47 
Genus Atrichia. 
Rictus totally devoid of bristles ; bill as long as the head, com- 
pressed laterally ; the upper mandible distinctly notched at the tip ; 
gonys ascending from the rictus and then following the line of the 
bill ; culmen ascending high in front ; nostrils moderately large, 
covered with an operculum, and placed in a groove near the base of 
the bill ; wings short, round, concave, the first three primaries gra- 
duated, the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh equal ; tail lengthened, 
rounded, the stems rigid, the webs loose and decomposed ; tarsi and 
feet robust, the hind-toe armed with a strong nail ; outer and inner 
toes equal in length. 
The only species of this genus yet discovered is as singular in its 
structure as it is shy and retiring in its habits ; the total absence of 
vibrissee in a bird apparently closely allied to Dcisyornis , in which 
they are so much developed, renders it one of the anomalies of the 
Australian fauna. 
187. Atrichia elamosa, Gould Vol. III. PI. 34, 
Subfamily ? 
Genus Sphenceacus. 
A group of reed- and grass-frequenting birds, which are found not 
only in every part of Australia, but also in the Indian Islands and 
India. 
188. Sphenceacus galactotes Vol. III. PI. 35. 
189. Sphenceacus gramineus, Gould .... Vol. III. PI. 36. 
Genus Acrocephalus. 
Of this European and Indian form two species inhabit Australia, 
where they frequent the reed-beds and the dense herbage of marshy 
situations. 
190. Acrocephalus Australis, Gould .... Vol. III. PI. 37. 
191. Acrocephalus longirostris, Gould .... Vol. III. PI. 38. 
Subfamily ? 
Genus Hylacola. 
Bill shorter than the head, compressed; equally broad and high 
at the base ; culmen gradually declining from the base to the tip ; 
slightly notched at the apex ; rictus beset with a few fine hairs ; 
nostrils basal, oblong, rather large and defended by an operculum ; 
wings short, round and concave ; first, second and third primaries 
graduated ; the fourth, fifth and sixth equal, and the longest ; tail 
rather long and round ; tarsi moderate in size ; toes rather length- 
ened, the lateral toes equal. 
A genus comprising two species peculiar to the southern parts of 
the country, one of which enjoys an extensive range from South 
Australia to Moreton Bay ; the other has, as yet, only been found 
in the Great Murray Scrub. 
192. Hylacola pyrrhopygia 
. . Vol. III. PI. 39. 
