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Show 1894.] ON THE MYOLOGY OF RODENTS. 251 " The bird-forms connecting the Paludicolce with other avian groups are mostly not far to seek. It is plain that we have in the Jacanidce a small group of birds that unmistakably link the present suborder with the Limicolce, through certain species in the Plover- Sandpiper line. Through Podica and Heliornis it is equally clear that they lead in this direction towards the Pygopodes, and such existing ancestral types as Chionis probably connect them with the Longipennes. Less remotely than through this latter affinity, however, they are probably connected by various links with the Herodiones, through Rhinochetus and Eurypyga. By some it has also been claimed that the Paludicolce may also have Accipitrine kinships through a line in which would occur such forms as the Seriema and the Secretary-bird (Serpentarius). " Professor Fiirbringer believes that the Apteryges are far more closely related to the Rallidce than has heretofore been realized ; and if this prove to be true, another linking line for the Paludicolce is opened up to the Struthious types-with all the Gallince likewise only a little more remotely related." The following papers were read :- 1. O n the Myology of the Sciuromorphine and Hystrico-morphine Bodents. By F. G. P A R S O N S , F.B.C.S., F.Z.S., F.L.S., Lecturer on Comparative Anatomy at St. Thomas's Hospital. [Eeceived February 12,1894.] In commencing this series of dissections nearly three years ago, I intended to work out the musculature of all the Bodents which I could collect. Before long, however, the size of m y manuscript made it evident to m e that I must be content to take up the subject in two parts, and I have accordingly devoted m y first attention to tbe Hystricomorpha and Sciuromorpha because I was able to obtain a more representative series of animals in these groups. The following is a list of the animals which I have dissected :- Aulacoclus swindernianus. Capromys piloricles. Myopotamus coypus. Octodon cumingii. Hystrix cristata. Sphingurus prehensilis. Lagostomus trichodactylus. Chinchilla lanigera. Dasyprocta cristata, Ccelogenys paca. 1 For the opportunity of dissecting these animals I am indebted to the kindness of the Prosector to the Society, Mr. F. E. Beddard, F.E.S. |