMAN: FOSSIL AVIAN REMAINS FROM ARMISSAN 135 
usual conditions in modern Phasianidx. All of the bones shown in Plates 1 and 2 
are precisely as they occur in nature. 
Passing now from these general considerations to an account of the several parts 
of the skeleton, we note that the head is of average size, rather abruptly truncated 
behind, with a maximum width of 2.2 em. across the occiput, the orbits being rather 
posteriorly situated. ‘The mandible is slender, without apparent downward curya- 
ture in front, approximately 3 em. in length. The sternum and pelvis, not clearly 
indicated in the Carnegie example, but well shown in the type species, are regarded 
by Lydekker' as suggesting affinity with Nwmidia and Meleagris. Itis an open ques- 
tion, however, whether the lateral aspect of the sternum has not become widened 
through mechanical compression of the matrix; at any rate the published figure 
creates a suspicion that such has been the case. A small portion only of the sacrum 
is preserved in the Carnegie specimen, the furcula is wanting, and the coracoids not 
distinctly reognizable. The last-named elements in 7. pessieti are stout and straight, 
without subclavicular process, and with broad sternal facets. In both species the 
scapula is long and sabre-shaped, without being expanded posteriorly. 
Important points of comparison are furnished by the limb bones, which are 
excellently preserved. It is evident that the species under discussion possessed 
but feeble powers of flight, the humerus being notably shorter than in T. pessieti and 
most living pheasants. This boneexhibits a slight double lateral curvature, and has 
a head of moderate size. ‘The remaining wing bones are proportionally abbreviate, 
the brachium being of about equal length with the humerus. Nearly all of the 
bones of the manus in both wings are well preserved, and the same is true of the pes, 
The femur is relatively stout, of medium length, and with a shght forward curva- 
ture, the head being concealed. ‘The tibio-tarsus is a stout bone, its length having a 
ratio of 1.3 as compared with the femur, and 1.7 as compared with the tarso-metatar- 
sus. The latter element is without spurs, so far as indications show, and appears to 
have been more or less flattened from front to back. The trochleze are of moderate 
size and widely separated. The phalangeals are slender and of medium length. 
The relative length of the principal limb bones in this and other species is ex- 
hibited in this table, the tarso-metatarsus being taken as a standard of comparsion. 
Species. | Tarso-metatarsus. Tibio-tarsus. Femur. | Humerus. 
Muawer die peasielisccssatp jesse. | 100 | 174 | 130 | 143 
“ ‘keltica | 100 | 172 133 | 121 
Paleortyx hoffmanni 100 | 172 124 | 141 
The table given below is intended to facilitate comparison of the actual measure- 
ments of various bones of the skeleton in both species of Taoperdix. As there exists 
1“ Catalogue of Fossil Birds in the British Museum,” p. 139 (London, 1891). 
