MENURIFORMES. 
with a slight indentation near the outer edge of posterior margin ; plantar 
tarsi strongly scuteUated ; tail-feathers greatly produced^ and mostly devoid 
of booklets ; tensor patagii hrevis muscle Picarian ; intrinsic muscles fastened 
to the ends of the semi-rings (Acromyotine) ; plantar tendons free.” 
It is generally admitted that many of the peculiar features imply 
degeneracy from the view point of the Passeres^ but I suggest that there 
is no relationship with Passerine forms, and that the resemblances seen 
are more due to convergence than indicative of real alliance. Superficially, 
whatever the internal features suggest, no alliance could be gauged between 
Atrichia and Menura, and still less between the latter and Pteroptochus. 
The latter seems a true degenerate Passerine form, as does Atrichia, while 
no systematist from superficial characters would class Menura as such. 
Recent investigations have shown that great stress can be laid upon super- 
ficial features, if these be thoroughly studied, and that they assist in the 
interpretation of anatomical characters. Future considerations of these 
birds must give full value to each and a better alliance will thereby be 
propounded, the present one being undoubtedly unsatisfactory. 
VOL. vn. 
393 
