OCR Text |
Show 768 DR. J. HECTOR ON CNEMIORNIS CALCITRANS. [Dec, 2, the bone is less than 3 lines. The impression (d) for the attachment of the pectoral muscle extends from the exterior angle of the coracoid notch towards the posterior part of the keel, including a triangular area which occupies only one sixth of the exterior surface of the bone, showing the extremely limited and feeble attachment of the third muscle of flight. Large pneumatic foramina exist in the interior of the bone at the upper angles, and one (i) on the exterior surface on the left side only. Furcula. (Plate LXVII. fig. 3.) The clavicles are completely joined into a smooth, slightly compressed furcula like that of the Swan, except that the antero-posterior curvature is confined to the articular processes, which diverge 1 inch above the general plane, and are expanded, with a large pneumatic foramen (a) on the internal surface, overhanging which is a triangular cotyloid surface (b). The coracoids have not been found, but must have been stout triangular bones 2 inches in length, and 11 inch wide at the sternal attachment. The scapula also is wanting. Vertebrce. The following vertebrae have been found:-the third, fourth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth cervical, the first and two middle dorsal, and a single preesacral, which differs in the absence of an inferior spinous process. The total number of vertebrae seems to have been- Cervical 16 Dorsal 7 Preesacral 3 Sacral 17 The total length from the tip of the beak to the coccyx would be about 35 inches. Ribs. The third, fourth, and fifth ribs of the right side, the sixth and seventh of the left, and also the seventh sternal rib of the same side have been preserved. The first six ribs have well-pronounced uncinate processes, with a broad attachment 1 inch in length, that on the sixth rib being bent backwards so as to be almost parallel with the bone, and having a blunt expanded tip. The ribs are much compressed, with thin margins, having wavy irregular outlines. They are broad in the middle, and taper off towards each extremity when viewed laterally. Humerus. (Plate LXV.) The humerus has already been described, so far as it differs from the bone attributed to Cnemiornishy Professor Owen ; and the femur, tibia, and tarso-metatarse agree so perfectly with Professor Owen's description as to require no further notice. |