AVES. 
JoBERT, A. J. Recherches pour servir a I’histoire de la digestion chez les 
Oiseaux. C. R. Ixxyii. pp. 133 & 134. 
From a study of tke gizzard of the Ostrich, and of the glands connected 
therewith, the author believes it prepares an acid secretion, and is not 
exclusively a triturating organ. 
Makey, J. Physiologie du vol des oiseaux ; dll point d'appui de I’aile 
sur hair. C. R. Ixxviii. pp. 117-121. 
A summary of the dynamical principles involved in an attempt by 
mechanical apparatus to reproduce strokes of a wing similar to that of a 
bird, and sufficient to raise weights. The resultant of all the aerial 
pressures on a triangular wing is about its middle, or 3-5ths from articu- 
lation. The artificial wing must be driven 3 or 4 times faster than that 
of a bird. The latter’s horizontal translation modifies the resistance re- 
quired to lower the wing, and thence the ^oini d'appui in flight [c/. Zool. 
Rec. vii. p. 21]. 
Mivart, St. G. On the axial skeleton of the Ostrich, Struthio camelus. 
Tr. Z. S. viii. pp. 385-451 (with 79 woodcuts). 
A preliminary investigation of the affinities of Birds and Reptiles 
(Sauropsida) through the Struthiones. In the vertebrae, the term “ par- 
axial” is used to denote the facies towards the head, and reversely 
“ postaxial ” for that towards the tail; “dorsal” and “ventral” being 
respectively applied to the other surfaces. The spinal column is detailed 
in regions, followed by the ribs and sternum. Vertebral formula given 
as —17 c. ; 3 cmw. dors. ; 5 d. (true) ; 2 (3 ?) dors. lumb. ; 8 1.; 3 s. ; 8 
sac. caud. ; 10 (8 ?) c. true. An elaborate description of each vertebra 
is given ; and in the lumbo-sacral region the original separate parts are 
examined, and compared with those of the immature bird. The compo- 
sition of the pelvis receives due attention, as likewise the constitution of 
the sternum and rib elements. 
Murie, j. On the nature of the sacs vomited by the Hornbills. -P. Z. S. 
1874, pp. 420-425. 
Figures of the empty gizzard sacs ejected by Buceros suhcylindricus 
are given, and also of the microscopical structure of the same. The 
latter clearly proves that this strange rejection is no other than the 
epithelial coating of the stomach, and which must therefore be renewed 
in an incredibly short space of time, again to be thrown off. \,Bucerotidai.'\ 
. On the Skeleton and Lineage of Fregilupus varius. Tom. cit. 
pp. 474-488, pis. Ixi. & Ixii. 
The osteology of this bird (supposed tp be extinct) has now for the 
first time been carefully described, and illustrated in detail. Compari- 
sons with various families and allied genera are instituted, and an affinity 
to the Starlings educed. ISticrnidw.'] 
O.WEN, R. Desciiption of the Skull of a Dentigerous Bird (Odonto- 
pteryx toliapicus, Ow.) from the London Clay of Sheppey. J. G. 
Soc. xix. (1873) pp. 511-522, pis. xvi. & xvii. 
A full descriptive account is given of the middle and after parts of the 
cranium and mandible of an undoubted bird form, possessing in both 
