| OCR Text |
Show 158 DR. P. CHALMERS MITCHELL OX THE [May 16, almost atrophied in the more specialised types of gut-pattern- as, for instance, in Hydrophasianus (text-fig. 25, 0.). With regard to these two features of their structure, the conditions of which in Birds generally are pretty well known, the position of the Limicoke is easy to define. In wing-structure they are diastataxic, like all but the most specialised Columbfe, and like many of the Gruiformes. In the gut-pattern they are not much modified from the archecentric condition, but the modification is definite, characteristic, and progressive, and, in its simpler form, Text-fig. 25. Diagram of intestinal pattern of Hydrophasianus cliirurgus. Lettering as in text-fig. 24. similar to that shown by the Gruiformes. In the more specialised types the elongation and spiral twisting of a portion of Meckel's diverticulum brings about a superficial resemblance with the arrangement in the long-gutted Columbfe and Passeres, but the morphological condition is different, as a different portion of the intestinal tract is affected. I shall now endeavour to set out the chief modifications in muscular anatomy that I have found to be of interest in these birds. M u sc u lar A n a t o m y . Latisshnus dorsi anterior et posterior.-The anterior division in all these birds is a broad flat muscular strap, without any peculiarities. |
