OCR Text |
Show 478 MR. R. LYDEKKER ON A LARGE EXTINCT STORK. [Nov. 3, against 0,092 in the recent bone. In its long and slender form, comparatively slight distal expansion, small and hook-like hyosternal process, and recurved and lamelliform subclavicular process without any perforation at its base, as well as in the rounded anterior surface of the shaft, the fossil coracoid exhibits all the distinctive characters of the Ciconiidce. The metacarpus (B of figure) presents the same relative excess Propelargus (?) edwarclsi.-Ventral aspect of the right coracoid (A), and left metacarpus (B). a, subclavicular process ; b, hyosternal process; c-d, sternal border, f. over the corresponding bone of Ciconia alba as exists between the fossil and recent coracoids. It appears to agree in every essential point of contour with the metacarpus of the White Stork. Had I these two bones alone to deal with, I should have been disposed to refer them to Ciconia; but since the above-mentioned leg-bones of Storks found in the Allier Miocene present generic differences from Ciconia, it is more probable that the specimens under consideration are likewise referable to an extinct genus,-the generic variations in the form of the coracoid and metacarpus being frequently less well marked than in the bones of the leg. |