Osteology of Porzana Carolina. 3 
in Figure 1, where a superior view of the skull is given. 
Upon the same aspect we may also see the transverse line of 
cranio-facial hinge, which is by no means devoid of mobility 
Fig. 1. Right lateral view of the skull of Porzana carolina, adult 4, x 2; 
1, lacrymal; Pmx, premaxillary; Mxp, maxillo-palatine ; n, nasal ; pl, palatine ; 
pt, pterygoid ; q, quadrate. From a specimen in the author’s cabinet. 
in our little Carolina Crake. The position of the lacrymals 
can be best seen in this drawing ((). 
On the under side of the skull we find the bony palatal 
structures and other elements arranged as we already know 
them to bein the true Rails. The maxillo-palatines are 
separated from each other in the middle line by a notable 
interval, the convex surfaces that they then present to each 
other being nearly parallel. Externally, these lamelliform 
structures are concave throughout, and are supported in 
their position not only by the customary offshoot from the 
maxillary, but by their anterior endings, which make firm 
connections with the inner sides of the nasals and dentary 
processes of the premaxillary (Mx, Fig. 3). Posteriorly, 
these little boat-shaped affairs are untouched by the neigh- 
boring bones. 
The lower border of the rostrum (Fig. 3, R) is rounded, 
while in front it is carried to a conspicuous point, the 
anterior ethmoidal margin being roundly notched and 
sharp. (Fig. 1.) 
The vomer (Fig. 3, v) is a free bone, having its hinder 
moiety cleft, forming lateral limbs that articulate with the 
ascending processes of the palatines, much as we find it in 
Divers. Above, this element is longitudinally excavated, 
