THE AMERICAN NA TURALIST. [Vol. XXXVII. 



chanter is small, but the toraminal apertures, the acetabulum, 

 the obturator and ischiadic apertures, seen upon this aspect, are 

 of an average size. 



Seen upon ventral aspect, we are to note, that usually but a 

 single pair of parapophvses are sent out as supporting braces 

 opposite the acetabular The sacrum on this aspect exhibits, 

 along its middle portion, a medio-longitudinal groove that is very 

 striking even upon superficial examination ; the centrum of the 

 anterior sacral vertebra is very deep and sharp. Specimens of 

 C. alcyon show three anterior sacral vertebrae that throw out 

 lateral processes against the nether aspects of the iliac walls. 

 C. cabanisi shows four. The pelvic basin is broad and capa- 

 cious in both these kingfishers, being more so in the former spe- 

 cies than it is in the latter. 



The tail-vertebrae are seven in number, not including the 

 rather small pygostyle. The three anterior (Mies usually have 

 long and slender diapophyses, while these processes in the last 

 four are broad and become gradually shorter as we proceed 

 posteriorly. We also note that the last three caudal vertebrae- 

 develop bifurcated hypapophyses below, a character likewise 

 enjoyed by the pygostyle. 



The sternum in the representatives of the genus Ceryle is 

 rather a curiously formed bone, and not only differently shaped 

 from the sterna of ordinary birds, but differs to some extent 

 among the several species. So far as I know, it is invariably 

 four-notched in this group of kingfishers, the xiphoidal prolonga- 

 tions being dilated at their hinder ends, more especially the outer 

 ones. Four facets for the haemapophyses of the dorsal ribs are 

 found on the superior aspect of each costal border, and beyond 

 the anterior ones prominent costal processes arise. 1 



The sternal carina is somewhat shallow behind, gradually 

 becoming much broader in front, where it protrudes considerably 

 beyond the body of the bone (see Fig. 3). In C. alcyon its 

 anterior margin is straight, while in C. cabanisi it is markedly 

 concaved ; and in both species it extends the full length of the 

 sternum. Another difference is seen in the manubrial process, 



