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Show 1871.] MR. J. H. GURNEY ON ABYSSINIAN BIRDS. 147 ceedings,' and thus to make this, amongst its kindred, truly gigantic form better known. It seems to m e very doubtful whether this species ought to be left together in the same genus with Tcenia lata and similar forms ; for although the organ for fastening the animal chain does not show any essential difference, still the discrepancy of the complete forms is so great that it seems justifiable to separate them as a peculiar group, for which I propose the name Plagiotcenia, on account of their peculiar and enormous development in the transverse direction *. 2. Remarks on certain Species of Abyssinian Birds. By J. H. GURNEY, F.Z.S. [Received February 1, 1871.] I am desirous of laying before the meeting of the Zoological Society some brief remarks on a few paragraphs contained in Dr. Finsch's admirable paper on Abyssinian birds, read on June 10, 1869, and recently published in the Society's 'Transactions,' vol. vii. p. 197. FALCO BARBARUS, Linn. As Dr. Finsch does not speak very positively as to his identification of Mr. Jesse's specimen, I may state that I have recently examined it, and think that there is no doubt as to the correctness of Dr. Finsch's determination of it as a young bird of Falco barbarus. I may add that, for the opportunity of examining this and most of the other specimens referred to in the following notes, I have been indebted to the kindness of Viscount Walden, in whose possession they now are. P. 318. FALCO SACER. Dr. Finsch supposes that " there is some doubt about the determination of this species ;" but having seen Mr. Blanford's specimen, I can state positively that it is an example of Falco sacer, and has therefore been correctly identified. P. 205. Nisus BADIUS (Gmel.). Dr. Finsch expresses a strong opinion that there is "no difference between Riippell's Micronisus sphenurus and the Indian M. badius;" but it is worthy of remark that Mr. Blanford, who has * I should not have recognized the worm by the description without the figures; for Dr. Murie says, in the description, p. 610, " The larger segments measure fully 1 _ inch broad and 1 inch long; the smaller segments have a diameter of an inch lengthwise and across," which I do not understand, the greatest length being 3 millims., or one-eighth of an inch. |
