184 
PLATYSTERA. 
bristled, the wings lengthened, and the tail-feathers 
broad and obtuse ; but its two most remarkable 
characters are as follows : on the upper part of each 
eyelid is a semicircular, naked, and detached ski*; 
completely analogous to what we see in Perspicilla, 
its corresponding type in the circle of the water-chats, 
( Fluvicolince J; while, as if Nature determined that 
this peculiarity should not disturb the analogy of 
this group to the typical todies, she has given to 
this bird the feet of Todus viridis ; the inner toe is 
connected to the middle as far as the first joint, 
while the connexion of the outer extends as far as 
the second joint. The syndactyle structure in both 
birds is the same, not only in sort, but in degree; 
and yet this is accompanied by so many differences 
in other respects, that no one would ever think of 
taking this relation for one of absolute affinity; that 
is, of placing the two birds next to each other. 
