576 
TOOTHED AND LIZARD-TAILED BIRDS. 
directed backwards. In the absence of hook-like (uncinate) processes to the ribs, 
Archceopteryx would appear to be more specialised than ordinary birds, seeing that 
these elements exist in many reptiles; while in the possession of a perfectly 
formed cannon-bone, it would appear to be on a higher level than the penguins. 
Finally, it will not fail to be noticed that although some of these toothed birds 
exhibit certain specialised features suggesting that they are not the direct ancestors 
of modern birds, yet that, on the whole, they afford a most valuable Contribution 
in favour of the doctrine of evolution, approximating more and more, as we descend 
in the geological scale, to reptiles, from which it may be confidently stated the 
Avian class has originated. 
SKELETON OF LIZARD-TAILED BIRD. 
