EXTKRNAIj anatomy. TABSAL SCALES. 115 
groups which represent them. Lastly, we may notice 
the tarsi of the parrots, which are covered, both on the 
front and sides, with numerous small scales, never touch- 
ing each other, but being so disposed, that tlieir inter- 
stices, or the spaces between them, resemble the lines of 
a net; such a tarsus, therefore, is said to be retioukited. 
In Plati/cirnts, Pezoporim, and Leptnlophus, these scales 
are much closer to each other than in the macaws, and 
in some of the neighbouring genera, where they are 
perfectly oval. We need not, however, proceed into the 
variations ol the anterior scales of the other orders, since 
other characters are found in the Gmllatoreit and Nata- 
torex, which are quite sufficient for the correct discrimi- 
nation of the subordinate groups, without having recourse 
to these. 
(107.) The lateral scales of the tarsus, as already 
mentioned, protect the sides ; but, although they are not 
always present, their office is supplied by the anterior 
scales, which are then extended round tlie leg, so as 
nearly to envelope it. 'J'he tarsi of many groups are 
thus constructed; but the tyrant flycatchers are the most 
perfect examples that can be mentioned. The only 
scales on the tarsus of the Ti/rannus inirepidus, or the 
kingbird of the Americans, are those here termed the 
anterior: they consist of five unequal pieces, and en- 
velope the tarsus so conqdetely as nearly to meet on the 
hack part, and thus preclude the necessity of either the 
lateral or posterior series ; the common robin has the 
lateral scales, no less than the anterior, of one entire 
piece, except that there is the slight appearance of a 
small division at each extremity, and the two lateral 
scales on each tarsus are so clo.sely brought together on 
the hind part, that there is no room for the posterior 
series. The scales, however, we are now describing, are 
very conspicuous among the falcons and shrikes. In 
the Fako sparverius they are much smaller than the 
anterior, and are regidarly pentangular; in the true 
butcher-birds {Lanianee') and the African bush shrikes 
\Malaconotus, fig, 60. «) they are entire, while in the 
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