DESCRIPTION OF THE BUCEROS 



This immoveable structure of the dorsal vertebrae of such birds is 

 believed to be necessary to give support and steadiness to the trunk, 

 during their varied and violent motions in flying ; and Blumenbach affirms 

 that the want of motion inseparable from it, is compensated by a larger 

 number, and greater mobility of the cervical vertebrae. 



In consistency with this supposed system of compensation, the 

 Buceros which has dorsal vertebrae capable of considerable motion, has 

 but a small number of cervical vertebrae,* and those rigidly connected. 

 From this structure I infer the limited power of the Buceros on the 

 wing. 



The lumbar vertebrae, as is usually met with in birds, are all anchy- 

 losed. The remains of the three first are visible, but their total number 

 cannot be ascertained. The tail consists of eight bones. The last of 

 these is the largest, its greatest length measuring 2;| inches by 1§ in 

 breadth. t All the bones have large transverse processes. They have 

 also spinous ones situated posteriorly, and the three last bones, have in 

 addition these processes arising from their anterior surface. 



s There are seven pairs of ribs, namely, six pairs of true ribs, and one 

 pair false, i.e. not attached to the sternum. The true ribs are joined to 

 the sternum by intermediate bone. 



The pelvis is similar in formation to that of birds in general, except 

 in those which have it closed in front. The length of the os innominatum 

 is 4^ inches, and 2f inches broad. 



* This bird has the same number of cervical vertebrae as the raven, and one less than the cock. 



t The dimensions of this bone are noticed in consequence of the bird being observed to erect 

 and expand its tail feathers. 



