OBSERVATIONS ON THE 
feet, if compared with those members in the Fissirostres, are 
strong and powerful ; but if looked at in regard to the size and 
proportions of the birds, there is a shortness and want of develop- 
ment observable, which points out, that they are not essential to 
any part of the economy of individuals. The claws are strong and 
hooked, and fitted for giving support by clinging ; but as yet, we 
have no account of the place or manner of roosting employed by 
the Artami when not breeding. 
The internal structure of foreign birds, particularly the smaller 
species, is often very difficult to examine correctly, from the de- 
struction of the parts by spirit or preserving liquor ; hut however 
mutilated, whatever notes can be obtained of their comparative 
anatomy, is worthy of being recorded. From a specimen of 
A. sordidus, presented to us by Mr. Grould, the following notes 
were taken. It had been preserved in salt, and having been killed 
with large shot, was a good deal injured:' — The sternal appear- 
ance of the body, when skinned, gives an idea of power; and 
although slightly rigid, from the salt in which the birds were pre- 
served, appeared muscular. The general muscular system, never- 
theless, except when seen in this aspect, and those connected with 
flight, together with the skeleton, are weak. The sternum has the 
keel considerably arched, is narrow at its anterior portion, dilating 
to the posterior edge, and there cleft for one-third of its length by 
a wide oval fissure. It approaches to the form of the same part in 
Trogon and Priorities, except in having only the one fissure. The 
upper trachea, with the lateral muscles dividing almost at their 
01 ig in, and sending a strong lengthened slip to be inserted by 
expansion into the skin ; lower trachea bound down to the opening 
of the os furcatorius, by a rather strong ligament ; sterno tracheal 
muscles extremely weak ; tongue about two-thirds of the length of 
the bill, large, slightly fringed at the tip. 
Stomach of a lengthened oval form, walls thin, the muscular part 
veaK , t lc epithelium of a thin horny consistence, the rugosities 
, eve °ped , it enters the pylorific orifice, and is sepa- 
H 6 1 ++ 10 U ^f ei f rom bhe proventriculus by a fringed edge, 
1 P ? riapS CaUSGd by aeration; proventriculus very 
t \ auc 11 ar ’ er drance from above without plica. The 
* ™ com P Iet ely distended with insects, principally minute 
coleoptera, and of these the thorax, elytra, or legs, remained; no 
