_Sternum._--This bone is generally so much deformed that it is scarcely
possible to compare its form strictly in the several breeds. The shape
of the triangular extremity of the lateral processes differs
considerably, being either almost equilateral or much elongated. The
front margin of the crest is more or less perpendicular and varies
greatly, as does the curvature of the posterior end, and the flatness
of the lower surface. The outline of the manubrial process also varies,
being wedge-shaped in the Bankiva, and rounded in the Spanish breed.
The _furcula_ differs in being more or less arched, and greatly, as may
be seen in the accompanying outlines, in the shape of the terminal
plate; but the shape of this part differed a little in two skeletons of
the wild Bankiva. The _coracoids_ present no difference worth notice.
The _scapula_ varies in shape, being of nearly uniform breadth in
Bankiva, much broader in the middle in the Polish fowl, and abruptly
narrowed towards the apex in the two Sultan fowls.
I carefully compared each separate bone of the leg and wing, relatively
to the same bones in the wild Bankiva, in the following breeds, which I
thought were the most likely to differ; namely, in Cochin, Dorking,
{269} Spanish, Polish, Burmese Bantam, Frizzled Indian, and black-boned
Silk fowls; and it was truly surprising to see how absolutely every
process, articulation, and pore agreed, though the bones differed
greatly in size. The agreement is far more absolute than in other parts
of the skeleton. In stating this, I do not refer to the relative
thickness and length of the several bones; for the tarsi varied
considerably in both these respects. But the other limb-bones varied
little even in relative length.
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