OCR Text |
Show 1868.] PROF. HUXLEY ON THE ALECTOROMORPHAE. 311 and their extension outwards beneath the tympanum, Opisthocomus resembles the Alectoromorpha. Fig. 16. The skull of Opisthocomus cristatus, viewed from below, with the palatine bones enlarged, from another specimen. Vo. Vomer. Pl. Palatine bones. Pt. Pterygoid. Upon the whole, then, I think it may be said that, in skull, vertebral column, pectoral arch, and fore limb (except, perhaps, the scapula and the humerus), pelvis, and hind limb, Opisthocomus resembles the ordinary Gallinaceous birds and the Pigeons more than it does any others, and that when it diverges from them it is either sui generis or approaches the Musophagidee. I propose to consider it as the type and sole member of a group which may be termed H E T E R O M O R P H A E. IV. Taxonomic conclusions. The only other birds, in addition to those which have now been mentioned, which come into direct relation with the Alectoromorphce are the Tinamomorphee, Chenomorphce, and, perhaps, the Birds of prey; but I do not purpose to enter upon the discussion of the affinities of these groups at present. To sum up the taxonomic results of the preceding (somewhat lengthy) discussion of the characters of the Alectoromorphce, Pteroclomorphce, Turnicimorphce, and Heteromorphce, I think it can be proved that the Alectoromorphce, the Pteroclomorphce, and the Peristeromorphce form an extremely natural series; and if the words "Gallinee" and "Gallinaceous" had not been already used in so many senses, I should propose to employ them to designate it. As matters stand, there will be less chance of confusion and misunder- |