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Show 1883.] ANATOMY OF PHOENICOPTERUS. 651 long flexor of the hallux are almost the only points in which it differs from a Stork. In conclusion I may point out an osteological comparison of some importance, which so far as I can learn has not been noticed. In the group of Storks the number of dorsal vertebrae is very constantly five, of which one is covered by the ilium, the "sacral" vertebrae (all those between the last dorsal and first free caudal) being as constantly fourteen, while the free caudals, excluding the pygostyle, are five or six in number. The following table shows the relations in this respect of Storks, Flamingoes, and those Geese which I have examined. Genus. Storks. Ciconia Tantalus Leptoptilus Abdimia Xenorkyncha antiquorum Geese. Plectropterus Dendrocygna CEdemia Dorsal. 4+1 4+1 4+1 5+1 4 + 1 5 + 2 5 + 1 5+3 4+4 5+2 5+3 5+3 5 + 3 5 + 3 1 Sacral. Caudal. 14 14 14 14 11 14 14 13 13 13 13 14 13 13 6 6 6 6 ? 6 6 7 7 6 6 7 7 7 [In this table the dorsal vertebrae are separated by the + sign: those in front of it being free, those behind it being covered by the ilium. Thus 5 + 3 means five free dorsal vertebrae and three covered by the ilium.] Further, in all the above-named Storks and in Phoenicopterus the radius is more than twice as long as the first metacarpal, while in all the Geese that I have examined it is less than twice as long. I think, therefore, that while the skull and larynx of Phcenico-pterus, together with its webbed feet and the characters of its bill, undoubtedly connect it with the Lamellirostres, yet the rest of its organs-its air-cells, its muscles, its alimentary canal, its vertebral column, and the characters of its wing-bones-show close relationship with the Storks. In fact, if w e assume that the typical Chenomorphce are descended from a group similar to that now represented by the Screamers, with their simple desmognathism and complete muscle-formula, we may |