If we now look to the Grallæ, we shall find similar modifications. Fig. 4 represents the lower surface, and the lateral aspect of the extremity of the middle toe of Ardea rufescens, which agrees, in a general point of view, with that of the other species of the genus, as well as with that of the Cranes. The pad here is rounded, and terminated by a semicircle of larger scales. In the genera Numenius and Limosa, the arrangement is similar, the terminal scales being much smaller in the latter than in the former, and two of the lateral scales enlarged. In the genera Tringa, Scolopax and Gallinula, the arrangement is similar. All these genera exhibit more or less of the rounded form, terminated by a series of larger scales.
FIG. 4.
FIG. 5.
FIG. 6.
In Ibis alba the extremity is narrowed and terminated by a small rather pointed horny plate, divided into two unequal portions, as represented by fig. 5. The Tantali have this part also narrowed at the end, flattened, and terminated by a semicircular slightly projecting plate or hooflet. The same appearance is presented in Hæmatopus palliatus, in which, however, the extremity is more rounded, the semicircular plate more decurved, and concave above, as represented by fig. 6. In Rallus elegans, fig. 7, and the Rails generally, the terminal plate is similar, but narrow and rather curved upwards. It is in the genera Strepsilas, Charadrius and Totanus, that the terminal plate, being narrower, more elongated and more pointed, assumes more especially the semblance of a second claw. The extremities of the middle toes of Totanus semipalmatus and Charadrius Pluvialis, are represented by figs 8. and 9.
FIG. 7.