470 Recently published Ornithological Works. 
the Transit-of-Venus Expedition to the island of Rodriguez. 
From these remains two nearly entire skeletons have been 
put together, and placed in the gallery of the British 
Museum. 
Prof. Owen, fully acknowledging the validity of the genus 
PezophapSj describes several portions of the skeleton not 
represented in the series of bones examined by Messrs. A. 
and E. Newton for their memoir on this extinct bird (Phil. 
Trans. 1869, p. 327). He also discusses various theories as 
to the evolution and destruction of this extraordinary bird, 
where, however, we can scarcely follow him. We hope ere 
long to see a still further account of the osteology of the 
Solitaire, the joint work of Messrs. E. Newton and J. W. 
Clark, who have not only had the same materials as Prof. 
Owen to work at, but also another series of bones, equally 
large, brought to this country by the former gentleman. We 
believe that it is generally, but apparently not universally, 
known that their memoir has been for many months in the 
hands of the Royal Society for publication. 
h 52. A. Milne-Edwards on the Systematic Position of the 
genus Mesites. 
[Observations sur les affinites zoologiques du genre Mesites. Oompt. 
Rend. Apr. 1878.] 
The position of this peculiar form of Madagascar has long 
been a puzzle to ornithologists, and it has been placed in widely 
diverse positions by different authors. The controversy may 
now be considered set at rest; for the receipt by M. Gran- 
didier of two specimens in spirit has enabled Prof. A. Milne- 
Edwards to look more deeply into the question; and his ver¬ 
dict is that this curious bird must be considered the sole 
representative of a family which must be placed near the 
Rails and Herons. Mr. E. Bartlett (P. Z. S. 1877, p. 292) 
had previously arrived at nearly the same result. M. Milne- 
Edwards also states that M. unicolor of Des Murs is the female 
of M. variegatus of Geoflfroy, a conclusion arrived at from 
an examination of his recently acquired specimens. 
