MUSCICAPIDJE.] OSTEOLOGIA AVIUM. [MtJSClCAPINiE. 



distinct ; space between the orbits rather broad ; a channel proceeds from the nasal 

 depression, which is very deep, to the vertex. Palatine bones consisting anteriorly of a 

 narrow strip of bone on each, equidistant between the sphenoid and the maxillary, and 

 not united for their whole length ; a little before their posterior termination a styli- 

 form process goes off from the inner side of this strip towards the sphenoid, when it is 

 expanded forwards and backwards, the latter portion being united with the inter- 

 articular, and the former extending an equal distance with the latter along the side of 

 the sphenoid ; interarticular bones straight ; nasal orifices very large. 



Sternum similar in general shape to the Sylviadce, but broader ; the manubrial process 

 very large, and with a very wide bifurcation at its extremity. Point of the sternum 

 receding ; two large fissures on the posterior margin ; lower edge of keel slightly 

 arched. 



Ribs of moderate strength ; the styliform process long, and very narrow. 



Pelvis very similar to the Sj/lviadce, but with two parallel depressions along its whole 

 length on each side of the sacral vertebrae, the lateral processes of which are distinctly 

 seen. Ischiadic foramen rather large; obturator of moderate size; ischium slanting 

 much outwards. 



Furculum much and regularly arched anteriorly; upper extremities of the rami 

 divaricating to a moderate extent, not compressed towards one another in the middle. 



Coracoids of moderate length and strength. 



Scapula longer than the humerus, the point slightly deflexed, of nearly equal width 

 throughout. 



Except in the measurements there is nothing remarkable about the wing and leg- 

 bones. 



Vertebral column. The penultimate and three next vertebrae with dorsal spines. 



Measurements. 



Tenths. 



Length of humerus 5 



Length of ulna . 9 



Length of metacarpus .... 3 \ 



Length of femur 5 J 



Length of tibia 8 



Length of metatarsus .... 6 



Length of sternum 7 



Tenths. 



Breadth of posterior margin ofsternum 5 J 



Breadth of anterior margin of sternum 4 



Depth of keel 2\ 



Length of head 13 



Breadth of head 5 



Length of pelvis 8 



Breadth of pelvis 7 



Rhiphidura, Vig. $ Horsf. 

 Flabelifera, Gm. 

 Cranium similar to Muscicapa, but more rounded on the vertex. 

 116 



